Source: New Zealand Defence Force
13 October 2026
After nearly six weeks working alongside Penrhyn locals, around 50 New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel have delivered infrastructure, health, hydrographic support and friendship to one of the most remote communities in the Cook Islands.
Penrhyn, or Tongareva, is nearly 1,400km north of Rarotonga.
The NZDF’s Exercise Tropic Twilight ran from early September to mid-October and involved personnel from 25 Engineer Support Squadron, 2 Engineer Regiment, nine medical and dental personnel and eight Royal New Zealand Navy hydrography personnel. Vanuatu Mobile Force and Les Forces armées en Polynésie française personnel also took part.
NZDF Youth Development Unit personnel also supported a Blue Light youth development programme in Aitutaki.
Tropic Twilight is an annual NZDF-led, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT)-funded series of South Pacific Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief activities. The location and tasks are mutually agreed between the NZDF and MFAT, which provides project funding.
Detachment Commander, Major Cam Gurney, said the exercise aimed to strengthen the partnership between New Zealand and the Cook Islands and contribute to Pacific resilience.
“Whether working alongside the community or supporting local schools, we had the opportunity to represent New Zealand and the NZDF in a positive way.
“Looking at the friendships that have been formed and the work that we have achieved together, I believe we have succeeded.”
NZ Army engineers completed projects including construction of a laundry at the Omoka Cyclone Centre, a new shelter and water infrastructure at Omoka School, repairs to school stairs and decking, upgrades to toilet block fixtures and fittings, and the fit-out of a new life-skills classroom.
Five solar stills were installed; electrical work was completed at Te Tautua School and water tanks used to increase water collection capacity at community buildings.
NZDF health personnel worked alongside local providers and almost 60 dental patients received treatment during 17 days of clinics. They also provided checks, medication reviews and follow-ups for residents with ongoing health conditions.
Navy hydrographers surveyed Penrhyn’s navigational approaches, lagoon transit routes and other significant areas, using sonar to build a clearer picture of the seafloor and previously uncharted hazards. The information will be provided to the Cook Islands Government.
Major Gurney said the relationships developed were just as important as the physical work.
Personnel had been welcomed into Penrhyn’s homes, churches, workplaces and community life. The level of hospitality stood out across his operational and exercise experience, he said.
Penrhyn Mayor Rangi Taia said the community was grateful for both the work completed and the way personnel had become part of life on Penrhyn.
“From the bottom of the hearts of the people of Tongareva, thank you very much for the good job, the kindness and the love you have given to my people,” he said.
Major Gurney acknowledged the contribution locals had made to completing the work, both on the project sites and behind the scenes. Tongarevans had impressed him with their adaptability and hospitality, despite the challenges of such a remote environment.
“We arrived as guests, but we leave as trusted partners and friends, and that is a legacy that will endure long after the exercise has ended.”
The scale of the work required significant preplanning. Construction freight travelled by barge, while specialist tools, personnel and priority equipment were flown in by the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
Logisticians planned for and delivered around 20,000 litres of drinking water, 2,000 ration packs, 10,000 litres of diesel and about 160 cubic metres of freight, as well as thousands of construction items.
After the exercise, tools and construction materials were donated to Penrhyn for further community projects. Surplus ration packs and drinking water were also donated.
Photo captions
- Photo 1: NZDF personnel arrive on Penrhyn and are greeted by locals
- Photo 2: HMNZS Matataua Hydrographic team surveying the Penrhyn atoll
- Photo 3: Engineers from 25 Engineer Support Squadron construct a solar still at Te Tautua Village
- Photo 4: Dental staff deliver a dental health lesson at Omoka School
- Photo 5: A New Zealand Army vehicle mechanic works on a tractor engine in Te Tautua Village