The National Environment Service (NES) today conducted a site visit to Pacific Resort Rarotonga, where 10 NES staff members were welcomed by Ani Thompson, Chief Operating Officer of the Pacific Resort Hotel Group (PRHG) and her team.
During the tour, Ani shared the resort group’s sustainability journey and highlighted the environmental initiatives that have been progressively implemented over the past decade.
Guided by the Cook Islands principle of Mana Tiaki, Pacific Resort Rarotonga continues to demonstrate how sustainable tourism can support environmental protection, cultural preservation, and community wellbeing. The visit provided valuable insights into practical actions that have helped reduce waste, improve resource efficiency, and minimise the resort’s environmental footprint.
Over the years, Pacific Resort has successfully reduced landfill waste by more than 50 per cent through improved recycling systems and operational practices while eliminating many single-use plastic items throughout its operations. Initiatives such as refillable guest amenities, UV-treated drinking water stations, and the removal of single-use plastic water bottles demonstrate how businesses can reduce unnecessary plastic consumption without compromising visitor experience. These actions align strongly with the objectives of both the Pacific Ocean Litter Project (POLP) and the RESPONSE Project.
The resort also plays an active role in protecting Cook Islands coastal and marine environments through regular beach clean-ups, partnerships with community environmental groups, and by encouraging guests to use reef-safe sunscreen to help protect the surrounding lagoon ecosystem.
Through the RESPONSE Project, NES is working with the tourism and food and beverage sectors to identify and pilot practical alternatives to single-use plastics through initiatives such as the upcoming Plastic Smart programme. The project seeks to reduce plastics entering the Cook Islands while supporting innovative circular economy solutions and local alternatives.
The Pacific Ocean Litter Project complements these efforts by supporting Pacific Island countries to reduce plastic pollution, strengthen waste management systems, and develop practical solutions that prevent litter from entering the marine environment.
Hayley Weeks, Manager Environmental Partnerships, National Environment Service, said, “Pacific Resort Rarotonga demonstrates what environmental leadership looks like in practice. Their long-term commitment to reducing waste, eliminating single-use plastics, protecting marine ecosystems, and investing in staff awareness aligns strongly with the objectives of both the RESPONSE Project and the Pacific Ocean Litter Project. The tourism sector is a key partner in achieving the Cook Islands’ Zero Waste by 2045 vision, and Pacific Resort is leading by example through practical and measurable actions that can inspire businesses across the country.”
The visit highlighted the important role that businesses can play in reducing plastic pollution and protecting the natural environment. Pacific Resort Rarotonga’s achievements demonstrate that sustainability is not achieved through a single initiative, but through a long-term commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and environmental responsibility. Their efforts provide a valuable example for other tourism operators as the Cook Islands works towards its national goal of Zero Waste by 2045 and a more resilient circular economy.
