Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific Grant supports improved health and safety

The Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM), Major Projects and Procurement Support, Airport Authorities Cook Islands (AACI), Te Marae Ora (TMO) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) announce the successful contract signing for the construction of additional facilities for the Cook Islands International Airport.

The contract for the project has been awarded to Cook Islands-based Landholdings Ltd, which will undertake the construction of two medical rooms, additional restroom facilities, and an extension to the current arrivals and departures areas. As a trusted local business, Landholdings Ltd has extensive knowledge of the country’s infrastructure, regulations, and environmental conditions, providing value for money while reinvesting in the local economy and keeping the funds within the community.

Landholdings Ltd won the contract through a competitive international procurement tender. To meet the requirements of the contract, the bidders were required to demonstrate financial strength and have a proven track record for the construction of commercial infrastructure utilizing concrete and steel. The successful contractor was able to demonstrate a strong financial capability and track record consistent with the requirements of the donor.

𝐌𝐫. 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐋𝐭𝐝 says “we are extremely proud to be selected as the main contractor for this project and to be part of another key infrastructure build. All our local subcontractors and local materials suppliers are very pleased to have been part of the successful tender bid. We very much look forward to a great collaboration and non-disruptive construction period with a very successful conclusion for all stake holders”.

This project aims to expand the current arrivals and departures area at the Cook Islands International Airport by building an extension between the Air New Zealand lounge and the existing arrivals area, increasing pandemic resilience through increased physical distancing. The construction of the two new medical rooms will be operated by TMO, thus increasing their operational capacity at our countries primary international port of entrance; and the extra restroom facilities will help ease congestion during normal operations.

𝐌𝐫. 𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐮 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐚, CEO of Airport Authority Cook Islands says "On behalf of the Airport Authority Cook Islands, Chairman, Board of Directors, Management and all staff, we would like to express our profound gratitude for the grant provided by Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the support by Cook Islands Government for the Terminal Extension project. This investment is to support the safe recovery of Travel and Tourism, to assist with the easement of passenger throughput in the international departure and arrival terminal especially during unforeseen events such as the COVID 19 outbreak. Furthermore, this extension to the terminal will alleviate the congestion issue that we are currently facing which will improve on the safety and security aspect of our passengers and for all our stakeholders, making a significant difference in the lives of those we serve at the Rarotonga International Airport. Once again, meitaki ma'ata for your generosity."

This project is one of five undertaken through the Asian Development Bank’s Supporting Safe Recovery of Travel and Tourism Project. Funding is provided by the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific (JFPR). The purpose of the fund was towards supporting safe recovery of travel and tourism in Cook Islands. It was earmarked for projects supporting targeted airport and health readiness activities. To date, the Cook Islands have utilised the funds to complete the refurbishments of the Tupapa Health Centre, the installation of the Medical Waste system at the Rarotonga Hospital, and the installation of solar panels at the Rarotonga Hospital currently underway.

Work on the Cook Islands International Airport is set to begin in the coming months, with completion targeted for June 2026