Northern Group Power Issues To Be Addressed

This release is to confirm that no delays to this project are attributed to New Zealand despite discussions in Parliament recently.

Cook Islanders living in the Northern Group experience intermitted power cuts due to irregular system component failures, the Cook Islands Government is addressing these issues through the Northern Battery Replacement Project and the Pa Enua Capital Distribution Fund.

The Northern Battery Replacement Project is funded through the Cook Islands Infrastructure Trust Fund (ITF). The ITF is funded by New Zealand to support the Cook Islands Government in implementing infrastructure investment.

The funds for the project were approved in March 2024 following extensive planning and consultation. Given the in-depth planning activities undertaken, the Northern Battery Replacement Project includes, the replacement of the initial batteries provided, a recovery plan for recycling batteries, replacing other related equipment components, supporting infrastructure upgrades and an operation and maintenance plans for each site.

MFEM confirms that, despite labour market challenges, an Engineer, and a Project Manager has been successfully appointed through the open tender procurement process and bids for the works contract are open - the deadline for tender submissions is 31 March 2025. Despite the difficulties of communications due to isolation of the Pa Enua, MFEM have also been working closely with Island Administrations of Pae Enua Tokerau and Te Aponga Uira (TAU), to purchase current model batteries, inverters and other tools deemed critical to deliver temporary power supply relief. These activities are funded from domestic funds appropriated into the Pa Enua Capital Distribution Fund.

Images: Workers on Rakahanga installing new batteries, along with an image of the newly installed batteries providing immediate relief.