The Cook Islands has 240 square kilometres of land, comprising 15 islands spread across 2.1 million square kilometres of ocean. The islands are self-governing in "free association" with New Zealand. This means Cook Islands nationals are citizens of New Zealand, and New Zealand (in consultation with the Cook Islands government) has responsibility for external affairs such as defence.
The economy is mainly based on tourism and marine resources. Agricultural products include copra, fruit and vegetables, coffee, pigs and poultry. Economic development is vulnerable to environmental factors and global economic trends, with economic growth limited by environment, infrastructure constraints and a labour shortage. The Islands have a trade deficit (importing, mainly from New Zealand, far more than they export).
What we’re doing in the Cook Islands
VSA’s assignments in the Cook Islands focus on the public sector, particularly in tertiary education. The Cook Islands Government wishes to lift the skill level of the population by expanding post-school training options, increasing the range of qualifications on offer, and connecting training more directly to the needs of local industry. There is also a focus on the training needs of young people and the Pa Enua (outer islands).
