The Island Invasives 2026 conference, held at the University of Auckland, brought together experts from around the world to share knowledge and solutions for managing invasive species on islands. For the Cook Islands team, this was a chance to connect global lessons to local action. Terena Koteka-Wiki and Keith Twyford attended on behalf of Project ENUA, ensuring that what they learned could be applied directly to upcoming biosecurity and eradication programs across our islands.
The conference covered a wide range of species and challenges, from rats and cats to invasive ants, weeds, and mice. Presentations on complete eradication, risk mitigation, and ongoing management were directly relevant to work already underway in the Cook Islands, including upcoming rat management and eradication efforts at Suwarrow, Takutea, and Manuae, as well as targeted control programs on Rarotonga’s peaks, cloud forests, and TCA areas. Case studies from Palmerston Atoll and Takutea, presented by experts like Em Oyston and Kelvin Passfield, offered practical insights into how community engagement, co-design, and careful planning make eradication projects successful.
Attendance also provided a unique opportunity to meet and network with key partners such as Island Conservation, BirdLife International, SPREP, and the NZ Department of Conservation. These connections are invaluable for sharing knowledge, building partnerships, and strengthening collaboration across agencies in the Cook Islands. Beyond the technical insights, the conference offered inspiration for Project ENUA, highlighting the importance of integrating science, operational planning, and community involvement to achieve long-term biosecurity outcomes.
By attending Island Invasives 2026, the NES were able to bring back not just information, but actionable lessons for the Cook Islands. The knowledge gained will directly support planning and implementation of local invasive species initiatives, reinforce the role of community in project success, and enhance collaboration with other agencies, ensuring that the Cook Islands continues to lead in practical and sustainable island restoration work.
