AGP Executive Report

Waste Oil Crisis: Rarotonga’s used-motor-oil exports have stalled, leaving thousands of litres of hazardous waste in storage and raising fears of environmental harm. Workforce Shortages: Hospitality businesses are urging a fast-track working-holiday visa for overseas staff, saying shortages are affecting service as visitor numbers grow. Health: The Cook Islands has met the WHO target of screening 70 per cent of women for cervical cancer, but officials say continued effort is vital for early detection. A new school food policy will also ban unhealthy canteen options from 2027. Culture and Community: Families are gathering for Turama, cleaning and lighting loved ones’ graves. Te Ipukarea Society is also working with Puaikura leaders to protect Maungaroa Valley’s cultural heritage and explore a World Heritage future. Justice: Matthew Clarke spent 12 months in custody before his case was thrown out; a judge found serious weaknesses in the identification evidence and search warrants. Rugby League: Cook Islands’ World Cup campaign ended with a 66–6 loss to Australia, after the Aitu briefly took the lead.

Rugby League: Cook Islands lost 66–6 to Australia in their final World Cup pool match, after briefly leading 6–4. Valentine Holmes, who chose to represent his Cook Islands heritage, faced his former Australian teammates in his hometown of Townsville. Youth and Health: Cook Islands beach handball teams have arrived in Dakar for the Youth Olympics, returning to the Games for the first time since 2010. A new Healthy School Policy will ban unhealthy canteen foods from 2027. Island Development: Pa Enua executive officers are drawing up six-month action plans focused on local priorities, governance, energy security and workforce development. Rarotonga will host the 2028 World Va’a Distance Championships, expected to draw more than 1,500 competitors. Safety and Climate: Cook Islands Police are joining regional efforts against transnational crime as the South Pacific cyclone season begins on 1 November. Forecasters warn a strong El Niño could bring drier-than-normal conditions across parts of the region into 2027. Ocean Governance: Pacific voices are warning that deep-sea mining decisions risk sidelining island sovereignty and local communities.

Youth Sport: Cook Islands beach handball teams have arrived in Dakar as the only Oceania representatives in both Youth Olympic competitions, returning to the Games for the first time in 16 years. Healthy Schools: A mandatory policy taking effect in 2027 will ban unhealthy canteen foods and set nutrition standards to address rising non-communicable disease rates among children. Pa Enua Planning: Island executive officers met on Rarotonga to develop six-month action plans, with priorities including governance, energy security and workforce development. Cyclone Readiness: The South Pacific season starts November 1, and a new regional programme will support emergency mobile alerts in the Cook Islands and eight other Pacific nations. Regional Security: Cook Islands Police are joining Pacific partners to strengthen cooperation against transnational crime, including drug trafficking and maritime crime. Va’a: Rarotonga will host the 2028 World Distance Championships, with at least 1,500 paddlers expected.

Rugby League: The Cook Islands meet Australia in Townsville on Saturday, October 31, in their final World Cup group match; the Kangaroos have already secured a semi-final spot. Freight and Ports: The Cook Islands Ports Authority has partnered with PortConnect to digitise cargo records and improve freight tracking. Cyclone Readiness: The South Pacific cyclone season begins November 1, with elevated activity forecast in parts of the region. A US$1.2 million programme will support mobile emergency alerts in the Cook Islands and eight other Pacific nations. Pa Enua: Prime Minister Mark Brown has urged island administrators to speed up project delivery and ensure outer-island priorities are reflected in the national budget. Va’a: Rarotonga will host the 2028 World Distance Championships, expected to draw at least 1,500 paddlers from more than 50 countries. Regional Security: Cook Islands leaders are calling for stronger Pacific cooperation against transnational crime, including drug trafficking and illegal fishing.

Cyclone Readiness: The South Pacific cyclone season starts November 1, with elevated activity forecast. RNZ has activated its Cyclone Watch Service, while new funding will help bring mobile emergency alerts to the Cook Islands and eight other Pacific nations. Climate Risks: A strong El Niño is expected to bring shifting rainfall and possible drought through 2027. The Cook Islands is among 14 nations covered by a regional climate-resilience programme backed by a US$250 million grant. Outer Islands: Prime Minister Mark Brown urged Pa Enua administrators to speed up delivery and ensure island priorities are reflected in national planning. Va’a: Rarotonga will host the 2028 World Distance Championships, expected to draw at least 1,500 paddlers and boost local businesses. Visitor Safety: Police reported a spate of incidents involving tourists over the long weekend, including bag snatches and vehicle crashes.

