Search the SPREP Catalogue

The Cook Islands is a unique small island developing state in the Pacific. It is an independent island nation comprising 15 islands, which cover a total land area of 240 sq. km and are scattered across an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 2 million sq. km. In 1965, the Cook Islands exercised its right to self-determination and entered into a relationship of free association with New Zealand.

The Cook Islands is made up of 15 islands spread out over an exclusive economic zone of approximately two million square kilometres (750,000 square miles) in the Southern Pacific Ocean. Two of these islands are uninhabited. Total land area is just under 240 square kilometres with Rarotonga the center of Government and commerce representing just over 28 percent of the total.

During the 1995 national crisis and subsequent economic reform programme (ERP), several national consultation forums saw key policy measures and economic structural changes introduced. These had considerable influence on current national sustainable development initiatives including the draft NSDP and NESAF. Drastic measures were adopted, including introduction of new key legislations such as PERCA Act, MFEM Act, PSC Act to support the ERP, prudent fiscal policies, downsizing of the public service, changes in taxation regimes, establishment of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), privatization of key government assets and a private sector-led economy.

This report replicates as well addressed new issues not covered by the WSSD National Assessment Report (NAR). In light of this statement, we would like to acknowledge Mr. Edward Drollett and Mrs. Helen Wong, the National WSSD Working Committee, the WSSD National Forum representatives, our national leaders, government departments, private and business sectors, community groups, other non-government organisations and individuals consulted, the staff of the Office of the Prime Minister for their contributions and hard work in developing the WSSD NAR and this report.