AGP Executive Report

Pacific Diplomacy: New Zealand Deputy PM Carmel Sepuloni is set to travel to Fiji for the Pacific Islands Forum Special Leaders’ retreat, with a key focus on welcoming Kiribati back to the Forum and with Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka handing chairing duties to Cook Islands PM Mark Brown. World Cup Eligibility Drama: Fiji Bati coach Mick Potter says the Fainu brothers’ switch is still awaiting final documentation before their Rugby League World Cup eligibility is confirmed. Climate Science in Cook Islands Waters: A month-long expedition is building the first baseline of ocean conditions across the Cook Islands EEZ, sampling water, mapping the seafloor and tracking microplastics to understand climate change impacts. Local Governance & Services: Cook Islands Police has received two new Toyota Landcruiser SUVs from Australia to boost frontline operations and community engagement. Election Watch: Nominations are confirmed for the 12 August general election, with one seat (Ivirua) decided uncontested and Amuri/Ureia set for a three-way contest plus the return of Toanui Isamaela to the Cook Islands Party. Health: A WHO-UNICEF report says the Cook Islands met 90% vaccination targets for most vaccine types in 2025, but fell short on the final polio dose and HPV. Sports & Community: Netball Cook Islands’ extended squad is fundraising for final trials in Brisbane, while youth-led Kai Vānanga no te Uki o Āpōpō sessions are putting candidates’ plans on environment, economics, community and culture under the spotlight.

Cook Islands Election: Nominations are now confirmed for the 12 August general election, with one seat already decided after Agnes Helen Armstrong secured Ivirua uncontested, leaving 62 candidates to contest the remaining seats. Local Politics: Incumbent Toanui Isamaela has rejoined the Cook Islands Party to contest Amuri/Ureia, while youth-led discussions under Kai Vānanga no te Uki o Āpōpō are pushing candidates to address environment, economics, community and culture—especially the pressure tourism puts on land and lifestyle. Frontline Policing: Australia has handed over two new Toyota Landcruiser SUVs to Cook Islands Police to support day-to-day operations and community engagement. Health Workforce: The University of Auckland’s School of Nursing is delivering advanced training to Cook Islands nurses, strengthening the local health workforce through ongoing Pacific partnerships. Sports & Community: Netball Cook Islands’ extended squad is fundraising for final World Cup qualifier trials in Brisbane, and Marumaru Atua has returned safely to Avana after a voyage to Mauke and Atiu. Environment & Debate: Deep sea mining opposition is again in the spotlight, with new reporting linking Cook Islands ocean areas to wider high-seas mining pressure.

Cook Islands Election Watch: Nominations are confirmed for the 12 August general election, with observers flagging a possible hung Parliament and coalition negotiations as parties jostle over cost of living, healthcare, housing, jobs and infrastructure. Candidate Moves: Incumbent Toanui Isamaela has rejoined the Cook Islands Party to contest Amuri/Ureia, while businessman Teakaau “Tex” Tangimetua is standing for Akaoa with the CIP. Youth in Politics: The Cook Islands National Youth Council’s Kai Vānanga no te Uki o Āpōpō has held livestreamed sessions in Titikaveka and Ngatangiia, with young people pressing candidates on environment, economics, community and culture. Police Support: Cook Islands Police has received two new Toyota Landcruiser SUVs from Australia to strengthen frontline operations under the Oa Tumanava partnership. Health Workforce: University of Auckland nursing teams have delivered advanced training to 15 Cook Islands nurses, building local capability. Tourism & Travel: Tourism experts urge Kiwis to travel better as Pacific borders reopen, with Cook Islands reopening booked for 14 January. Sports: Netball Cook Islands’ extended squad is fundraising for final World Cup qualifier trials in Brisbane, where the top 12 will be selected.

Deep-Sea Mining: The Trump administration has announced a proposed deep sea mining lease sale in federal waters near American Samoa, drawing fresh Pacific opposition and raising concerns for the wider region, including the Cook Islands’ role in ocean mapping linked to U.S. critical-minerals plans. Elections Watch: Cook Islands nominations have confirmed that Ivirua’s seat will be uncontested, with Agnes Helen Armstrong set to be declared elected ahead of the 12 August general election. Tourism Reopening: Pacific tourism experts are urging Kiwis to travel more thoughtfully as borders reopen, with the Cook Islands scheduled to reopen to tourists on 14 January. Rugby League World Cup: Fiji Bati coach Mick Potter’s work visa has been approved, and the team is preparing for a World Cup pool that includes the Cook Islands. Community & Culture: A new multilingual poetry anthology, The Ocean Remembers, is putting Cook Islands Māori and other Pacific languages and stories at the centre. Health Workforce: The University of Auckland’s School of Nursing is delivering advanced training to Cook Islands nurses to strengthen the local health workforce.

