AGP Executive Report

OFC U19 Qualifiers: Papua New Guinea moved one win from the OFC U19 Men’s Championship spot after David Tita’s hat-trick powered a 4-0 opening victory over Tonga in Rarotonga, putting PNG in a strong position for the lone qualifying place. Local Sport Spotlight: The Cook Islands host the qualifying tournament at the CIFA Academy with Tonga and PNG, with home support expected to lift the team as they aim to improve on their 2024 runner-up finish. Deep-Sea Science: NOAA will lead a 28-day expedition to map deep waters around the Cook Islands this July–August, streaming live science and making data and samples publicly available with local stewardship in mind. Environment & Waste: A baseline study links Cook Islands beach plastic pollution to tourism and community habits, prompting calls for targeted waste management and better coordination. Biodiversity Under Threat: Te Ipukarea Society warns feral cats are threatening Rarotonga’s rare seabirds, adding pressure to protect the island’s cloud-forest nesting sites. Governance & Law: Landowners voiced concerns at the Law Commission’s second public consultation on “warranted” land proposals, while a separate legal policy course is building drafting capability across government. Fuel Security: A new online dashboard says fuel stocks are stable, with Rarotonga up to 57 days and Aitutaki well-stocked.

OFC U-19 Qualifiers (Rarotonga): The Cook Islands kick off home qualifying for the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2026, with Tonga and Papua New Guinea joining the hosts as all three chase a spot in Samoa. Deep-Sea Mapping: NOAA will lead a 28-day expedition this July–August to map deep waters around the Cook Islands, with live streaming and public data sharing via the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority. Beach Plastic Push: A new baseline study says Cook Islands beach plastic pollution is driven by tourism and local habits, prompting calls for targeted waste management and better collaboration. Biodiversity Under Threat: Te Ipukarea Society warns feral cats are threatening Rarotonga’s rare seabirds, as researchers highlight the island’s fragile cloud-forest nesting sites. Fuel Security Update: A new government online dashboard reports “stable” fuel stocks, with Rarotonga up to 57 days and Aitutaki well-stocked. Law Commission Land Consultations: Landowners voice concerns at the second public consultation on Law Commission land proposals, debating returning unused Crown land. Maritime Security: RNZAF patrols targeted suspected illegal activity across Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands EEZ as part of Operation Kiwa. Tourism & Community Events: “Taste of the Cook Islands” returns to Te Tapora Kai, while an Avana project begins work alongside Sunday tour restrictions.

Invasive Species Alert: Growers and experts warn an invasive pest outbreak is spreading fast across the Cook Islands, with Rarotonga’s ecosystems and crops at risk. Wildlife Protection: Te Ipukarea Society says feral cats are threatening Rarotonga’s rare seabirds, including ground-nesting species. Deep-Sea Mapping: NOAA will lead a 28-day expedition to map deep waters around the Cook Islands this summer, with live streaming and public release of data to support local stewardship. Fuel Security: A new government online dashboard says fuel stocks are stable, with Rarotonga up to 57 days and Aitutaki “well-stocked.” Law & Land: Landowners back Law Commission proposals in a heated consultation, while the Commission stresses the talks cover only government warrant-acquired land. Sports (Football): The OFC U19 Men’s Championship qualifying kicks off in Rarotonga with Cook Islands hosting Tonga and Papua New Guinea for a spot in Samoa. Community & Health: Free spinal health checks return as NZ chiropractic interns come to Rarotonga, while Pa Enua residents push for urgent action over medicine shortages. Public Safety: Senior Constable Marama Ikike retires after 25 years in Cook Islands Police. Maritime: Police maritime crews carry out maintenance at the Te Kukupa II fuel depot in Penrhyn.

