AGP Executive Report

Wildlife & Environment: Te Ipukarea Society warns feral cats are threatening Rarotonga’s rare seabirds, including the Kōputu, as local researchers work to understand breeding in the island’s fragile cloud forest. Language & Education: Columnist Thomas Wynne argues early childhood reo learning is slipping through policy gaps, urging action to stop another generation losing Te Reo Māori. Nutrition & Health: Barbara Marsters has returned home with a plan to lift nutrition across the Cook Islands “one tray at a time.” Sports (Football): OFC U19 Men’s qualifying kicks off in Rarotonga today with Cook Islands, Tonga and Papua New Guinea chasing a spot at the Samoa championship. Deep-Sea Science: NOAA will map deep waters around the Cook Islands this summer in a 28-day expedition with local partners, with live streaming and public data sharing. Energy: Government’s new online dashboard says fuel stocks are stable, with Rarotonga up to 57 days and Aitutaki well-stocked. Maritime Security: RNZAF patrols targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity across Fiji, Niue and Cook Islands EEZs as part of Operation Kiwa. Tourism & Community: “Taste of the Cook Islands” returns to Te Tapora Kai at Punanga Nui Market, featuring local food, music and cultural demos. Governance & Law: A Legal Policy Development Course is building skills across Cook Islands Government, while Law Commission public meetings clarify consultations relate only to government-warrant land.

Fuel Security Update: Government’s new online dashboard says fuel stocks are stable, with Rarotonga up to 57 days supply and Aitutaki “well-stocked” despite a 10-day petrol baseline. Governance & Law: A Legal Policy Development Course in Rarotonga is building skills for better law and policy design across government agencies and private lawyers, while the Cook Islands Law Commission holds public meetings this week on consultations that only cover government-warrant land, not private land leases. Community & Culture: “Taste of the Cook Islands” returns to Te Tapora Kai at Punanga Nui Market today (9am–12noon) with local food, live music and cultural demos. Sports Pathways: 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-level squads. Outrigger Racing: Seven Cook Islands paddlers head to Tahiti for Te Aito Tahiti, including a 22km open-category ocean race on Saturday. Regional Security: RNZAF patrols supported Operation Kiwa, targeting vessels suspected of illegal activity across Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands EEZ. Tourism & Food: EU rules on freezer vessel food safety are set to affect most Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting seafood to the EU, with training underway for national authorities.

Cook Islands Politics & Courts: A private prosecution seeking to appeal the March dismissal of fraud and improper payment charges against Prime Minister Mark Brown and Pacific Islands Forum SG Henry Puna is now pending approval, with the Ministry of Justice saying it’s not sure the case will proceed. Maritime Security: New Zealand’s RNZAF carried out May patrols in the Cook Islands, Fiji and Niue EEZs targeting vessels suspected of illegal activity, supporting the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency and Operation Kiwa. Land & Governance: The Cook Islands Law Commission is holding public meetings this week on land acquired by government warrant, stressing it does not affect leases over privately owned land. Energy & Cost Pressures: Penrhyn Island has run low on diesel, borrowing fuel from police patrol boat Te Kukupa II and restricting power use while awaiting a June barge delivery. Community & Health: Free spinal health checks return to Rarotonga with New Zealand chiropractic interns based at Te Atukura Grounds next to the Prime Minister’s Office. Sport & Culture: Valentine Holmes says he’ll make himself available for the Cook Islands at the Rugby League World Cup, while Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders back Kanaloa’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika.

Maritime Security: RNZAF patrols targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity across the Fiji, Niue and Cook Islands EEZs in May, supporting PFIA fisheries work and NZ Customs’ Operation Kiwa to deter serious organised crime. Local Governance: Public meetings begin this week on the future of “warranted” land, with the Law Commission stressing consultations cover only government land acquired by warrant, not private leases. Energy & Cost Pressures: Penrhyn Island has run down its last 100 litres of diesel and is borrowing 5,000 litres from the police patrol boat Te Kukupa II, while restricting power use as fuel prices rise. Health Access: New Zealand College of Chiropractic interns return to Rarotonga for free spinal health checks and holistic adjustments at Te Atukura Grounds from June 6. Ocean Protection & Culture: Waihī pupils turned discarded waste into fish sculptures to highlight plastic pollution, while Pacific leaders at a Tokyo summit urged stronger ocean management. Sports & Community: Valentine Holmes says he’ll be available for Cook Islands at the Rugby League World Cup; and Puaikura Volunteer Fire Brigade raised $43,775 for Blood Cancer NZ, finishing fifth in the Sky Tower Challenge.

