AGP Executive Report

Drug Enforcement & Justice: A Cook Islands columnist questions whether sentencing in a major drug case shows the sea wall is “high enough” to protect communities, pointing to lenient penalties compared with the seriousness of the offences. Customs Support: Cook Islands Customs received US Homeland Security Investigations training and drug test kits, as officials stress vigilance against transnational crime. Health & Prevention: Free cervical screening continues in Rarotonga with a clinic at Kavera today, while a menstrual health session at Tereora College promoted reusable options to cut waste. Community Health: Cook Islands Red Cross and the Health Ministry marked World Blood Donor Day, celebrating lifesaving blood donations. Environment & Waste: Te Ipukarea Society highlighted period waste reduction, and the National Environment Service is developing a National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution. Regional Security & Ocean Governance: Pacific leaders reaffirmed the 40-year nuclear-free stance under the Rarotonga Treaty, and a Pacific Security College paper argues for turning the Ocean of Peace vision into a treaty. Weather Watch: A heavy swell and coastal inundation warning has been issued for the Cook Islands as dangerous seas approach. Sports & Culture: Sports Awards return after a two-year break, and Cook Islands’ U19 team set up a showdown after a 4-0 win over Tonga.

Health & Safety: A New Zealand man hospitalised after a Cook Islands holiday was diagnosed with a rare bloodstream infection linked to a marine bacterium, with doctors pointing to possible exposure through raw seafood. Public Health: Free cervical screening outreach continues in Rarotonga, with a clinic at Kavera today and further dates set across the island. Environment: Te Ipukarea Society is pushing practical plastic reduction, including reusable menstrual products, while the National Environment Service is supporting a National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution. Governance & Community: Henry Puna has been appointed chair of Rarotonga’s water authority, To Tatou Vai, as leadership changes follow Brian Mason’s resignation. Border Security: Cook Islands Customs received US Homeland Security Investigations training and drug test kits to strengthen enforcement. Sports & Culture: The Cook Islands Sports Awards return this Saturday after a two-year break, and CIFA is sponsoring live FIFA World Cup match streams on Vaka TV. Regional Context: Pacific leaders marked 40 years of the Rarotonga Nuclear-Free Zone Treaty, reaffirming the region’s nuclear-free stance.

Border Security Boost: US Homeland Security Investigations trained Cook Islands Customs officers and donated drug test kits, as MFEM warns transnational crime targets the “weakest link.” Health Push: A community workshop highlighted Cook Islands’ high non-communicable disease burden, while free cervical screening outreach continues in Rarotonga (Kavera today, then more clinics listed). Public Safety & Welfare: Cook Islands Red Cross and Te Marae Ora marked World Blood Donor Day, celebrating lifesaving blood donors. Sports & Culture: The Cook Islands Sports Awards return Saturday after a two-year break, with CISNOC honouring 2024–2025 achievements and Aitu captain KL Iro as guest speaker. Local Governance: Former PM Henry Puna appointed chair of To Tatou Vai, tasked with strengthening water services governance. Environment & Policy: Work is underway on a National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution, aiming to cut waste and shift behaviour. Health Alert (NZ case): A rare marine-bacteria infection (Shewanella) in a Kiwi man traced to a Cook Islands trip underscores risks after raw seafood. Regional/World Watch: Pacific leaders reaffirm the nuclear-free Rarotonga Treaty at 40 years, and ADB moves to deploy $4b for Middle East conflict fallout.

