Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority
Runanga Takere Moana
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News & Press Releases

 
 

You can read all the latest news and updates on the Cook Islands seabed minerals sector here.

 
Posts in CI NEWS
US research vessel to aid Cook Islands’ seabed mineral exploration
US research vessel to aid Cook Islands’ seabed mineral exploration

The United States is partnering with the Cook Islands to provide scientific and technical support for the nation’s exploration of deep-sea mineral resources, a move that comes amid a fierce national debate and existing collaboration with China on the same issue.

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CI NEWSDede MingiUS research vessel Cook Islands, US-Cook Islands seabed minerals partnership, Nautilus NOAA Cook Islands, Deep-sea mineral exploration Cook Islands, Seabed mining debate Cook Islands, Cook Islands seabed exploration 2025, Prime Minister Mark Brown, David Gehrenbeck, David Copley, Joshua Kroon, Sonny Williams, US Embassy Wellington, NOAA, US Department of Commerce, US National Security Council, Cook Islands Government, Seabed minerals exploration, Deep-sea mining, Ocean governance, Environmental stewardship, Capacity building, Responsible development, Technical assistance, US Cook Islands relations, China Cook Islands seabed MoU, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ, 60 years self-governance Cook Islands
Thomas Wynne: Through the reef of 1965, to the ocean of 1974 and deep waters of 2025, ‘Let US begin’
Thomas Wynne: Through the reef of 1965, to the ocean of 1974 and deep waters of 2025, ‘Let US begin’

“And to you, the people of the Cook Islands, I say – let us begin.” – Albert Henry, Inaugural Address, 1965. These were the words of the Papa of our democracy, spoken in 1965 at his inaugural address. Words that still echo today, writes Thomas Tarurongo Wynne.

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CI NEWSDede MingiCook Islands 60th Anniversary, 60 Years of Self-Governance, Constitution Celebrations, National Identity, Self-determination, Sir Albert Henry, Thomas Taruronga Wynne, Papa of our democracy, Cook Islands Leadership, Nationhood, Democracy, Independence in spirit, Covenant with the people, Mana and integrity, Guardianship (Mana Tiaki), Sovereignty, Agency, Unity and reciprocity, Inaugural Address 1965, Third UN Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1974, Seabed Minerals, Ocean Governance, Marae Moana, Vaka Traditions, Maori to Maori Connections, Diaspora and return home, Let us begin, Building the future together, Strength in Unity, Prosperity for our children, Cook Islands, Rarotonga, Pacific Islands, New Zealand, Small Island States, Global Advocacy
Let’s lead with wisdom: Opposition calls for national pause on seabed mining
Let’s lead with wisdom: Opposition calls for national pause on seabed mining

Opposition leader Tina Browne is calling for a “national pause” on the Cook Islands’ deep sea mining ambitions, warning that the country is risking its oceanic heritage and identity by charging ahead with a decision that could have irreversible consequences.

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CI NEWSDede MingiTina Browne, Opposition Leader, National Pause Call, Seabed Mining Moratorium, Cook Islands Parliament, Te Moana Nui o Kiva, Pacific Ocean Protection, Deep Sea Mining Debate, Youth Representation, Ocean Heritage, Cultural Identity, Pacific Leaders in France, UN Ocean Confererence, Blue Economy Forum, Cook Islands Government, Mark Brown, Responsible Development, Inclusive Consultation, Environmental Governance, Community Dialogue, Traditional Knowledge, Ra'ui, Seabed Mining Opposition, Marine Protection Advocacy, Vaka Navigators Voices, Youth Engagement, Climate Leadership, Wisdom Before Ambition
Geospatial training empowers Cook Islands agencies in marine management planning
Geospatial training empowers Cook Islands agencies in marine management planning

The Cook Islands is increasing efforts to protect and sustainably manage its marine environment through its involvement in the Pacific Biodiversity and Sustainable Land‐Seascapes Programme (Pacific BioScapes), a regional initiative funded by the European Union and coordinated by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).

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CI NEWSDede MingiMarine Spatial Planning, Cook islands Ocean Governance, Geospatial Training, Pacific Bioscapes Programme, SPREP, IUCN Oceania, National Marine Spatial Plan, Sustainable Marine Management, Biodiversity Conservation, QGIS, ArcGIS, Seabed Minerals Authortiy (SBMA), National Environmental Services (NES), Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR), Ministry of Transport (MOT), Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI), GIS Training, Marine Data Mapping, Special and Unique Marine Areas (SUMAs), Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), Climate Resilience, Ridge-to-Reef Approach, Ocean Zone Typologies, Interagency Coordination, Environmental Policy Development, EU-Funded Initiative, Marine Conservation Cook Islands, Empowering Local Expertise
Seabed mining company to engage with Southern Pa Enua for first time
Seabed mining company to engage with Southern Pa Enua for first time

One of the three seabed mining companies exploring the Cook Islands seabed for deep sea nodules will be visiting the Southern Pa Enua for the first time next week as part of its expanded community engagement programme.

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CI NEWSDede MingiMoana Minerals, Southern Pa Enua Outreach, Seabed Mining Engagement, Hans Smit, Community Consultations, Mangaia Visit, Mitiaro Visit, Atiu Visit, Cook Islands Outer Islands, Exploration Transparency, Stakeholder Engagement, Island Councils, Traditional Leaders, Student Outreach, Seabed Minerals Exploration, Science Vessel Tour, Community Dialogue, Environmental Awareness, Local Participation, Future Opportunities, Open Community Events, Education and Awareness, Inclusive Consultation, Cook Islands Seabed Mining, Social Media Itinerary
Seabed mining consultations criticised as ‘one-sided sales pitch’
Seabed mining consultations criticised as ‘one-sided sales pitch’

A Cook Islands environmental advocate has criticised the seabed mining consultation process being undertaken by the Cook Islands Government in Australia, describing it as one-sided and lacking meaningful engagement with local NGOs.

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CI NEWSDede MingiLouisa Castledine, Ocean Ancestors, Seabed Mining Criticism, SBMA Consultations, One-Sided Dialogue, Gold Coast Meeting, Environmental Advocacy, Diaspora Engagement, Marae Moana Framework, NGO Exclusion, Balanced Consultation, Environmental Risks, Cultural Impact, Mining Consequences, Indigenous Rights, Protection of our Moana, PR vs Reality, Cook Islands Government, Cook Islanders in Australia, Te Ipukarea Society, Korero o te Orau, Power Imbalance, Seabed Minerals Authority, PM Mark Brown, Delegation, Shor-Term Gain vs Long-Term Loss
PM Brown leads seabed minerals dialogue in Australia
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.

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CI NEWSDede MingiCook Islands Seabed Minerals, Prime Minister Mark Brown, SBMA, Diaspora Consultation, Seabed Exploration, Science-led Approach, Environmental Stewardship, Sovereign Governance, No Deep Sea Mining, Community Engagement, Australia Tour 2025, Sustainable Ocean Economy, Cook Islands Diaspora, Transparent Governance, Exploratory Only, Global Best Practice, Intergenerational Wellbeing, Moana Guardianship, Cook Islands Government, Seabed Minerals Advisory Committee
Cook Islands seeking New Zealand expertise for Sovereign Wealth Fund
Cook Islands seeking New Zealand expertise for Sovereign Wealth Fund

The Cook Islands government has taken further steps towards establishing a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), with officials currently in New Zealand holding discussions with financial experts, Prime Minister Mark Brown told Parliament this week.

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CI NEWSDede MingiCook Islands, Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), Seabed Mining, Economic Development, Financial Management, Natural Resource Wealth, Mineral Revenues, Long-Term Investment, Goverment Policy, National Security, Cybersecurity, Cook Islands-New Zealand Relations, New Zealand Reserve Bank, Adrian Orr, Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM), Economic Resilience, Public Consultations, Infrastructure Investment, Resouce Management, Norway Sovereign Wealth Fund Model, Nauru and Australia Minerals Funds, Pacific Financial Strategies, Future Planning, Fiscal Responsibility, Community Engagement, Government Transparency