AGP Executive Report

Pacific Security: Cook Islands leaders are urging respect for Pacific peace treaties after China test-fired a nuclear-capable ballistic missile into the South Pacific Nuclear-Free Zone, with the Cook Islands Government saying it is closely monitoring developments and calling for all nations to uphold the Treaty of Rarotonga. US-Pacific Partnership: Pacific Elders Voice says Washington’s U.S-Pacific Partnership Declaration “rings hollow” for island states, arguing climate action and funding are not strong enough despite the declaration’s broad commitments. Diplomacy & Infrastructure: New Zealand will break ground on a new High Commission chancery in Avarua for Matariki, aiming to strengthen its diplomatic presence. Election & Youth: Progressive Party leader Te Tuhi Kelly says voters should judge leaders by achievements, while the Cook Islands National Youth Council launches a youth-led candidate dialogue series ahead of the General Election. Sport (OFC): Puaikura FC makes history as the first Cook Islands club into an OFC semi-final, but falls 1-0 to Hekari Women FC, who now chase a third straight final. Local Health: CBM New Zealand and Te Marae Ora sign a Health Collaboration Agreement to expand inclusive eye health and rehabilitation services, including a refractive error vision centre at Rarotonga Hospital. Business & Tourism: ADB signs a US$2 million grant to support tourism recovery, including upgrades to Rarotonga Airport and health systems.

Pacific Security: China’s nuclear-capable missile test into the South Pacific Nuclear-Free Zone has triggered fresh alarm across the region, with New Zealand officials calling it “unacceptable” and “extremely unwelcome behaviour” and Cook Islands authorities yet to comment on implications for the Treaty of Rarotonga. US-Cook Islands Minerals: New U.S. Ambassador Jared Novelly says securing Cook Islands seabed minerals is a top priority, warning small island states about China’s growing influence while stopping short of pushing for new exploration licences. Tourism Recovery: The Asian Development Bank has signed a US$2 million grant with the Cook Islands to support tourism return, including upgrades to Rarotonga Airport and health services. Maritime & Fisheries: Cook Islands fisheries officer Saiasi Sarau took part in back-to-back regional surveillance and security missions, inspecting licensed foreign vessels in the Cook Islands EEZ. Health & Inclusion: CBM New Zealand and Te Marae Ora have signed an agreement to strengthen inclusive eye health and rehabilitation, including a refractive error vision centre at Rarotonga Hospital. Sport Spotlight: Rugby League World Cup 2026 hits “100 days to go,” with BSP named an official banking partner, while Cook Islands women’s football continues to make history with Puaikura FC reaching the OFC Women’s Champions League semi-finals.

Tourism Recovery: The Asian Development Bank has signed a US$2 million grant with the Cook Islands to support tourism’s safe return after COVID-19, including upgrades to Rarotonga Airport screening and health services, with benefits aimed at more than 10,000 hospitality workers. US-Cook Islands Minerals: New U.S. Ambassador Jared Novelly says securing Cook Islands seabed critical minerals is a top Pacific priority, while warning small island states about risks from China’s growing influence. Pacific Security Tensions: China’s nuclear-capable missile test in the South Pacific has drawn sharp condemnation from New Zealand politicians and Pacific voices, with calls to stop militarising the region’s ocean. Inclusive Eye Health: CBM New Zealand and Te Marae Ora have signed a Health Collaboration Agreement to expand inclusive eye health and rehabilitation, including a refractive error vision centre at Rarotonga Hospital. Deep-Sea Tech Moves: Deep Sea Minerals has signed an MOU with Impossible Metals to trial autonomous robotic nodule collection technology in prospective Cook Islands exploration areas. Culture & Leadership: Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po joined chiefs in Rarotonga to mark 60 years of the Ui Ariki and the House of Ariki’s enduring role. Sport Spotlight: Cook Islands swimmers Lanihei Connolly and Jacob Te Atamira Story are set for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, while Puaikura FC has made history reaching the OFC Women’s Champions League semi-finals.

U.S.-Cook Islands Minerals: New U.S. ambassador Jared Novelly says securing Cook Islands seabed critical minerals is now a top Pacific priority, placing the Cooks at “1A or 1B” for Washington and promising to connect island authorities with U.S. firms, while warning that China’s growing influence brings risks for small states. Regional Security Tensions: China’s nuclear-capable missile test in the South Pacific has drawn sharp condemnation from New Zealand leaders, with Pacific governments urging major powers to stop using the region for missile trials and militarisation. Health & Inclusion: Te Marae Ora and Christian Blind Mission NZ have signed a health collaboration to strengthen inclusive eye care and rehabilitation, including a refractive error vision centre at Rarotonga Hospital. Deep-Sea Tech Moves: Deep Sea Minerals has signed an MOU with Impossible Metals to assess autonomous robotic nodule collection technology, aiming for lower-disturbance seabed harvesting. Sport & Community: Cook Islands swimmers Lanihei Connolly and Jacob Te Atamira Story are bound for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, while Puaikura FC made history reaching the OFC Women’s Champions League semi-finals. Culture: Te Arikinui joined chiefs in Rarotonga to mark 60 years of the Ui Ariki.

