NES teams up with e-waste solution partner Blue Orca

The Cook Islands National Environment Service (NES) is happy to share that we are teaming up with Blue Orca NZ Limited to help us continue to deliver waste solutions to the Cook Islands. Blue Orca is an environmental business consultancy and independent solutions provider that works with businesses to expand their eco conscious and environmental outcomes, building future focus and compliance. 
NES and Blue Orca have formally partnered to advance sustainable electronic waste (e-waste) management in the Cook Islands. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed, outlining the “Environmental Takeback Programme” that both parties will collaborate on together. This initiative aims to expand upon existing efforts and ensure responsible disposal of e-waste in the Cook Islands.

Samsung NZ are the sponsor behind Blue Orca’s support to the Cook Islands, which will kick off with collecting and exporting a container of e-waste from Aitutaki later this year. This is being facilitated by local private sector partner Cook Islands General Transport (CIGT), and complements other existing programmes, plans and efforts led by the NES, such as the successful “Tita ki te Tita kore” programme, which removed over 50 containers and 286,000 kilograms of e-waste from Rarotonga last year. The partnership also aligns with the upcoming “ISLANDS” project, which aims to address e-waste in the Pa Enua.

NES greatly appreciates the support and collaboration from Blue Orca, Samsung and CIGT as this innovative partnership approach aligns perfectly with our mandate to protect, manage and conserve the natural beauty of the Cook Islands. We are confident that this partnership will lead to tangible results for our communities and our environment, and is a fantastic step towards building a sustainable future that prioritizes our planet and its resources. 

Further information on the planned Aitutaki e-waste collection and other waste programmes will be advertised in due course.