Aitutaki Licensing Program

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Aitutaki Licensing Program 〰️

Aitutaki for Aitutaki

Our lagoon is one of the most beautiful and precious places on earth. It is the heart of Aitutaki — it sustains our fishermen, delights our visitors, and connects us to our ancestors who have lived alongside its waters for generations. It belongs to all of us.
Licensing gives visitors — and the travel industry that sends them to us — confidence that operators on our Island and our waters meet a recognised standard.

Tour Boat licensing

Managing Our Future

Driven by passion, grounded by our culture

The Aitutaki Tourism journey has been anything but ordinary.

Through every step, we've focused on staying true to Aitutaki values and ensuring space for the community voice.

NOW - it is imperative that we take action which puts our community firmly in control of our own future.

If you currently operate a boat on our lagoon or ocean — for tourism, fishing, lagoon transfers this program will apply to you.

If you currently operate or want to own and operate a holiday home then you must be licensed by the Aitutaki Island Government.

For residents, this is good news.

It means stronger protections for local housing, greater accountability from holiday home operators, and a clearer framework for how tourism income benefits our community.

coming soon

Application form scroll to bottom of page

Holiday Home licensing

What You'll Learn

The Licensing process

If you need assistance please call into the Council chambers and see Carol or email Tepou.Davey@cookislands.gov.ck

Complete the forms

Brendon Smith will survey vessels according to the useage outlined in your application. Outside the reef will require additional safety equipment

Boat Surveys

A grab bag example

We will meet and publish the findings of the registration process. This way all boat owners will understand how many operators are fishing, kitesurfing, diving, providing a boat taxi service and more.

Industry meeting

We will be including a practical boat driving test.

No one fails! This is about helping you upskill your boat handling skills.

Strengthen Your Skillsets

Vessel Registry — Aitutaki Island Council

1

Applicant details

2

Vessel(s)

3

Declarations

4

Review & submit

Enter your personal and company details once — these will carry through to all vessels you register.

Fields marked * are required.

Personal details

Full name *

Nationality *

ID type *

ID number *

Residential address *

Address where vessel is kept / moored

Business / company details

Business / company name

Phone number *

Mobile number

Email address

Operating history

Years operating in Aitutaki lagoon *

Previous licence / registration number (if any)

✓

Applicant details

✓

Vessel(s)

3

Declarations

4

Review & submit

Please read each section carefully and complete all declarations before proceeding.

Convictions declaration

Have you, or any director or partner of your business, ever been convicted of any offence relating to maritime operations, tourism, fraud, or any offence that resulted in a custodial sentence?

No Yes

Please provide details of the conviction(s) *

Safety inspection consent

As part of the registration process, the Island Council or its appointed officers may inspect your vessel to confirm it meets safety and operational standards.

Formal declaration

I declare that the information provided in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

I understand that providing false or misleading information may result in refusal or cancellation of registration and may constitute an offence under Cook Islands law.

I agree to comply with all conditions of registration, including any rules, bylaws, or directions issued by the Aitutaki Island Council relating to the operation of tour, diving, and fishing charter vessels in Aitutaki waters.

I understand that registration does not replace or substitute any other licence, permit, or approval required by Cook Islands law.

Signature

Full name (print) *

Date *

Signing in capacity of *

Note: A physical signature may be required upon collection of your registration certificate from the Island Council office.