As we welcome 2026, the National Environment Service (NES) extends Kia Orana kia tatou katoatoa, our Pa Enua, partners, and stakeholders at home and abroad. The new year brings renewed purpose and momentum as we continue our collective journey to protect, conserve and sustainably manage our environment for the benefit of present and future generations.
The past year has been one of significant groundwork. NES has continued to strengthen national environmental governance, community engagement, and position the Cook Islands as a credible and respected voice in regional and global environmental fora. These efforts reflect the Cook Islands’ longstanding values of stewardship, responsibility, and care for our ipukarea tumanava.
Looking ahead to 2026, NES has a clear outlook. A priority for the year will be validating and finalising the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). This critical national framework will guide how we safeguard biodiversity across land and sea, align national actions with global commitments, and support locally driven conservation that reflects Cook Islands culture, knowledge and aspirations.
NES will also be advancing new and updated environmental legislation. These reforms are aimed at ensuring our legal frameworks remain fit-for-purpose, responsive to emerging environmental pressures, and supportive of effective monitoring, compliance and decision-making. Strengthening legislation is essential to supporting sustainable development while maintaining the integrity of our environment and ecosystems.
In 2026, NES will scale up implementation of priority environmental projects supported through global funding mechanisms, including the Global Biodiversity Framework and the Kunming Biodiversity Fund. These initiatives will help unlock resources for biodiversity protection, climate resilience, pollution reduction, and capacity building, while ensuring the Cook Islands continues to access and deliver high-quality projects that meet international standards and national needs.
Alongside this, NES will continue investing in people – strengthening technical capacity, supporting staff development, and working closely with Island Environment Authorities, traditional leaders, government agencies, communities, and the private sector. Collaboration remains central to our approach, recognising that effective environmental outcomes are achieved together.
As we step into 2026, NES remains committed to transparent, inclusive and forward-looking environmental leadership. We thank our communities, partners and supporters for their ongoing trust and collaboration, and we look forward to another year of shared progress in caring for our islands, our ocean, and our future.
Meitaki Ma’ata
