AGP Executive Report

Elections: Cook Islands Parliament has been dissolved and the general election set for Wednesday, 12 August 2026, with the King’s Representative Sir Tom Marsters issuing the notice and the government moving into caretaker mode. Regional environment: Pacific ministers and officials are pushing for stronger action on transboundary plastic pollution ahead of global talks in Nairobi, warning the scale of ocean plastic leakage is a direct threat to Pacific islands. Fisheries diplomacy: South Pacific Group ministers meeting in Wellington reaffirmed their shared push for sustainable tuna and oceanic fisheries management, with Cook Islands among the five-country coalition. Sports—local finals: Arorangi Flames and Avatiu Dragonflies meet in today’s Netball Cook Islands premier final after tight semi-finals, with other grade finals also decided. Sports—women’s football: Cook Islands champions Puaikura FC are in Honiara for the OFC Women’s Champions League, debuting in Group B against Auckland United and Drehu Athletico Club. Health: ProCare has awarded scholarships to top Māori and Pacific GP students, including a Cook Islands recipient. Maritime rescue: Pukapuka fisherman Apiuta Apiuta was found alive after a week at sea, rescued following storms that knocked out his dinghy.

Cook Islands Election Date: Parliament has adjourned sine die and the King’s Representative, Sir Tom Marsters, has set the Cook Islands 2026 General Election for Wednesday, August 12, with the government entering caretaker mode ahead of the poll. Local Politics: Opposition parties are already criticising the tight timeframe for campaigning and decision-making. 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 with Auckland United and Drehu Athletico Club, with matches starting today. Maritime Rescue: Pukapuka fisherman Apiuta Apiuta was found alive after a week at sea, rescued by RNZAF and a Taiwanese fishing vessel. Debate on Deep-Sea Mining: Te Ipukarea Society renews the argument that deep seabed mining is a high-risk, high-cost gamble, with independent analysis questioning whether it can deliver promised wealth. Health & Care: ProCare highlights scholarship support for top Māori and Pacific medical students entering GP training. Sports: Netball’s local finals day is set, with Arorangi Flames and Avatiu Dragonflies meeting in the premier division decider.

General Election: Cook Islands Parliament has been adjourned sine die and the King’s Representative, Sir Tom Marsters, has set the 2026 general election for Wednesday, August 12, with the government entering caretaker mode ahead of the poll. Politics & Accountability: Opposition parties are pushing back on the tight election timeframe, calling it unfair, while a letter urges voters to ask whether campaign promises are genuinely needed and whether past commitments were delivered. Maritime Rescue: Pukapuka fisherman Apiuta Apiuta was found alive after a week at sea, surviving storms after his outboard failed and he drifted without a torch or lifejacket. Local Sport: Netball’s premier final is set for today as Arorangi Flames take on Avatiu Dragonflies, with other grade finals also decided. Women’s Football: Puaikura FC is preparing for its debut at the OFC Women’s Champions League in Honiara, starting group play against Auckland United. Health: ProCare has awarded scholarships to top Māori and Pacific medical students entering GP training, including a Cook Islands recipient. Medical Mission: ENT specialists from Australia are in Rarotonga this week to deliver surgeries and specialist clinics for residents and Pa Enua patients.

Cook Islands Election: The King’s Representative, Sir Tom Marsters, has set the Cook Islands general election for Wednesday, August 12, with Parliament now in caretaker mode. Sports—Women’s Football: Puaikura FC is in Honiara for the OFC Women’s Champions League 2026, making their debut and opening against Auckland United FC before a clash with Drehu Athletico Club. Health: ProCare has awarded scholarships to top Māori and Pacific medical students, including a Cook Islands recipient, backing the next generation of GPs. Maritime Safety: A Pukapuka fisherman, Apiuta “Pone” Apiuta, was found alive after a week lost at sea, rescued following RNZAF spotting and a Taiwanese vessel’s help. Regional Security: Foreign Minister Tingika Elikana told the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue that small-island resilience depends on strong institutions, pointing to the Cook Islands’ fuel-crisis planning and calls for Pacific-led energy cooperation. Road Safety: Cook Islands Police report road crashes up 9% in the first half of 2026, with carelessness and distraction flagged as key causes.

