AGP Executive Report

Cook Islands & Fiji Diplomacy: Cook Islands High Commissioner Michael Henry presented his credentials to Fiji President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, as both governments push to speed up delivery under a 2023 five-year cooperation deal covering trade, connectivity, labour mobility, education and climate. Local Business & Payments: BSP Cook Islands has replaced more than 100 EFTPoS terminals with faster 4G Verifone units, cutting wait times for merchants and customers, with further upgrades planned across the Pacific. Water Tariffs Clarification: To Tatou Vai says social media has spread an outdated residential water tariff proposal; after the 2026 annual tariff review, the residential rate stays at $1.40 per cubic metre and the free household allocation continues. Pacific Security & Sovereignty: Experts warn the Pacific’s security “architecture” is getting crowded and harder to keep Pacific-led, while deep-sea minerals are emerging as the next sovereignty test as global powers press for rules. Commonwealth Games (Pacific medal push): Nauru won a second Glasgow bronze in weightlifting, adding to Samoa and PNG medal wins, as Pacific athletes keep advancing in boxing, swimming and weightlifting. Maritime Safety: Cook Islands Police report six rescues from rough waters at Rutaki Passage and urge swimmers and visitors to heed warning signs.

Deep Sea Minerals & Sovereignty: A University of Canterbury professor says deep seabed mining is becoming the next big test of Pacific sovereignty as global powers push for new rules at the International Seabed Authority, with conservation groups urging a pause until stronger environmental safeguards and governance are in place. Cook Islands–Fiji Diplomacy: Cook Islands High Commissioner Michael Henry has presented his credentials to Fiji President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, aiming to speed up delivery under a 2023 five-year development cooperation deal covering trade, connectivity, labour mobility, education and climate change. Commonwealth Games—Pacific Medal Push: Samoa won silver and Nauru bronze in men’s 71kg weightlifting in Glasgow, adding to PNG’s earlier bronze and keeping Pacific medal hopes high across boxing and swimming. Te Maeva Nui & Community Life: Avarua’s official float parade kicked off the 2026 Te Maeva Nui celebrations, while Trade Days returns next week with a record 93 vendors. Safety Reminder: Cook Islands Police rescued six people from rough waters at Rutaki Passage and urged swimmers and visitors to heed warning signs.

Commonwealth Games (Glasgow): Pacific nations kept stacking medals as Samoa won silver and Nauru took bronze in the men’s 71kg weightlifting, with Nigeria’s Edidiong Umoafia claiming gold; the Pacific also had relay and boxing action underway as the Games move into the penultimate stretch. Cook Islands in sport: Cook Islands lawn bowls veteran Teokotai Jim led the team at the opening ceremony, competing alongside her daughter Emily, while Cook Islands swimmers continued heats in Glasgow including Jacob Story’s 100m breaststroke semi-final run. Rugby League World Cup build-up: BSP launched its 2026 Rugby League World Cup campaign, backing Pacific teams including the Cook Islands Aitu. Local safety reminder: Cook Islands Police say six people were rescued from rough waters at Rutaki Passage after a tourist was swept in, urging swimmers and visitors to heed warning signs. Ocean and climate work: A month-long voyage on research vessel Kaharoa II delivered the Cook Islands’ most comprehensive baseline data yet for ocean health and climate resilience. Te Maeva Nui culture: Avarua’s float parade kicked off the 2026 celebrations, with international and outer-island groups taking part. Deep seabed mining debate: Te Ipukarea Society and the Seabed Minerals Authority briefed the tourism sector, calling for clearer, cautious national dialogue on mining’s impacts.

Commonwealth Games: Cook Islands veteran lawn bowler Teokotai Jim led the team at Glasgow 2026’s opening ceremony, marking her fifth Games appearance and competing alongside her daughter Emily. Sport Spotlight: In Glasgow, Samoa’s mixed 4x100 freestyle relay set a new national record, while PNG’s Morea Baru won Pacific’s first medal of the Games with bronze in the men’s 65kg weightlifting. National Awards: The Office of the Prime Minister has announced the inaugural Te Tango Raumaire o Avaiki: Cook Islands National Awards 2026 recipients, including top honours for major national and historical contributions. Culture & Community: Te Maeva Nui International Night celebrated expatriate and Pacific diversity, with performances from communities including Filipino, Samoan, Tongan, Fijian, Kiribati and Indonesian groups plus Aotearoa kapa haka. Public Safety: Cook Islands Police say six people were rescued from rough waters at Rutaki Passage after a tourist was swept into the current, urging everyone to heed warning signs. Health Access: Te Marae Ora and the Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation signed an MOU to co-fund Pa Enua women’s airfare to Rarotonga for breast screening. Trade & Tourism: Bank of the Cook Islands Trade Days returns next week with 93 vendors during Te Maeva Nui celebrations.

