Prepared by Elizabeth Wright-Koteka, Central Policy and Planning Office, Office Of The Prime Minister.

Layout of Booklet - Cook Islands Tourism Corporation

Front Cover Image - William Tuiravakai.

Table of Contents

MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER 4 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 5 TE KAVEINGA NUI 5 OUR VISION, OUTCOMES AND GOALS 6 National Vision 6 NSDP 2011 - 2015 7 Introduction 7

CONTEXT FOR NSDP 2011-2015 8 SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – A SNAPSHOT 9 WHERE ARE WE NOW 10 THE COOK ISLANDS: A SWOT ANALYSIS 11 GUIDING PRINCIPLES 12 CHANGING THE MINDSET 13 NATIONAL GOALS 2011 - 2015 14 WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO IN 2011 - 2015? 15 ACHIEVING OUR 2011 - 2015 NATIONAL GOALS 19

PRIORITY AREA 1: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 19 OUR GOAL 19 OUR KEY OBJECTIVES 19 HOW WILL WE ACHIEVE OUR OBJECTIVES? 19 HOW WILL WE MEASURE OUR SUCCESS? 22

PRIORITY AREA 2: INFRASTRUCTURE 23 OUR GOAL 23 OUR KEY OBJECTIVES 23 HOW WILL WE ACHIEVE OUR OBJECTIVES? 23 HOW WE WILL MEASURE OUR SUCCESS? 24

PRIORITY AREA 3: ENERGY 25 OUR GOALS 25 OUR KEY OBJECTIVES 25 HOW WILL WE ACHIEVE OUR OBJECTIVES? 25 HOW WILL WE MEASURE OUR SUCCESS? 26

4 PRIORITY AREA 4: SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 27 OUR GOAL 27 OUR KEY OBJECTIVES 27 HOW WILL WE ACHIEVE OUR OBJECTIVES? 27 HOW WILL WE MEASURE OUR SUCCESS? 30

PRIORITY AREA 5: RESILIENCE 31 OUR GOAL 31 OUR OBJECTIVES 31 HOW WILL WE ACHIEVE OUR OBJECTIVES? 31 HOW WILL WE MEASURE OUR SUCCESS? 32

PRIORITY AREA 6: ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY 33 OUR GOAL 33 OUR KEY OBJECTIVES 33 HOW WILL WE ACHIEVE OUR OBJECTIVES? 33 HOW WILL WE MEASURE OUR SUCCESS? 34

PRIORITY AREA 7: GOVERNANCE 35 OUR GOAL 35 OUR OBJECTIVES 35 HOW WILL WE ACHIEVE OUR OBJECTIVES? 35 HOW WILL WE MEASURE OUR SUCCESS? 37

PRIORITY AREA 8: LAW AND ORDER 38 OUR GOAL 38 OUR OBJECTIVES 38 HOW WILL WE ACHIEVE OUR OBJECTIVES? 38 HOW WILL WE MEASURE OUR SUCCESS? 39

MONITORING AND EVALUATING OUR PROGRESS 40 DELIVERING THE PLAN 46

5 MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER As we undertake the next leg of our Te Kaveinga Nui process to build a country where our people enjoy the journey, it is fitting that the National Sustainable De- highest quality of life consistent with the aspirations velopment Plan (NSDP) 2011-2015 is the result of of our people, and in harmony with our culture and widespread consultations with stakeholders right environment as articulated by our National Vision. across the Cook Islands, as it embodies the kinds of positive conversations that we must have if we are to Hon. Henry Puna express our concerns one to another, define our com- Prime Minister mon goals and identify pathways toward achieving them.

NSDP 2011-2015 builds upon the gains made in NSDP 2007-2010 and the sacrifices of past generations. To take our development to the next level, the eight over arching national goals speak to a vibrant Cook Islands economy, supported by good infrastructure devel- opment and energy security; where our people have the opportunities to fulfil their potential; are resilient to the disasters and climate change impacts; live in a healthy environment; and where our progress is un- derpinned by the principles of good governance and law and order.

Our success in achieving our national goals will hinge on sustaining and strengthening the public-private- community partnerships and dialogue that have been critical in the formulation which has allowed the NSDP 2011-2015 to be a truly national output. This planning process has bridged all sectors in our soci- ety, including Government ministries and agencies, private sector, civil society, academia, civil society and our wider community to harness and incorporate the range of technical expertise, experiences and skills.

To all who will be directly involved in the day to day implementation of NSDP 2011-2015, I challenge us to be more efficient and effective in serving with de- votion and integrity and to improve our collective capacity to deliver. To our private sector, non- government, civil society organisations and our regional and international partners, I ap- peal for your continued support during this implementation phase. There is much work to be done. The Government cannot do this alone; the support of the entire country is needed. This partnership approach is the es- sence of NSDP 2011-2015.

I am determined to lead the imple- 6 mentation ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) 2011-2015, as the second leg in our Te Kaveinga Nui jour- ney, was prepared with the invaluable contribution, dedication and commitment of the Cook Islands people towards the achievement of our National Vision – ‘To enjoy the highest quality of life consistent with the aspi- rations of our people, and in harmony with our culture and environment’.

Specifically, the Central Policy and Planning Office (CPPO) of the Office of the Prime Minister thanks all those who contributed their resources, time and intellect to initiate, prepare and finalise the Plan, including the Gov- ernment of the Cook Islands and the Opposition which mandated the process; the Ministries and Agencies; the many stakeholders including students, academia, the private sector, non-government organisations, civil society, and the people in our communities who assisted in crafting and providing the scope and direction for the NSDP 2011-2015.

The CPPO pays special tribute to the late Dorice Reid, Te Tika Mataiapo and the Koutu Nui who have been valuable partners in reviewing NSDP 2007-2010 and engaging with our communities across our islands to de- termine our national development priorities for 2011-2015. Special ata wai wolo is also extended to the Chair- persons and members of the various Task Forces (including the Economic Development Task Force) drawn from the public and private sectors and civil society who generously gave their time, technical and creative ideas, and worked diligently in identifying our development directions for this NSDP.

Na te Atua tatou e arataki ma te tauturu i te akatupuanga i tatou i moemoea.

Meitaki Maata, Ata wai wolo e ye maneke

TE KAVEINGA NUI

In 2007 the Cook Islands launched our country’s 2020 visionary framework - Te Kaveinga Nui, articulating the National Vision and Development Outcomes desired by the Cook Islands which would be realised through a three phase medium term planning approach.

Te Kaveinga Nui was accompanied by the first National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) 2007-2010, a strategy on how to progress towards the 2020 outcomes during the first phase, then to be followed by NSDP 2011-2015 and finally 2015-2020.

The purpose of the NSDP is to set national goals, the expected results and effective strategies to guide policy decisions over the medium term in order to realise the 2020 Development Outcomes that aim to deliver on Te Kaveinga Nui National Vision. The National Vision and 2020 Development Outcomes demonstrate an approach that brings together social, economic and environmental priorities underpinned by good gov- ernance, culture and effective partnerships.

7 OUR VISION, OUTCOMES AND GOALS NATIONAL VISION

“To enjoy the highest quality of life consistent with the aspirations of our people in harmony with our culture and environment”

“Te oraanga tu rangatira kia tau ki te anoano o te iti tangata, e kia tau ki ta tatou peu Maori e te aotini taporo- poroia o te basileia”

What does this mean? Where do we want to be by (The National Goals) 2020? (The National Outcomes)

1. A vibrant Cook Islands economy Sustainable Economic growth in 1. harmony with our social values, culture & environment. Infrastructure for economic growth, 2. sustainable livelihoods & resilience Well educated, a healthy 2. productive people & resilient 3. Energy Security communities

Opportunity for all people who Enhanced Cultural & Environmental 4. 3. reside in the Cook Islands Values Resilient & Sustainable 5. Communities Responsible & Mature foreign relations with New Zealand & other 6. Environment for living 4. regional & International communities in the interest of the people of the Cook Islands. 7. Good Governance A Secure Society built on law & 5. 8. Safe, secure just & stable society Order & Good Governance.

8 NSDP 2011 - 2015 INTRODUCTION part of our Te Kaveinga Nui planning process, we will do further work with our communities in the Pa Enua The NSDP 2011-2015 is the second planning phase in to identify the major challenges in their area and the our journey of Te Kaveinga Nui towards the achieve- actions that would make a real difference in the lives ment of desired 2020 development outcomes and our of our local communities. This will ensure that where National Vision - ‘to enjoy the highest quality of life initiatives are rolled out under the NSDP, our Pa Enua consistent with the aspirations of our people, and in will receive its equitable share of development. harmony with our culture and environment’.

For us to be successful in realizing our National Vi- sion, we must all become excited about the challenges and opportunities to lift our development to a higher level in 2011-2015. We must focus on positive action through our shared vision that is realistic and relevant to us as individuals, families and as a society.

The NSDP 2011-2015 integrates the thoughts, ideas, hopes and dreams of a broad cross- section of our so- ciety, both in Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. It is the culmination of many community based consultations, brain storming and focus group sessions, perusing past reports, and numerous public, private and com- munity sector meetings to review our progress on NSDP 2007-2010 and formulate this NSDP.

In outlining how we will achieve our National Vision and 2020 development outcomes, NSDP 2011-2015:

• Identifies our medium term goals and objectives; • Presents national and sector strategies for achieving these goals and objectives; • Proposes outcome indicators to measure perfor- mance over the medium term; • Identifies actions for the medium term; and • Presents a framework for its implementation, moni- toring and evaluation.

To ensure implementation of the NSDP, the strategies and actions identified will be filtered through medium term sector and specific agency plans. It is at the sec- toral and agency levels that the NSDP will be costed. As a living document, the NSDP will undergo con- stant monitoring and alteration as deemed appropri- ate to reflect any changes to the implementation envi- ronment.

To be successful the NSDP must deliver right across the Cook Islands. Whilst the goals, objectives and strategies of the NSDP apply across the Cook Islands, there is recognition that they must also be brought to- gether at the local level, in the Pa Enua. Therefore, as 9 CONTEXT FOR NSDP 2011-2015

The Cook Islands consists of 15 small islands scattered over 2 million square kilometers of the Pacific Ocean. They lie in the centre of the Polynesian Triangle, flanked by Fiji 2,300 km to the west, Tahiti 1,140 km to the east, Hawaii 4,730 km north and New Zealand 3,010 km southwest. The climate of the Cook Islands is sub- tropical and tropical oceanic moderated by trade winds.

Our islands became a British protectorate in 1888. By 1900 administrative control was transferred to New Zea- land. In 1965 Cook Islanders chose self-government, in free association with New Zealand. About 70% of the population of approximately 20,000 are domiciled on the largest of the Cook Islands, Rarotonga. Rarotonga is the capital and main commercial and government centre, and hence the country’s dominant driver of econom- ic growth. Around 20% of the population lives in the eight islands of the Southern Group. Five are elevated fertile volcanic islands, while the rest are atolls, except Mitiaro, which is raised coral. These Pa Enua are within 300 km of Rarotonga. The remote Northern Group of Pa Enua, more than 1,250 km from the capital, is made up of seven low lying, sparsely populated, coral atolls and sand cays, with little arable land. A commonly held view is that the size of the populace of Cook Islanders living in the Diaspora is approximately four times the resident population. Continuing depopulation is a significant threat to the development of the Cook Islands by Cook Islanders.

10 SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – A SNAPSHOT

ECONOMIC INDICATORS Economic Activity 2009 -10 2010-11 2011-12 Act/Est Est Proj Nominal GDP ($’000) 345,380 356,960 377,540 % Change 4.20% 3.40% 5.80% Real GDP (at constant 2006 Prices, $’000) 285,310 293,450 303,040 % Change 4.10% 2.90% 3.30% GDP per capita 15,282 15,795 16,705 Inflation Consumer Price Index (base Dec 2006=100) 117.7 118.3 121.3 % Change 1.80% 0.50% 2.50% Construction/Capital Investment Commercial Building Approvals ($’000) 3,300 2,700 2,900 Residential Building Approvals ($’000) 8,500 9,600 10,600 Productive Sector Indicators Visitor Arrivals 99,400 106,000 111,500 % Change 2.60% 6.60% 5.20% Estimated Visitor Expenditures ($’000) 209,900 225,100 241,500 Total Exports ($’000) 5,827 5,746 5,717 Total Imports ($’000) 349,936 361,674 382,526 SOCIAL INDICATORS (2006 CENSUS) Total Males Females Total Population 19,342 9,816 9,526 Resident Population 15,324 7,822 7,502 Urban Population (Rarotonga) 13,890 7,030 6,860 Mortality Life expectancy 72.8 69.5 76.2 Labour Force Employed Population 44.30% 47.80% 40.70% Unemployed 4.30% 4.40% 4.20% Non-labour force Students 820 423 397 Retired 923 499 424 Home duties 1,417 358 1,059 Labour force participation rate 70.2 76.1 64.2 Employment-population ratio 63.1 68.7 57.5 Unemployment rate (%) 6.90% 6.70% 7.30% Education School enrolment rates of 5-15 years 97.40% 96.40% 98.50% Proportion of population aged 15+: · Trade and business certificate 10.9 3.8 · Professional and higher certificate 0.4 0.9 · Teachers and members of professional societies 0.6 1.8 · Tertiary qualifications 12.6 16 11 SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - A SNAPSHOT The Cook Islands has succeeded in raising the overall standard of living as measured by some of its key so- Our implementation of NSDP 2007-2010 has in gen- cial indicators, and is on track to achieve the Millen- eral resulted in good progress towards our socio-eco- nium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015. Life ex- nomic development. Our economy contracted in the pectancy, which was 72.8 years in 2006, is comparable 2008/2009 and the 2009/2010 fiscal years. This down- to that of developed countries. Enrolment in primary ward movement reflects the effects of the global finan- and secondary schools are near universal. Pass rates cial crisis. There is a slight recovery for the 2010/2011 in literacy and numeracy in our primary schools have fiscal year and further improvement projected for improved with the majority of our children working 2011/12. Tourism remains the key economic driver at or above the appropriate level for their chronologi- of the economy. Direct receipts account for 50% of cal age. At college level, the pass rate target of 50% GDP but indirectly, tourism is driving the demand for National Certificate of Education Achievement and activity of over 90% of the economy. has been surpassed. Furthermore, scope of subjects and teaching modalities have improved to cater for The country’s primary dependence on tourism makes the different needs of learners. The challenge to pro- it extremely vulnerable to external shocks. For exam- vide quality and equitable education opportunities for ple, the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001 fundamentally our Pa Enua learners, comparable to their Rarotonga altered the demographic of the tourism market, with peers, continues due to declining Pa Enua school roles. the contraction of the North American tourist market This is one of our key challenges in NSDP 2011-2015. leading to the reduction of flights to and from the US and Canada. This increased the country’s reliance on There have been improvements in our health indica- the New Zealand market, thereby resulting in lower tors particularly those relating to maternal, infant and yields across the industry. under 5 years mortality rates. Yet there are serious concerns over the increased prevalence of lifestyle re- The cost of business is considered to be high due to lated non-communicable diseases and obesity. numerous factors. The country’s small size and isola- WHERE ARE WE NOW tion mean the majority of inputs for production are imported. The high cost of finance is also seen as a The first leg of NSDP 2007-2010 has laid the foun- major challenge to business investment and develop- dations for our Te Kaveinga Nui journey. We have ment (ANZ commercial base lending rate in the Cook made some good progress but many challenges re- Islands as at June 2011 was 9.95% vs. ANZ in New main. This NSDP 2011-2015 will take our develop- Zealand 6.24%). ment to a new level of sustainability. We continue to face the challenge of diversifying our economy by Another impediment to economic growth is the lim- building productivity in all our sectors; further em- ited labour force in the country. The accessibility of powering our people to achieve their full potential; New Zealand and Australia by way of the Cook Is- ensuring that our infrastructure matches our aspira- lands relationship with New Zealand has meant that tions for economic and social development; improv- there has, and continues to be, considerable outward ing governance; strengthening law and order; build- migration. The last decade has seen an influx of for- ing our people’s resilience to the threats of disaster eign labour from Fiji, Tonga and the Philippines and climate change, and ensuring that our environ- working predominantly in the lower paying jobs. ment remains healthy for our future generations. The need for business to import labour to sup- plant the outward migrating local labour force has added to the cost of business in the Cook Islands.

Well over 90% of the country’s eco- nomic activity is generated on the main island of Rarotonga, with Aitutaki - the second most populous island, making the only other significant contribution to GDP. 12 THE COOK ISLANDS: A SWOT ANALYSIS

A summary of the context for our path to achieve our vision, based on our country’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, is presented below.

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES · Talented people · Geographical isolation · Unique cultural assets · Dispersed islands · National pride · Narrow economic base · Unreliable, irregular and high cost · Political stability transportation · High life expectancy · Reliance on imported goods · Unique environment and natural resources · High dependence on imported petroleum · High educational achievement · High energy costs · Vulnerability to natural and man-made · Relatively good health outcomes hazards · Low productivity across most economic · Private sector led economy sectors (except tourism) · Increase dependence on foreign workers to · Peaceful society meet the country’s labour needs · Relatively high standard of living · Good regional and international relationships · Vibrant civil society OPPORTUNITIES THREATS · Expand the economic base by growing other · Depopulation – brain drain of trained and economic sectors educated Cook Islanders · Impact of fluctuations in global economy and · Potential for import substitution capital, currency and commodity markets · Growth in economic value of global cultural · Instability and unpredictability in the supply industries and markets and price of imported petroleum · Global advances in science, technology and · Vulnerability to the impacts of climate innovation change · Development of the Green Economy · Increased likelihood of natural hazards · Large Diaspora (our population living abroad · Inadequate political will or social and their potential to contribute to national partnerships to implement transformation development) · Strong relationships with regional and · Disparity between Rarotonga and the Pa international partners Enua

NSDP 2011-2015 will look to utilise our strengths and opportunities whilst using innovation to overcome weaknesses and threats. We expect that taking a sustainable development approach on these issues will lead to more integrated and holistic outcomes. This in turn, should result in a quantum leap in the type of solutions we develop and undertake.

13 GUIDING PRINCIPLES Our development during 2011-2015 is based on seven ey is realised from public investments. guiding principles which put our people at the centre of the Cook Islands development. These are leader- Achieving our goals for NSDP 2011-2015 calls for ev- ship, partnership, transparency and accountability, ery Cook Islander to participate in both the responsi- social cohesion, equity, sustainability and national de- bilities and benefits of national development and this velopment. They give priority attention to elements hinges on partnership as both being a fundamental that are essential to providing the quality of life for value and adopted as a strategy. our people, and reflect the key pillars needed to re- Transparency and Accountability alise our national vision. Leadership NSDP 2011-2015 recognises that transparency and accountability are essential for the efficient function- Leading the country to achieve its National Vision ing of our economy and for fostering social wellbeing. requires strong and decisive leadership at all levels As we embark on implementation, we must ensure of society. Champions of change and accountabil- timely access to information that can be used to mea- ity within the various institutions of Government, in sure performance and hold Government accountable partnership with the private sector and civil society, for its actions. must lead in achieving desired results. Ownership Social Cohesion of the National Vision and the development plan- ning process must reverberate at every level of Cook This guiding principle will engender a sense of be- Islands society. We must all have a sense of the role longing and pride in our people and generate the trust that we are expected to play and take seriously our required to take us through both the good and chal- responsibility for the successful implementation of lenging times as we journey towards a sustainable fu- NSDP 2011-2015. ture. It will ensure that our people unite around a set Partnership of shared values and responsibilities and a common sense of nationhood. The opportunities envisaged under our National Vi- Equity sion require the promotion of our country’s common good over vested interests and significant technical This guiding principle will facilitate and ensure equal- and financial resources, both of which are beyond the ity of opportunity and equal rights for all our people scope of our Government alone. We need to bridge including access to public goods and services such the resource gap and remove obstacles that could un- as education and health care. NSDP 2011-2015 will dermine the success of NSDP 2011-2015. Our success promote the human rights of our people, including requires the conscious collaboration of our Govern- the most vulnerable and marginalised groups. It will ment, traditional leaders, the private sector and mem- identify and address gender and other biases in our bers of the community, in pooling the use of their ex- society. pertise and resources in public private partnerships in pursuit of the goals of NSDP 2011-2015, sup- Sustainability ported where appropriate through cooperation A sustainable future for our nation requires us to ef- between the Cook Islands and regional and in- fectively integrate economic, social and environmen- ternational partners. Opportunities for such tal issues in order to make the wisest use of our capital partnerships will include the input of the stocks to meet the needs of current and future genera- voluntary sector and faith based organ- tions. We recognise that economic, social and envi- isations in facilitating change in mind- ronmental problems and solutions are inter-connect- set and reinforcing the positive core ed and that an integrated approach to address these values of our society; private sector issues, underpinned by good governance and funda- capital investments in social and mental cultural values to address these issues will en- economic infrastructure; and sure that our development is sustainable. our peoples’ monitoring to ensure accountability National Development and value-for-mon- 14 This principle will encourage us to promote develop- ment on a truly national scale, one that encompasses both Rarotonga and our Pa Enua. It will allow for the inclusion of our Pa Enua in decision making, optimal use of resources in all areas, and facilitate the develop- ment of multi-sectoral and spatial linkages. CHANGING THE MINDSET At the heart of our National Vision and NSDP 2011- 2015 is the transformation of our society to turn our National Vision into action. This transformation will only take place if there is a change in the mindset of the nation which addresses those traits that are likely to inhibit progress towards development. This change is vital if we are to capitalise opportunity in our size, our geographical makeup, our distance from markets and overcome our economies of scale.

We must harness our Cook Islands spirit and the re- spect for and prominence that we give to our posi- tive societal values and attitudes and to our Christian beliefs. Core values include respect, honesty, truth- fulness, forgiveness and tolerance. Attitudinal values such as trust, honour, discipline, responsibility, co- operation, integrity, good work ethic and punctuality are essential for transforming our society into a pros- perous one. Our economy must be recast though the adoption and infusion of transformative values.

