Latest news with #CookIslandsNews
RNZ News
05-05-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Cook Islands environment group calls on govt to speak out against US Trump's deep seabed mining order
By Losirene Lacanivalu , Cook Islands News Hundreds of people peacefully rallied at sea in Rarotonga to protect the ocean from seabed activities in August 2024. Photo: Supplied / Ocean Ancestors Cook Islands' leading environmental lobby group is hoping that the Cook Islands government will speak out against the recent executive order from United States President Donald Trump aimed at fast-tracking seabed mining. Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) says the arrogance of US president Trump to think that he can break international law by authorising deep seabed mining in international waters is "astounding", and an action of a "bully." Trump signed the Unleashing America's offshore critical minerals and resources order late last month, directing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to allow permitting for deep sea mining. The order states, "It is the policy of the US to advance United States leadership in seabed mineral development." NOAA has been directed to, within 60 days, "expedite the process for reviewing and issuing seabed mineral exploration licenses and commercial recovery permits in areas beyond national jurisdiction under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act." It directs the US science and environmental agency to expedite permits for companies to mine the ocean floor in the US and international waters. In addition, a Canadian mining company - The Metals Company has indicated that they have applied for a permit from Trump's administration to start commercially mining in international waters. The mining company had been unsuccessful in gaining a commercial mining licence through the International Seabed Authority (ISA). Te Ipukarea Society's technical director Kelvin Passfield told Cook Islands News , "The arrogance of Donald Trump to think that he can break international law by authorising deep seabed mining in international waters is astounding. "The United States cannot pick and choose which aspects of the United Nations Law of the Sea it will follow, and which ones it will ignore. This is the action of a bully." "It is reckless and completely dismissive of the international rule of law. At the moment we have 169 countries, plus the European Union, all recognising international law under the International Seabed Authority. "For one country to start making new international rules for themselves is a dangerous notion, especially if it leads to other States thinking they too can also breach international law with no consequences," he said. TIS president June Hosking says that the fact that a part of the Pacific (CCZ) was carved up and shared between nations all over the world is yet another example of 'blatantly disregarding or overriding indigenous rights'. "I can understand why something had to be done to protect the high seas from rogues having a 'free for all', but it should have been Pacific indigenous and first nations groups, within and bordering the Pacific, who decided what happened to the high seas. "That's the first nations groups, not for example, the USA as it is today." President Trump signs a proclamation in the Oval Office at the White House on 17 April 2025 in Washington. Photo: AFP / Win MCNAMEE Hosking highlighted that at the March International Seabed Authority (ISA) assembly that she attended it was obvious that South American countries are worried. "Many have called for a moratorium. Portugal rightly pointed out that we were all there, at great cost, just for a commercial activity. The delegate said, 'We must ask ourselves how does this really benefit all of humankind?' Looking at The Metals Company's interests to commercially mine in international waters, Hosking said, "I couldn't help being annoyed that all this talk assumes mining will happen. "ISA was formed at a time when things were assumed about the deep sea e.g. it's just a desert down there, nothing was known for sure, we didn't speak of climate crisis, waste crisis and other crises now evident. "The ISA mandate is 'to ensure the effective protection of the marine environment from the harmful effects that may arise from deep seabed related activities. "We know much more (but still not enough) to consider that effective protection of the marine environment may require it to be declared a 'no go zone', to be left untouched for the good of humankind," she added. Meanwhile, technical director Passfield also added, "The audacity of The Metals Company (TMC) to think they can flaunt international law in order to get an illegal mining licence from the United States to start seabed mining in international waters is a sad reflection of the morality of Gerard Barron and others in charge of TMC. "If the USA is allowed to authorise mining in international waters under a domestic US law, what is stopping any other country in the world from enacting legislation and doing the same? He said that while the Metals Company may be frustrated at the amount of time that the International Seabed Authority is taking to finalise mining rules for deep seabed mining, "we are sure they fully understand that this is for good reason. The potentially disastrous impacts of mining our deep ocean seabed need to be better understood, and this takes time." He said that technology and infrastructure to mine is not in place yet. "We need to take as much time as we need to ensure that if mining proceeds, it does not cause serious damage to our ocean. Their attempts to rush the process are selfish, greedy, and driven purely by a desire to profit at any cost to the environment. "We hope that the Cook Islands Government speaks out against this abuse of international law by the United States." Cook Islands News has reached out to the Office of the Prime Minister and Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) for comment.