Sovereignty at sea: Solomon Islands Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare says a planned U.S. shiprider agreement would hand foreign forces legal authority to act in Solomon waters, urging the government to release the full text and table it in Parliament before signing. Cook Islands in the Commonwealth spotlight: Cook Islands veteran lawn bowler Teokotai Jim leads the team as flag bearer at Glasgow 2026, while Cook Islands athletes also compete across athletics, lawn bowls, swimming and weightlifting. Women’s regional leadership: 29 women parliamentarians from across the Pacific meet in Wellington for a three-day wānanga on decision-making and influencing change, including issues like online harm and gender-based harassment. Ocean resilience data: A month-long voyage aboard NZ research vessel Kaharoa II delivered the Cook Islands’ most comprehensive baseline data yet to support climate resilience and ocean management. Trade and culture: Bank of the Cook Islands Trade Days returns with 93 vendors, and Avarua’s Te Maeva Nui float parade celebrates cultural roots and the House of Ariki’s 60th anniversary. Health support for Pa Enua women: Te Marae Ora and the Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation sign an MOU to co-fund airfare costs so eligible outer-island women can travel to Rarotonga for breast screening.

Ocean Science for Resilience: A month-long voyage on Kaharoa II has delivered the Cook Islands’ most comprehensive baseline data yet on ocean health, aiming to strengthen climate resilience and better ocean management. Trade & Culture in Rarotonga: Bank of the Cook Islands Trade Days returns next week with a record 93 vendors, while Avarua’s Te Maeva Nui float parade kicked off the celebrations with outer-island and international teams celebrating the House of Ariki’s 60th anniversary. Deep Seabed Mining Debate: Te Ipukarea Society and the Seabed Minerals Authority told the tourism industry the issue needs clearer rules, caution and genuine national dialogue, not a simple pro- or anti-mining fight. Health for Pa Enua Women: Te Marae Ora and the Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation signed an MOU to co-fund airfare costs so eligible women from the Pa Enua can travel to Rarotonga for breast screening. Commonwealth Games Focus: Team Cook Islands athletes are competing in Glasgow, with Jacob Story finishing 14th in the men’s 100m breaststroke semi-finals and the Games’ Pacific presence continuing to build momentum. Vessel Update: The Tuitui Moana has departed China on a 46-day delivery voyage back to Rarotonga, supporting long-term connectivity for the Pa Enua.

Ocean Science & Climate Resilience: The Kaharoa II voyage has delivered the Cook Islands’ most comprehensive baseline data yet on ocean health, a key step for climate resilience and evidence-based ocean management. Local Economy & Culture: Bank of the Cook Islands Trade Days returns next week with a record 93 vendors across food, crafts and produce during Te Maeva Nui celebrations. Te Maeva Nui Celebrations: Avarua’s official float parade lit up with outer-island and international groups, performances and decorated vehicles, tied to the theme honouring the House of Ariki’s 60th anniversary. Health for Pa Enua Women: Te Marae Ora and the Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation have signed an MOU to co-fund airfare costs so eligible Pa Enua women can travel to Rarotonga for breast screening. Transport & Connectivity: The new vessel Tuitui Moana has departed China on a 46-day delivery voyage, expected to strengthen links between Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. Commonwealth Games (Cook Islands in Glasgow): Team Cook Islands athletes are competing across athletics, lawn bowls, swimming and weightlifting, with Jacob Story finishing 14th in the men’s 100m breaststroke semi-finals. Deep Seabed Mining Debate: Te Ipukarea Society and the Seabed Minerals Authority briefed the tourism sector on the need for caution, clarity and national dialogue around deep seabed mining.

Commonwealth Games (Glasgow) — Cook Islands in the pool: Day 2 heats and relays are underway, with the mixed 4×100 free relay start list showing Cook Islands in Heat 3 (Lane 8). Games momentum — Pacific nations shine: Tonga, Fiji, Kiribati and Papua New Guinea have already notched standout early results, from lawn bowls upsets to breakthrough boxing wins. Cook Islands athletes named for Glasgow: Team Cook Islands includes athletics (Piritau Nga, Estelle Short, Samisoni Hewitt, Max Teuruaa), lawn bowls (Jason Lindsay, Epi Poila, Royden Aperau, Teokotai Jim, Vasie Poila, Emily Jim), swimming (Jacob Story, Mia Laban, Lanihei Connelly, Makira Carter) and weightlifting (Matanoko McDonald). Health (Pa Enua breast screening): Te Marae Ora and the Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation have signed an MOU to co-fund airfare costs so eligible outer-island women can travel to Rarotonga for mammograms. Shipping (Tuitui Moana): The new vessel has left China on a 46-day delivery voyage, routing via Cebu, Lae and Suva before arriving in Rarotonga. Climate resilience training: MFEM and the Ministry of Education have signed a Green Climate Fund agreement to train builders and inspectors on climate-resilient building codes.

