SBMA continues Rarotonga community kōrero across Takuvaine/Tutakimoa, Tupapa Maraerenga and Nikao

The Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) has continued its Rarotonga community kōrero sessions across Takuvaine/Tutakimoa, Tupapa Maraerenga and Nikao, creating space for open discussion, shared learning, and direct engagement with local communities on the Cook Islands seabed minerals sector. 

Held as part of SBMA’s wider community engagement programme, the sessions brought together residents, community leaders, and families to hear updates on where the Cook Islands currently sits in the seabed minerals space and to better understand what this work means for our people and our moana. 

Across all three sessions, SBMA shared information on the Cook Islands’ current exploration and research phase, how scientific work is carried out to better understand the deep ocean, and the legal and regulatory frameworks that guide the sector. The kōrero also reinforced two important points: the Cook Islands remain in an exploration-only phase, and no minerals harvesting is permitted. 

Each session brought its own energy and focus. 

A key part of each evening was the open kōrero that followed the presentations. This provided a unique opportunity for members of each community to ask their questions and comment in an open forum directly to our team. The questions were insightful, engaging, and encouraging. Concerns and issues were addressed, and recommendations for improvements were communicated respectfully.  

While the questions varied from village to village, there was clear interest across all three sessions in understanding what is known, what is still being studied, and how information gathered today may support future planning and decision-making. 

SBMA Commissioner Beverly Ataera said the sessions are an important part of making sure people can hear directly from the Authority and take part in the national conversation so they are involved and empowered with information.  

For SBMA, the Rarotonga sessions are not only about providing updates. They are also about listening carefully, responding openly, and recognising that communities want clear and accessible information on an issue that is both complex and important. 

SBMA thanks the people of Takuvaine/Tutakimoa, Tupapa Maraerenga and Nikao for their warm welcome, thoughtful questions, and willingness to take part in the discussions. 

Community kōrero sessions will continue in other parts of Rarotonga in the coming weeks as SBMA continues its commitment to keeping communities informed and involved.