The government-led seabed mining consultation held on Monday night with the Cook Islands community in Auckland has come under fire for what critics have described as a "one-sided consultation" filled with "misleading information."

CI NEWSDede Mingi20 November 2024Cook Islands, Sustainable Development, Environmental Advocacy, Seabed Mining, Community Consultations, Youth Engagement

Govt consultations in NZ for Cook Islanders

The Cook Islands Government, led by Prime Minister Mark Brown, is preparing to engage with Cook Islands communities across Aotearoa New Zealand from November 18 to 22 in a week-long diaspora consultation.

Cook Islands Prime Minister to Engage New Zealand Diaspora on Cultural Pride and Sustainable Development

The Cook Islands Government, led by Prime Minister Honourable Mark Brown, is set to engage with Cook Islands communities across New Zealand from November 18 to 22 in a week-long Diaspora Consultation. These consultations, organised by the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA), the Office of the Prime Minister, and the Cook Islands New Zealand High Commission, with the aim to update the diaspora on important national developments, including progress in the seabed minerals sector and the Cook Islands’ upcoming 60th anniversary of self-governance in 2025.

Joint ReleaseDede Mingi14 November 2024Cook Islands, New Zealand, Consultations, Prime Minister Mark Brown, Seabed Minerals, Sustainable Development, Diaspora Engagement, Cook Islands 60th Anniversary, Community Consultations, Environmental Stewardship, Cultural Pride, Pacific Sustainability, Cook Islands Heritage, Empowering Our People, Cook Islands Global Community, Seabed Minerals Authority, Strengthening Our Future

Thomas Wynne: Addressing concerns and protecting our interests

To address potential concerns and further strengthen the protection of the Cook Islands’ interests, I have emailed the Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) the following additions or amendments to the draft seabed mining regulations.

Letter to the editorDede Mingi5 October 2024Seabed Mining, Cook Islands, Environmental Protection, Cumulative Impact Assessments, Precautionary Principle, Biodversity Offsets, Environmental Oversight, Real Time Monitoring, Community Consultations, Indigenous Consultation, Benefit Sharing

Letter: A call for political reform

Dear Editor, In an interview gathering exercise for a BBC podcast on seabed mining (SBM) over a week ago, I mentioned that we have disproportionate representation i.e. my one vote is worth about 10 Raro votes. You can see why government makes sure to buddy buddy with the pa enua.

Letter to the editorDede Mingi2 October 2024Seabed Mining, Political Reform, Cook Islands, Local Governance, Pa Enua, Representation, Community Consultations, Peer Pressure Tactics, Land Ownership, Electoral Reform, Integrity In Politics

Herman highlights Cook Islands’ seabed minerals progress

The marine minerals community from over 25 countries has gathered in Rarotonga, sharing ideas and knowledge on the future of seabed minerals as the 52nd Underwater Minerals Conference 2024 officially opened yesterday at the National Auditorium.

Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) Commissioner, Alex Herman, was amongst 18 experts from eight different countries who presented on various topics revolving around seabed minerals yesterday.

Aitutaki supports seabed minerals exploration

Last week, a delegation led by Prime Minister Mark Brown visited Aitutaki to carry out consultations on the seabed minerals (SBM) sector. The public expressed generally strong support for the Government’s development of the sector, and the current Exploration Programme underway.

Press ReleaseDede Mingi8 February 2023Seabed Minerals Authority, Cook Islands, Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Consultations, Seabed Minerals Exploration, Community Consultations, School Consultations, Prime Minister Mark Brown, Seabed Minerals Commissioner Alex Herman, Bishop Tutai Pere, George George Williamson, CIC Limited (CIC), CIIC Seabed Resources Limited (CIICSR), Moana Minerals Limited (Moana Minerals)

News & Press Releases