
Suwarrow Rangers begin 2026 deployment
Image: Park Ranger Johnnie Tangaroa and Assistant Ranger Teokotai Terei farewell family members before departing for Suwarrow.
The Rarotonga Environment Act 1994/95 was repealed by the Environment Act 2003 formalising the establishment of the NES.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.

Image: Park Ranger Johnnie Tangaroa and Assistant Ranger Teokotai Terei farewell family members before departing for Suwarrow.

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

A key outcome was the capture of high-resolution imagery of African tulip tree sites, which will support future eradication efforts and strengthen ecosystem restoration across

In line with regulatory requirements, the EIA will enter a 30-day public review period commencing on 26 June 2026 and closing on 26 July 2026.

Updated rules for Suwarrow National Park came into effect on 9 June 2026, strengthening environmental protections, visitor requirements, and biosecurity measures to support the long-term

This work highlights the value of strong collaboration between the NES and the MOA

The week reinforced the value of BioBlitz-style activities as a practical and enjoyable way to build skills, strengthen partnerships, and improve biodiversity coverage across the

Since the consultancies were signed, steady progress has been made, and we are looking forward to the work ahead.

With the return of the Suwarrow Rangers, Suwarrow will remain closed till June 2026.

Suwarrow Park Ranger, Johnnie Tangaroa will lead the team and will be accompanied by Assistant Park Ranger, Tracey Terei, and Karen Silk, who has been