The mayor of Auckland, Len Brown, says the city needs its links to the Cook Islands to have even stronger trading relationships.
Speaking in Rarotonga, Mr Brown has affirmed the city's Memorandum of Understanding with the Cook Islands.
Ha has cited the two-million New Zealand dollar upgrade of the Mauke water supply as a sign of the city's commitment to the country.
Mr Brown says his council is looking at two other projects in collaboration with the Cook Islands government that focus on infrastructure.
The Auckland Council Trade Mission, which he has led, is on the final stop of a three-country tour that also included Samoa and Tonga.
