The National Environment Service (NES) is proud to celebrate the academic achievements of Halatoa Fua, Benjamin Maxwell and Tekura Moeka’a, who have successfully completed the Master of Environmental Management and Sustainability at the University of Newcastle, Australia.
The University of Newcastle’s Master of Environmental Management and Sustainability combines interdisciplinary study across environmental management, sustainability, climate change, environmental impact assessment, business management and spatial science. The programme is designed for experienced professionals seeking to lead environmental solutions within government, industry, and the community.
Director Halatoa Fua said the achievement represents more than individual success—it is an investment in the future of environmental governance in the Cook Islands. Mr Fua notes that “as a small island developing state, our greatest asset is the capability of our people.” Mr Fua added that the knowledge gained through the programme will directly support the implementation of national priorities, including the Cook Islands’ commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals, recognising synergies across the Rio Conventions, the INC Plastics Negotiations and the country’s long-term environmental stewardship agenda.
Benjamin Maxwell, Senior Environmental Compliance Officer, said the programme provided valuable tools like Geospatial Information Systems for integrating scientific knowledge with practical management. Mr Maxwell expressed, “the programme challenged me to think strategically about how environmental science can better inform on-the-ground management especially from a compliance lens”
Tekura Moeka’a, Manager Environmental Policy and Planning, highlighted the importance of continuous learning within the public service. Ms. Moeka’a impresses that “building expertise in country is essential. It strengthens our capacity to design environmental policies and work collaboratively with communities and regional partners to deliver better environmental outcomes.”
NES congratulates Halatoa Fua, Benjamin Maxwell, and Tekura Moeka’a on this significant achievement and acknowledges their dedication to lifelong learning and public service. This milestone reflects NES’s ongoing commitment to strengthening professional capability and investing in the leadership needed to safeguard the Cook Islands’ environment and support the Cook Islands’ sustainable development aspirations.