Va’a Championships: Rarotonga will host the 2028 World Va’a Distance Championships, with at least 1,500 paddlers expected from more than 50 countries — a major opportunity for local businesses and tourism. Emergency Preparedness: The Cook Islands is among nine Pacific nations set to receive support for mobile emergency alerts, which can send warnings to phones within seconds. Climate Resilience: The country is included in a US$250 million regional grant programme to strengthen infrastructure and essential services. Pacific forecasters warn a powerful El Niño could bring unusually dry conditions to parts of the region into 2027. Visitor Safety: Police reported a busy long weekend, with tourist bag snatches, crashes and other incidents adding to demands on officers. Pa Enua Development: Prime Minister Mark Brown has urged island administrators to speed up delivery, saying the challenge is turning available funding into projects on the ground. Language: Cook Islands Māori leaders in Auckland are renewing calls for a body to work with the Cook Islands language authority to support revitalisation efforts.

Va’a Hosting: Rarotonga will host the 2028 World Va’a Distance Championships, welcoming at least 1,500 competitors from more than 50 countries and an expected 2,000-plus visitors. Regional Policing: Cook Islands Police have joined the new Pacific Community of Policing, strengthening regional cooperation against transnational crime. Visitor Safety: Police reported a busy long weekend, including two bag-snatching reports and several crashes involving visitors, renewing concerns about safety and pressure on local officers. Pa Enua Development: Prime Minister Mark Brown urged island administrators to speed up delivery, saying implementation—not funding—is the main challenge and outer-island priorities must shape investment. Seabed Minerals: Deep Sea Minerals is pursuing exploration rights in the Cook Islands’ exclusive economic zone as it seeks a US listing and fundraising; the proposed offering would not finance offshore work. Local Sport: Avatiu Eels stayed unbeaten in Super 7s, building toward next month’s Raro 7s, while the Aitu were routed 82–16 by New Zealand at the Rugby League World Cup.

Pa Enua Development: Prime Minister Mark Brown urged outer-island administrators to speed up delivery, saying implementation—not funding—is the key challenge and island priorities must shape the national budget. Visitor Safety: Police reported a rise in incidents involving tourists over the long weekend, including bag-snatching reports and crashes, adding to pressure on local officers. Seabed Minerals: Deep Sea Minerals is seeking funds to advance applications for exploration rights in the Cook Islands’ exclusive economic zone; the proposed offering would not pay for offshore work. Climate Outlook: Pacific forecasters warn a strong to very strong El Niño is likely in early 2027, bringing heightened heat and drought risks and drier-than-usual conditions across parts of the region. Aitutaki Lagoon: A new five-year management plan calls for stronger ra’ui protection, fisheries enforcement, coral restoration and starfish removal, with leaders urging the community to turn plans into action. Aitu at the World Cup: The Cook Islands were thrashed 82–16 by New Zealand, despite Esom Ioka scoring a hat-trick; coach Karmichael Hunt hopes the tournament helps open professional opportunities for local players. Va’a Milestone: The Cook Islands will host the World Distance Championships in November 2028, ahead of New Zealand’s newly confirmed 2030 World Sprint Championships.

Deep-Sea Minerals: Deep Sea Minerals Corp. is pursuing exploration rights in the Cook Islands and the Clarion-Clipperton Zone as it seeks a US listing to raise funds. The company says the proposed offering would cover preparation and compliance costs, not offshore work. Rugby League: The Cook Islands Aitu lost 82–16 to New Zealand at the World Cup, despite Esom Ioka scoring a hat-trick. The Cook Islands will host the World Distance Championships in November 2028. Local Priorities: Incoming Opposition Leader Robert Heather says his agenda will focus on health services, living costs and government accountability. Lagoon Stewardship: Aitutaki’s new 2026–2030 management plan calls for stronger ra’ui protection, fisheries enforcement, coral restoration and crown-of-thorns starfish removal. Conservation and Culture: Rat eradication on Palmerston has helped native plants and wildlife recover. A Mauke-born language advocate is also developing a website to preserve Cook Islands Māori words, dialects and knowledge.

Rugby League: Cook Islands went down 82–16 to New Zealand, but Esom Ioka’s hat-trick was a standout. Five experienced Kiwis return for Saturday’s clash with Fiji. A proposed Pacific NRL franchise is also considering Avarua for home games. Lagoon Care: Aitutaki’s new five-year management plan calls for stronger ra’ui protection, fisheries compliance, coral restoration and action against crown-of-thorns starfish. Conservation: Palmerston’s successful rat eradication has helped native plants and wildlife return and boosted fruit and vegetable production. Language: A Mauke-born advocate is building an online resource to preserve Cook Islands Māori words, dialects and knowledge. Opposition Priorities: Incoming Opposition leader Robert Heather says health services, living costs and government accountability will top his agenda.