General Election: The Cook Islands will hold its 2026 general election on Wednesday, August 12, after Parliament was adjourned sine die and the King’s Representative, Sir Tom Marsters, issued the writ on the PM’s advice, with the government entering caretaker mode. Opposition Pushback: Opposition parties are criticising the “tight timeframe” for the poll, calling it unfair. Football (OFC Women’s Champions League): Puaikura FC is set for a historic debut in Honiara, with the Cook Islands champions pooled in Group B and opening against Auckland United FC before a clash with Drehu Athletico Club. Maritime Rescue: A Cook Islands fisherman missing for a week has been found alive after being spotted by an RNZAF aircraft and recovered by a Taiwanese fishing vessel, highlighting the risks of fishing without basic safety gear. Health (ENT specialists): Australian ENT surgeons are in Rarotonga this week to deliver specialist clinics and complex surgeries in partnership with Te Marae Ora, supported by Australia’s budget support. Road Safety: Cook Islands Police report reported road crashes for the first half of 2026 are up 9% on the same period last year, with carelessness and distraction flagged as key causes.

Elections: The Cook Islands General Election is set for Wednesday, 12 August 2026, with Parliament adjourned sine die and the King’s Representative Sir Tom Marsters issuing the writ and placing the government into caretaker mode. Maritime safety: A Pukapuka fisherman, Apiuta “Pone” Apiuta, was found alive after seven days at sea in a tiny 13-foot boat, rescued with help from RNZAF and a Taiwanese fishing vessel. Health care: An Australian RACS ENT specialist team is in Rarotonga this week delivering clinics and complex surgeries for residents of Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. Regional politics: Minister Tingika Elikana says Pacific-led planning is key to economic security, pointing to the Cook Islands’ response to the fuel crisis at the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue in Suva. Sports (Cook Islands connection): A Cook Islander, Maxime “Max” Teremoana Crocombe, has made World Cup history as the first Cook Islander to play for the New Zealand All Whites. Road safety: Cook Islands Police report road crashes up 9% in the first half of 2026, with carelessness and distraction still major factors.

Cook Islands Election: Parliament has adjourned sine die and the King’s Representative, Sir Tom Marsters, has set the 2026 general election for Wednesday, August 12, with the government moving into caretaker mode. Health & Care: An Australian-backed team of Ear, Nose and Throat specialists is in Rarotonga this week (June 22–26) delivering surgeries and specialist clinics for Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. Local Leadership: Hundreds gathered to farewell former deputy prime minister Ngamau “Aunty Mau” Munokoa, the first woman to hold the deputy PM role, who died in Auckland on June 13. Sports Spotlight: A Cook Islander, Maxime “Max” Teremoana Crocombe, made World Cup history as the first Cook Islander to play for the New Zealand All Whites, with a must-win group match next. Maritime Rescue: A Pukapuka fisherman, Apiuta Apiuta (Pone), was rescued after a week lost at sea following engine failure and drifting in storms. Road Safety: Police report reported road crashes rose 9% in the first half of 2026, with carelessness still the main cause.

Cook Islands Politics: Parliament has adjourned sine die, and the country is now waiting for the official 2026 general election date from the King’s Representative, Sir Tom Marsters. Road Safety: Cook Islands Police report road crashes rose 9% in the first half of 2026 (123 to 134), with June likely to push totals higher; drunk driving is down but officials warn it may be cyclical. Tourism & Travel: Luxury cruise yacht Star Breeze made its first Cook Islands call in Rarotonga after weather blocked shore time in Aitutaki; it carries 273 passengers and 194 crew and is set to return to Aitutaki and Rarotonga in July. Local Economy & Policy: PM Mark Brown says the worst-case GDP shock feared in finance modelling hasn’t materialised, pointing to record visitor numbers and continued growth. Governance & Security: Foreign Minister Tingika Elikana told Pacific counterparts that economic resilience and security are linked, citing the Cook Islands’ coordinated response to the fuel crisis. Sports: Puaikura FC is among the seven teams set for the OFC Women’s Champions League kick-off in Honiara this weekend. Environment: Climate Change Cook Islands and Earth Sciences NZ begin an ocean monitoring voyage aboard Kaharoa II to build a baseline for future change.

