AGP Executive Report

Stranded in Rarotonga: A Sri Lankan woman stuck in the Cook Islands since 2023 is now considered an overstayer. She cannot leave without permission to transit through Australia or New Zealand, which have not approved her route home. Cyclone Recovery: After Cyclone Wati damaged Aitutaki’s marina causeway and harbour, cleanup and damage assessments are under way. The storm arrived before the official cyclone season. Seabed Mining: U.S. companies are seeking rights to mine parts of the Pacific’s international seabed on a scale rivaling areas designated by the international regulator. The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority says it is focused on protecting national interests as concerns grow over environmental and economic risks. Tourism Policy: Public consultation has opened on a draft national tourism policy, with residents invited to shape how tourism serves communities, culture, the environment and the economy. Health: The Cook Islands ranks third globally for obesity in one international index, but Te Marae Ora is collecting its own data to check the figures. Pacific Development: The Asian Development Bank’s 2026–2030 strategy for 12 island countries, including the Cook Islands, prioritises climate resilience, infrastructure and essential services.

Cyclone Recovery: Prime Minister Mark Brown says clean-up and damage assessments are under way after Cyclone Wati, with Aitutaki hit hardest. The island’s Arutanga Harbour causeway was left underwater, raising concerns about damage to the key supply lifeline. Seabed Mining: U.S. claims in the Pacific’s Clarion-Clipperton Zone now cover an area about half the size of seabed already designated for mining by the international regulator. The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority has restated its safeguards as reports flag economic risks. Tourism Policy: Public consultation is open on a draft national policy, with residents invited to shape tourism’s impact on communities, culture, the environment and the economy. Health: Te Marae Ora is collecting its own data after an index ranked the Cook Islands third globally for obesity, estimating almost 72 per cent of adults are obese. Infrastructure: CIIC and Finance Ministry officials have returned from a New Zealand study tour exploring options for planning and delivering public infrastructure, including partnerships with private firms.

Cyclone Recovery: Prime Minister Mark Brown says clean-up and damage assessments are under way after Cyclone Wati, with Aitutaki hardest hit. The island’s Arutanga Harbour causeway was found underwater, raising concerns about damage to a vital supply link. Regional Development: The ADB’s new five-year Pacific strategy includes the Cook Islands, focusing on resilient infrastructure, jobs and essential services tailored to dispersed island communities. Seabed Mining: A U.S. company is seeking permission to explore and mine a 65,000-square-kilometre area of the Pacific seabed outside international rules. Cook Islands advocates warn the unilateral process could undermine ocean governance and pose environmental risks. Immigration: A 49-year-old woman remains stranded in Rarotonga after being unable to secure transit visas through Australia or New Zealand; her Cook Islands immigration status has lapsed. Sport: Cook Islands opened its Women’s Polynesian Cup campaign with an 81–64 loss to Samoa.

Rugby League: The Cook Islands face the Kiwis in Christchurch on Sunday after Fiji beat the team 40–12 in their World Cup opener. Five debutants have been named for the New Zealand men’s and women’s teams. Cyclone Damage: Aitutaki’s Arutanga Harbour causeway was found underwater after Cyclone Wati, putting a vital supply link at risk. Mayor Nick Henry says repairs and dredging may be needed. Seabed Mining: A U.S. company is seeking permission to mine a 65,000-square-kilometre area of the Pacific seabed outside international processes, raising concerns for ocean protection and regional governance. Community Sport: Ngakau Toa Vaka junior paddlers won seven medals at an Australian regatta, while Pickleball Cook Islands reports record league participation.

Cyclone Wati: Aitutaki’s Arutanga Harbour and marina causeway were left damaged after the storm, with the mayor warning dredging may be needed. Residents also faced power cuts and evacuations as officials began assessing the damage. Seabed Mining: A US company’s bid to pursue mining permits for a 65,000-square-kilometre Pacific area is raising concerns about bypassing international oversight. The application has not been approved. Health: Cook Islands hospital-bed capacity and nurse and midwife numbers have grown, according to a new regional WHO report, though many Pacific countries still face shortages. Community: Ngakau Toa Vaka’s junior paddlers brought home medals from an Australian regatta, while Pickleball Cook Islands reports record league participation.