As a nation, we must choose to achieve sustainable prosperity to ensure a more promising future and the realisation of our NSDP 2011-2015 National Goals as well as our long term National Vision.

15 NATIONAL GOALS 2011 - 2015 NSDP 2011-2015 is built on eight national goals for PRIORITY AREA 3: ENERGY our country’s development. The key underlying pur- GOAL 3: ENERGY SECURITY pose of NSDP 2011-2015 is to turn our National Vi- ‘RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR ENERGY SECURITY sion into Action. These goals are mutually reinforcing TO ENHANCE OUR ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL and synergistic in design, and their achievement can- DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL INTEG- not be realised in isolation from each other. RITY’ PRIORITY AREA 4: SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT Our selection of goals, objectives and the design of GOAL 4: OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL PEOPLE strategies and actions to realise these goals, collective- WHO RESIDE IN THE COOK ISLANDS ly represent our approach to development planning ‘A COOK ISLANDS WHERE ALL PEOPLE WHO informed by our public and the review of the NSDP RESIDE IN OUR ISLANDS CAN ENJOY OPPORTU- 2007-2010. This approach is relatively broad in scope, NITIES TO FULFIL THEIR POTENTIAL, PROSPER participatory in design and intended implementation AND PARTICIPATE IN THE SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, - though medium term - will be long term in reach POLITICAL AND CULTURAL LIFE OF OUR COM- and transformational in nature. The NSDP thus pro- MUNITIES AND NATION’ vides a comprehensive framework within which the linkages amongst the pillars of sustainable develop- PRIORITY AREA 5: RESILIENCE ment are made, and presents a broad strategic thrust GOAL 5: RESILIENT & SUSTAINBLE COMMUNI- for Te Kaveinga Nui journey towards sustainable de- TIES velopment for the Cook Islands. ‘A COOK ISLANDS WHERE OUR PEOPLE ARE RE- SILIENT TO DISASTERS AND CLIMATE CHANGE Our eight National Goals give greater articulation to TO ACHIEVE SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS’ our National Vision “to enjoy the highest quality of life consistent with the aspirations of our people, and PRIORITY AREA 6: ECOLOGICAL SUSTAIN- in harmony with our culture and environment” and ABILITY are pillars on which our focus for 2011-2015 for sus- GOAL 6: ENVIRONMENT FOR LIVING tainable development rests. ‘A COOK ISLANDS WHERE WE SUSTAIN OUR ECOSYSTEMS AND USE OUR NATURAL RE- PRIORITY AREA 1: ECONOMIC DEVELOP- SOURCES EFFICIENTLY’ MENT GOAL 1: A VIBRANT COOK ISLANDS ECONO- PRIORITY AREA 7: GOVERNANCE MY GOAL 7: GOOD GOVERNANCE ‘A COOK ISLANDS WHERE INGENUITY AND ‘A COOK ISLANDS THAT THRIVES ON GOOD CONNECTION TO OUR CULTURE AND ENVI- GOVERNANCE PRINCIPLES’ RONMENT UNDERPINS THE ABILITY OF OUR PEOPLE TO BUILD BUSINESS AND ENTERPRISE PRIORITY AREA 8: LAW AND ORDER TO CONTRIBUTE TO NATIONAL ECONOMIC GOAL 8: A SAFE, SECURE, JUST AND STABLE GROWTH’ SOCIETY ‘A COOK ISLANDS WHERE THE RULE OF LAW PRIORITY AREA 2: INFRASTRUCTURE ENSURES SAFE, SECURE, JUST, STABLE AND SUS- GOAL 2: INFRASTRUCTURE FOR ECO- TAINABLE COMMUNITIES’ NOMIC GROWTH AND SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS ‘OUR INVESTMENT IN INFRA- STRUCTURE WILL MAXIMISE ECONOMIC RETURN, IMPROVE LIVELIHOODS AND BUILD RESILIENCE’ 16 WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO IN 2011 - 2015?

Infrastructure for Economic Growth, A vibrant Cook Islands Economy Sustainable Livelihoods and Resilience ‘A Cook Islands where ingenuity and connection 'Our investment in infrastructure will maximise to our culture and environment underpins the economic return, improve our peoples livelihoods ability of our people to build business and and build resilience' enterprise for national economic growth’ Objective 1: Our investment in infrastructure Objective 1: An energised and growing green will foster economic growth, sustainable economy through supporting our key economic environment and livelihoods and increase the drivers and encouraging environmentally sound resilience of our communities to disasters and the innovation in potential areas of growth impacts of climate change Objective 2: Enterprise is enabled by establishing an innovative environment Objective 2: Our delivery and ongoing conducive for existing businesses to confidently management of infrastructure will be improved grow and for new businesses to start, grow and significantly thrive in our communities Objective 3: Our Cook Islands environmental and cultural values are integral to business decision making and practice National Strategies: National Strategies · Improve access to water for our · Ensure our tourism excellence communities · Unlock our potential from our marine · Improve our facilities for waste management resources · Unlock our potential from our agricultural · Improve our transport infrastructure production · Identify and exploit trade opportunities · Improve telecommunications · Build our financial services · Strengthen our asset management · Ensure that our cultural and creative Industries are a key force in job and wealth · Enable robust construction creation and nation building · Sustain macro-economic stability · Build capacity in the infrastructure sector · Ensure proactive economic development policies

17 WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO IN 2011 - 2015?

Energy Security Resilient and Sustainable Communities ‘Renewable energy for energy security to ‘A Cook Islands where our people are resilient to enhance our economic growth, social disasters and climate change to achieve development and environmental integrity’ sustainable livelihoods’ Objective 1: Our people are prepared for Objective 1: Secure and reliable energy services disasters and climate change impacts Objective 2: Enhanced efficiency and improved Objective 2: The impacts of disasters and affordability of energy climate change are reduced Objective 3: Investment for renewable energy Objective 3: Our people are resilient to all forms development fostered of hazards Objective 4: Energy standards and compliance will be upheld by a well-regulated energy sector National Strategies National Strategies · Ensure strong governance arrangements for · Strengthen the institutional framework of disaster risk management and climate change the energy sector adaptation · Utilise only proven renewable energy · Ensure that high quality risk information is technologies available to inform planning and implementation · Enhance effective preparedness, response · Provide incentives for renewable energy and recovery · Build resilience through effective disaster · Upgrade existing energy infrastructure risk reduction and climate change adaptation · Promote energy efficiency and conservation · Build our capacity in the energy sector

Opportunity for all People who Reside in the Environment for Living Cook Islands ‘A Cook Islands where all people who reside in our islands can enjoy opportunities to fulfil their ‘A Cook Islands where we sustain our ecosystem potential, prosper and participate in the social, and use our natural resources efficiently’ economic, political and cultural life of our communities and nation’ Objective 1: Our people fulfil their potential through equitable access to quality learning Objective 1: The use of all our natural resources opportunities across the full spectrum of human are managed well to ensure their sustainability endeavour Objective 2: Our people fulfil their potential Objective 2: Our scarce and degraded natural through access to quality and affordable health resources are effectively monitored and restored care Objective 3: The pollution of air, water, and land Objective 3: Our people fulfil their potential resources is managed so that impacts are because they are empowered and have strong minimised and community and ecosystem health families and communities is not adversely affected Objective 4: Our people fulfil their potential Objective 4: Irreversible loss and degradation of because they participate in leisure, recreation and biodiversity (marine, terrestrial, aquatic competitive sports activities ecosystems) is avoided Objective 5: Our actions to protect and manage Objective 5: Cook Islanders share a strong our ecosystems and natural resources will include 18national identity and sense of belonging climate change adaptation and emissions reduction measures Objective 6: Taking care of our natural environment is everybody’s business where all stakeholders will actively play their part in protecting and managing our fragile ecosystems

National Strategies National Strategies · Ensure that parents and communities have confidence in our education system and support · Improve the management and quality of our quality learning and development for the very water resources through an integrated approach young · Ensure that every child is literate and numerate by the end of year 8 and that literacy · Improve water quality through better and numeracy skills for continuing education are sanitation measures provided · Enable every young person to have access · Implement waster minimisation to the opportunity to develop knowledge and programmes and provide appropriate facilities skills to gain qualifications that they need to and incentives to support these with the purpose contribute to the development of the Cook of achieving zero waste Islands · Ensure equitable access for all learners to · Implement an ecosystem approach to the quality learning programmes management of marine resources · Ensure that the Education Sector is responsive to the training needs of the wider · Develop and implement interventions to community through collaboration and ensure that land use is sustainable partnerships with other agencies · Ensure optimum health for our children and · Protect our biodiversity and ecosystems young people · Provide quality health services for all · A multi-sectoral approach to combat non- communicable diseases (NCDs) · Ensure gender equality and empower our women · Guarantee that our children are safe and well-cared for; that our youth are given the opportunity to grow as valuable members of society; our persons with disabilities are valued and included in our development and our elderly are acknowledged for their contributions to society and are looked after · Ensure we have strong families and communities · Our people can access an adequate range of different opportunities for leisure, recreation and competitive sports · Ensure the promotion and preservation of our unique culture, languages and social heritage Opportunity for all People who Reside in the Environment for Living Cook Islands ‘A Cook Islands where all people who reside in our islands can enjoy opportunities to fulfil their ‘A Cook Islands where we sustain our ecosystem potential, prosper and participate in the social, and use our natural resources efficiently’ economic, political and cultural life of our communities and nation’ Objective 1: Our people fulfil their potential through equitable access to quality learning Objective 1: The use of all our natural resources opportunities across the full spectrum of human are managed well to ensure their sustainability endeavour Objective 2: Our people fulfil their potential Objective 2: Our scarce and degraded natural through access to quality and affordable health resources are effectively monitored and restored care Objective 3: The pollution of air, water, and land Objective 3: Our people fulfil their potential resources is managed so that impacts are because they are empowered and have strong minimised and community and ecosystem health families and communities is not adversely affected Objective 4: Our people fulfil their potential Objective 4: Irreversible loss and degradation of WHATbecause ARE they WEparticipate GOING in leisure, TO DO recreation IN 2011 and - 2015?biodiversity (marine, terrestrial, aquatic competitive sports activities ecosystems) is avoided Objective 5: Our actions to protect and manage Objective 5: Cook Islanders share a strong our ecosystems and natural resources will include national identity and sense of belonging climate change adaptation and emissions reduction measures Objective 6: Taking care of our natural environment is everybody’s business where all stakeholders will actively play their part in protecting and managing our fragile ecosystems

National Strategies National Strategies · Ensure that parents and communities have confidence in our education system and support · Improve the management and quality of our quality learning and development for the very water resources through an integrated approach young · Ensure that every child is literate and numerate by the end of year 8 and that literacy · Improve water quality through better and numeracy skills for continuing education are sanitation measures provided · Enable every young person to have access · Implement waster minimisation to the opportunity to develop knowledge and programmes and provide appropriate facilities skills to gain qualifications that they need to and incentives to support these with the purpose contribute to the development of the Cook of achieving zero waste Islands · Ensure equitable access for all learners to · Implement an ecosystem approach to the quality learning programmes management of marine resources · Ensure that the Education Sector is responsive to the training needs of the wider · Develop and implement interventions to community through collaboration and ensure that land use is sustainable partnerships with other agencies · Ensure optimum health for our children and · Protect our biodiversity and ecosystems young people · Provide quality health services for all · A multi-sectoral approach to combat non- communicable diseases (NCDs) · Ensure gender equality and empower our women · Guarantee that our children are safe and well-cared for; that our youth are given the opportunity to grow as valuable members of society; our persons with disabilities are valued and included in our development and our elderly are acknowledged for their contributions to society and are looked after · Ensure we have strong families and communities · Our people can access an adequate range of different opportunities for leisure, recreation and competitive sports · Ensure the promotion and preservation of our unique culture, languages and social heritage 19 WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO IN 2011 - 2015?

Good Governance A Safe, Secure, Just and Stable Society ‘A Cook Islands that thrives on good governance ‘A Cook Islands where the rule of law ensures a principles’ safe, secure, just and stable society’ Objective 1: Clear, coherent and relevant laws; Objective 1: Our general public has confidence fair, accessible and efficient courts and in the systems of government institutions for the administration of justice Objective 2: A machinery of government Objective 2: Free access to our Cook Islands focused on strategic direction, progressive laws partnerships and service satisfaction Objective 3: Increasing the value of existing Objective 3: Quality policing services to our taxpayer dollars through systems that deliver communities and visitors effective development outcomes Objective 4: A general public that is continuously informed of the return on Objective 4: Control of our borders is efficient investment for their taxpayer dollar and as a and effective result actively contributes to development decision making and actions Objective 5: Regional and international relations to contribute effectively to Cook Objective 5: Quality enforcement of our laws Islands sustainable development

National Strategies National Strategies · Ensure that our legislative and regulatory · Strengthen the role of parliament to hold frameworks reflect our sustainable development managers to account for performance goals and objectives · Strengthen electoral systems and processes · Ensure quality enforcement of our laws · Ensure that Government service delivery is · Improve access to Justice efficient and effective · Promote partnerships with civil society and · Improve our land management and land the private sector information systems · Strengthen information and data collection, · Reduce reoffending through offender analysis and management for informed decision rehabilitation making · Ensure that our communities and visitors · Ensure access to information are safe, secure and stable through the provision of quality policing · Ensure our border security both with respect · Improve accountability and transparency of to the movement of goods and persons through public financial management the introduction and operation of effective laws and systems · Establish and strengthen external relations that will benefit the Cook Islands

20 ACHIEVING OUR 2011 - 2015 NATIONAL GOALS

PRIORITY AREA 1: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HOW WILL WE ACHIEVE OUR OBJECTIVES? A strong economy allows us to provide quality services To achieve our objectives we will embark on strategies such as healthcare, education, policing and infrastruc- that: ture. However, prioritising economic development 1. Ensure our Tourism Destination should not be at the cost of social and environmen- tal processes. Implicit in the quality of growth that Excellence we are seeking will be the integration of economic, We will embark on strategies that ensure that the social, cultural and environmental pillars of sustain- Cook Islands achieve its full potential as a leading able development. Sustaining a high quality environ- sustainable tourism destination. Tourism is our pri- ment, as well as building our social and cultural base, mary economic driver and will continue to be so for is critical for our economic development. Our choice the long term. To ensure its continued success, it is of economic policy instruments will be influenced necessary to focus not only on volume, but also yield by their interactions with social, environmental and and dispersal beyond Rarotonga to the Pa Enua. cultural factors. Our economic growth will be ‘green growth’ centred on the protection, conservation, res- In recognition of this, Government has committed to toration and management of our environment. Our underwrite key airline routes between Rarotonga, Los brand of green growth will have a distinctive Cook Is- Angeles and Sydney and to allocate marketing funds lands mark that reflects our cultural values. BRAND to support the success of these routes over the next COOK ISLANDS will be introduced to the world as three years. We will continue to explore opportunities the umbrella for all outward facing interaction on the for further airline access between the Cook Islands global stage. The changing landscape of information and its markets while delivering a targeted strategy of technology also offers us endless opportunities to market stimulation which ensures growth in market promote BRAND COOK ISLANDS its products and share, yield and dispersal to the Pa Enua. experiences. Our economic growth will be achieved through strong partnerships between private sector, Our Destination Development Strategy will strongly government and our communities. underpin the green image that we seek. At the same OUR GOAL time, our strategy will make tourism ‘everybody’s busi- ness’ by encouraging collaboration and inter-linkages aimed at integrated sustainable growth across all sec- A VIBRANT COOK ISLANDS ECONOMY tors. This will be evident in the development of an alternative port in Rarotonga for our cruise industry ‘A COOK ISLANDS WHERE INGENUITY AND and in the long term upgrading our ports in the Pa CONNECTION TO OUR CULTURE AND ENVI- Enua. Complimenting these efforts, will also be the RONMENT UNDERPIN THE ABILITY OF OUR upgrade of airports across the country. PEOPLE TO BUILD BUSINESS AND ENTERPRISE FOR NATIONAL ECONOMIC GROWTH’ Small business growth will be targeted to showcase our fashion, arts, crafts, pearls, food and produce. OUR KEY OBJECTIVES We shall provide places where our people can show- case their creativity, innovation and entrepreneur- 1. An energised and growing green economy ism, while adding to the distinctive character of the through supporting our key economic drivers and Cook Islands. encouraging environmentally sound innovation in potential areas of growth. Integral to our Destination Development 2. Enterprise is enabled by establishing an inno- Strategy is the promotion of our cultural vative environment conducive for existing businesses and sporting events, creative industries, to confidently grow and for new businesses to start, and educational facilities and services. grow and thrive in our communities. Green standards will underpin ev- 3. Our Cook Islands cultural and environmental ery element of business within the values are integral to business decision making and tourism industry and across the practice. nation ensuring that this 21 important economic sector delivers long term sustain- mise the long term benefits from money generated, able growth measured against the nation’s commit- while minimising the impacts to the environment ment to a green future. Central to this will be holding caused by extraction. all tourism operators to these standards as part of the 3. Unlock our Potential from our Ag- National Tourism Accreditation Programme. ricultural Production To achieve long term sustainability for the industry, it We were once an economy based on agriculture, yet is necessary to plan for future growth ensuring that in- currently we import far too much produce. We have frastructure and tourism development are integrated, the potential to reduce our imports of agricultural and that any new developments are delivered against products. Therefore, first and foremost, we will -re criteria that ensure cultural, environmental and com- vitalise our agriculture industry - particularly in the munity integrity in order to deliver an optimal Cook southern islands of the Pa Enua as not only an import Islands tourism experience to both our visitors and substitution strategy, but also one that will assure food our communities. The long term purpose is to grow security in the face of climate change, economic earn- our country’s economy through tourism without ing opportunities and encourage the consumption of compromising our country’s unique qualities. healthy food to ensure good health outcomes. 2. Unlock our Potential from our Ma- rine Resources In revitalising agriculture we will strive for better partnerships between government and our farmers, We have 2.2 million square kilometers of ocean and exporters, markets and our airline and shipping ser- this offers great potential for economic growth in the vices. short, medium and long term. However, any activi- ties in our oceans must be conducted in a sustainable Our efforts in revitalising agriculture will be based on manner underpinned by the principles of precaution, the principles of biological, organic production and conservation and effective management, and shared best agricultural practices aligned to our desire for responsibility. green growth. These efforts will be complemented by research, education and vocational training to ensure In the medium term there are seven key strategies to that production, marketing and trade facilitation are increase our economic return from our marine re- aligned to ‘green agriculture’ international standards. sources. Firstly, is to expand income earning oppor- 4. Identify and Exploit Trade Oppor- tunities from sustainably managed offshore fisheries through capacity building, infrastructure and market tunities development. Secondly, is to achieve a profitable and With our open economy and longstanding approach sustainable pearl industry by improving productivity, to international trade and other economic relations, marketing and environmental management. Thirdly, our attention will continue to be given to identify- is to improve income generating opportunities for the ing and exploiting regional and international trade private sector particularly in the Pa Enua, through opportunities, including through the negotiation of increased provision of technical and scientific as- agreements to promote our sustainable development sistance. Fourth, is to ensure sustainable fishing objectives. This will include trade in both goods and and conservation practices resulting in tradi- services. tional subsistence practices and long term food security. Fifth, we will strive to protect and In pursuing this strategic approach, there will con- conserve our natural marine biodiversity, its tinue to be regular consultations between government affiliated customary practices and knowl- entities and other relevant stakeholders. edge. Sixth, explore potential sustainable commercialisation of marine resourc- 5. Build our Financial Services es, such as, marine eco-tourism and other innovative marine business In past years we were the leaders in international fi- enterprises. Lastly, to ensure nancial services in the Pacific but we have not kept that we wisely utilise our pace with our competitors. This industry has the abil- seabed mineral resources ity to make far more significant contributions to our for economic devel- economy with zero impact on our environment. To 22 opment, maxi- do this, we will firstly upgrade the legislative frame- work relating to financial services. This will create the same time promoting investments that will sup- a new competitive advantage by improving existing port sustained economic development. In doing so, services and creating new products and services. Sec- government will ensure that it limits the diversion of ondly, we will enhance our marketing through target- resources away from the private sector through its tax ed advertising to increase our threshold of exposure policy, controls expansion in the size of the public sec- to raise the profile of the jurisdiction and create new tor while also maintaining affordability, and keeping client markets. Thirdly, we will increase our presence national debt within a sustainable level. Government in the international marketplace to promote the in- has established fiscal responsibility ratios to quantify dustry, demonstrate our commitment, and eliminate its performance in managing the macroeconomic en- any negative perceptions about the Cook Islands’ ju- vironment and will closely align its decisions towards risdiction. upholding these ratios. 6. Ensure that Cultural and Creative 8. Ensure Proactive Economic Devel- Industries are a Key Force in Job and opment Policies that are Underpinned Wealth Creation and Nation Building by Environmental Sustainability Prin- ciples The Cultural and Creative Industries (publishing, film, broadcasting, music, visual and performing arts, jour- The public and the business sector have indicated that nalism, museums and art exhibitions, retail, architec- government should take a more proactive role in cre- ture, design, advertising, software, etc) are committed ating the environment that will stimulate business and to the creation of wealth through the application of enterprise. It is acknowledged that a comprehensive ideas and individual creativity. Our people’s creativ- regulatory reform agenda, aimed at building a seam- ity is renowned and should be harnessed as powerful less national economy encouraging competition, pro- engines for economic growth and trade development moting opportunities and creating positive impacts – not only in terms of direct economic impact from on productivity is required. This shall be pursued the marketing and the sale of goods and services, but through a continuous programme that ensures policy also as a multiplier in other sectors. consistency and maintains regulatory certainty and The government is committed to creating the enabling clarity. Areas such as labour relations, foreign invest- environment for cultural and creative industries to ment, intellectual property, competition, immigration start, thrive and grow including the endorsement of and trade have been identified as priorities for policy the necessary policy and legislative frameworks. and regulatory reform. The regulatory framework In the medium term we will pursue efforts to devel- must be aligned with changes in the global regulatory op a culture of creativity and enterprise through our tools, agreements, processes and approaches, includ- education system; develop and strengthen partner- ing new best practices and standards. Compliment- ships; promote national and international recognition ing regulatory reform will be the streamlining and for our people’s creativity; increase exposure of our simplifying of licensing. creativity and cultural strength including our Maori language; and improve research and development in Whilst the Cook Islands hope to attract foreign in- cultural and creative products. vestment that will be beneficial to the country this will 7. Sustain Macro-Economic Stability be achieved by maintaining a balance with appropri- ate protection for domestic players. Sound fiscal management makes a major contribu- tion to achieving economic growth by providing con- Empowering our small scale entrepreneurs and fidence to the business sector and potential investors. micro enterprises is fundamental for econom- Government, since the mid 1990s, has maintained a ic development and for sustaining families. relatively prudent macroeconomic stance guided by Therefore, the provision of business support, principles of fiscal responsibility as outlined in the including access to financial resources and Ministry of Finance and Economic Management Act services, capacity development in busi- 1995-96. ness management, vocational training In its role, the government will maintain macro- and bridging the skills gap through economic stability as an essential prerequisite for human capital development, will be sustained growth. Macroeconomic policies will be targeted. geared towards maintaining fiscal discipline, whilst at 23 As part of its efforts in promoting local business, gov- ernment will re-engineer its role in the economy to one which supports rather than competes with the private sector by outsourcing functions which could be better performed by the private sector and entering into public private partnerships where efficiency and service satisfaction gains can be made.

