Posted on September 7, 2026
The United States and New Zealand have lined up around $60m for a major upgrade of the port at Penrhyn in the northern Cook Islands.
Washington intends to provide $50m through the US Department of State, working with Congress, while New Zealand plans to contribute NZ$17.5m ($10m). The Cook Islands government has also committed to contribute funding to the project.
The investment will upgrade the port at Omoka on Tongareva, improving facilities used to land fuel, food and construction materials and strengthening maritime links with the remote northern islands.
New Zealand will implement the project in coordination with the Cook Islands and the US.
The three governments will now determine the scope and implementation plan through a feasibility study and further technical work.
