AGP Executive Report

Cook Islands Election: Prime Minister Mark Brown is set for a second term after the Cook Islands Party won 12 of 24 seats in preliminary results, with voting delayed on remote Nassau; Brown’s party is expected to form government with support from independents, while analysts say cost of living beat geopolitics in voters’ minds. Parliament Math: Three newly elected Mangaia independents—Agnes Armstrong, Rimmel Poila-Mokoroa and Tetangi Matapo—have agreed to join the CIP, pushing it toward a supermajority. Opposition Shake-up: Democratic Party leader Tina Pupuke-Browne has pledged an “honest campaign review” after preliminary results show the party losing all seats, though two races remain extremely close. Pacific Aviation: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters pointed to the Cook Islands’ airline experience as a Pacific aviation model, highlighting how support helped lift routes to about 175,000 passengers a year. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) raised Cook Islands concerns at the International Seabed Authority over seabed mining plans near the South Penrhyn Basin. Bird Flu Prep: Pacific governments, including the Cook Islands, have sought New Zealand advice as H5 bird flu spreads in Australia and New Zealand.

Cook Islands Election: Preliminary results point to Prime Minister Mark Brown’s Cook Islands Party retaining government, winning 12 of 24 seats, with voting delayed on remote Nassau; Brown says he’s grateful to voters as the final seat count is still pending. Parliament Numbers: The CIP is also edging toward a two-thirds supermajority after three independent Mangaia MPs agreed to join, potentially lifting the party’s tally close to the threshold. Seabed Mining Pushback: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns about deep-seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, opposing a US company’s exploration bid in the South Penrhyn Basin. Cyber Safety: A new Cyber Safety Awareness Programme is being rolled out to help residents and businesses protect against scams and fraud. Bird Flu Watch: Pacific governments, including the Cook Islands, are seeking guidance on preparing for H5 avian influenza as it spreads in Australia and New Zealand. Sport (Cook Islands links): Cook Islands men’s football has appointed Rhys Ruka as national head coach on a long-term deal through 2028.

Cook Islands election update: Preliminary results point to Prime Minister Mark Brown’s Cook Islands Party retaining government, winning 12 of 24 seats with voting on remote Nassau delayed by bad weather; Brown is expected to form a second term with support from independents while cost of living and inflation were key voter concerns. Parliament math: A major boost could come from Mangaia, where three independent female MPs—Agnes Armstrong, Rimmel Poila-Mokoroa and Tetangi Matapo—have agreed to join the Cook Islands Party, pushing it closer to a two-thirds supermajority. Deep-sea mining pushback: Te Ipukarea Society has taken Cook Islands concerns about seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, opposing a US company’s exploration bid in an area surrounded by Cook Islands waters. Regional diplomacy: The US held a second Pacific summit with island leaders, including recognising the Cook Islands and promising new infrastructure support, while New Zealand’s stance on FIFA leadership and other regional moves continue to ripple through Oceania. Sport and youth: Rhys Ruka appointed long-term head coach of the Cook Islands men’s team through 2028, and Michelle Paiti named chef de mission for Team Cook Islands at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

Cook Islands Election Update: Preliminary results from the 2026 general election show Prime Minister Mark Brown’s Cook Islands Party on track for a fifth consecutive term, winning 12 of 24 seats, with voting on remote Nassau delayed by bad weather and expected to finish later; Brown’s party needs 13 seats to govern and is already working with independents to pass laws. Democracy & Turnout: A commentary flags a low turnout in Rarotonga’s preliminary count, with about 40.9% of the roll not represented yet, raising questions about civic engagement. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns about seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, opposing a US company’s exploration push in waters adjacent to the Cook Islands. Regional Diplomacy: The US held a second Pacific summit with leaders, with Washington recognising the Cook Islands and Niue and promising new infrastructure support, including internet connectivity. Sports & Youth: Rhys Ruka is appointed Cook Islands men’s head coach on a long-term deal through 2028, while Michelle Paiti becomes chef de mission for Team Cook Islands at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