Alongside the creation of an environment that stimu- lates private sector growth, government will develop policies to introduce incentives to minimise impacts on the natural environment. Incentives will ensure that businesses that meet environmental standards are rewarded and those businesses that pollute and degrade pay the cost of their actions.

The potential to grow our economy is dependent on our people’s productivity. Government will pass the necessary regulatory and legislative frameworks to protect the rights of both our employees and employ- ers, including the promotion of gender equality in the workplace and the rights of persons with disabilities, to participate in the economy.

HOW WILL WE MEASURE OUR SUCCESS?

1. Real GDP growth averages 2.5 % per annum 2. Private sector employment growth averages 2.5% per annum 3. Growth in total visitor numbers over 120,000 4. Growth in contribution to the economy as a % growth of GDP from our tourism industry 5. Growth in contribution to the economy as a % growth of GDP from our marine resources 6. Growth in contribution to the economy as a % growth of GDP from our agricultural production 7. Growth in contribution to the economy as a % growth of GDP from our Offshore Financial Indus- try 8. Government tax revenue to GDP maintained within 25% over the medium term 9. Personnel to total revenue is reduced and maintained within 40% over the medi- um term 10. A National Trade Policy will be adopted and trade agreements entered into where they offer opportunities and benefits to the Cook Islands

24 PRIORITY AREA 2: INFRASTRUCTURE in our goal to build resilience to disaster and climate change impacts. Infrastructure is central to improving livelihood op- We anticipate that cost recovery for the delivery of portunities and delivering critical goods and services. water resources will be implemented in 2011-2015. Therefore, with ecological sustainability, provides the 2. Improve our Facilities for Waste foundation for economic and social development. Management Our efforts will be geared towards increasing the productivity of environmentally sound infrastruc- To complement our strategy for ecological sustain- ture as an important step towards sustaining overall ability through improved waste management, we will economic growth, improving livelihoods and build- transform the way we use our waste facilities in Raro- ing the resilience of our communities to disasters and tonga and Aitutaki to Resource and Recovery Centres climate change impacts. where waste is transformed so that it may be reused – for example, crushing glass to use for construction.

OUR GOAL Additionally, we will implement the National Waste INFRASTRUCTURE FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH, Strategy utilising the best options to address waste SUSTAINBLE LIVELIHOODS AND RESILIENCE management in the remaining islands. Fundamen- tal to our approach to transform the management of ‘OUR INVESTMENT IN INFRASTRUCTURE WILL waste will be the use of public private partnerships. MAXIMISE ECONOMIC RETURN, IMPROVE LIVE- 3. Improve our Transport Infrastruc- LIHOODS AND BUILD RESILIENCE’ ture

OUR KEY OBJECTIVES Our work on improving our roads will be done in conjunction with the improvements of our water, en- 1. Our investment in infrastructure will foster ergy and telecommunication distribution networks. economic growth, sustainable environment and liveli- We will establish public private partnerships in road hoods and increased resilience for our communities management and take into consideration road safety to disasters and the impacts of climate change. and the impact of disasters and climate change in all 2. Our delivery and ongoing environmentally engineering specifications. sound management and maintenance of infrastruc- ture will be improved significantly. We will continue to improve our airports in our Pa Enua to complement our economic development ef- forts beginning in 2011-2015 with improvements to HOW WILL WE ACHIEVE OUR OBJECTIVES? Aitutaki, Atiu, Manihiki and Mangaia airstrips and terminals. We will also continue upgrading our ports To achieve our objectives we will embark on strategies in our Pa Enua completing development in Mauke that: and Mitiaro in 2011-2012 and rolling out the upgrade 1. Improve Access to and Quality of of Manihiki, Rakahanga and Aitutaki ports in 2012- 2015. Efforts in Aitutaki will be focused on widening Water to our Communities the harbour, developing a marina and upgrading the To improve the access to water for our communities, island centre. Improvements to our airports and our efforts will include the rehabilitation of water in- ports will include disaster risk reduction and cli- takes, upgrade water galleries, advance work on our mate change adaptation measures. ringmain and distribution lines, increase water har- Transportation to the Pa Enua is a challenge vesting and storage. Furthermore we will promote and can hinder the planned development ini- and implement the most viable options to ensure the tiatives in those islands. Therefore, efforts safety and improved quality of our water supply. will be made to ensure improvements to transportation to, from and between the These efforts will complement those identified under Pa Enua, Rarotonga and other mar- our ecological sustainability goal to further implement kets. These efforts will focus on our integrated approach to water resource manage- cooperation between Govern- ment and also to ensure water security as articulated ment and the private sector 25 to improve transportation efficiency and connectiv- ery to better inform our development and land use ity to the Pa Enua and with the economy. Incentives planning. will be introduced to encourage shipping that adopts 7. Build Capacity in the Infrastruc- green transportation technology. ture Sector 4. Improve Telecommunications Building capacity is crucial for improving delivery of Telecommunications can increase the efficiency of the infrastructure development. Local capacity will be economy; facilitate commercial and administrative fostered by providing access to up-to-date technical activities; improve effectiveness of social and emer- skills to our people through vocational education and gency services; and distribute the social, cultural and training, and developing community and private sec- economic benefits of the development process more tor organisations capable of planning, implementing equitably throughout the country. Furthermore, tele- and overseeing infrastructure development. With the communications is also a prerequisite for participa- support of our development partners, we will jointly tion in an increasingly competitive global economy select and manage technical cooperation and promote and for attracting new investment. the provision of technical cooperation by local and re- In 2013 we will be connecting to the O3B Network of gional sources, including South-South cooperation. medium Earth orbit satellite constellation. It is an- Special attention will be paid to build the capacity of ticipated that this will significantly increase the speed our people in the priority areas of water, sanitation and quality of our telecommunication services. and renewable energy.

We will commit to strengthening our telecommu- HOW WE WILL MEASURE OUR SUCCESS? nications regulatory framework and develop and implement policies and regulations that will result 1. Percentage of households having access to wa- in improved telecommunications infrastructure and ter is increased services. Changes to our telecommunications regu- 2. All 12 water intakes will be rehabilitated latory framework will be complimented by the most 3. Volume of waste at landfills declined appropriate institutional arrangements to monitor 4. Telephone connection increased telecommunications development and compliance, 5. Cellular subscribers increased carry out regulatory responsibilities, drive policy de- 6. Internet usage increased velopment, and identify areas for capacity building to 7. Number of certified trades professionals in- improve efficiencies in other productive sectors. creased 5. Strengthen our Asset Management 8. Percentage of infrastructure projects imple- mented by local contractor increased We will strengthen the management of our public assets. As a matter of priority we will develop and implement asset management planning frameworks in 2011-2015. 6. Enable Robust Construction

As a matter of priority we will review the Build- ing and Standards Act and its associated reg- ulations in 2011-2012 to ensure that these reflect our development aspirations by including standards and compliance to water harvesting, sanitation, energy ef- ficiency, environmental assessments, extreme events benchmarks and climate change adaptation mea- sures. We will strengthen our capacity in Geographical Information Systems 26 and satellite imag- PRIORITY AREA 3: ENERGY OUR KEY OBJECTIVES

The Energy Sector in the Cook Islands has been domi- 1. Secure and reliable energy services. nated by the importation and consumption of fossil 2. Enhanced efficiency and affordability of en- fuels, particularly in the diesel-based generation of ergy. electricity and the petroleum powered transport in- 3. Investment in renewable energy development dustries. Included also in the Energy Sector are indus- will be fostered. tries distributing and consuming LPG gas, benzene 4. Energy standards and compliance will be up- and other oils, as well as a small number of players held by a well regulated energy sector. utilising renewable energy sources. HOW WILL WE ACHIEVE OUR OBJECTIVES? Whilst energy security has always been viewed as an essential element for economic growth and sustain- To achieve our objectives we will embark on strategies able livelihoods, the sector has lacked a robust over- that: arching framework to effectively and efficiently coor- dinate collective efforts towards the achievement of 1. Strengthen the Institutional Frame- energy security. Consequently, regulatory oversight work of the Energy Sector of the Energy Sector has been weak with deficiencies in policy development, compliance and management To ensure the implementation of our Cook Island Re- capacity. Though the Cook Islands has had in place a newable Energy Chart (CIREC) we will transform the National Energy Policy since 2007, the problems out- institutional framework of our Energy Sector. The lined above have contributed to inadequacies in im- Renewable Energy Development Division of the Of- plementation of energy security, fuel and gas pricing, fice of the Prime Minister will play the lead role in shipping and transportation and electrification man- coordinating and steering the implementation of the agement responsibility, particularly in the Pa Enua. CIREC. Policy and regulatory frameworks will be strengthened as well as financial management, raising The recent commitment by Government to fulfil 50% awareness, building capacity and increasing partici- of the country’s energy needs from renewable sourc- pation of our communities for the achievement of our es by 2015 (50/15), and 100% by 2020 (100/20) has renewable energy targets. brought a sharp focus on renewable energy to ensure energy security. Additionally, it has also highlighted 2. Utilise only Proven Renewable En- the need to bring together the key stakeholders in the ergy Technologies Energy Sector, with a stronger sectoral approach to planning, coordination, research and development, Recognising the quickly changing landscape of re- implementation and management – a transformation newable energy technologies, we will take a cautious of the sector to achieve the country’s renewable energy approach to ensure that the technologies we employ targets by implementing our Cook Islands Renewable will definitely enable us to achieve our renewable en- Energy Chart (CIREC) and instil a greater degree of ergy targets. We will only adopt and utilise techno- environmental integrity, while placing the country in logically, commercially and environmentally sound a better position to realise its economic and sustain- proven technologies that are relevant to our context able livelihoods goals. such as utility scale wind, small scale embedded wind, utility scale solar photovoltaic and embedded OUR GOALS solar photovoltaic. Our efforts in renewable en- ergy adoption will initially focus on our islands in the North before rolling out utilisation in the ENERGY SECURITY Southern islands. Programmed studies into benefits of renewable energy and the devel- RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR ENERGY SECURITY opment of long term storage options will TO ENHANCE OUR ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL be conducted to inform actions towards DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL INTEG- the achievement of our 50/15 and RITY 100/20 targets. 27 3. Provide incentives for renewable complemented by awareness and educational pro- grammes including the promotion of energy efficien- energy cy and conservation. We will build upon our current enabling initiatives such as Te Aponga Uira’s net metering policy to en- HOW WILL WE MEASURE OUR SUCCESS? courage private sector and private citizens’ participa- tion in harnessing renewable energy sources. The Te 1. 100% of households with access to electricity Aponga Uira will continue to manage its net meter- 2. National spending as a % of GDP on fossil fu- ing arrangements for Rarotonga, with the potential of els for transportation and electricity reduced expansion to grid connected renewable energy gen- 3. Renewable energy coverage increased by 50% eration where appropriate in the Pa Enua. Business models that are appropriate for changing the energy landscape will be investigated and the most viable op- tions will be implemented.

To encourage uptake of renewable energy we will ex- plore other viable and economically sound incentives. We will explore sound incentives with particular em- phasis on low-income earners and the most vulner- able in society. These could be supported by develop- ment partners.

Incentives to encourage energy efficiency and conser- vation will also be implemented including those that promote energy efficient vehicles. Energy inefficient vehicles come at significant economic and environ- mental cost and typically have large engines that are challenged at low speeds presenting safety issues on our roads. 4. Upgrade Existing Energy Infra- structure

We will continually upgrade our energy infrastruc- ture with maintenance and balanced investment pro- grammes for power systems, including grid networks throughout the country, renewable energy facilities and petroleum farms. This will be pursued in the context of the concerted effort to pursue our re- newable targets while recognising that new de- velopments will need to be integrated alongside ongoing maintenance and upgrades to guaran- tee the delivery of reliable power supply and security. 5. Build our Capacity in the Energy Sec- tor We will build our capacity and de- velop expertise in the produc- tion, installation, operation, and management of technically and economically proven renewable energy sys- 28 tems. This will be PRIORITY AREA 4: SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 1. Ensure that Parents and Commu- nities have Confidence in our Edu- Economic growth on its own will not deliver continu- cation System and Support Quality ing improvements in the quality of life for Cook Is- landers. Investment is needed in social development Learning and Development for the to promote opportunities for all and ensure social Very Young inclusion. The aim of social investment is to create a ‘virtuous circle’ grounded on family and community Early Childhood Education (ECE) has been one of unity. Our investment in social development will re- the three main foci of the Ministry of Education in sult in a healthier, better educated, employable and recent years and will remain a focus through to 2015. productive population. This in turn contributes to Although enrolment rates nationally suggest a high economic development, environment sustainability uptake of education at this level, disaggregation shows and the continued prosperity of the Cook Islands and pockets of the population where ECE is not being ac- its people. If we live in a healthy physical and social cessed. 2011-2015 will focus on increased access to environment, in a nation with a strong economy, our ECE. The Ministry of Education will seek to address people will enjoy greater opportunities to live well. this through parental education programmes (Te Ka- kaia – parents as leaders in their child’s education), OUR GOAL specific media campaigns and individual community based responses, as well as setting targeted funding for ECE. OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL PEOPLE WHO RE- SIDE IN THE COOK ISLANDS 2. Ensure that Every Child is Liter- ate and Numerate by the End of Year 8 ‘A COOK ISLANDS WHERE ALL PEOPLE WHO and that Literacy and Numeracy Skills RESIDE IN OUR ISLANDS CAN ENJOY OPPORTU- NITIES TO FULFIL THEIR POTENTIAL, PROSPER for Continuing Education are Provid- AND PARTICIPATE IN THE SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, ed POLITICAL AND CULTURAL LIFE OF OUR COM- MUNITIES AND NATION’ Like ECE, national literacy and numeracy results are pleasing, however, disaggregation shows geographi- OUR KEY OBJECTIVES cal areas of lower achievement which require atten- tion. Improving literacy and numeracy remains a fundamental target for 2011-2015. The Ministry of 1. Our people fulfil their potential through eq- Education will enhance its Lead Teacher programme uitable access to quality learning opportunities across as well as continue to develop assessment tools to im- the full spectrum of human endeavour. prove learning to compliment its work on utilising 2. Our people fulfil their potential through ac- best practice models for literacy and numeracy for the cess to quality and affordable health care. Cook Islands. Increased resourcing targeted towards 3. Our people fulfil their potential because they improving literacy in the Maori language will also oc- are empowered and have strong families and commu- cur. nities. 4. Our people fulfil their potential because they Disaggregation has shown areas of low achievement, participate in leisure, recreation and competitive not only geographically, but also by gender. The sports activities. literacy rate for boys is well below that of girls. 5. Cook Islanders share a strong national iden- An increase in literacy requirement for national tity and sense of belonging. qualifications from 2011 will only exacerbate this issue further. Addressing this will be a HOW WILL WE ACHIEVE OUR OBJECTIVES? priority for the Ministry of Education with targeted programmes for boys. To achieve our objectives we will embark on strategies that: Concrete literacy and numeracy skills underpin the ability of learners to access other learn- ing opportunities and 29 qualifications. The Ministry will develop strategies training will continue to ensure that training provid- to ensure that support for literacy and numeracy is ers maintain accreditation standards with recognised available to all learners who require it in order to be institutions. At the same time, we will continue to successful across the full range of qualifications and ensure that our training facilities in-country are ad- programmes offered in-country. equately resourced to meet the learning needs of all 3. Enable Every Young Person to learners. A focus in 2011-2015 will be to provide second chance learning opportunities to increase em- have Access to the Opportunity to ployment potential in a green economy, particularly Develop Knowledge and Skills and to for our ‘at risk’ and ‘in risk’ young people. It is evident Gain Qualifications that they Need to that vocational training has led to improving individ- Contribute to the Development of the ual self esteem and responsibility, a reduction in crime rates and a more cohesive society. Cook Islands 5. Ensure that the Education Sector The Ministry will continue its Inclusive Education is Responsive to the Training Needs of Policy to ensure that children with particular learning the Wider Community through Col- and physical needs are in school, and, where practi- laboration and Partnerships with other cable, mainstreamed into classrooms. The Ministry is cognizant of its role in supporting the economic Agencies development of the country by ensuring that the pro- grammes offered also help to develop enterprise and Collaboration and partnership within the sector and entrepreneurship. with the community is critical for responding to the training needs of the wider community. The Educa- Increasing subject scope to meet the interests of stu- tion Sector will work with key stakeholders to identify dents to provide young Cook Islanders with the skills specific programmes that respond to community and and qualifications needed to contribute to the na- market-based needs, as well as develop partnerships to tional workforce and towards green economic growth maximise utilisation of resources for the provision of will also be a focus. Complimenting these efforts will formal and non-formal learning opportunities. These be programmes such as “Dual Pathways” where stu- include the mainstreaming of key sustainable issues dents can gain credits towards both school based and such as human rights, gender, disaster risk manage- vocational qualifications simultaneously. Alternative ment, climate change, environment management, and Pathways will ensure that the learning needs of all stu- inclusiveness learning programmes. dents are met. A priority for the Education sector will 6. Ensure Optimum Health of our be increased access for students in isolated communi- Children and Young People ties. The use of online learning programmes provides an opportunity to reach isolated students. The pro- Health can have a cumulative effect on life outcomes vision of quality support and information on career – poor child health is linked to poor adult health and opportunities and decision making will be enhanced also to broader poor outcomes including unemploy- in 2011-2015. ment and crime. Therefore ensuring the good health 4. Ensure Equitable Access for of our children and young people, is a priority. We all Learners to Quality Learning will continue to maintain a quality maternal health Programmes service and high levels of immunisation for our chil- dren, while at the same time continue our efforts to ensure low child mortality rates. We will enhance Our approach to education and tertiary our efforts to address issues of teenage pregnancy, vocational training is one of lifelong unprotected sex, alcohol, cigarette and drug use, and learning. We will continue in 2011- unhealthy lifestyles by working in collaboration with 2015 to ensure that the tertiary other agencies and our communities. vocational education and train- ing programmes continue to 7. Provide Quality Health Services meet the priority training for All needs of the country and our learners. Focus Quality health is critical to wellbeing and therefore 30 on in-country we will continue to focus on improving the delivery individuals taking responsibility for their own good of quality health service for all our people. Providing health. equitable access to quality health across our islands 9. Ensure Gender Equality and Em- remains a challenge. However, there are opportuni- ties for telemedicine using information technology power our Women and improved telecommunications and supporting infrastructure. We are also challenged by the lack of Our vision for gender equality and women empow- specialist services in-country. To address this we will erment is based on our national vision where all in- continue to engage with New Zealand to provide spe- dividuals in our society are able to live with dignity, cialist health programmes. The capacity of our people enjoy their human rights, achieve their full potential to deliver health services will also require attention in and contribute to the development and the wellbeing 2011-2015 through continuing professional develop- of society; where women and girls have equal access ment, increased training, and providing employment to and benefits from the development of the coun- opportunities for Cook Islanders in the health sector try; and where women and girls are protected from through the re-opening of the Cook Islands nursing all forms of discrimination and violence. Our ef- school and awarding and retaining employment of forts will focus on developing gender responsive pro- Cook Islands doctors in-country. We will continue grammes and policies; the equitable participation of our Men’s Health and Women’s Health clinics which women and men in decision-making and governance target the specific health issues of men and women. systems; creating an enabling environment for the full Other groups in our community that require special- participation of women in economic and social devel- ised attention will also be targeted including our chil- opment; improving the capacity of men and women dren who may be at risk of becoming NCD patients to contribute to disaster risk management and climate in the future due to changes in lifestyle and the effect change adaptation strategies; improve the capacity of of increase consumption of imported fatty food. We women and men to address health issues; and elimi- will work in partnership with our community service nating violence against women. providers to address the health issues of those with 10. Guarantee that our Children are mental illness, disabilities, our elderly and those re- Safe and Well Cared for; that our quiring palliative care services. Youth are given the Opportunity to 8. A Multi-Sectoral Approach to Grow as Valuable Members of Society; Combat Non-Communicable Diseases our Persons with Disabilities are Val- (NCDs) ued and Included in our Development NCD remain a challenge and if not addressed will cre- and where our Elderly are Acknowl- ate a huge demand for remedial health. NCD have edged for their Contributions to Soci- significant social and economic consequences at all ety and are Looked After levels of society. Between 1999 and 2007, the pro- portion of local residents diagnosed and registered Meeting the needs of our children, youth, persons as hypertensive and/or diabetic increased from 14% with disabilities and elderly requires coordinated in- to 24.8%. Cerebrovascular disease, ischemic heart ter-agency support and a strong partnership between disease and hypertension were the leading causes of government, civil society and communities. Gov- death in 2007. The Cook Islands NCD risk factors ernment will commit to develop and implement ro- Steps Report printed in April 2011 states that 77% of bust policy interventions to address the needs and Cook Islanders are at risk at developing NCD. As a capacities of those groups and legislation that matter of priority we will concentrate on both pri- will protect and ensure their human rights and mary and secondary prevention activities to both pre- wellbeing. Our policy interventions will fo- vent and control the incidences of NCDs. We will pay cus on inclusiveness, valuing the contribu- special attention and focus interventions on NCD risk tions that these groups make to a cohesive factors – tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical activity society, and to our sustainable develop- and harmful use of alcohol and drugs. We will step ment. Interventions targeting chil- up our efforts to effectively and efficiently implement dren, youth, persons with disabili- the Cook Islands National Strategy and Action Plan to ties, mentally ill, the displaced Prevent and Control NCD including the promotion of in our communities and our 31 elderly will be mainstreamed into the national policy self worth, belonging, pride and achievement. We environment. These interventions will also serve to will promote the preservation of our unique culture, fulfil our regional and international obligations to en- Maori language (and all its dialects) and social heri- sure that our children, youth, persons with disabilities tage through the integration of relevant programmes and elderly are valuable members of our society. into our education curriculum. Our culture and so- 11. Ensure that we have Strong Fami- cial heritage will be incorporated into our strategies for economic and social development and ecological lies and Communities sustainability.

