This is the second in a series of opinion pieces covering the Cook Islands development journey. Written by Financial Secretary, Garth Henderson. As we mark 60 years of self-governance, we also mark a critical economic shift, from transition to transformation. Transition was our response to crisis. When COVID-19 brought global tourism to a halt, the…
Understanding the nature and practice of free-association as we reflect on our development journey – By Hon. Mark Brown, Prime Minister of the Cook Islands This is the first in a series of opinion pieces covering the Cook Islands development journey. Future editions will invite contributions from subject matter experts and examine the Cook Islands socio-economic development,…
The Office of the Prime Minister is proud to announce the establishment of Te Tango Raumaire o Avaiki: The Cook Islands National Awards, an historic milestone to recognise and honour outstanding service, leadership, and achievement across all sectors of Cook Islands society. The Te Tango Raumaire o Avaiki Act, introduced by Prime Minister Mark Brown,…
The Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, Hon. Mark Brown, today reaffirmed the nation’s sovereign right to engage internationally in accordance with its Constitution and national interests, following recent public discussions surrounding Cook Islands’ bilateral agreements and development partnerships. In an address to Parliament, the Prime Minister emphasised that while the Cook Islands remains in…
Prime Minister Mark Brown has announced the Cook Islands’ intention to establish Ra’ui To’ora, a Dynamic Ocean Protection Zone for whales, a Pacific-led innovation grounded in Indigenous stewardship and cutting-edge marine science. Unveiled at the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC), Ra’ui To’ora will provide seasonal protection for the endangered Oceania sub-population of humpback whales as…
Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, the Honourable Mark Brown, attended the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) earlier this week at the invitation of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, reaffirming the Cook Islands’ leadership in sustainable ocean governance and blue economic development. Held on the margins of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC),…
United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC), Cook Islands National Statement delivered by Prime Minister Mark Brown As a proud Large Ocean State, the Cook Islands brings a clear message: Let those who call the Ocean home be trusted to lead its protection. The Ocean is not what separates our islands—it is what connects, defines, and sustains…
The Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, the Honourable Mark Brown, is attending the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) this week in Nice, France, affirming the country’s leadership in ocean governance, innovation, and regional cooperation. The Cook Islands delegation includes senior officials from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Ministry of Foreign Affairs…
Prime Minister Mark Brown has concluded a constructive and forward-looking meeting with Australia’s Minister for International Development and Pacific Island Affairs, Hon. Pat Conroy MP, building on recent dialogue including a phone call between Minister Conroy and Cook Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Tingika Elikana, last week. Held in Sydney, the bilateral engagement reaffirmed…
The Government of the Cook Islands is proud to acknowledge the significant advancements made by Emergency Management Cook Islands (EMCI) of the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) in strengthening disaster resilience through the successful completion of a series of comprehensive field missions to the Pa Enua, concluding most recently in Aitutaki, and the international…