Local Governance: Parliament has adjourned sine die, and the Cook Islands is now waiting for the official 2026 election date announcement from the King’s Representative, Sir Tom Marsters. Road Safety: Cook Islands Police report road crashes rose 9% in the first half of 2026 (123 in Jan–Jun 2025 to 134 in Jan–Jun 2026), with distraction and carelessness flagged as key factors. Tourism & Travel: Luxury cruise yacht Star Breeze made its first call to the Cook Islands, arriving in Rarotonga after weather blocked shore time in Aitutaki; it’s set to depart for Tonga and then Fiji, with returns expected in July. Heritage & Community: The Avana Nui Maruarua restoration in Ngatangiia is expected to be completed later this week, with workers drawing on strong ancestral ties to the landmark. Regional Security & Economy: Foreign Minister Tingika Elikana told Pacific leaders that economic resilience and security are linked, pointing to the Cook Islands’ coordinated response to the fuel crisis and urging Pacific-led energy cooperation. Sports: The Cook Islands also features in wider Pacific sport news, including the OFC Women’s Champions League kicking off in Honiara and Warriors’ NRL win over the Cowboys—though an injury to forward Jackson Ford casts a shadow.

Cruise & Tourism: Luxury yacht Star Breeze made its first Cook Islands call this week, reaching Rarotonga after weather stopped passengers going ashore in Aitutaki; the ship carries 273 passengers and 194 crew and is due to depart tonight for Tonga, with more visits expected in July. Heritage Restoration: The Avana Nui Maruarua restoration in Ngatangiia is nearing completion, with crews also drawing on deep ancestral ties to the landmark. Elections & Governance: Parliament has adjourned sine die, and the Cook Islands is now waiting for the official 2026 general election date from the King’s Representative, Sir Tom Marsters. Road Safety: Police report road crashes rose 9% in the first half of 2026, with carelessness and distraction still the main drivers. Economic Security: The Cook Islands Sovereign Wealth Fund Act 2026 has been passed to secure long-term future income from seabed mineral revenues. Regional Policy: Foreign Minister Tingika Elikana urged Pacific-led solutions to economic and security risks at the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue in Suva, pointing to coordinated fuel-crisis planning. Environment & Climate: Climate Change Cook Islands has begun an ocean research voyage on the Kaharoa II to build a baseline for future monitoring, including plastic pollution analysis. Sports: Moana Pasifika will not be in Super Rugby Pacific from 2027 after NZ Rugby rejected rescue bids; in NRL, Cook Islands international Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad starred as the Warriors beat the Cowboys 30-28, though an injury to forward Jackson Ford is a concern. Public Health: A new discussion piece highlights Cook Islands social protection as a long-running policy since the 1960s, while another letter urges stronger action on non-communicable diseases.

Moana Pasifika: New Zealand Rugby has rejected bids to rescue the financially-stricken franchise, confirming Moana Pasifika will not be in Super Rugby Pacific from 2027, with NZR citing unmet capital and business plan requirements. Pacific security and fuel: Foreign Minister Tingika Elikana told the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue in Suva that small-island resilience depends on strong institutions, pointing to the Cook Islands’ coordinated response to the global fuel crisis and calling for Pacific-led energy cooperation. Cook Islands tourism and policy: Prime Minister Mark Brown says record visitor numbers have helped avoid a worst-case GDP hit, while the government also says future tourists aged 12+ must be fully vaccinated before quarantine-free travel resumes. Climate and research: Climate Change Cook Islands has begun an ocean monitoring voyage aboard the Kaharoa II, starting with the northern group to build a baseline for climate impacts and plastic pollution. Community safety: A fisherman missing for a week in the northern Cook Islands was found alive by an RNZAF Poseidon crew and can be retrieved by nearby vessels. Sports and youth: Netball Samoa named its U21 training squad and Cook Islands-linked representation is noted in the lead-up to major regional competitions.

Diplomatic Sport Swap: Foreign Minister Winston Peters gifted US Secretary of State Marco Rubio a customised $200 All Blacks jersey in Washington, with the pair also discussing Middle East impacts on fuel prices and the 2027 Pacific Islands Forum. Tourism & Border Rules: PM Mark Brown says Cook Islands has avoided a worst-case GDP hit thanks to record visitor numbers, while the government says future tourists aged 12+ must be fully vaccinated before quarantine-free travel resumes. Ocean & Climate Work: Climate Change Cook Islands launched an ocean research voyage aboard the Kaharoa II to build a baseline for future monitoring, including plastic pollution sampling. Search and Rescue Relief: A fisherman missing for a week near Pukapuka was found alive by an RNZAF Poseidon crew and recovered by nearby vessels, bringing relief to his family. Health Push: A letter urges stronger action on non-communicable diseases, from easier healthy choices to community gardens and tougher conversations on unhealthy food and drink promotion. Environment Watch: Te Ipukarea Society marks 30 years with school visits to the landfill and conservation area, highlighting waste sorting problems and the need for continued stewardship.

