The National Environment Service (NES) has commenced work with international consultancy firm Beca International Consultants Ltd to carry out coastal management feasibility studies for the islands of Rarotonga and Aitutaki. This work responds to growing concerns around shoreline erosion, climate risks, and unregulated development in vulnerable coastal areas.
The feasibility studies are designed to strengthen NES’s ability to assess, manage, and support coastal development through a more science-based and consistent approach. Government-funded through NES, the project will provide practical recommendations to improve coastal planning, permitting, and environmental safeguards.
In 2024, NES initiated a public tender process to engage an expert consultant to assess the full coastal zones of both islands. Following a competitive review process, Beca was selected to lead the work, bringing extensive experience in integrated coastal planning across the Pacific. For this project, Beca is partnering with Dr Mike Allis, a coastal scientist with in-depth local expertise, and Teariki Rongo, an environmental specialist from the Cook Islands. Both bring valuable on-island insight and community engagement experience to support the work.
The aim of the studies is to build on existing knowledge of coastal processes to create comprehensive, practical guidance for the NES and other agencies. This includes understanding risks from coastal hazards, evaluating current coastal protection measures, and identifying gaps in permitting or compliance systems.
In July 2025, Beca completed its first site visit to Aitutaki, engaging with local stakeholders and assessing key sites around the island. Based on this work, six distinct coastal compartments were identified, each with different development pressures and environmental conditions. A similar assessment is planned for Rarotonga in the coming months. The project will also support national capacity building. Beca will work with NES to deliver training and technical tools to enhance Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reviews and help standardise future coastal management responses.
“We’ve seen firsthand how our coastal areas are under increasing pressure from erosion and climate change to unregulated development,” said Vavia Tangatataia, Environmental Compliance Manager, NES. “This project will give us the evidence and tools we need to better manage these challenges, and to ensure that development along our coastlines is both sustainable and resilient.”
The feasibility studies are expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Outcomes will inform future coastal policies, permitting standards, and national strategies for building climate resilience in shoreline communities.
Images: NES Environmental Compliance team with Beca International Consultants.
