A long-awaited milestone was reached today with the signing of an agreement between the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) and the landowners of Onemaru and Te Mati 83C3 in Aroa, Arorangi. This formal agreement not only returns unused portions of leased land but also settles outstanding rental payments that were never adjusted through the required rental reviews over the past 57 years.
The 27 acres of land was originally leased by the Government in 1968 for 60 years for public use — specifically for wireless radio communications, which at the time was the primary form of communication to the Pa Enua and the rest of the world. However, the lease required rent reviews every 15 years, which were never carried out. Despite this, the land continued to be occupied by operators and at present, Avaroa Cable and Vodafone Cook Islands.
While there was an attempt in 2007 to return part of the land, it was not done through the correct legal processes. The resolution reached today follows a complex legal journey that required the landowners—more than 300 in total—to come together and form a legally recognised incorporation. This was formalised by the High Court in July 2022.
The signing ceremony took place at the Avaroa Cable courtyard in Aroa . As part of the agreement, 95,036 square metres of land are officially surrendered back to the landowners. In addition, the Government has acknowledged and committed to pay outstanding rent amounting to several hundred thousand dollars — a cheque representing part of this settlement was presented today.
The event was attended by CIIC representatives, including the CIIC legal team headed by lawyer Anna Glassie, CEO Alan Jensen, and Board Director Arama Wichman. Representing the landowners were Chairperson of the Onemaru and Te Mati 83C3 Incorporation Nooroa Tuoro, members of the executive, and several landowners and families.
CIIC’s Director Wichman emphasised that this is not just a legal outcome, but a demonstration of CIIC’s commitment to integrity, respect, and genuine partnership with landowners.
In her remarks, Chairperson Nooroa Tuoro reflected on the journey. She shared a personal memory of returning to Rarotonga years ago when her father asked her to collect his land rent — she received $6, the first and last payment her family ever saw. “I’m grateful to all the landowners for your cooperation , our legal team, and to Travis Moore who encouraged me to pursue this,” she said. “I also encourage other landowners whose lands are under government lease to check whether their lease agreements are being honoured.”
“This is about more than just money,” she added. “It’s about respect, recognition, and doing what’s right.”
Acknowledgement:
This press release and images has been shared on our website with the kind permission of Radio Cook Islands. We thank them for granting us consent to republish their content.
