Infrastructure Cook Islands

The Manihiki Airport Improvement Project continues to make steady progress 👌🏽✈️ with mobilisation activities well underway. Two successful voyages have already delivered fuel, machinery, equipment and construction materials to support the project, with further shipments planned in the coming months.

Current works are focused at Tukao Harbour to improve access for larger vessels that will bring in the heavy machinery required for airport construction ⚓️🚧 🌊

There are currently 10–15 personnel supporting the project on Manihiki, including Infrastructure Cook Islands staff, Manihiki Island Government workers and local employees. Workforce numbers are expected to increase as major construction and quarrying activities begin later this year.

Importantly, Manihiki Airport remains open and operational. Infrastructure Cook Islands is working closely with the Civil Aviation Authority and Ministry of Transport on any future operational requirements, and any restrictions or closures will be communicated well in advance.

We thank the Manihiki community for their continued support as this significant infrastructure project moves forward.

🌊 World Oceans Day 🌊

For the Cook Islands, the ocean is more than the vast blue that surrounds us. It is our highway, our livelihood, our connection to each other, and a defining part of island life.

From harbours and wharves that connect our Pa Enua communities, to airports that provide essential links to the outside world, our infrastructure exists within a unique ocean environment. The sea shapes the way we at ICI build, maintain, and plan for the future.

It also reminds us of the importance of resilience. As island nations face the impacts of climate change, rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events, resilient infrastructure plays a vital role in protecting communities and supporting economic and social wellbeing.

Infrastructure Cook Islands is committed to developing and maintaining infrastructure that serves our people today while helping prepare for the challenges of tomorrow. Whether it's transport networks, drainage systems, water infrastructure, or community facilities, our work is connected by a shared goal: supporting safe, sustainable, and resilient island communities.

On this World Oceans Day, we celebrate the ocean that connects our islands and renew our commitment to building infrastructure that helps our communities thrive alongside it 💫

🔙 THROWBACK to our visit with Mauke’s water team! 💧🏝️

After sharing throwbacks from Mitiaro and Atiu, today we're looking back at Mauke and its unique water system 🤩

Did you know that Mauke sources its water from deep underground aquifers? Because of this, the water often comes out of the tap naturally cold! 🥶💦

Here are some interesting facts about Mauke’s water system:

💧 Every household on Mauke is metered, and water technicians review consumption data each month to help manage the island’s water resources.

💧 Mauke has a reticulated water system, meaning water is collected, treated, and distributed through a network that delivers it directly to homes and businesses.

💧 Water technicians work closely with the community and will advise households when water use is unusually high. Consumption is assessed based on the number of people living in each residence.

💧 Although Mauke’s groundwater system is considered one of the most reliable in the Cook Islands, water conservation remains just as important, and the island can still experience periods of water shortage.

Meitaki maata to Andrew Tutavake Akamoeau and the dedicated water team who help maintain one of the Cook Islands’ most unique water systems on the beautiful island of Akatokamanava. Your hard work helps keep the community flowing every day! 👏💙

🔙 THROWBACK to our visit with Atiu’s water technicians! 💧

Last week we shared a throwback featuring Mitiaro’s water technician, and this week we’re shining the spotlight on Atiu. 🤩

Did you know that Atiu’s water system is not reticulated? This means there is no network carrying water directly from a source to households. Instead, Atiu residents rely on rainwater harvesting and the island’s Maramou header tank when additional water is needed. 🏠🌧️

Here are some interesting facts about Atiu’s water system:
💧 The Maramou header tank holds 25,000 litres and helps supply the entire island.
💧 Residents pay for the service of carting water from the Maramou header tank. This approach encourages the careful use and conservation of this valuable resource.
💧 While the water itself is free, the service of delivering it is not. Atiu residents have been contributing to water service costs for approximately 20 years.
💧 Most households on Atiu have around two water tanks to help store rainwater.

A huge meitaki maata to Atiu’s water technicians, Takili Tairi and Andrew Matapakia, for sharing their knowledge and helping keep the community supplied with water. Your dedication does not go unnoticed! 👏💙