The Rarotonga Environment Act 1994/95 was repealed by the Environment Act 2003 formalising the establishment of the NES.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.
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
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
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.
“Strengthening regional partnerships is essential to building a more resilient Cook Islands.”
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,
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
Throughout the five-day programme, participants received intensive hands-on training in the practical application of GIS technologies, the QField mobile data collection platform, Google Earth Engine,
On 14 July 2026, the NES Mauke Office and Mauke MOA hosted a Mini Expo at Apii Mauke. Through six interactive stations, students explored biodiversity,
The voyage covered 4,663 nautical miles, with a strong focus on the Northern Group. Scientists completed 30 CTD casts, some reaching almost 5,000 meters deep,
Project ENUA recently participated in Gender Analysis Training to strengthen how conservation planning reflects the diverse knowledge, experiences and perspectives within Cook Islands communities.
