Australia Cook Islands Partnership Program

Funding and Duration:

• Total funding of AUD 7.6 million allocated over four years (2024-25 to 2027-28).
• Funding provided annually through one grant per financial year, each valid for 12 months.

Objectives:

• To broaden and strategically enhance bilateral efforts into a genuine partnership.
• Reflect mutual priorities identified in the five pillars of the Cook Islands – Australia ‘Oa Tumanava Partnership:

1. Strengthening people-to-people links.
2. Enhancing security cooperation to address shared regional challenges.
3. Achieving greater prosperity for the people and region.
4. Cooperating on regional and international issues.
5. Fostering closer institutional linkages supporting resilient and inclusive societies.

Target Beneficiaries:

• Solely the Cook Islands Government (CIG) is eligible to apply.
• Recognizes CIG as the signing partner and governing authority.
• No other organizations are eligible unless specifically invited (which currently only includes CIG).

Application Process:

• Closed non-competitive grant process.
• The Cook Islands Government identifies national priorities aligned with the ‘Oa Tumanava Partnership.
• Administered by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) under Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles 2024.
• Annual assessment and funding disbursement.
• Contact and application guidance available via the Australian High Commission in Rarotonga.

Key Features:

• Supports Cook Islands beyond its Official Development Assistance (ODA) graduation since January 2020.
• Reinforces Australia’s commitment to bilateral relations and Pacific Islands Forum engagement.
• Grant values range from AUD 1.5 million to 1.9 million per year.
• Emphasizes partnership and alignment with Cook Islands Government priorities.
• Encourages cooperation on regional security, prosperity, and institutional resilience.

For further details or application guidance, contact the Australian High Commission in Rarotonga at ahcrarotonga@dfat.gov.au or phone +682 22223.

The program is designed to empower the Cook Islands Government to lead and prioritize initiatives under the partnership framework.