Climate Change Cook Islands

The Climate Change Technical Working Group held its first meeting for 2026 today, highlighting the importance of collaboration and coordinated action in strengthening climate resilience across the Cook Islands.

Held every 3–6 months, these meetings play a vital role in bringing together all Green Climate Fund (GCF) related projects and partners to provide updates, monitor and evaluate progress, identify shared challenges, and ensure climate initiatives are aligned with national priorities and community needs.

Today’s meeting brought together key GCF partners in the Cook Islands, including the National Designated Authority (NDA), the Climate Change Cook Islands (CCCI) Office, and the Cook Islands’ two accredited entities, MFEM and BCI. The gathering provided an important platform to strengthen partnerships, improve coordination, and support transparent communication between agencies working towards a more climate-resilient future for the Cook Islands.

Discussions during today’s meeting focused on the ATOM product, progress updates on the EDA project, and the Readiness 9 Support Programme, with partners sharing current developments, priorities, and next steps for implementation.

Through ongoing collaboration and shared accountability, the Technical Working Group continues to support stronger, more effective climate action for the Cook Islands.

Consultations for the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Cook Islands Country Programme and the newly approved Enhanced Direct Access (EDA) Project have now moved to Te Fuinga o Niva.

Engagements in Manihiki focused on revisiting the priority areas identified in the Cook Islands Country Programme and discussing the climate change challenges and opportunities communities see as priorities today. Consultations also provided an opportunity to share information on the Enhanced Direct Access (EDA) Project, “Direct Financing for Communities and Businesses to Respond to Climate Change in the Cook Islands”, and how it will support climate resilience initiatives at the community level.

A sincere thank you to the people of Manihiki for the warm welcome, strong participation, and valuable contributions towards shaping a more climate resilient future for the Cook Islands.

Next stop: Rakahanga.

Consultations in the Northern Group Islands officially kicked off this week in Pukapuka.

Krystina Tatuava (CCCI Readiness 9 Project Manager) and Eileen Story (Climate Finance Access Network (CFAN) Adviser, Development Coordination Division, MFEM) are on the ground carrying out consultations for the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Cook Islands Country Programme.

The consultations aim to revisit the 11 priority areas identified in the original Cook Islands Country Programme developed in 2018 and funded by the Green Climate Fund. Communities are being invited to share whether these priorities remain relevant today, and to identify any new climate change challenges and opportunities that should be included in the updated Country Programme.

During the consultations, information was also presented on the newly approved Enhanced Direct Access (EDA) Project, “Direct Financing for Communities and Businesses to Respond to Climate Change in the Cook Islands”, providing communities with an overview of the project and the opportunities it will create for climate resilience initiatives across the country.

Following consultations across the Southern Group Islands, this week’s engagement in Pukapuka marks the completion of consultations throughout the Northern Group Islands.

A huge Atawai wolo to the Pukapuka community for the strong turnout and valuable contributions toward shaping a more climate resilient future for the Cook Islands.

🌿 Empowering Atiu Through Climate Action 🌿

From 27 April – 1 May, the Climate Change Cook Islands team travelled to Atiu to deliver the Atiu Proposal Writing Workshop 2026 in partnership with UNDP and GEF.

The workshop focused on strengthening local capacity to develop high-quality climate project proposals that align with funding criteria and support resilient, community-driven solutions for the future of Atiu. 🌏✨

Participants explored:
▪️ Climate change and funding opportunities
▪️ Key components of successful project proposals
▪️ Developing and refining real project ideas
▪️ Strengthening collaboration, leadership, and community engagement

A huge meitaki ma’ata to everyone who participated, shared ideas, and contributed to meaningful discussions throughout the week. Together, we continue building stronger pathways for Pa Enua communities to access climate finance and lead sustainable change from within. 💚

ProposalWritingWorkshop CookIslands GEF UNDP BuildingResilience

Our regular mentoring sessions have been a hit in the office and this month was no exception thanks to our latest special guest Mr Tangata Fletcher Melvin – managing director of his family business Island Craft, CIIC chair, veteran vaka paddler, and about a hundred other things besides.

Fletcher gave us some background on his experiences in the worlds of business, governance and sport, going all the way back to the founding of Island Craft by his grandparents in 1943, through to his current role leading the CIIC board of directors.

He talked about…

The importance of education: “Always continuing with education has been a big part of my philosophy.”

The value of sport: “One of the things about canoeing and taking on sport is that it gave me a lot of skills in other parts of my life.”

And the people he likes to work with: “Wherever you work, you need a mix of people with different energy.

You also need people who are going to make changes. Some of them little changes, some of them big changes – but always in the right direction.”

Meitaki atupaka Fletcher for your warmth and wisdom!

The Cook Islands is hosting the CIS-Pac5 Climate Services Programme Steering Committee meeting this week at Crown Beach Resort.

The meeting brings together key stakeholders, including national meteorological services and government representatives from across the Pacific, regional technical partners, and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Discussions are focused on strengthening weather and climate services, with updates on weather radar systems, national implementation progress, and planning for the next phase of the programme.

This collaboration supports more informed decision-making and stronger resilience to climate impacts across Pacific communities.

Kicking off the Mitiaro Proposal Writing Workshop 2026 🌿
Climate Change Cook Islands met with Mayor Tati Tutaka, EO Anna Roi, and the Mitiaro Island Council ahead of the workshop, held from 13 to 17 April, to formally begin this important initiative. We extend our sincere thanks for the warm welcome and support.
This workshop is part of our ongoing commitment to strengthen capacity across the Pa Enua, supporting communities to develop high-quality, well-structured climate project proposals that align with funding criteria and increase access to climate finance.
Building on successful workshops held in Aitutaki in 2024 and Mauke in 2025, participants in Mitiaro will gain practical skills in proposal development, from identifying climate issues to drafting and refining real project ideas for future implementation. 🌱

This week we had the privilege of learning from Dr Tina Newport of Akairo Consulting during our CCCI Mentor Session, a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about career milestones, it is about alignment, purpose, and well-being.

We explored what it means to live with intention, reflecting on our personal vision, setting non-negotiables, and making choices that align with our values both professionally and personally. From building meaningful networks to navigating work, study, and life balance, the uri uri manako today was honest, inspiring, and deeply grounding.

What made this session especially impactful was how deeply it resonated across our team. From long-standing team members to our interns, Dr Tina Newport was able to meet each of us where we are in our careers and in life, leaving everyone with something meaningful to reflect on.

A few key takeaways:
✨ Your vision doesn’t have to be perfect, just start with clarity of what matters to you
✨ Growth often happens in uncomfortable spaces
✨ Well-being is not optional, it is foundational
✨ Our stories, culture, and community are our strength

Meitaki Maata Dr Tina for sharing your wisdom and creating a space for us to reflect, connect, and grow.