The Rarotonga Environment Act 1994/95 was repealed by the Environment Act 2003 formalising the establishment of the NES.
The role of the National Environment Services is based on 5 main areas and has four main departments.
There is a suite of policies, strategies and plans developed over the years to enable environmental protection, conservation and management.
Our cultural identify is deeply rooted in our environment and it is part of our heritage and legacy.
An Environment Consent is a permission granted to an applicant undertaking an activity that has some but not significant environment impact.
A permission required for the construction of a standard residential dwelling or non-construction purposes such as land clearance.
A management tool used to identify the environmental, social and economic impacts of a project prior to decision making.
Any person planning to take any wild animal or plant overseas must apply for a permit for trade movement of endangered species (CITES).
All importers of bulk HFC goods must register as an approved importer with NES.
Other permits issued by NES relates to the transboundary movement of waste, ozone depletion substances and wildlife.
Biodiversity plans are important documents to manage and determine the state of our natural environment.
Protecting species, habitats, ecosystem, and protecting biological diversity.
Activities to protect, maintain, or restore the quality of environmental media.
Historical milestone for conservation in the Cook Islands
The Environment Act 2003 is the primary legislation applied throughout the Cook Islands and the Outer Islands (Pa Enua) of Aitutaki, Atiu, Mauke and Mitiaro.
Several subsidiary legislations made under the Environment Act 2003 to apply provisions of the Act and to also include the Pa Enua.
Numerous national legislations interlinked with the environment but administered by other government entities.
As an Pacific Co-Chair of the Indigenous Peoples Advisory Group (IPAG), Mrs. Tuiravakai joined Indigenous leaders from the Philippines, Nepal, and Papua New Guinea in
The project not only improved the local environment but also created opportunities for students to develop practical skills in data collection, recycling, environmental monitoring, teamwork,
Manager Environmental Partnerships, Hayley Weeks, said that “Tessa brings a unique combination of strategic vision, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of the Cook Islands
During the first half of 2026, NES approved 90 environmental and development applications, comprising 63 Tier 1 Building Permits, 16 Tier 1 Environmental Approvals, 1
In the interview, Mel shares how the GEF-8 RESPONSE Project is working alongside communities, government and the private sector to reduce single-use plastics while promoting
The successful proposal a project to be led by the Kumiti Au Vaine and focused on environmental restoration initiatives in both Rarotonga and the Northern
A key outcome of the workshop was the identification of major regional challenges, including gaps in data, limited technical capacity, effective management plans, and the
Key lessons from the dialogue highlight the importance of improving coordination of existing funding, strengthening project readiness to attract investment, and exploring practical financial mechanisms
A key outcome was the capture of high-resolution imagery of African tulip tree sites, which will support future eradication efforts and strengthen ecosystem restoration across
The workshop reinforced the importance of healthy marine ecosystems as the foundation for tourism, biodiversity, food security, and climate resilience.
