The Rarotonga Environment Act 1994/95 was repealed by the Environment Act 2003 formalising the establishment of the NES.
The role of the National Environment Services is based on 5 main areas and has four main departments.
There is a suite of policies, strategies and plans developed over the years to enable environmental protection, conservation and management.
Our cultural identify is deeply rooted in our environment and it is part of our heritage and legacy.
An Environment Consent is a permission granted to an applicant undertaking an activity that has some but not significant environment impact.
A permission required for the construction of a standard residential dwelling or non-construction purposes such as land clearance.
A management tool used to identify the environmental, social and economic impacts of a project prior to decision making.
Any person planning to take any wild animal or plant overseas must apply for a permit for trade movement of endangered species (CITES).
All importers of bulk HFC goods must register as an approved importer with NES.
Other permits issued by NES relates to the transboundary movement of waste, ozone depletion substances and wildlife.
Biodiversity plans are important documents to manage and determine the state of our natural environment.
Protecting species, habitats, ecosystem, and protecting biological diversity.
Activities to protect, maintain, or restore the quality of environmental media.
Historical milestone for conservation in the Cook Islands
The Environment Act 2003 is the primary legislation applied throughout the Cook Islands and the Outer Islands (Pa Enua) of Aitutaki, Atiu, Mauke and Mitiaro.
Several subsidiary legislations made under the Environment Act 2003 to apply provisions of the Act and to also include the Pa Enua.
Numerous national legislations interlinked with the environment but administered by other government entities.
The study examined current plastic waste volumes, infrastructure, operational requirements, environmental and financial considerations, and potential recycling markets to determine the most suitable long-term management
The initiative delivered outstanding results, with NES reducing office waste by around 50%, significantly reducing single-use cups and containers, improving waste separation and recycling systems,
Throughout the day, students took part in a range of engaging environmental activities that promoted sustainable living, creativity and environmental leadership.
TOAAA President Tai George said the initiative is helping preserve traditional knowledge while inspiring young people to become environmental guardians. “This project is about carving
The project not only improved the local environment but also created opportunities for students to develop practical skills in data collection, recycling, environmental monitoring, teamwork,
Together, students collected more than 180 kilograms of waste and sorted over 2,300 pieces of rubbish.
The initiative has encouraged ongoing youth-led environmental action and strengthened partnerships between schools, community groups, and conservation efforts across Aitutaki.
The National Action Plan will provide a coordinated national framework to help reduce plastic pollution across the Cook Islands through practical, realistic, and achievable actions.
The next steps involve collating all feedback received during the consultations and preparing a draft IEMP. This draft will then be shared back with the
Over a three-week audit period, the NES office generated 41.43kg of waste
