US, New Zealand and Cook Islands join forces on major Penrhyn Port upgrade

Palau, Sept. 1 -- The United States, New Zealand and the Cook Islands have announced a major partnership to upgrade the port on Penrhyn, a strategically important atoll in the northern Cook Islands, in a move expected to strengthen transport links, maritime safety and economic opportunities across the remote Pa Enua.

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau announced the project in Palau ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.

The United States and New Zealand intend to jointly fund the port upgrade, with the US Department of State, working with Congress, contributing US$50 million (approximately NZ$84 million) and New Zealand provid...