Cook Islands Completes Landmark Crop Pest Survey To Strengthen Trade And Plant Health
The survey, carried out from14-25 July 2025 in Aitutaki and Rarotonga, was led by the Cook Islands' Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU), Australia's Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy (NAQS), New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and Lincoln University. It forms a key part of the Cook Islands' commitment under PACER Plus to improve its plant health systems and support safe, sustainable trade.
'Keeping our agricultural borders strong for potential export opportunities requires good data,' said Ms. Temarama Anguna-Kamana, Head of the Ministry of Agriculture. This survey provides exactly that, an up-to-date understanding of the pest and disease risks facing our crops, and a stronger foundation for trade.'
The fieldwork involved targeted surveillance of key crops and entry pathways across Aitutaki and Rarotonga, followed by in-country diagnostic training for Ministry staff. Samples collected were analysed in-country and further tested in DAFF's specialised laboratories in Australia. This dual-track approach not only ensured scientific rigour but also built long-term diagnostic capacity within the Ministry.
Mr. Alipate Tavo, Trade Adviser at the PACER Plus Implementation Unit, said the plant health surveillance demonstrates how to facilitate international trade while protecting plant life or health in the PACER Plus territories.
'Cook Islands is showing leadership by investing in the systems that matter such as biosecurity, pest reporting, and diagnostics,' he said. 'We're pleased to support this work because plant health isn't just a technical issue. It's about growing exports, protecting livelihoods, and ensuring farmers can reach new markets with confidence.'
The activity included the procurement of specialised traps, lures, and field kits from Australia, and hands-on training for Cook Islands agricultural officers in data collection and pest identification. Survey results will be used to update the Pacific Pest List Database and meet reporting obligations under the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).
By providing an updated pest status, the survey sets the stage for more accurate pest risk assessments, improved biosecurity planning, and strengthened trade access for Cook Islands-grown produce, particularly in regional and international markets.
A final report capturing the survey's findings and recommendations will be submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture and the PACER Plus Implementation Unit in August 2025.
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Scoop
25-07-2025
- Scoop
Cook Islands Completes Landmark Crop Pest Survey To Strengthen Trade And Plant Health
RAROTONGA, Cook Islands – The Cook Islands has successfully completed a national crop pest survey, its first in years, as part of a push to protect local agriculture and strengthen trade opportunities in the region and beyond. The survey, carried out from14-25 July 2025 in Aitutaki and Rarotonga, was led by the Cook Islands' Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU), Australia's Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy (NAQS), New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and Lincoln University. It forms a key part of the Cook Islands' commitment under PACER Plus to improve its plant health systems and support safe, sustainable trade. 'Keeping our agricultural borders strong for potential export opportunities requires good data,' said Ms. Temarama Anguna-Kamana, Head of the Ministry of Agriculture. This survey provides exactly that, an up-to-date understanding of the pest and disease risks facing our crops, and a stronger foundation for trade.' The fieldwork involved targeted surveillance of key crops and entry pathways across Aitutaki and Rarotonga, followed by in-country diagnostic training for Ministry staff. Samples collected were analysed in-country and further tested in DAFF's specialised laboratories in Australia. This dual-track approach not only ensured scientific rigour but also built long-term diagnostic capacity within the Ministry. Mr. Alipate Tavo, Trade Adviser at the PACER Plus Implementation Unit, said the plant health surveillance demonstrates how to facilitate international trade while protecting plant life or health in the PACER Plus territories. 'Cook Islands is showing leadership by investing in the systems that matter such as biosecurity, pest reporting, and diagnostics,' he said. 'We're pleased to support this work because plant health isn't just a technical issue. It's about growing exports, protecting livelihoods, and ensuring farmers can reach new markets with confidence.' The activity included the procurement of specialised traps, lures, and field kits from Australia, and hands-on training for Cook Islands agricultural officers in data collection and pest identification. Survey results will be used to update the Pacific Pest List Database and meet reporting obligations under the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). By providing an updated pest status, the survey sets the stage for more accurate pest risk assessments, improved biosecurity planning, and strengthened trade access for Cook Islands-grown produce, particularly in regional and international markets. A final report capturing the survey's findings and recommendations will be submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture and the PACER Plus Implementation Unit in August 2025.