Seabed Mining Debate: Indigenous leaders across the Pacific are pushing for stronger protections and sovereignty in the deep-sea mining fight, pointing to ecosystem risks and cultural ties to the ocean. Sports & Community: The Cook Islands Sports Awards return this Saturday after a two-year break, with CISNOC set to honour achievements from 2024 and 2025 and NRL Aitu captain KL Iro as guest speaker. Drugs & Border Security: Cook Islands Customs received US Homeland Security Investigations training and drug test kits, as officials stress vigilance against transnational crime. Health Push: Community outreach is ramping up after Cook Islands data placed the country third globally for non-communicable diseases, while free cervical screening continues in Rarotonga (Kavera today) and World Blood Donor Day was marked with Red Cross and the Health Ministry. Ocean Safety & Environment: A heavy swell and coastal flooding warning is in place as a major weather system moves through the region, and work is underway on a National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution. Regional Peace: Pacific nations reaffirm the nuclear-free stance as the Rarotonga Treaty marks 40 years. Local Governance: Former PM Henry Puna has been appointed chair of To Tatou Vai, Rarotonga’s water authority. Football: Cook Islands women beat Afghanistan United 1-0 and 3-0 in Auckland, and the men’s U19 side set up a Papua New Guinea showdown after a 4-0 win over Tonga.

Health & Prevention: Free cervical screening outreach begins in Rarotonga today at Kavera, with clinics running through the month (4.30pm–7pm) for women aged 25–65, delivered by CIFWA and Te Marae Ora. Blood Donation Drive: Cook Islands Red Cross and Te Marae Ora marked World Blood Donor Day at Constitution Park, celebrating lifesaving blood donors. Public Safety & Infrastructure: A letter urges Rarotonga to adopt formal street names and house numbering to improve emergency response as the island grows and more visitors rely on digital navigation. Water Governance: Former PM Henry Puna has been appointed chair of Rarotonga’s water authority, To Tatou Vai, following Brian Mason’s resignation. Environment & Plastics: The National Environment Service is supporting a National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution, aiming to cut waste entering landfill and the lagoon through coordinated action. Mental Health: Te Kainga O Pa Taunga is running a weeklong workshop to boost community mental health awareness and help people spot early signs of distress. Sports: Cook Islands U19 men’s team is one step from OFC Championship qualification after a 4-0 win over Tonga, setting up a key match against Papua New Guinea. Regional Security: Pacific leaders reaffirm the nuclear-free stance as the Rarotonga Treaty marks 40 years since it entered into force.

Health & Safety: A rare bloodstream infection in a Kiwi man traced to a Cook Islands trip has been linked to a marine bacterium, Shewanella, after he reported eating raw fish; doctors say the case is a reminder to watch for severe symptoms after travel. Sports on the Home Front: The Cook Islands women’s team beat Afghanistan United 1-0 and 3-0 in Auckland, while the men’s U19 side thrashed Tonga 4-0 to set up a Papua New Guinea showdown for an OFC Championship spot. Community Health Services: Free cervical screening outreach continues in Rarotonga with a clinic at Kavera today, with further dates across the island. Regional Security & Governance: Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority staff attended deep-seabed sustainable blue growth talks in Suva, focusing on state responsibilities, environmental governance and data. Environment & Policy: Work is underway on a National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution in the Cook Islands, aiming to cut waste entering landfill and the lagoon. Weather Watch: A heavy swell and coastal inundation warning has been issued, with dangerous seas expected to affect the Cook Islands from today into the coming days. Transport & Connectivity: A new Air Tahiti Nui–Air Tahiti codeshare lets travellers book smoother connections to Rarotonga via Tahiti. Regional Nuclear-Free Message: Pacific states reaffirmed the Rarotonga Treaty’s nuclear-free stance as it marks 40 years since entry into force.

