Environment
Te Ipukarea Society: Citizen science to guide turtle conservation
Saturday 22 February 2025 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Editorials, Environment, National, Opinion
Turtles are an integral part of marine ecosystems, and the Cook Islands is home to a few species, including the endangered Green Turtle and the critically endangered Hawksbill turtles.
Atiu Harbour upgrade to address deterioration and safety concerns
Thursday 20 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
The National Environment Service is seeking public input on an Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed upgrade of Atiu Harbour, which involves dredging, makatea cliff removal and concrete repair to address deterioration and safety concerns.
SBMA to engage public on deep-sea exploration findings
Friday 14 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, National
Seabed Mining Authority (SBMA) says it will be reaching out to the community, especially older generations, to consult with them about their preliminary findings from the ongoing seabed minerals exploration.
Environment groups demand clarity on seabed mineral partnership with China
Friday 14 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National
Local environment groups are calling for clarity and transparency regarding the Cook Islands’ collaboration with China on seabed mineral exploration.
Te Ipukarea Society: Why we do not need to destroy our seabed?
Saturday 8 February 2025 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
As innovative technology starts to rev up around the globe so does innovative tech for the electric car (EV) industry.
Scientists explore coral heat tolerance in Rarotonga
Thursday 6 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
A group from the University of California is working with Cook Islands marine biologist and chairperson for the environmental NGO, Kōrero o te `Ōrau, Dr Teina Rongo, to discover how corals around Rarotonga respond to high temperatures.
Cook Islands reaffirms climate leadership amidst US withdrawal from Paris Agreement
Tuesday 4 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Environment, National
Cook Islands has called for continued global cooperation to address climate crisis and for the global community to fill any funding gaps left by the United States after its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement.
Government accused of misleading public on seabed mining
Saturday 1 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National
Cook Islands Government is misleading the public into believing the country is undecided on whether to allow deep seabed mining, claims an advocate for ocean conservation and protection.
Cook Islands committed to global efforts to end plastic pollution
Saturday 1 February 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, National
In its journey for the highest quality of wellbeing in life, the Cook Islands amplified its voice on the global stage with over 170 countries, negotiating a treaty to end plastic pollution.
US Coast Guard vessel visits Rarotonga, crew joins reef conservation efforts
Wednesday 29 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
The United States Coast Guard vessel USCGC Joseph Gerczak (WPC-1126) docked at Avatiu Harbour on Monday for a five-day rest visit with her 27 crew members on board.
Te Ipukarea Society: ‘Embarrassing’ push from Cook Islands venture for deep sea mining regulation
Saturday 25 January 2025 | Written by Te Ipukarea Society | Published in Environment, National
Last week a group of eight deep seabed mining companies with exploration contracts in the Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ) sent a letter to the President of the International Seabed Authority.
NGO exceeds target, removes 15k crown-of-thorns starfish
Friday 24 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, National
Cook Islands non-governmental organisation Te Kōrero O Te ‘Ōrau has surged past its target of removing 10,000 taramea (crown-of-thorns starfish), a notorious coral predator, from the deep blue of Rarotonga.
NES launches seabed minerals factsheet
Thursday 23 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Environment, National
The National Environment Service (NES) says it plays a crucial role in assessing and reviewing environmental matters associated with seabed mineral activities.
Trump’s climate pact withdraw no surprise, says Cook Islands Climate Change director
Thursday 23 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National, Politics
United States president Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement is no surprise, says Cook Islands Climate Change director Wayne King.
Protecting Aitutaki’s ‘beating heart’ using traditional conservation method
Saturday 11 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, Features, Local, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
Aitutaki residents gathered at their prized lagoon this week to continue the custom of protecting their marine environment through the re-establishment of the traditional ra’ui, a temporary fishing ban within the lagoon.
Aitutaki community re-establishes traditional ra’ui to protect marine
Friday 10 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National, Outer Islands
The Aitutaki community has re-established a traditional ra’ui, a temporary fishing ban, in their lagoon to protect marine life and ensure sustainable resource management, with support from the National Environment Service.
Seabed mining must be ‘commercially viable’ in order to proceed: PM Brown
Thursday 9 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown has acknowledged economic concerns about seabed mining, emphasising that the government will only proceed with projects that are both commercially viable and environmentally sustainable.
PM Brown calls for debt relief for climate-impacted small island states
Monday 30 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Environment, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown has expressed disappointment over the lack of progress in climate change negotiations, particularly the failure of major emitting countries to meet their carbon emissions targets and financial commitments.
PM clarifies use of NGO logos in seabed mining consultation
Saturday 28 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, Local, National, Politics
Prime Minister Mark Brown has responded to concerns raised by two environmental groups, Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) and Korero o te Orau, regarding the government’s recent seabed mining consultation in New Zealand.
Heavy rainfall brings relief to water crisis but cleanup efforts underway
Wednesday 18 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, National, Weather
The week of December 9 to December 15 saw significant rainfall across several islands in the Cook Islands, providing much-needed relief to the ongoing water crisis in Rarotonga.