Fuel Crisis in the Pacific: Pacific leaders are coordinating under the Biketawa Declaration as fuel shocks strain island economies, with emergency conservation steps already underway in places like the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Fiji. Tourism & Border Rules: The Cook Islands says future visitors aged 12+ must be fully vaccinated when travel bubble arrangements resume, with medical exemptions only. Ocean Research: Climate Change Cook Islands has launched an ocean monitoring voyage using the Kaharoa II to build a baseline for climate impacts and plastic pollution around the northern group. Local Economy & Business Rights: PM Mark Brown clarified that permanent residents have equal business rights with Cook Islanders, while foreign nationals need approval to operate. Health Focus: A letter urges urgent action on non-communicable diseases, calling for easier healthy choices, tougher scrutiny of unhealthy product promotion, and stronger links between health and food security. Search & Rescue: A fisherman missing for a week from Pukapuka was found alive by an RNZAF Poseidon crew and recovered by nearby fishing vessels. Sports: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad’s four-try haul helped the Warriors beat the Cowboys 30-28, though an injury to forward Jackson Ford casts a shadow.

Public Health: A letter urges urgent action after Cook Islands ranks among the world’s worst for non-communicable diseases, calling for easier healthy choices, limits on promotion of unhealthy products, and stronger links between health and local food growing. Local Politics & Business: PM Mark Brown says permanent residents have equal business rights with Cook Islanders, while foreign nationals need approval to operate legally amid local competition concerns. Climate & Oceans: Climate Change Cook Islands launches an ocean research voyage on the Kaharoa II to build a baseline for future climate impacts, including plastic pollution sampling. Tourism & Border Policy: The government says future tourists aged 12+ must be fully vaccinated, with limited exemptions, as it keeps borders closed to quarantine-free travel until confident there’s no community transmission. Search & Rescue: A Pukapuka fisherman missing for a week was found alive by RNZAF after being spotted in a small skiff, with family describing overwhelming relief. Regional Economy: PM Brown says record visitor numbers have helped avoid a worst-case GDP downturn tied to global fuel shocks. Education & Culture: USP marks major graduation moments, including tribute to King Tupou VI as Chancellor, while Te Ipukarea Society celebrates 30 years of environmental stewardship.

Tourism & Economy: Prime Minister Mark Brown says the Cook Islands has dodged a feared GDP hit, pointing to record visitor numbers and growth despite global oil shocks tied to the Strait of Hormuz reopening. Border Policy: The government says future tourists aged 12+ must be fully vaccinated for Covid-19, with limited exemptions, and borders won’t reopen for quarantine-free travel until there’s confidence of no community transmission. Search & Rescue: A Pukapuka fisherman missing for more than a week was found alive by an RNZAF P-8A Poseidon crew, waving in a small aluminium skiff; nearby vessels recovered him, bringing relief to his family and island community. Environment: Te Ipukarea Society marks 30 years of environmental stewardship, taking students from Apii Takitumu to the landfill and Takitumu Conservation Area to highlight waste sorting gaps and the need for continued action. Culture & Education: USP’s Cook Islands graduation paid tribute to Chancellor King Tupou VI, while Cook Islands Māori Language Week launches a poetry and short story competition with an expanded theme to boost Reo Māori entries. Regional Security: Pacific experts warn transnational crime is now an established threat, calling for stronger community and regional cooperation to tackle drug trafficking and digital crime.

Search and Rescue: A Pukapuka fisherman, believed to be 42-year-old Pone Apiuta, was found alive after more than a week adrift in a 4-metre skiff, spotted by an RNZAF Poseidon crew and recovered by nearby fishing vessels—bringing relief to his family and community. Tourism Policy: The Cook Islands says it will only accept fully vaccinated tourists aged 12+ when travel bubble arrangements resume, with medical exemptions and a continued cautious approach to reopening. Environment: Te Ipukarea Society marks 30 years of stewardship, taking Grade 5 and 6 students from Apii Takitumu to the landfill and Takitumu Conservation Area to highlight waste sorting and biodiversity. Cyber Safety: Cook Islands Police Cybercrime Unit and NZ specialists ran a cyber safety roadshow for Tereora College Year 10 students. Culture & Learning: USP Cook Islands graduation celebrated 36 graduates, while Māori Language Week (June 29–July 5) includes a poetry and short story competition with an extended, broadened theme.