AGP Executive Report

Education & Environment: Students in the Tere Apii‘anga learning journey won prizes for spotting creative alternatives to single-use plastic, using natural resources and traditional knowledge to cut pollution. Local Conservation: Te Ipukarea Society and Waihī Beach have teamed up to deploy automated predator-control traps in the Takuvaine Valley cloud forest, targeting rats and feral cats that threaten native wildlife. Ports, Minerals & Sovereignty: Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown returned from the Pacific Islands Forum with major funding, including the NZ$101m Penrhyn port upgrade co-funded by New Zealand and the United States—while Greenpeace warns it could be a “trojan horse” for deep-sea mining and calls for Indigenous knowledge to shape the debate. Health: Health authorities say flu-like illnesses are surging, with children under five facing the highest hospitalisation risk and urging prompt vaccinations. Climate Finance: The Green Climate Fund says reforms will speed approvals and expand direct Pacific access to climate funding through national and regional institutions. Culture & Community Links: The Cook Islands High Commission joined diaspora at Koroneihana 2026, strengthening Kiingitanga ties in Aotearoa. Sports: Cook Islands triathletes gained Pacific Games-focused experience at a regional cup in Mo’orea.

Port Upgrade Row: The US and New Zealand have agreed to co-fund a US$60m upgrade of Penrhyn/Tongareva port, with the US putting in US$50m and NZ about US$10m, framed as a “lifeline” for the remote northern atoll—while Greenpeace Aotearoa calls it a “Trojan horse” tied to critical minerals and deep-sea mining. Health: Health New Zealand and Te Marae Ora have renewed their health partnership to streamline specialist referrals to NZ, using a centralised process to assess and coordinate patient access. Flu Surge: Health authorities say flu-like illnesses are rising and warn young children under five face the highest hospitalisation risk, urging vaccinations and prevention. Culture & Community: Cook Islands strengthened its international cultural policy voice via IFACCA in Sydney, and Cook Islands leaders joined Koroneihana 2026 in Aotearoa to deepen Kiingitanga ties. Environment: A new conservation partnership will use automated predator-control traps in Rarotonga’s Takuvaine cloud forest to protect native wildlife from rats and feral cats. Sports: Five Cook Islands triathletes gained Pacific Games-focused experience at a World Triathlon Regional Cup in Mo’orea. Electricity Relief (Aitutaki): Government approved a $700,000 one-off fuel-cost payment and a 20% electricity tariff increase for Aitutaki residents.

Port and power in the spotlight: The US and New Zealand have pledged about US$60m to upgrade Penrhyn/Tongareva’s port, framed by leaders as a “lifeline” for safer access and supplies—while Greenpeace Aotearoa warns it’s a colonial move tied to deep-sea mining and calls for more transparency and Indigenous control. Health and care access: Health New Zealand and Te Marae Ora have renewed a partnership to streamline specialist referrals for Cook Islands patients, using a centralised process to assess and coordinate care. Flu surge: Health authorities say under-fives are at highest risk as flu-like illnesses rise, urging vaccinations and preventive steps. Climate finance speed-up: The Green Climate Fund says reforms are cutting approval timelines toward nine months, a key issue for Pacific countries seeking faster funding. Culture and community ties: Cook Islands joined Kiingitanga celebrations at Koroneihana in Aotearoa, while also strengthening its international cultural policy voice through IFACCA. Sports: Five Cook Islands triathletes gained Pacific Games-focused experience in Mo’orea, and AirBadminton’s first overseas medals came home after a debut at the Australian AirBadminton Championships.

