The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and the National Environment Service (NES) jointly announce the successful transition of the Marae Moana Coordination Office (MMCO) from OPM to NES, following the enactment of the Marae Moana Amendment Act 2026 in the Cook Islands Parliament in February 2026.
This transition marks an important milestone in strengthening the Cook Islands’ approach to integrated ocean management. By aligning Marae Moana more closely with the National Environment Service, the Government is reinforcing a coordinated, ecosystem-based approach to managing the country’s marine environment.
The move responds to recommendations from the Government’s Functional Review facilitated by the Office of the Public Service Commissioner in 2023, and reflects Cabinet decisions aimed at improving efficiency, clarity of roles, and policy leadership across the environmental sector. NES will now serve as the administering authority for the Marae Moana Act, providing a central platform for marine spatial planning, conservation, and sustainable ocean use.
OPM is acknowledged for the foundational role it has played in establishing and advancing Marae Moana since its inception, including coordinating whole-of-government engagement and elevating the Cook Islands’ global leadership as a Large Ocean State.
NES welcomes the transition and is committed to building on this legacy by strengthening implementation, enhancing coordination across agencies, and supporting delivery of national priorities under the Marae Moana framework.
This transition will further support:
- Integrated decision-making across sectors
- Stronger alignment between policy, planning, and implementation
- Enhanced delivery of Marine Spatial Planning at national and island levels
- Continued engagement with communities, traditional leaders, and stakeholders
Karopaerangi Ngatoko, Chief of Staff, Office of the Prime Minister, stated “Marae Moana has always been a whole-of-government and whole-of-country commitment. This transition reflects the natural evolution of that vision—moving from establishment to strengthened implementation. The Office of the Prime Minister is proud to have led the foundation of Marae Moana, and we are confident that placing it within the National Environment Service will further enhance coordination, accountability, and delivery across the environmental sector.”
Halatoa Fua, Director, National Environment Service, stated “The transfer of Marae Moana to the National Environment Service is a significant step toward fully integrated ocean management. It enables us to align policy, science, and implementation under one framework, while strengthening collaboration across agencies and with our communities. NES is committed to building on the strong foundation already established and ensuring Marae Moana continues to deliver for our people, our environment, and future generations.”
Both OPM and NES reaffirm their shared commitment to the Marae Moana vision—protecting and sustainably managing the Cook Islands’ ocean for the benefit of all Cook Islanders, now and for future generations.