OFC U-19 Football: Papua New Guinea has joined host Cook Islands for the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2026 qualifying stage in Rarotonga, with the winner earning a spot at the 2026 finals and a route to the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Rugby League: The 2026 Cook Islands Rugby League Origin Series kicks off this weekend at Nukupure Park, with Town Blues vs Country Maroons and new coaches aiming to feed players into higher pathways. Va’a Racing: Cook Islands paddlers have flown to Tahiti for the Te Aito Tahiti outrigger races, including the open V1 22km ocean challenge on Saturday. Tourism & Culture: “Taste of the Cook Islands” returns to Te Tapora Kai at Punanga Nui Market today, bringing local food, crafts and live cultural demos. Governance & Law: A Legal Policy Development Course is strengthening drafting and governance skills across Cook Islands Government, while public meetings begin today on future of “warranted” land. Energy Update: A new online dashboard says fuel stocks are stable, with Rarotonga up to 57 days and Aitutaki well-stocked. Community & Health: Free spinal health checks resume in Rarotonga with NZ chiropractic interns, and the Puaikura Volunteer Fire Brigade raised $43,775 for Blood Cancer NZ.

Cook Islands Justice: A private prosecution seeking to appeal the March dismissal of fraud and improper payment charges against Prime Minister Mark Brown and Forum SecGen Henry Puna is now pending approval. Maritime Security: RNZAF patrols under Operation Kiwa targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity across Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands EEZs, supporting fisheries protection and regional crime disruption. Local Governance: Public meetings begin this week on the future of “warranted” land, with the Law Commission stressing consultations cover only government-acquired warrant land, not private leases. Health Access: Free spinal health checks return to Rarotonga as NZ chiropractic interns set up clinics at Te Atukura Grounds. Outer Islands Health: Pa Enua residents urge immediate action over medicine shortages despite increased healthcare and referral funding in the new budget. Community & Culture: The voyaging vaka Marumaru Atua is back on the water after 18 months on dry dock, while Waihī pupils turn discarded waste into fish sculptures to tackle marine plastic pollution. Sport: PNG’s U-19 men depart for OFC qualifiers in the Cook Islands, and Valentine Holmes says he’ll make himself available for Cook Islands at the Rugby League World Cup.

Maritime Security: RNZAF patrols targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity across Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands’ EEZs in May, supporting Pacific fisheries enforcement and New Zealand Customs’ Operation Kiwa. Fuel Watch: Penrhyn Island has run down its last 100 litres of diesel and is borrowing 5,000 litres from police patrol boat Te Kukupa II, with power use restricted while a barge delivery is expected around June 25–26. Ocean Summit: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown joined Pacific leaders at a Tokyo summit stressing ocean management as “a matter of survival,” calling for better financing, technology and data for island states. Land Consultations: Cook Islands Law Commission public meetings this week clarify that “warranted” land consultations do not affect leases over privately owned land. Health Access: New Zealand chiropractic interns return to Rarotonga for free spinal checks starting June 6 at Te Atukura Grounds. Community & Culture: Waihī Beach School pupils turned discarded waste into fish sculptures to highlight marine plastic pollution, while Te Kukupa II crew carried out maintenance in Penrhyn. Sports Pathways: CIFA backs coach development with an OFC C Licence win for Jarves Aperau and more local applications, and PNG U-19 men’s team departs for OFC qualifiers in the Cook Islands.

Rugby World Cup Build-Up: Valentine Holmes says he’ll make himself available for the Cook Islands at the Rugby League World Cup after recovering from a rotator cuff injury, adding star power to coach Karmichael Hunt’s squad. Pacific Rugby Governance: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders back Kanaloa’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific voices must shape professional pathways as NZ Rugby weighs options. Football Coaching Pathways: Cook Islands Football Association celebrates Jarves Aperau’s approval for an OFC C Licence, with more local coaches applying and CIFA continuing director and coach development. Law & Land Clarity: Public meetings begin this week on future of “warranted” land, with the Law Commission stressing consultations cover only government-acquired warrant land, not private leases. Health on the Ground: New Zealand chiropractic interns return to Rarotonga for free spinal health checks starting June 6, while Pa Enua residents urge urgent action over medicine shortages. Community & Voyaging: Vaka Marumaru Atua is back on the water after 18 months on dry dock, and Ngatangiia’s renovated safety shelter hall is completed under the Rarotonga Safety Shelter Programme. Fuel Pressure: Penrhyn Island runs low on diesel, borrowing from police patrol boat Te Kukupa II as fuel prices keep rising. Tourism & Aviation Links: Pacific Tourism Organisation highlights stronger tourism-air connectivity at the ASPA meeting hosted in the Cook Islands, while visitor survey findings continue to guide regional strategy. Sport Beyond Borders: Afghanistan’s women’s team, now eligible for international matches, is set to play the Cook Islands in Auckland as they rebuild after Taliban restrictions.

