AGP Executive Report

Border security boost: US Homeland Security Investigations trained Cook Islands Customs officers and donated drug test kits, as officials warn transnational crime targets the “weakest link.” Public health: A free cervical screening outreach continues in Rarotonga, with clinics listed for Kavera today and further dates across the month. Youth and skills: The Cook Islands Business Hub has closed after years supporting youth learning and workplace pathways, including Massey University graduates backed through the hub. Environment push: Work is underway on a National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution, aiming to cut waste entering landfill and the lagoon through practical alternatives and behaviour change. Sports and community: Cook Islands’ U19 qualifying campaign continues after a big win over Tonga, while Vaka TV will stream selected FIFA World Cup matches via CIFA sponsorship. Regional context: Pacific leaders renewed calls for global peace amid rising fuel costs, and the ADB announced a $4b package to cushion economies hit by the Middle East conflict. Weather alert: A heavy swell and coastal flooding warning has been issued for the Cook Islands.

Border Security: US Homeland Security Investigations trained Cook Islands Customs and donated drug test kits, as officials warn transnational crime targets the “weakest link.” Public Health: Free cervical screening outreach continues in Rarotonga, with clinics at Kavera today and more dates across the month for women aged 25–65. Environment & Waste: The National Environment Service is developing a National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution, aiming to cut landfill and marine waste through practical, local solutions. Local Governance: Former PM Henry Puna has been appointed chair of Rarotonga’s water authority, To Tatou Vai, following Brian Mason’s resignation. Community & Youth: The Cook Islands Business Hub has closed after years supporting youth learning and careers, including Massey University graduates backed through the hub. Regional & Sports: Cook Islands U19s opened their OFC qualifying campaign with a 4-1 win over Tonga and now face PNG in a must-win match. Weather Alert: A heavy swell and coastal inundation warning is in place as a system moves across the Pacific, bringing dangerous seas and flooding risk.

Border Security Boost: US Homeland Security Investigations officers visited Cook Islands Customs to train staff and hand over drug test kits, as officials warn transnational crime targets the “weakest link.” Public Health: A New Zealand visitor hospitalised after a Cook Islands holiday was diagnosed with a rare bloodstream infection linked to a marine bacterium, with doctors pointing to raw seafood as the likely route. Environment & Policy: Work is underway on a Cook Islands National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution, aiming to cut waste entering landfill and the lagoon while improving recycling and practical alternatives. Local Governance: Former PM Henry Puna has been appointed chair of Rarotonga’s water authority, To Tatou Vai, following Brian Mason’s resignation. Sports & Community: Cook Islands’ U19 bid continues in Rarotonga’s qualifying tournament after a 4-1 win over Tonga, while cervical screening outreach continues with a free clinic at Kavera today. Regional Context: Pacific leaders renewed calls for global peace as fuel-price pressure hits the region, and ADB announced $4b crisis financing for Middle East conflict fallout.

Border Security: Cook Islands Customs boosted enforcement after US Homeland Security Investigations officers delivered intelligence training and handed over drug test kits, with Financial Secretary Garth Henderson stressing vigilance against transnational crime. Public Health: A free cervical screening clinic is running in Rarotonga from Kavera today, with outreach dates set for Tepiri (June 18), Matavera (June 25), Avatiu (July 2) and Inave (July 9). Sports & Community: Cook Islands’ U19 men’s team kicked off its OFC qualifying in Rarotonga with a 4-1 win over Tonga, and football fans can watch selected FIFA World Cup 2026 matches live on Vaka TV via CIFA. Environment & Governance: The National Environment Service is developing a National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution under the Pacific Ocean Litter Project, while SBMA attended a deep seabed sustainable blue growth workshop in Suva. Weather Alert: A heavy swell and coastal inundation warning has been issued, with 4–5 metre swells forecast for the Cook Islands.

Moana in the skies: Hawaiian Airlines has unveiled the first of three live-action “Moana” aircraft liveries, with the A321neo route that also connects to the Cook Islands carrying the “Voyage beyond the reef” theme ahead of the July 10 film release. Regional finance: The Asian Development Bank is mobilising $4 billion to help Asia-Pacific economies absorb fallout from the Middle East conflict, including support for fuel, food and trade pressures. Football pathway: Cook Islands’ U19 men’s team kicked off the OFC qualifying tournament in Rarotonga with a 4-1 win over Tonga, setting up a must-win clash against Papua New Guinea. Health on the ground: A free cervical screening clinic is running in Rarotonga today at Kavera, with more outreach dates listed across the month. Public safety weather: A heavy swell and coastal inundation warning has been issued for the Cook Islands, with southern impacts starting today and northern areas later in the week. Water governance: Former PM Henry Puna has been appointed chair of Rarotonga’s water authority, To Tatou Vai. Sports achievement: Paddler Reuben Dearlove won the Masters Men 50 division at Te Aito in Tahiti. Health alert from travel: A rare bloodstream infection in a New Zealand man has been linked to a Cook Islands holiday, with doctors reporting a marine bacterium as the likely cause.