RNZ News
01-05-2025
- General
- RNZ News
Palmerston Island in the Cook Islands facing critical power shortage
By Melina Etches , Cook Islands News The solar power station on Palmerston Island. Photo: Cook Islands / Stella Neale Palmerston Island is currently facing a critical power shortage due to the failure of its ageing diesel generator. The generator has long needed repairs beyond the capabilities of local administration staff. The generator is no longer operational, leaving the community entirely dependent on solar power-an insufficient solution for the island's energy needs. In response, residents are required to adopt strict power-saving measures to maintain a minimal electricity supply. The isolated island has been running on intermittent solar power since 19 April due to the generator not putting out the correct voltage (240 volts). Palmerston's Executive Officer (EO), Stella Neale says the solar energy system is shut down from 7pm - 7am to ensure that there is enough capacity in the battery banks to provide power supply to the island. Homeowners have been asked to turn off all their freezers before 7am to minimise overloading the system when the power supply is switched back on. A diesel generator is required to support the charge of solar batteries if there has not been enough sunlight hours or demand is greater than usual. "We are at a point where we are unable to keep the generator running at all because of faulty parts," said Neale, "we have been waiting since last year in July/August." Because of the isolation of the island - the only access is by sea; the huge issue is transportation. Due to irregular shipping schedules and limited berth availability, the parts for the generator and a mechanic have not been able to reach Palmerston. With limited berth, space available on the next scheduled shipping vessel MV Taunga Nui - the only vessel that ships from Rarotonga to Palmerston, the arrival of both the necessary technician and equipment remains uncertain. Neale is hoping for a last-minute solution that would allow the mechanic to travel to Palmerston and restore the island's power infrastructure. She said the generator supplements the solar energy when necessary. Yesterday (Monday), Neale said so far they have had no problems with the intermittent power supply. However, she is hopeful that this is only a short-term solution. "In the meantime, we carry on resolutely with prayers for sunny days and the goodwill of those angels who can make miracles happen," she said. Te Koutu Mana Tutara O Te Ipukarea Pa Enua Governance Officer at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Mata Takioa says, the heavy machinery parts for the generator are at Avatiu wharf. Most of the spare parts have been sourced from the mechanic's workshop, additional or specialised parts are procured from overseas suppliers as needed. Takioa says these parts will be shipped on the next available vessel, MV Taunga Nui, on its scheduled voyage to Palmerston next month on May 21. According to Takioa, at this stage, the passenger capacity on MV Taunga Nui has been fully allocated for its May voyage. "As a result, the Pa Enua Mechanical Overseer (mechanic) does not have a confirmed booking on this trip, however, we will continue to hold in case a berth opens up," she said, also confirming that the parts required for the generator will be shipped on this voyage. Installing the parts will require the support of the Island Administration staff with the mechanic providing remote assistance as needed, she added. "OPM is actively exploring alternative options to deploy the mechanic to Palmerston as soon as practical while ensuring all relevant regulations are followed. In the meantime, we remain committed to supporting the people of Palmerston in every way possible," Takioa said. Palmerston Island first received solar power on February 15, 2015, as part of the "Uira Natura O te Pae Tokerau" project. The new solar energy system officially became operational on February 21, 2015. To maintain battery charge and ensure the system functions properly, daily use of a diesel generator is still required. The continuous power supply is essential, as the island's fishermen rely on freezers to store their catches before shipping them to Rarotonga. The last ship left Palmerston on 3 March 2025. - Cook Islands News
RNZ News
28-04-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
Cook Islands: Mitiaro, Atiu, Mangaia and Mauke to be declared smoke-free islands
By Teitimoana Tairi , Cook Islands News Aerial view of Mauke island. Photo: RNZ Mitiaro, Atiu, Mangaia, and Mauke islands in the Cook Islands will officially be declared smoke-free starting 31 May. Cook Islands Health Ministry (Te Marae Ora) will launch a smoke-free campaign next month for these four outer islands, marking their declaration as smoke-free. According to the ministry, this initiative concludes a five-year project of planning, organising, and investigating to control tobacco usage in the outer islands. Health Promotion manager Tereapii Tumutoa said that businesses would no longer be permitted to promote and sell any tobacco-related products as of May 31 this year, coinciding with World Tobacco Free Day He said that people are well aware of the changes around smoking ever since the banning of vapes last year, under the Tobacco Products Control Amendment Act 2024 in August. As of this year, the four islands will no longer allow smoking publicly, and businesses will not be allowed to sell tobacco products. Mitiaro island's executive officer Anna Roi has also confirmed that, as of May 31, businesses or local stores will no