Rare Infection Alert: A man in South Auckland was hospitalised with a rare but severe Shewanella infection after a Cook Islands holiday; doctors say the exact source is unclear, though raw fish consumption is being considered as a likely route. Environment & Plastics: The Cook Islands’ National Environment Service is supporting a National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution under the Pacific Ocean Litter Project, aiming to cut marine waste and strengthen long-term behaviour change and recycling. Nuclear-Free Milestone: Pacific states reaffirmed their nuclear-free stance as the Rarotonga (South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone) Treaty marks 40 years since it entered into force. Water Security Leadership: Former PM Henry Puna has been appointed chair of Rarotonga’s water authority, To Tatou Vai, following Brian Mason’s resignation. Weather Watch: A heavy swell and coastal inundation warning has been issued for the Cook Islands, with dangerous seas expected for parts of the country. Sport & Qualification: The Cook Islands women’s team beat Afghanistan United 1-0 and 3-0 in Auckland, while the U19 men’s side secured a 4-0 win over Tonga to set up a Papua New Guinea showdown. Fisheries Surveillance: New Zealand Defence Force support helped Cook Islands police run maritime surveillance patrols targeting illegal fishing as part of Operation Tui Moana.

Coastal Safety: A heavy swell and coastal inundation warning has been issued for the Cook Islands, with forecast waves of 4–5 metres and impacts expected first in the Southern Group, after New Zealand’s Wellington faced a state of emergency from giant swells. Water Governance: Former Cook Islands PM Henry Puna has been appointed chair of Rarotonga’s water authority, To Tatou Vai, taking over from Brian Mason. Environment & Waste: The National Environment Service is developing a National Action Plan on plastic pollution under the Pacific Ocean Litter Project, aiming to cut single-use plastic and improve recycling and waste systems. Health & Alcohol: A mental health workshop is running to help communities spot early signs of emotional distress, with a focus on alcohol and drug use. Community & Violence Prevention: Northern Islands communities are uniting against domestic violence, with outreach underway across remote islands. Sports: Champion paddler Reuben Dearlove won the Masters Men 50 division at Te Aito 2026 in Tahiti. Women’s Football: The Cook Islands women’s team beat Afghanistan United 1-0 and 3-0 in a historic Auckland series. Maritime Security: NZDF support continues in Cook Islands waters, backing fisheries and maritime surveillance patrols.

Nuclear Legacy & Decolonisation: Pacific leaders and advocates say decolonisation is still unfinished decades after nuclear testing, pointing to unresolved contamination, self-determination and fights over who benefits from ocean resources. Moana Pasifika Update: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says the Super Rugby franchise can still be saved, ruling out a direct government bailout and urging a sustainable business model. Northern Group Community Outreach: Punanga Turuturu Itivaine (PTI) completed a major outreach trip to Pukapuka, Rakahanga, Manihiki and Penrhyn. Women’s Football Milestone: The Cook Islands women beat Afghanistan United 1-0 and 3-0 in Auckland in a series tied to new FIFA eligibility pathways for Afghan women. Health & Skills: Te Kainga O Pa Taunga runs a weeklong workshop to boost mental health awareness by helping people spot early signs of distress. Sports: Cook Islands host OFC U19 Men’s Championship qualifiers, with Tonga and Papua New Guinea chasing a spot in Samoa. Maritime Security: NZDF supported fisheries surveillance in Cook Islands waters under Operation Tui Moana, including aerial searches for vessels of interest. Deep-Sea Science: NOAA will map deep waters off the Cook Islands this summer, with results shared publicly to support local stewardship. Letters & Local Concerns: Readers weigh in on the ant pest response and the long-term housing crisis.

Super Rugby Survival: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says Moana Pasifika “can still be saved” as new backers show interest, while ruling out a direct government bailout and urging a sustainable business model after the franchise was placed into liquidation. Women’s Football: The Cook Islands women beat Afghanistan United 1-0 and 3-0 in Auckland in a historic series tied to FIFA’s updated rules allowing Afghan women’s representation. Northern Group Community Outreach: Punanga Turuturu Itivaine (PTI) completed a major outreach trip to Pukapuka, Rakahanga, Manihiki and Penrhyn. Mental Health Awareness: Te Kainga O Pa Taunga runs a weeklong workshop teaching people to spot early signs of emotional distress. Maritime Security: NZDF supported Cook Islands fisheries enforcement with Navy and Air Force patrols under Operation Tui Moana, identifying vessels of interest. Climate & Science: International researchers shared sea level rise findings using the islands’ geology, and NOAA will map deep waters around the Cook Islands this summer. Sports: OFC U19 Men’s Championship qualifiers kick off in Rarotonga with Cook Islands hosting Tonga and Papua New Guinea. Local Letters: Readers weigh in on the ant pest response and the long-term housing crisis.