RNZ News
08-07-2025
- RNZ News
Cook Islands government to consider increasing sugary drinks, alcohol tax proposal
By Losirene Lacanivalu , Cook Islands News Photo: 123RF The proposal to increase taxes on sugary drinks and alcohol will be considered by the Cook Islands Cabinet this month as the Health Ministry ramps up efforts to tackle rising chronic health problems in the country. A draft gazette listing categories of unhealthy products and drinks in the Cook Islands that will face increased taxation has been finalised, according to Health Ministry secretary Bob Williams. The proposed taxes on sugary drinks and alcohol products are aimed at helping combat the increasing cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which are affecting over 50 percent of the country's resident population. Following a weeklong consultation on Rarotonga held last month, the Health Ministry has recommended increasing the tariff on sugary drinks and alcohol, and restricting any form of advertising or marketing. These recommendations will be submitted to the Cabinet for endorsement. According to Williams, the endorsement of the Executive Council, which consists of the Cabinet and the King's Representative, would be required to bring the gazette into effect. The Ministry is proposing the recommendations, once endorsed, to come into effect in "six months to allow retailers sufficient time to comply with the marketing restrictions as per the gazette". According to a situation analysis report compiled by Dr Rob Beaglehole, a public health specialist who conducted a comprehensive review of the Cook Islands' NCDs legislation, policies and actions, there are no restrictions on advertising, marketing or sponsorship of sugary drinks. Outside most dairies and petrol stations are signs and flags displaying the logo of a major foreign sugary drink company, the report stated. Cook Islands already has a tax on sugary drinks. The 2017 Tariff Schedule includes an excise tax on "waters, including mineral waters and aerated waters, containing added sugar or other sweetening matter or flavoured, and other non-alcoholic beverages, not including fruit or vegetable juices". The current tariff is $9.37 per kg of sugar. "For example, a small 330ml can of soft drink containing 10.6gms of sugar per 100ml contains 35gms of sugar which would amount to a tariff of 33 cents. A 1.25l of soft drink containing 132gms of sugar would have a Tariff of $1.24." It was recommended that the 2017 Tariff Schedule 22 be amended and the excise tax on sugary drinks increased by 100 per cent to $18.74 per kg of sugar. TMO has also recommended taxing all artificially sweetened beverage and fruit juices at the same rate and to restrict all forms of advertising, marketing and sponsorship. The Ministry further recommended that there be a mandate on the creation, adoption and enforcement of a single "gold standard" nationwide "Healthy Food and Drink Policy" for all early childhood educations (ECEs), schools and learning institutions, ensuring that it contains a water and nu drink only section. The report stated that these top three recommendations should be prioritised and adopted urgently, "ideally by the end of 2025". Dr Beaglehole stated that his review of the consultations revealed overwhelming public support for the government to instigate an increase in tariff measures. "Politicians need to realise that they've got the support of the public. Because the public knows that, there are massive problems with NCDs. And this taxation tariff is helping reduce consumption." Dr Beaglehole said that some of the tariff could be diverted to TMO to treat NCD cases. Cook Islands' proposed increase in sugar and alcohol taxes aligns with the World Health Organization's strategy of raising US$1 trillion by 2035 through health taxes. According to Reuters, the World Health Organization is pushing countries to raise the prices of sugary drinks, alcohol and tobacco by 50 per cent over the next 10 years through taxation, its strongest backing yet for taxes to help tackle chronic public health problems. The United Nations health agency said the move would help cut consumption of the products, which contribute to diseases like diabetes and some cancers, as well as raising money at a time when development aid is shrinking and public debt rising. Cook Islands Cabinet has already approved a significant increase in tobacco tax - NZ$125.50 per 1000 cigarettes or kilogram of tobacco annually for the next three years. In Parliament last month, while debating the TMO budget allocation of $23,400,162, Opposition MP Robert Heather made a plea to the public to "wake up, wake up, wake up!". Heather highlighted the significant increase in funding for the NCD programme, from $100,000 in the last budget to $295,000 this year. "I fully support the proposed taxation on fizzy drinks by the Ministry of Health. I will not elaborate on alcohol and tobacco, as I believe we are responsible for our children for the first 18 years of their lives, nurturing them until they become adults," the United Pary MP said. "We do not feed them alcohol or tobacco, but once they turn 18, they make their own choices." Heather said that the pressing issue people are facing today revolves around the sweets given to children. "When our babies cry, we often soothe them with candy, which has become a part of our lifestyle. We must ask ourselves: who is creating this problem? It is us, the parents. "For instance, we plant coconut trees, and after eight years, they begin to bear fruit. I believe that in this House, we have given our newborns coconut juice. However, this custom is fading, as we often opt for convenience by purchasing ready-made products from stores, forgetting our traditional practices. "This is a reminder that the issue at hand is not solely the responsibility of the Ministry of Health, it is a collective concern we all share. Perhaps we can start making changes in this House, let's choose arrowroot over banana cake, for instance." Opposition leader Tina Browne said that regardless of the price raise for soft drinks, parents are still responsible for the decision of whether to purchase them or not. Browne said that it was unfortunate that many parents will continue to buy drinks, even if they become more expensive. Health Minister Rose Toki-Brown said that non-communicable diseases are one of the primary areas of health expenditure. Toki-Brown said that she believed the MPs all agreed on the necessity of raising taxes on sugary drinks, alcohol and tobacco, "as these products pose a significant threat to public health". She said in 2019 they implemented a policy requiring that only water and coconut drinks be served at major Ministry of Health events, prohibiting sugary or alcoholic beverages. "It has come to light that eliminating sugary and alcoholic drinks has resulted in a surplus of funds for both the WHO and our Ministry of Health in the Cook Islands, which have been redirected towards more beneficial health initiatives. "While there is an appropriation for NCDs, the allocated funds are insufficient, which is why I urge that increased taxation on sugary beverages and alcohol be used to allocate more funds specifically for NCDs." - Cook Islands News
