Ministry of Transport - Cook Islands

Courtesy Visit: Matson South Pacific Ltd

A Matson South Pacific delegation, led by Mr. Len Isotoff (Senior Vice President – Pacific) and General Manager Sir. Michael Jones paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Transport (MOT). Matson Inc., a United States–based company established in 1882, has operated into the Cook Islands since 2013, providing core shipping services to the Cook Islands — namely Rarotonga and Aitutaki.

The delegation met with the Secretary of Transport, Acting Director of Maritime, and Director of Land Transport on shipping matters pertinent to Matson. MOT's Maritime Safety Authority is responsible for domestic shipping licenses while its function for international shipping licensing is outsourced to Maritime Cook Islands. Matson expressed its appreciation for the working relationship with MOT’s Maritime Safety Authority, noting that existing coordination continues to operate effectively.

The Government’s intentions regarding electric vehicles, in line with its 100% renewable energy target by 2030, were also discussed. MOT’s Land Transport Authority followed up on the status of Matson’s suspension of electric vehicle shipments to the Cook Islands, noting that the suspension of plug-in EV shipments applies across all countries serviced by Matson.

Matson provided an update on its efforts to address safety requirements associated with EV shipments, particularly lithium batteries and latest EV’s. Matson has also continued its own research, including the identification of favorable electric vehicles for safe shipping on its vessels.

L to R: Mr John Gleeson - Director South Pacific, Mr John Hosking - Secretary of Transport MOT, Mr Len Isotoff - Senior Vice President - Pacific, Mr Eric Bede - Director - Business Development, Ms Michelle Aisake - MOT Director of Land Transport, Ms Bernadette Valencia - Senior Vice President Sales, Sir Michael Jones - General Manager and Mr Marah Tairi - MOT Acting Director of Maritime

Fuel Safety Reminder - Petrol & Diesel

🌊 Boatmaster Training Reaches Palmerston Island 🌊
We are pleased to confirm that the Boatmaster Certification Course is finally being delivered for residents of Palmerston Island.
Our training team, Lead Facilitator Mr Ngatokorua Ngatokorua and Co Facilitator Ms Merran Munro, departed for Palmerston this morning to conduct the course in Pamati.
The training is open to any person (including females):
• 18 years and over – eligible for the Boatmaster Certificate
• Ages 16–18 – General Licence (must operate under supervision of a Boatmaster)
• Ages 13–16 – Young Adult General Licence, subject to parental consent and safety conditions
While on the island, the team will also be inspecting vessels and carrying out an island wide consultation on maritime regulatory matters.
We look forward to strengthening maritime safety, skills, and compliance for the Palmerston community. 🚤

Strengthening capability across transport, safety, and regulatory services
We are pleased to welcome new team members and acknowledge recent leadership appointments that strengthen our ability to deliver safe, compliant, and well regulated services for the Cook Islands and in meeting international conventions and obligations to which the Cook Islands is a party.
🌤 Ms Elizabeth Numanga and Mr Sam Ivirangi have joined the Ministry as Meteorological Observers, supporting critical weather observation and forecasting services that underpin aviation safety, maritime operations, and public preparedness.
⚓ Mr Inangaro Nicholls joins us as Maritime Officer, contributing to maritime safety, vessel compliance, and the effective regulation of our marine sector.
✈️ Ms Upoko Viti Paio – joins us as Aviation Officer, supporting aviation safety, compliance, and international aviation obligations.
🍷 Ms Liann Pemberton takes up the role of Liquor Licensing Officer, supporting statutory licensing processes, compliance monitoring, and regulatory integrity.
💼 Ms Terangi Rima joins the Ministry as Finance Officer, supporting sound financial management and accountability across our services.
➡️ We also take this opportunity to announce that Ms Jane Maxwell, an existing senior official, has been successfully appointed as Director of Corporate Services, following a competitive process.
➡️ Mr Marah Tairi, also an existing senior official, has been appointed Acting Director of Maritime, bringing valuable sector experience and continuity to the role.
Together, these appointments strengthen the Ministry’s ability to deliver safe, well regulated, and resilient services across land transport, maritime, aviation support functions, meteorology services, liquor licensing, and corporate governance in support of our Cook Islands communities and international obligations signed up to.

📸 Rental Transport in Aitutaki – Then and Now
Meitaki ma‘ata to Popoara Rentals, Aitutaki, owned by Allen and Maria Mills (The Boat Shed), for sharing these images showcasing the evolution of rental vehicles over the years.

🚨 Good Friday Liquor Restriction Reminder 🚨
The sale and supply of liquor is prohibited on Good Friday under the Sale of Liquor Act 1991‑92.

Meitaki ma‘ata.

📣PUBLIC NOTICE📣

UPDATE: Venue confirmed - CITTI, Arorangi, Rarotonga

📣‼CALLING ALL BOAT LOVERS IN RAROTONGA‼📣

The Ministry of Transport is rolling out the Cook Islands Boatmaster Course on Rarotonga, and it’s your chance to level up your skills on the water.
This course blends practical learning with real world boating from safety and navigation to mapping, local maritime rules, and the essentials every responsible skipper should master. It’s designed for fishermen, lagoon tour guides, weekend boaties, and anyone who feels most at home on the ocean.🛥️

📨Registration: Scan the QR code to register for the course then send through the email noted below.

Eligibility: 18+ and experienced on the water.

What to bring: Curiosity, good energy, and something to write with — sea legs optional.

🐟🏃Spaces are limited, and they disappear faster than a fish off a hook, so grab your spot early.

Because adventures are fun — unplanned “adventures” are how you end up in someone else’s story.💁

Build your skills💪. Respect the ocean🙇. Navigate with confidence🕺.

UPDATE: Public Sitting Cancelled due to no quorum as the Transport Licensing Authority.
The hearing for the applications below are now scheduled for the original February TLA sitting on 26th February 2026, 10 am at the Ministry of Transport.
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🚨 PUBLIC HEARING ALERT! Have your say on NEW transport licence applications this February—your voice matters in shaping our transport services! 📣
👉 Will YOU be attending to share your views?