Trade talks with the Cook Islands have reached a standstill once again.
The Government has been suspended payments to the Cook Islands after they made deals with China without notifying NZ - a move that broke the 2021 agreement.
However, International relations expert Stephen Hoadley said that suspending payments will only move them closer to China.
"I think it just opens the door for China to walk in further and have more influence."
LISTEN ABOVE

Mike's Minute: What a waste of time the social media bill was... this year
02:13

Mark the Week: The MBIE scandal was as bad as it gets
02:26

Mike's Minute: Sport is business and chequebooks are needed
02:05