Pacific Security: China launched a nuclear-capable long-range missile with a dummy warhead in the Pacific, drawing sharp concern after Australia and Fiji signed a higher-level defence pact, with New Zealand warning it was planned hours ahead. Critical Minerals & US Focus: New US ambassador Jared Novelly says Cook Islands seabed minerals are a top priority, flagging risks from China’s growing influence while stopping short on whether exploration licences will be pushed. Fisheries Protection: The Cook Islands renewed its aerial surveillance partnership with the FFA to strengthen monitoring and crack down on illegal fishing in its EEZ. Renewables Push: Government accelerated a solar plan aimed at cutting diesel reliance and lifting renewable supply to 60% by 2030. Culture & Leadership: Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po joined chiefs in Rarotonga to mark 60 years of the Ui Ariki. Sport: Puaikura FC made history reaching the OFC Women’s Champions League semi-finals, while Cook Islands heritage boxer John Ume eyes the BX-9 semis in New Zealand. Environment & Tourism: A new report highlights heavy beach plastic litter, and a travel list named one island “the quietest holiday destination” near the UK.

OFC Football: Cook Islands champions Puaikura FC have made history by reaching the OFC Women’s Champions League semifinals for the first time, joining Pacific rivals Hekari Women FC (PNG) and Tafea FC (Vanuatu) after a dramatic final day in the Solomon Islands. US–Cook Islands Minerals: New US ambassador to New Zealand Jared Novelly says securing Cook Islands seabed critical minerals is a top priority, flagging China’s growing influence as a risk for small island states while hinting US firms could be introduced if exploration is allowed. Fisheries Monitoring: Cook Islands has renewed its aerial surveillance partnership with the FFA to strengthen monitoring in its EEZ and help tackle illegal fishing. Traditional Leadership: Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po joined chiefs in Rarotonga to mark 60 years of the Ui’ Ariki, celebrating customary leadership and Pacific unity. Renewables Push: Government accelerates a solar project aimed at cutting diesel reliance and lifting renewable supply toward 60% by 2030. Culture & Media: A short documentary on Cook Islands artist Ta’i Paitai has been selected for the New Zealand International Film Festival. Sports Spotlight: Boxer John Ume is set for BX-9 welterweight semis in New Zealand on July 31.

Cook Islands–US Minerals Push: New US ambassador Jared Novelly says securing Cook Islands seabed critical minerals is a top priority, warning Pacific nations about risks from China’s growing influence. Regional Fisheries Security: Cook Islands has renewed its aerial surveillance partnership with the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) to strengthen monitoring and help tackle illegal fishing in the EEZ. Renewables Drive: Government has accelerated a solar push aimed at cutting diesel reliance and reaching 60% renewable electricity by 2030. Customary Leadership Milestone: More than 1,500 people gathered to mark Te Rā o te Ui Ariki and the 60th anniversary of the Are Ariki (House of Ariki). Culture on Screen: A short documentary on Cook Islands artist Ta’i Paitai has been selected for the New Zealand International Film Festival. Plastic Pollution Focus: Te Ipukarea Society highlights beach litter findings and urges action, saying every piece of plastic matters. Politics & Timing: Cook Islands United Party leader Te Ariki Heather says major talks with New Zealand could wait until after both countries’ elections. Sports (Pasifika ties): All Blacks’ Nations Championship opener vs France featured Cook Islands heritage coach David Rennie and Pasifika captain Ardie Savea.

US–Cook Islands Minerals: New US ambassador Jared Novelly says securing Cook Islands seabed critical minerals is now a top priority, warning Pacific nations about risks from China’s growing influence, as Washington seeks to reduce China-dominated supply chains for defence and clean energy. Fisheries Protection: The Cook Islands has renewed its aerial surveillance partnership with the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), boosting monitoring in its EEZ to tackle illegal fishing. Renewables Push: Government has accelerated a solar project aimed at cutting diesel reliance and reaching 60% renewable electricity by 2030. Culture & Leadership: More than 1,500 people gathered for Te Rā o te Ui Ariki and the 60th anniversary of the House of Ariki, with $161,150 allocated for Ui Ariki celebrations. Heritage on Screen: A short documentary on Cook Islands artist Ta’i Paitai has been selected for the New Zealand International Film Festival. Sport (Pasifika ties): All Blacks’ Nations Championship opener vs France was a physical 34-32 win in Christchurch, with Cook Islands heritage in the coaching setup and Pasifika captain Ardie Savea leading the charge.

