Funding of $38.2 million has been allocated to the roads programme in Rarotonga as part of key infrastructure projects for the Cook Islands over the next four years.

This was announced by Prime Minister Mark Brown under capital investments in his 2025-2026 National Budget speech in Parliament yesterday.

The key projects funded over the next four years, starting from the next financial year on July 1, will also see an allocation of $15.9 million for the bridges and drainage programme and $7.7 million for government building projects in Rarotonga and Pa Enua, including the Mauke Island government administration building that was destroyed in a fire in March.

Brown, who is also the country’s Finance Minister, said that in Rarotonga, funding continues to be directed towards the rehabilitation and upgrading of deteriorating bridges and road networks.

“Rarotonga’s road network spans 201km, with some areas damaged by weather, erosion, and heavy use. In this Budget, we have allocated $38.2 million for ongoing renewal and improvements to Rarotonga’s roading network over four years, as part of the Road Asset Management plan, as well as $15.9 million over four years for improvements to critical bridges,” Brown said.

“This investment in accessibility and connectivity will enhance the productivity of the Cook Islands economy. Not only will it improve road safety and ensure the provision of essential lifelines in times of emergency, it will also prolong the working life of our motor vehicles.”

Brown says the Government remains committed to prioritising investment in physical infrastructure on Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, recognising the vital role that well-developed infrastructure plays in supporting economic development, enhancing connectivity and ensuring the wellbeing of all communities.

“Over the next few years, capital works will ensure continued government investment while also supporting growth and better connectivity in the Pa Enua. Even though our Pa Enua communities are small and remote, they deserve access to basic standards of living.”

In the Pa Enua, Brown said they are giving significant attention to improving and expanding air and sea infrastructure as a means to expand economic opportunities to the Pa Enua communities.

“The Arutanga Harbour project, part of the Aitutaki Island Plan, is designed to ensure safe passage for small boats and uninterrupted access for cargo ships to the island, and enable new tourism development opportunities. The Cook Islands Investment Corporation aims to complete the project in 2026, with funding of $1.3 million allocated in 2025/26,” he said.

“Work to upgrade Manihiki airport will receive an additional $4 million over two years. In addition, we are providing $1 million for repairs to the runway at Mangaia airport.”

The 2025/26 Budget also includes $5.9 million over four years to improve the harbour and wharf infrastructure in the Pa Enua – in particular on Nassau and Atiu.

Brown noted that a substantial amount of capital expenditure is coming from the Infrastructure Trust Fund (ITF), funded by New Zealand.

There are significant capital projects, including the Manihiki Airport, the Rarotonga Airport Runway End Safety Area project, the Rarotonga Runway Slab Replacement and the Aitutaki Runway Extension, currently being funded through the ITF.

“This funding support enables the continuation and potential expansion of these major infrastructure projects, which is expected to help maintain demand for skilled labour in the economy,” Brown said.

New Zealand has also announced funding through a mode of climate finance, for projects which are funded under the administration of the ITF, as part of the Kerekere Moana Climate Financing modality. Key among these projects is the replacement of batteries in the Northern Pa Enua Renewable Energy systems and Aitutaki Water Supply project.

“This level of infrastructure support from New Zealand reflects the importance of the special relationship between both our countries an again I thank New Zealand for its support,” Brown said.