There's belief the New Zealand-Cook Islands 'special relationship' will hold, despite an unfavourable poll.

The Government paused aid after the Cooks signed a partnership with China - without sharing details with New Zealand. 

46 percent of respondents to a Taxpayers' Union-funded Curia poll believe Cook Island citizens should no longer have automatic access to New Zealand passports or citizenship.

Pacific security expert Anna Powles says she doesn't see that change happening - and there's a lot to lose.

"For many Cook Islanders, it's very divided and fairly complex - and there are significant benefits, particularly with respect to healthcare." 

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There's belief the New Zealand-Cook Islands 'special relationship' will hold, despite an unfavourable poll.
The Government paused aid after the Cooks signed a partnership with China - without sharing details with New Zealand.&nbsp;
46 percent of respondents to a Taxpayers' Union-funded Curia poll believe Cook Island citizens should no longer have automatic access to New Zealand passports or citizenship.
Pacific security expert Anna Powles says she doesn't see that change happening - and there's a lot to lose.
"For many Cook Islanders, it's very divided and fairly complex - and there are significant benefits, particularly with respect to healthcare."&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Anna Powles: Pacific security expert on what the latest poll means for NZ-Cook Islands relations

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/558cd250-5d33-4fd6-a630-b30500786917/transcript