Global Standards, Island Values: Cook Islands Marks Key Step Forward at ISA’s 30th Council Session

The Cook Islands continues to demonstrate leadership in global seabed minerals governance, with Acting Seabed Minerals Commissioner Beverly Stacey-Ataera participating in the 30th Session – Part II of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) Council, held from 7 to 18 July 2025.

Press ReleaseKaitini Herman12 August 2025SBMA, Cook islands, Rarotonga

Commercial extraction needs ‘extensive approvals’, clarifies Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority

The Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA), which governs seabed mineral activities under the Seabed Minerals Act 2019 (SBMA Act), emphasises that no commercial extraction can occur without extensive approvals.

International, CI NEWSDede Mingi11 August 2025Cook Islands, Seabed Minerals, SBMA, Ocean Stewardship, Blue Economy, Sustainable Future, Pacific Islands, Environmental Approvals, Deep Sea Mining, Global Partnerships

Cook Islands deal has ‘nothing to do with military or security agenda’, says Chinese ambassador

The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) 2025-2030 signed between the Cook Islands and China has ‘nothing to do with military or security agenda’, says the Chinese ambassador to New Zealand, Cook Islands and Niue.

US eyes deeper ties with Cook Islands, help businesses form ties

The United States is looking to build stronger ties with the Cook Islands following a historic diplomatic visit this week by its Chargé d’Affaires, David Gehrenbeck, who met with Prime Minister Mark Brown during the nation’s 60th anniversary of self-governance.

CI NEWSDede Mingi9 August 2025US Cook Islands relations, Us delegation Cook Islands visit, US Chargé d’Affaires David Gehrenbeck, Cook Islands 60th Anniversary, Strengthening US-Cook Islands ties, US-Cook Islands economic cooperation, Secretary Tepaeru Herrmann, Seabed minerals cooperation, Capacity building in the Pacific, Maritime cooperation Cook Islands US, Pacific Islands partnerships, Young Pacific Leaders programme, US Partnership, Cook Islands, Pacific Islands, Diplomacy, Blue Economy

Cook Islands confronts critical questions on identity as debate on deep-sea mining grows

As the Cook Islands approaches the end of its five-year seabed minerals exploration phase and the latest partnership with the superpowers United States and China, the question facing its people is no longer just about mining—but about identity, sovereignty, stewardship, and the ocean that binds them all.

InternationalDede Mingi9 August 2025Cook Islands seabed mining debate, Deep-sea mining Cook Islands, Seabed minerals exploration Cook Islands, Cook Islands five-year exploration phase, Polymetallic nodules Cook Islands, Seabed Minerals Act Cook Islands, Mike Tavioni, Louisa Castledine, Hans Smit, June Hosking, Te Ipukarea Society, Ocean Ancestors collective, Moana Minerals, CIC Ocean Research, CIIC Seabed Resources, Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA), National Environment Service (NES)

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.

Global Lessons, Local Impact: SBMA’s Te-Ara Henderson Returns from South Australia Secondment

The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) proudly welcomes home its Senior Policy and Legal Officer, Te-Ara Henderson, following the successful completion of an 11-week regulatory secondment with the South Australian Department for Energy and Mining (DEM), an exchange facilitated through the Australasian Environmental Law Enforcement and Regulators Network (AELERT).

Press ReleaseDede Mingi30 July 2025SBMA, Cook Islands, Rarotonga, Te-Ara Henderson, South Australia, AELERT, Global Learning, Local Impact, AELERT Network, Cook Islands Leadership, Seabed Minerals, Regulatory Excellence, Pacific Innovation, Knowledge Exchange, Ocean Governance

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.

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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