The National Environment Service (NES) welcomes the passing of the Environment Act 2026, by the Parliament of the Cook Islands on Tuesday 23 June 2026, marking the most significant reform of the country’s environmental legislation in more than two decades.
The new legislation strengthens the Cook Islands’ environmental management and provides a legal framework to protect our environment while supporting sustainable economic development for present and future generations.
The Environment Act 2026 will replace the Environment Act 2003 and reflects more than three years of policy development, technical drafting, inter-agency collaboration and extensive public consultation with Government agencies, Pa Enua, traditional leaders, the private sector, non-government organisations and the wider community.
NES Director, Halatoa Fua, said the passing of the Bill represents an important milestone in strengthening environmental governance in the Cook Islands.
“The Environment Act 2026, will apply throughout the Cook Islands, it will provide a legislative framework that better reflects today’s environmental challenges while supporting sustainable development. It strengthens environmental decision-making, improves compliance and enforcement, enhances environmental planning, and introduces new tools to better manage our natural resources for future generations.”
The new Act introduces a range of significant reforms, including:
- environmental endorsement framework with Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 assessment processes;
- Strategic Environmental Assessment provisions to better integrate environmental considerations into national planning;
- Strengthened environmental compliance and enforcement mechanisms;
- new provisions for biodiversity conservation, protected areas and threatened species;
- a legislative framework for access to genetic resources, bioprospecting and equitable benefit-sharing;
- improved environmental information management and public participation; and
- updated governance arrangements that align with international best practice and the Cook Islands’ regional and international environmental commitments
Although the Environment Bill has now been passed by Parliament, the new legislation does not come into force immediately.
Under the commencement provisions of the Act, the Environment Act 2003 remains the applicable law until the new Act is brought into force by Order in the Executive Council.
During this transition period, NES will continue administering all environmental approvals, environmental impact assessments and regulatory functions under the Environment Act 2003.
Six-Month Implementation Programme
NES has commenced planning for implementation of the new Act and expects a transition period of approximately six months, with commencement currently anticipated in January 2027, subject to completion of implementation activities and the making of the necessary Order in the Executive Council.
Implementation activities will focus on:
- preparing NES operational systems and administrative procedures;
- developing guidance material and implementation tools;
- establishing registers and internal processes required under the new Act;
- undertaking stakeholder engagement with Government agencies, Island Governments, developers, consultants and community organisations; and
- delivering public awareness and education to ensure a smooth transition to the new legislative framework.
The development of Regulations supporting the new Act will commence following commencement and will be undertaken progressively in consultation with stakeholders.
NES acknowledges the many individuals and organisations who contributed to the development of the legislation over several years.
This includes the Parliament of the Cook Islands, the Minister responsible for the Environment, the Crown Law Office, Government ministries and agencies, Island Governments, traditional leaders and community representatives, environmental organisations and non-government organisations, the private sector and development partners, as well as the many members of the public who contributed throughout the consultation process.
Halatoa Fua noted a special acknowledgment of NES’s Tekura Moeka’a and Roselyn Strickland for their resilience and leadership to drive this work since 2021.
The passage of the Environment Act 2026 demonstrates the Cook Islands’ ongoing commitment to safeguarding its unique natural environment while supporting sustainable economic development and strengthening resilience to future environmental challenges.
NES will continue to provide updates throughout the implementation period and will work closely with stakeholders to ensure a smooth and effective transition to the Environment Act 2026.
For further information regarding the transition arrangements and implementation programme, members of the public are encouraged to contact the National Environment Service or visit the NES website for updates
