E-communications between us and attendees at Monday night's government lead SBMA presentation to the Auckland Cook Islands community describes yet another, lop sided consultation, which also included misleading information.

As a slide showing TIS and Korero o te Orau logos was shown, the audience were told that we are key stakeholders. Another slide states that 'feedback and input received are incorporated into planning and policies...'

Clearly, if we were stakeholders, we would have been given a presentation spot at all consultations and would be included in discussions around our submissions, rather than just being ignored. 

We did not consent to the use of our logos and are horrified at this false implication that we are on board with the seabed mining sector. This is a serious misrepresentation to our Cook Islands people. 

If the SBMA wanted to use our logos, they should have asked. We would request that our logos be used on a separate slide, clearly stating that we are strongly and actively opposing deep seabed mining because not enough is known at this time about the damage mining will cause to our ocean.

Whilst the Government told the audience that they haven't decided yet whether to mine or not, all their actions indicate they have made up their mind to mine. This includes the recent passing of regulations to cover the mining operation. Why are these needed over 2 years before the first 5 years of the exploration phase has even been completed?

There were a number of young Cook Islanders in the audience that had their hands raised to ask a question. Most were overlooked, yet we hear that Bishop Tutai Pere was allowed to go on for 20 minutes or more repeating again that the nodules are a gift from God, for us to use. 

Tutai is the Chair of the Seabed Minerals Advisory Committee. Their mandate is to take community views to the Government, not to preach Government's views to the Community. There were also other members of the Government's delegation who spoke for 10 minutes or more, way too long given the time available.

As for God's gift, 

I don't doubt that the nodules are a gift from God, but we must first understand that gift before ripping off the wrapper and risk destroying it by mishandling. It is looking very much like the nodules are already serving their purpose as a gift for life in the deep ocean. 

It appears the question time was also very poorly managed. Government supporters in the audience jumped the queue to voice their support for seabed mining. The domination of the limited time available by these individuals was so unfair to the young Cook Islanders waiting patiently for a chance to talk. Most never got the chance as the Q & A session was closed. Yet they are the ones who will have to live with the legacy of the decisions made by this Government. As one mapu messaged, 'warn your fams. This is not consultation. We are being spoken at, not with.'

There are 4 more consultations to go throughout NZ. Wouldn't it be great if SBMA seriously took into consideration what Cook Islanders are saying on both sides. Now, that would be a consultation!

June Hosking,

President TIS Executive.