Government, the private sector, civil society organisa- tions, communities, families and individuals working HOW WILL WE MEASURE OUR SUCCESS? together will be fundamental in building our strength 1. Enrolment rate for Early Childhood Educa- of character and unity which will result in strong fam- tion is 95% across all islands. ilies and communities. To complement interventions 2. 65% Year 4 Literacy results in Cook Islands focusing on certain groups in our communities, gov- Maori at or above expected levels. ernment is committed to passing the Family Law Bill 3. 60% Year 4 Literacy results in English at or which will ensure the protection of the rights of indi- above expected levels. viduals within a family and strengthening the family 4. 90% NCEA Level 1 Numeracy rate. unit as a whole. Efforts will be made to identify ways 5. 90% NCEA Level 1 Literacy rate. to provide family support to those who need it, such 6. 62% achievement in NCEA Level 1 qualification. as counselling, respite care and outreach, and imple- 7. 70% retention rate from Year 11-12. ment the most appropriate options. 8. Increase by 50% rate of tertiary qualified Cook 12. Our People can Access an Ad- Islanders. equate Range of Different Opportuni- 9. Increase by 50% rate of vocational education ties for Leisure, Recreation and Com- and training achievement. 10. Greater than 90% antenatal care coverage for petitive sports all mothers. 11. Low infant (under 5 years) and maternal mor- Leisure and recreational activities are important for tality rates. development because physical activity provides con- 12. Greater than 90% immunisation coverage. siderable health and other social benefits; and arts, 13. Reduce by 10% incidence rates of NCDs. sports, cultural activities and access to the natural 14. Reduce by 30% rates of teenage pregnancy. environment offer opportunities for inspiration, cre- 15. Reduce by 30% rate of sexually transmitted in- ativity and spiritual renewal. Government will work fections. in collaboration with other key stakeholders and our 16. Maintain nil or low rate of HIV/AIDS and Tu- communities to develop and implement a compre- berculosis (TB) infections. hensive national policy that will promote, encourage 17. Reduce by 50% the number of overweight and support physical activity and recreation in the children Cook Islands. 18. Increase in the % of women in business and 13. Ensure the Promotion and professional occupations. Preservation of our Unique Cul- 19. Increase in the % of women in local and na- tional government. ture, Language and Social Heri- 20. Decline in the rate of domestic violence. tage 21. Decline in the rate of crimes committed against children. Culture, language and heritage have 22. Decline in the rate of crimes committed by value in their own right and contrib- youth offenders. ute to a common sense of nation- 23. Reduction in unemployment rate. hood and national development. 24. Increase by 50% the employment rate for per- Culture can act as a catalyst sons with disabilities. for economic growth, 25. Increase in levels of funding for non-govern- environmental pro- ment and civil society organisations providing social 32 tection, sense of services. PRIORITY AREA 5: RESILIENCE OUR OBJECTIVES

The Cook Islands is highly vulnerable to natural and 1. Our people are prepared for disasters and cli- man-made hazards that can lead to disasters. Di- mate change impacts sasters can result in short and long term devastating 2. The impacts of disasters and climate change social, economic and environmental consequences are reduced which can set back the country’s hard won develop- 3. Our people are resilient to all forms of hazards ment progress. We are of course no strangers to this having over the years experienced the impacts of cy- HOW WILL WE ACHIEVE OUR OBJECTIVES? clones. Coupled with this is the ever present threat of the adverse impacts of climate change. As a small To achieve our objectives we will embark on strategies island nation, climate change has the potential to sig- that: nificantly undermine our future as Cook Islanders living fulfilling lives in our islands and even the very 1. Ensure Strong Governance Ar- survival of our islands. Furthermore, it is now recog- rangements for DRM and CCA nised that development processes themselves can lead to the creation of new hazards if these processes are Our strategies are to strengthen and integrate gov- not ‘risk-proofed’. In addition, there is the ever-pres- ernance arrangements for DRM and CCA through ent threat of technological and health disasters such strengthening and consolidating policies, plans and as oil spills, aircraft accidents, pandemics etc. There- institutions; establishing sustainable financing mech- fore, for the Cook Islands, disaster risk reduction and anisms; strengthening capacity of government agen- management and climate change are development cies, island councils and civil society organisations; issues which cannot be viewed independently of the and strengthening DRM and CCA planning at the economic, social, environmental and cultural compo- local level. Moreover, our strategy will seek to main- nents of development. stream DRM and CCA into national and sectoral planning, policies, legislation and budgeting as well as Our approach therefore, combines a high state of pre- into development planning regulations. paredness from our emergency services to respond to 2. Ensure that High Quality Risk In- disasters (disaster management) with an on-going in- formation is Available to Inform Plan- vestment in activities that reduce the risk and vulner- ability of our economy and our communities (disaster ning and Implementation risk reduction) by learning to adapt to the changing For risk reduction and adaptation to be effective we climate and building our resilience to natural and have to have strong and reliable risk information and man-made hazards. This approach seeks to integrate monitoring systems in place. Our strategy therefore Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) with Disaster Risk is to monitor and assess the risks and vulnerabilities Management (DRM) so as to maximise synergies and linked to natural and man-made hazards, includ- avoid overlaps. ing those associated with climate change. This will include the strengthening of spatial mapping tech- To achieve this we will implement an ‘all hazards’, nologies and risk exposure databases, modelling of ‘whole of government’, ‘no regrets’ approach with key sea-surge and areas susceptible to inundation, moni- agencies coordinating closely with relevant stakehold- toring of water quality, and so forth. In addition, ers and our communities. the focus will also be on learning from our com- munities through the documentation and use of OUR GOAL traditional knowledge and through conducting participatory vulnerability assessments for all A RESILIENT AND SUSTAINABLE COOK IS- inhabited islands. In consulting and plan- LANDS ning with our communities, we will be alert to the special needs of women, persons ‘A COOK ISLANDS WHERE OUR PEOPLE ARE RE- with disabilities and other vulnerable SILIENT TO DISASTERS AND CLIMATE CHANGE groups in our society. TO ACHIEVE SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS’ 33 3. Enhance Effective Preparedness, will be implemented in 2011-2015 across the thematic priority areas of the NSDP are geared to building our Response and Recovery resilience to a variety of hazards and external risks. With the dramatic increase in our risk profile as a re- Should potential risks arise where we do not have ad- sult of climate change (stronger and more frequent equate policies to minimise damage, we must ensure cyclones, more and worse droughts, sea level rise, etc) our systems are in place to effectively respond. It is it is imperative that we maintain and strengthen our critical that we have collaboration across government, systems for preparedness, emergency response and re- and work in partnership with the private sector and covery so as to minimise the impact of hazards on the communities. social and economic well-being of our communities. This will involve ensuring high levels of community HOW WILL WE MEASURE OUR SUCCESS? awareness and preparedness at all times. Emergency management agencies, including health and welfare, 1. Historical comparison of recovery cost for will also need to maintain a high level of prepared- various categories of cyclones decreased ness which will require on-going training, inter-agen- 2. Historical comparison of lives lost for compa- cy planning and holding operational drills. The Cook rable hazards Islands Red Cross is an important partner in this re- 3. Number of actions contained in the National gard and coordination with government will need to Action Plan for DRM and CCA implemented/com- be improved. The installation of effective early warn- pleted ing systems and a system of emergency shelters also 4. Percentage of Government Budget allocated form part of our strategy. to Disaster Risk Reduction and CCA 4. Building Resilience through Effec- tive Disaster Risk Reduction and CCA

A key strategy in our response to the threats posed by natural and man-made hazards to our society and economy is to invest in Disaster Risk Reduction mea- sures across all sectors. This will involve the strength- ening of infrastructure and the safeguarding of essen- tial services, as well as the strengthening of economic development and livelihood systems in key sectors such as agriculture (food security), health, fisheries, biodiversity conservation and tourism. With regard to infrastructure, we will need to climate-proof our harbours and airports, promote integrated coastal management (ICM), strengthen long-term water se- curity for all islands, and address the risks associated with energy transportation and supply. Ecosys- tem based adaptation with natural solutions will be emphasised in our response to climate vari- ability and change. Our policy move towards replacement of fossil fuels with renewable energy sources is expected to greatly assist with reducing our energy risks, both eco- nomically and physically.

We must continue to anticipate other forms of hazards and ex- ternal risks that will impact on our development and the livelihoods of our people. Many of the 34 policies that PRIORITY AREA 6: ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY HOW WILL WE ACHIEVE OUR OB- JECTIVES? Our process of development is very much ingrained in the principle of ecological sustainability which rec- To achieve our objectives we will embark on strategies ognises firstly that the maintenance of healthy ecosys- that: tems and natural resources, are preconditions for hu- man wellbeing, and secondly, that there are limits to 1. Improve the Management and the goods and services which they can provide. Our Quality of our Water Resources approach acknowledges that human beings and our through an Integrated Approach culture are part of nature and not separate from it. Furthermore, we recognise that the environment we Our approach to improving the management and live in is changing due to human interference and cli- quality of our water resources is to promote the prin- mate change, and that we need to ensure that develop- ciple of integration where ‘water is everybody’s busi- ment options and our responses for safeguarding our ness’ where all key stakeholders are involved in de- ecosystems contribute to maximising our adaptive cision making processes, and where consideration is capacity and minimises our green house gas emis- given to the various conflicting users and allocations sions. For the Cook Islands, sustainable development of water resources in the context of climate and envi- implies the selection and implementation of devel- ronmental changes affecting rainfall and water quality opment options which allows for the achievement of and demand. Our interventions will include devel- appropriate and justifiable social and economic goals oping a robust national policy and plan for the man- without compromising the natural system on which it agement of water resources embracing catchment, is based. supply and demand management; providing the nec- essary legislative and regulatory framework; improv- OUR GOAL ing the institutional and administrative structures also involving information sharing; building our ca- ENVIROMENT FOR LIVING pacities and capabilities for integrated water resource management, including education and awareness to ‘A COOK ISLANDS WHERE WE SUSTAIN OUR change behaviours and increasing the frequency of ECOSYSTEMS AND USE OUR NATURAL RE- water sampling to monitor water quality. Other key SOURCES EFFICIENTLY’ initiatives which will be progressed include the moni- toring of stream and lagoon water quality as well as improving our data collection and analysis related to OUR KEY OBJECTIVES water resource management. Our initiatives will en- sure that our approach to water resource management 1. The use of all our natural resources are man- is integrated where all use of water is connected from aged well to ensure their sustainability. the time it falls from the sky till it reaches the sea. 2. Our scarce and degraded natural resources are effectively monitored and restored. 2. Improve Water Quality through 3. The pollution of air, water and land resources better Sanitation Measures is managed so that impacts are minimised and com- munity and ecosystem health is not adversely affected. Our inadequate sanitation measures in the past have 4. Irreversible loss and degradation of biodiver- incurred a significant negative impact on the quality sity (marine, terrestrial, aquatic ecosystems) is avoid- of our lagoons and our marine life, particularly in ed. Rarotonga. As our livelihoods and our economy 5. Our actions to protect and manage our eco- are very much reliant on the condition of our la- systems and natural resources will include CCA and goons and marine life, we must safeguard these emissions reduction measures. resources. We will work to rectify the short- 6. Taking care of our natural environment is ‘ev- comings of the past and implement initia- erybody’s business’. tives that will improve our sanitation through strengthening our regulations and compliance; upgrading poor sanitation systems and install- ing more efficient domestic and commercial systems; 35 improving our sanitation and waste water treatment and research of our marine resources. systems; changing our farming practices; and improv- 5. Develop and Implement Interven- ing the coordination of efforts across government and our communities. Significant human resource capac- tions to Ensure that Land Use is Sus- ity will be built to enable this to happen. tainable

3. Implement Waste Minimisation Sustainable land use recognises the inter-linkages Programmes and Provide appropriate between land and our actions on land as part of the Facilities and Incentives to Support whole process of managing our national resources ef- these with the Purpose of Achieving fectively. Land use will not be addressed in isolation, but rather through the coordination between key sec- Zero Waste tors and stakeholders, particularly land-owning fami- lies and alignment to the efforts that we will pursue in Solid waste management is a critical issue which we managing our use of other natural resources. Our key will continue to address in 2011-2015. As a starting strategies to ensure that land use is sustainable include point, we will establish the necessary institutional ar- establishing and implementing policies and legislation rangements to better manage our solid waste, includ- that supports sustainable land use practices including ing the privatisation of services. We will also develop the use of appropriate tools such as environmental and implement the appropriate policy, legislative and impact assessments. Additionally, we will explore the regulatory environment to ensure that all waste in- potential to create a portal to ensure the exchange of cluding hazardous and e-waste is minimised and bet- environment related data and information to inform ter managed, while exploring the costs and benefits our state of the environment and decision making. of other options of waste disposal with the purpose of achieving zero waste. Additionally, we will step up 6. Protect our Biodiversity and Eco- our efforts in education and awareness, and provide systems incentives to encourage recycling. We will strengthen public private community partnerships in waste man- In 2011-2015 we will intensify our efforts to protect agement. our biodiversity and ecosystems. We will identify key biodiversity areas for conservation and extend 4. Implement an Ecosystem Approach the number and area of protected areas including the to the Management of Marine Re- establishment of a significant component of our ex- sources clusive economic zone as a marine park. Addition- ally, we will legislate for the protection of endangered Our view of our marine resources is that we hope to flora and fauna species, while stepping up our efforts accommodate competing interests for the resources to actively control invasive species. As in other areas while sustaining productive, resilient, healthy marine impacting on our natural resources, we will establish ecosystems. We anticipate that this will allow us to a more integrated biodiversity management system to address the long term consequences of today’s deci- ensure collaboration across sectors and with our com- sions by thinking of the various resources and inter- munities. Furthermore, we will incorporate in the ap- related parts of systems rather than as individual propriate policy and regulatory frameworks, access to components to separately manage. Therefore, genetic resources, its associated traditional knowledge our approach to ecosystem management of ma- to provide for the equitable sharing of benefits arising rine resources is aligned with our strategies from the use of genetic resources. to utilise our marine resources sustainably for economic development and provide HOW WILL WE MEASURE OUR SUCCESS? for the protection of our biodiversity and ecosystems. We will develop and 1. Water demand and use per capita is reduced. implement integrated management 2. Increased and improved water storage. plans for utilising our marine re- 3. Catch from offshore fisheries per effort is sources in consultation and maintained at an ecologically sustainable level. collaboration with our com- 4. Percentage of organic agricultural production munities. Additionally, is increased. we will strengthen 5. Loss of soil through erosion is reduced. 36 our monitoring 6. Percentage of land covered by forest increased. 7. Percentage of population with sanitation sys- PRIORITY AREA 7: GOVERNANCE tems upgraded to approved standards of sanitation increased. Good governance is an essential element of sustain- 8. Stream, lagoon water and in-land water intake able development. Good governance is based on the quality improved to within approved thresholds. principles of participation in decision making built 9. Importation of ozone depleting substances on freedom of association and speech; consensus ori- and persistent organic pollutants declined. entation; strategic vision with the understanding of 10. Tonnage of waste going to landfill declined. historical, cultural and social complexities; respon- 11. Tonnage of recycled materials increased. siveness in serving all stakeholders; effectiveness and 12. Percentage of total land areas under protected efficiency where results meet our people’s needs while status increased. making best use of resources; accountability to our 13. Area of protected lagoons and seas increased. stakeholders; transparency through the free flow of 14. Numbers of endangered species, animals and information; equity; and the rule of law. The Cook plants as a percentage of described species decreased. Islands will make every effort to strengthen the role of parliament, improve electoral systems and processes, promote effective partnerships, intensify the manage- ment of public finance and embrace public service philosophy that is responsive, collaborative and client focused.

OUR GOAL

GOOD GOVERNANCE

‘A COOK ISLANDS THAT THRIVES ON GOOD GOVERNANCE PRINCIPLES’

OUR OBJECTIVES

1. The general public has confidence in the sys- tems of government. 2. A machinery of government focused on cal- culated strategic direction, progressive partnerships and service satisfaction. 3. Increasing the value of existing taxpayer dol- lars through systems that deliver effective develop- ment outcomes. 4. A general public that is continuously informed of the return on investment for their taxpayer dollar and as a result actively contributes to development decisions and actions. 5. Regional and international relations con- tribute effectively to Cook Islands sustainable de- velopment.

HOW WILL WE ACHIEVE OUR OBJECTIVES?

To achieve our objectives we will em- bark on strategies that: 37 1. Strengthen the Role of Parliament 4. Promote Partnerships with Civil to hold Managers to Account for Per- Society and the Private Sector formance The NSDP is a national document formulated through The Standing Orders for the Parliament of the Cook consultations with our traditional leaders, the private Islands set out the scope and procedures for budget sector, civil society and communities. Therefore it and financial scrutiny by Parliament where a body is only fair that these key stakeholders are also in- would scrutinise financial information in detail. In cluded in the decision making processes required to practice this does not happen. Similarly, while the implement the NSDP. To this end, the government Audit Office submits audit reports (including special will ensure that there is representation from these key reports on performance) to Parliament, these have not sectors in the institutional arrangements required to been examined (with the exception of recent fuel farm implement the NSDP. Government will broaden the purchase) to any great extent. Under Rule 316(2) (c) composition of the National Sustainable Develop- of the Parliament Standing Orders, the Financial and ment Commission (NSDC), the body charged with Expenditure Select Committee should provide this ensuring the implementation of the NSDP, to include oversight. Currently the lack of Parliamentary over- representatives from the private sector, civil society sight potentially reduces the effectiveness and cred- and communities. Additionally, all Cabinet appoint- itability of external scrutiny and risks affecting the ed committees will include representatives from our quality of transparency and public accountability. We key stakeholders with particular attention paid to the will strengthen this oversight by activating the Finan- representation of women and youth. cial and Expenditure Select Committee in 2012/2013 5. Strengthen Information and Data as identified in the Public Financial Management Collection, Analysis and Management Roadmap. for Informed Decision Making 2. Strengthen Electoral Systems and Processes Reliable information and data are critical to inform decision making and also for measuring progress. Our MDG Goal 9 talks of implementing electoral re- Currently our information and data collection, analy- form. We will revisit the recommendations of previ- sis and management systems are deficient. In 2011- ous reports on electoral reforms and identify appro- 2015 we will improve our data and information col- priate measures to undertake in 2011-2015. lection, analysis and management by developing and 3. Ensure that Government Service implementing a sound framework for statistics. Delivery is Efficient and Effective The use of information technology provides us with many opportunities to improve governance by auto- Government has embarked on a functional review mating processes, sharing information, making infor- to realign its functions to better reflect our legislative mation accessible and reaching those who are difficult mandates and development aspirations. From 2012 to reach. We will strengthen E-Government to better onwards, we will commence the implementation of deliver public services. the whole of government review, including gover- nance improvements in the Pa Enua. 6. Ensure Access to Information

Leadership tools including the Public Service Government will ensure that the public is better in- Manual, Performance Management and formed on its policies and activities, as well as im- Human Resource Framework will also be proving participation in government decision making strengthened to embed good governance processes. This will ensure that government and the and public service values. As part of public sector are accountable and transparent in the improving service delivery, we will spirit of the Official Information Act (OIA) and pro- better coordinate and strengthen vide accurate, accessible and relevant information in a planning, budgeting, monitor- timely and efficient manner. ing and evaluation. 7. Improve Accountability and Trans- parency of Public Financial Manage- 38 ment Transparent reporting to the general public on gov- our relationships with our traditional development ernment’s undertakings is critical to demonstrate how partners and organisations while seeking to establish taxpayer dollars are being managed to achieve associ- beneficial diplomatic relationships with other coun- ated development outcomes. tries. We will work towards full United Nations mem- bership, targeting in the shorter term full member- In 2011, the government undertook a Public Expendi- ship of the Commonwealth and establishing overseas ture and Financial Accountability Assessment (PEFA) representation where it is in the Cook Islands best in- that provides a rating of how transparent and account- terest. We will continue to fulfil our regional and in- able the government’s public financial systems are. It ternational commitments and assume new rights and was determined that the systems are reasonably sound obligations when which will support the Cook Islands however, various facets, including the timeliness of fi- national development outcomes. nancial reporting, weak public debate on financial re- ports and budgets, and the absence of sector plans are HOW WILL WE MEASURE OUR SUCCESS? major impediments to public engagement in decision making and thus accountability. 1. A functional review implementation frame- work which enhances service delivery is executed. From the PEFA government has developed a Public 2. Implement leadership and development pro- Financial Management Roadmap. The Roadmap is grammes that reinforce strategic directions and fos- a plan that seeks to improve such systems over the ters innovation and service excellence across the Pub- planning period with the overall aim that by 2015, the lic Service. Cook Islands increases the return on each dollar col- 3. As the “Employer of Choice”, strategies that lected from taxpayers and development partners to- enhance the recruitment and retention of a compe- wards achieving development results in areas identi- tent workforce will be implemented. fied as priorities; the general public is better engaged 4. PFM Roadmap fully implemented and PEFA in the annual budget process and debate; and devel- assessment in 2015 demonstrates planned improve- opment partners are confident in the soundness of ments in PFM systems in accordance with the Road- the public financial management systems that enable map goal scores. the receipt of official development assistance through 5. Personnel to GDP reduced and maintained general budget support modalities. within 40% over the planning period. 6. Majority of the general public are informed The roadmap intends to facilitate actions focused on and aware of the performance of Government through improved measures of accountability across govern- public opinion polls, with actions facilitating this be- ment; a reduction in systemic vulnerabilities to cor- ing ruption; better transparency and more regular provi- a. The introduction of an annual Parliament cal- sion of key fiscal information to the general public; endar by 2012 greater involvement of the legislature in scrutinising b. Reinstating Parliamentary Select Committees public finances; improved control in budget execu- responsible for scrutinising performance of the public tion; and improved financial management capacity service including the Public Finance and Expenditure across government. Our success will be measured by Select Committee PEFA 2015. c. Introducing one point of access for informa- 8. Establish and Strengthen External tion relating to all aspects of Government opera- Relations that will Benefit the Cook tions. 7. Adoption of a National Foreign Policy. Islands