Commonwealth Games: Pacific nations are making an early splash in Glasgow, with Tonga, Fiji, Kiribati and Papua New Guinea scoring breakthrough wins on opening days, while Cook Islands bowlers have also started sectional play, including veteran Teokotai Jim and other Team Cook Islands athletes chasing medals. Cook Islands sport & travel: A spotlight story on Cook Islands tourism highlights direct Brisbane–Rarotonga flights and the draw of Rarotonga and Aitutaki for Australians looking beyond the usual Pacific hotspots. Climate resilience training: MFEM and the Ministry of Education have signed on to train builders and inspectors on climate-resilient building codes under the Green Climate Fund’s Enhancing Direct Access project. Health for Pa Enua women: Te Marae Ora and the Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation have signed an MOU to co-fund airfare costs so eligible outer-island women can travel to Rarotonga for breast screening. Connectivity boost: The new vessel Tuitui Moana has departed China on a 46-day delivery voyage to Rarotonga, via stops including Cebu, Lae and Suva. Diplomacy: Australian High Commissioner Susannah Hodson has completed a two-day visit to Penrhyn, meeting community leaders and schools and delivering sports equipment.

Commonwealth Games spotlight: The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games are officially under way, with Pacific teams including the Cook Islands taking part across 10 sports and para events, after King Charles III opened the Games at The Hydro. Cook Islands in the mix: Team Cook Islands athletes are in Glasgow now, with lawn bowls, athletics and swimming among the events, and the Games’ “Pacific pride” theme running through the opening celebrations. Health push for Pa Enua women: Te Marae Ora and the Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation have signed an MOU to co-fund outer-island women’s airfare to Rarotonga for breast screening, as the programme ramps up at Rarotonga Hospital. Vessel homecoming: The Cook Islands passenger and cargo ship Tuitui Moana has departed China on a 46-day delivery voyage via Cebu, Lae and Suva, aiming to strengthen links to the Pa Enua. Regional security talk: Australia’s Pacific diplomacy continues amid China concerns, with defence and security pacts in the spotlight across the region.

Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026: The Games are officially under way in Scotland, with Pacific teams including Cook Islands marching in at the opening ceremony and athletes now chasing medals across a pared-back program of 10 sports and para events. Team Cook Islands spotlight: A Cook Islands contingent is set for athletics, lawn bowls, swimming and weightlifting, with Teokotai Jim carrying the flag as the island spirit heads into competition. Health for Pa Enua women: Te Marae Ora and the Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation have signed an MOU to co-fund airfare costs so eligible women from the Pa Enua can travel to Rarotonga for breast screening. Breast screening programme starts: The programme is running at Rarotonga Hospital from 20 July to 7 August, aiming to screen about 400 women, with follow-up assessments built into the schedule. Transport milestone: The Cook Islands vessel Tuitui Moana has departed China on a 46-day delivery voyage to Rarotonga, supporting connectivity for passengers, cargo and essential supplies. Cook Islands-Fiji ties: A courtesy meeting is reported as strengthening the relationship between the two countries. Regional sport note: Solomon Islands has withdrawn from the Oceania Volleyball Championship due to costs and visa hurdles, while Cook Islands is listed among confirmed nations.

Commonwealth Games: Cook Islands are among 11 Pacific nations sending teams to Glasgow for the Games opening Friday NZ time, with 74 nations and territories overall and Pacific athletes using the event to measure progress and chase medals. Cook Islands Shipping: The new passenger and cargo vessel Tuitui Moana has departed Nansha, Guangzhou, on a 46-day delivery voyage, routing via Cebu, Lae and Suva before arriving in Rarotonga to boost Pa Enua connectivity. Health: The Cook Islands Breast Screening Programme has started at Rarotonga Hospital, with about 350 women already registered and plans to screen around 400, including Pa Enua travel support. Local Politics: One seat is confirmed for the Cook Islands election after Agnes Helen Armstrong won Ivirua unopposed, leaving 62 candidates for the remaining 23 seats on August 12. Regional Sports: Solomon Islands has withdrawn from the Oceania Volleyball Championship due to costs and visa hurdles, while Cook Islands is listed among confirmed nations. Pacific Mobility: A Henley Passport Index update says Nigerians can access 44 destinations without a traditional visa, including Cook Islands, Fiji and Kiribati.

