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

SBMA Advances Regional Dialogue on Deep-Sea Governance in Tahiti

The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) participated in the second meeting of the IRD Regional Dialogue Platform on the Deep-Sea in the Pacific, held in Tahiti from 10–12 December 2024. This significant event brought together diverse stakeholders from across the Pacific to deepen discussions on deep-sea knowledge and governance, building on insights from the inaugural meeting in Nouméa earlier this year.

Media ReleaseDede Mingi16 December 2024Cook Islands, Seabed, Seabed Governance, Deep Sea Dialogue, Pacific Oceans, SBMA Tahiti 2024, Pacific Partnerships, Regional Collaboration, Deep Sea Governance, Ocean Dialogue, Shared Ocean Resources, Future of Our Oceans, Deep Sea Science, Deep Sea Discussions, Regional Dialogue Platform, Oceans Together, UN Ocean Confererence

Resignation of the Seabed Minerals Commissioner

The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) regretfully announces the resignation of Alex Herman as Seabed Minerals Commissioner, marking the conclusion of an impactful chapter in SBMA’s history.

SBMA Release: Strengthening Ties Through Seabed Minerals Consultations with New Zealand Communities

The Cook Islands Government, led by Prime Minister Honourable Mark Brown, recently completed a week-long series of consultations with Cook Islands communities across New Zealand. The delegation visited Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Tokoroa, sharing updates on the development of the Seabed Minerals (SBM) sector and fostering meaningful dialogue with the Cook Islands diaspora.

Media ReleaseDede Mingi25 November 2024Cook Islands, SBMA, Seabed Minerals, Community Consultations, Diaspora Engagement, Sustainable Development, Marae Moana, Diaspora Connections, Building Together

Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority Participates in the AELERT – INECE 2024 Global Summit on Implementing and Enforcing Environmental Law

Representatives from the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) recently attended the AELERT – INECE 2024 Global Summit on Implementing and Enforcing Environmental Law in Brisbane, Australia, from November 6th - 8th. This summit convened leaders and experts from various regulatory fields to discuss advancements in law enforcement and compliance practices.

Seabed Minerals Exploration Updates

We are committed to sustainably and responsibly developing our seabed minerals (SBM) sector for the benefit of our Cook Islands people. In line with the precautionary approach, any future decision on whether or not we will allow minerals harvesting to occur must be science based.

Media ReleaseDede Mingi2 November 2024Seabed Minerals, Cook Islands, Sustainable Development, Ocean Conservation, Marine Protection, Environmental Stewardship, Clean Energy, Marae Moana, Responsible Mining, Exploration, Deep Sea Research, Future Generations, Economic Diversification, Science Based, Community Engagement, Knowledge Advancement, SBM

Akakitekiteanga no te Porokaramu Rangaanga i te au Mīnera Takere Moana

Te anoano nei matou i te akamatutu e te akatere meitaki i te tuanga Mīnera Takere Moana kia riro ei akapuapinga i to tatou iti tangata Kuki Airani. Ei ravenga akapirianga ki te akatereanga matakite, ko tetai uatu tukuʻangā tika i te au ra ki mua no runga i te akatikaanga me kare patoianga i te kokotianga mīnera, ka anoanoia te reira tukuʻangā tika kia tangoia ki runga i te tuanga taieni.

Media ReleaseDede Mingi2 November 2024Cook Islands, Cook Islands EEZ, SBM, Deep Sea Research, Exploration Programme, Community Engagement

Seabed Science in Action: UMC’s Groundbreaking Trip To Cook Islands Nodule Field

The UMC marked its first-ever field trip to an active nodule field in the South Pacific. Many participants from around the world joined the crew aboard the research vessel Anuanua Moana. The field trip gave a unique opportunity to observe the actual scientific processes involved in deep-sea research, with a particular focus on the polymetallic nodules' environment.

Media ReleaseDede Mingi11 October 2024Seabed Science, Deep Sea Research, Polymetallic Nodules, Cook Islands, Anuanua Moana, Marine Exploration, Community Engagement, Environmental Impact, Research Vessel, UMC Field Trip

Cook Islands passes historic first law for minerals harvesting management

After four years of development and two rounds of public consultations, the Seabed Minerals (Minerals Harvesting and Other Mining) Regulations 2024 (MH Regulations) have now been passed.

The adoption of these regulations is a crucial step in establishing a comprehensive legal framework, providing all stakeholders with clarity and certainty regarding the Cook Islands' legal regime for seabed minerals governance, and are administered by the Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA).

Media ReleaseDede Mingi4 October 2024Cook Islands, Seabed Minerals, SBMA, Sustainable Development, Minerals Management, Marine Government, Environmental Regulations, Policy Development, Seabed Mining, Minerals Harvesting, International Best Practice, Legal Framework, Resource Management

News & Press Releases