AGP Executive Report

Maritime Watch: A New Zealand Air Force P-8A monitored fishing vessels and potential “dark vessels” across the Cook Islands’ waters, reporting non-compliance and a possible pollution incident. Indigenous Leadership: Indigenous delegates meeting in Rarotonga were urged to protect knowledge, language and culture—and oppose seabed mining. The House of Ariki also met Australian traditional knowledge experts. Maritime Readiness: A US Coast Guard-led training in Rarotonga is bringing Police, Ports, Immigration and Customs together to prepare for search and rescue, pollution and disaster response. Seabed Mining: Te Ipukarea Society has urged the Government to fully assess risks in a proposed US$1 billion company merger involving Cook Islands exploration licences before approving any arrangements. Animal Welfare: A Te Are Manu veterinary outreach in Mangaia desexed almost all dogs identified as needing the procedure. Netball: The Cook Islands will face Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Papua New Guinea at the inaugural PacificAus Sports Netball Challenge in Brisbane, November 23–28.

Climate Resilience: After Cyclone Wati hit Aitutaki and affected Rarotonga, Cook Islands leaders are urging major emitters to provide reliable, grant-based climate finance. El Niño is also tightening water supplies in the Southern Cooks, while the Northern Cooks are seeing more rain. Community Safety: Pokoinu Meeting House in Nikao has reopened after a $122,000 upgrade, becoming the sixth hall strengthened as an evacuation shelter. Local Skills: Two CITC staff are the first Cook Islands-based apprentices to earn New Zealand trade butchery qualifications through local training. Rugby: Mid-Northern claimed the Raro 7s title, beating Tabusoro 24-12 in the final. New Zealand faces Australia in Sunday’s Rugby League World Cup final, with Ronaldo Mulitalo back in the Kiwis’ starting line-up. The Cook Islands’ submission also helped secure expanded international eligibility, allowing players to represent a nation linked to a great-grandparent.

Water Security: El Niño is sharpening water-scarcity risks in the Cook Islands’ southern islands, while the north is seeing more rain. Experts say communities need water-treatment training and safe rainwater storage as conditions worsen. Community Safety: Pokoinu Meeting House in Nikao has reopened after a $122,000 upgrade, becoming the sixth community hall strengthened as an emergency shelter. Raro 7s: Mid-Northern won the tournament on its debut, beating Tabusoro 24–12 in the final. Rugby League: The Cook Islands’ submission prompted a rule change allowing players to represent a country through a great-grandparent. The 2030 World Cup will be shared by the Pacific and the United States, with host cities still to be named. Seabed Minerals: Te Ipukarea Society is urging the government and regulator to explain the risks of a proposed US$1 billion company merger involving Cook Islands exploration licences before approving any arrangements.

NZ Election: Preliminary results return Cook Islands Māori politician Alfred Ngaro to New Zealand’s Parliament, as Pacific representation is set to rise from six MPs to eight. Rugby League: After a Cook Islands submission, international rules now let players represent a country linked to a great-grandparent, widening the player pool for smaller nations such as the Cook Islands. Seabed Mining: Te Ipukarea Society is urging the Government to fully examine a proposed US$1 billion company merger tied to Cook Islands exploration licences, warning financial pressure must not rush decisions. Weather Readiness: Cook Islands meteorologists are bringing home lessons from tsunami-warning training, while local workshops focus on making weather alerts accessible to everyone. Visitor Services: Police have launched an online visitor driver-licence application, recommending tourists apply at least 48 hours before arrival.

Rugby League: International rules are set to let players qualify through great-grandparents from next year, potentially widening the Cook Islands’ player pool. Government: Aitutaki is tipped to secure the Cook Islands Party’s seventh ministerial post as opposition MPs try to block the party from a fifth consecutive term. Seabed Mining: Te Ipukarea Society is urging the Government and regulator to explain the risks of a proposed US$1 billion company merger involving Cook Islands exploration licences, warning against rushed approvals. Regional Ties: Prime Minister Mark Brown is due in New Zealand next week after the two countries formally ended their diplomatic dispute; the Cook Islands continues to balance regional relationships while asserting its autonomy. Climate Readiness: Cook Islands officials are strengthening tsunami warnings and working to make weather information clearer and more accessible to communities. Local Economy: A Rarotonga conference drawing about 650 delegates is bringing business to local operators, while a new online visitor-driver-licence service lets travellers apply before arrival.

Rugby League: Australia will meet New Zealand in the World Cup final on November 15. The Cook Islands were knocked out in the pool stage. Government: Aitutaki is emerging as the Cook Islands Party’s leading choice for its seventh ministerial post, as opposition MPs try to block the government from securing a fifth consecutive term. Seabed Mining: Te Ipukarea Society is urging the government and Seabed Minerals Authority to explain risks tied to a proposed US$1 billion company merger before approving any arrangements involving Cook Islands exploration licences. It warns financing pressures could rush decisions. Climate Preparedness: Cook Islands meteorological officials are applying lessons from tsunami-warning training in Chile, while a Rarotonga workshop focused on making weather information accessible to all. New Zealand Ties: Prime Minister Mark Brown is due to visit New Zealand next week, his first major trip since the diplomatic dispute. A separate analysis says the dispute has eased, but the Cook Islands retains its strategic partnership with China. Local Economy: A Rarotonga conference bringing about 650 Indigenous health delegates is expected to boost local businesses.