Maritime Security: RNZAF and NZ Customs carried out May surveillance patrols in Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands’ EEZ, photographing vessels of interest as part of Operation Kiwa and Pacific fisheries protection. Rugby Pathways: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders say Pacific voices must be protected as support grows for Kanaloa Rugby’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika after 2026. Governance & Land: CIIC continues director training to strengthen board governance, while Cook Islands Law Commission public meetings this week clarify consultations relate only to government-warrant land, not private leases. Health Access: New Zealand College of Chiropractic interns return to Rarotonga for free spinal health checks and holistic adjustments starting June 6. Energy Pressure: Penrhyn Island has run down its last 100 litres of diesel and is borrowing fuel from police patrol boat Te Kukupa II, with power use restricted as deliveries are due mid-to-late June. Tourism & Aviation: SPTO highlighted the need for tighter tourism-air connectivity at the ASPA81 meeting hosted in the Cook Islands. Sport on the International Stage: Afghan Women United players in Auckland are set to play the Cook Islands, marking a major step after FIFA approved their eligibility following years of Taliban restrictions.

Maritime Security: RNZAF and NZ Customs ran May patrols in Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands’ EEZ, using a King Air and Poseidon to photograph vessels of interest as part of Operation Kiwa and PFIA fisheries support. Rugby Pathways: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders say Pacific-led decision-making must be protected as support grows for Kanaloa’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika. Law & Land: Cook Islands Law Commission public meetings begin today and tomorrow to clarify consultations this week relate only to government warrant-acquired land, not private land leases. Health Access: New Zealand College of Chiropractic interns return to Rarotonga for free spinal health checks and holistic adjustments, based at Te Atukura Grounds beside the PM’s Office. Energy & Pa Enua: Penrhyn Island has run down to its last 100 litres of diesel and is borrowing fuel from police patrol boat Te Kukupa II while restricting power use. Governance Training: CIIC continues director training across its boards, with workshops in Rarotonga focused on integrity, conflicts, and key governance challenges for 2026. Tourism Data: SPTO and Niue Tourism shared findings from the 2024 International Visitor Survey, highlighting visitor preferences and spending to guide regional strategy. Sports Spotlight: Valentine Holmes says he’ll make himself available for Cook Islands at the Rugby League World Cup after recovering from injury.

Kanaloa Rugby Takeover: Tonga and Cook Islands rugby leaders say Pacific rugby’s future must be shaped by Pacific voices as support grows for the Kanaloa consortium’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika after the 2026 season. Afghan Women’s Football: Refugee players in the Afghan Women United programme are in Auckland for training and friendlies against the Cook Islands, with the team newly eligible for international competition after years of Taliban restrictions. Football Pathways: PNG’s U-19 men’s team has departed for the Cook Islands for OFC U-19 qualifying, chasing the region’s sole spot. Tourism Data & Aviation Links: SPTO and Niue Tourism share 2024 visitor survey findings, while SPTO also stresses stronger tourism-air connectivity at the ASPA81 meeting hosted in the Cook Islands. Fuel Pressure on Penrhyn: Penrhyn Island has run low on diesel and is borrowing from the police patrol boat, with power use restricted as deliveries are delayed. Community Safety Upgrade: Renovations to Ngatangiia’s CICC Ekalesia Sunday School Hall are complete under the Rarotonga Safety Shelter Programme, including accessibility improvements.

Energy & preparedness: Cook Islands Opposition backs the National Energy Response Framework, saying calm early preparation is better than leaving families, businesses and the Pa Enua in uncertainty. Fuel security: Penrhyn Island has burned through its last 100 litres of diesel and has borrowed 5,000 litres from police patrol boat Te Kukupa II, with power use restricted while a June 18 barge delivery is awaited. Tourism pressure: Cook Islands tourism leaders warn the country is still highly vulnerable to a global slowdown, despite government assurances about a worst-case 5% GDP decline. Sustainable tourism & waste: A regenerative-tourism push is clashing with arrival-focused targets as new flights could lift visitors beyond 200,000 a year—raising concerns about the waste burden on a small island. Community resilience: The Rarotonga Safety Shelter Programme has finished renovations to the Ngatangiia CICC Ekalesia Sunday School Hall, adding accessibility upgrades and strengthening disaster preparedness. Regional aviation: Papua New Guinea has been elected chair of the Pacific Aviation Safety Office Council, with Cook Islands’ John Hosking re-elected as deputy chair. Sport links to the Cook Islands: PNG’s U-19 men’s team has departed for the Cook Islands for OFC U-19 qualifiers, while an Afghan women’s team camp in Auckland is set to play matches against a Cook Islands side.

