By Cook Islands News
An Air New Zealand flight arrives at Rarotonga International Airport. Photo: Cook Islands News
The Airport Authority Cook Islands (AACI) and Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) have clarified concerns surrounding the potential leasing of the Kaikaveka land sections for the expansion of the Rarotonga International Airport's runway.
A CIIC spokesperson states that this follows recent reporting that has raised concerns about the position of landowners in Kaikaveka 103E3.
The Cook Islands government through the Airport Authority and the Investment Coorporation completed leasing arrangements with landowners of the two Kaikaveka blocks closest to the existing runway, enabling the development of a Runway End Safety Area (RESA) at Rarotonga International Airport.
The execution of these two leases - for Kaikaveka Part Sections 103E1B and 103E2B - unlocks the release of necessary funding for RESA works to proceed.
CIIC has clarified that Kaikaveka 103E3 has not been leased and will only be considered for leasing if international aviation regulations require it.
In response to landowner concerns that more land was being leased than required, the AACI reviewed its initial RESA design.
"That review reduced the footprint and provided a positive outcome for owners of Kaikaveka 103E3, ensuring they can continue occupying and using their land unless or until needed for future expansion."
CIIC states that RESA design was revised to reduce the footprint, meaning 'less land is needed and 103E3 owners keep possession and use of their land unless future rule changes require otherwise, subject to the terms of possible covenant arrangements to be negotiated'.
CIIC has confirmed that similar considerations apply to part of Kaikaveka 103E2B, which is currently not leased but may be subject to future negotiated agreements.
Negotiations with the owners of both 103E3 and 103E2B are expected to resume in the coming months. For now, the priority is completing the RESA works.
Late last month, the AACI announced the long-awaited expansion of the airport's runway to meet international aviation requirements.
AACI had confirmed that leases were granted for two key parcels of land, allowing the runway safety zone to be extended.
It was earlier reported that currently, the eastern end of the runway falls short of international safety standards, with only a 50-metre RESA well below the required 90 metres.
The expansion work was to be completed by June of this year, but the Airport Authority confirmed that an extension has been granted until December of next year.
This follows years of discussions among landowners, the CIIC, and the AACI. A recent meeting, involving representatives of the landowning families, airport officials, and CIIC's legal team, progressed to a "historic" agreement to secure land for the safety zone.
According to CIIC, landowners of selected Kaikaveka sections, their legal representatives, CIIC and the Airport Authority Cook Islands gathered to celebrate a milestone more than 20 years in the making.
The appreciation meeting marked the conclusion of leases formalising AACI's tenure of the eastern end of Rarotonga International Airport's runway, to provide a compliant Runway End Safety Area.
The land would provide a vital safety buffer for aircraft operations, and future works will include extensive earthworks and straightening the road in the area.
CIIC has apologised for any mistaken impression that negotiations with 103E3 owners had been concluded.
"All matters relating to 103E3 and 103E2B (land to the east of the two leased blocks) will continue to be progressed carefully and transparently with landowner representatives and their solicitor."
CIIC added that the establishment of the RESA ensures the Cook Islands complies with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) standards. This strengthens the safety of flight operations, protects international connectivity, and provides long-term resilience for the Cook Islands' most important gateway.
"The Government, CIIC, and the Airport Authority acknowledge the generosity, foresight, and leadership of the Kaikaveka landowners in supporting this national initiative. Their collaboration provides a lasting contribution to the safety of all air travellers and the prosperity of the Cook Islands."
It was earlier reported that Airport Authority chief executive Nikao Tangaroa confirmed that the expansion will see the Runway End Safety Area extended from 50 metres to 90 metres, with construction scheduled to take place between November 2025 and June 2026, though dates are still to be confirmed.
The RESA is a designated safety zone at each end of an airport runway, designed to reduce the risk of serious damage if an aircraft overruns or undershoots the runway.
-This article was first published by Cook Islands News.