longer be allowed to sell and promote tobacco. She stated, "It is true that as of May 31st, shops on the island will not be selling cigarettes anymore." This aligns with Te Marae Ora's campaign launch for May 31. Roi added that local residents of Mitiaro are allowed to purchase tobacco from Rarotonga or have it sent to the island for personal use, not for resale. However, smoking tobacco products is not allowed in designated areas. The purpose of the whole idea of controlling tobacco is due to the fact that school students, young individuals especially young children are being exposed to tobacco, vaping and e-cigarettes. According to Tumutoa, the health ministry is putting their focus on to the younger generation, school students because, "Education is key for controlling tobacco usage" He said there will be more of an impact if the younger generation were controlled rather than the elders, there will be more of a change in smoking. After declaring the four islands smoke-free, the health ministry is planning to declare the school halls, the community halls a smoke-free area. Tumutoa said "Declaring schools, halls, churches a smoke-free area. And we've got a smoke-free workplace policy that's being drafted up. So, any government agents, they will all become some-free workplaces." He said these are the key area's the Health Ministry is looking at for 30 May of this year. He also said that they cannot fully make people stop smoking; it all depends on the individuals will power to quit. The Health Ministry's vision is to have Rarotonga and Aitutaki the next islands to be smoke-free by 2030. Despite people's reason to smoke, the Health Ministry had organised a Cessation programme where smokers are given the opportunity to quit or at least slow down. In an earlier comment, health secretary Bob Williams explained that Smoke Free Islands is not a total elimination of smoking on the island, although the Health Ministry would like for the Cook Islands to be 100 per cent smoke free, "but we understand that it will be very difficult for some people". -This article was first published by Cook Islands News .
RNZ News
27-04-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
Cook Islands: Dengue cases confirmed, key agencies kept abreast of the situation
Photo: 123RF By Losirene Lacanivalu , Cook Islands News With one imported case of dengue reported earlier this month in Rarotonga, Ministry of Health secretary Bob Williams has confirmed that there are now another three cases. The first case is believed to have contracted the virus while on travel. "There are four confirmed cases on Rarotonga with no hospitalisation," Williams said. He said that a declaration of an outbreak would follow World Health Organisation (WHO) Guidelines. "And if the minimum number of confirmed cases meets the requirement - will certainly issue a declaration." He confirmed that there is a response plan being developed and to be mobilised once a declaration is made. "The Incident Management System (IMS) Team consisting of key agencies of government, NGO's and Puna Teams have been kept abreast of the situation," Williams said. He had earlier said that the Health Protection team at Public Health has a dedicated vector unit that conducts regular monitoring of the local mosquito population and maintains a regular spraying programme. "We have joint initiatives with external stakeholders on technical training, insecticide resistance testing and entomology lab techniques." Earlier this week, Cook Islands News was informed that the Airport Authority Staff were advised by the Health Ministry on the number of dengue cases confirmed and the need to be vigilant in heeding warnings and taking preventative measures. The last dengue outbreak in the Cook Islands was declared in 2019 after several dengue cases were confirmed. Williams had earlier said that the last dengue outbreak in the Cook Islands ended in 2021 and, "since then our efforts in preventing a dengue outbreak have been successful". "Monitoring the region on their outbreaks and informing travellers of the health risks is a measure we take to minimise the importation of dengue (or any disease)." According to WHO, the guidelines for declaring a dengue outbreak involve factors, including a rise in cases, a significant increase in the number of cases compared to previous periods, and confirmation of the dengue virus through laboratory testing. In the first case, Williams said the imported case, meaning the person had been infected overseas, the symptoms did not present until the person was back in the Cook Islands. But quick notification triggered health protocols for positive dengue cases, where they monitored the case and their contacts and conducted perifocal spraying to reduce the number of adult mosquitoes in the area, and those that may be breeding in non-potable water containers. The common signs and symptoms of dengue include fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands and pain behind the eyes. If you feel one or more of these symptoms, please visit the outpatient for a check-up or call 29110. Severe dengue symptoms include rash, mild bleeding in the nose or gums, and easy bruising. If left untreated, severe dengue can cause internal bleeding or even death. The Health Ministry has advised the public to keep homes safe and mosquito free; clean in and around homes, empty out anything that holds stagnant water, wear long sleeved clothing when outdoors wherever possible, use mosquito repellent and use mosquito netting over beds if the bedroom is not air conditioned or screened. -This article was first published by Cook Islands News .