Afghan Women’s Soccer Returns: After escaping the Taliban and years in exile, the Afghan Women United program is in Auckland for a camp and will play games against a Cook Islands team, with FIFA eligibility granted in April. Pacific Rugby Future: Tonga and Cook Islands rugby leaders have backed the Kanaloa consortium’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika’s licence, arguing Pacific rugby must be shaped by Pacific voices as Moana Pasifika faces financial pressure after 2026. Tourism & Aviation Links: The Cook Islands hosted ASPA81, where the Pacific Tourism Organisation stressed tighter airline–tourism partnerships to boost connectivity and sustainable growth. Fuel Crunch in the Northern Group: Penrhyn Island has run down its diesel and is borrowing fuel from police, while power use is restricted as regional prices rise. Community Safety Upgrade: Ngatangiia’s CICC Ekalesia Sunday School Hall has been renovated under the Rarotonga Safety Shelter Programme, including accessibility improvements. Sustainable Tourism Debate: Cook Islands tourism leaders warn the country is still vulnerable to a global slowdown and say waste and environmental strain must keep pace with visitor growth.

Rugby Governance: Tonga and Cook Islands rugby leaders have backed the Kanaloa consortium’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, saying the future of Pacific rugby must be shaped by Pacific voices as New Zealand Rugby weighs competing proposals. Fuel Supply: Penrhyn Island has run down its diesel, borrowing 5,000 litres from the police patrol boat Te Kukupa II and restricting power use while a barge delivery is expected later this month. Tourism Pressure: Cook Islands tourism stakeholders are warning the country is still exposed to global slowdown risks, even as visitor numbers and new air links could push totals beyond 200,000 a year—raising concerns about waste and the strain on a small island. Sustainable Tourism Planning: Leaders and agencies have met to review progress on the Destination Stewardship Plan and map the next phase of sustainable tourism development. Community Safety: The Rarotonga Safety Shelter Programme has completed renovations to the Ngatangiia CICC Ekalesia Sunday School Hall, adding accessibility upgrades and strengthening disaster preparedness. Regional Aviation: The Cook Islands hosted Pacific aviation leaders for ASPA81, focusing on aviation–tourism partnerships and regional connectivity. Diplomacy & Connectivity: PM Mark Brown’s visit to China’s Guangxi region highlighted cooperation tied to the launch of the MV Tuitui Moana, aimed at improving connectivity.

Disaster Preparedness: The Rarotonga Safety Shelter Programme has finished major renovations to the Ngatangiia CICC Ekalesia–Sunday School Hall, adding a new roof, solar reinstatement, repainting, and disability-access ramps and facilities. Aviation & Regional Safety: PASO’s council 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. Tourism Pressure: Cook Islands tourism leaders say the country is still vulnerable to a global slowdown, while stakeholders map the next phase of sustainable tourism development and warn waste could become a bigger burden as visitor numbers rise. Energy Security: Government has moved into phase two of a five-phase plan to safeguard fuel supply amid global risks. Local Governance & Funding: Cook Islands says it has received reinstated NZ$20m, about 5% of this year’s budget, with more to follow once programme agreements are finalised. Community Access: Apii Te Uki Ou has unveiled a New Zealand-funded accessible deck and ramp for its library and learning spaces. Crime Watch: Police report stolen motorcycle complaints are up, urging residents to secure bikes more carefully. Diplomacy & Shipping: PM Mark Brown’s China visit highlighted cooperation tied to the launch of the MV Tuitui Moana.

Ocean & Voyaging Diplomacy: Rapa Nui’s ocean council and Polynesian voyaging groups hosted Pacific leaders to strengthen ancestral ties and coordinate high-seas marine protection, with Cook Islands among the delegations. Tourism Under Pressure: Tourism stakeholders mapped next steps for sustainable tourism, while industry voices warned the sector remains exposed to global economic slowdown and the environmental “waste burden” as visitor numbers rise. Energy Security: Government moved into phase two of a five-phase fuel supply safeguard plan amid global fuel crisis risks. Local Governance & Funding: Cook Islands says reinstated NZ funding of $20m is about 5% of this year’s budget, with more to follow once programme agreements are finalised. Access for Students: Apii Te Uki Ou blessed a New Zealand-funded accessible deck and ramp to improve safe access to key learning spaces. Regional Aviation: Cook Islands hosted ASPA81, bringing Pacific aviation and tourism leaders together on “Island Economies in Flight.” Public Safety: Police report stolen motorcycle complaints nearing 65% for the year-to-date, urging tighter bike security.

