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.