Apii Mauke Continues Coastal Clean-Up Efforts
On 27 August 2026, Apii Mauke students collected 1,125 items of rubbish weighing a combined 18 kg during their Term 3, Week 3 Beach Rubbish
Year: 2026
NES Commences Work on Cook Islands’ 2026 UNCCD National Reporting
NES has commenced the Cook Islands’ 2026 UNCCD national reporting process, working with locally based WHUPI to strengthen national data, land degradation assessments and reporting
When a Whale Calf Is Found, Who Is Responsible?
With no marine mammal response plan in place, local responders and NES worked together to recover and document the deceased whale calf. The incident has
Keeping Aitutaki Informed
NES Environment Officers took to the airwaves in Aitutaki to update the community on current environmental work.
NES receives EIA report by Mark Isaaka of Banyan Escape Aitutaki for a Tourism Development Project for public consultation
The proposed development involves the construction of six self-catering accommodation units, a small café, a natural swimming pool, and associated off-grid infrastructure, creating a unique
Plastic Shredder Feasibility Study Completed for Aitutaki
The study examined current plastic waste volumes, infrastructure, operational requirements, environmental and financial considerations, and potential recycling markets to determine the most suitable long-term management
Plastic Reboot Programme Supports Women of the Month Award
Created from repurposed materials, the bag reflects the programme’s commitment to reducing waste, encouraging reuse, and promoting practical circular economy solutions in the Cook Islands.
Building Resilience Through Regional Collaboration at FOCUS IN 2026
“Strengthening regional partnerships is essential to building a more resilient Cook Islands.”
Building a Zero Waste Workplace
The initiative delivered outstanding results, with NES reducing office waste by around 50%, significantly reducing single-use cups and containers, improving waste separation and recycling systems,
Cook Islands Strengthens Pacific Leadership at Global Plastics Treaty Negotiations
A significant outcome of the meeting was the Cook Islands’ continued leadership within the Pacific region. Acting on behalf of the Pacific Small Island Developing