Tourism Win: The Cook Islands has been named Oceania’s Leading Island Destination for a fourth straight year at the 2026 World Travel Awards, with Tourism Corporation saying the result reflects the whole sector’s hard work and local hospitality. Sports & Community: The Cook Islands Residents will host the Gold Coast Kukis in an exhibition double-header as the Mantis-Hoff Series returns to Rarotonga, giving local players a chance to test themselves against a strong Australian-based side. Local Governance & Planning: The Cook Islands has adopted the UN-IGIF geospatial framework, setting national priorities to strengthen mapping and data for infrastructure, climate resilience and ocean governance. Trade Modernisation: The Ministry of Agriculture says the IPPC ePhyto digital system has replaced paper plant certificates, cutting border delays and helping open new markets. Environment & Policy: Pacific nations used a fisheries summit in Rome to call for stronger international support, while Cook Islands voices continue to weigh deep-sea mining risks against economic hopes. Media & Tech: Pasifika AI creator Wahuzue urges Pacific newsrooms to use AI for behind-the-scenes tasks only, warning that relationships and human judgement must stay with journalists.