Government: Aitutaki is emerging as the Cook Islands Party’s front-runner for its seventh ministerial post as opposition MPs try to block the government’s fifth consecutive term. Seabed Minerals: Te Ipukarea Society is urging the government and Seabed Minerals Authority to explain the risks of a proposed US$1 billion company merger, warning financial pressure could rush decisions on Cook Islands exploration interests. Local Economy: About 650 delegates are expected in Rarotonga for a four-day Indigenous health conference, bringing business to accommodation, transport, restaurants and other local operators. New Zealand Ties: Prime Minister Mark Brown is preparing for his first major New Zealand visit since the diplomatic dispute, with diaspora, academic and business engagements planned. Community: A new online visitor driver-licence system lets travellers apply before arrival; applications should be submitted at least 48 hours ahead. A disability workshop is also working to make weather warnings more accessible. Raro 7s: Tabusoro and Mid-Northland lead the men’s teams into the semi-finals, with defending champions Avatiu Eels still in contention.

Climate Readiness: A Cook Islands disability council and Met Service workshop focused on making weather warnings accessible, as climate communicators met in Rarotonga to improve how forecasts reach communities. Indigenous Partnerships: Australian First Nations experts visited Cook Islands communities to share knowledge and explore cooperation on environmental protection and resilience. Regional Relations: Prime Minister Mark Brown is set to visit New Zealand next week, his first major trip since the diplomatic row. The countries have formally made peace, but the Cook Islands maintains an independent foreign policy. Community & Sport: Raro 7s has brought 27 teams to Rarotonga, while the Limitless wellbeing programme has expanded to five islands. Public Services: Visitors can now apply online for a Cook Islands driver licence before arriving; Police advise applying at least 48 hours ahead. The Cook Islands also pressed national priorities at regional fisheries talks. Repatriation Effort: Sri Lanka’s government and a Wellington trust are working to bring home a woman stranded in the Cook Islands after repeated transit-visa refusals.

Weather Readiness: A Cook Islands workshop is helping people with disabilities understand El Niño and weather risks, while climate communicators meeting in Rarotonga work to make forecasts more useful to communities. Environmental Knowledge: Australian First Nations experts have met Cook Islands communities to share approaches to protecting land and sea. Cook Islands–NZ Ties: Prime Minister Mark Brown is due in New Zealand next week for his first major visit since the diplomatic dispute; the Cook Islands is maintaining its partnerships while asserting its independence in a contested Pacific. Justice: A High Court judge has warned that community pressure and prejudice can threaten fairness in close-knit societies, as he sentenced a man for indecently assaulting a minor. Community News: Raro 7s has brought local clubs and visiting teams together, with young players competing across several divisions. Visitors can also now apply online for a Cook Islands driver licence before travelling. Repatriation Effort: Sri Lanka and a Wellington trust are working to bring home a woman stranded in the Cook Islands after repeated transit visa refusals.

Sovereignty and Diplomacy: The Cook Islands and New Zealand have formally ended their diplomatic impasse, but Avarua says peace does not mean alignment: it intends to keep its China partnership, pursue a new minerals framework with the US and reject nuclear weapons. Prime Minister Mark Brown is due in New Zealand next week for his first major visit since the dispute. Climate Preparedness: Climate and media specialists from four Pacific nations are training in Rarotonga to get forecasts and early warnings into communities as El Niño intensifies. Public Services: Visitors can now apply online for a Cook Islands driving licence before travelling; applications should be submitted at least 48 hours before arrival. Community and Livelihoods: A sports and wellbeing academy has expanded its programme to five islands, while a Wellington trust and Sri Lanka’s government work to repatriate a woman stranded in the Cook Islands after transit visa refusals. Regional fisheries talks also saw the Cook Islands press for decisions that support food security, livelihoods and sustainable resource management.