Health & Safety: A rare bloodstream infection linked to marine bacteria (Shewanella) has been traced in a New Zealand Medical Journal case involving a man who returned from the Cook Islands with fever and rapidly worsening leg infections. Sports: Cook Islands kicked off the OFC U19 Men’s Championship qualifying in Rarotonga with a 4-1 thumping of Tonga, and now face a must-win clash against Papua New Guinea. Community Health: Free cervical screening continues with a clinic at Kavera today as Rarotonga outreach ramps up after Southern Group visits. Environment & Policy: The National Environment Service is supporting a National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution under the Pacific Ocean Litter Project, aiming for practical waste reduction and behaviour change. Governance & Infrastructure: Former PM Henry Puna has been appointed chair of Rarotonga’s water authority, To Tatou Vai, following a resignation. Weather Watch: A heavy swell and coastal inundation warning remains in place as dangerous seas move across the Pacific. Aviation & Travel: Hawaiian Airlines’ first live-action “Moana” aircraft livery is set to arrive, with the A321neo route connecting Hawaiʻi to the U.S. West Coast and the Cook Islands.

Rare infection after Cook Islands holiday: A man in South Auckland was hospitalised with a rare, severe Shewanella infection after a Cook Islands trip; doctors say the exact source is unclear, but he reported eating raw fish while staying near an outer Cook Island. Plastics push: The Cook Islands National Environment Service is developing a National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution, aiming for practical steps across government, business, schools and communities. Water security leadership: Former PM Henry Puna has been appointed chair of Rarotonga’s water authority, To Tatou Vai, following Brian Mason’s resignation. Weather watch: A heavy swell and coastal inundation warning is in place for the Cook Islands, with 4–5m swells expected and impacts starting in the Southern Group first. Sporting highlights: Cook Islands paddler Reuben Dearlove wins Masters Men 50 at Te Aito 2026 in Tahiti, while the national women’s team beats Afghanistan United 1-0 and 3-0 in Auckland. Regional enforcement: NZDF supports fisheries patrols in Cook Islands waters under Operation Tui Moana, including aerial surveillance to identify vessels of interest.

Coastal Safety: A heavy swell and coastal inundation warning has been issued for the Cook Islands, with forecasts of 4–5 metre swells and impacts hitting the Southern Group first, after dangerous seas in New Zealand triggered evacuations and a state of emergency. Water Governance: Former PM Henry Puna has been appointed chair of Rarotonga’s water authority, To Tatou Vai, following Brian Mason’s resignation. Plastic Pollution Plan: The National Environment Service has engaged Rima Moeka’a to help develop a National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution under the Pacific Ocean Litter Project, aiming to cut single-use plastic and improve waste management. Maritime Security: New Zealand Defence Force support continued in Cook Islands waters in May, backing fisheries patrols under Operation Tui Moana and adding aerial surveillance to identify vessels of interest. Sports & Community: Cook Islands women beat Afghanistan United 1-0 and 3-0 in Auckland, while paddler Reuben Dearlove won Masters Men 50 at Te Aito 2026 in Tahiti. Northern Group Outreach: Punanga Turuturu Itivaine completed a major outreach trip to Pukapuka, Rakahanga, Manihiki and Penrhyn.

