US and NZ put over $100 million into Cook Islands port upgrade

The United States and New Zealand are putting more than NZ$100 million into upgrading the port on Penrhyn or Tongareva, the northernmost island in the Cook Islands.

The project was announced in Palau on Tuesday by Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, New Zealand Foreign Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau as the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting got underway.

The US Department of State, working with Congress, intends to contribute about NZ$84m (US$50m) while New Zealand will provide NZ$17.5m.

New Zealand will implement the project in coordination with the Cook Islands and United States.

Peters described the agreement as a “hugely significant initiative”.

“We are very pleased to be able to partner with the United States and the Cook Islands Governments to deliver this development priority for the Cook Islands, drawing on New Zealand’s experience in infrastructure delivery across the Pacific,” he says.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters, from left, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau at the announcement of the Penrhyn Port upgrade in Palau. Photo/PMN News/Thomas Tarurongo Wynne.

The US formally recognised the Cook Islands as a sovereign and independent state and established diplomatic relations in September 2023.

In February this year, Washington and Avarua agreed to a non-binding framework covering critical minerals and rare earths, including cooperation involving the Cook Islands’ potentially valuable deep sea mineral resources.

The agreement provides for cooperation on research, exploration, investment, processing and supply chains, while leaving control of the resources and any decision to allow mining with the Cook Islands.

In February 2026, Sonny Williams, Assistant to the Minister Responsible for the Prime Minister, with his United States counterpart after agreeing a non-binding Framework for Engagement and Cooperation to strengthen supply chains for critical minerals and rare earths, including cooperation relating to deep-sea minerals. Photo/Cook Islands News

US Ambassador Jared Novelly said in July that Cook Islands critical minerals had become one of his highest priorities, as Washington seeks alternative supplies for minerals used in technology, clean energy and defence industries.

Landau says the port project builds on that relationship.

“This project underscores the United States’ strong commitment to our partners in the Pacific and builds on the Critical Minerals Framework the United States and the Cook Islands agreed to earlier this year.”

The US also has a longstanding physical connection to Penrhyn.

During World War II, American forces constructed an airstrip and port infrastructure on the atoll as part of the US military network across the Pacific. The wartime airfield remains in use today as Tongareva Airport.

Landau says the new project highlights “our historic ties to Penrhyn atoll, where US personnel constructed Penrhyn’s port and airstrip over 80 years ago.”

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown during announcement of port upgrade project. Photo/Office of Cook Islands Prime Minister/Facebook

The announcement also comes amid growing competition for influence in the Pacific.

The Cook Islands signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Action Plan and other agreements with China in 2025, moves that caused significant tension with New Zealand over the level of consultation between the two countries.

China also has an agreement with the Cook Islands involving seabed minerals, while the US has increasingly identified China's regional influence as a strategic concern.

For Brown, however, the immediate priority is improving connections for one of the Cook Islands’ most remote communities.

“This port is a lifeline for Tongareva allowing for safer landings, better access to services, and stronger connections between our Pa Enua and the world,” he says.

“This wharf upgrade complements our new domestic shipping investments and our own efforts in improving transport connections for our Pa Enua.”

The northern group Island of Penrhyn in 2021. Photo/Cook Islands News.

Penrhyn’s port is at the village of Omoka. The three governments say the upgrade will improve safety and security, transport connections and economic opportunities for the northern Cook Islands.

The announcement does not say whether the US contribution includes any future access arrangements for American vessels or personnel. The three governments were not immediately available to respond to questions about access.

Penrhyn has previously attracted Chinese commercial interest, including proposals involving fishing, harbour use and infrastructure.

Reports in 2018 that Beijing could fund a deep-water port on the island were rejected at the time by the Cook Islands government.

Watch PMN News Political Reporter Thomas Tarurongo Wynne's update from Palau below.