AGP Executive Report

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.

Deep-Sea Mining Fallout: A new report warns the International Seabed Authority is debating rules while deep-sea mining could mobilise naturally occurring radioactive materials from the seabed, raising risks to marine life and the food chain, including seafood consumers. Local Politics: Cook Islands Parliament has been dissolved and the general election set for Wednesday, 12 August 2026, with the government entering caretaker mode ahead of the poll. Education Reform: Education Minister Vaine ‘Mac’Mokoroa says the Cook Islands is fully involved with major reforms alongside New Zealand, including the replacement of NCEA and a new curriculum. Disaster Readiness: Pacific disaster teams trained in Brisbane on humanitarian warehousing, including receiving, storing and dispatching relief supplies, with Cook Islands logistics officers among participants. Sports (Women’s Football): Puaikura FC begins its debut at the OFC Women’s Champions League in Honiara today, facing Auckland United FC and later Drehu Athletico Club. Health: Regional experts say cervical cancer elimination in the Pacific is achievable with strong HPV vaccination and screening.

Deep-Sea Mining Alarm: A coalition of NGOs and scientists warns deep-sea mining could spread radioactive material through the marine food chain, with seafood eaters including people in the Cook Islands potentially at risk. Election Countdown: The Cook Islands will hold its general election on August 12, with Parliament entering caretaker mode as opposition questions the “tight timeframe.” Education Reform: Education Minister Vaine ‘Mac’Mokoroa says the Cook Islands is fully engaged with major reforms alongside New Zealand, including the shift away from NCEA and a new curriculum. Tourism & Digital Payments: MFEM’s Te Pa’ata initiative aims to lift digital financial literacy for holiday home operators, tackling gaps that affect e-payments from online travel platforms. Survival at Sea: Pukapuka fisherman Apiuta Apiuta survived eight days lost after engine failure, later rescued by NZ air and a Taiwanese fishing vessel. Regional Football: Puaikura FC begins its OFC Women’s Champions League debut in Honiara, pooled against Auckland United and Drehu Athletico. Health Mission: ENT specialists are in Rarotonga for clinics and complex surgeries, supported by Australia’s partnership funding.

Cook Islands Election: The King’s Representative, Sir Tom Marsters, has set the Cook Islands General Election for Wednesday, August 12, with Parliament entering caretaker mode ahead of the poll after Parliament was adjourned sine die. Local Politics: Opposition parties are already criticising the “tight timeframe” as unfair, while a letter to voters urges people to question campaign promises and whether past commitments were actually delivered. Regional Football: Cook Islands champions Puaikura FC are in Honiara for the OFC Women’s Champions League 2026, making their debut in a group that includes Auckland United and Drehu Athletico Club. Health & Community: ProCare has recognised top Māori and Pacific medical students, including a Cook Islands recipient, as general practice faces ongoing pressure. Maritime Safety: A Pukapuka fisherman, Apiuta Apiuta, was found alive after a week at sea, rescued following storms that knocked out his dinghy. Environment Debate: A new pushback against deep-seabed mining argues the seabed minerals promise is high-risk and not yet proven to be economically viable for Cook Islanders.

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.