The Cook Islands Government has completed the transition of the Marae Moana Coordination Office (MMCO) from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) to Te Tu’anga Taporoporo National Environment Service (NES), following the passage of the Marae Moana Amendment Act 2026 earlier this year.
Read MoreYou can read all the latest news and updates on the Cook Islands seabed minerals sector here.
Later this week, the Cook Islands will welcome the arrival of the exploration vessel E/V Nautilus, a world-class platform for deep-sea discovery. Over the course of a 21-day science mission beginning 1 October 2025, the Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) and its partners will work alongside the Nautilus team to explore and better understand the hidden depths of Marae Moana.
Read MoreCook Islands concludes public consultation for seabed mineral exploration guidelines, while the Prime Minister emphasises exploration’s potential for future prosperity and responsible resource extraction.
Read MoreA government delegation led by Prime Minister Mark Brown has taken advantage of a scheduled voyage to the northern group to visit the islands of Palmerston, Suwarrow, Pukapuka and Nassau for a series of consultations on matters regarding Marae Moana, seabed minerals and quarantine-free travel.
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