Offshore Finance & Wealth Planning: Wealth Web says demand for Cook Islands trusts and offshore asset protection is rising, driven by higher litigation risk, more public visibility of wealth and greater global mobility, with Cook Islands Finance reporting 1,023 registrations and renewals in the latest quarter. Maritime Security: The NZDF backed Cook Islands Police fisheries patrols in May under Operation Tui Moana, and later an RNZAF MC-12K aircraft joined to spot vessels of interest for follow-up. Pacific Surveillance & Fisheries Enforcement: Australia’s RAAF C-27J Spartan flew aerial surveillance over Cook Islands and Tonga waters as part of a multinational push to detect illegal fishing, with PM Mark Brown saying it fills a capability gap. Women’s Football: The Cook Islands women beat Afghanistan United 1-0 and 3-0 in Auckland in a historic series tied to FIFA’s pathway for Afghan women’s football. Community Outreach (Northern Group): Punanga Turuturu Itivaine (PTI) completed outreach visits to Pukapuka, Rakahanga, Manihiki and Penrhyn. Sports (U19 Qualifiers): The OFC U19 Men’s Championship qualifiers kick off in Rarotonga today with Cook Islands hosting Tonga and Papua New Guinea. Environment & Waste: A baseline study says Cook Islands beach plastic pollution is largely driven by tourism and local habits, calling for targeted waste management and better coordination.

Moana Pasifika Rescue Talk: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says the Super Rugby franchise still has a pathway to survive, ruling out a direct government bailout and pointing to new potential backers after the club’s liquidation fears. Northern Group Outreach: Punanga Turuturu Itivaine (PTI) wraps a major community trip to Pukapuka, Rakahanga, Manihiki and Penrhyn. Local Sports—Women’s Football: The Cook Islands women beat Afghanistan United 1-0 and 3-0 in Auckland in a historic series tied to FIFA’s Afghan women’s football pathway. Maritime Security: NZDF supports Cook Islands fisheries enforcement, with navy and air surveillance backing Operation Tui Moana. Cybercrime Push: Pacific legal leaders in Fiji progress a regional handbook to strengthen cybercrime laws, including Cook Islands participation. Deep-Sea Science: NOAA will map deep waters around the Cook Islands this summer, streaming research and sharing data for local stewardship. Housing Pressure Letter: A reader flags the long-term housing crisis, warning tourism-driven short-term rentals are squeezing renters. Community Safety: Northern Islands unite against domestic violence, with renewed focus on local action.

Maritime Security: The RAAF C-27J Spartan has begun its first Australian Defence Force operation in Cook Islands waters under Operation Solania, working with RNZAF to support Operation Tui Moana and identify 12 vessels of interest for illegal fishing enforcement. Cybercrime Cooperation: Legal officers from across the Blue Pacific, including the Cook Islands, are meeting in Fiji to finalise a regional cybercrime legislation handbook aimed at strengthening laws and responses to rising digital threats. Deep-Sea Science: NOAA will lead a 28-day expedition to map deep waters around the Cook Islands this July–August, with live streaming and publicly shared data to support local stewardship and resource management. Fuel Security: Government’s new online dashboard says fuel stocks are stable, with Rarotonga up to 57 days and Aitutaki “well-stocked.” Local Governance & Courts: A private prosecution involving PM Mark Brown and Forum SG Henry Puna has been dismissed, but an appeal application has been filed. Sports & Community: The OFC U19 Men’s Championship qualifiers kick off in Rarotonga with Cook Islands hosting Tonga and Papua New Guinea, while oe vaka and other local events keep the week busy.

Pacific Security & Cybercrime: Fiji is pushing Pacific-wide coordination to strengthen cybercrime laws, with legal experts in Nadi finalising a regional handbook to help countries respond to growing digital threats. Maritime Surveillance (Cook Islands): NZDF supported Cook Islands Police fisheries patrols in May, using navy personnel on Te Kukupa II and later air reconnaissance to track possible fishing breaches and serious organised crime. Deep-Sea Minerals & NOAA: NOAA will map deep waters off the Cook Islands this summer, in a 28-day expedition with Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority, using advanced mapping and live-streamed science. Governance & Law Training (Cook Islands): A three-day Legal Policy Development Course in Rarotonga is building skills in drafting laws and policies, bringing officials from 18 agencies and private lawyers together. Energy Supplies (Cook Islands): A new online dashboard says fuel stocks are stable, with Rarotonga up to 57 days and Aitutaki well-stocked. Sports (Cook Islands): OFC U19 Men’s Championship qualifiers kick off in Rarotonga today, with hosts Cook Islands joined by Tonga and Papua New Guinea. Tourism & Community: Te Tapora Kai at Punanga Nui Market runs a “Taste of the Cook Islands” pop-up today, featuring local food, crafts, and cultural demos. Regional Context: Australia and New Zealand reaffirmed support for Pacific-led regionalism, climate action and security ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ meeting in Palau.