Maritime Security: RNZAF and NZ Customs ran May patrols in Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands’ EEZ, targeting vessels suspected of illegal activity as part of Operation Kiwa and Pacific fisheries support. Rugby League World Cup: Valentine Holmes says he’ll be available for the Cook Islands at the Rugby League World Cup after recovering from injury, with coach Karmichael Hunt leading the Aitu. Football Pathways: Cook Islands Football Association president Grover Harmon was re-elected, while coach Jarves Aperau gained his OFC C licence and more local coaches applied. Governance & Land: CIIC continued director training to strengthen board capability, and public meetings began on the future of “warranted” land, with the Law Commission stressing it won’t affect leases on privately owned land. Health & Outer Islands: Free spinal checks return to Rarotonga with NZ chiropractic interns, and Pa Enua residents urged urgent action over medicine shortages despite higher healthcare funding. Voyaging: Vaka Marumaru Atua is back on the water after 18 months on dry dock. Tourism & Aviation: SPTO highlighted tourism-aviation links at ASPA in the Cook Islands, and Pacific Tourism Organisation data shared visitor survey findings. Sports on the World Stage: Afghanistan’s women’s team is set for its first international match in five years against the Cook Islands in Auckland.

Kanaloa Rugby Bid: Tonga and the Cook Islands rugby leadership have backed Kanaloa’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific rugby’s future should be shaped by Pacific voices as NZ Rugby weighs competing proposals after Moana Pasifika’s 2026 exit. Afghan Women’s Football: Refugee players in the Afghan Women United programme are preparing for their first international match in five years, with 23 players training in Auckland and set to play the Cook Islands after FIFA eligibility was approved in April. Football in the Islands: PNG’s U-19 men’s team has departed for the Cook Islands for OFC U-19 qualifiers, chasing the sole spot at the regional championship in Samoa. Tourism & Aviation: The Pacific Tourism Organisation highlighted the need for tighter tourism-air connectivity at the ASPA81 meeting hosted in the Cook Islands, while SPTO and Niue Tourism shared 2024 visitor survey findings. Energy & Fuel: Penrhyn Island has dipped into borrowed diesel from police as fuel prices rise, with power use restricted while a battery replacement project continues. Cook Islands Football: Grover Harmon has been re-elected CIFA president for 2026–2030.

Regional Sports & Community: Papua New Guinea’s U-19 men’s team has departed for the Cook Islands for the OFC U-19 qualifying stage (June 6–12), chasing the tournament’s sole spot for Samoa later this year. International Women’s Football: Afghanistan’s women’s team is back on the international stage after escaping the Taliban, with 23 players training in Auckland and set to play matches against a Cook Islands team. Aviation Governance: PNG’s Benedict Oraka has been elected chair of the Pacific Aviation Safety Office Council for the next 12 months, with Cook Islands’ John Hosking re-elected as deputy chair. Energy & Cost Pressures: Cook Islands Opposition backs the National Energy Response Framework, urging calm early preparation as fuel and power pressures continue. Tourism & Sustainability: Tourism leaders and stakeholders reviewed progress on the Destination Stewardship Plan, while the industry warns the Cook Islands remains exposed to global economic slowdown despite assurances about worst-case GDP impacts. Pa Enua Fuel Crisis: Penrhyn Island has run down its diesel and is borrowing supply from the police patrol boat, with power use restricted while a barge delivery is awaited. Infrastructure & Resilience: Renovations to the Ngatangiia CICC Ekalesia Sunday School Hall have been completed under the Rarotonga Safety Shelter Programme, improving accessibility and disaster preparedness.

