Recognising Te-Ara Henderson’s contribution to SBMA

The 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.

Media ReleaseDede Mingi15 May 2026Seabed Minerals Authority, SBMA, Te-Ara Henderson, Staff Recognition, Senior Policy and Legal Officer, Policy and Legal, Regulatory Development, Legal and Compliance, Policy and Regulatory Oversight, Licensing and Compliance, Public Service, Institutional Development

Seabed Authority clears air on ‘box ticking’ consultation

The Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) has dismissed claims that the lack of timely notices on critical matters, such as seabed mining, was a waste of taxpayers’ money by SBMA during their recent consultations in Aitutaki last month.

OPSC Media Release: Pacific Diplomats strengthen skills through New Zealand training

The Office of the Public Service Commissioner (OPSC)in partnership with the New Zealand High Commission (NZHC), is pleased to announce that Messrs Te Ara Henderson Senior Policy & Legal Officer, Seabed Minerals Authority) and Mani Mate (Director, Development Coordination Division, MFEM were selected to participate in the Pacific Diplomatic Training Programme—a professional development initiative aimed at equipping emerging public servants with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate regional and international diplomacy.

Media ReleaseDede Mingi31 January 2025Public Service, Diplomatic Training, Pacific Diplomacy, Foreign Policy, Regional Cooperation, Professional Development, Cook Islands, Seabed Minerals, MFEM, International Relations, NZ High Commission, Capacity Building, Geo Strategy, Bilateral Relations, Multilateral Engagement, Development Partners

Letter to the Editor: Govt denies muzzling workers, despite environmentalist claims

The Public Service Commissioner denies any government protocol restricting public servants from speaking publicly against seabed mining, after claims made by an environmental campaigner.

June Hosking, president of the environment group Te Ipukarea Society, claims that government workers, including those in leadership roles, are being restricted from speaking publicly against seabed mining.

CI NEWSDede Mingi3 September 2024Cook Islands, Rarotonga, Seabed Mining, Ocean Protection, Freedom of Speech, Environmental Rights, Public Service, Protect Our Oceans, TIS, Peaceful Protest, Rarotonga Event, Save our Seas, Environmental Activism, Ocean Lovers, Public Servants, Speak up for the Ocean

News & Press Releases

The Public Service Commissioner denies any government protocol restricting public servants from speaking publicly against seabed mining, after claims made by an environmental campaigner.