Health Story: Auckland man Mitioti Fariu, born with rare Diamond Blackfan Anaemia, says he’s now healthy at 37 after a life-saving bone marrow transplant at Middlemore/Starship. Maritime Security: A RAAF C-27J Spartan has deployed to the Cook Islands region for Pacific fisheries surveillance under Operation Solania, working alongside RNZAF and Operation Tui Moana, with 12 vessels of interest identified. Cybercrime Cooperation: Legal experts meeting in Fiji are nearing completion of a Pacific cybercrime legislation handbook to strengthen regional laws and defenses, with the Cook Islands among participants. Ocean & Climate Research: International scientists briefed Rarotonga on using the islands’ geology to better predict sea level rise impacts. Deep-Sea Mapping: NOAA will lead a 28-day expedition this summer to map deep waters off the Cook Islands, streaming live research and sharing data for local stewardship. Local Governance & Services: Government’s new online dashboard reports stable fuel stocks, with Rarotonga up to 57 days and Aitutaki well-stocked. Community & Culture: Te Tapora Kai’s “Taste of the Cook Islands” pop-up returns, spotlighting local food, crafts and culture at Punanga Nui Market. Sports: OFC U19 Men’s Championship qualifiers kick off in Rarotonga with Cook Islands hosting Tonga and Papua New Guinea.

Pacific Cybercrime Push: Fiji’s acting AG Siromi Turaga says Pacific legal systems must keep up with fast digital change as PILON finalises a regional cybercrime legislation handbook in Nadi, with Cook Islands among participating countries. Maritime Security in CI Waters: NZDF personnel supported Cook Islands Police maritime surveillance on Te Kukupa II for fisheries patrols under Operation Tui Moana, with air reconnaissance later used to track possible fishing and serious crime breaches. Deep-Sea Science for Stewardship: NOAA will map deep waters around the Cook Islands this July–August with Okeanos Explorer, sharing data publicly and with local authorities to support responsible critical minerals management. Sea Level Rise Research: International scientists briefed Rarotonga on how makatea and ancient geology can help predict future sea level impacts. Local Environment Warnings: A baseline study links Cook Islands beach plastic pollution to tourism and community habits, while separate reporting highlights feral cats threatening Rarotonga’s rare seabirds. Sport at Home: The OFC U-19 Men’s Championship qualifiers kick off in Rarotonga with Cook Islands hosting Tonga and Papua New Guinea, while PNG opened with a 4-0 win over Tonga. Community & Culture: “Taste of the Cook Islands” returns to Te Tapora Kai, and the Polynesian Voyaging Society marks Hōkūleʻa’s 50th anniversary with events in Hawaiʻi.

Deep-Sea Minerals: Deep Sea Minerals says it has submitted a NOAA application and received a “substantial compliance” determination, a key step toward priority rights for its seabed minerals work. NOAA Mapping Mission: NOAA will also lead a 28-day expedition to map deep waters around the Cook Islands this July–August, with live streaming and public release of data to support local stewardship. OFC U-19 Football: Papua New Guinea opened the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship qualifiers in Rarotonga with a 4-0 win over Tonga, powered by David Tita’s hat-trick; the Cook Islands host the qualifying tournament and are aiming to improve on their 2024 runner-up finish. Local Governance & Land: Landowners voiced strong concerns at the Law Commission’s second public consultation on returning Crown land no longer needed. Environment: A baseline study links Cook Islands beach plastic pollution to tourism and community habits, while local groups warn invasive pests and feral cats are threatening Rarotonga’s rare seabirds. Community & Culture: Te Tapora Kai’s “Taste of the Cook Islands” pop-up brings local food and culture to Punanga Nui Market, and Rex Atirai performed in Samoa as part of a cultural celebration.