Our relationships within the Pacific region and in- ternationally are very important for the achievement of our sustainable development goals and objectives. We will continue to implement a foreign policy that adopts a proactive approach to strengthening the Cook Islands in its dealings with the wider world and increases its ability to make external economic, trade, security and other arrangements that support its de- velopment objectives. To this end, we will reinforce 39 PRIORITY AREA 8: LAW AND ORDER 1. Ensure that our Legislative and Regulatory Frameworks Reflect our The rule of law and maintenance of order compliment good governance as necessary foundations to achieve Sustainable Development Goals and sustainable development. Deficiencies in the rule of Objectives law have devastating consequences on the confidence of economic actors. This in turn slows economic Our sustainable development goals and objectives re- growth and consequently deprives the government quire the strengthening of legislative and regulatory of the resources to invest in education, safety nets frameworks, either through amendments or the de- and sound environment management, all of which velopment of new legislation and regulations. This are critical for sustainable development. Likewise, will be the Crown Law Office’s focus in 2011-2015. the maintenance of order through effective border Additionally, we will strengthen the Law Reform management and quality policing services provided Commission to oversee our legislative and regulatory to local communities are fundamental for sustainable initiatives including public consultations on new leg- communities that are safe, secure and stable. There- islation or legislative reviews. fore our approach to establishing law and order will Furthermore, we will ensure that our laws are acces- be closely aligned to that of our other priority areas sible to the general public and that our people un- where we will ensure that activities towards law and derstand their rights as articulated by our legislative order will be based on the impact of these activities on frameworks. the wider social, economic and environmental factors and how these interact to achieve sustainable devel- 2. Ensure Quality Enforcement of our opment. Laws

OUR GOAL We will build our capacity to enforce our laws. In 2011-2015 we will develop the relevant tools and pro- A SAFE, SECURE, JUST AND STABLE SOCIETY cesses to ensure compliance and enforcement of our legislation. ‘A COOK ISLANDS WHERE THE RULE OF LAW 3. Improve Access to Justice ENSURES SAFE, SECURE, JUST, STABLE AND SUS- TAINABLE COMMUNITIES’ Improving access to Justice requires continual efforts in ensuring increasing efficiency and effectiveness of OUR OBJECTIVES the civil, administrative, family justice and criminal justice systems. We will work towards an accessible 1. Clear, coherent and relevant laws; fair, acces- justice system that provides support where it is need- sible and efficient courts and institutions for the ad- ed. This includes programmes on increasing aware- ministration of justice ness of legal rights and services available, provision of 2. Free access to our Cook Islands Laws legal advice to the public, and expanding the scope of 3. Quality policing services for communities and Legal Aid to include civil matters. visitors 4. Control of our borders is efficient and effective 4. Improve our Land Management and 5. Quality enforcement of our laws Land Information Systems

Improving our land management and land informa- tion systems has been identified as a priority. This will HOW WILL WE ACHIEVE require collaboration between agencies to ensure that OUR OBJECTIVES? land information is as accurate as possible and that its accessibility is well managed. To achieve our objectives we will embark on strategies that: 5. Reducing Reoffending through Of- fender Rehabilitation

We will work in collaboration with other agencies and 40 stakeholders to develop rehabilitation programmes such as training and skill building to ensure that of- fenders get a second chance at being productive members of society. As identified under our prior- ity for social development, particular attention will be paid to our young offenders. We will ensure that our prison system and facilities comply with international standards and best practice. 6. Ensure that our Communities and Visitors are Safe, Secure and Stable through the provision of Quality Polic- ing

In 2011-2015 we will continually work to ensure that policing services reflect the needs and expectations of individuals and communities so that public confi- dence is improved, satisfaction with services increas- es, and public involvement with policing is enhanced. Our efforts will focus on crime and crash prevention; intelligence led policing; increased police presence in communities; and working with communities and other key stakeholders to reduce crime.

Furthermore, we will continue to implement intelli- gence led processes and reports to assist law enforce- ment agencies in combating money laundering, ter- rorism, financing and other serious crimes. 7. Ensure our Border Security

We will work collaboratively as a sector to ensure the security of the Cook Islands is not compromised. We will build our capacity to work together and harmon- ised our processes to implement a sector approach to border security for cross-over border movement of both goods and persons. As part of this, we will es- tablish a computerised system that links across vari- ous agencies concerned with border management. Furthermore, we will enhance our maritime policing efforts in partnership with our regional and interna- tional partners. HOW WILL WE MEASURE OUR SUCCESS?

1. Percentage of community that ‘feel safe both at home and public places’ increased 2. Percentage of community ‘satisfied with the level of police visibility in public areas’ increased 3. Reporting of family violence increased 4. Crime rate decreased 5. Number of motor vehicle accidents decreased 6. An effective, automated border management system meeting the needs of relevant agencies, espe- cially both customs and immigration, is established and supported by modern legislation 41 MONITORING AND EVALUATING OUR PROGRESS Monitoring and evaluating our progress will be informed by the targets and indicators below. These will be monitored on an annual basis where possible, appropriate and given information availability.

GOAL TARGET/INDICATOR GOAL 1: A VIBRANT COOK ISLANDS ECONOMY

A Cook Islands where all our people can build business and enterprise to contribute to national Real GDP growth averages 2.5% per annum economic growth while respecting our environment and culture

Private Sector employment growth averages 2.5% per annum Growth in total visitor number over 120,000

Growth in contribution to the economy as a % of GDP from our tourism industry

Growth in contribution to the economy as a % of GDP from our marine resources

Growth in contribution to the economy as a % of GDP from our agricultural production

Growth in contribution to the economy as a % from our offshore financial services industry

Government tax revenue to GDP maintained within 25% over the medium term

Personnel to total revenue is reduced and maintained within 40% over the medium term

A National Trade Policy will be adopted and trade agreements entered into where they offer opportunities and benefits to the Cook Islands

42 GOAL TARGET/INDICATOR GOAL 2: INFRASTRUCURE FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH, SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS AND RESILIENCE Our investment in infrastructure will maximise % of households having access to water is economic return, improve livelihoods and build increased in the medium term resilience All 12 water intakes are rehabilitated in the medium term Volume of waste at landfills declined annually

Telephone connections increased in the medium term Cellular subscribers increased Internet usage increased Number of certified trade professionals increased

% of infrastructure projects implemented by local contractor increased

GOAL TARGET/INDICATOR GOAL 3: ENERGY SECURITY

Renewable energy for energy security to enhance our economic and social development and % of households with access to electricity increased environmental integrity

National spend as % of GDP on fossil fuels for transportation and electricity declined

Renewable energy coverage increased by 50%

43 GOAL TARGET/INDICATOR GOAL 4: OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL PEOPLE WHO RESIDE IN THE COOK ISLANDS

A Cook Islands where all people who reside in our islands can enjoy opportunities to fulfil their Enrolment rate for Early Childhood Education is potential, prosper and participate in the social, 95% across all islands economic, political and cultural life of our communities and nation

65% Year 4 Literacy results in Cook Islands Maori at or above expected levels

60% Year 4 Literacy results in English at or above expected levels

90% NCEA Level 1 Numeracy rate 90% NCEA Level 1 Literacy rate 62% achievement in NCEA Level 1 qualification

70% retention rate from Year 11-12 Increase by 50% rate of tertiary qualified Cook Islanders Increase by 50% rate of vocational education and training achievement

Greater than 90% antenatal coverage for all mothers Low infant (under 5 years) and maternal mortality rates Greater than 90% immunisation coverage Reduce by 10% incidence rate of Non Communicable Diseases Reduce by 30% rates of teenage pregnancy Reduce by 30% rate of sexually transmitted infections Maintain nil or low rate of HIV/AIDS and TB infections Reduce by 50% the number of overweight children

Increase the % of women in business and professional occupations Increase the % of women in local and national government 44 Decline in the rate of domestic violence Decline in the rate of crimes committed against children Decline in the rate of crimes committed by youth offenders Reduce the unemployment rate Increase by 50% employment rate for persons with disabilities Levels of funding for NGOs and CSOs providing social services increased GOAL TARGET/INDICATOR Increase the % of women in local and national government Decline in the rate of domestic violence Decline in the rate of crimes committed against children Decline in the rate of crimes committed by youth offenders Reduce the unemployment rate Increase by 50% employment rate for persons with disabilities Levels of funding for NGOs and CSOs providing social services increased

GOAL TARGET/INDICATOR GOAL 5: RESILIENT AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES A Cook Islands where our people are resilient to Historical comparison of recovery cost for various disasters and climate change to achieve categories of cyclones decreased sustainable livelihoods Historical comparison of lives lost for comparable hazards Number of actions contained in the National Action Plan for DRM and CCA implemented/completed

% of Government Budget allocated to Disaster Risk Reduction and CCCA

GOAL TARGET/INDICATOR GOAL 6: ENVIRONMENT FOR LIVING A Cook Islands where we sustain our ecosystems Water demand and use per capita reduced and use our natural resources efficiently

Increased and improved water storage per litre

Catch from offshore fisheries per effort at an economically sustainable level

% of organic agricultural production increased

Loss of soil through soil erosion reduced

% of land covered in forest maintained/increased

% of population sanitation systems upgraded to approved standards of sanitation increased 45 Stream, lagoon water and inland water intake quality improved to within approved thresholds

Importation of ozone depleting substances and persistent organic pollutants declined

Tonnage of waste going to landfill reduced

Tonnage of recycled materials increased

% of total land areas under protected status increased

Area of protected lagoons and seas increased

Number of endangered species, animals and plants as a % of described species decreased GOAL TARGET/INDICATOR % of population sanitation systems upgraded to approved standards of sanitation increased Stream, lagoon water and inland water intake quality improved to within approved thresholds

Importation of ozone depleting substances and persistent organic pollutants declined

Tonnage of waste going to landfill reduced

Tonnage of recycled materials increased

% of total land areas under protected status increased

Area of protected lagoons and seas increased

Number of endangered species, animals and plants as a % of described species decreased

GOAL TARGET/INDICATOR GOAL 7: GOOD GOVERNANCE A Cook Islands that thrives on good governance A functional review implementation framework principles development which enhances service delivery is executed Implement leadership and development programmes that reinforce strategic directions and foster innovation and service excellence across the Public Service As the “Employer of Choice”, strategies that enhance the recruitment and retention of a competent workforce will be implemented PFM Roadmap fully implemented and PEFA assessment in 2015 demonstrates planned improvements in PFM systems in accordance with the Roadmaps goal scores Personnel to GDP reduced and maintained within 40% over the planning period Majority of the general public informed and aware of the performance of Government through public opinion polls, with actions facilitating this being: · The introduction of an annual Parliament calendar · Reinstating Parliamentary Select Committees responsible for scrutinising performance of the public service including the Public Finance and Expenditure Select Committee · Introducing one point of access for information relating to all aspects of Government operations 46 Adoption of a National Foreign Policy GOAL TARGET/INDICATOR · Introducing one point of access for information relating to all aspects of Government operations Adoption of a National Foreign Policy

GOAL TARGET/INDICATOR GOAL 8: A SAFE, SECURE, JUST AND STABLE SOCIETY A Cook Islands where the rule of law ensures safe, % of community that ‘feel safe both at home and secure, just, stable and sustainable communities public places’ increased % of community ‘satisfied with the level of police visibility in public places’ increased Reporting of family violence increased Crime rate declined Rate of reoffending declined Number of motor vehicle accidents declined An effective, automated border management system meeting the needs of relevant agencies, especially both customs and immigration, is established, supported by modern legislation