Tourism & Travel: Pacific reopening is prompting calls for Kiwis to plan better and travel more responsibly, with Massey University and local travel experts stressing that tourism should support culture and the environment as borders slowly come back. Rugby League World Cup: Fiji Bati coach Mick Potter’s work visa has been approved and he’s set to move to Fiji soon as preparations ramp up for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, with Viliame Kikau backing Potter’s return and the Bati opening against the Cook Islands on 18 October. Elections & Democracy: A letter questions the timing of the 12 August 2026 election after Parliament was dissolved with a short campaign window, while the Ministry says a Permanent Residents Ceremony is unrelated to the election. Local Politics: Cook Islands Party candidate Teakaau “Tex” Tangimetua says he’s standing for Akaoa after encouragement from his community, and other candidates are pushing youth involvement as nominations close. Health & Skills: University of Auckland nursing teams are delivering advanced training to Cook Islands nurses, strengthening the local health workforce. Environment & Deep-Sea Mining: Te Ipukarea Society urges open public discussion on deep-seabed mining ahead of the election, warning decisions are being driven at political level rather than by the people. Culture & Language: A new multilingual poetry anthology, The Ocean Remembers, puts Cook Islands Māori and other Pacific languages and stories centre stage.

Pacific Rugby League: The Australian Rugby League Commission has unveiled the Pacific Championships, kicking off with World Cup final rematches in Australia: the Kangaroos host Toa Samoa and the Jillaroos play the Kiwi Ferns, with Cook Islands among the men’s teams. Cook Islands Politics: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration says the scheduling of the Permanent Residents Ceremony has “no connection to the election,” as nominations near closing. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Te Ipukarea Society is urging open discussion of deep-seabed mining during the election period, arguing voters need to know where parties stand. Health Workforce: University of Auckland nursing teams have delivered advanced training to 15 Cook Islands nurses, building local capacity through a six-month partnership. Tourism & Payments: A letter questions why Te Pa’ata is led by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management rather than Tourism Cook Islands, calling for clearer transparency on data and safeguards. Business Growth: Manini Wear wins ADB growth capital to expand retail into Aitutaki and cut supply-chain emissions. Culture & Language: A new multilingual poetry anthology, The Ocean Remembers, puts Pacific languages and stories centre stage. Sports Development: Cook Islands U18 women prepare for a historic debut at the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup Division B in Bangkok.

Commonwealth Games sport: Bowls and Para Bowls kick off Glasgow 2026, with a new “Day 0” added after unprecedented demand, and ticket options from £10. Rugby League World Cup build-up: Fiji Bati coach Mick Potter’s work permit is approved, with Viliame Kikau and Api Koroisau among those expected to be available. Cook Islands in the spotlight: A FIFA World Cup OFC preliminary draw sets up a Tonga vs Cook Islands play-off for a spot in the mini-tournament, with New Zealand and Papua New Guinea in Group B. Health workforce boost: University of Auckland nursing teams delivered advanced training to 15 Cook Islands nurses, building longer-term Pacific partnerships. Tourism and business: ANZ leadership changes will also oversee ANZ Cook Islands, while ADB backs Cook Islands fashion brand Manini Wear with growth capital. Local governance and debate: The MFAI says a Permanent Residents Ceremony is unrelated to the election, as deep-seabed mining remains a major election issue with calls for open public discussion.

Diplomacy & Security: A historic French senatorial delegation visited Rarotonga to strengthen ties, with focus on maritime security and shared environmental concerns. Health Workforce: The University of Auckland’s School of Nursing delivered advanced clinical training to 15 Cook Islands nurses, building on months of collaboration to boost local capability. Politics & Governance: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration says yesterday’s Permanent Residents Ceremony is not linked to the election, as nominations near their close and parties ramp up campaigning. Environment & Democracy: Te Ipukarea Society is calling for open public debate on deep-seabed mining ahead of the election, arguing voters deserve clear positions from candidates. Business & Tourism: ADB has backed Cook Islands fashion brand Manini Wear with growth capital to cut supply-chain emissions and expand retail into Aitutaki. Sports: Cook Islands U18 Women prepare for their historic debut at the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup Division B in Bangkok (July 13–19). Community & Culture: A Mauke citizen science and education initiative launched through the Cook Islands Voyaging Society and Conservation International aims to blend traditional knowledge with reef monitoring.

