A significant new partnership to support the future development and activation of the Punanga Nui Markets was formally launched today 21 May 2026 at Te Tapora Kai with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC), Cook Islands Tourism Corporation (CIT), and the Business Trade & Investment Board (BTIB).

The signing event included the formal blessing of the new CIT Visitor Information Centre and was attended by invited industry partners, market vendors, government representatives, and VIP guests.

The partnership establishes a collaborative framework between the three agencies to strengthen the long-term economic, cultural, community, and environmental value of the Punanga Nui Markets. The agreement aligns with Te Kaveinga Mana Tiaki o Te Ipukarea - the Cook Islands Destination Stewardship Plan (DSP) and the National Sustainable Development Agenda (NSDA). It recognises the Punanga Nui Market as a nationally important community and visitor hub that supports local enterprise, cultural identity, sustainability, and economic resilience.

Chief Executive Officer of CIIC, Allan Jensen, said the partnership represented an important opportunity for agencies to work collaboratively while strengthening CIIC’s role as the core operational agency supporting the Punanga Nui Markets.

“Punanga Nui is one of the Cook Islands’ most important public and community spaces. This partnership allows us to work collectively with our agency partners to strengthen operations, improve the visitor and vendor experience, and support the long-term success of the market for our people and visitors alike,” said Mr Jensen.

For local market vendors, today’s event has brought renewed energy back into the space. Vendors were pleased to see more people coming through the market, helping lift the atmosphere and create a vibrant community feel. Sel Napa a regular market vendor on Friday mornings shared that the opportunity to increase numbers and activity at the market was warmly welcomed by vendors who regularly prepare and sell during the week.

“It’s good to see more people out supporting our local market, it gives our community a boost.” said Mrs Napa.

Today’s signing also marked the official launch of CIT's four-part pop-up market activation series, beginning Wednesday 27 May from 9:00am to 12:00pm at Te Tapora Kai. Guests attending the signing were given a preview of the “Taste of the Cook Islands” pop-up mini market experience, showcasing local food offerings and the style of visitor experience intended to support the wider activation programme over the coming weeks.

CIT Chief Executive Officer, Karla Eggelton, said CIT was excited to support the evolution of Punanga Nui as a space that better connects visitors and local businesses while creating more regular activation opportunities.

“This is an exciting opportunity to help strengthen the connection between visitors and vendors, and vendors and visitors. Punanga Nui already plays an important role within our visitor experience, and we are enthusiastic about supporting the gradual activation of the space into a more vibrant six-day-a-week marketplace and cultural hub over time” said Ms Eggelton.

The MOU establishes collaborative working pathways through a Punanga Nui Steering Committee and Working Group, which will oversee activation programmes, vendor development, sustainability initiatives, cultural storytelling, visitor engagement, and future market growth.

The partnership also recognises the important role the Punanga Nui Market plays in supporting local growers, cooks, crafters, artisans, and market sellers by creating greater opportunities for local enterprise, strengthening local supply chains, and providing a more active and visible marketplace for Cook Islands-made products and experiences.

BTIB Chief Executive Officer, Repeta Puna, said the partnership strongly aligns with BTIB’s work through the Uniquely Cook Islands programme and its broader mission to support Cook Islands enterprise.

“The Punanga Nui Market represents the very best of Cook Islands trade, creativity, food, culture, and entrepreneurship. Through this partnership, we see a strong opportunity to connect businesses into the Uniquely Cook Islands certification pathway and further support enterprises that genuinely reflect the unique identity and values of the Cook Islands,” said Ms Puna.

BTIB Chair Eirangi Insimo echoed this sentiment, reflecting on her upbringing in Rarotonga and her early experiences in enterprise as a market vendor alongside her family. She said the Punanga Nui Market serves as an important incubator for emerging entrepreneurs, creating opportunities for local people to grow and expand into the many industries across the islands.

Insimo also highlighted the importance of strengthening pathways to market for crafts and food products from the Pā Enua, noting that the partnership will play a key role in supporting greater visibility, access, and opportunity for Pā Enua producers and vendors.

The MOU signing draws on the longstanding commitment of families who have brought grassroots and local enterprise to life through the Punanga Nui over generations. It also supports a longer-term vision of progressively expanding market activation beyond traditional Saturday operations, creating greater opportunities for local vendors, Pa Enua suppliers, cultural practitioners, and community-led enterprises to participate, grow, and contribute to the wider economic and cultural vitality of the Cook Islands.