Afghan Women’s Soccer Comeback: After escaping the Taliban and years in exile, the Afghan Women United team has been granted eligibility for international competition and is now in Auckland for training and matches against the Cook Islands. Pacific Rugby Future: Cook Islands and Tonga leaders back the Kanaloa consortium’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific rugby must be shaped by Pacific voices as New Zealand Rugby weighs options. Aviation-Tourism Links: The Pacific Tourism Organisation used the Cook Islands-hosted ASPA81 meeting to push closer coordination between airlines, airports and tourism bodies to strengthen connectivity and sustainable growth. Fuel Crunch in the Northern Group: Penrhyn Island has run out of diesel (last 100 litres) and is borrowing supply from the police patrol boat, while power use is being restricted ahead of a June barge delivery. Community Safety Upgrade: Ngatangiia’s CICC Ekalesia Sunday School Hall has been renovated to improve disaster shelter capacity and accessibility. Tourism Pressure Point: Cook Islands tourism leaders warn the country is still exposed to a global slowdown, even as visitor numbers rise. Diplomacy and Shipping: PM Mark Brown’s China visit highlighted new cooperation with Guangxi and the launch of the MV Tuitui Moana to boost connectivity.

Rugby Governance: Tonga and Cook Islands rugby leaders have backed the Kanaloa consortium’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika’s licence, arguing Pacific rugby’s future must be shaped by Pacific voices as New Zealand Rugby weighs competing proposals. Fuel Security: Penrhyn Island has run out of diesel (its last 100 litres) and is borrowing 5,000 litres from police patrol boat Te Kukupa II, while power use is restricted as the next barge delivery is expected around June 25–26. Tourism Pressure: Cook Islands tourism stakeholders say the country is still exposed to a global slowdown, even as government points to a worst-case 5% GDP decline as unlikely; they also warn that visitor growth is outpacing waste capacity. Sustainable Tourism Planning: Stakeholders met to review progress on the Destination Stewardship Plan and map the next phase of sustainable tourism development. Community Safety: Renovations to the Ngatangiia CICC Ekalesia–Sunday School Hall have been completed under the Rarotonga Safety Shelter Programme, including accessibility upgrades. Sports: Apii Avarua extended its school athletics dominance with a 16th Prince of Wales Primary School Athletics Championships win, while Cook Islands sailors competed in Tahiti’s Optimist Oceania regatta. Energy Response: Government has moved into phase two of its five-phase energy response framework to manage global fuel supply risks tied to the Middle East conflict.

Disaster Preparedness: Ngatangiia’s CICC Ekalesia–Sunday School Hall has been renovated and upgraded under the Rarotonga Safety Shelter Programme, including a new roof, solar panel work, repainting, and new disability-accessible bathrooms, ramps and footpaths. Regional Aviation: The Pacific Aviation Safety Office (PASO) has elected Papua New Guinea’s Benedict Oraka as chair for the next 12 months, with Cook Islands’ John Hosking re-elected as deputy chair. Sustainable Tourism: Cook Islands tourism leaders and stakeholders have met to review progress on the Destination Stewardship Plan and map next steps for sustainable tourism development, as industry voices warn the sector remains exposed to global economic shocks. Tourism Pressure on Waste: A column highlights how faster visitor growth and new air links could worsen the waste burden on Rarotonga and Aitutaki, urging a shift away from arrivals-only success. Energy Security: Government has moved into phase two of a five-phase energy response plan to manage global fuel supply risks linked to the Middle East conflict. Education & Access: Apii Te Uki Ou marked the blessing of a New Zealand-funded accessible deck and ramp, improving safe access to key learning spaces. Sports: Apii Avarua extended its dominance at the CITC Prince of Wales Primary School Athletics Championships with a 16th overall win, while Rarotonga sailors competed in Tahiti’s Optimist Oceania regatta.

