The ‘Know Your Region’ series is designed to support unit and individual professional military education on the Indo-Pacific region. It’s important for all serving members of our military to have a foundational knowledge of the countries and issues in the Indo-Pacific.

On this page:

  • Summary
  • Waste Management
  • Climate Change
  • The Failed Sheraton Project

Summary

The Cook Islands attracts on average around 120,000 tourists each year, with 161,362 arrivals in 2023, mostly from Australia, New Zealand and North America. The Island’s idyllic beaches, crystal-clear waters, lush vegetation and unique culture are all popular draw cards. The locals are friendly, the government is stable, and the environment is largely untouched compared to other Pacific nations. There are no fast-food chains on the islands – food is mostly fresh and sourced locally, and the pace of life is much slower. While the economy relies on tourism for growth, careful management is required to preserve the natural beauty and ecological health of the islands.

There are a range of accommodation options available, from luxurious resorts (mainly on the main islands of Rarotonga and Aitutaki) to smaller, more budget friendly options. Eco-lodges are gaining traction, promoting sustainable practices such as the use of renewable energy and eco-friendly waste management systems. While promoted as a sustainable alternative, they too leave a footprint. Locals are now faced with a dilemma – how to grow the tourism industry while also preserving their pristine environment and laid-back lifestyle.

Waste Management

One of the pressing environmental issues facing the Cook Islands is waste management. The islands produce approximately 12,000 to 15,000 tonnes of waste per year, a significant rise compared to previous decades. Traditionally the islands relied on landfill; however, they have often been overwhelmed by the sheer volume of waste prompting illegal dumping of rubbish in coastal areas that are crucial for tourism and marine health.

In response to these challenges, the Cook Islands government has initiated various strategies to improve waste management. Efforts include increasing public awareness about recycling and responsible waste disposal, implementing new regulations aimed at reducing plastic waste, and investing in alternative methods of disposal. In 2019, the islands bought an industrial glass crusher which turns glass into sand that can be used for concreting, thus achieving a dual purpose. This has allowed nearly half the weight of the island’s waste to be diverted from landfill.

The Cook Islands department of infrastructure and waste management has made a commitment to ‘zero waste’ with the aim of sending nothing to landfill. Items will be reduced and re-used where possible, and then either recycled or composted. The government is partnering with the private sector to offer cash incentives for recycling under the advance recovery and disposal fee scheme (ARDF). This places the cost of recycling and disposal on the cost of a product. A portion is then refunded to consumers when they return these to the centre.

A Solid and Hazardous Waste Bill is planned to be enacted at the end of 2024. The Bill will establish the ARDF scheme along with directing how different waste streams shall be handled at end of life. The Bill will also introduce a schedule of banned items starting with eight single use plastic products and packaging.

Climate Change

The Cook Islands, like many Pacific Island nations, are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Rising sea levels pose a significant threat, with projections indicating that many low-lying areas may be submerged in the coming decades. The islands, composed of volcanic and coral formations, are already experiencing coastal erosion and increased flooding, which are threatening infrastructure, tourism, and livelihoods.

There has also been an increase in extreme weather events such as cyclones and heavy rainfall. In early 2005, five cyclones (Cyclones Meena, Nancy, Olaf, Percy and Rae) caused an estimated NZ$30 million in damages.

The infrastructure on the islands is limited, making recovery from such disasters more challenging. To help build resilience, the government has developed the Cook Islands National Sustainable Development Plan, which emphasises sustainable resource management, the protection of ecosystems, and community engagement in climate action. It has also sought financial support from international organisations to implement adaptation projects and invest in renewable energy sources, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels. Many of the local people are involved in reforestation projects, coral restoration, and sustainable agricultural practices.

The Failed Sheraton Project

The Sheraton hotel project aimed to establish the first five-star resort on the island of Rarotonga. Planning for the resort began in 1987 after the Cook Islands Government was approached by an Italian construction company. The government subsequently signed a NZ$52 million deal with an Italian bank to fund the development. Early on, there were concerns about the environmental impact of the construction. Local opposition grew due to fears that the development would harm the natural beauty of the area, then in 1990, at the sod-turning ceremony, the site of the hotel was cursed by a local family due to a dispute over land ownership. In May 1993, when construction was almost complete, the Italian government withdrew its guarantee for the loan amid rumours of mafia involvement and construction ceased. The Cook Islands government remained liable for the interest on the loan, which grew to NZ $120 million, almost bankrupting the country.

Since construction stopped in 1993 here have been multiple attempts to complete the project. In 2000, a New Zealand-based developer, Tim Tepaki, proposed to finish the resort and have it managed by the Hilton chain. Then in 2010 the site was purchased by the New Zealand-based Mirage Group. After delays getting approvals and a dispute with their construction company, they put the site up for sale in 2016 but then surrendered the lease in 2017. The same year, Tim Tepaki attempted to redevelop the site a second time with backing from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank; however, he abandoned the project in 2018. The site was then left derelict and has been used as a paintball facility.

In May 2022, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown announced that a local partnership would redevelop the site – as yet there are no concrete plans.

For more information on the Cook Islands tourism challenges, see the resources below:

Articles