Election Update: Preliminary results point to Cook Islands PM Mark Brown’s Cook Islands Party (CIP) retaining government for a fifth term, winning 12 of 24 seats, with voting on remote Nassau delayed by bad weather and expected to finish later. Cost of Living & Democracy: A separate analysis flags low turnout in Rarotonga’s preliminary count, raising questions about voter engagement and what non-voting could mean for the health of democracy. Deep-Sea Mining at the UN: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns about seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, opposing a US company’s push for an exploration licence in the South Penrhyn Basin. Regional Health Watch: Pacific governments, including the Cook Islands, have sought New Zealand advice on preparing for H5 bird flu as it spreads in Australia and New Zealand. Sport & Youth: Rhys Ruka is appointed long-term as the Cook Islands men’s national coach through 2028, while Michelle Paiti becomes chef de mission for Team Cook Islands at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

Cook Islands election update: Preliminary results point to Prime Minister Mark Brown’s Cook Islands Party winning 12 of 24 seats, with voting delayed on the remote island of Nassau due to bad weather; Brown says he’s grateful to voters as the country heads toward a likely fifth term, with a majority needing 13 seats and independents expected to matter. Cost of living front and centre: Ahead of the ballot, voters flagged inflation and everyday costs like fuel, water, power, housing and transport as key concerns. China and deep-sea mining in the background: The campaign has been shaped by Brown’s China dealings and the push to explore deep-sea mining, a topic that’s polarised the electorate. Bird flu watch: Pacific governments have asked New Zealand for advice on preparing for H5 avian influenza after detections in Australia and New Zealand, with wildlife risks a major worry. Football news: Rhys Ruka has been appointed Cook Islands men’s national head coach on a long-term deal through 2028, while Michelle Paiti is named chef de mission for Team Cook Islands at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. Cyber safety: A new awareness programme aims to help residents and businesses protect against scams and online fraud. Culture: Visiting Aotearoa Māori carvers are blending ancestral techniques with Cook Islands designs to create shared genealogy carvings.

Cook Islands Election: Preliminary results point to Prime Minister Mark Brown and the Cook Islands Party winning a second term, with 12 of 24 seats so far and voting delayed on remote Nassau due to bad weather; Brown thanked voters and said his party is on track for a fifth consecutive term, while the final seat count could still hinge on Nassau and independents. Cost of Living & Policy: Ahead of the ballot, inflation and the cost of living were top concerns for voters, alongside worries about water tariffs and deep-sea mining. Bird Flu Watch: Pacific governments, including the Cook Islands, have sought New Zealand advice on preparing for H5 bird flu as it spreads in Australia and New Zealand, with the biggest risk seen as impacts on vulnerable wildlife. Regional Diplomacy: The Cook Islands is also in the middle of wider Pacific engagement, including preparations for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, while the US hosted a Pacific summit where Washington pledged new infrastructure support and recognition for Cook Islands and Niue. Sport & Youth: Oceania Football Confederation officer Michelle Paiti has been appointed chef de mission for Team Cook Islands at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. Cyber Safety: The Cook Islands is rolling out a new Cyber Safety Awareness Programme aimed at scams and online fraud.

Cook Islands Election Update: Preliminary results show Prime Minister Mark Brown’s Cook Islands Party is set to retain power, winning 12 of 24 seats with voting delayed on the remote island of Nassau due to bad weather; Brown is expected to lead a second term after thanking voters and candidates, while the final seat could tighten the numbers. New Zealand–Pacific Politics: The vote comes as New Zealand watches closely after earlier strains tied to Cook Islands agreements with China, and as New Zealand itself faces political turmoil after a leadership challenge against PM Christopher Luxon. Regional Diplomacy: US President Joe Biden met Pacific leaders at a second White House summit, announcing expanded US recognition for the Cook Islands and Niue and new infrastructure support, including internet connectivity via undersea cables. Cyber Safety: The Cook Islands is rolling out a Cyber Safety Awareness Programme to help residents and businesses protect against scams and online fraud. Football & Sport: In Oceania football, OFC moves around FIFA’s Forward Enterprise plan continue amid New Zealand breaking ranks over Gianni Infantino, while locally Lae City and Rewa FC set up key Champions League matches.

