Penrhyn port upgrade raises transparency and environmental concerns in the Cook Islands
Article by Susana Suisuiki via RNZ
The United States and New Zealand-funded upgrade of Penrhyn port, a former American military base, in the northern Cook Islands has raised concerns about transparency and environmental impacts.
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown described the port as a "lifeline" for Penrhyn, saying the US$60 million upgrade was one of the largest infrastructure projects in the country's history.
The US and New Zealand made the announcement in Palau this week, promising safer access to the remote atoll and better connections for the rest of the country.
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said the new port project builds on that shared history, but also on the Critical Minerals Framework which sets out how the Cook Islands and the US would work together to look at how the country's critical minerals could be explored and developed, including minerals found on the seafloor.
World War II connection
Penrhyn, also known as Tongareva, has a long-standing connection with the US.
During World War II, the US forces established a military presence on the atoll. In 1942, an airfield was built on Penrhyn with around 1000 military personnel stationed on the island at the height of the war.
The airfield, which is now known as Tongareva, airport is still in use today. The port, located in the village of Omoka, was also constructed during World War II.
While Penrhyn MP Vaine Wichman has welcomed the project, a Cook Islands landowner and environmental organisation Te Ipukarea Society say they have concerns about transparency.
TIS director Alanna Matamaru Smith told Pacific Waves there was a lack of information on the project.
"Definitely concerned, especially when you've got a major state like the United States having interest in the South Pacific for nodules and deep sea mining," she said.
"Wanting to work in a space that we really don't know too much about, let alone what these nodules will be used for future purposes ... is it going to be for the green tech transition as they say, or is there something sinister at play here where it could be used for military defence purposes?"
A Cook Islands landowner, who RNZ Pacific has agreed not to name, said while she was not opposed to the port being upgraded. However, she said there needs to be more transparency about why the project is being funded.
"The people of our Pa Enua (outer islands) deserve a safe, reliable infrastructure and better access to essential services," they said.
"What my concern is the way a project appears to be connected with a much wider critical mineral and geopolitical agenda."
The landowner said that the public needs to see the complete funding arrangements, project agreements, environment assessments and other conditions placed on the people on Penrhyn. She questioned whether there had been public consultations.
But Penrhyn MP Vaine Wichman told Pacific Waves the project had been a long time coming.
"This kind of activity is not reflected really easily in the decisions that the country makes in terms of significant projects being approved for the small islands like Penrhyn," Wichman said.
She said the need for improved port infrastructure had been raised for nearly two decades.
'Our people deserve something permanent'
Wichman also rejected concerns raised by "these environmentalists" and said the people had been consulted "for many years".
The Penrhyn MP added that the focus on the US and the critical minerals overlooked the needs of the island, which is home to 200 people.
"I just find it sad that a lot of people like these environmentalists go first for something that's not even in the minds of our people, straight away - America, critical minerals - no good," Wichman said.
"No one ever thought to think about all these years while our poor port was being eroded by time and the weather and our people deserve something very permanent."
Wichman also dismissed questions around the timing of the announcement with Brown still serving as caretaker prime minister, saying the government had already been confirmed and there was no need to delay the announcement.
"The fact that it's announced now is just like any day, you know, business as usual. I can't say much for other people, but why hold on to something that's good news for some people?".
Looking ahead
Wichman said the project should also create opportunities for Penrhyn people to take part in its development and hoped it would encourage those who had left the island to return home.
"I will make sure that our people will be involved, especially in the construction of the infrastructure because we've grown since 80 years ago and we have some of our Penrhyn people working overseas, building other people's wharves and airports, why can't they come home and help build ours?"
The project will now move into a design phase, with the Cook Islands, New Zealand and the US expected to work through the details of the development.
For Penrhyn, the port promises a long-awaited improvement to its connection with the rest of the Cook Islands.
But as the project moves forward, questions linger over its environmental impact, the role of the US, and what it could mean for the Cook Islands' future with deep-sea mining.