The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) recently held community consultations in Aitutaki to provide updates on developments in the seabed minerals sector and to hear directly from local communities. The consultations form part of SBMA’s ongoing commitment to transparent, community-led engagement, as the Cook Islands remains in an exploration-only phase.
The consultations took place from 28 to 29 January across the villages of Amuri and Tautu, including sessions with the Aitutaki Business Association and senior students of Araura College. Each session was well attended, with active participation from the Aitutaki community.
The visit was led by the Prime Minister and Minister responsible for Seabed Minerals, Mark Brown, alongside senior SBMA representatives from the Partnerships and Cooperation and Knowledge Management teams. The delegation also included members of the Seabed Minerals Advisory Committee, including Chairman Bishop Tutai Pere and committee member George George Williamson, reinforcing the importance of diverse perspectives and community-informed decision-making.
The delegation shared up-to-date information on the seabed minerals sector and provided opportunities for open discussion. Community members raised important issues relating to environmental protection, financial security and governance systems, which were addressed through dialogue, with technical explanations provided where required.
A key outcome of the consultations was the strong appreciation expressed by community members for face-to-face engagement. Attendees highlighted the value of hearing directly from SBMA, which helped clarify questions and provide authoritative context amid the varied information they had previously encountered online.
“These public meetings support our commitment to bringing our people along the journey,” said Partnerships and Cooperation Director Edward Herman. “The feedback and questions from these sessions help keep government accountable and focused on positive outcomes for our nation.”
Overall feedback from the consultations was supportive, with many participants encouraging progress while emphasising the importance of continued engagement, transparency, and careful consideration of environmental and social matters.
SBMA extended its thanks to the Aitutaki Island Council for their support and assistance during the visit, and to all community members who took the time to participate. The success of these consultations underscores the value of open, in-person dialogue and the strength of a well-informed Cook Islands public.
Insights and feedback gathered in Aitutaki will inform SBMA’s ongoing community engagement programme and future consultations across the Cook Islands, as the authority continues its work in the seabed minerals sector.
