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.

NES launches seabed minerals factsheet

The National Environment Service (NES) says it plays a crucial role in assessing and reviewing environmental matters associated with seabed mineral activities.

This includes the administration of applications for environmental consents and permits. In collaboration with the Seabed Mining Authority (SBMA), the NES ensures regulatory oversight and compliance with environmental management and reporting requirements set forth by license conditions and environmental consents or permits.

Thomas Wynne: Stay home and get to work, MPs

Every day spent out of the country is a day not working. Members of Parliament are elected to be in Parliament, not in the Koru Club or frequent flyer club, writes Thomas Tarurongo Wynne.

Opinion ArticleDede Mingi11 January 2025

Seabed mining must be ‘commercially viable’ in order to proceed: PM Brown

Prime Minister Mark Brown has acknowledged economic concerns about seabed mining, emphasising that the government will only proceed with projects that are both commercially viable and environmentally sustainable.

Brown was responding to recent cautionary remarks from Australian economist Professor Christopher Flemming regarding the Cook Islands’ plans for seabed mining.

Seabed mining must be ‘commercially viable’ in order to proceed: PM Brown

Prime Minister Mark Brown has acknowledged economic concerns about seabed mining, emphasising that the government will only proceed with projects that are both commercially viable and environmentally sustainable.

Diaspora concerns addressed in NZ seabed mining talks, says PM

Cook Islands Government’s recent consultation tour in New Zealand was a significant success, effectively addressing numerous concerns held by the diaspora regarding seabed mining, says Prime Minister Mark Brown.

Letter: Can seabed mining fund a better future?

Dear Editor, More detail is required on where the marine mining windfall money will be spent.

I think a better case should have been made by the Government in explaining specifically, and in detail, where the windfall money from marine mining will be spent. The report could be set out showing where the money will be spent relative to the income earned from the mining in a graduated scale, say $100 million, $200m, $300m per annum, etc.

PM clarifies use of NGO logos in seabed mining consultation

Prime Minister Mark Brown has responded to concerns raised by two environmental groups, Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) and Korero o te Orau, regarding the government’s recent seabed mining consultation in New Zealand.

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.

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