47 - I I C T C T C SUPPORTING AGENCIES SUPPORTING Commerce, Farmers Private Sector BTIB Commerce Chamber of Commerce, Farmers, Commerce, Artists Chamber of Commerce, Private Sector Culture and Creative Industries Council CLO Councils, NES, BTIB, CIIC, NHRD, CITC, Aronga Mana BTIB, CITC, MOA, MOC CIIC, MOIP Island Councils, Pearl farmers Associations Island Council, Fishing Aronga Mana, Island Council NES, Aronga Mana, Island Council FIU CLO, Financial Services Industry, NHRD, BTIB MOE, USP, Line Ministries, Chamber of Commerce NHRD, MOE, Chamber of Commerce unions Workers MMR, MOA, MOC, MOIP, Island MMR, MOA, MOC, MOIP, MOC, Sports Federation, CISNOC, Chamber of Industry, Tourism NES, CLO, OPM-CPPO, NES, MFAI, Associations, BTIB, NES, Growers NHRD, CITC, NES, MOE, Island NES, Farmers, Island Councils OPM, BTIB, CITC, Chamber of Culture and Creative Industries Council Culture and Creative Industries CITC, Culture and Creative Industries Cabinet Ministers, Parliament, Line CLO, Relevant Line Ministries, MFEM, Chamber of Commerce, CITC Board, Industry members MFEM, BTIB Councils, BTIB, Chamber of USP NHRD, MOE, MOH, Island Council, Council, CITC, BTIB Ministries Council Private Sector LEAD AGENCY CITC MOC BTIB MOIP CIIC, BTIB CITC MOE, NHRD, CITC, CITC CITC MMR MMR CIPA MMR MMR MMR, NES, MOC MMR, BTIB Seabed Mining MMR MOA MOA, Growers MOA, Growers MOA, NHRD, MOE MFAI FSDA, FSC MOC, BTIB NHRD, MOE, USP, MOC MOC MOC MFEM MFEM, OPM, PSC MFEM PSC MFEM BTIB BTIB BTIB PSC MOIA BTIB, NES CITC MOC, BTIB Authority, MOC Associations Associations ACTION DELIVERING THE PLAN DELIVERING Rarotonga and creative industries to start, thrive guided by principles of fiscal responsibility as management, vocational training and bridging entrepreneurship while adding to the sustainably managed offshore fisheries sustainably managed offshore competition, trade, etc to intellectual property, long term food security commitment and eliminate negative within sustainable level standards cultural strengthen with special emphasis on entrepreneurs and micro-enterprises including access to financial resources and services, capacity development in business skills gap environmental impacts while penalising those and Sydney partnerships businesses that pollute and degrade the targeting cultural and sports clientele targeting market development as manganese nodules) wisely for sustainable maintaining the impact to environment increase exposure, raise profile and attract frameworks related to business including yield and dispersal to the Pa Enua generating opportunities for the private sector and knowledge economic development, maximise the long term benefits from money generated, while ‘green agriculture as, marine eco-tourism and other innovative support green growth Maori language reflect international best practices and practices through subsistence and southern Pa Enua for import substitution, food trade opportunities, including the negotiation grow through the necessary policy and and appropriate protection for domestic distinctive character of the Cook Islands Underwrite key airline routes to Los Angeles Underwrite key airline routes to Los Explore other options for connecting the Cook Improve promotion and marketing in key Implement the Destination Development Develop an alternative port for cruise ships in Provide places for our people to showcase Promote our cultural and sports events Promote our educational and cultural facilities the Cook Islands Establish green standards for our tourism Ensure integration of tourism and Expand income earning opportunities from marketing and Improve productivity, Increase the provision of technical and Ensure sustainable fishing and conservation Protect and conserve our natural marine Explore potential sustainable Utilise our non-living marine resources (such Revitalise our agriculture especially in the Build partnerships in the agriculture sector to production to Promote biological and organic Encourage research and vocational training in Identify and exploit regional international Continue regular consultation between Upgrade legislation to improve existing advertising to Enhance marketing and targeted Increase presence in the international Create the enabling environment for cultural Develop a culture of creativity and enterprise Develop and strengthen Cultural Creative creativity Provide recognition of our people’s Increase exposure of our creativity and Improve research and development in cultural Maintain prudent macroeconomic stance Act 1996-97 per MFEM Promote investments that will support Limit diversion of resources away from the Control size of the public sector within and national debt Maintain affordability Review and reform the policy regulatory Streamline and simplify licensing Maintain balance between foreign investment Provide business support to small-scale role in the Re-engineer Government’s Establish the necessary regulatory and employees and employers in the workplace Introduce incentives to businesses minimise accreditation programme through capacity building, infrastructure and environmental management of our pearl legislative frameworks and creative products players entering into PPPs makes tourism ‘everybody’s business makes tourism ‘everybody’s industry commercialisation of marine resources, such of healthy food government and relevant stakeholders private sector through tax policy responsibility ratio legislative frameworks to protect the rights of Islands with key markets marine business enterprises caused by extraction scientific assistance to improve income customary practices its affiliated biodiversity, support revitalisation of agriculture services and create new products economy by outsourcing functions and of agreements new clients labour relations, foreign investment, environment markets to ensure growth in market share, their creativity, innovation and their creativity, security, income generation, and consumption security, perception of our jurisdiction through our education system particularly in the Pa Enua Strategy that underpins our green image and and services to target those willing to learn in and services to target infrastructure development demonstrate marketplace to promote industry, economic growth STRATEGY The following matrix summarises the key strategies for achieving our NSDP goals and objectives. Its implementation is based on the current structure of Govern structure is on based the current Its implementation objectives. and goals our NSDP achieving for keystrategies summarises the matrix following The Service the Public of Review. Functional the outcomes on depending change may agencies supporting and Implementing ment. and thrive in our communities. and thrive in our for national economic growth for creation and nation building creation policies Ensure our Tourism Destination Excellence Tourism our Ensure PRIORITY AREA 1: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AREA PRIORITY COOK ISLANDS ECONOMY VIBRANT A GOAL: people to build business and enterprise underpin the ability of our and environment culture ingenuity and connection to our Cook Islands where A OBJECTIVES innovation in potential key economic drivers and encouraging environmental supporting our economy through green An energised and growing 1. new businesses to start, grow and for existing businesses to confidently grow conducive for 2. Enterprise is enabled by establishing an environment integral to business decision making and practice. values are Cook Islands cultural and environmental 3. Our Marine our potential from Unlock our agricultural our potential from Unlock our production Identify and exploit trade opportunities Financial Services Build our that Cultural and Creative Ensure stability Sustain macro-economic economic development proactive Ensure Industries are a key force in job and wealth a key force Industries are Resources areas of growth. areas 48 I I C T C T C SUPPORTING AGENCIES SUPPORTING Commerce, Farmers Private Sector BTIB Commerce Chamber of Commerce, Farmers, Commerce, Artists Chamber of Commerce, Private Sector Councils, NES, BTIB, CIIC, NHRD, Culture and Creative Industries Council CLO CITC Board, Industry members CITC, Aronga Mana BTIB, CITC, MOA, MOC CIIC, MOIP Island Councils, Pearl farmers Associations Island Council, Fishing Aronga Mana, Island Council NES, Aronga Mana, Island Council FIU CLO, Financial Services Industry, NHRD, BTIB MOE, USP, Line Ministries, Chamber of Commerce NHRD, MOE, Chamber of Commerce unions Workers MMR, MOA, MOC, MOIP, Island MMR, MOA, MOC, MOIP, MOC, Sports Federation, CISNOC, Chamber of Industry, Tourism NES, Associations, BTIB, NES, Growers NHRD, CITC, NES, MOE, Island NES, Farmers, Island Councils OPM, BTIB, CITC, Chamber of Culture and Creative Industries Council Culture and Creative Industries CITC, Culture and Creative Industries Cabinet Ministers, Parliament, Line CLO, Relevant Line Ministries, MFEM, Chamber of Commerce, NES, MFAI, CLO, OPM-CPPO, NES, MFAI, Councils, BTIB, Chamber of USP MFEM, BTIB NHRD, MOE, MOH, Island Council, Council, CITC, BTIB Ministries Council Private Sector LEAD AGENCY MOC BTIB CITC CITC MOIP CIIC, BTIB CITC MOE, NHRD, CITC, CITC CITC MMR MMR CIPA MMR MMR MMR, NES, MOC MMR, BTIB Seabed Mining MMR MOA MOA, Growers MOA, Growers MOA, NHRD, MOE MFAI FSDA, FSC MOC, BTIB NHRD, MOE, USP, MOC MOC MOC MFEM MFEM, OPM, PSC MFEM PSC MFEM BTIB BTIB BTIB PSC MOIA BTIB, NES MOC, BTIB Authority, MOC Associations Associations ACTION Rarotonga entrepreneurship while adding to the and creative industries to start, thrive guided by principles of fiscal responsibility as management, vocational training and bridging intellectual property, competition, trade, etc to intellectual property, sustainably managed offshore fisheries sustainably managed offshore long term food security commitment and eliminate negative within sustainable level standards cultural strengthen with special emphasis on entrepreneurs and micro-enterprises including access to financial resources and services, capacity development in business skills gap environmental impacts while penalising those and Sydney partnerships businesses that pollute and degrade the as manganese nodules) wisely for sustainable maintaining the impact to environment yield and dispersal to the Pa Enua cultural and sports clientele targeting increase exposure, raise profile and attract frameworks related to business including market development economic development, maximise the long term benefits from money generated, while ‘green agriculture generating opportunities for the private sector and knowledge support green growth Maori language reflect international best practices and as, marine eco-tourism and other innovative practices through subsistence and distinctive character of the Cook Islands southern Pa Enua for import substitution, food trade opportunities, including the negotiation grow through the necessary policy and and appropriate protection for domestic the Cook Islands Underwrite key airline routes to Los Angeles Underwrite key airline routes to Los Explore other options for connecting the Cook Improve promotion and marketing in key Implement the Destination Development Develop an alternative port for cruise ships in Provide places for our people to showcase Promote our cultural and sports events Promote our educational and cultural facilities Establish green standards for our tourism Ensure integration of tourism and Expand income earning opportunities from marketing and Improve productivity, Increase the provision of technical and Ensure sustainable fishing and conservation Protect and conserve our natural marine Explore potential sustainable Utilise our non-living marine resources (such Revitalise our agriculture especially in the Build partnerships in the agriculture sector to production to Promote biological and organic Encourage research and vocational training in Identify and exploit regional international Continue regular consultation between Upgrade legislation to improve existing advertising to Enhance marketing and targeted Increase presence in the international Create the enabling environment for cultural Develop a culture of creativity and enterprise Develop and strengthen Cultural Creative creativity Provide recognition of our people’s Increase exposure of our creativity and Improve research and development in cultural Maintain prudent macroeconomic stance Act 1996-97 per MFEM Promote investments that will support Limit diversion of resources away from the Control size of the public sector within and national debt Maintain affordability Review and reform the policy regulatory Streamline and simplify licensing Maintain balance between foreign investment Provide business support to small-scale role in the Re-engineer Government’s Establish the necessary regulatory and employees and employers in the workplace Introduce incentives to businesses minimise accreditation programme legislative frameworks and creative products players entering into PPPs environmental management of our pearl through capacity building, infrastructure and caused by extraction industry makes tourism ‘everybody’s business makes tourism ‘everybody’s of healthy food government and relevant stakeholders private sector through tax policy responsibility ratio legislative frameworks to protect the rights of commercialisation of marine resources, such marine business enterprises Islands with key markets support revitalisation of agriculture services and create new products economy by outsourcing functions and scientific assistance to improve income customary practices its affiliated biodiversity, of agreements markets to ensure growth in market share, innovation and their creativity, new clients labour relations, foreign investment, environment security, income generation, and consumption security, perception of our jurisdiction through our education system particularly in the Pa Enua and services to target those willing to learn in and services to target Strategy that underpins our green image and infrastructure development demonstrate marketplace to promote industry, economic growth STRATEGY and thrive in our communities. and thrive in our for national economic growth for creation and nation building creation policies Unlock our potential from our Marine our potential from Unlock our PRIORITY AREA 1: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AREA PRIORITY COOK ISLANDS ECONOMY VIBRANT A GOAL: people to build business and enterprise underpin the ability of our and environment culture ingenuity and connection to our Cook Islands where A OBJECTIVES innovation in potential key economic drivers and encouraging environmental supporting our economy through green An energised and growing 1. new businesses to start, grow and for existing businesses to confidently grow conducive for 2. Enterprise is enabled by establishing an environment integral to business decision making and practice. values are Cook Islands cultural and environmental 3. Our Destination Excellence Tourism our Ensure agricultural our potential from Unlock our production Identify and exploit trade opportunities Financial Services Build our that Cultural and Creative Ensure stability Sustain macro-economic economic development proactive Ensure Industries are a key force in job and wealth a key force Industries are Resources areas of growth. areas 49 I I C T C T C SUPPORTING AGENCIES SUPPORTING Commerce, Farmers Private Sector BTIB Commerce Chamber of Commerce, Farmers, Commerce, Artists Chamber of Commerce, Private Sector Councils, NES, BTIB, CIIC, NHRD, Culture and Creative Industries Council CLO CITC Board, Industry members CITC, Aronga Mana BTIB, CITC, MOA, MOC CIIC, MOIP Island Councils, Pearl farmers Associations Island Council, Fishing Aronga Mana, Island Council NES, Aronga Mana, Island Council FIU CLO, Financial Services Industry, NHRD, BTIB MOE, USP, Line Ministries, Chamber of Commerce NHRD, MOE, Chamber of Commerce unions Workers MMR, MOA, MOC, MOIP, Island MMR, MOA, MOC, MOIP, MOC, Sports Federation, CISNOC, Chamber of Industry, Tourism NES, CLO, OPM-CPPO, NES, MFAI, Associations, BTIB, NES, Growers NHRD, CITC, NES, MOE, Island NES, Farmers, Island Councils OPM, BTIB, CITC, Chamber of Culture and Creative Industries Council Culture and Creative Industries CITC, Culture and Creative Industries Cabinet Ministers, Parliament, Line CLO, Relevant Line Ministries, MFEM, Chamber of Commerce, MFEM, BTIB Councils, BTIB, Chamber of USP NHRD, MOE, MOH, Island Council, Council, CITC, BTIB Ministries Council Private Sector LEAD AGENCY MOC BTIB CITC CITC MOIP CIIC, BTIB CITC MOE, NHRD, CITC, CITC CITC MMR MMR CIPA MMR MMR MMR, NES, MOC MMR, BTIB Seabed Mining MMR MOA MOA, Growers MOA, Growers MOA, NHRD, MOE MFAI FSDA, FSC MOC, BTIB NHRD, MOE, USP, MOC MOC MOC MFEM MFEM, OPM, PSC MFEM PSC MFEM BTIB BTIB BTIB PSC MOIA BTIB, NES MOC, BTIB Authority, MOC Associations Associations ACTION Rarotonga entrepreneurship while adding to the and creative industries to start, thrive guided by principles of fiscal responsibility as management, vocational training and bridging sustainably managed offshore fisheries sustainably managed offshore competition, trade, etc to intellectual property, long term food security commitment and eliminate negative within sustainable level standards cultural strengthen with special emphasis on entrepreneurs and micro-enterprises including access to financial resources and services, capacity development in business skills gap environmental impacts while penalising those and Sydney partnerships businesses that pollute and degrade the yield and dispersal to the Pa Enua cultural and sports clientele targeting market development as manganese nodules) wisely for sustainable maintaining the impact to environment increase exposure, raise profile and attract frameworks related to business including generating opportunities for the private sector and knowledge economic development, maximise the long term benefits from money generated, while ‘green agriculture as, marine eco-tourism and other innovative support green growth Maori language reflect international best practices and distinctive character of the Cook Islands practices through subsistence and southern Pa Enua for import substitution, food trade opportunities, including the negotiation grow through the necessary policy and and appropriate protection for domestic Underwrite key airline routes to Los Angeles Underwrite key airline routes to Los Explore other options for connecting the Cook Improve promotion and marketing in key Implement the Destination Development Develop an alternative port for cruise ships in Provide places for our people to showcase Promote our cultural and sports events Promote our educational and cultural facilities the Cook Islands Establish green standards for our tourism Ensure integration of tourism and Expand income earning opportunities from marketing and Improve productivity, Increase the provision of technical and Ensure sustainable fishing and conservation Protect and conserve our natural marine Explore potential sustainable Utilise our non-living marine resources (such Revitalise our agriculture especially in the Build partnerships in the agriculture sector to production to Promote biological and organic Encourage research and vocational training in Identify and exploit regional international Continue regular consultation between Upgrade legislation to improve existing advertising to Enhance marketing and targeted Increase presence in the international Create the enabling environment for cultural Develop a culture of creativity and enterprise Develop and strengthen Cultural Creative creativity Provide recognition of our people’s Increase exposure of our creativity and Improve research and development in cultural Maintain prudent macroeconomic stance Act 1996-97 per MFEM Promote investments that will support Limit diversion of resources away from the Control size of the public sector within and national debt Maintain affordability Review and reform the policy regulatory Streamline and simplify licensing Maintain balance between foreign investment Provide business support to small-scale role in the Re-engineer Government’s Establish the necessary regulatory and employees and employers in the workplace Introduce incentives to businesses minimise accreditation programme through capacity building, infrastructure and environmental management of our pearl legislative frameworks and creative products players entering into PPPs makes tourism ‘everybody’s business makes tourism ‘everybody’s industry commercialisation of marine resources, such of healthy food government and relevant stakeholders private sector through tax policy responsibility ratio legislative frameworks to protect the rights of Islands with key markets marine business enterprises caused by extraction scientific assistance to improve income customary practices its affiliated biodiversity, support revitalisation of agriculture services and create new products economy by outsourcing functions and of agreements markets to ensure growth in market share, innovation and their creativity, new clients labour relations, foreign investment, environment security, income generation, and consumption security, perception of our jurisdiction through our education system particularly in the Pa Enua Strategy that underpins our green image and those willing to learn in and services to target infrastructure development demonstrate marketplace to promote industry, economic growth STRATEGY and thrive in our communities. and thrive in our for national economic growth for creation and nation building creation policies PRIORITY AREA 1: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AREA PRIORITY COOK ISLANDS ECONOMY VIBRANT A GOAL: people to build business and enterprise underpin the ability of our and environment culture ingenuity and connection to our Cook Islands where A OBJECTIVES innovation in potential key economic drivers and encouraging environmental supporting our economy through green An energised and growing 1. new businesses to start, grow and for existing businesses to confidently grow conducive for 2. Enterprise is enabled by establishing an environment integral to business decision making and practice. values are Cook Islands cultural and environmental 3. Our Destination Excellence Tourism our Ensure Marine our potential from Unlock our agricultural our potential from Unlock our production Identify and exploit trade opportunities Financial Services Build our that Cultural and Creative Ensure stability Sustain macro-economic economic development proactive Ensure Industries are a key force in job and wealth a key force Industries are Resources areas of growth. areas 50 I I C T C T C SUPPORTING AGENCIES SUPPORTING Commerce, Farmers Private Sector BTIB Commerce Chamber of Commerce, Farmers, Commerce, Artists Chamber of Commerce, Private Sector Councils, NES, BTIB, CIIC, NHRD, Culture and Creative Industries Council CLO CITC Board, Industry members CITC, Aronga Mana BTIB, CITC, MOA, MOC CIIC, MOIP Island Councils, Pearl farmers Associations Island Council, Fishing Aronga Mana, Island Council NES, Aronga Mana, Island Council FIU CLO, Financial Services Industry, NHRD, BTIB MOE, USP, Line Ministries, Chamber of Commerce NHRD, MOE, Chamber of Commerce unions Workers MMR, MOA, MOC, MOIP, Island MMR, MOA, MOC, MOIP, MOC, Sports Federation, CISNOC, Chamber of Industry, Tourism NES, CLO, OPM-CPPO, NES, MFAI, Associations, BTIB, NES, Growers NHRD, CITC, NES, MOE, Island NES, Farmers, Island Councils OPM, BTIB, CITC, Chamber of Culture and Creative Industries Council Culture and Creative Industries CITC, Culture and Creative Industries Cabinet Ministers, Parliament, Line CLO, Relevant Line Ministries, MFEM, Chamber of Commerce, MFEM, BTIB Councils, BTIB, Chamber of USP NHRD, MOE, MOH, Island Council, Council, CITC, BTIB Ministries Council Private Sector LEAD AGENCY MOC BTIB CITC CITC MOIP CIIC, BTIB CITC MOE, NHRD, CITC, CITC CITC MMR MMR CIPA MMR MMR MMR, NES, MOC MMR, BTIB Seabed Mining MMR MOA MOA, Growers MOA, Growers MOA, NHRD, MOE MFAI FSDA, FSC MOC, BTIB NHRD, MOE, USP, MOC MOC MOC MFEM MFEM, OPM, PSC MFEM PSC MFEM BTIB BTIB BTIB PSC MOIA BTIB, NES MOC, BTIB Authority, MOC Associations Associations ACTION Rarotonga entrepreneurship while adding to the and creative industries to start, thrive guided by principles of fiscal responsibility as management, vocational training and bridging sustainably managed offshore fisheries sustainably managed offshore competition, trade, etc to intellectual property, long term food security commitment and eliminate negative within sustainable level standards cultural strengthen with special emphasis on entrepreneurs and micro-enterprises including access to financial resources and services, capacity development in business skills gap environmental impacts while penalising those and Sydney partnerships businesses that pollute and degrade the yield and dispersal to the Pa Enua cultural and sports clientele targeting market development as manganese nodules) wisely for sustainable maintaining the impact to environment increase exposure, raise profile and attract frameworks related to business including generating opportunities for the private sector and knowledge economic development, maximise the long term benefits from money generated, while ‘green agriculture as, marine eco-tourism and other innovative support green growth Maori language reflect international best practices and distinctive character of the Cook Islands practices through subsistence and southern Pa Enua for import substitution, food trade opportunities, including the negotiation grow through the necessary policy and and appropriate protection for domestic Underwrite key airline routes to Los Angeles Underwrite key airline routes to Los Explore other options for connecting the Cook Improve promotion and marketing in key Implement the Destination Development Develop an alternative port for cruise ships in Provide places for our people to showcase Promote our cultural and sports events Promote our educational and cultural facilities the Cook Islands Establish green standards for our tourism Ensure integration of tourism and Expand income earning opportunities from marketing and Improve productivity, Increase the provision of technical and Ensure sustainable fishing and conservation Protect and conserve our natural marine Explore potential sustainable Utilise our non-living marine resources (such Revitalise our agriculture especially in the Build partnerships in the agriculture sector to production to Promote biological and organic Encourage research and vocational training in Identify and exploit regional international Continue regular consultation between Upgrade legislation to improve existing advertising to Enhance marketing and targeted Increase presence in the international Create the enabling environment for cultural Develop a culture of creativity and enterprise Develop and strengthen Cultural Creative creativity Provide recognition of our people’s Increase exposure of our creativity and Improve research and development in cultural Maintain prudent macroeconomic stance Act 1996-97 per MFEM Promote investments that will support Limit diversion of resources away from the Control size of the public sector within and national debt Maintain affordability Review and reform the policy regulatory Streamline and simplify licensing Maintain balance between foreign investment Provide business support to small-scale role in the Re-engineer Government’s Establish the necessary regulatory and employees and employers in the workplace Introduce incentives to businesses minimise accreditation programme through capacity building, infrastructure and environmental management of our pearl legislative frameworks and creative products players entering into PPPs makes tourism ‘everybody’s business makes tourism ‘everybody’s industry commercialisation of marine resources, such of healthy food government and relevant stakeholders private sector through tax policy responsibility ratio legislative frameworks to protect the rights of Islands with key markets marine business enterprises caused by extraction scientific assistance to improve income customary practices its affiliated biodiversity, support revitalisation of agriculture services and create new products economy by outsourcing functions and of agreements markets to ensure growth in market share, innovation and their creativity, new clients labour relations, foreign investment, environment security, income generation, and consumption security, perception of our jurisdiction through our education system particularly in the Pa Enua Strategy that underpins our green image and those willing to learn in and services to target infrastructure development demonstrate marketplace to promote industry, economic growth STRATEGY and thrive in our communities. and thrive in our for national economic growth for creation and nation building creation policies PRIORITY AREA 1: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AREA PRIORITY COOK ISLANDS ECONOMY VIBRANT A GOAL: people to build business and enterprise underpin the ability of our and environment culture ingenuity and connection to our Cook Islands where A OBJECTIVES innovation in potential key economic drivers and encouraging environmental supporting our economy through green An energised and growing 1. new businesses to start, grow and for existing businesses to confidently grow conducive for 2. Enterprise is enabled by establishing an environment integral to business decision making and practice. values are Cook Islands cultural and environmental 3. Our Destination Excellence Tourism our Ensure Marine our potential from Unlock our agricultural our potential from Unlock our production Identify and exploit trade opportunities Financial Services Build our that Cultural and Creative Ensure stability Sustain macro-economic economic development proactive Ensure Industries are a key force in job and wealth a key force Industries are Resources areas of growth. areas 51 SUPPORTING AGENCIES SUPPORTING MOH MFEM NES Island Councils Minister for Telecommunications OPM TAU, Telecom CI Telecom TAU, Island Councils NES LEAD AGENCY MOIP Administration MOIP MOIP MOIP NES MOIP, MOIP, CIIC MOIP, MOIP, MOH MOIP, Aitutaki Island MOIP, MOIP Airport MOIP, MOT CI Telecom CLO OPM, CLO CIIC CLO MOIP, MOIP NHRD MOIP, AMD MOIP, MOIP MOIP Authority ACTION cooperation with the support of development delivery of water framework to support improved land use planning partners imagery to better inform development and telecommunication infrastructure and services regional sources, including Sth-Sth Mangaia telecommunications distribution networks improvements of water, energy and energy improvements of water, into consideration road safety and the impacts Manihiki, Rakahanga and Aitutaki Manihiki, Rakahanga and and Private Sector Rehabilitation of water intakes Upgrade water galleries on our ringmain and distribution lines Work Increase water harvesting and storage Promote and implement most viable options to Implement cost recovery measures for the waste facilities in Rarotonga and Transform Strategy Waste Implement the National Improve our roads in conjunction with in road management and take Establish PPP Improve our airports – terminals and airstrips Continue upgrade of our ports beginning with Improve transportation to the Pa Enua Increase speed and quality of our Strengthen our telecommunications regulatory Establish appropriate and relevant institutional Develop and implement asset management Act and Review our Building and Standards Strengthen capacity in GIS and satellite Provide access to up-to-date technical skills Promote technical cooperation by local and sector associated regulation Aitutaki to resource recovery centres engineering specifications focusing on cooperation between Government telecommunications service of disasters and climate change in all beginning with Aitutaki, Atiu, Manihiki and Aitutaki, beginning with arrangements for the telecommunications education and training frameworks ensure safety and quality of water STRATEGY to our communities to our management PRIORITY AREA 2: INFRASTRUCTURE AREA PRIORITY AND RESILIENCE LIVELIHOODS GOAL: INFRASTRUCTURE FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH, SUSTAINABLE livelihoods and build resilience improve will maximise economic return, investment in infrastructure Our OBJECTIVES our for resilience and livelihoods increased sustainable environment economic growth, will foster investment in infrastructure 1. Our significantly. will be improved sound management and maintenance of infrastructure delivery and ongoing environmentally 2. Our water the access and quality of our Improve waste facilities for our Improve transport infrastructure our Improve telecommunications Improve asset management our Strengthen construction Enable robust sector Build capacity in the infrastructure communities to disasters and the impacts of climate change. 