Raro 7s: The three-day tournament has kicked off at Nikao’s National Stadium, bringing 27 teams together, including five local clubs. The event also gives young players a chance to build experience against visiting sides. Community Wellbeing: Limitless Sports and Wellbeing Academy has expanded its programme to five islands, with school visits and activities planned for children in Atiu, Mauke, Rarotonga, Mangaia and Aitutaki. Visitor Services: Travellers can now apply online for a Cook Islands visitor driver licence before arrival, including completing the theory test and booking a practical test. Island Connections: A Wellington trust and Sri Lanka’s government are working to help a Sri Lankan woman stranded in the Cook Islands return home after repeated transit-visa refusals. Ocean Management: Cook Islands officials joined regional fisheries talks to coordinate Pacific positions on sustainable management, food security and livelihoods ahead of negotiations in Vanuatu.**

Ocean Stewardship: Fourteen Pacific nations met in Fiji to shape marine spatial planning, described as a blueprint for managing the ocean; a Cook Islands traditional-knowledge exchange with Australian First Nations experts is also sharing ideas for climate resilience and sustainable care of land and sea. Climate Readiness: Rarotonga is hosting climate-services training for regional meteorological teams and media as El Niño risks intensify, focusing on getting trusted forecasts to communities. Health and Rights: The Cook Islands has briefed a UN committee on progress and gaps in sexual health, while a separate UN review has issued findings on the country’s women’s-rights commitments. People and Mobility: A Sri Lankan woman remains stranded in the Cook Islands after three years, unable to secure transit visas to travel home; her family says they fear for her wellbeing. Voting: New Zealand voters in the Cook Islands can cast their 2026 election ballots in person in Avarua or upload completed papers online until Friday evening.

Health and Rights: The Cook Islands has briefed a UN women’s rights committee on progress and remaining gaps in sexual health. Climate Readiness: Rarotonga is hosting Pacific climate-services training as El Niño intensifies, helping meteorologists and media get forecasts to communities. Traditional Knowledge: A Cook Islands tour is bringing local knowledge holders together with Australian First Nations experts to share approaches to climate resilience, food security and caring for land and sea. Youth: Swimmers Alicia Story and Carter Makira are representing the Cook Islands at the Dakar Youth Olympic Games. Voting: New Zealand voters in the Cook Islands can cast ballots online until 8pm Friday, November 6, or in person at the High Commission in Avarua. Community Safety: The Cook Islands Medical Assistance Team is building its capacity to respond to emergencies across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. Environmental Concerns: Rarotonga is facing a toxic waste-oil crisis amid stalled exports. Stranded in Limbo: Sri Lankan woman Ruchira Ranasingha remains unable to leave the Cook Islands after three years, with New Zealand and Australia refusing transit visas.

Climate Readiness: Meteorologists and media representatives from across Polynesia are training in Rarotonga to get climate information to communities as El Niño intensifies. Youth Sport: Cook Islands swimmers Alicia Story and Carter Makira have opened the nation’s campaign at the Dakar Youth Olympics, with Story placing 12th in the 100m butterfly. Voting Deadline: New Zealand voters in the Cook Islands can cast ballots at the Avarua High Commission or upload completed voting papers online until 8pm Friday, November 6. Health and Emergency Response: The Cook Islands’ KukiMAT team is building its capacity to deploy medical staff and supplies quickly to Rarotonga and the Pa Enua during disasters or outbreaks. Environmental Risk: Rarotonga is running out of room to store used motor oil as export routes stall, raising fears of a hazardous spill. Travel Limbo: Sri Lankan woman Ruchira Ranasingha remains stranded in the Cook Islands after three years, unable to secure a transit visa to fly home.

Stranded in Limbo: Ruchira Ranasingha has spent three years in the Cook Islands, unable to fly home to Sri Lanka because Australia and New Zealand have refused her transit visas. She says she fears for her health and wants to attend her son’s wedding. Women’s Rights: The UN committee reviewing the Cook Islands’ record under the women’s rights convention has issued its findings and recommendations. Rugby League: The Aitu have bowed out of the World Cup after a 66–6 loss to Australia. Coach Karmichael Hunt says eligibility rules should include great-grandparents to widen the pool of Cook Islands players. Environment: Rarotonga is running out of room for used motor oil as export routes stall, raising concerns about hazardous waste. Pacific voices are also warning that deep-sea mining could threaten ocean ecosystems and island sovereignty. Health and Safety: The Cook Islands’ emergency medical team is building its ability to respond quickly across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, while police warn that hard drugs are entering the country undetected.

Rugby League: Aitu coach Karmichael Hunt wants eligibility rules widened to include great-grandparents, giving more players with Cook Islands heritage a chance to represent the country. The call follows the team’s World Cup exit after a 66-6 loss to Australia. Diplomacy: China’s ambassador-designate Zhao Xing presented his credentials to Cook Islands High Commissioner Kairangi Samuela, with both sides pledging closer ties. Health & Safety: The Cook Islands’ emergency medical team is strengthening its ability to respond across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, while police warn that hard drugs are entering the country undetected. Environment: Rarotonga is running out of safe options for thousands of litres of used motor oil as export routes stall; Pacific voices are also raising sovereignty and environmental concerns over deep-sea mining. Work & Community: Hospitality businesses are seeking a fast-track working holiday visa to address staff shortages, while a wage-subsidy proposal aims to keep more young people in the country. Humanitarian: Sri Lankan woman Ruchira Ranasingha remains stranded in the Cook Islands after three years, unable to secure a transit visa to travel home.