The Cook Islands is set to strike a major partnership deal with China — causing deep concern in the New Zealand Government, 1News can reveal.

The move would be a big win for Beijing, which is trying to exert its influence and power across the Pacific.

But it has taken the Beehive by surprise — as it is a potential breach of constitutional arrangements between the Cooks and Aotearoa.

This year, the Cook Islands celebrates 60 years of self-governance in free association with New Zealand. That means it’s free to make its own moves on policies and partnerships — at home and abroad — while enjoying the benefits of a New Zealand passport and citizenship, plus substantial investment and aid.

But that comes with caveats. Under a long-standing agreement, the nations must cooperate and consult on any issues of defence and security. And they have to advise each other of any risks to either state.

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The Cooks’ lack of openness about its shift towards China is setting alarm bells ringing.

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown is travelling to China with a delegation on Friday and is expected to sign the agreement in Beijing.

He said: "We must look at other ways to ensure that we have a sustainable economy and partnering with like-minded countries. In this regard, it's going to be important for us to maintain our prosperity levels."

But New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters said there was no clarity about what was being agreed.

"The Cook Islands is entitled to make those decisions themselves," Peters said. "But we've got past arrangements, constitutional arrangements, which require consultation with us and, dare I say, China knows that.

"So if there's to be a change, then let us put our cards on the table so we all know what we've required to do, and we all know what we're dealing with."