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.

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.

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.