You can read all the latest news and updates on the Cook Islands seabed minerals sector here.
The Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) was represented at the Murihiku Regeneration: Energy, Infrastructure and Opportunities Wānanga in Invercargill, New Zealand, on 27–28 May 2026, with Partnerships and Cooperation Director Edward Herman attending on behalf of the Authority. According to Herman, the gathering brought together a wide mix of New Zealand businesses, community organisations, government agencies, and iwi representatives, with more than 200 people attending.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreThe Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) was represented at the Pacific Small Island Developing States Regional Workshop on Deep Seabed Sustainable Blue Growth Initiative, held in Suva, Fiji, from 19 to 21 May 2026.
Read MoreThe Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) is acknowledging the contribution of Senior Policy and Legal Officer Te-Ara Henderson, who has departed the Authority after more than five years of service.
Te-Ara joined SBMA in March 2021 as a Licensing and Compliance Officer in the Licensing and Compliance Division. Over time, his responsibilities expanded alongside the Authority’s own development, and he became involved in a broad range of legal, policy, and regulatory work during a key stage in the Cook Islands seabed minerals sector.
Read MorePublic discussion on seabed minerals has raised questions about transparency, representation, science, and decision-making. Here is where the Cook Islands currently stands, what the law requires, and why the country remains in an exploration-only phase. Those questions are fair. People should expect answers that are clear, straight, and respectful.
Read MoreThe Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) continues to strengthen its science-based approach through international collaboration, with Knowledge Management Director Dr John Parianos recently attending a series of engagements in Washington, DC.
Read MoreThe Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) was represented at the Seabed Minerals 2026 conference in Bergen, Norway, in late March, with Tanga Morris presenting online on recent Cook Islands work relating to environmental management. The conference was held from 24 to 26 March 2026 and brought together researchers, regulators, industry representatives, and other stakeholders from around the world to discuss developments in the seabed minerals sector.
Read MoreThe Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) recently took part in the 31st Session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) Council in Kingston, Jamaica, from 9 to 20 March 2026. The session brought together Member States and observers to continue negotiations on the draft exploitation regulations for mineral resources in the Area.
Read MoreThe 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.
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