From 1 to 2 September 2026, the National Environment Service (NES) hosted Good Practices in Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning (GPR) Training at the Cook Islands Tertiary Training Institute (CITTI). Participants came from Atiu, Mauke, Mitiaro and Mangaia, alongside staff from Edgewater Resort & Spa, representing government, business and essential service sectors that use or support refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment.
The training focused on strengthening the knowledge and practical skills of workers involved in operating, maintaining and servicing refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) systems. These systems play an important role across businesses, government services and essential services, making safe and environmentally responsible practices an important part of their operation and maintenance.
The training supports the Cook Islands’ obligations under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and national efforts to better manage controlled refrigerants. Participants covered good practices in refrigerant recovery, evacuation, charging, leak detection, servicing and maintenance, with a focus on reducing refrigerant emissions and preventing the release of substances that contribute to ozone depletion and climate change.
A strong practical component allowed participants to apply classroom learning to real RAC equipment and scenarios. Pa Enua participants focused more heavily on refrigeration systems, particularly fridges and freezers, which are widely used across the islands. They also discussed common challenges experienced when maintaining and servicing this equipment in their home islands.
Participants also visited CITC Supermarket to see commercial refrigeration systems in operation and gain a better understanding of how refrigeration is managed in a large-scale business environment.
Staff from Edgewater Resort & Spa focused more closely on air-conditioning systems, reflecting the equipment and issues they regularly work with across the resort. This provided an opportunity to work through practical scenarios relevant to their daily operations.
By building practical skills and strengthening good RAC practices, the training supports safer refrigerant management and the Cook Islands’ continued commitments under the Montreal Protocol.
