Pacific Security: Australia has pledged $600m for aerial and maritime surveillance under the Waqa Moana Initiative, aiming to disrupt narco-submarines and small vessels feeding drugs into Australia, after AFP said Pacific seizures jumped to 17 tonnes since January. Cook Islands Politics: A letter to the editor says PM Mark Brown and the Cook Islands Party look set for a majority after elections, but key questions remain over whether former minister George “Maggie” Angene will be invited back into the caucus and government. Power Costs in Aitutaki: Government approved a $700,000 one-off payment to TMU as fuel costs rise, alongside a 20% electricity tariff increase for Aitutaki residents. Health Partnership: Health New Zealand and Te Marae Ora have re-signed an updated partnership to streamline referrals for specialist care in New Zealand. Penrhyn Port & Deep-Sea Mining Debate: The US and NZ $101m-plus port upgrade at Penrhyn is being framed as a “lifeline” and connectivity boost, but Greenpeace and Te Ipukarea Society are warning about transparency and links to deep-sea mining. Culture & Tourism: Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto kicks off with Tourism Month 2026, celebrating people behind the industry. Arts & Film: Cook Islands teams will compete in the inaugural POP48 Film Challenge (Sept 4–6), with films voted on across PCBL platforms.