Rugby League: The Cook Islands Aitu suffered a heavy loss to New Zealand at the World Cup, despite Esom Ioka scoring a hat-trick. The team now faces Australia in its final group match. Aitutaki Lagoon: A new five-year management plan calls for stronger ra’ui protection, better fisheries compliance and coral restoration, with leaders urging action to protect the lagoon for future generations. Health: Work has begun to upgrade Mauke Hospital with climate-resilient materials, improved water storage, solar infrastructure and better accessibility. Language: A Mauke-born advocate is developing an online resource to preserve Cook Islands Māori words, dialects and knowledge. Governance: The incoming Opposition leader has named health services, living costs and government accountability as priorities. Community: Around 100 people attended the opening of artist Kay George’s new exhibition, “What Remains,” at Bergman Gallery.

Rugby League: New Zealand overwhelmed the Cook Islands Aitu at the World Cup in Christchurch. Esom Ioka scored a hat-trick, but the Aitu could not match the Kiwis’ attacking firepower. Aitutaki Lagoon: A new five-year management plan calls for stronger ra’ui protection, coral restoration and fisheries compliance to help restore the lagoon. Health: Work has begun to upgrade Mauke Hospital, including its roof, water storage and accessibility, with solar infrastructure planned. Politics: Opposition leader Robert Heather says health services, living costs and government accountability will be priorities. Culture: A Mauke-born language advocate is building an online resource to preserve Cook Islands Māori words and dialects. Local concerns: Immigration fee cuts and longer Australian visitor stays have raised questions about pressure on affordable housing; a U.S. seabed-mining bid has also prompted concern for the Cook Islands.

Rugby League: The Cook Islands Aitu suffered a heavy World Cup defeat to New Zealand, despite Esom Ioka scoring a first-half hat-trick. Lagoon Protection: Aitutaki has launched a five-year management plan focused on stronger ra’ui protection, fisheries enforcement and coral restoration, with the mayor urging residents to safeguard the lagoon for future generations. Health Services: Work is under way to strengthen Mauke Hospital against climate impacts, including roof and water-storage upgrades, improved accessibility and solar infrastructure. Language and Culture: A Mauke-born advocate is developing a website to preserve Cook Islands Māori words and dialects, as concern grows over the language’s decline. Politics and Living Costs: Opposition leader Robert Heather says health services, cost-of-living pressures and government accountability will be priorities for the coming term.

Youth Football: Cook Islands’ U15 side lost 10-0 to Benin at the FIFA U15 World Cup in Baku, their second defeat in the tournament. Aitutaki Lagoon: A new five-year management plan calls for stronger ra’ui protection, coral restoration and fisheries enforcement to help revive the lagoon. Health Resilience: Work has begun on a climate-ready upgrade to Mauke Hospital, including a new roof, improved water storage, accessibility improvements and solar infrastructure. Language and Culture: A Mauke-born advocate is building an online resource to preserve Cook Islands Māori words, dialects and knowledge. Opposition Priorities: Incoming Opposition Leader Robert Heather says health services, living costs and government accountability will top his agenda.

Cyclone Recovery: Cyclone Wati left Aitutaki’s marina causeway underwater and damaged its harbour. The early start to cyclone season comes with forecasts of seven to 11 named storms across the Southwest Pacific. Health Resilience: Work has begun to strengthen Mauke Hospital, including roof and water-storage upgrades, solar infrastructure and improved accessibility. World Cup: The Cook Islands Aitu lost their opener to Fiji and now face New Zealand, with Valentine Holmes set for his long-awaited debut. Tourism and Housing: Cuts to immigration fees and longer stays for Australian visitors are intended to boost tourism, but have raised concerns about local housing affordability. Seabed Mining: US-linked claims in the Pacific’s high seas now rival half the area set aside for exploration by the international regulator, sharpening concerns about mining’s risks for the region. Netball: A locally based Cook Islands squad has been named for the inaugural PacificAus Sports Netball Challenge in Brisbane this November.

Polynesian Cup: The Cook Islands women beat hosts Tahiti 68–56 and can still claim bronze, but will surrender the title they won in 2018 and 2022 as Samoa and American Samoa meet in the final. Rugby League: The Aitu face New Zealand in Christchurch after losing their opener 40–12 to Fiji. Valentine Holmes is set to make his long-awaited Cook Islands debut at fullback. Cyclone Recovery: Tropical Cyclone Wati damaged Aitutaki’s harbour and left its marina causeway underwater; recovery is now a focus for government. On Mauke, work has begun to strengthen the hospital with a new roof, better water storage and planned solar infrastructure. Tourism and Housing: New immigration measures cut fees and extend Australian visitor stays to attract more tourists, but have raised concerns about pressure on affordable housing. Culture: A letter to the editor warns that just $15,000 has been allocated to the national Cook Islands Māori language commission, despite steeply falling numbers of young speakers.