The Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) has clarified that the relocation of Mareko’s within the Punanga Nui Market is part of the planned redevelopment of the market precinct and was necessary to enable improvements to parking, pedestrian access and the overall market layout.
Mareko’s is a longstanding market vendor, operating six days a week, and was required to relocate from its former premises at the western end of the market to Zone 4 within the central market area. The relocation was not initiated by the business but formed part of the wider Te Tau Papa o Avarua (TTPA) redevelopment project, which received approval in 2022.
The need to return the western carpark to its original intended use was identified early in the project’s planning, in response to increasing traffic congestion and safety concerns, particularly on busy market Saturdays when parked vehicles and traffic create challenges along the main road.
CIIC Chief Executive Officer Allan Jensen said it was important to clarify the circumstances surrounding the relocation.
“Mareko’s did not approach CIIC seeking a new commercial site. It was an existing and active market tenant whose premises needed to be relocated to accommodate the redevelopment.
“The decision was made as part of the wider market redevelopment programme, with the relocation considered and approved by the CIIC Board. It enables us to restore much-needed parking, improve pedestrian access and create a better flow throughout the market.
“This is not about providing preferential treatment to an individual business. It is about making the changes necessary to improve the market for everyone.”
The relocation was incorporated into the Stage 1 and Stage 2 redevelopment designs and layouts, which have been subject to consultation with vendors and the wider public since 2023.
Mareko’s previously occupied two adjoining original market huts, which had been combined into a single premises. The business has met the full costs of its relocation and construction of the new building, the footprint of which was reduced by approximately eight percent to ensure it fitted within the planned market layout.
CIIC also clarified that Punanga Nui Market is situated on Crown-owned reclaimed land and that individual vendors are not granted land leases. Like other permanent hut vendors, Mareko’s operates under a tenancy agreement with the market and is required to comply with market policies.
The relocation was not publicly advertised because it did not involve the allocation of a new commercial opportunity. Rather, it formed part of the reorganisation of existing market vendors whose premises are affected by the redevelopment works.
Other affected vendors are also being relocated within the market, with the current reorganisation taking place ahead of the Stage 2 civil works.
Mr Jensen acknowledged that changes within the market had raised concerns among some vendors, particularly smaller operators.
“We recognise how important Punanga Nui Market is to the livelihoods of our local families, especially the market mamas and smaller vendors who have been part of its character for generations.
“The redevelopment is intended to improve the experience for everyone, including providing safer and more accessible pedestrian routes, better parking and designated areas for different types of vendors.
“Te Tapora Kai, which opened in October last year, was developed specifically to provide covered, all-weather trading facilities for approximately 70 small and grassroots vendors. Supporting these businesses remains an important priority for CIIC.”
CIIC said the allocation of market space continues to be managed through established processes. Priority is given to relocating active vendors affected by the redevelopment, while new applicants are managed through the market’s existing waitlist.
The Corporation has also undertaken further engagement with market vendors and users, including surveys in September 2026 seeking feedback on the operation of Te Tapora Kai, Are Kai Moana and the wider market precinct.
Mr Jensen said CIIC remained committed to working with vendors and the community as the redevelopment progresses.
“We appreciate that changes of this nature can be challenging, particularly for those who have traded at the market for many years. We will continue to listen to vendors and work through concerns as we progress the improvements.
“Ultimately, our objective is to ensure Punanga Nui Market remains a vibrant, accessible and welcoming place for our local businesses, our people and visitors.”
CIIC is also preparing a new Punanga Nui Market policy for public consultation, which will include a review of tenancy arrangements across the market.
Stage 1 of the TTPA redevelopment, which delivered Te Tapora Kai, Are Kai Moana, the Terevete toilet block and other precinct improvements, has been completed. The current vendor relocations and market reorganisation are being undertaken in preparation for Stage 2 works.