Cook Islands Shipping: The new passenger and cargo vessel Tuitui Moana has departed Nansha, Guangzhou, on its 46-day delivery voyage to Rarotonga, with planned stops via Cebu, Lae and Suva—aimed at strengthening links to the Pa Enua for passengers, cargo and essential supplies. Commonwealth Games: Team Cook Islands has left Rarotonga for Glasgow for the Games opening 23 July, with chef de mission Mark Short saying preparations are tracking well after the Pacific Mini Games. Breast Screening: Rarotonga Hospital’s 2026 mammogram programme is underway, with about 350 women already registered and a target of 400, including Pa Enua travel support and follow-up scans scheduled through early August. Cook Islands Election: One Ivirua seat has been confirmed after Agnes Helen Armstrong won unopposed, leaving 62 candidates for the remaining 23 seats on 12 August, while other candidates continue to step forward ahead of polling. Regional Watch: NZ has rejected claims it took greater control over Tokelau fisheries after Tokelau’s removal from the PNA Vessel Day Scheme raised financial uncertainty. Pacific Sport: Solomon Islands has withdrawn from the Oceania Zonal Volleyball Championship due to costs and visa issues, though Cook Islands is still listed among confirmed nations.

Cook Islands Election: One seat is confirmed for the August 12 general election after Agnes Helen Armstrong wins Ivirua unopposed, leaving 62 candidates for the remaining 23 seats. Health: The Cook Islands Breast Screening Programme is underway at Rarotonga Hospital, with about 350 women already registered and plans to screen around 400, including Pa Enua travel support. Commonwealth Games: Team Cook Islands has left for Glasgow, with chef de mission Mark Short saying preparations are on track ahead of the Games starting 23 July. Public Safety: A serious fall on Rarotonga’s cross-island track has led to renewed calls for tourists and locals to follow safety procedures. Regional Fisheries: NZ rejects claims it has taken greater control of Tokelau’s fisheries, as a dispute grows over Tokelau’s access to a major tuna revenue scheme. Travel/Visas: A global passport update lists Cook Islands among visa-free or visa-on-arrival options for Nigerian passport holders. Bird Flu Watch: Cook Islands authorities say H5N1 risk remains low after detection in New Zealand, with possible poultry import restrictions if needed.

Cook Islands Election: One seat is confirmed for the Aug 12 general election after Agnes Helen Armstrong secured Ivirua unopposed, leaving 62 candidates for the remaining 23 seats. Breast Screening: The Cook Islands Breast Screening Programme has started at Rarotonga Hospital, with about 350 women already registered and plans to screen around 400, including Pa Enua travel support and follow-up ultrasound for those needing further assessment. Public Health Alert: The Ministry says there are no H5N1 cases in the Cook Islands, but it’s ready to restrict poultry imports from New Zealand if the virus appears locally. Local Safety: A 16-year-old tourist was rescued from Rarotonga’s cross-island track after a serious fall, prompting renewed visitor safety reminders. Regional Diplomacy: A courtesy meeting in Auckland strengthens Cook Islands–Fiji ties ahead of a new Cook Islands high commissioner posting. Climate Research: A month-long expedition is mapping the Cook Islands EEZ to build a baseline on ocean changes linked to climate impacts. Politics & Governance: A column warns the electoral roll may be outdated, arguing democracy depends on accurate voter lists.

Cook Islands election update: One seat is confirmed for the August 12 general election after Agnes Helen Armstrong was declared elected unopposed for Ivirua, leaving 62 candidates chasing the remaining 23 seats. Campaign focus on youth and issues: The Cook Islands National Youth Council’s Kai Vānanga no te Uki o Āpōpō sessions heard candidates debate environment, economics, community and culture, with tourism balance a recurring theme. Health and safety on the ground: Women across the outer islands are being urged to book mammograms as the 2026 breast screening programme begins, while police and emergency services reinforced visitor safety advice after a 16-year-old tourist was rescued from the cross-island track following a fall. Local governance and trust: A columnist argues the electoral roll is out of date and calls for better administrative checks ahead of voting. Regional watch: Solomon Islands signals a more balanced approach by moving to sign a US Coast Guard ship-rider deal, while French Polynesia objects to an American seabed mining plan near Cook Islands waters. Environment and climate: A research voyage is mapping ocean changes across the Cook Islands EEZ to build a baseline for climate impacts.