52 SUPPORTING AGENCIES SUPPORTING MOH NES MFEM CI Telecom TAU, Island Councils Minister for Telecommunications OPM NES Island Councils LEAD AGENCY CIIC MOIP MOIP MOIP MOIP NES MOIP, MOIP, AMD MOIP, MOIP, MOH MOIP, CIIC MOIP, Aitutaki Island MOIP, Administration MOIP MOIP Airport MOIP, MOIP MOT Telecom CI Telecom OPM, CLO MOIP, NHRD MOIP, MOIP MOIP, CLO MOIP, CLO Authority ACTION delivery of water cooperation with the support of development framework to support improved land use planning partners imagery to better inform development and telecommunication infrastructure and services telecommunications distribution networks Mangaia regional sources, including Sth-Sth improvements of water, energy and energy improvements of water, into consideration road safety and the impacts Aitutaki Manihiki, Rakahanga and Rehabilitation of water intakes Upgrade water galleries on our ringmain and distribution lines Work Increase water harvesting and storage Promote and implement most viable options to Implement cost recovery measures for the waste facilities in Rarotonga and Transform Strategy Waste Implement the National Improve our roads in conjunction with in road management and take Establish PPP Improve our airports – terminals and airstrips Continue upgrade of our ports beginning with Improve transportation to the Pa Enua and Private Sector Increase speed and quality of our Strengthen our telecommunications regulatory Establish appropriate and relevant institutional Develop and implement asset management Act and Review our Building and Standards Strengthen capacity in GIS and satellite Provide access to up-to-date technical skills Promote technical cooperation by local and sector associated regulation Aitutaki to resource recovery centres engineering specifications focusing on cooperation between Government telecommunications service of disasters and climate change in all education and training beginning with Aitutaki, Atiu, Manihiki and Aitutaki, beginning with arrangements for the telecommunications frameworks ensure safety and quality of water STRATEGY to our communities to our management Enable robust construction Enable robust Strengthen our asset management our Strengthen Build capacity in the infrastructure sector Build capacity in the infrastructure PRIORITY AREA 2: INFRASTRUCTURE AREA PRIORITY AND RESILIENCE LIVELIHOODS GOAL: INFRASTRUCTURE FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH, SUSTAINABLE livelihoods and build resilience improve will maximise economic return, investment in infrastructure Our OBJECTIVES our for resilience and livelihoods increased sustainable environment economic growth, will foster investment in infrastructure 1. Our significantly. will be improved sound management and maintenance of infrastructure delivery and ongoing environmentally 2. Our water the access and quality of our Improve waste facilities for our Improve transport infrastructure our Improve telecommunications Improve communities to disasters and the impacts of climate change. 53 SUPPORTING AGENCIES SUPPORTING TAU, Industry TAU, Island Administrations, Island Councils Island OPM, Industry TAU, Island Administrations, Island Island TAU, Island Administrations, Island Councils Island NHRD TAU, MOIA, MOIP, Industry MOIA, MOIP, TAU, TAU, Island Administrations, Island Island TAU, Councils Councils LEAD AGENCY OPM, TAU OPM OPM TAU OPM OPM OPM MFEM OPM, TAU, Island TAU, OPM NES OPM, TAU, OPM OPM Administrations ACTION Southern Pa Enua Northern Pa Enua encourage renewable energy uptake encourage renewable energy conservation and efficiency renewable energy targets renewable energy Energy Chart Energy landscape storage options proven technologies financial management, raising awareness, business models for the changing energy potential expansion to the Pa Enua Implement the Cook Islands Renewable mechanisms organisational energy Transform Strengthen policy and regulatory frameworks, Adopt and utilise technologically, rollout in the Implement renewable energy rollout in the Implement renewable energy and Encourage studies into renewable energy netmetering policy to TAU’s Build on Investigate and implement appropriate Explore and implement sound incentives to Continually upgrade and maintain energy Build capacity and expertise in renewable Implement awareness and educational encourage renewable energy uptake for encourage renewable energy of our communities in the achievement to better coordinate implementation of building capacity and increasing participation infrastructure commercially and environmentally sound programmes for renewable energy, energy energy programmes for renewable energy, energy systems energy renewable energy STRATEGY the energy sector Provide incentives for renewable energy renewable incentives for Provide PRIORITY AREA 3: ENERGY AREA PRIORITY SECURITY OUR GOAL: ENERGY integrity economic and social development environmental energy security to enhance our Renewable energy for OBJECTIVES energy services and reliable 1. Secure 2. Enhanced efficiency and affordability of energy energy development fostered 3. Investment in renewable energy sector 4. Energy standards and compliance will be upheld by a well regulated the institutional framework of Strengthen Upgrade existing energy infrastructure capacity in the energy sector Build our Utilise only proven technology Utilise only proven 54 SUPPORTING AGENCIES SUPPORTING TAU, Industry TAU, Industry MOIA, MOIP, TAU, Administrations, Island Councils Island Administrations, Island Councils Island OPM, Industry TAU, Island Administrations, Island Island TAU, Administrations, Island Island TAU, NHRD Councils Councils LEAD AGENCY OPM OPM OPM OPM OPM OPM OPM TAU OPM, TAU MFEM OPM, TAU, Island TAU, OPM, TAU, NES OPM, TAU, OPM Administrations ACTION Northern Pa Enua Southern Pa Enua encourage renewable energy uptake encourage renewable energy conservation and efficiency Energy Chart Energy targets renewable energy landscape storage options proven technologies financial management, raising awareness, potential expansion to the Pa Enua business models for the changing energy Implement the Cook Islands Renewable mechanisms organisational energy Transform Strengthen policy and regulatory frameworks, Adopt and utilise technologically, rollout in the Implement renewable energy rollout in the Implement renewable energy and Encourage studies into renewable energy netmetering policy to TAU’s Build on uptake for encourage renewable energy Investigate and implement appropriate Explore and implement sound incentives to Continually upgrade and maintain energy Build capacity and expertise in renewable Implement awareness and educational to better coordinate implementation of of our communities in the achievement infrastructure building capacity and increasing participation commercially and environmentally sound programmes for renewable energy, energy energy programmes for renewable energy, energy systems energy renewable energy STRATEGY the energy sector Build our capacity in the energy sector Build our PRIORITY AREA 3: ENERGY AREA PRIORITY SECURITY OUR GOAL: ENERGY integrity economic and social development environmental energy security to enhance our Renewable energy for OBJECTIVES energy services and reliable 1. Secure 2. Enhanced efficiency and affordability of energy energy development fostered 3. Investment in renewable energy sector 4. Energy standards and compliance will be upheld by a well regulated the institutional framework of Strengthen technology Utilise only proven energy renewable incentives for Provide Upgrade existing energy infrastructure 55 SUPPORTING AGENCIES SUPPORTING Communities Society Organisations, Private Sector, Private Sector, Society Organisations, Communities Organisations, Communities Organisations, Society Organisations Organisations Communities, Islands Councils Community Communities MOE, Communities MOE, Civil Society Organisation CLO, Parliamentary Services Private Sector, BTIB Private Sector, CINDC, Civil Society Organisations, CINDC, Civil Society Organisations, USP, Civil Society Organisation, Civil Society Organisation, USP, USP, Training Providers Training USP, Communities Association Welfare Cook Islands Child Association Welfare Cook Islands Child Association Welfare Cook Islands Child OPM, TCI Civil Society Organisations MOE, Civil Society Organisations NHRD Civil Society Organisations CINCW, Civil Society Organisation OPM MOIA CISNOC USP, Training Providers Training USP, Chamber of Commerce, Private Sector, Chamber of Commerce, Private Sector, MOJ, Civil Society Organisations, Agencies, Civil Society Line MOE, Civil Society Organisation, MOE, MOIA, MOA, CISNOC, Sports other Civil Tauturu, Punanga CINCW, Civil Society Organisation, Civil Society MOIA, CINCW, MOJ, CLO, CINCW CITC, MOE, BTIB, MOA, OPM, Civil USP, OPM USP, Parent Teacher Associations, Parent Parents, Teacher MOIA Federations Training Providers Training Communities LEAD AGENCY Tauturu, Police Tauturu, MOH MOH MOH MOIA MOE MOE MOE, NHRD MOE, NHRD MOE, NHRD MOE, NHRD MOE, NHRD MOE, NHRD MOH MOH MOH MOH MOH MOH MOH, MOIA MOH MOH MOH MOH MOIA MOIA MOIA, BTIB MOIA, OPM MOH MOIA, Punanga MOIA OPM MOIA MOIA MOIA, OPM MOC MOE MOE, NHRD MOE, NHRD MOE ACTION and Action Plan to Prevent and Control NCD and recognised institutions and improve our Health clinics program and retention of Cook Islands doctors disabilities and the aged that will protect their persons with disabilities and elderly are of students including the implementation training needs of our students persons with disabilities, mentally ill, the displaced in our communities and the elderly Dual Pathways and Alternative Pathways Dual Pathways and and men in decision making governance competitive sports training facilities in-country to meet the Programmes in communities with our children to minimise future NCD stakeholders to promote and preserve our Childhood Education needs of the country and learners risk’ and ‘in risk’ young people and ‘in risk’ risk’ emphasis on re-opening the Nursing School systems illness, disabilities, elderly and palliative services development risks contribute to disaster risk management and address health issues our schools and decision making schools Improve literacy and numeracy rates in our Implement the Inclusive Education Policy and Develop enterprise and entrepreneurship in Increase the subject scope to meet interest Improve the use of online learning Enhance the support and provision of Enhance tertiary training meet the priority Maintain accreditation standards with Implement second chance learning for our ‘at Increase the scope of Community Education Improve the provision of Life Skills Maintain accessibility to quality ante-natal and Maintain high coverage of immunisation protection for our children Maintain low infant and maternal mortality Reduce rate of teenage pregnancy Reduce rate of sexually transmitted infections Reduce smoking, alcohol and drug use rate Enhance the use of telemedicine for equitable health services Engage with New Zealand to provide Women’s Health and Implement our Men’s Improve partnerships to address mental services to encourage healthy living Target Improve our training and capacity with Implement the Cook Islands National Strategy Promote healthier lifestyles through physical Develop gender responsive programmes and Promote the equitable participation of women Create an enabling environment for the full Improve the capacity of men and women to climate change adaptation strategies Improve the capacity of women and men to Eliminate violence against women Develop and implement policies that address Mainstream concerns of children, youth, Fulfil our regional and international obligations to ensure that our children, youth, in collaboration to build strong families Work Pass the Family Law Bill Identify ways to provide family support Develop and implement a comprehensive in collaboration with our key Work Increase access and participation in Early human rights and wellbeing information relating to career opportunities policies recreation and support physical activity, specialist health programmes participation of women in economic the needs of our children, youth, persons with culture, language and social heritage classroom build partnerships with families, meet the needs of these students valuable members of our society Programmes and communities national policy to promote encourage and maternity care communities and civil society organisation to communities and civil society organisation programmes where students are unable to participate in the NCDs into national policy environment programmes for Pa Enua students rates those who need it activity, nutrition and healthy living to reduce activity, STRATEGY and young people quality learning programmes women language and social unique culture, our opportunities for leisure, recreation and recreation leisure, opportunities for numerate by the end of Year 8 Year numerate by the end of competitive sports their contribution to society and looked their communities and where our aged are acknowledged for acknowledged for aged are our and where and partnerships with other agencies and partnerships with other after confidence in our education system and confidence in our PRIORITY 4: SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 4: SOCIAL PRIORITY THE COOK ISLANDERS WHO RESIDE IN FOR PEOPLE GOAL: OPPORTUNITY and participate in the social, potential, prosper islands can enjoy opportunities to fulfil their in our all people who reside Cook Islands where A OBJECTIVES a full spectrum of human endeavour. equal access to quality learning opportunities across potential through people fulfil their 1. Our access to quality health care. potential through people fulfil their 2. Our families and communities. and have strong empowered potential because they are people fulfil their 3. Our and competitive sports activities. recreation potential because they participate in leisure, people fulfil their 4. Our national identity and sense of belonging. a strong 5. Cook Islanders share and communities have that parents Ensure that every child is literate and Ensure Enable every young person has access to all learners to equitable access for Ensure is that the Education Sector Ensure children the optimum health of our Ensure all quality health services for Provide Combat NCD our equality and empower gender Ensure safe and are children Guarantee that our families and that we have strong Ensure people can access a range of different Our of and preservation the promotion Ensure support quality learning and development Cook Islands heritage skills and gain qualifications that they need for the very young for to contribute the development of economic, political and cultural life of our communities and nation economic, political and cultural life of our opportunity to grow as valuable members opportunity to grow well cared for; that our youth are given the youth are for; that our well cared responsive to the training needs of responsive the opportunity to develop knowledge and of society; our persons with disabilities are persons with disabilities are of society; our wider community through collaboration community through wider development valued and included in our 56 SUPPORTING AGENCIES SUPPORTING Communities Society Organisations, Private Sector, Private Sector, Society Organisations, Organisations, Communities Organisations, Communities Society Organisations Organisations Communities, Islands Councils Community Communities Line Agencies, Civil Society Line MOE, Communities MOE, Civil Society Organisation CLO, Parliamentary Services Private Sector, BTIB Private Sector, OPM USP, Providers Training USP, Providers Training USP, Communities Association Welfare Cook Islands Child Association Welfare Cook Islands Child Association Welfare Cook Islands Child OPM, TCI Civil Society Organisations MOE, Civil Society Organisations NHRD Civil Society Organisations CINCW, Civil Society Organisation OPM MOIA CISNOC Parent Teacher Associations, Parent Parents, Teacher CINDC, Civil Society Organisations, Civil Society Organisation, USP, Chamber of Commerce, Private Sector, MOJ, Civil Society Organisations, MOE, Civil Society Organisation, MOE, MOIA, MOA, CISNOC, Sports other Civil Tauturu, Punanga CINCW, Civil Society Organisation, Civil Society MOIA, CINCW, MOJ, CLO, CINCW CITC, MOE, BTIB, MOA, OPM, Civil MOIA Federations Training Providers Training Communities LEAD AGENCY Tauturu, Police Tauturu, MOE, NHRD MOH MOH MOH MOIA MOE MOE MOE MOE MOE, NHRD MOE, NHRD MOE, NHRD MOE, NHRD MOE, NHRD MOE, NHRD MOE, NHRD MOH MOH MOH MOH MOH MOH MOH, MOIA MOH MOH MOH MOH MOIA MOIA MOIA, BTIB MOIA, OPM MOH MOIA, Punanga MOIA OPM MOIA MOIA MOIA, OPM MOC ACTION and Action Plan to Prevent and Control NCD and recognised institutions and improve our Health clinics program disabilities and the aged that will protect their persons with disabilities and elderly are and retention of Cook Islands doctors of students including the implementation Dual Pathways and Alternative Pathways Dual Pathways and persons with disabilities, mentally ill, the displaced in our communities and the elderly training needs of our students and men in decision making governance competitive sports with our children to minimise future NCD Childhood Education Programmes in communities stakeholders to promote and preserve our training facilities in-country to meet the needs of the country and learners young people and ‘in risk’ risk’ systems emphasis on re-opening the Nursing School illness, disabilities, elderly and palliative services development risks schools our schools and decision making contribute to disaster risk management and address health issues Increase access and participation in Early Improve literacy and numeracy rates in our Implement the Inclusive Education Policy and Develop enterprise and entrepreneurship in Increase the subject scope to meet interest Improve the use of online learning Enhance the support and provision of Enhance tertiary training meet the priority Maintain accreditation standards with Implement second chance learning for our ‘at Increase the scope of Community Education Improve the provision of Life Skills Maintain accessibility to quality ante-natal and Maintain high coverage of immunisation protection for our children Maintain low infant and maternal mortality Reduce rate of teenage pregnancy Reduce rate of sexually transmitted infections Reduce smoking, alcohol and drug use rate Enhance the use of telemedicine for equitable health services Engage with New Zealand to provide Women’s Health and Implement our Men’s Improve partnerships to address mental services to encourage healthy living Target Improve our training and capacity with Implement the Cook Islands National Strategy Promote healthier lifestyles through physical Develop gender responsive programmes and Promote the equitable participation of women Create an enabling environment for the full Improve the capacity of men and women to climate change adaptation strategies Improve the capacity of women and men to Eliminate violence against women Develop and implement policies that address Mainstream concerns of children, youth, Fulfil our regional and international obligations to ensure that our children, youth, in collaboration to build strong families Work Pass the Family Law Bill Identify ways to provide family support Develop and implement a comprehensive in collaboration with our key Work information relating to career opportunities human rights and wellbeing policies recreation and support physical activity, classroom build partnerships with families, meet the needs of these students specialist health programmes participation of women in economic the needs of our children, youth, persons with culture, language and social heritage valuable members of our society Programmes and communities national policy to promote encourage and communities and civil society organisation to communities and civil society organisation programmes maternity care where students are unable to participate in the NCDs into national policy environment programmes for Pa Enua students rates those who need it activity, nutrition and healthy living to reduce activity, STRATEGY and young people quality learning programmes women language and social unique culture, our opportunities for leisure, recreation and recreation leisure, opportunities for numerate by the end of Year 8 Year numerate by the end of competitive sports their contribution to society and looked their communities and where our aged are acknowledged for acknowledged for aged are our and where after and partnerships with other agencies and partnerships with other confidence in our education system and confidence in our Combat NCD PRIORITY 4: SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 4: SOCIAL PRIORITY THE COOK ISLANDERS WHO RESIDE IN FOR PEOPLE GOAL: OPPORTUNITY and participate in the social, potential, prosper islands can enjoy opportunities to fulfil their in our all people who reside Cook Islands where A OBJECTIVES a full spectrum of human endeavour. equal access to quality learning opportunities across potential through people fulfil their 1. Our access to quality health care. potential through people fulfil their 2. Our families and communities. and have strong empowered potential because they are people fulfil their 3. Our and competitive sports activities. recreation potential because they participate in leisure, people fulfil their 4. Our national identity and sense of belonging. a strong 5. Cook Islanders share and communities have that parents Ensure that every child is literate and Ensure Enable every young person has access to all learners to equitable access for Ensure is that the Education Sector Ensure children the optimum health of our Ensure all quality health services for Provide our equality and empower gender Ensure safe and are children Guarantee that our families and that we have strong Ensure people can access a range of different Our of and preservation the promotion Ensure support quality learning and development Cook Islands heritage skills and gain qualifications that they need for the very young for to contribute the development of economic, political and cultural life of our communities and nation economic, political and cultural life of our as valuable members opportunity to grow well cared for; that our youth are given the youth are for; that our well cared responsive to the training needs of responsive the opportunity to develop knowledge and of society; our persons with disabilities are persons with disabilities are of society; our wider community through collaboration community through wider valued and included in our development valued and included in our 57 SUPPORTING AGENCIES SUPPORTING Communities Society Organisations, Private Sector, Private Sector, Society Organisations, Communities Communities Organisations, Society Organisations Organisations Communities, Islands Councils Community Communities MOE, MOIA, MOA, CISNOC, Sports Civil Society Organisation MOE, Communities MOE, Civil Society Organisation CLO, Parliamentary Services CINCW, Civil Society Organisations CINCW, OPM Private Sector, BTIB Private Sector, OPM USP, Providers Training USP, Providers Training USP, Communities Association Welfare Cook Islands Child Association Welfare Cook Islands Child Association Welfare Cook Islands Child OPM, TCI Civil Society Organisations MOE, Civil Society Organisations NHRD CISNOC Civil Society Organisation, Civil Society Organisation, Parent Teacher Associations, Parent Parents, Teacher CINDC, Civil Society Organisations, Civil Society Organisation, USP, Chamber of Commerce, Private Sector, MOJ, Civil Society Organisations, Agencies, Civil Society Line MOE, Civil Society Organisation, other Civil Tauturu, Punanga CINCW, Civil Society MOIA, CINCW, CITC, MOE, BTIB, MOA, OPM, Civil MOIA MOJ, CLO, CINCW Federations MOIA Training Providers Training Communities LEAD AGENCY Tauturu, Police Tauturu, MOH MOIA, BTIB MOH MOH MOH MOIA MOIA MOIA MOE MOE MOE MOE MOE, NHRD MOE, NHRD MOE, NHRD MOE, NHRD MOE, NHRD MOE, NHRD MOE, NHRD MOE, NHRD MOH MOH MOH MOH MOH MOH MOH, MOIA MOH MOH MOH MOIA, Punanga MOIA MOIA, OPM MOC MOIA, OPM MOH MOIA OPM MOIA ACTION and Action Plan to Prevent and Control NCD and disabilities and the aged that will protect their recognised institutions and improve our Health clinics program and retention of Cook Islands doctors persons with disabilities and elderly are of students including the implementation persons with disabilities, mentally ill, the displaced in our communities and the elderly Dual Pathways and Alternative Pathways Dual Pathways and training needs of our students competitive sports and men in decision making governance Childhood Education training facilities in-country to meet the Programmes in communities with our children to minimise future NCD stakeholders to promote and preserve our needs of the country and learners young people and ‘in risk’ risk’ emphasis on re-opening the Nursing School systems development illness, disabilities, elderly and palliative services schools our schools and decision making risks Develop and implement policies that address contribute to disaster risk management and address health issues Eliminate violence against women Increase access and participation in Early Improve literacy and numeracy rates in our Implement the Inclusive Education Policy and Develop enterprise and entrepreneurship in Increase the subject scope to meet interest Improve the use of online learning Enhance the support and provision of Enhance tertiary training meet the priority Maintain accreditation standards with Implement second chance learning for our ‘at Increase the scope of Community Education Improve the provision of Life Skills Maintain accessibility to quality ante-natal and Maintain high coverage of immunisation protection for our children Maintain low infant and maternal mortality Reduce rate of teenage pregnancy Reduce rate of sexually transmitted infections Reduce smoking, alcohol and drug use rate Enhance the use of telemedicine for equitable health services Engage with New Zealand to provide Women’s Health and Implement our Men’s Improve partnerships to address mental services to encourage healthy living Target Improve our training and capacity with Implement the Cook Islands National Strategy Promote healthier lifestyles through physical Develop gender responsive programmes and Promote the equitable participation of women Create an enabling environment for the full Improve the capacity of men and women to Improve the capacity of women and men to Mainstream concerns of children, youth, Fulfil our regional and international in collaboration to build strong families Work Pass the Family Law Bill Identify ways to provide family support Develop and implement a comprehensive in collaboration with our key Work human rights and wellbeing climate change adaptation strategies obligations to ensure that our children, youth, information relating to career opportunities support physical activity, recreation and support physical activity, the needs of our children, youth, persons with policies participation of women in economic classroom build partnerships with families, meet the needs of these students specialist health programmes culture, language and social heritage valuable members of our society and communities Programmes national policy to promote encourage and communities and civil society organisation to communities and civil society organisation programmes maternity care where students are unable to participate in the NCDs into national policy environment programmes for Pa Enua students rates those who need it activity, nutrition and healthy living to reduce activity, STRATEGY and young people quality learning programmes