From 14–22 June 2025, the National Environment Service (NES) participated as an observer in the Mangaia, Ngaputoru Stakeholder Engagement voyage aboard the Anuanua Moana, visiting Atiu, Mauke, Mitiaro & Mangaia.
Consultations were held with island leaders, mayors, council members, students, and residents. A key environmental concern raised across the islands was the potential impact of seabed minerals activities on local fish stocks, a vital food source and livelihood for many in the Pa Enua.
NES environmental observer on board, Keanu Harawira from the Environmental Compliance Division observed scientific activities including the use of a Multibeam Echo Sounder (MBES), used to map the seafloor around the visited islands. The data collected will help inform the Cook Island’s understanding of its deep-sea environment and contribute to future decision-making.
NES plays a pivotal role in assessing the environmental compliance and monitoring of seabed minerals activities in the Cook Islands. Keanu’s role as an enforcement officer is specified in the Environment Act 2004, and furthermore in the Environment Seabed Minerals Activities Regulations 2023. There are 3 tiers of environmental impact specified in the regulations passed in 2023, that gives NES staff the ability to fully assess the activities together with a register of experts in respective fields.
NES welcomes the Pa Enua public consultations as an integral piece of environmental management and protection, particularly in an emerging industry for the Cook Islands.
Further research is still required to assess environmental risks, and NES is working to strengthen its capacity in ocean monitoring and independent oversight.