Travel Deals: Aurora Expeditions is offering savings of up to $9,399 per person on select High Arctic voyages to Svalbard and Greenland, with Northern Lights and Zodiac cruising highlights. Tourism & Community: The “Taste of the Cook Islands” pop-up at Te Tapora Kai returns today at Punanga Nui Market, with local dishes, live music, cultural demos and new vendors. Deep-Sea Minerals & Stewardship: NOAA will lead a 28-day expedition to map deep waters around the Cook Islands this July–August, streaming live science and sharing data with the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority. Sports (Football): The OFC U19 Men’s Championship qualifiers kick off in Rarotonga today with Cook Islands hosting Tonga and Papua New Guinea for a spot at the 2026 finals. Sports (Rugby League): The Cook Islands Rugby League Origin Series starts this weekend at Nukupure Park, giving local players a pathway to higher-level squads. Energy Update: Government’s new online dashboard says fuel stocks are stable, with Rarotonga up to 57 days and Aitutaki well-stocked. Environment: A baseline study links Cook Islands beach plastic pollution to tourism and local habits, calling for targeted waste management.

Pacific Security & Climate: Australia and New Zealand reaffirmed Pacific-led regionalism, climate action and security cooperation ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau. Deep-Sea Minerals Watch: NOAA will lead a 28-day expedition to map deep waters around the Cook Islands this July–August, working with the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority and streaming live for shore-based researchers. Maritime Surveillance: New Zealand’s RNZAF targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity across Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands EEZ as part of Operation Kiwa, supporting fisheries protection and regional security. Local Governance: The Cook Islands Law Commission is holding public meetings on “warranted” land, stressing consultations relate only to government-acquired warrant land, not private leases. Energy Update: A new online dashboard says fuel stocks are stable, with Rarotonga up to 57 days and Aitutaki well-stocked. Sports (Football): The OFC U19 Men’s Championship qualifiers kick off in Rarotonga today with Cook Islands hosting Tonga and Papua New Guinea. Sports (Rugby League): The 2026 Cook Islands Rugby League Origin Series starts this weekend at Nukupure Park. Environment & Community: Beach plastic pollution is being blamed on tourism and local habits, while Waihī pupils turned discarded waste into fish sculptures to highlight marine plastic.

OFC U19 Football: The Cook Islands host Tonga and Papua New Guinea for the OFC U19 Men’s Championship Qualifiers at the CIFA Complex in Rarotonga, with the winner earning a spot at the 2026 finals in Samoa. Deep-Sea Science: NOAA will lead a 28-day expedition to map and explore deep waters around the Cook Islands this July-August, with live streaming and publicly shared data to support local stewardship. Fuel Security: Government’s new online dashboard says fuel stocks are stable, with Rarotonga up to 57 days and Aitutaki “well-stocked” despite a 10-day petrol baseline. Energy & Governance Skills: A Legal Policy Development Course is building law and policy drafting capability across government and private lawyers, while CIIC continues director training to strengthen board governance. Tourism & Community: “Taste of the Cook Islands” returns to Te Tapora Kai at Punanga Nui Market, featuring local food, music and cultural demos. Environment: A baseline study links Cook Islands beach plastic pollution to tourism and community habits, prompting calls for targeted waste management. Sports & Health: Free spinal health checks run in Rarotonga with NZ chiropractic interns, and the Puaikura Volunteer Fire Brigade raised $43,775 for Blood Cancer NZ. Rugby League: Valentine Holmes is set to make himself available for the Cook Islands at the Rugby League World Cup.

Sports & Community: The Cook Islands U19 Men’s Championship qualifying stage kicks off at the CIFA Complex in Rarotonga today, with hosts Cook Islands taking on Tonga and Papua New Guinea for a spot at the OFC U19 Men’s Championship in Samoa. Tourism & Local Food: “Taste of the Cook Islands” returns to Te Tapora Kai at Punanga Nui Market, with local vendors, itivaine samples, live music and cultural demos running 9am–12 noon. Environment: A baseline study links Cook Islands beach plastic pollution to tourism and local habits, prompting calls for targeted waste management and better collaboration. Biodiversity: Te Ipukarea Society warns feral cats are threatening Rarotonga’s rare seabirds, including ground-nesting species in the cloud forest. Governance & Law: A Legal Policy Development Course is strengthening governance and legislative design capability across Cook Islands Government, while Law Commission public meetings clarify consultations relate only to government-warranted land. Energy: A new online dashboard says fuel stocks are stable, with Rarotonga up to 57 days and Aitutaki well-stocked. Deep-Sea Science: NOAA will map deep waters around the Cook Islands this summer, with live streaming and public data sharing.