Port & Deep-Sea Mining Tensions: The US and New Zealand have co-funded a $60m upgrade of Penrhyn (Tongareva) port in the northern Cook Islands, with Greenpeace Aotearoa calling it “colonialism” and a push toward deep-sea mining. Local Conservation: A new partnership between Waihī Beach and Rarotonga’s Te Ipukarea Society has installed automated rat traps in the Takuvaine Valley cloud forest, targeting threats to native birds and wildlife. Regional Security: Pacific leaders at the Forum in Palau demanded at least 24 hours’ warning for ICBM tests after a China missile test raised concerns, though Nauru dissented. Health Links: Health New Zealand and Te Marae Ora have re-signed a health partnership to strengthen Cook Islands access to specialist care in New Zealand. Energy Costs in Aitutaki: Government approved a $700,000 one-off payment to help cover fuel costs alongside a 20% electricity tariff increase for Aitutaki residents. Culture & Youth: Te Maeva Nui 2027’s theme puts young people at the centre of next year’s national cultural celebrations. Sport & Community: Cook Islands AirBadminton returned from Australia with medals, while the POP48 Film Challenge kicks off with Cook Islands teams competing in a 48-hour filmmaking sprint.

Pacific Security & Drugs: Australia has pledged a $600m aerial and maritime surveillance push to target narco-submarines and small boats moving drugs through the Pacific toward Australia, after AFP said 17 tonnes of illicit drugs were seized in the Pacific since January. Aitutaki Power Relief: The Cook Islands Government approved a $700,000 one-off bailout for Te Mana Uira O Araura as fuel costs rise, alongside a 20% electricity tariff increase for Aitutaki residents. Penrhyn Port Upgrade Debate: The US and New Zealand are funding a $60m Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade, but Greenpeace Aotearoa and Te Ipukarea Society are calling for transparency and warning it could pave the way for deep-sea mining. Health Links: Health New Zealand and Te Marae Ora have re-signed a health partnership to strengthen referrals for specialist care in New Zealand. Culture & Youth: Te Maeva Nui 2027 will centre young people as custodians of Cook Islands culture, with the national theme announced. Film & Sport: Cook Islands teams will compete in the inaugural POP48 Film Challenge (Sept 4–6), and Cook Islands AirBadminton returns with medals from its first international AirBadminton competition.

Pacific Security & Drugs: Australia says a new $600m surveillance push at the Pacific Islands Forum targets narco-submarines and small vessels used to move drugs toward Australia, after AFP reported 17 tonnes of illicit drugs seized in the Pacific since January. Cook Islands Health: Health NZ and Te Marae Ora have re-signed a partnership to speed access to New Zealand specialist care via a centralised referral process for services not available locally. Penrhyn Port Upgrade: The US and New Zealand are co-funding a $60m Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade, but Greenpeace Aotearoa calls it colonial “resource grabbing,” warning it could support deep-sea mining; PM Mark Brown says it’s a “lifeline.” Climate Finance Speed-Up: The Green Climate Fund says reforms cut approval and accreditation timelines to a target of nine months, aiming to get money to Pacific countries faster. Sport Funding: Australia will provide about K50m over four years for Pacific athletes and officials, including pathways to Brisbane 2032 and other major events. Regional Climate & Governance: Cook Islands joined SIDS talks in Palau ahead of pre-COP31 and a just-transition conference, keeping climate finance high on the agenda. Local Culture & Tourism: Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto (Tourism Month) runs Sept 1–30, spotlighting people, women leaders and youth pathways. Weather: Strong wind warnings for the Southern Cooks are lifted, but swells remain at alert level.

Penrhyn Port Deal: The US and New Zealand have pledged US$60 million to upgrade the Penrhyn (Tongareva) port on a former WWII base, with Washington putting in US$50m and NZ$17.5m, and NZ set to manage construction—aimed at safer landings, better services and stronger links for the northern Cook Islands, while also tying into the US “critical minerals” push. Seabed Mining Backlash: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says his government will stay with science and caution, keeping exploration and research separate from any move to extraction until the answers are in, as Pacific groups warn stronger rules could trigger costly investor disputes. Pacific Security Debate: PANG is urging leaders to reject two proposed regional security agreements, warning they could lock in militarisation without enough local control or public oversight. Energy and Digital Push: The US announced more than US$150m for Pacific partners, including a proposed US$60m regional energy security initiative and support for fuel storage, grid stability, digital infrastructure and law enforcement. Climate Finance to Communities: The Pacific Resilience Facility is taking 14 community projects to pre-COP events and COP31, with funding focused on water security, food production, coastal restoration, sanitation and renewable energy. Weather Update: Strong wind warnings for the Southern Cooks have been lifted, but swells remain a concern for exposed coastlines. Sports & Culture: Cook Islands pickleball players won the nation’s first international gold medals in Da Nang, while Miss Cook Islands Tiare Henry-Anguna showcased Manihiki-inspired pearl heritage at Miss World 2026.

