SBMA begins Rarotonga-wide public consultations
Members of the Atiu community during a consultation with Moana Minerals about seabed mining in 2025. TALAIA MIKA/25062239
The Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) is engaging the Rarotonga public to clarify the seabed minerals sector and its operations, aiming to empower and involve the community.
A series of community korero sessions are aimed at giving residents the opportunity to hear updates on the seabed minerals sector, ask questions and share their views on developments affecting the Cook Islands and its ocean, according to SBMA.
The first session was held on Monday with the Takuvaine/Tutakimoa community, followed by another meeting yesterday in Tupapa. More village meetings are expected to follow around Rarotonga.
SBMA director of partnerships and cooperation Edward Herman said the meetings are designed to create direct engagement with communities and provide clarity on the authority’s work and topical issues surrounding seabed minerals.
“The purpose of the meetings is to provide each village community in person updates and clarity on our work and topical issues,” Herman told Cook Islands News.
“Also, the opportunity to address any questions the community may have we can try and address.”
These consultations follow similar public meetings held in the Pa Enua earlier this year. During that period, an SBMA delegation and Prime Minister Mark Brown travelled to Aitutaki for these sessions – marking one of the few instances where such consultations have been conducted within the outer islands.
Herman said the initiative reflects ongoing efforts by SBMA to improve public understanding of the sector.
“We trust the community will be a bit more informed and have clarity on the sector and work involved. We hope the community will be more empowered to understand more and engage on the discussions around seabed minerals.”
He added that the meetings are being organised specifically for each village and its residents, with SBMA coordinating with community leaders across Rarotonga.
“These meetings are structured for each village and their respective residents and communities,” Herman said.
A public notice issued by SBMA invited residents to attend the “Korero sessions – Rarotonga community” to hear updates on “what’s been happening in the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals space including current developments and what they mean for our people and our ocean”.
The authority also encouraged communities to participate in open discussions by sharing their thoughts and feedback on the seabed minerals sector.
Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, Local, National