our unique culture, language and social unique culture, our women opportunities for leisure, recreation and recreation leisure, opportunities for their contribution to society and looked their numerate by the end of Year 8 Year numerate by the end of competitive sports and where our aged are acknowledged for acknowledged for aged are our and where communities after and partnerships with other agencies and partnerships with other confidence in our education system and confidence in our PRIORITY 4: SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 4: SOCIAL PRIORITY THE COOK ISLANDERS WHO RESIDE IN FOR PEOPLE GOAL: OPPORTUNITY and participate in the social, potential, prosper islands can enjoy opportunities to fulfil their in our all people who reside Cook Islands where A OBJECTIVES a full spectrum of human endeavour. equal access to quality learning opportunities across potential through people fulfil their 1. Our access to quality health care. potential through people fulfil their 2. Our families and communities. and have strong empowered potential because they are people fulfil their 3. Our and competitive sports activities. recreation potential because they participate in leisure, people fulfil their 4. Our national identity and sense of belonging. a strong 5. Cook Islanders share and communities have that parents Ensure that every child is literate and Ensure Enable every young person has access to all learners to equitable access for Ensure is that the Education Sector Ensure children the optimum health of our Ensure all quality health services for Provide Combat NCD our equality and empower gender Ensure safe and are children Guarantee that our families and that we have strong Ensure people can access a range of different Our of and preservation the promotion Ensure support quality learning and development Cook Islands heritage skills and gain qualifications that they need for the very young for opportunity to grow as valuable members opportunity to grow to contribute the development of economic, political and cultural life of our communities and nation economic, political and cultural life of our well cared for; that our youth are given the youth are for; that our well cared responsive to the training needs of responsive of society; our persons with disabilities are persons with disabilities are of society; our the opportunity to develop knowledge and valued and included in our development valued and included in our wider community through collaboration community through wider 58 SUPPORTING AGENCIES SUPPORTING Communities Society Organisations, Private Sector, Private Sector, Society Organisations, Communities Communities Organisations, Society Organisations Organisations Communities, Islands Councils Community Communities MOE, Communities MOE, Civil Society Organisation CLO, Parliamentary Services Private Sector, BTIB Private Sector, OPM USP, Providers Training USP, Providers Training USP, Communities Association Welfare Cook Islands Child Association Welfare Cook Islands Child Association Welfare Cook Islands Child OPM, TCI Civil Society Organisations MOE, Civil Society Organisations NHRD Civil Society Organisations CINCW, Civil Society Organisation OPM MOIA CISNOC Parent Teacher Associations, Parent Parents, Teacher CINDC, Civil Society Organisations, Civil Society Organisation, USP, Chamber of Commerce, Private Sector, MOJ, Civil Society Organisations, Agencies, Civil Society Line MOE, Civil Society Organisation, MOE, MOIA, MOA, CISNOC, Sports other Civil Tauturu, Punanga CINCW, Civil Society Organisation, Civil Society MOIA, CINCW, MOJ, CLO, CINCW CITC, MOE, BTIB, MOA, OPM, Civil MOIA Federations Training Providers Training Communities LEAD AGENCY Tauturu, Police Tauturu, MOH MOH MOH MOIA MOE MOE MOE MOE MOE, NHRD MOE, NHRD MOE, NHRD MOE, NHRD MOE, NHRD MOE, NHRD MOE, NHRD MOE, NHRD MOH MOH MOH MOH MOH MOH MOH, MOIA MOH MOH MOH MOH MOIA MOIA MOIA, BTIB MOIA, OPM MOH MOIA, Punanga MOIA OPM MOIA MOIA, OPM MOIA MOC ACTION and Action Plan to Prevent and Control NCD and recognised institutions and improve our Health clinics program and retention of Cook Islands doctors disabilities and the aged that will protect their persons with disabilities and elderly are of students including the implementation Dual Pathways and Alternative Pathways Dual Pathways and training needs of our students persons with disabilities, mentally ill, the displaced in our communities and the elderly competitive sports and men in decision making governance stakeholders to promote and preserve our Childhood Education training facilities in-country to meet the Programmes in communities with our children to minimise future NCD needs of the country and learners young people and ‘in risk’ risk’ emphasis on re-opening the Nursing School systems illness, disabilities, elderly and palliative services development schools our schools and decision making risks contribute to disaster risk management and address health issues Increase access and participation in Early Improve literacy and numeracy rates in our Implement the Inclusive Education Policy and Develop enterprise and entrepreneurship in Increase the subject scope to meet interest Improve the use of online learning Enhance the support and provision of Enhance tertiary training meet the priority Maintain accreditation standards with Implement second chance learning for our ‘at Increase the scope of Community Education Improve the provision of Life Skills Maintain accessibility to quality ante-natal and Maintain high coverage of immunisation protection for our children Maintain low infant and maternal mortality Reduce rate of teenage pregnancy Reduce rate of sexually transmitted infections Reduce smoking, alcohol and drug use rate Enhance the use of telemedicine for equitable health services Engage with New Zealand to provide Women’s Health and Implement our Men’s Improve partnerships to address mental services to encourage healthy living Target Improve our training and capacity with Implement the Cook Islands National Strategy Promote healthier lifestyles through physical Develop gender responsive programmes and Promote the equitable participation of women Create an enabling environment for the full Improve the capacity of men and women to climate change adaptation strategies Improve the capacity of women and men to Eliminate violence against women Develop and implement policies that address Mainstream concerns of children, youth, Fulfil our regional and international obligations to ensure that our children, youth, in collaboration to build strong families Work Pass the Family Law Bill Identify ways to provide family support Develop and implement a comprehensive in collaboration with our key Work information relating to career opportunities human rights and wellbeing support physical activity, recreation and support physical activity, policies culture, language and social heritage classroom build partnerships with families, meet the needs of these students specialist health programmes participation of women in economic the needs of our children, youth, persons with valuable members of our society national policy to promote encourage and Programmes and communities communities and civil society organisation to communities and civil society organisation programmes maternity care where students are unable to participate in the NCDs into national policy environment those who need it programmes for Pa Enua students rates activity, nutrition and healthy living to reduce activity, STRATEGY and young people quality learning programmes women our unique culture, language and social unique culture, our opportunities for leisure, recreation and recreation leisure, opportunities for competitive sports numerate by the end of Year 8 Year numerate by the end of their contribution to society and looked their communities and where our aged are acknowledged for acknowledged for aged are our and where and partnerships with other agencies and partnerships with other after confidence in our education system and confidence in our Our people can access a range of different people can access a range of different Our PRIORITY 4: SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 4: SOCIAL PRIORITY THE COOK ISLANDERS WHO RESIDE IN FOR PEOPLE GOAL: OPPORTUNITY and participate in the social, potential, prosper islands can enjoy opportunities to fulfil their in our all people who reside Cook Islands where A OBJECTIVES a full spectrum of human endeavour. equal access to quality learning opportunities across potential through people fulfil their 1. Our access to quality health care. potential through people fulfil their 2. Our families and communities. and have strong empowered potential because they are people fulfil their 3. Our and competitive sports activities. recreation potential because they participate in leisure, people fulfil their 4. Our national identity and sense of belonging. a strong 5. Cook Islanders share and communities have that parents Ensure that every child is literate and Ensure Enable every young person has access to all learners to equitable access for Ensure is that the Education Sector Ensure children the optimum health of our Ensure all quality health services for Provide Combat NCD our equality and empower gender Ensure safe and are children Guarantee that our families and that we have strong Ensure of and preservation the promotion Ensure support quality learning and development Cook Islands heritage skills and gain qualifications that they need for the very young for to contribute the development of economic, political and cultural life of our communities and nation economic, political and cultural life of our as valuable members opportunity to grow well cared for; that our youth are given the youth are for; that our well cared responsive to the training needs of responsive the opportunity to develop knowledge and of society; our persons with disabilities are persons with disabilities are of society; our wider community through collaboration community through wider development valued and included in our 59 SUPPORTING AGENCIES SUPPORTING All relevant sectors All relevant agencies, NGO’s All relevant agencies, NGO’s All relevant agencies LEAD AGENCY OPM OPM OPM OPM ACTION communities in partnership with private sector and safeguarding essential services · Strengthen infrastructure and · Strengthening economic Anticipate other forms of hazards · · Collaborate across all sectors and development and livelihood systems arrangements for DRM and CCA Invest in DRR measures across all sectors Strengthen and integrate governance into national and Mainstream CRM and CCA Monitor and assess risks vulnerabilities using both modern technology and traditional knowledge systems sectoral planning, policies, legislation and budgeting STRATEGY available to inform planning and and CCA implementation PRIORITY AREA 5: RESILIENCE AREA PRIORITY COMMUNITIES AND SUSTAINABLE GOAL: RESILIENT to disasters and climate change achieve sustainable livelihoods resilient people are our Cook Islands where A OBJECTIVE disasters and climate change impacts for prepared people are 1. Our reduced The impacts of disasters and climate change are 2. to all forms of hazards resilient people are 3. Our governance arrangements strong Ensure that high quality information is Ensure effective DRR through Building resilience change adaptation for disaster risk management and climate disaster for 60 61 SUPPORTING AGENCIES SUPPORTING Plumbing Industry, Communities Plumbing Industry, Aronga Mana, Communities NES CLO, Communities Private Sector, Communities Private Sector, OPM, Communities OPM, CLO, Communities Island Councils, Communities Communities NES, MOJ, MOIP, OPM, NES, MOJ, MOA, Communities Aronga Mana, Communities MMR, Ariki, Koutu Nui, NGOs House of CLO, OPM OPM, Land owners, Islands Councils, Communities LEAD AGENCY MOIP, NES, MOH MOIP, NES MOA MOIP, MOH, NES MOIP, PSC MOIP, MMR, MOH MOIP, NES MOIP, NES MOIP, NES MOIP, NES MMR OPM CLO NES MMR, NES MOIP, NES MOIP, MOIP MOIP, MMR, MOH MOIP, ACTION manage waste including public-private management policy frameworks to better manage waste practices, improving coordination of efforts practices, improving coordination of efforts management plans for utilising our marine management of water resources across government and communities resources regulatory frameworks access to genetic framework for the management of water water treatment systems, change our farming framework to implement sustainable land use structures for water resource management including the establishment of a significant land and marine resources Develop a national policy and plan for the Develop the legislative and regulatory Improve the institutional and administrative Improve monitoring of stream and lagoon Improve data collection and analysis for water Upgrade poor sanitation systems and install Review the institutional arrangements to partnerships Develop and implement the national waste Develop necessary legislative and regulatory Enhance education and awareness in waste Develop and implement integrated Develop and implement our National Land Develop the legislative and regulatory Extend the number and area of protected Protect endangered flora and fauna species Control invasive species Utilise marine park concept to implement and Incorporate in the appropriate policy and Strengthen our regulations and compliance resources more efficient domestic and commercial more efficient resources Use Policy resource management integrate conservation and management of resources and its associated traditional management area of our exclusive zone as a marine park water quality benefits that arise from the use of genetic knowledge to provide equitable sharing of systems, improve our sanitation and waste STRATEGY with the purpose of achieving zero waste with the purpose of achieving zero sanitation measures facilities and incentives to support these ensure that land use is sustainable ensure management of living marine resources PRIORITY AREA 6: ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY 6: ECOLOGICAL AREA PRIORITY FOR LIVING GOAL: ENVIRONMENT efficiently natural resources ecosystems and use our we sustain our Cook Islands where A OBJECTIVES sustainability. their managed well to ensure are natural resources The use of all our 1. and restored. effectively monitored are and degraded natural resources scarce 2. Our minimised and community ecosystem health is not adversely is managed so that impacts are and land resources water The pollution of air, 3. aquatic ecosystems) is avoided. loss and degradation of biodiversity (marine, terrestrial, 4. Irreversible measures. and emissions reduction will include CCA ecosystems and natural resources and manage our actions to protect 5. Our and managing our part in protecting all stakeholders will actively play their business where is ‘everybody’s environment of our care Taking 6. water the management of our Improve better quality through water Improve Implement waste minimisation to the Implement an ecosystem approach Develop and implement interventions to biodiversity and ecosystems our Protect resources through an integrated approach through resources affected. programmes and provide appropriate appropriate and provide programmes fragile ecosystems. 62 SUPPORTING AGENCIES SUPPORTING OPM, Communities CLO, Communities Aronga Mana, Communities NES CLO, OPM Communities Plumbing Industry, House of Ariki, Koutu Nui, NGOs House of MMR, Aronga Mana, Communities MMR, OPM, CLO, Communities OPM, NES, MOJ, MOA, Communities NES, MOJ, MOIP, Communities NES, MOJ, MOIP, Island Councils, Communities Private Sector, Communities Private Sector, OPM, Land owners, Islands Councils, Communities LEAD AGENCY MOIP, NES MOIP, NES MOIP, MOH, NES MOIP, NES MOA MOIP, NES MOIP, MOIP PSC MMR, MOH MOIP, MMR, MOH MOIP, NES, MOH MOIP, MMR, NES NES MOIP, NES MOIP, CLO OPM MMR MOIP, NES MOIP, ACTION manage waste including public-private management policy frameworks to better manage waste management plans for utilising our marine practices, improving coordination of efforts practices, improving coordination of efforts resources management of water resources across government and communities regulatory frameworks access to genetic framework to implement sustainable land use framework for the management of water structures for water resource management water treatment systems, change our farming land and marine resources including the establishment of a significant Review the institutional arrangements to partnerships Develop a national policy and plan for the Develop the legislative and regulatory Improve the institutional and administrative Improve monitoring of stream and lagoon Improve data collection and analysis for water Strengthen our regulations and compliance Upgrade poor sanitation systems and install Develop and implement the national waste Develop necessary legislative and regulatory Enhance education and awareness in waste Develop and implement integrated Develop and implement our National Land Develop the legislative and regulatory Extend the number and area of protected Protect endangered flora and fauna species Control invasive species Utilise marine park concept to implement and Incorporate in the appropriate policy and Use Policy resources resources domestic and commercial more efficient resources and its associated traditional resource management integrate conservation and management of management area of our exclusive zone as a marine park water quality benefits that arise from the use of genetic knowledge to provide equitable sharing of systems, improve our sanitation and waste STRATEGY with the purpose of achieving zero waste with the purpose of achieving zero sanitation measures facilities and incentives to support these ensure that land use is sustainable ensure management of living marine resources Implement an ecosystem approach to the Implement an ecosystem approach Protect our biodiversity and ecosystems our Protect PRIORITY AREA 6: ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY 6: ECOLOGICAL AREA PRIORITY FOR LIVING GOAL: ENVIRONMENT efficiently natural resources ecosystems and use our we sustain our Cook Islands where A OBJECTIVES sustainability. their managed well to ensure are natural resources The use of all our 1. and restored. effectively monitored are and degraded natural resources scarce 2. Our minimised and community ecosystem health is not adversely is managed so that impacts are and land resources water The pollution of air, 3. aquatic ecosystems) is avoided. loss and degradation of biodiversity (marine, terrestrial, 4. Irreversible measures. and emissions reduction will include CCA ecosystems and natural resources and manage our actions to protect 5. Our and managing our part in protecting all stakeholders will actively play their business where is ‘everybody’s environment of our care Taking 6. water the management of our Improve an integrated approach through resources better quality through water Improve Implement waste minimisation Develop and implement interventions to affected. programmes and provide appropriate appropriate and provide programmes fragile ecosystems. 63 SUPPORTING AGENCIES SUPPORTING Civil Society Organisations OPM, Line Ministries, Private Sector, OPM, Line Ministries, Private Sector, Line Ministries and Agencies Line Ministries and Government Agencies MFEM, PSC All of Government LEAD AGENCY Statistics Office) MFEM (National CIPS MFEM MFAI CIPS PSC, MFEM, OPM OPM, PSC of the Office Ombudsman MFAI MFAI MFAI OPM OPM PSC PSC CIPS ACTION Resource Frameworks on electoral reform and identify appropriate including the Public Service Manual, in a timely and efficient manner. in a timely and efficient analysis, and management by developing Committee and international relations better reflect representation of key monitoring and evaluation Nations partners and establish beneficial diplomatic Improve our data and information collection, Activate the Financial and Expenditure Select Revisit recommendations of previous reports Develop and implement a Parliamentary Code Implement the findings of Review Develop and implement Leadership tools Better coordinate planning, budgeting, to better deliver public services by Use ICT Act for Information Implement the Official Implement the PEFA Affairs Develop and implement our Foreign Strengthen our relationship with existing Achieve our full status in the Commonwealth Progress our membership in the United Broaden the composition of NSDC to Ensure that Cabinet Committees will include strengthening E-Government broad representation including the representation of women and youth implementing a sound framework for statistics actions to implement accurate, accessible and relevant information Functional Review of the Public relationships Performance Management and Human including governance in the Pa Enua of Conduct Policy with a focus on strengthening regional stakeholders in decision making STRATEGY decision making of public financial management development decisions and actions managers to account for performance managers to account for efficient and effective Strengthen information and data collection, Strengthen Strengthen electoral systems and processes Strengthen PRIORITY 7: GOVERNANCE PRIORITY GOAL: GOOD GOVERNANCE Cook Islands that thrives on good governance principles A OBJECTIVES The general public has confidence in the systems of Government. 1. partnerships and service satisfaction. progressive machinery of Government focused on calculated strategic direction, A 2. systems that deliver. dollars through the value of existing taxpayer 3. Increasing actively contributes to and as a result dollar taxpayer their on investment for general public that is continuously informed of the return A 4. to contribute effectively Cook Islands sustainable development 5. Regional and international relations of parliament to hold the role Strengthen that Government service delivery is Ensure access to information Ensure accountability and transparency Improve that will benefit Establish external relations partnerships with civil society and Promote the private sector analysis and management for informed analysis and management for the Cook Islands 64 SUPPORTING AGENCIES SUPPORTING Civil Society Organisations MFEM, PSC Government Agencies Agencies Line Ministries and OPM, Line Ministries, Private Sector, OPM, Line Ministries, Private Sector, All of Government LEAD AGENCY Statistics Office) MFEM MFAI MFAI Ombudsman MFAI MFAI OPM OPM CIPS CIPS CIPS PSC PSC PSC, MFEM, OPM MFEM (National OPM, PSC of the Office ACTION Resource Frameworks on electoral reform and identify appropriate including the Public Service Manual, in a timely and efficient manner. in a timely and efficient and international relations Committee analysis, and management by developing better reflect representation of key monitoring and evaluation Nations partners and establish beneficial diplomatic Implement the PEFA Implement the PEFA Activate the Financial and Expenditure Select Revisit recommendations of previous reports Develop and implement a Parliamentary Code Implement the findings of Review Develop and implement Leadership tools Better coordinate planning, budgeting, Improve our data and information collection, to better deliver public services by Use ICT Act for Information Implement the Official Affairs Develop and implement our Foreign Strengthen our relationship with existing Achieve our full status in the Commonwealth Progress our membership in the United Broaden the composition of NSDC to Ensure that Cabinet Committees will include strengthening E-Government broad representation including the representation of women and youth actions to implement Functional Review of the Public implementing a sound framework for statistics accurate, accessible and relevant information relationships Performance Management and Human including governance in the Pa Enua of Conduct Policy with a focus on strengthening regional stakeholders in decision making STRATEGY decision making of public financial management development decisions and actions managers to account for performance managers to account for efficient and effective Establish external relations that will benefit Establish external relations Promote partnerships with civil society and Promote PRIORITY 7: GOVERNANCE PRIORITY GOAL: GOOD GOVERNANCE Cook Islands that thrives on good governance principles A OBJECTIVES The general public has confidence in the systems of Government. 1. partnerships and service satisfaction. progressive machinery of Government focused on calculated strategic direction, A 2. systems that deliver. dollars through the value of existing taxpayer 3. Increasing actively contributes to and as a result dollar taxpayer their on investment for general public that is continuously informed of the return A 4. to contribute effectively Cook Islands sustainable development 5. Regional and international relations of parliament to hold the role Strengthen electoral systems and processes Strengthen that Government service delivery is Ensure information and data collection, Strengthen access to information Ensure accountability and transparency Improve the private sector analysis and management for informed analysis and management for the Cook Islands 65 SUPPORTING AGENCIES SUPPORTING Providers, Community Communities Communities Communities MOIP, OPM MOIP, Police, CLO, Law Reform Commission Customs, MOA MFAI, MFEM, MOIA, MOA Sponsoring Agencies MOE, Police, MOJ, Education CLO, Civil Society Organisations Police, Civil Society Organisations Civil Society Organisations LEAD AGENCY All relevant agencies CLO Police Police Police CIPS MOJ MOJ Police MFAI CLO NHRD MOJ MOJ MOJ, CIIC ACTION public available civil matters practices young offenders criminal justice systems establishment of a computerised system Build our capacity to enforce laws Strengthen legislative and regulatory Strengthen the Law Reform Commission Ensure that our Laws are accessible to the of and effectiveness Strengthen the efficiency Increase awareness of legal rights and services Provide legal aid advice to the public Improve our land management and Develop and implement ‘Second Chance’ Ensure that our prisons system and facilities on crime and crash Intensify our efforts prevention Intensify intelligence led policing Increase police presence in communities Improve coordination of all agencies involved Improve border control measures through the by modern legislation development objectives information systems and better collaboration in Border Control frameworks to meet our sustainable including the expansion of legal aid to include linking all players in border control, supported complies with international standards and best learning giving particular attention to our civil, administrative, family justice and between agencies STRATEGY are safe, secure, and stable through the and stable through safe, secure, are development goals and objectives rehabilitation information systems Reducing reoffending through offender offender through Reducing reoffending PRIORITY 8: LAW AND ORDER 8: LAW PRIORITY AND STABILITY SECURE SAFE, JUST, A GOAL: stable and sustainable communities safe, just, secure, the rule of law ensures Cook Islands where A OBJECTIVES: the administration of justice and efficient courts effective institutions for laws, fair and coherent 1. Clear Cook Islands Laws access to our 2. Free communities 3. Quality policing services to our borders is efficient and effective of our 4. Control Laws of our 5. Quality enforcement legislative and regulatory that our Ensure Laws of our quality enforcement Ensure access to Justice Improve communities and visitors that our Ensure security border our Ensure Improve our land management and our Improve frameworks reflect our sustainable our frameworks reflect provision of quality policing provision 66 SUPPORTING AGENCIES SUPPORTING Providers, Community MFEM, MOIA, MOA Communities Communities Sponsoring Agencies Police, CLO, Law Reform Commission Police, Civil Society Organisations CLO, Civil Society Organisations OPM MOIP, Civil Society Organisations Communities MOE, Police, MOJ, Education MFAI, Customs, MOA MFAI, LEAD AGENCY All relevant agencies MFAI CLO Police Police CLO CIPS MOJ MOJ MOJ MOJ NHRD MOJ, CIIC Police Police ACTION public available civil matters young offenders practices criminal justice systems establishment of a computerised system Build our capacity to enforce laws Strengthen legislative and regulatory Strengthen the Law Reform Commission Ensure that our Laws are accessible to the of and effectiveness Strengthen the efficiency Increase awareness of legal rights and services Provide legal aid advice to the public Improve our land management and Develop and implement ‘Second Chance’ Ensure that our prisons system and facilities on crime and crash Intensify our efforts prevention Intensify intelligence led policing Increase police presence in communities Improve coordination of all agencies involved Improve border control measures through the by modern legislation development objectives information systems and better collaboration in Border Control frameworks to meet our sustainable linking all players in border control, supported including the expansion of legal aid to include learning giving particular attention to our complies with international standards and best civil, administrative, family justice and between agencies STRATEGY are safe, secure, and stable through the and stable through safe, secure, are development goals and objectives information systems rehabilitation PRIORITY 8: LAW AND ORDER 8: LAW PRIORITY AND STABILITY SECURE SAFE, JUST, A GOAL: stable and sustainable communities safe, just, secure, the rule of law ensures Cook Islands where A OBJECTIVES: the administration of justice and efficient courts effective institutions for laws, fair and coherent 1. Clear Cook Islands Laws access to our 2. Free communities 3. Quality policing services to our borders is efficient and effective of our 4. Control Laws of our 5. Quality enforcement legislative and regulatory that our Ensure Laws of our quality enforcement Ensure access to Justice Improve land management and our Improve offender through Reducing reoffending communities and visitors that our Ensure security border our Ensure frameworks reflect our sustainable our frameworks reflect provision of quality policing provision 67