NRL Sanctions: The MRC charged five players after Sunday’s triple-header, including Cook Islands skipper Adam Reynolds (Broncos) and Brendan Piakura, plus twin brothers Ryan and Toby Couchman, while Cowboys forward Wiremu Greig copped a careless high tackle charge. Ocean Protection & Voyaging: Pacific leaders and voyaging groups gathered on Rapa Nui to strengthen ancestral ties and push high-seas marine conservation, with Cook Islands among the participants. Tourism Pressure: Cook Islands tourism leaders say the country remains exposed to global slowdown risks, even as stakeholders map the next phase of sustainable tourism under the Destination Stewardship Plan. Waste & Growth Debate: A new look at tourism’s “arrival numbers” approach warns visitor growth could outpace waste handling for the “little paradise.” Energy Security: Government moved into phase two of a five-phase fuel response plan to manage global supply shocks. Diplomacy: PM Mark Brown’s historic visit to China’s Wuzhou highlighted new Cook Islands–Guangxi cooperation, including the MV Tuitui Moana launch. Sports & Schools: Apii Avarua extended its athletics dominance with a 16th Prince of Wales Primary Schools title, while sailors from Rarotonga competed in Tahiti under challenging ocean conditions. Local Safety: Police reported a rise in stolen motorcycles, urging tighter security.

Anzac Day Reflections: A Cook Islands-focused piece marks 25 April as a Pacific-wide remembrance of service and sacrifice, linking local communities to the wider ANZAC story. Tourism Pressure: The industry warns the Cook Islands is still exposed to global downturn risks even as visitor numbers and spending hold up, while stakeholders push the next phase of the Destination Stewardship Plan to keep growth from outpacing waste and environmental capacity. Sustainable Tourism Debate: A column argues “arrival figures” can’t be the only success measure, pointing to rising litter and the real costs of more flights and full resorts. Government Finance: OPM says reinstated NZ funding of $20m is about 5% of this year’s $375m appropriation, as budget scrutiny continues. Energy Security: Government moves into phase two of a five-phase fuel supply safeguard plan amid global supply risks. Sports & Community: Apii Avarua wins its 16th Prince of Wales Primary Athletics title; Cook Islands sailors race in Tahiti; and Apii Te Uki Ou unveils a New Zealand-funded accessible deck and ramp. Public Safety: Police report motorcycle theft complaints nearing 65% for 2026 so far, urging tighter security.

Alcohol Licensing: Gabrielle Lores has had her bar manager certificate cancelled after police incidents, including a drink-driving case where an evidential breath test read 744 micrograms per litre. Sport & Youth: Athletics Cook Islands kicked off the 2026 CITC Prince of Wales Primary School Championships in Nikao, with standout performances including Apii Avarua’s Pai Oti taking silver in shot-put. Maritime & Tourism: Rarotonga Sailing Club sailors are competing at the Yacht Club de Tahiti Optimist Oceania Championship, tackling open-ocean swells and reef sailing for the first time. Education Access: Apii Te Uki Ou blessed a New Zealand-funded accessible deck and ramp, improving safe access to its library, sensory room and learning support spaces. Diplomacy & Shipping: PM Mark Brown’s historic visit to Wuzhou, China highlighted the launch of the MV Tuitui Moana, strengthening Cook Islands-China connectivity. Regional Aviation: The Cook Islands hosted ASPA81 in Rarotonga, bringing Pacific aviation and tourism leaders together on strategic partnerships. Security Watch: Cook Islands Police say stolen motorcycle complaints are up, with reports nearing 65% for the first five months of 2026. Fuel Preparedness: Government has moved into phase two of a five-phase energy response plan to safeguard fuel supply amid global risks.