Prime Minister Mark Brown, accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Seabed Minerals Authority, and the Cook Islands High Commission, recently held a productive meeting with the University of Auckland to explore potential areas of collaboration in ocean research.

The meeting, attended by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Frank Bloomfield (Research), Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific Jemaima Tiatia-Siau, and their team, focused on identifying mutually beneficial opportunities in the field of ocean research – a key area of interest for both the Cook Islands and the University of Auckland.

Discussions centred around innovative research initiatives and the importance of fostering partnerships to advance scientific understanding of our oceans.

During the visit, Prime Minister Brown and his delegation also had the opportunity to meet with the Auckland Cook Islands Student Association, which celebrates its 40^th anniversary this year.

The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for the contributions of Cook Islands students and alumni in New Zealand and emphasised the importance of educational and cultural connections between the Cook Islands and New Zealand.

The Government of the Cook Islands remains committed to advancing research collaborations that support sustainable development and capacity building for our people.

• MFAI