NZ visit to build seabed minerals sector capacity

The Seabed Minerals commissioner, Paul Lynch, new director of the National Environment Service, Nga Puna, Crown counsel Alex Herman and chief financial controller for the Cook Islands Investment Corporation Allan Jensen paid a visit to Wellington last month.

The aim of the visit was to meet with relevant New Zealand agencies on areas of co-operation and possible assistance in building the country’s capacity in the seabed minerals sector.

Joining the delegation from the Ipukarea in their meetings were the Cook Islands High Commissioner to New Zealand, Elizabeth Wright-Koteka and Darryl Thorburn as consultant to the Seabed Minerals Authority.

Possible assistance discussed with New Zealand counterparts include building capabilities in environmental assessment, management and monitoring; licensing; financial modelling; tendering; regulations, research and overall capacity building of Cook Islanders to work in the sector.

“The New Zealand agencies responded positively with a genuine interest to assist the Cook Islands in the seabed minerals sector,” the authority said.

“Our agencies involved in seabed minerals will continue to work with the New Zealand counterparts to progress the discussions and arrangements reached.”

                - Release