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Cook Islands

Flag of Cook Islands

Engagement in Cook Islands

Australia’s High Commission in Cook Islands was established on 17 December 2019 and is a significant milestone in our growing relationship with Cook Islands. The High Commission’s establishment and the arrival of our High Commissioner in March 2020 have enhanced co-operation with Cook Islands in tourism, trade, investment and security and our people‑to‑people links.

People-to-people

Cook Islanders have made substantial contributions to Australia with at least 28,000 Cook Islands citizens living in Australia. Cook Island Prime Ministers, business people and government officials have graduated from Australian universities.

Group of ten people indoors wearing green shirts and black bottoms, some with medals, one holding a trophy, standing in front of two flags including the Union Jack, at a celebratory or award event
Celebratory morning tea hosted by the Australian High Commission to the Cook Islands for the triumphant Cook Islands Emergency Services team, who participated in the 2025 Australasian Police and Emergency Services Games in Hobart, Tasmania, winning an outstanding 33 medals, including gold in tenpin bowling, marking a significant international sporting achievement for the small island nation. Credit DFAT

Economic Diversification

Economic diversification is a priority for Cook Islands, including developing marine resources within its large EEZ. Cook Islands is exploring the potential economic value of deep seabed minerals and approaching this matter with care to protect its oceans and fisheries.

Through PACER Plus, Australia has supported Cook Islands to establish closer economic integration with public and private partners throughout our region for unlocking more international trade and investment opportunities.

Security

Australia continues to cooperate closely with Cook Islands on the Pacific Maritime Security Program, and other regional security initiatives such as the Pacific Fusion Centre and the Australia Pacific Security College. In June 2022 we delivered a new Guardian-Class Patrol Boat, Te Kukupa II, equipping Cook Islands to protect its fisheries and patrol its extensive Exclusive Economic Zone.

Group of twelve people indoors, some wearing light blue 'POLICE' shirts, standing behind a table with floral cloth and covered in first aid kits, one person holding a first aid kit, suggesting a law enforcement or community service event.
In a gesture reinforcing regional collaboration and support, the Australian High Commission to the Cook Islands presented a significant donation of first aid kits to the Cook Islands Police Service. Australian High Commissioner to the Cook Islands, Ms Susannah Hodson (third from left wearing 'ei katu) joined Police Commissioner Tai Joseph (third from right) and his team for the handover event that symbolised the strong partnership between our nations, highlighting Australia's commitment to enhancing the health and safety infrastructure of its Pacific neighbours. Credit DFAT

Official Development Assistance (ODA) Graduation

Cook Islands graduated to high-income status on 1 January 2020 and has been ineligible to receive Official Development Assistance (ODA) since that date. Australia has allocated $8 million over four years in non-ODA funding for Cook Islands following its graduation from ODA-eligibility to assist Cook Islands to remain engaged in key regional activities, including the PACER Plus trade agreement, and support its economic resilience.

More about Cook Islands.

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