Seabed Mining: A U.S. company is seeking approval to mine a 65,000-square-kilometre area of the Pacific under U.S. law, bypassing the International Seabed Authority. Te Ipukarea Society warns the move could undermine ocean governance; no permit has been approved. Cyclone Wati: The storm has passed Aitutaki, but its marina causeway was found underwater and may need dredging. Mayor Nick Henry says residents are ready to start documenting the damage and cleaning up. Community Sport: Ngakau Toa Vaka’s junior paddlers won seven medals at an Australian regatta, while Cook Islands pickleball has drawn record participation, with more than 60 players in its latest league. Rugby League: The Cook Islands lost 40–12 to Fiji in their World Cup opener, conceding five first-half tries before scoring twice after the break.

Cyclone Wati: Aitutaki’s Arutanga Harbour and marina causeway were left underwater as the storm swept through the southern Cook Islands. Mayor Nick Henry says the damage needs assessing and the harbour may need re-dredging; residents also faced power outages, rough seas and evacuations. Rugby League: Fiji beat the Cook Islands 40–12 in their World Cup opener, racing to a 28–0 halftime lead before the Cooks scored twice after the break. Island Services: A solar distillation unit is boosting water security on Rakahanga, while a new vision centre at Rarotonga Hospital is expanding access to eye care.

Cyclone Wati: Aitutaki reported minor damage overnight as Category 2 Wati approaches the southern islands. The weather service warns of damaging winds, heavy rain, dangerous swells and possible coastal flooding; emergency teams are on alert. Rugby League World Cup: The Cook Islands lost their opening match 40–12 to Fiji in Newcastle, after trailing 28–0 at half-time. Health and Water: A new Vision Centre at Rarotonga Hospital will expand eye-care access, while Rakahanga’s first solar distillation unit is turning brackish well water into fresh water for the community. Women’s Rights: Cook Islands officials discussed progress and remaining challenges with a UN committee, including women’s safety, health and access to justice, with a focus on Pa Enua communities.

Cyclone Watch: Category 2 Tropical Cyclone Wati is tracking south-east, with a forecast path about 20km northeast of Aitutaki by 11am tomorrow. Aitutaki’s emergency operations centre is active; residents are urged to monitor official updates and prepare for strong winds, heavy rain and rough seas. World Cup: The Cook Islands lost their opening Rugby League World Cup match 40-12 to Fiji in Newcastle. Fiji led 28-0 at halftime before the Cook Islands scored twice in the second half. Women’s Rights: Cook Islands representatives discussed women’s leadership, safety, health, education and access to justice at a UN review of the country’s progress on women’s rights. Water Security: Rakahanga has installed its first solar distillation unit, turning brackish well water into fresh water for community use. Ocean Protection: Te Ipukarea Society warns a US-backed bid to authorise deep-seabed mining could have consequences for Pacific ocean governance and the Cook Islands.

Cyclone Wati: Now Category 2, Wati is moving southeast through the Cook Islands and could briefly strengthen to Category 3 over open water. Weather alerts cover the group; officials urge residents to secure loose items, check emergency supplies and locate their nearest shelter. Seabed Mining: Te Ipukarea Society warns a proposed US licensing route for deep-sea mining could affect ocean governance and Pacific interests. The proposed area spans about 65,000 square kilometres; public submissions close on 19 October, and no permit has been approved. Community Services: Rakahanga’s first solar distillation unit is turning brackish well water into fresh water, while a new vision centre at Rarotonga Hospital expands access to eye care and affordable glasses. Governance: A column on the disputed Makea Nui Ariki title argues that open disagreement is part of Cook Islands democracy, raising wider questions about accountability and the Opposition’s loss of its office.

Cyclone Warning: Tropical Cyclone Wati has formed early in the season and is moving towards the Cook Islands. Meteorologists warn it could bring damaging winds, heavy rain and dangerous seas near Suwarrow, with alerts also issued for nearby islands. Communities should follow official advice and avoid unsafe sea travel. Water Security: Rakahanga’s first solar distillation unit is turning brackish well water into fresh water for community use. Women’s Rights: A Cook Islands delegation told a UN committee about progress and continuing challenges for women and girls, including in the Pa Enua and for people with disabilities. Public Service: Prime Minister Mark Brown urged government leaders to work across agencies, focus on national priorities and improve services for all citizens.