US–Cook Islands Minerals: New US ambassador Jared Novelly says securing Cook Islands seabed critical minerals is now a top priority, linking the push to reducing reliance on China and supporting defence and clean-energy supply chains—while warning Pacific nations about China’s growing influence. Renewables: Government has accelerated its renewable energy push with a solar project aimed at cutting diesel reliance and reaching 60% renewable electricity by 2030. Customary Leadership: More than 1,500 people gathered for Te Rā o te Ui Ariki and the 60th anniversary of the House of Ariki, with $161,150 allocated for Ui Ariki celebrations. Culture on Screen: A short documentary on Cook Islands artist Ta’i Paitai, The Kete Informs You, has been selected for the New Zealand International Film Festival. Environment & Waste: Te Ipukarea Society highlights plastic pollution impacts locally, citing beach litter findings and community clean-up results. Fisheries Monitoring: Cook Islands renewed its aerial surveillance partnership with the FFA to strengthen EEZ monitoring and help tackle illegal fishing. Sports (Local): Puaikura FC faces a must-not-lose situation after a tough start in the OFC Women’s Champions League, while NZ Warriors kick off NRLW season play.

Critical Minerals Diplomacy: New US ambassador Jared Novelly says securing Cook Islands seabed critical minerals is now a top priority, warning Pacific nations about risks from China’s growing influence and “debt traps,” as Washington seeks to diversify supply chains away from China. Fisheries Protection: The Cook Islands renewed its partnership with the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, extending the Regional Aerial Surveillance Programme to boost maritime monitoring and crack down on illegal fishing in the EEZ. Local Politics: Cook Islands United Party leader Te Ariki Heather says major talks with New Zealand could wait until after both countries’ elections, ruling out any move toward a separate Cook Islands passport. Census Countdown: The 2026 Census reaches its “Reference Day” today (July 1), with enumerators visiting households through July 24 to guide future planning. Sports (Cook Islands in focus): Puaikura FC remains in contention in the OFC Women’s Champions League after a tough opening loss, while the Cook Islands U18 Women’s team prepares for a historic FIBA Asia Cup Division B debut.

US-Cook Islands Minerals: New US ambassador Jared Novelly says securing Cook Islands critical seabed minerals is now a top priority, warning Pacific nations about China’s growing influence and “debt traps,” as the Cooks hold polymetallic nodules used in batteries and other tech. Fisheries Monitoring: Cook Islands has renewed its aerial surveillance partnership with the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), extending the Regional Aerial Surveillance Programme in its EEZ to help spot illegal fishing and support enforcement. Cook Islands Election Watch: Cook Islands United Party leader Te Ariki Heather says major talks with New Zealand could wait until after both countries’ elections, aiming to reset relations only once New Zealand’s government is decided. Te Ui Ariki 60th: The Cook Islands marks Te Ra O Te Ui Ariki on Friday, with celebrations boosted by the Are Ariki’s 60th anniversary. Health in the Pacific: Vanuatu launched the HeartCare mobile app to bring community heart screening to catch cardiovascular risk earlier. Sports (Cook Islands): Puaikura FC faces a must-get result in the OFC Women’s Champions League after a tough opening loss to Auckland United.

US-Cook Islands Minerals: New U.S. ambassador Jared Novelly says critical seabed minerals in Cook Islands waters are now a top priority, warning China’s growing Pacific influence poses risks for small island states. Fisheries Monitoring: Cook Islands renewed its FFA aerial surveillance partnership under the Regional Aerial Surveillance Programme to boost EEZ patrols and crack down on illegal fishing. Election Politics: Cook Islands Unity Party leader Te Ariki Heather says major talks with New Zealand can wait until after the 12 August election, pointing to New Zealand’s own election decision in November. Nuclear-Free Tensions: Novelly also floated the idea of hosting a basketball game on a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in Auckland waters, while stressing he won’t change New Zealand’s nuclear-free law. Census Day: Cook Islands’ 2026 Census “Reference Day” is July 1, with enumerators visiting households through July 24 to guide future planning. Culture & Leadership: Government allocated $161,150 for the Ui Ariki 60th anniversary celebrations, marking Te Ra O Te Ui Ariki on July 3. Sports Spotlight: Cook Islands U18 women make history by debuting in the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup – Division B.