Penrhyn Port Deal: The US and New Zealand have pledged US$60m to upgrade the Cook Islands’ Penrhyn (Tongareva) port on a former WWII base, with Washington putting in US$50m and NZ adding NZ$17.5m, to improve shipping for the Pa Enua and strengthen regional connectivity. Deep-Sea Mining Backdrop: The project is being framed by supporters as part of critical minerals planning, while Greenpeace Aotearoa and other critics call it colonial resource grabbing and warn it could accelerate deep-sea mining. Pacific Forum Tensions: The Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in Palau opened amid turmoil, including major leader pullouts and fresh China-Taiwan friction after Taiwan’s presence drew “consequences” warnings from Beijing. Whale Highways Push: Conservation groups are urging Pacific nations to protect migration routes with “blue corridors” to safeguard whales, turtles and other marine life. Fuel Security Move: RNZ Pacific reports the US is set to announce a US$60m fuel security deal for the region. Local Weather Update: Strong wind warnings for the Southern Cooks were lifted, but swells remain a caution for mariners and exposed coastlines. Sport & Culture: Cook Islands pickleball players won the nation’s first-ever international gold medals in Da Nang, while Miss Cook Islands Tiare Henry-Anguna showcased Manihiki-inspired pearl heritage at Miss World 2026.

Penrhyn Port Upgrade: The US and New Zealand have pledged over $100 million to upgrade the Cook Islands’ Penrhyn (Tongareva) port, with the US set to contribute US$50m and NZ$17.5m, aiming to improve safer landings and strengthen transport links for the Pa Enua—while also tying into Washington’s critical minerals push. Seabed Mining Caution: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says his government will stick to science and won’t move from exploration to extraction until it has the answers it needs, as Pacific leaders face warnings about legal and environmental risks from deep-sea mining. Pacific Islands Forum Tensions: China warned of “consequences” after Taiwan attended the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, adding pressure to a summit focused on climate, crime and development. Shipping Model Decision: After a three-year transitional period collecting operational data, the Cook Islands government will decide the long-term management model for its new state-operated domestic shipping vessels serving the outer islands. Menopause Conversation: Cook Islands women are pushing to break the silence on menopause, saying limited local support and cultural taboos leave many navigating it alone. Sport Funding for the Region: Australia announced $15.6m over four years to support Pacific athletes and officials across major events leading to Brisbane 2032. Rising Stars Championship Grows: The youth netball, rugby and volleyball tournament expands to include Aitutaki, with organisers eyeing further growth to Pukapuka.

Penrhyn Port Upgrade: The US and New Zealand have pledged over NZ$100 million to upgrade Penrhyn (Tongareva) port on the northern Cook Islands, with the US contributing about US$50m and NZ about NZ$17.5m, aimed at safer landings, better access to services and stronger links for the Pa Enua—announced in Palau during the Pacific Islands Forum. Seabed Mining Caution: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says his government will stick to science and caution on deep sea mining, warning against rushing from exploration to extraction, as a new report flags potential investor-state legal risks if rules tighten or licences change. Pacific Forum Tensions: China warned of “consequences” after Taiwan attended the PIF opening ceremony, while Australia and New Zealand pushed back, saying the forum decides its own attendance. Sport Funding Boost: Australia announced NZ$15.6m over four years to support Pacific athletes and officials from 13 countries toward the 2027 Pacific Games and Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics. Menopause Conversation: Cook Islands women are calling for more open local discussion and support around menopause, citing cultural silence and limited access to services. Pa Enua Shipping Model: After a three-year transitional period collecting operational data, government will decide the long-term management model for the new state-operated domestic shipping vessels serving the Pa Enua. Youth & Ocean Stewardship: Students on Mauke and Atiu completed early field pilots of a citizen science marine programme blending traditional knowledge with reef monitoring tools.

