The Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) recently completed korero outreach to the Northern Group, revisiting the islands of Tongareva, Manihiki, Rakahanga and Pukapuka as part of its ongoing commitment to community dialogue, public awareness, and relationship-building across the Cook Islands.

Travelling alongside the Prime Minister and Minister Responsible for Seabed Minerals, Hon. Mark Brown, were SBM Commissioner Beverly Ataera, Partnerships and Cooperation Director Edward Herman, SBM Advisory Committee Chairman Bishop Tutai Pere, and Vice Chairman George George Williamson. Together, the delegation travelled north to reconnect with the people of Enua Pae Tokerau, continuing a journey of engagement that has been building since 2021.

As part of SBMA’s stakeholder engagement programme, the delegation met with Island Councils, schools, and local communities on each island to share updates on the seabed minerals sector, actual ongoing work, and most importantly, hear directly from the people.

Working alongside licence holder Moana Minerals Limited (MML), the research vessel Anuanua Moana also travelled north, giving people in the Northern Group a rare opportunity to see the vessel up close and, in some cases, step on board for a tour. This visit followed virtual consultations held with the Pa Enua Pae Tokerau Mayors and Executive Officers in 2024, which helped lay the groundwork for this important outreach.

More than anything, the visit was about showing up in person — island to island, face to face — to listen, share, and create space for honest conversation.

Tender boat from the Anuanua Moana Research Vessel to Pukapuka Enua | **Image credit: Emergency Management Cook Islands**

The northern community consultations began in Tongareva and continued through Manihiki, Rakahanga, and Pukapuka. Each stop created space for open dialogue between the delegation and local communities.

Across all sessions, there was strong interest in understanding the status of the Cook Islands seabed minerals sector, particularly the continued focus on exploration, scientific research, and capacity-building. Community members appreciated the opportunity to engage directly, ask questions, and receive clear information in a respectful and inclusive setting.

Discussions throughout the Enua Pae Tokerau were thoughtful and wide-ranging. Community members raised important questions about environmental protection, long-term national benefit, and the possible implications for future generations.

While perspectives varied, from interest in the opportunities that science and knowledge development may bring to caution about environmental impacts, there was a shared recognition of the importance of being informed and involved. These korero sessions reinforced that face-to-face engagement remains one of the most trusted and effective ways to navigate complex and sensitive national issues.

Welcoming Delegation on Pukapuka | **Image Credit: Emergency Management Cook Islands**

The consultations also brought to life just how important it is to keep our Pa Enua communities actively included in the national conversation.

What we heard clearly is that meaningful engagement shouldn’t only happen at key milestones. It needs to be ongoing, open, and welcoming – creating space for community voices, whether supportive, uncertain or opposed.

The northern journey concluded in Pukapuka with a clear reminder that respectful dialogue, grounded in listening and transparency, is essential to building shared understanding and ensuring that our Cook Islands people are recognised and valued.

A journey of connection, learning, and accountability

For SBMA, this journey through Enua Pae Tokerau was not only about sharing updates. It was about strengthening relationships, deepening understanding, and ensuring that the people of the Northern Group remain part of the conversation.

“This journey reminded us that engagement is strongest when it is personal, respectful, and grounded in Cook Island values and traditions. Our people deserve clear information, the chance to ask questions, and the space to share their views openly,” said Commissioner Beverly Ataera.

SBMA extends its sincere appreciation to the Island Councils, schools, mayors, executive officers, community leaders, and the people of Tongareva, Manihiki, Rakahanga and Pukapuka for their warm welcome, honest feedback, and generous hospitality throughout the visit.

SBMA also acknowledges Moana Minerals Limited and the crew of the Anuanua Moana for supporting this outreach and helping bring an added dimension to the visit through vessel tours and public access.

As the Cook Islands continues through the exploration and research phase of the seabed minerals sector, SBMA remains committed to keeping communities at the heart of the conversation — sharing knowledge, listening to our people, and reinforcing that everyone has a place in shaping the path ahead.