Cook Islands Politics & Governance: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration says yesterday’s Permanent Residents Ceremony at the National Auditorium “has no connection to the election,” urging it not be tied to the political calendar as nominations near their close. Immigration & Community: Columnist Thomas Tarurongo Wynne reflects on the emotional scale of welcoming 236 new permanent residents, describing them as part of the daily fabric of work and family life across the islands. Election Watch: Candidates are stepping up as parties push for youth involvement and campaign momentum with nominations closing Monday. Environment & Democracy: Te Ipukarea Society calls for open public debate on deep-seabed mining ahead of the election, arguing voters deserve clear positions from candidates and parties. Health Workforce: The University of Auckland’s School of Nursing delivers advanced clinical training to 15 Cook Islands nurses, building on six months of collaboration with the Chief Nursing Officer. Tourism & Business: Rarotongan Beach Resort and Sanctuary Rarotonga celebrate standout staff, while ADB backs Cook Islands fashion brand Manini Wear with growth capital to expand into Aitutaki. Regional Economy: ANZ announces Pacific leadership changes, with Terence Low set to take on Samoa and oversee ANZ Cook Islands.

Hospital workforce boost: University of Auckland nursing teams delivered advanced clinical training to 15 Cook Islands nurses, building a stronger local health workforce through a six-month partnership with the Chief Nursing Officer. Election politics and migration: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration says yesterday’s Permanent Residents Ceremony has “no connection to the election,” while columnist Thomas Wynne argues migration should be about people and community, not political weaponry. Deep-sea mining debate: Te Ipukarea Society calls for open public discussion on deep-seabed mining during the election period, warning decisions are being pushed to political levels rather than the people. Tourism and payments transparency: A letter questions why the Te Pa’ata accommodation payments support programme is led by MFEM instead of Tourism Cook Islands, urging clear details on data use and safeguards. Youth and culture: Primary students marked Tāteni Kōrero ʻAtu 2026 with Cook Islands language and speech, and Year 13 students from Aquinas College spent a week doing community service at St Joseph’s. Business and investment: ADB backed Cook Islands fashion brand Manini Wear with USD 130,000 to expand retail into Aitutaki and cut supply-chain emissions. Sports: Cook Islands U18 Women prepare for a historic debut at the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup—Division B in Bangkok (July 13–19). Regional watch: Pacific leaders react to China’s nuclear-capable missile test in the Treaty of Rarotonga zone, calling it extremely unwelcome behaviour.

Cook Islands Politics: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration says yesterday’s Permanent Residents Ceremony at the National Auditorium “has no connection to the election” and shouldn’t be tied to the political calendar, as nominations near their close. Election Watch: With just two days left before candidate nominations close on Monday, parties are ramping up campaigning for the next government. Environment & Democracy: Te Ipukarea Society is urging open debate on deep-seabed mining ahead of the election, arguing a healthy democracy must let voters hear the hard questions about the ocean and the future. Local Economy & Cost of Living: A hotel boss says tourism may be strong, but families and businesses are still feeling the pinch from power, water and imported goods costs. Business & Investment: ADB has backed Cook Islands fashion brand Manini Wear with a USD 130,000 growth investment to expand into Aitutaki and cut supply-chain emissions. Youth Sport: Cook Islands U18 women are set for a historic debut at the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup Division B in Bangkok from July 13-19. Culture & Education: A new community-led education and citizen science initiative launched in Mauke will blend traditional knowledge with marine monitoring and learning.

Election Watch: The MFAI says yesterday’s Permanent Residents Ceremony at the National Auditorium “has no connection to the election” and shouldn’t be tied to the political calendar, as nominations near their July 13 close and the Cook Islands Party ramps up campaigning. Democracy & Environment: Te Ipukarea Society urges open debate on deep-seabed mining during the election period, arguing voters deserve clear positions on how it affects the ocean and future of the nation. Tourism & Cost of Living: A hotel boss says tourism may be booming, but households still feel the pinch from power, water and imported goods; fuel is expected to ease in weeks, while food relief could take months. Local Business & Investment: ADB’s Frontier Seed backs Cook Islands fashion brand Manini Wear with US$130,000 to cut ocean freight emissions and expand into Aitutaki. Culture & Language: Matariki was marked at the New Zealand High Commissioner’s residence, while primary students competed in Tāteni Kōrero ʻAtu 2026 to celebrate Cook Islands Māori language. Sport: Cook Islands U18 women prepare for their historic FIBA Asia Cup Division B debut in Bangkok, with Samoa and the Cook Islands drawn together.