RNZ News
24-04-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Deep-rooted cultural influence behind Cook Islands corruption
By Talaia Mika , Cook Islands News Paul Raui Pokoati Allsworth at the University of the South Pacific (USP) Cook Islands Campus on Thursday night. Photo: Cook Islands News / Talaia Mika Former Director of Audit, Paul Allsworth, claims that cultural ties and environmental factors are strong contributing forces to corruption in the Cook Islands government. Speaking during a public presentation of his newly published doctoral thesis at the University of the South Pacific (USP) on Thursday, Allsworth said the "heart" of his research lies in the symbolic representation he developed to explain how cultural influences feed into corrupt behaviour. Allsworth's PhD thesis, 'Cook Islands - A Small Island Developing State - The Causes and Consequences of Corruption in the Public Sector - 1978 to 2018' , represents a significant contribution to the field of Political Science in the Pacific. It spans 511 pages and 175,359 words and is set for publication soon. Senior lawyer Norman George. Photo: Cook Islands News / Talaia Mika His thesis research scrutinises and analyses the diverse types of corrupt activities committed by former Members of Parliament, Cabinet Ministers, and public officials, utilising the "fraud triangle model". "In this fourth element, I will call the 'Te Toki e te Kaa Rakau'," he said, describing the metaphor based on traditional Cook Islands imagery. The toki (stone axe), ka'a (coconut fibre binding), and rakau (timber handle) together represent the unethical cultural and environmental threads that contribute to white-collar crime in government. The presentation was based on his thesis book titled 'The Causes and Consequences of Corruption in the Cook Islands Government - 1978 to 2018', submitted to Atlantic International University for a Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science. Allsworth explained that his research drew on actual corruption cases, many of which had been before the courts. "These are real cases," he said, "highlighting various cases of abuse of positions, misuse of public funds, conspiracy, theft, mismanagement." The used in his analysis came from publicly available information from the Cook Islands Ministry of Justice. This was further backed by records on the Pacific Islands Legal Information Institute (PacLII). George Pitt at the evening event held at the University of the South Pacific for Dr Paul Allsworth. Photo: Cook Islands News / Talaia Mika During the presentation attended by over 10 members of the public, one of the participants, George Pitt, questioned Allsworth's definitions of "illegal" and "unlawful". Senior lawyer Norman George, who assisted Allsworth during the presentation, responded: "If you do something unlawful, that's illegal and if you do something illegal, that's unlawful." Allsworth, who spent over 30 years in the public service, including as Director of Audit, said the inspiration for his PhD came from the late Papa Ron Crocombe, Emeritus Professor, who persistently encouraged him to undertake the study. "You're in the centre of government operations; you know the heart of what's happening in government. Do your PhD," Allsworth recalled Papa Ron urging him in the mid-2000s. It was not until 2019-2020 that he finally enrolled, and after nearly 16 years of preparation, research and writing, he completed the thesis in 2024. He said he was drawn to Dr Donald Cressey's "Fraud Triangle" model, which highlights motivation, opportunity and rationalisation as the core drivers of fraud. However, he felt it needed a fourth element to fully explain what was happening in the Cook Islands. "I scrutinised and analysed various types of corrupt activities committed by former members of parliament, cabinet ministers, and public officials using Dr Cressey's model. However, I introduced a fourth element," he said, referring to the "Te Toki e te Kaa Rakau" concept. The model, he argued, incorporates kinship, tribal obligations, bloodlines, and political affiliations - invisible influences that shape decision-making and rationalisation in public office. "In my view, cultural influences that are closely connected to local environmental conditions play a significant role," he said. He emphasised that while the corrupt actions are often individual, they are triggered or supported by collective social and cultural pressures, making them more difficult to detect and address. Allsworth said his research is intended to provide clarity and understanding into why corrupt practices occur in small island states like the Cook Islands, where tight-knit community ties can both obscure and enable unethical behaviour. To his knowledge, this is the first time such an in-depth analysis has been conducted using publicly available court data in the Cook Islands. "This research links big white collar corruption cases that have been before the courts and provides some clarity and exposure surrounding the circumstances why the officials (are) carrying out corrupt practices," he said. Dr Paul Allsworth completed his doctoral thesis in Political Science (Honours) after six years of dedicated research and part-time study online at the Atlantic International University in Honolulu, Hawaii. The thesis was presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. The objective is to comprehensively research the causes and consequences of corruption in the Cook Islands public sector for the years 1978 to 2018.
