SBMA strengthens dialogue with Tourism Council on seabed minerals

The Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) has welcomed continued engagement with the Cook Islands tourism sector following two constructive sessions with the Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council on seabed minerals, economic value, environmental safeguards, and national decision-making.

The first session was held at the SBMA office on 2 June 2026, after the Tourism Council reached out to the Authority for a discussion on the Cook Islands seabed minerals sector.

SBMA acknowledges the Tourism Council for initiating the conversation and for bringing forward questions from the tourism private sector on matters that are important to the Cook Islands economy, environment, and national interest.

Media ReleaseDede Mingi31 July 2026SBMA, Seabed Minerals Authority, Cook Islands Seabed Minerals, Cook Islands Tourism Council, Tourism Council, Tourism Sector Engagement, Tourism and Seabed Minerals, Private Sector Engagement, Public Consultations, Public Information, Stakeholder Engagement, Community Engagement, Te Ipukarea Society, TIS, Muri Beach Club, Exploration Phase, Exploration Not Harvesting, Commercial Minerals, Harvesting, Commercial Minerals Harvesting, Environmental Safeguards, National Environment Service, NES, Licence Holder Obligations, Legal and Regulatory Framework, Governance Safeguards, Transparency, Economic Value, Economic Assessments, Tourism Impacts, National Decision Making, Cook Islands Economy, Cook Islands Environment, National Interest, Marae Moana, Our Moana, Responsible Stewardship, Science Based Decision Making

SBMA continues Rarotonga community kōrero across Titikaveka, Avatiu and Ngatangiia

The Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) has continued its Rarotonga community kōrero sessions across Titikaveka, Avatiu, and Ngatangiia, building on earlier sessions held in other parts of the island and creating further space for open discussion, shared learning, and direct engagement with communities on the Cook Islands seabed minerals sector.

Media ReleaseRima Browne30 June 2026Seabed Minerals Authority, SBMA, Rarotonga community Korero Sessions, Community Engagement, Public Update Meeting, Seabed Minerals Sector, Exploration and Research phase, Exploratory Only, No Minerals Harvesting, Titikaveka, Avatiu, Ngatangiia, Edward Herman, Community Dialogue, Public Awareness, Legal and Regulatory Framework, Deep Ocean Science

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.

Media ReleaseDede Mingi8 June 2026Seabed Minerals Authority, SBMA, Rarotonga community Korero Sessions, Community Engagement, Public Consultations, Takuvaine Tukaimoa, Tupapa Maraerenga, Nikao, Rarotonga, Cook Islands, Community Dialogue, Public Awareness & Education

Clear Facts, Careful Process: Where the Cook Islands Stands on Seabed Minerals

Public 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.

Aitutaki communities share views on seabed minerals in SBMA korero sessions

The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) recently held community consultations in Aitutaki to provide updates on developments in the seabed minerals sector and to hear directly from our local communities. These consultations form part of SBMA’s ongoing commitment to transparent, community-led engagement as the Cook Islands remains in an exploration-only phase.

Media ReleaseDede Mingi10 February 2026Seabed Minerals Authortiy (SBMA), Community Consultations, Aitutaki, Cook Islands, Korero Sessions, Public Engagement, Transparency, Good Governance, Environmental Protection, Exploration Phase, Science-Led Decision Making, Prime Minister Mark Brown, Community Engagement, Youth Engagement, Araura College

Cook Islands Government Deepens Diaspora Ties in Australia

The Cook Islands Government has wrapped up a national diaspora consultation tour in Sydney, Queensland, and Melbourne, connecting with Cook Islanders living in Australia through open and honest dialogue.

PM Brown leads seabed minerals dialogue in Australia

Prime Minister Mark Brown will lead a 11-member delegation to Australia this week for an “open dialogue” on seabed exploration activities.

Feature Article | 60 Years of Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Sector: Then & Now Charting Our Journey from 1965 to 2025

For six decades, the Cook Islands has been on a remarkable journey, exploring the vast blue frontier beneath its waters. From early discoveries in the 1960s to becoming a leader in seabed minerals governance, this story is one of vision, resilience, and responsible resource management.

SBMA Release: SBMA participates in High-Level Regional Talks on Deep Sea Minerals

The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) recently participated in the first of its kind Ministerial Talanoa on Deep Sea Minerals (DSM), convened by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva, Fiji, from 18 to 21 February 2025.

The Talanoa brought together Pacific Island Forum leaders, ministers and senior officials, and regional and international stakeholders to discuss the opportunities and challenges of DSM development and governance in the Pacific.

News & Press Releases