Cyclone Watch: Tropical Cyclone Wati, the season’s first, is moving southeast towards the Cook Islands and could strengthen. A warning is in force for Suwarrow, with alerts for Palmerston, Aitutaki and nearby islands. Residents should prepare and follow official weather updates. Water Security: Rakahanga has installed its first solar distillation unit, turning brackish well water into fresh water for community use. Women’s Rights: Cook Islands representatives discussed women’s leadership, safety, health and access to justice with the UN CEDAW committee, including challenges facing women and girls in the Pa Enua and those with disabilities. Public Service: Prime Minister Mark Brown urged government agencies to work together, focus on core priorities and improve services for all citizens. Healthcare: A new vision centre at Rarotonga Hospital will expand access to eye care and affordable glasses.

Health: A new vision centre at Rarotonga Hospital is expanding access to eye care and affordable glasses. Development: Cook Islands and the Pacific Community are consulting on a five-year programme to align regional support with national priorities, including health, education, water and food systems. Renewable Energy: A new agreement could bring solar panels to suitable government rooftops across Rarotonga, with revenue helping maintain public infrastructure. Community: World Food Day events today will showcase local produce and farming innovation. Sport: Cook Islands under-20 beach volleyball players are gaining international experience at home, while the national team prepares to face Fiji at the Rugby League World Cup on Sunday. Regional Ties: India’s minister of state for external affairs is scheduled to visit the Cook Islands during a Pacific tour running through October 22. Immigration: A woman stranded in the Cook Islands for nearly three years says New Zealand has again refused her transit visa, leaving her unable to travel home.

World Cup: Australia edged New Zealand 24-22 in the tournament opener; the Cook Islands face Fiji on Sunday. Stranded traveller: A woman who has been unable to leave the Cook Islands since 2023 says New Zealand has repeatedly denied her a transit visa, despite her plea to return home. Rarotonga gathering: More than 600 delegates are expected for an international Indigenous conference in November, with organisers aiming to bring benefits to local businesses and communities. Penrhyn support: New Zealand Defence Force personnel completed six weeks of work on the remote atoll, including school and water upgrades, solar stills and health services. Ocean protection: The Bezos Earth Fund has committed more than US$25 million across five Pacific nations, including support for the Cook Islands’ Marae Moana vision. Cyber safety: Government training reached 142 public servants across 22 agencies, addressing phishing and AI-enabled scams.

Indigenous Gathering: More than 600 delegates are expected in Rarotonga for an international Indigenous conference from November 9–13, with a youth forum exploring culture, leadership and the environment. Stranded Traveller: New Zealand has again refused transit visas for a South Asian woman stuck in the Cook Islands since November 2023, saying it doubts she intends to transit; she says she only wants to return home. Government Cyber Safety: 142 public servants have received training to spot phishing and AI-enabled scams, across 22 agencies. Sport: Cook Islands’ top beach volleyball pair opened the home tournament with a win over Vanuatu; the national rugby league team faces Fiji on Sunday at the World Cup. Ocean Protection: The Bezos Earth Fund is providing more than US$25 million for Pacific conservation, including work to advance the Cook Islands’ Marae Moana vision. Women in Leadership: As the Cook Islands completes its national elections, UN officials note women hold fewer than 8% of parliamentary seats across Pacific island nations.

Transit Ordeal: A 49-year-old woman stranded in the Cook Islands since 2023 says she is willing to transit Auckland under escort to get home. New Zealand has again declined her visa, citing doubts about her intentions. Beach Volleyball: Cook Islands’ top men’s pair Brendon Heath and Atatoa Herman opened the home Oceania championship with a hard-fought win over Vanuatu. Rugby League: The Cook Islands face Fiji on Sunday in their World Cup opener, as all eight Pacific teams name their first-round squads. Indigenous Gathering: More than 600 delegates are expected in Rarotonga for an international Indigenous conference next month; today is the registration deadline for its youth forum. Cyber Safety: Government training has reached 142 public servants amid rising phishing and AI-enabled scams. Penrhyn Support: A six-week NZDF mission delivered school upgrades, water facilities, health services and maritime surveys on remote Penrhyn. Ocean Protection: A Bezos Earth Fund grant will support the Cook Islands’ Marae Moana vision, while a strong El Niño is expected to shift tuna grounds and affect fisheries into 2027.