Anzac Day Reflection: A Cook Islands-focused remembrance piece marks Anzac Day across the Pacific, noting shared service and sacrifice by Pacific Islanders alongside Australians and New Zealanders. Tourism Pressure: Tourism leaders warn the Cook Islands remains exposed to global downturn risks, even as visitor spending rises; stakeholders also met to map the next phase of sustainable tourism, with Te Ipukarea Society stressing waste burdens as arrivals grow. Budget and Funding: Government says reinstated NZ$20m funding is about 5% of this year’s $375m appropriation, while broader budget scrutiny continues amid economic uncertainty. Energy Security: The government moves into phase two of a five-phase plan to safeguard fuel supply amid global shocks. Local Governance and Infrastructure: Apii Te Uki Ou celebrates a New Zealand-funded accessible deck and ramp to improve access to key learning spaces. Public Safety: Police report a sharp rise in motorcycle theft complaints, urging residents to secure bikes more tightly. Diplomacy and Shipping: PM Mark Brown deepens Cook Islands–China ties on a historic visit linked to the MV Tuitui Moana, strengthening inter-island connectivity.

Alcohol Licensing: Apii Te Uki Ou bar manager licence has been cancelled after police incidents, including a drink-driving case where breath alcohol hit 744 micrograms per litre and the manager allegedly obstructed a blood test. Maritime & Diplomacy: PM Mark Brown’s historic visit to Wuzhou, China, marked the launch of the MV Tuitui Moana, a co-funded inter-island vessel aimed at boosting connectivity and safer domestic shipping. Energy Security: Government has moved into phase two of a five-phase plan to safeguard fuel supply amid global shocks linked to the Middle East conflict. Aviation & Tourism: Cook Islands hosted ASPA81 in Rarotonga, bringing Pacific aviation and tourism leaders together on “Island Economies in Flight” and strategic partnerships. Local Safety: Police warn motorcycle thefts are rising, with complaints nearing 65% higher for the first five months of 2026, urging residents to secure bikes and remove keys. Regional Cooperation: Cook Islands took part in PACER Plus budget and joint committee meetings in Tonga, shaping trade facilitation, customs, standards and biosecurity priorities. Sports Uncertainty: Moana Pasifika’s future remains in limbo as liquidation looms and a Pacific-led takeover bid is debated, with NZ Rugby declining to confirm union backing.

Maritime & Youth Sport: Rarotonga Sailing Club’s nine young sailors are competing at the Yacht Club de Tahiti Optimist Oceania Championship in Tahiti, facing strong winds, big swells and open-ocean conditions beyond Muri lagoon. Education Access: Apii Te Uki Ou has blessed a New Zealand-funded decking and accessibility ramp project, improving safe access to the school’s library, sensory room and learning support spaces. Regional Connectivity: PM Mark Brown’s historic visit to Wuzhou, Guangxi, China marked the launch of the MV Tuitui Moana, a co-funded inter-island vessel meant to strengthen shipping links across the Pa Enua. Energy Security: Government has moved into phase two of a five-phase plan to safeguard Cook Islands fuel supply amid global supply risks. Aviation & Tourism: Cook Islands hosted ASPA81 in Rarotonga, bringing Pacific aviation and tourism leaders together on “Island Economies in Flight” and regional connectivity. Local Safety: Police warn motorcycle theft complaints are up, with stolen bikes nearing 65% of reported thefts for the first five months of 2026. Diplomacy: India has appointed Norbu Negi as High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, while India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Muanpuii Saiawi, is concurrently accredited to the Cook Islands. Health & Governance: Cook Islands Police and health coverage continues to draw attention to service pressures and wider accountability issues across the region.

Aviation & tourism: The Cook Islands hosted ASPA81 in Rarotonga, bringing together Pacific airline and tourism leaders to focus on “Island Economies in Flight” and regional connectivity. Local security: Cook Islands Police report stolen motorcycle complaints are up, nearing 65% for the first five months of 2026, urging riders to secure bikes and remove keys. Funding & economy: New Zealand has released $20m of paused funding to the Cook Islands, with more to follow once programme agreements are finalised. Climate diplomacy: PM Mark Brown used the UN ESCAP opening in Bangkok to push leaders on accelerating climate action, stressing finance as the key barrier. Shipping & connectivity: MV Tuitui Moana was inaugurated in Wuzhou, China, as a new inter-island vessel co-funded by Cook Islands and China to strengthen Pa Enua transport. Regional cooperation: The Cook Islands joined PACER Plus budget and joint committee meetings in Tonga, shaping trade facilitation, customs, standards and biosecurity priorities. Sports & uncertainty: Moana Pasifika’s future remains in flux after liquidation moves, with coach Tana Umaga urging the team to finish strong while a Kanaloa bid claims Pacific-union backing. Weather alert: A heavy rain and ocean warning has been issued for the Southern Group, especially Aitutaki, with residents told to stay alert.