Australia and Cook Islands Elevate Maritime Security Cooperation
Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 1 October 2025
Australia and the Cook Islands have strengthened maritime security cooperation by signing an enhanced Pacific Maritime Security Program (PMSP) agreement on Wednesday.
Formalised during a ceremony held in Rarotonga aboard the Cook Islands' Guardian-Class Patrol Boat, Te Kukupa II, the new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is designed to better address the Cook Islands' evolving maritime security needs and bolster the strong Oa’ Tumanava Partnership between the Cook Islands and Australia.
The new agreement will deliver additional resources and significant funding to increase the operational availability of Te Kukupa II. This enhanced support will boost the Cook Islands' ability to protect its ocean territory and strengthen regional security against threats such as illegal fishing and transnational crime.
The major funding and resources provided include:
- Increased funding for patrol boat maintenance in Australia
- A steady provision of spare parts
- Funding for fuel and supplies for joint exercises and operations
- Access to additional fuel for national operations
- The potential for patrol boat-based drones and enhanced aerial surveillance.
Australian High Commissioner to the Cook Islands, Her Excellency Susannah Hodson, praised the partnership during the signing ceremony of the MOU, saying: "This elevated partnership will not only strengthen the ability of the Cook Islands to protect its valuable ocean resources, and contribute to regional security safeguarding our Blue Pacific, but will allow us to work more closely together on shared maritime challenges.
“I meet people every week who served with pride on Te Kukupa II, or on the original Te Kukupa. The boat brings together communities and families, as well as our two countries and is an important part of our Oa Tumanava partnership. It’s a reminder that Australia is here not just as a neighbour in the Blue Pacific, but as a committed partner.”
The new agreement is the result of ongoing discussions held between the Australian Department of Defence and the Cook Islands Police Maritime Division earlier this year. Australia's continued investment underscores its long-term commitment to regional security through the PMSP, which supports Te Kukupa II.
Cook Islands Commissioner of Police, Teokotai Joseph, said: “The signing of the Maritime Security MOU between the Cook Islands and Australia represents a vital advancement in safeguarding our region. For the Cook Islands Police Service, this agreement strengthens our ability to protect our people, enforce our laws, and maintain the integrity of our maritime domain. Through the Pacific Maritime Security Program, we gain not only enhanced capability but also stronger bonds of cooperation with our Australian counterparts. This MOU is a testament to the trust between our nations and the shared responsibility we hold to ensure that Pacific communities remain safe, secure, and resilient.”
Assistant Secretary of the Pacific Maritime Branch from the Australian Department of Defence, Dr Liz Brierley, said on the momentous occasion: “The signing of the Maritime Security MOU between the Cook Islands and Australia marks a significant step forward in our shared commitment to regional maritime security and sovereignty. Through the Pacific Maritime Security Program, we are deepening our cooperation to ensure safer, more secure, and resilient maritime borders across the Pacific. This MOU reflects our enduring partnership and mutual respect, and reinforces Australia’s support for Pacific-led solutions to maritime challenges.”
The Cook Islands’ patrol boat history with Australia dates back to 1989, with the delivery of the nation’s first Pacific Patrol Boat Te Kukupa I.
The modern Guardian-class replacement, Te Kukupa II, was formally handed over in 2022 and like its predecessor, was built and gifted by Australia, ensuring the continuity and enhancement of Cook Islands' maritime capabilities.