The Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) has commenced work on refreshing the Nikao Social Centre Plan to ensure it meets current and future needs — including preparations for the 2029 Pacific Mini Games.
Originally developed in 2019 following extensive consultations with the Nikao community and local sporting bodies, the Social Centre Plan provided a long-term vision for enhancing sports and recreational infrastructure in the area.
That vision remains unchanged: to develop a vibrant, multi-use sporting hub for Nikao and the broader Cook Islands. However, with new developments on the horizon — such as the proposed saltwater aquatics facility — and the Pacific Mini Games fast approaching, it is now timely to update the plan.
The refresh is being led by Cook Islands designer and former CIIC employee Alfred Wigmore of Spacific Architecture, in collaboration with CISNOC and the Minister of Sports.
“Our goal is to align the updated plan with the key milestones leading up to the 2029 Pacific Mini Games, while also setting the groundwork for long-term investments that support sport, recreation, and tourism in the Cook Islands,” said CIIC chief executive Allan Jensen.
The refresh will take a phased approach, identifying short-term priorities to be delivered over the next four years, as well as longer-term infrastructure investments.
Initial planning is already underway, with consultations scheduled over the coming weeks involving sports federations and key stakeholders. Broader community engagement sessions will follow — watch this space for details.
The final updated Social Centre Plan is expected by the end of September 2025.