Cook Islands Election Watch: With the Cook Islands general election set for August 12, analysis says Prime Minister Mark Brown’s “tight timeframe” announcement is a political move that also follows recent steps to reset relations with New Zealand on defence and security. Census Countdown: Cook Islands’ 2026 Census “Reference Day” is July 1, with enumerators visiting households from June 24 to July 24 to guide future planning. Sport (Basketball): The Cook Islands U18 Women’s team is set for a historic FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup – Division B debut, building on recent youth success. Football (OFC Women’s Champions League): Puaikura FC opened their campaign with a 0-7 loss to Auckland United, but still has a path to the semi-finals with a draw needed in their final group match. Environment & Travel Safety: DoC reports more than four tonnes of protected corals and clams seized in recent years, warning holidaymakers that CITES rules and permits are often missed. Ocean Stewardship: Pacific leaders and Indigenous groups are meeting to strengthen Indigenous-led conservation and climate resilience, including discussions tied to the Are Ariki’s 60th anniversary. Deep-Sea Mining Alarm: A new report warns deep-sea mining could mobilise naturally occurring radioactive materials, raising risks for marine life and the food chain.

Historic sport milestone: The Cook Islands U18 Women’s team is set for a first-ever FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup – Division B appearance, building on youth success and a steady rise through regional tournaments. Regional women’s football: Puaikura FC opened the OFC Women’s Champions League with a tough 0-7 loss to defending champions Auckland United, but still has a path to the semi-finals with a draw needed in their final group match. National planning: The 2026 Census reaches its Reference Day today (July 1), with enumerators visiting households from June 24 to July 24 to guide future policy and infrastructure decisions. Culture and leadership: Cook Islands marks Te Ra O Te Ui Ariki on Friday, July 3, with celebrations boosted by the Are Ariki House of Ariki’s 60th anniversary. Ocean protection and risk: New warnings are growing around deep-sea mining, including concerns about unregulated radioactivity entering marine food chains, alongside calls for Pacific nations to rethink the rush toward commercial seabed extraction. Public safety for travellers: Coral and clam seizures highlight CITES rules, with protected species often brought home without permits.

Election Countdown: Cook Islands voters will head to the polls on Wednesday, August 12, with Parliament dissolved and the government entering caretaker mode ahead of the vote. Deep-Sea Mining Alarm: A new report warns deep-sea mining could mobilise naturally occurring radioactive materials, raising risks for marine life and the food chain—prompting calls for Pacific nations to slow down or rethink plans. Indigenous-Led Conservation: Pacific traditional leaders and conservation groups are meeting to strengthen Indigenous-led stewardship and climate resilience, with the Cook Islands among participants. Regional Disaster Readiness: SPC and WFP trained Pacific disaster management logistics officers in Brisbane, including Cook Islands staff, to improve warehouse and relief supply dispatch during emergencies. Tourism & Trade Signals: Visitor spending in May rose to $1.77b in Hawaii, with more visitors but shorter stays—an indicator worth watching for Pacific tourism planning. Sport & Community: Puaikura FC is preparing for its OFC Women’s Champions League debut in Honiara, while local netball finals are set for today in Rarotonga. Survival Story: A Pukapuka fisherman missing for a week was found alive after a major search, underscoring the risks of solo trips at sea.

Cook Islands Election: The King’s Representative, Sir Tom Marsters, has set the Cook Islands General Election for Wednesday, 12 August, with Parliament dissolved and the government entering caretaker mode ahead of the vote. OFC Women’s Champions League: Cook Islands champions Puaikura FC are in Honiara for their debut in the OFC Women’s Champions League 2026, pooled against Auckland United and Drehu Athletico Club, with their first match against Auckland United starting Tuesday. Deep-sea mining warning: Te Ipukarea Society is among Pacific voices pushing back after new reports warn deep-sea mining could mobilise naturally occurring radioactive material, raising risks for marine life and the food chain. Indigenous-led conservation: Traditional leaders and conservation practitioners, including Cook Islands representatives, are meeting in a Pacific forum focused on Indigenous governance, climate resilience and sustainable financing. Survival at sea: A Pukapuka fisherman, Apiuta Apiuta, who was lost for eight days, has been found alive and reunited with family after a rescue involving New Zealand air search and a Taiwanese fishing vessel. Sports local: Arorangi Flames and Avatiu Dragonflies meet in the netball premier division final after tense semi-finals.