Pacific Security & Climate: Australia and New Zealand reaffirmed Pacific-led regionalism, backing the Pacific Islands Forum and Palau’s 2026 leaders’ meeting, with climate action front and centre. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: NOAA will map deep waters around the Cook Islands this summer in a 28-day cruise with the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority, while broader reporting flags rising geopolitics around seabed minerals and who controls them. Local Environment: A baseline study says Cook Islands beach plastic pollution is driven by tourism and community habits, pushing for targeted waste management. Biodiversity Under Threat: Te Ipukarea Society warns feral cats are threatening Rarotonga’s rare seabirds, as researchers track nesting sites. Sports (U-19): Qualifiers kick off in Rarotonga with Cook Islands hosting Tonga and Papua New Guinea, while PNG’s David Tita hit a hat-trick to move one win from the OFC U19 spot. Governance & Accountability: A New Zealand fire safety boss, Neil Gould, was sentenced for forging building compliance papers, and a Cook Islands legal case involving PM Mark Brown and Forum SG Henry Puna is back in play via an appeal application. Energy: A new online dashboard says fuel stocks are stable, with Rarotonga up to 57 days and Aitutaki well-stocked.

OFC U19 Qualifiers: Papua New Guinea moved one win from the OFC U19 Men’s Championship spot after David Tita’s hat-trick powered a 4-0 opening victory over Tonga in Rarotonga, putting PNG in a strong position for the lone qualifying place. Local Sport Spotlight: The Cook Islands host the qualifying tournament at the CIFA Academy with Tonga and PNG, with home support expected to lift the team as they aim to improve on their 2024 runner-up finish. Deep-Sea Science: NOAA will lead a 28-day expedition to map deep waters around the Cook Islands this July–August, streaming live science and making data and samples publicly available with local stewardship in mind. Environment & Waste: A baseline study links Cook Islands beach plastic pollution to tourism and community habits, prompting calls for targeted waste management and better coordination. Biodiversity Under Threat: Te Ipukarea Society warns feral cats are threatening Rarotonga’s rare seabirds, adding pressure to protect the island’s cloud-forest nesting sites. Governance & Law: Landowners voiced concerns at the Law Commission’s second public consultation on “warranted” land proposals, while a separate legal policy course is building drafting capability across government. Fuel Security: A new online dashboard says fuel stocks are stable, with Rarotonga up to 57 days and Aitutaki well-stocked.

OFC U-19 Qualifiers (Rarotonga): The Cook Islands kick off home qualifying for the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2026, with Tonga and Papua New Guinea joining the hosts as all three chase a spot in Samoa. Deep-Sea Mapping: NOAA will lead a 28-day expedition this July–August to map deep waters around the Cook Islands, with live streaming and public data sharing via the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority. Beach Plastic Push: A new baseline study says Cook Islands beach plastic pollution is driven by tourism and local habits, prompting calls for targeted waste management and better collaboration. Biodiversity Under Threat: Te Ipukarea Society warns feral cats are threatening Rarotonga’s rare seabirds, as researchers highlight the island’s fragile cloud-forest nesting sites. Fuel Security Update: A new government online dashboard reports “stable” fuel stocks, with Rarotonga up to 57 days and Aitutaki well-stocked. Law Commission Land Consultations: Landowners voice concerns at the second public consultation on Law Commission land proposals, debating returning unused Crown land. Maritime Security: RNZAF patrols targeted suspected illegal activity across Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands EEZ as part of Operation Kiwa. Tourism & Community Events: “Taste of the Cook Islands” returns to Te Tapora Kai, while an Avana project begins work alongside Sunday tour restrictions.