Menopause Awareness: Cook Islands women are pushing to break the silence on menopause after a Rarotonga event highlighted cultural taboos and limited local support, with calls for better health services and open conversation. NCD Action Plan: The health ministry has launched a 2026–2030 NCD Action Plan with 129 strategic actions to tackle rising non-communicable diseases across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. Ocean Learning & Reefs: Schools across Rarotonga are taking part in ocean education that links culture, wellbeing and climate resilience, while Mauke and Atiu students complete early citizen-science reef monitoring pilots blending traditional knowledge with marine tools. Rising Stars Sport: The Rising Stars Championship is expanding to include Aitutaki, bringing netball, rugby and volleyball to more schools and rangatahi pathways. Realm Leaders Talk: New Zealand, Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau held a historic four-way Realm meeting in Auckland ahead of the Palau Pacific Islands Forum, with Mark Brown urging more action and deliverables. Deep-Sea Mining Legal Risk: A new report warns Pacific governments, including the Cook Islands, could face costly investor-state disputes if they tighten deep-sea mining rules. Pacific Forum in Palau: The 55th Pacific Islands Forum is underway in Palau under “Building Economies: Life. Action. Unity,” with several leaders absent and unity under strain.

Nuclear Veterans’ Final Tour: Nineteen New Zealand sailors who witnessed French nuclear tests at Mururoa in 1973 are finally heading to the Cook Islands for a last stopover, marking decades since atmospheric testing ended. Regional Health in Action: Pacific research is shaping health decisions, with leaders in Rarotonga hearing how symposium recommendations are moving into real policy, including work tied to HIV planning. Cook Islands NCD Push: The health ministry has launched a 2026–2030 NCD Action Plan with 129 strategic actions to tackle non-communicable diseases across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. Blue Pacific Summit Pressure: Pacific leaders are heading to Palau for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum with unity and security on the line, as geopolitics, transnational crime, and deep-sea mining disputes loom. Deep-Sea Mining Legal Risks: A new report warns Pacific governments could face costly investor-state lawsuits if they tighten rules or change course on mining. Realm Leaders Meet: New Zealand, Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau leaders met in Auckland ahead of Palau, with Prime Minister Mark Brown urging “action, not more promises.” Local Youth & Culture: Rising Stars Championship expands to Aitutaki, while students on Mauke and Atiu complete early citizen-science reef monitoring pilots blending tradition and marine science. Sports Spotlight: Ashlee Matapo’s rapid rise from Warriors development to Cook Islands Moana Test debut keeps momentum for women’s rugby league.

Rugby League World Cup Prep: Fiji Bati coach Mick Potter says local players aren’t yet on his radar, arguing they need to be in an elite pathway to reach Bati standards, with the squad still being shaped ahead of the Oct 15 tournament that includes the Cook Islands. Pacific Unity at Risk: Empty seats loom at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau after multiple leaders pull out, with some absences linked to health and others raising concerns about outside pressure. Realm of New Zealand Talks: In Auckland, Luxon met Cook Islands PM Mark Brown, Niue PM Dalton Tagelagi and Tokelau’s Ulu Alapati Tavite for the first four-way Realm leaders meeting, with Brown urging action over promises ahead of Palau. Health Focus: The Cook Islands health ministry launched a 2026–2030 NCD Action Plan with 129 strategic actions to tackle non-communicable diseases across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. Ocean Education & Reefs: Students across Rarotonga and the Southern Group are learning ocean stewardship through culture-led programmes and citizen science reef monitoring. Deep-Sea Mining Legal Pressure: A report warns Pacific governments could face investor-state lawsuits if they change course on deep-sea mining, including exposure for the Cook Islands. Local Sports & Youth: Rising Stars Championship expands to Aitutaki, while a school tennis programme rolls out across multiple islands to build future players. Cook Islands Politics: Mark Brown is set to return as PM after the Cook Islands Party won 13 of 24 seats, securing a historic fifth term.

