The National Environment Service (NES) has received an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report and EIA Permit Application for the Fill Extension for the Rarotonga Airport Runway End Safety Area (RESA) in Avatiu, Rarotonga, and is inviting public feedback.
NES provides environmental assessment and approval for development projects that may affect the environment (Tiers 1, 2 and 3). This application is classed as a Tier 3 project, meaning it may have significant effects on the environment and nearby community. Tier 3 projects must provide a full EIA report and go through public consultation under the Environment Act 2003.
According to the Environment Act 2003, NES is to undertake a public consultation process for all EIA Permit Applications in the form of publishing details of the project and making it accessible to the public.
The proposal is for the extension of the RESA at the Eastern end (Rwy26) of Rarotonga International Airport. This is an extension required to ensure compliance with the International Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) minimum length of 90 metres. The site is located on Putua road, near wetlands, nearby homes and personal farming areas.
The EIA will address issues such as:
- Non-Compliance with International Civil Aviation Authority
- Reducing the risks of Aircraft Overruns
- Increasing safety margins
- Environmental and Community Impacts
- Economic contribution
- Waste management
- Dust, noise and other impacts during construction.
The report also outlines measures to help manage these effects. NES will consider these, along with feedback from the public and other agencies, before any decision is made on the application.
Vavia Tangatataia, NES Manager of Environmental Compliance, stated: “As part of NES’s communication strategy, we are pleased to share information about our EIA applications to effectively engage with our community. Public consultation is crucial for fulfilling our mandated obligations. We encourage anyone with questions or feedback to reach out to us.”
The EIA report for the Rarotonga International Airport RESA Program is available on the NES website (www.environment.gov.ck) for public viewing. A hard copy can also be viewed at the NES office in Tupapa during normal business hours.
Members of the public who wish to submit feedback on the EIA Permit Application may do so in writing to NES by Tuesday 27 January 2026. Submissions are welcome in both Cook Islands Māori and English.
Please send your submissions via email to nes@cookislands.gov.ck or deliver them to:
Director
National Environment Service
PO Box 371
Avarua, Rarotonga
Cook Islands
