Government of the Cook Islands

PUBLIC NOTICE

The public is hereby advised, due to current COVID-19 circumstances, the Ministry of Justice will be limiting its services to the general public commencing Wednesday 25th March 2020.

High Courts Division:

All court hearings, other than criminal court hearings, will be rescheduled for a date after June 2020.  Criminal court hearings involving arrests will continue, but under strict social distancing protocols.  Meetings of Assembled Owners (MOAOs) and Lease Approval Tribunal hearings will be suspended until after June 2020.  Research into court records (e.g. land, traditional titles) will be suspended until further notice.

Registry Services Division:

All births, deaths, and marriage registrations and applications, as well as companies, incorporated societies and Personal Properties Security inquires may be done via email correspondence or phone calls, to assist with social distancing. Should physical certificates be required, these must first be arranged with Registry Services staff before pickup is scheduled.  Under the circumstances, please anticipate longer processing times.

Land Administration Division:

Land Trust payments will continue, but with reduced capacity and applications processed by phone and email.  Please anticipate significant delays in processing all applications and outward payments.

Survey will also continue with reduced capacity and counter services will no longer be available.  Inquiries will be attended to by phone or email.

Please continue to monitor our Ministry of Justice website for any updates, including information on doing online payments. We are asking for your cooperation and understanding during this time of crisis.

We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused.

For further information or inquiries please contact the following staff: