Dear Editor, As the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) bids farewell to its esteemed former SBM Commissioner, Alexandrya Herman, with high respect and honour whom we had often referred to as our Esther, a woman of faith, resolute, with extraordinary passion and thriving vision, we take a moment to reflect on her exceptional leadership and contributions over the past five years.

From 2019 until her departure on Sunday, 3 March 2024, Ms. Herman has been at the helm of SBMA, steering the Authority through significant milestones in the Cook Islands’ deep-sea minerals sector.

With unwavering dedication, integrity, and passion, Ms. Herman has been a driving force behind SBMA’s mission to advance scientific knowledge of the deep-sea environment while ensuring an environmentally sustainable legal framework. Her leadership has empowered the Authority to engage with three licensed scientific research and exploration companies, fostering a collaborative approach to seabed minerals governance.

During her tenure, Ms. Herman led SBMA through several landmark accomplishments, including:

1. Global recognition in deep-sea research

ο Under her leadership, SBMA’s Senior Technical Officer, Rima Browne,

became the first Pacific Islander to receive the 2023 International Seabed Authority (ISA) Secretary-General’s Award for Excellence in Deep-Sea Research. This prestigious recognition highlighted the Cook Islands’ growing

presence in international seabed science.

2. Historic hosting of the 52^nd Underwater Minerals Conference (UMC)

ο A defining achievement of Ms. Herman’s tenure was securing the Cook

Islands as the first-ever Pacific Island nation to host the UMC in September

2024. This global gathering of ocean mineral stakeholders brought together

experts from over 25 countries, highlighting the Cook Islands as a

leader in seabed minerals research.

ο The conference also provided an opportunity for international scientists to sail aboard the ‘Anuanua Moana’ Research Vessel, experiencing firsthand the polymetallic manganese nodules on the ocean floor – an invaluable insight beyond digital models and research papers.

3. Pioneering the Women in Science Expedition (WISE)

ο Immediately following UMC 2024, SBMA facilitated the Women in Science

Expedition (WISE), where a group of 24 female researchers embarked on a 15-day research voyage aboard ‘Anuanua Moana’. This initiative strengthened gender diversity in marine science, furthering the Cook Islands’ commitment to inclusive and science-driven policymaking.

The rest shall be history in the making and the Lord Jesus Christ will be done and fulfilled in all we do in earth as it is in heaven, His Name be Exalted and Glorified for ever, Amen!

Ms. Herman’s leadership extended beyond policies and conferences; she championed capacity building, mentorship, and succession planning. She ensured that no gap was left unfilled, empowering SBMA staff to grow, lead, and innovate in her absence. Her unwavering commitment to fostering knowledge-sharing, strengthening governance, and prioritising sustainability has cemented her legacy at SBMA.

As Ms. Herman embarks on her next professional journey at the Pacific Community (SPC) in Nouméa, we celebrate her achievements and look forward to the impact she will continue to make in the Pacific region. This is not a farewell, but rather a “see you again”, knowing that her expertise and leadership will always be a guiding light for the Cook Islands and the wider Pacific community.

On behalf of:

• Nga Pou Kuru E Toru Pa Metuas – Our Three Pillars: Traditional, Religious, and Government Representatives

• Business, National Youth, Language, and Culture Advisory Council Committees

• The Honourable Prime Minister and Minister of Seabed Minerals Mark Brown

• SBMA’s Scientific Research and Exploration Partners

• The Entire SBMA Team

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Commissioner Alexandrya Herman for her visionary leadership, dedication, and contribution to the Cook Islands seabed minerals sector.

Bon voyage, Commissioner. Kia Orana, Kia Toa, Kia Autu e Kia Manuia rava!

Bishop Tutai Pere

Chairman

SBM Advisory Committee