Joint Statement on the Penrhyn Port Modernization Project
<p>The United States, the Cook Islands, and New Zealand have agreed to collaborate on a major upgrade of the Penrhyn port, located on the northern island of Penrhyn in the Cook Islands, as announced by senior officials.</p>
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<p>Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters, and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau announced the initiative in Palau, ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.</p>
<p>The United States and New Zealand will co‑fund the project, with the U.S. Department of State providing $50 million (about $NZ84 million) and New Zealand contributing $NZ17.5 million (about $10 million); New Zealand will oversee implementation in partnership with the Cook Islands and the United States.</p>
<p>“This is a positive and hugely significant initiative that demonstrates the strength of New Zealand’s partnerships with both the Cook Islands and the United States,” Mr. Peters says.</p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<p>“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 signed earlier this year,” Deputy Secretary Landau says.</p>
<p>“It also highlights our historic ties to Penrhyn atoll, where U.S. personnel constructed Penrhyn’s port and airstrip over 80 years ago. Through transformational infrastructure initiatives such as this, we are making the United States and our partners safer, stronger, and more prosperous.”</p>
<p>“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. This wharf upgrade complements our new domestic shipping investments and our own efforts in improving transport connections for our Pa Enua. We thank the United States and New Zealand for partnering with us to deliver on a priority our people have themselves identified,” Prime Minister Brown says.</p>
<p>Penrhyn, also known as Tongareva, is the northernmost island of the Cook Islands, with its port situated in the village of Omoka. The upgraded facilities will enhance safety and security, broaden transport links, and create new economic opportunities for the northern Cook Islands.</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/08/joint-statement-on-penrhyn-port-project/">Source link </a></p>