RNZ News
30-06-2025
- RNZ News
Cook Islands Cabinet approves significant increase in tobacco tax
By Losirene Lacanivalu , Cook Islands News According to Cook Islands' 2022 STEPS survey, 35.5 percent of adults aged 25-64 are current smokers. Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King Cook Islands Cabinet has approved a significant increase in tobacco tax, aiming to reduce smoking rates and combat non-communicable diseases. The Cabinet has recently approved the initiative set by Ministry of Health to increase the tobacco tax by NZ$125.50 per 1000 cigarettes or kilogram of tobacco annually for the next three years. Additionally, a five percent increase has been approved for each subsequent year. The tax increase will come into effect after the proposal is tabled and passed in parliament, according to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management. The new tobacco taxation represents a 30 percent increase in the average price of a pack of 20 cigarettes over the first three years, raising the price from NZ$26.88 to NZ$35.54 by July 2027, says TMO. According to modelling estimates by the World Health Organisation (WHO), this tax is also anticipated to lower the smoking rate from 34.50 per cent to 33.4 per cent. According to Cook Islands' 2022 STEPS survey, 35.5 percent of adults aged 25-64 are current smokers. Smoking is more prevalent among younger men aged 18-44 (44 per cent) compared to older men aged 45-69 (26.2 per cent). TMO states that although the overall number of tobacco users in the Cook Islands has decreased over the years, young people are alarmingly initiating tobacco use at an earlier age, from an average of 19.7 years in 2015 to 17.8 years in 2022. It adds that tobacco use is one of the leading risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. "By making tobacco products less affordable, we aim to decrease tobacco use and its associated health risks, towards a healthier, smoke-free Cook Islands," Minister for Health Vainetutai Rose Toki-Brown said. However, prominent Cook Islander Mike Tavioni begs to differ, arguing that if the government, through the Ministry of Health, doesn't see the tax increase as profitable, then it should stop importing tobacco altogether. "On the left hand, the government agrees for the importation of cigarettes. And then on the right hand, the government through health says, don't smoke." Tavioni believes if the source - the importation of tobacco - is eliminated, people will be less likely to smoke. "Hypothetically, if the price of cigarettes from the factory is $5, so the government is making, what, 600% profit, right? Therefore, 200% goes to making sure the people with cancer are comfortable. The other 400% is for the government budget," he argued. "If it's not profitable to the government, why don't the government just wipe it? Why don't the government just say no more?" Tavioni says the government should consider increasing the tax on sugary drinks such as Coca-Cola to tackle NCDs. "The cigarette is just profit-making for the government. So if the government is convinced that it's bad for its people, then stop importing it. But they won't … Because it's lucrative, profitable for government, they allow it to be imported." A Cook Islander, who wished to remain anonymous, welcomed Cabinet's decision to increase the tobacco tax. The person believes it is a positive step that will lead to fewer smokers and benefit non-smokers as well. As a passive smoker, the person feels they are exposed to even more harmful chemicals when around smokers, putting them at greater risk of health issues. According to TMO, to address the significant burden of NCDs and tobacco use in the country, the Cook Islands has implemented strong policies and plans, including the Cook Islands Tobacco Control Action Plan 2023-2031 and the Tobacco Products Control Amendment Act 2024. The increase in tobacco taxation is a key component of the Tobacco Products Control Action Plan, says TMO. Minister Toki-Brown thanked the Cabinet Ministers for prioritising health, "through the approval of these tobacco taxation reforms". "I also thank Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health for its commitment to a better and heathier future for our children and people, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management and WHO for their close collaboration." The Cook Islands has been a party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) since 2004. Because of the Cook Islands' strong tobacco control measures, they were awarded the World No Tobacco Day Award 2025 by WHO last May 2025. Health Secretary Bob Williams accepted the award on behalf of Te Marae Ora from WHO's Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus on 19 May at the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. "We congratulate the Cook Islands on their decision to increase tobacco taxes and their overall robust and comprehensive measures in tobacco control. Indeed, the World No Tobacco Day Award is well-deserved," said Lepaitai Hansell Blanche, officer-in-charge of the WHO Representative Office for Samoa, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau. "The Cook Islands' efforts set a strong example for the rest of the region to follow. We urge other Pacific nations to adopt similar measures and work together towards achieving tobacco- and nicotine-free islands." -This article was first published by Cook Islands News .