Election Watch: The Cook Islands Party is pushing hard as nominations near their close, with campaigns ramping up ahead of the July 13 deadline. Immigration Clarification: The MFAI says a Permanent Residents Ceremony at the National Auditorium “has no connection to the election” and should not be pulled into political timing. Democracy & Environment: Te Ipukarea Society is urging open debate on deep-seabed mining during the election period, arguing voters deserve clear positions on environmental and future economic impacts. Language & Culture: Young speakers were recognised at the Tāteni Kōrero ʻAtu 2026 speech competition, while Kayla Moeareauri’s story highlights efforts to reclaim Te Reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani in the diaspora. Regional Ties: Matariki was marked at the New Zealand High Commissioner’s residence, celebrating the shared Cook Islands–NZ relationship. Tourism Pressure: A hotel boss says tourism may be strong, but families still feel the cost-of-living pinch, especially around power, water and imported goods. Business & Investment: ADB has backed Cook Islands fashion brand Manini Wear with growth capital to expand into Aitutaki and cut supply-chain emissions. Sports: Cook Islands U18 women prepare for a historic FIBA Asia Cup Division B debut in Bangkok, while the Cook Islands are also set to feature in regional basketball and tennis action.

Pacific Security: Cook Islands officials are closely monitoring China’s ballistic missile test in the South Pacific Nuclear-Free Zone and are urging all nations to respect regional peace treaties, as Pacific leaders react to the move. Sports (Cook Islands): Cook Islands U18 women are set for a historic debut at the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup Division B in Bangkok (July 13-19), after youth breakthroughs that followed a medal-winning U17 run. Tourism & Cost of Living: A Cook Islands hotel boss says tourism may be booming, but families are still feeling the pinch, with power, water and imported goods costs driving pressure. Business & Investment: The ADB has backed Cook Islands fashion brand Manini Wear with a USD 130,000 growth investment to cut supply-chain emissions and expand retail into Aitutaki. Community & Environment: A new Mauke initiative launched by the Voyaging Society and partners blends cultural knowledge with marine citizen science, including reef monitoring training for students and elders. Regional Finance: Fuel prices are expected to drop within weeks, but food relief will take months, according to the chief government economist.

Fisheries Crackdown: Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency is running tuna enforcement operations like “Tui Moana,” targeting vessels that misreport catches or fish outside normal patterns, with observer and surveillance roles highlighted as risky but vital for schools and hospitals. Youth Sport Milestone: Cook Islands U18 Women are set for a historic debut at the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup – Division B in Bangkok (July 13–19), building on recent U17 success. Pa Enua Education & Science: A new Mauke community-led initiative pairs elders and students with Conservation International to blend cultural knowledge with marine citizen science, including reef monitoring training. Business & Investment: ADB Frontier Seed backs Cook Islands fashion brand Manini Wear with USD 130,000 to cut ocean freight emissions and expand retail into Aitutaki. Tourism Cost Pressure: Even with tourism strong, a hotel boss says families and businesses still feel the pinch from power, water and imported goods costs. Regional Security: Cook Islands says it’s monitoring China’s ballistic missile test and urges respect for Pacific peace treaties. Letters & Governance: Debate continues over transparency and who should lead tourism payment/booking support, plus election spending questions.

Climate Finance: The UN’s Loss and Damage fund is delaying its first project approvals, with demand far outstripping money and the board now looking to consider an initial package at its next meeting in December. Pacific Security: China’s nuclear-capable missile test into the South Pacific Nuclear-Free Zone has sparked fresh anger and calls for respect for the Treaty of Rarotonga, with the Cook Islands government monitoring developments. Tourism & Cost of Living: Even with tourism strong, a Cook Islands hotel boss says families are still feeling the pinch from power, water and imported goods costs, despite new budget support. Development & Jobs: ADB has backed a Cook Islands fashion brand with its first non-sovereign investment, aiming to cut emissions in supply chains and expand retail to Aitutaki. Regional Sports: BSP has been confirmed as a major sponsor of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, with Cook Islands among the participating teams. Culture & Language: Harriet Tuara has joined Oceania Rugby to boost Pacific rugby storytelling, while Kayla Moe is using social media to reclaim and teach Kūki ‘Āirani reo. Youth Democracy: The Cook Islands National Youth Council is set to run a youth-led candidate dialogue series ahead of the General Election.