RAROTONGA — The Cook Islands has secured major international backing for an upgrade of the port at Penrhyn, also known as Tongareva, strengthening plans to improve transport links and resilience in one of the country’s remote northern islands.

The project was announced by Prime Minister Mark Brown during the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau. The United States intends to provide US$50 million, while New Zealand will contribute NZ$17.5 million toward the port development.

The investment is expected to deliver a safer and more reliable port facility for Penrhyn, where dependable maritime access is essential for residents, businesses and the movement of supplies.

For an island community located far from the Cook Islands’ main population centre, improved port infrastructure can have a direct impact on economic activity and access to essential goods.

The government described the project as a major development priority and said the investment would help turn a long-standing need into a practical infrastructure programme.

The upgraded facility is also expected to strengthen the island’s resilience by providing more dependable transport infrastructure during emergencies and periods of disruption.

The project reflects the Cook Islands’ broader strategy of working with international partners to improve infrastructure while maintaining national control over development priorities.

Prime Minister Brown also used the Pacific Islands Forum to advance discussions with New Zealand, Japan, China, Singapore, Canada and other partners on areas including economic resilience, energy security, technology, climate finance and renewable energy.

The Penrhyn investment is therefore part of a wider effort to strengthen connectivity between the Cook Islands’ islands and improve opportunities for communities outside Rarotonga.

The government has also been pursuing environmental and ocean-related initiatives. New investment in Marae Moana, the Cook Islands’ protected ocean area, was announced in partnership with the Bezos Earth Fund and BirdLife International.

Together, these initiatives demonstrate the government’s focus on combining infrastructure development with environmental protection and long-term economic resilience.

The Penrhyn port project could become one of the most significant infrastructure improvements for the northern Cook Islands, providing residents with stronger transport access while supporting future economic activity.