Funding Shock for Pacific Arts: Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust says it has lost its main CNZ funding beyond 2026, calling the decision “deeply disappointing” and warning it will review its future after four decades supporting Pacific artists. Youth Sport Expansion: The Rising Stars Championship is growing again, adding Aitutaki to its netball, rugby and volleyball programme across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, with more schools and possible expansion to Pukapuka in 2027. Reef Stewardship in the Classroom: Mauke and Atiu students complete the first field pilots of a citizen science programme that blends traditional knowledge with marine monitoring tools to protect local reefs. Ocean Learning Across Rarotonga: Tere Apii‘anga brings ocean education to most schools via hands-on stations, linking culture, food and climate resilience while tackling topics like plastic pollution and sediment plumes. Health Plan to Tackle NCDs: The health ministry launches a 2026–2030 NCD Action Plan with 129 strategic actions aimed at Rarotonga and the Pa Enua through community and regional partnerships. Realm Leaders Meet in Auckland: Luxon hosts the first four-way Realm of New Zealand leaders meeting with Cook Islands PM Mark Brown, Niue PM Dalton Tagelagi and Tokelau’s Ulu Alapati Tavite ahead of Palau’s Pacific Islands Forum summit. Election Result Sets Up Majority: Mark Brown’s Cook Islands Party is set for a historic fifth term after winning 13 of 24 seats, with support from independents giving a strong governing caucus. Deep-Sea Mining Legal Risks: A report warns Pacific governments, including the Cook Islands, could face investor-state disputes if they tighten rules or change course on deep-sea mining. Cocaine Discovery on Mitiaro Reef: A fisherman feared a bomb after finding a suspected cocaine package on the reef; preliminary police testing indicates cocaine in a haul weighing over 26kg.

Funding Shock for Pacific Arts: Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust says it has lost its main CNZ funding source beyond 2026, calling the decision “deeply disappointing” and warning it will review what it means for its artists and communities. Sports Growth: The Rising Stars Championship is expanding to include Aitutaki, bringing netball, rugby and volleyball to more schools across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, with Pukapuka now eyeing a possible 2027 join. Reef Protection Through Culture-Led Learning: Mauke and Atiu students complete the first field pilots of the Te Reinga Aorangi Marine Citizen Science Programme, blending traditional knowledge with hands-on reef monitoring. Ocean Education in Schools: Te Ipukarea Society’s Tere Apii‘anga learning journey is rolling out across Rarotonga schools, linking ocean health to culture, food and wellbeing while tackling issues like plastic pollution and sediment plumes. Health Plan to Tackle NCDs: The health ministry has launched a 2026–2030 NCD Action Plan with 129 strategic actions for Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. Election Update: Mark Brown is set to return as Prime Minister after the Cook Islands Party won 13 of 24 seats, with support from independents giving a strong governing majority. Realm Talks Ahead of Palau: Luxon met Brown, Niue PM Dalton Tagelagi and Tokelau’s Ulu Alapati Tavite in Auckland, with Brown urging Pacific leaders to move from promises to deliverables.

Nuclear Tests Watch: On 29 August, the world marks the International Day against Nuclear Tests, with renewed concern as major-power tensions and nuclear deterrence debates keep the risks of testing and radiation exposure front of mind. Realm of New Zealand: In Auckland, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon met Cook Islands PM Mark Brown, Niue PM Dalton Tagelagi and Tokelau Ulu-o-Tokelau Alapati Tavite for the first four-way Realm leaders meeting ahead of Palau’s Pacific Islands Forum. Health & NCDs: Cook Islands’ health ministry launched a 2026–2030 NCD Action Plan with 129 strategic actions targeting Rarotonga and the Pa Enua through community and regional partnerships. Deep-sea mining legal risk: Pacific governments are warned they could face costly investor-state disputes if they tighten environmental rules on deep-sea mining, with the Cook Islands flagged among those exposed. Election result: Mark Brown is set to return as Cook Islands PM for a historic fifth term after the Cook Islands Party won 13 of 24 seats, with support from independents. Pa Enua shipping: The government welcomed its new US$3m inter-island passenger-cargo vessel, Tuitui Moana, aimed at improving services for outer islands. Drugs scare at sea: A Cook Islands fisherman feared a “bomb” after finding a suspected cocaine package on a reef in Mitiaro; preliminary police testing indicates cocaine. Sport & youth: School tennis is back with a six-week programme across multiple schools, while Cook Islands pickleball players depart for the World Cup in Vietnam.