The National Environment Service (NES) advises that the Suwarrow Rangers remain on Rarotonga while awaiting the availability of a vessel to transport them to Suwarrow National Park for the upcoming park season.
Current Ranger Johnnie Tangaroa and newly appointed Assistant Ranger Teokotai Terei have successfully completed training with border control agencies and are scheduled to undergo further biosecurity training focused on fruit fly and ant surveys specific to Suwarrow.
The Rangers are currently in the final stages of preparation for deployment.
This training is aimed at strengthening biosecurity awareness, border procedures, and compliance requirements to support the protection of Suwarrow’s unique and fragile environment. These skills are critical in ensuring the Rangers are well equipped to manage visitor access, monitor activities within the park, and help prevent the introduction of invasive species.
In the meantime, Suwarrow National Park will remain closed until the Rangers are deployed and operations are fully established. Yachties currently navigating Cook Islands waters are encouraged to make alternative travel arrangements until further notice.
The NES will continue to keep the public informed through its official social media platforms and will advise once the park reopens and access is permitted.
RELATED: Updated Rules for Suwarrow National Park, which came into effect on 9 June.