Cook Islands Election Update: Preliminary results point to Prime Minister Mark Brown and the Cook Islands Party winning a fifth consecutive term, with Brown’s party on 12 of 24 seats and voting delayed on the remote island of Nassau due to bad weather. Local Politics: Brown thanked voters and candidates after the vote, while opposition figures say they’ll need to unite to challenge him as independents could decide government formation if no clear majority emerges. Cost of Living & Governance: Reports ahead of polling showed inflation and everyday costs—fuel, water, power, housing and transport—were top concerns, with the election seen as a test of stability and representation. Regional Environment: Cook Islands is represented at SPREP’s Executive Board meeting in Samoa, as Pacific leaders focus on climate, biodiversity loss and pollution priorities. Cyber Safety: A new Cook Islands Cyber Safety Awareness Programme is rolling out to help residents and businesses guard against scams and online fraud. Sport & Pay: Rugby League World Cup player payments were clarified, with Cook Islands and other Pacific players set for tournament match and placement-based remuneration. Football Governance: In a separate Pacific-wide sports story, the OFC backed FIFA president Gianni Infantino, while New Zealand broke ranks and called for an independent review of FIFA’s Forward Enterprise plan.

Cook Islands Election: The Cook Islands Party has secured a fifth straight term after winning Wednesday’s general election, taking 11 seats to the United Party’s 4, with the final seat due after weather-delayed voting in Nassau. Rarotonga Watch: Analysts say the capital’s 10 constituencies could decide government formation, with support tight and many voters still undecided. Key Issues: Cost of living and inflation top voters’ concerns, alongside water tariffs and the deep-sea mining debate. China & Mining Stakes: The election is also framed as a test of appetite for deep-sea mining and wider ties with China, with Mark Brown facing criticism over his approach. Regional Environment: SPREP’s executive board meeting in Samoa is focused on the “triple planetary crises” of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, with Pacific communities urged to push for stronger action. Pacific Sport: Rewa FC kept its OFC Men’s Champions League hopes alive with a 4-2 win over Tupapa, setting up a must-win clash vs Lae City. Culture & Music: Sam V and Signature Choir were big winners at the 2026 Pacific Music Awards in Auckland.

Cook Islands Election: Preliminary results are starting to come in after polls opened Wednesday, with Mark Brown’s Cook Islands Party already showing strong early wins in Takuvaine–Tutakimoa, while races across Rarotonga look set to decide who governs as support tightens between the Cook Islands Party and the United Party. Cost of Living & Water: Voters’ top concerns are cost of living and inflation, including fuel, water and power bills, housing and transport, with water tariffs also a live campaign issue. China & Deep-Sea Mining: The election is also being framed around deep-sea mining and the Cook Islands’ expanding ties with China, with Mark Brown defending his approach and challengers pushing for a referendum. Regional Diplomacy: Cook Islands officials wrapped up regional meetings in Suva ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ gathering in Palau, focusing on the Blue Pacific 2050 strategy and regional security. Environment Focus: SPREP’s executive board meeting in Samoa is putting the “triple planetary crises” front and centre, with Pacific communities urged to keep climate and ocean priorities on the agenda. Sport: Rewa FC kept their OFC Men’s Champions League hopes alive with a 4-2 win over Tupapa, setting up a must-win clash against Lae City.

Cook Islands Election: Polling is open for the 2026 general election, with 110,000 registered voters choosing MPs for the next four years; voting runs 9am–6pm, 24 constituencies across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, and 13 seats are needed for a majority as independents could hold the balance. Election Watch: A Cook Islands News poll points to a tight race with the CIP on 30.5% and the CIUP surging to 26.7%, while 25.7% remain undecided—meaning coalition talks may decide who governs. Cost of Living & Water: Voters are focused on inflation and everyday bills, including fuel, water, power, housing and transport; opposition leader Tina Browne says she would push to remove water use tariffs for residential and agricultural users. Seabed Mining Debate: A letter challenges a seabed-mining headline over how a small poll sample was presented, keeping the issue front and centre in the campaign. Regional Climate Push: SPREP’s chief says Pacific communities are bearing the brunt of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, as foreign ministers back stronger climate action ahead of COP31. Sport & Community: Netball mourns former Silver Ferns captain and Cook Islands mentor Ana Noovao, who died aged 58; in football, Rewa beat Tupapa 4-2 in the OFC Champions League.

Cook Islands Election: A tight race is shaping up for Rarotonga, with the governing Cook Islands Party holding a narrow edge but the Cook Islands United Party gaining momentum; one poll puts CIP at 30.5% and CIUP at 26.7%, with 25.7% undecided, suggesting coalition talks may decide who governs. Cost of Living & Water: Voters are focused on everyday pressures, including cost of living and water tariffs, with opposition calls to remove residential and agricultural water use charges on Rarotonga. Seabed Mining Debate: A letter challenges the accuracy of a headline claiming a “majority” oppose seabed mining, arguing the poll’s small sample size was overstated—while leaders and groups continue to urge caution. Women’s Health: The Cook Islands launches its first menopause awareness event, Te Marū o te Vaine, set for August 14 with expert speakers and support for women in perimenopause and menopause. Public Safety: Police report a 33-year-old man remanded over an alleged bush-knife threat in a domestic incident, alongside other minor incidents. Regional Climate Push: Forum foreign ministers back stronger climate action ahead of COP31, with the Cook Islands attending at senior officials level. Sport (OFC): Rewa FC bounced back in the OFC Men’s Champions League, beating Tupapa Maraerenga 4-2 in Ba. Netball: Tributes continue after former Silver Ferns captain Ana Noovao died aged 58, remembered for her leadership and Cook Islands ties.

National Election Watch: With polling day on Wednesday, the Cook Islands election is shaping up as a tight, fragmented race, with a Cook Islands News poll showing the governing Cook Islands Party (CIP) on 30.5% and the surging Cook Islands United Party (CIUP) on 26.7%, while 25.7% of voters remain undecided—meaning a coalition looks likely. Prime Minister Preference: In a separate leaders poll, caretaker PM Mark Brown is the preferred choice at 35.2%, but a large share of voters are still undecided. Cost of Living Focus: Campaigning is being driven by everyday pressure, with cost-of-living concerns front and centre as parties fight for support across the outer islands. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: A majority of voters oppose seabed mining in a new poll, while leaders stress current work is limited to exploration and research. Critical Minerals Deal Update: A US SEC filing on a proposed US$1billion merger tied to Cook Islands deep-sea licence holders shifts the ownership description to a staged acquisition framework and sets a revised completion deadline of 8 October 2026. Sport—Netball Loss: Netball New Zealand and Cook Islands communities are mourning former Silver Ferns captain Ana Noovao, who died aged 58, remembered for her leadership and her coaching impact in the Cook Islands. Sport—OFC Champions League: Tupapa Maraerenga FC face Rewa FC in the OFC Men’s Champions League, with the tournament set to be streamed live and free on DAZN.

Cook Islands Election: A tight race is shaping up ahead of the 12 August polls, with the Cook Islands Party (CIP) leading at 30.5% and the Cook Islands United Party (CIUP) close behind at 26.7%, while 25.7% of voters remain undecided—meaning coalition talks look likely. Preferred PM Poll: Caretaker PM Mark Brown is the top pick at 35.2% in a separate “preferred PM” survey, but a large undecided group (32.4%) could still swing outcomes. Seabed Mining Backlash: A Cook Islands poll shows majority opposition to seabed mining, as leaders and campaigners urge caution and stress current work is only exploration and research. Deep-sea Mining Deal Scrutiny: A US SEC filing tied to a proposed US$1billion merger raises new questions about how interests in Cook Islands exploration licences are being acquired. Netball Legacy: Tributes continue after former Silver Fern captain Ana Noovao died aged 58, remembered for her leadership and for coaching and playing for the Cook Islands. Digital Inclusion: Maureen Hilyard says digital inclusion is “fundamentally a human issue,” drawing on her Cook Islands experience to argue connectivity must meet real community needs. OFC Champions League: Rewa FC has apologised to supporters after a 4-1 opening loss, and will face Tupapa Maraerenga FC at 4R Stadium in Ba as the Cook Islands side looks to bounce back.

Seabed Mining Poll: A new Cook Islands poll says a majority of voters oppose seabed mining, though leaders stress current work is only exploration and scientific research. Election Race: With cost of living dominating, an exclusive poll points to a tight race with no clear winner as the Cook Islands United Party challenges the governing Cook Islands Party. Party Visions: United Party leader Teariki Heather pitches family, self-reliance and unity ahead of the general election, while Cook Islands Party leader Mark Brown lays out a “no one left behind” vision focused on growth, opportunity and cultural revitalisation. Deep-Sea Mining Alarm: Pacific communities react to a US deep-sea mining auction plan, saying there were “no consultations” and warning of risks to food security. Digital Payments: The Bank of the Cook Islands rolls out TakuEcom now and TakuPOS in mid-August, aiming to help small businesses take contactless payments without costly terminals. Sports—OFC Champions League: Tupapa Maraerenga FC and Rewa FC set for a Group B clash in Fiji, with Tupapa confident despite the tough draw. Community & Culture: Cook Islands Language Week highlights efforts to revive te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani, including support for the Mangaian dialect.