Global Lessons, Local Impact: SBMA’s Te-Ara Henderson Returns from South Australia Secondment
The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) proudly welcomes home its Senior Policy and Legal Officer, Te-Ara Henderson, following the successful completion of an 11-week regulatory secondment with the South Australian Department for Energy and Mining (DEM), an exchange facilitated through the Australasian Environmental Law Enforcement and Regulators Network (AELERT).
A pioneering figure within SBMA, Te-Ara has been instrumental in shaping the Cook Islands’ deep seabed minerals (DSM) regulatory landscape since 2021. The secondment offered him an invaluable opportunity to immerse himself in an experienced, innovative, and developed regulatory system and bring back insights into strengthening the Cook Islands’ own evolving framework.
Te-Ara described this secondment as a transformative experience. "Being part of a well-established agency such as DEM allowed me to observe and participate in regulatory processes that have undergone decades of refinement." It was a chance to connect with professionals who are facing and solving the very kinds of challenges we’re navigating at SBMA.”
The Cook Islands’ vast exclusive economic zone is home to polymetallic manganese nodules, a high-value deep-sea resource. SBMA’s mandate is to manage this emerging frontier with integrity, robust laws, scientific decision-making, and the best interests of the Cook Islands people. International exposure like Te-Ara’s secondment helps the Authority stay aligned with world-class regulatory practice.
“One of the biggest takeaways was understanding how strong regulatory cultures are built not just through laws, but through consistent institutional learning, collaboration, innovation, and adaptability,” Te-Ara added. “I’m excited to channel that learning into our own work here at SBMA.”
The secondment also strengthened strategic ties between SBMA and AELERT member agency DEM, a relationship that has been nurtured over two years. SBMA's proactive approach to building regulatory capacity and international partnerships is evident.
“We’re incredibly proud of Te-Ara and what this secondment represents,” said Latishia Maui-Mataora, SBMA’s Director of Policy and Regulatory Oversight.
“It was the first of its kind for our agency, and already the benefits are evident. Te-Ara returned with fresh insights, new tools, and a network of peers across the Tasman. This collaborative effort is just the beginning of what we hope will be a long-term partnership.”
The collaboration also underscores the value of the AELERT network. AELERT, through its resources, training, and community of practice groups, is assisting regulators in Australia, New Zealand, and now the Pacific region in raising their collective standards.
“This is what AELERT does best,” said Paul De Ionno, Director of Minerals Regulation at DEM and member of the AELERT National Council. “We promote open dialogue and innovation across jurisdictions. Hosting Te-Ara was a privilege, and we look forward to continuing to learn from each other.”
During his secondment, Te-Ara contributed to live regulatory files, observed inspections, enforcement, and compliance mechanisms, and engaged in policy development discussions. The experience also offered him the chance to reflect on how context-specific but globally informed regulation can empower small island states.
“I’d encourage other Pacific regulators to take part in exchanges like this,” said Te-Ara. The learning process is reciprocal. We bring our unique context and values to the table, and we return home equipped to make a bigger impact.”
SBMA is now an official member of the AELERT network, which provides access to an extensive knowledge library, training programmes, regulatory tools, and future secondment pathways.
As AELERT continues developing its secondment framework, SBMA’s milestone experience is a testament to the value of cross-jurisdictional collaboration in building world-class, future-ready regulation rooted in island values and strengthened by global partnerships.
For more about AELERT, visit: www.aelert.net
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