Today's show features an interview from the 26th of September this year with members of Cook Islands grassroots collective Ocean Ancestors Louisa Castledine and Dr Teina Rongo, who spoke about Cook Islanders' concerns about and resistance to deep sea mining in their waters. On the 18th of September, Ocean Ancestors were involved in organising a sail-out rally to demonstrate community support for the fight to protect marine environments, ecosystems and kin from the threat posed by offshore extractive industries, as well as climate change, pollution and overfishing. During this interview, Louisa and Dr Rongo also discuss the community and economic impacts of mineral exploration on the fabric of Cook Islands society.

This episode of Earth Matters also includes two beautiful renditions of classic Cook Islands songs performed by Kura Happ - 'Manea' and 'Aue Oki Koe Te Purotu'. These performances were recorded as part of the Poly Songbook by thecoconet.tv.

Earth Matters #1473 was produced by Priya Kunjan on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation.