AGP Executive Report

Deep-sea mining backlash: A US proposal to auction nearby seabed areas for mining has sparked outrage across Pacific US territories, with leaders saying there were “no consultations” and warning of risks to food security and livelihoods. Internet disruption: The Manatua submarine cable fault has degraded internet services for Niue and the Cook Islands, with repairs now depending on securing a specialist cable ship; providers are running contingency plans but customers may see slower speeds. Diplomatic arrivals: The Cook Islands formally received the Republic of India’s High Commissioner and the United States Ambassador, marking a fresh step in ties with both countries. Local governance and integrity debate: Letters and commentary continue to push for stronger accountability and oversight, including calls to strengthen institutions and improve public confidence. Cook Islands language push: Cook Islands Māori Language Week coverage highlights efforts to revive te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani, including support for the Mangaian dialect and reconnecting families. Business and payments: The Bank of the Cook Islands launched new digital payment options (TakuEcom now, TakuPOS mid-August) to help businesses accept contactless and sell online with less hardware cost. Sports—rugby league: Cook Islands hooker Mason Teague has signed a two-year deal with Super League club Wakefield Trinity. Sports—football and beyond: OFC confirmed Champions League streaming details on FIFA+ via DAZN, and the FIFA World Cup sell-off plan fallout continues to ripple through football politics. Election focus: With the 12 August general election approaching, cost of living and water tariffs are front and centre for voters.

Cook Islands Language Week: Workshops and community push are spotlighting te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani, with educators urging families to reconnect with the language and protect the Mangaian dialect as speakers in Aotearoa keep declining. Internet & Connectivity: The Manatua submarine cable fault has disrupted services for Niue and the Cook Islands, with repairs now dependent on securing a specialist cable ship and contingency plans already in place. Digital Payments: The Bank of the Cook Islands is rolling out TakuEcom and TakuPOS to help small businesses take contactless payments and sell online without costly EFTPOS hardware. Border Security: Cook Islands Customs received specialised equipment from New Zealand to strengthen border protection against illicit drugs. Election Watch: With the 12 August general election nearing, cost of living and water tariffs are front and centre for voters. Sports & Community: Toulouse has released Cook Islands international Reubenn Rennie onto the open market, while local sailor Kris Goodwin won the Oceania Electron title in Muri. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Pacific leaders are alarmed by moves to auction seabed mining areas without consultation, raising fresh concerns for food security and identity.

Submarine Cable Disruption: Manatua Consortium says a technical fault on the Manatua submarine cable about 144km offshore from Samoa is degrading internet services in Niue and the Cook Islands, with repairs now dependent on securing a specialist cable repair vessel; providers have contingency plans but customers may see reduced capacity and slower speeds until the fix is completed. Language Revival: Cook Islands Māori Language Week is spotlighting a push to bring te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani back into homes, with experts warning only about 3% of New Zealand-born Cook Islanders know the language and urging communities and institutions to act urgently. Local Economy & Payments: The Bank of the Cook Islands has launched new digital payment tools—TakuEcom now and TakuPOS mid-August—aimed at helping businesses accept contactless payments and sell online without costly EFTPOS hardware. Border Security: Cook Islands Customs received specialised equipment from New Zealand Customs to strengthen border protection against illicit drugs. Election Watch: With the 2026 general election on 12 August, cost of living is topping campaign agendas, alongside infrastructure and water tariff issues. Sport & Community: OFC confirmed the Men’s Champions League will be streamed free on FIFA+ via DAZN, featuring Tupapa Maraerenga FC from the Cook Islands.

Digital Economy: The Bank of the Cook Islands has launched new payment options—TakuEcom is available now and TakuPOS is set for mid-August—aimed at helping local businesses take card payments and sell online without costly EFTPOS hardware. Governance & Oversight: CIIC leadership is reshuffled with Fletcher Melvin reappointed as board chair, Olivia Heather-Halston named deputy, and Sharyn Paio stepping down from the deputy role. Border Security: Cook Islands Customs received specialised equipment from New Zealand Customs to strengthen border protection against threats including illicit drugs. Health & Community: The Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation’s inaugural Beehive Ball in Wellington on Saturday, August 8 will feature Dame Lynda Topp and other entertainers to support life-saving screening. Election Watch: With less than a week to go, cost of living is still the top issue for voters ahead of the 12 August election. Pacific Connectivity: The Manatua submarine cable fault is degrading internet services, mainly affecting Niue and the Cook Islands, as repairs are planned. Science & Environment: NOAA’s Cook Islands deep-sea survey found large megalodon shark teeth on the ocean floor, adding new clues about ancient marine life. Sports & Culture: Afghan Women United reunite in New Zealand for FIFA-recognised future matches, playing friendlies against the Cook Islands.

Cook Islands Election Watch: With the 12 August general election days away, voters are fixated on cost of living, from global supply pressures to higher energy and petrol costs, plus local fights over water tariffs and outer-island infrastructure. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Pacific leaders are alarmed by a US push to auction nearby ocean for deep-sea mining without consultation, while the Cook Islands continues exploring seabed opportunities—sparking a wider “science vs risk” argument across the region. Manatua Cable Fault: The Manatua Consortium says a technical fault near Repeater 2 on the Manatua submarine cable is degrading internet services for Niue and the Cook Islands, with contingency plans activated and a specialist repair vessel being sought. Language & Identity: Cook Islands Māori Language Week highlights how reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani is declining in Aotearoa, with calls to reclaim and pass the language on—especially for Cook Islanders living in New Zealand. Sports & Community: The OFC Men’s Champions League will stream live and free on FIFA+ via DAZN, with Tupapa Maraerenga FC representing the Cook Islands.

Cook Islands Māori Language Week: Ake Nicholas says the first step is removing shame for those who didn’t grow up speaking te reo, as communities across Aotearoa rally around “Me kite koe i te tuatua i to’ou reo tupuna…” to strengthen identity and pass language on. Health & culture: A University of Otago PhD researcher is exploring whether naturally warm lagoon bathing could support heart health for Cook Islands Māori, linking science with community knowledge. Aitutaki lagoon protection: The Lagoon Management Plan is in public consultation, with residents pushing for stronger co-management, ra’ui-based protections, refreshed bylaws and enforcement to safeguard the iconic lagoon. Regional fisheries funding: The US-Pacific Tuna Treaty remains vital, with the FFA reporting a 2026 second distribution of US$50.42m to Pacific Island parties. Travel health alert: Australians are being warned to protect against mosquito bites in Samoa amid dengue outbreak concerns. Deep-sea spotlight: Sony’s underwater imaging tech is being used for UHD live-stream exploration from Cook Islands waters.

Cook Islands Māori Language Week: Aotearoa communities are rallying to protect and pass on te reo Māori Kūki ’Āirani, with Cook Islands High Commissioner Kairangi Samuela stressing the diaspora’s role in culture and economy. Health & culture: A University of Otago PhD researcher is exploring whether naturally warm lagoon bathing can support heart health for Cook Islands Māori, linking science with community knowledge. Aitutaki lagoon plan: The Ministry of Marine Resources’ consultation is shaping a co-management Lagoon Management Plan built around ra’ui, stronger enforcement, and a clearer implementation and financing structure. Deep-sea spotlight: NOAA’s Okeanos expedition is set to stream and map deep-sea environments near the Cook Islands, using sensors and ROV surveys to inform future exploration. Regional travel warning: Australia’s Smart Traveller is urging extra mosquito protection for Samoa amid a dengue outbreak. Pacific music honour: Cook Islands icon Will Crummer has been named the 2026 Ministry for Pacific Peoples Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.

Cook Islands in the spotlight at Glasgow 2026: Team Cook Islands wrapped up Commonwealth Games action with women’s singles bowler Emily Jim finishing 17th after a tight match against Australia’s Elle Fife, while the men’s pairs of Epii Poila and Jason Lindsay ended 21st after a close tiebreak loss to Namibia. Pacific health alert: Australians are being warned to protect themselves from dengue while visiting Samoa, with New Zealand’s Safe Travel reporting thousands of confirmed cases across the Pacific since early this year. Regional environment push: GIS and spatial professionals from across the Pacific, including Cook Islands delegates, gathered in Nadi for training aimed at better environmental data and action. Fisheries funding: The US-Pacific tuna partnership remains crucial, with the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency reporting a 2026 distribution of US$50.42m to member states. Culture and language momentum: Cook Islands Māori Language Week is underway in Aotearoa, with calls to reclaim te reo Māori Kūki ’Āirani for future generations, alongside recognition of musician Will Crummer’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Aitutaki lagoon plan: Residents are engaging with updates to the Aitutaki Lagoon Management Plan, focused on ra’ui, co-management and stronger enforcement.

Dengue Alert for Visitors: Australian travellers are being urged to protect themselves from mosquito bites in Samoa after a dengue outbreak, with New Zealand’s Safe Travel citing thousands of confirmed cases and warning there’s no vaccine for first infection. Regional Fisheries Funding: The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency says the US-Pacific Tuna Treaty is delivering about US$50.42m in 2026 funds to member nations, supporting offshore tuna management. Aitutaki Lagoon Plan: Aitutaki residents are pushing for stronger protection as the Lagoon Management Plan consultation focuses on ra’ui, enforcement, and co-management with the island council and community partners. Cook Islands Māori Language Week: In Aotearoa, Cook Islands Māori Language Week runs 2–8 August with renewed calls to pass on te reo Māori Kūki ’Āirani, including reflections from diaspora communities. Culture Under the Spotlight: Ruta Mave questions whether Te Maeva Nui’s intense training is cultural pride or abuse, pointing to exhaustion and injuries among young performers. Deep-Sea Exploration: NOAA’s ROV mission is set to survey deep-sea areas near the Cook Islands, mapping and collecting marine data to guide future exploration. Commonwealth Games Wrap: Cook Islands bowler Emily Jim finished 17th in women’s singles, while the men’s pairs also ended their campaign after a close tiebreak loss.

Commonwealth Games wrap: Cook Islands bowler Emily Jim finished 17th after a hard-fought singles match, while the men’s pairs of Epii Poila and Jason Lindsay ended 21st after a tight tiebreak loss. Culture and youth: Ruta Mave questions whether Te Maeva Nui’s “boot camp” training is culture—or physical and mental abuse pushing young dancers too far. Elections and governance: A political analyst says parties are still essential for stable government as independents reshape the race; another letter argues every vote can decide seats, pointing to 2022’s razor-thin margins. Language week in focus: Cook Islands Māori Language Week in Aotearoa is urging people to protect te reo Māori Kūki ’Āirani, with diaspora leaders and educators backing revitalisation. Health research: A Cook Islands Māori PhD researcher at the University of Otago explores whether warm lagoon bathing could support heart health. Regional costs: Fuel prices have eased across parts of the Pacific, though supply uncertainty keeps caps relatively high. Aitutaki lagoon plan: Residents are engaging with updates to the Lagoon Management Plan, aiming to strengthen ra’ui, enforcement, and co-management. Tourism and local life: A Rarotonga restaurant profile highlights the island’s maritime character and community roots.

Cook Islands Māori Language Week: RNZ Pacific highlights Dr Ake Nicholas’s push to tackle shame and language loss, stressing “it is not your fault” if you didn’t grow up speaking te reo Māori Kūki ’Āirani, while Cook Islands High Commissioner Kairangi Samuela says the diaspora is vital to keeping the language and culture alive in Aotearoa. Fuel Costs: Fuel price caps across the Pacific have eased for August, but remain above pre-April levels; Fiji’s diesel and petrol caps have dropped, with Fiji re-exporting fuel to Tuvalu, Tonga and the Cook Islands. Local Politics: A veteran former MP says the party system is “facing extinction” as independents gain ground ahead of the 12 August election, with the Cook Islands Party still fielding the biggest slate. Aitutaki Lagoon Plan: Residents want stronger protection for the lagoon as the Lagoon Management Plan consultation focuses on ra’ui, co-management, enforcement and refreshed island bylaws. Tourism & Business: Te Pa’ata is promoted as a digital support programme for holiday home owners to build more resilient tourism businesses. Regional Environment & Culture: The Polynesian Voyaging Society extends the Moananuiākea Voyage by a year due to heightened El Niño weather risks.

Cook Islands Māori Language Week: Communities in Aotearoa are kicking off 2–8 August with a push to protect and pass on te reo Māori Kūki ’Āirani, including opening events in Tokoroa and a Wellington launch led by the Cook Islands High Commissioner, who says the diaspora is vital to keeping language, culture and even the economy strong. Aitutaki Lagoon Plan: Aitutaki residents are weighing in on the Lagoon Management Plan, with the Ministry of Marine Resources describing a co-management, community-led approach that strengthens ra’ui, enforcement, and island bylaws through an implementation and financing structure. Election reminder: Columnist Thomas Wynne stresses how every vote matters, pointing to 2022 results decided by just a few votes and urging people to vote in the lead-up to the next general election. Anti-racism call: Mohan Dutta argues racism should be named after a high-profile incident involving New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters, saying silence blocks an honest conversation. Waste and incineration debate: Te Ipukarea Society says incineration is not the answer for Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, arguing scale and operating needs make it a poor fit for small communities. Voyaging update: The Moananuiākea Voyage has been extended by a year as El Niño and dangerous weather risks force route changes for Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia.

Aitutaki Lagoon Plan: Aitutaki residents are pushing for stronger protection as the Lagoon Management Plan moves through public consultation, with a co-management approach built around ra’ui, refreshed island bylaws, and renewed compliance involving the Aitutaki Island Council, aronga mana, government agencies and police. Election Reminder: Cook Islands democracy is being framed as hinging on tiny margins, with columnist Thomas Wynne pointing to the 2022 election where seat outcomes swung on just a few votes and even overturned preliminary results. Cook Islands Māori Language Week: Tepaeru Minster says she “dreaded” Language Week after growing up in a generation that lost reo, highlighting identity, naming, and the challenge of keeping island dialects alive. Sovereignty at Sea: Debate continues around the U.S. Shiprider Agreement in the region, with critics arguing it risks selling sovereignty and others pointing to existing Pacific fisheries and surveillance frameworks. Voyaging Update: The Moananuiākea Voyage by Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia has been extended a year due to higher El Niño-driven weather risks, reshaping stops across the Pacific. Waste and Incineration: Te Ipukarea Society argues incineration is not the answer for Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, citing scale and the practical limits of running modern facilities on small waste streams. Tourism Support: A new digital programme, Te Pa’ata, is helping holiday home owners strengthen resilient tourism businesses with practical tools and expert guidance.

Racism Call-Out: A Cook Islands–linked op-ed says New Zealand’s leaders must “name racism when it happens,” after Winston Peters’ racially charged remarks during a parliamentary debate. Māori Language Week: Tepaeru, a Cook Islands minister in Aotearoa, writes that many Cook Islanders can’t speak their reo and explains why Language Week still feels daunting. Voyaging Safety: The Polynesian Voyaging Society has extended the Moananuiākea Voyage by a year, citing higher El Niño-driven weather risks for Hokule‘a and Hikianalia. Cook Islands Politics: Opposition parties say they won’t form pre-election coalitions ahead of the 12 August 2026 election, while the Cook Islands Party counts on independents. Tourism Support: A new digital programme, Te Pa’ata, is helping Cook Islands holiday home operators strengthen resilience with tools and expert advice. Deep-Sea Mining: A US-backed exploration proposal in the Pacific between Kiribati, the Cook Islands and French Polynesia is open for public comment, as rules for commercial mining are still being negotiated. Commonwealth Games: Cook Islands swimmer Jacob Story reached a Commonwealth final, while Fiji and Tuvalu won boxing bronze.

Commonwealth Games boxing: Fiji’s Jasmine Daunakamakama and Tuvalu’s Tarona Khanum Badi Pasoni Taafaki both won bronze in Glasgow after reaching the semifinals, with Daunakamakama vowing to “come back even stronger” and Taafaki saying the medal should inspire Tuvaluans to “go make it big.” Cook Islands sport at the Games: Cook Islands swimmer Jacob Story made history by reaching the men’s 200m breaststroke final, finishing eighth. Moananuiākea Voyage: The Polynesian Voyaging Society has added one year to the Moananuiākea sail plan, citing El Niño-driven risks like typhoons, thunderstorms and lightning. Tourism support: Te Pa’ata is rolling out digital tools and expert guidance to help Cook Islands holiday home operators build more resilient tourism businesses. Local governance & politics: Opposition parties say they won’t form pre-election coalitions ahead of the 12 August 2026 election, while the Cook Islands Party counts on continued independent support. Health travel update: Cook Islands travel rules are easing, with RATs replacing PCR for travellers from New Zealand and MIQ no longer required. Deep-sea mining debate: A US-backed exploration proposal in the Eastern High Seas Pocket is open for public comment until 3 August, as Pacific groups urge submissions and warn of transboundary impacts.

Cook Islands Election Focus: Opposition parties say they’re not forming any pre-election coalitions ahead of the 12 August 2026 general election, while the ruling Cook Islands Party is counting on continued support from independents. Trade & Local Business: Bank of the Cook Islands Trade Days opened with a record 111 vendors at Punanga Nui Market, celebrating local enterprise as part of Te Maeva Nui. Tourism Support: Te Pa’ata, a new digital programme, is backing holiday home operators with practical tools and expert advice to strengthen resilience. Health Travel Update: The CDC has refreshed its dengue destination list, with the Cook Islands no longer listed, while chikungunya notices also updated. Voyaging & Climate: The Moananuiākea Voyage sail plan is extended by a year as El Niño-driven risks push the crew to adjust routes and timing. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: A US-backed deep-sea exploration proposal in the Pacific (including Cook Islands waters) is open for public comment, as rules for commercial mining are still being negotiated. Commonwealth Games: Cook Islands swimmer Jacob Story reached the men’s 200m breaststroke final in Glasgow, while other Pacific medal moments continue to roll in. Travel Rules at Home: Cook Islands travel settings are easing, including RAT use for NZ arrivals and changes to quarantine/MIQ requirements.