AGP Executive Report

US-Cook Islands diplomacy: New US ambassador to New Zealand Jared Novelly says the Cook Islands is “1a or 1b” on his priority list and plans to spend “quite a lot of time” in the Cooks, pointing to seabed resources while stopping short of promising exploration licences. Cook Islands politics: Opposition leader Te Ariki Heather says major talks with New Zealand could wait until after both countries’ elections, with Cook Islands polls on 12 August and New Zealand’s later this year; he also rules out a separate Cook Islands passport. Tourism data skills: The Pacific Tourism Organisation wrapped a five-day Pacific Tourism Data Initiative workshop in Nadi, training Cook Islands and other Pacific tourism officers to use visitor surveys and business confidence data for better planning. Holiday home payments: MFEM is rolling out “Te Pa’ata” to boost digital financial literacy for holiday home operators, tackling confusion around e-payments from online travel agents. Environment & visitor safety: A CITES reminder warns holidaymakers about coral and clam haul risks, after New Zealand seized tonnes of protected items brought in by thousands of travellers. Ocean health: Deep-sea mining critics flag a new concern: mobilisation of naturally occurring radioactive materials could spread through marine food chains. Rescue story: A Cook Islands fisher from Pukapuka survived eight days adrift after engine failure, later rescued following air force and vessel searches. Culture funding: $161,150 has been allocated for the Ui Ariki 60th anniversary celebrations this Friday with traditional leaders from across the Pacific.

US-Cook Islands Diplomacy: New US Ambassador to New Zealand Jared Novelly says the Cook Islands is “1a or 1b” on his priority list, flagging seabed minerals like cobalt and promising to connect US business—while stopping short of pushing exploration licences. Cook Islands Politics: Opposition leader Te Ariki Heather says major talks with New Zealand could wait until after the Cook Islands election on 12 August, ruling out any move toward a separate Cook Islands passport. Tourism Skills Boost: The Pacific Tourism Organisation wrapped a five-day Pacific Tourism Data Initiative workshop in Nadi, training Cook Islands and other Pacific tourism officers to use visitor and business data for better planning. Environment & Visitor Safety: A CITES reminder after New Zealand’s Department of Conservation seized tonnes of protected corals and clams—warning holidaymakers that permits are often required. Ocean Care: Te Ipukarea Society highlights beach plastic problems on Rarotonga and Aitutaki, with plastics dominating litter found near tourist areas. Culture & Heritage: Thomas Wynne revisits a 1901 photo of Mangaia and Takitumu ariki in New Zealand, probing what annexation meant for chiefly authority. Sport: Strongman Samoa’s co-founder says the Pacific Strongest competition is giving regional athletes—including Cook Islanders—new pathways to compete, including on sand.

Cook Islands–NZ Politics: Cook Islands United Party leader Te Ariki Heather says major talks with New Zealand can wait until after both countries’ elections, aiming to pause until NZ’s government decision in early November and rule out any separate Cook Islands passport. Tourism Data Skills: The Pacific Tourism Organisation wrapped a five-day Pacific Tourism Data Initiative workshop in Nadi, training tourism research officers (including from the Cook Islands) to better use visitor surveys and business confidence data for smarter planning. Ocean & Environment: A South Pacific baseline study flagged heavy beach litter on Rarotonga and Aitutaki, with plastics making up most rubbish—prompting renewed calls for community clean-ups. Holiday Safety Reminder: New Zealand’s DOC reports large CITES coral and clam seizures tied to holidaymakers, underlining that protected items often need permits. Blue Economy & Innovation: A report highlights how marine biotechnology is growing across Oceania, pointing to higher-value ocean industries beyond traditional fishing. Travel Inspiration: Nicko Cruises announced its 2027–28 world cruise aboard Vasco da Gama, with multi-segment itineraries that include island-hopping and South Seas-style Christmas travel. Rugby Pasifika Spotlight: The All Blacks’ Nations Championship opener vs France drew attention for Pasifika-linked leadership, including Cook Islands heritage through coaching and players.

Rugby & Pasifika pride: The All Blacks kicked off the Nations Championship with a gritty 34-32 win over France in Christchurch, a match that highlighted Cook Islands links through coach David Rennie’s heritage and assistant Fa’alogo Tana Umaga, with Ardie Savea leading the side. Cruise planning: Nicko Cruises unveiled its 2027-28 world cruise on the Vasco da Gama, a 172-day “Big World Tour” from Lisbon to 41 countries, plus shorter segment options. Cook Islands politics & travel ties: Cook Islands United Party leader Te Ariki Heather says major talks with New Zealand can wait until after both countries’ elections, while ruling out a separate Cook Islands passport. Tourism data boost: The Pacific Tourism Organisation ran a New Zealand-funded workshop in Nadi to strengthen tourism research skills across nine Pacific nations, including the Cook Islands. Ocean & visitor safety: A reminder on coral and clam rules flags that protected species are frequently seized at borders, with permits needed for CITES-listed items. Sustainability at home: A Cook Islands plastic pollution update points to high beach litter levels on Rarotonga and Aitutaki, with plastics dominating rubbish found near tourist areas. Culture & events: Fiji’s FBC selected as host broadcaster for the inaugural People of the Pasifika 48-Hour Film Challenge, with Cook Islands, Samoa and Solomon Islands also taking part in September.

Cruise & travel planning: Nicko Cruises has unveiled its 2027–28 world cruise on the Vasco da Gama, a 172-day “Big World Tour” from Lisbon (Nov 4, 2027 to Apr 24, 2028) plus shorter 125-day and 14-day segments for island-hopping across the Atlantic, Caribbean and Central America. Cook Islands–NZ politics: Te Ariki Heather (Cook Islands Unity Party) says major talks with New Zealand can wait until after both countries’ elections, aiming to pause until Nov 7 if his party wins Aug 12, and ruling out a separate Cook Islands passport. Tourism data capability: The Pacific Tourism Organisation wrapped a five-day Pacific Tourism Data Initiative workshop in Nadi, training tourism officers (including from the Cook Islands) to use tools like SPSS/NVivo and strengthen visitor survey and planning systems. Ocean protection & plastic: Te Ipukarea Society highlights beach litter findings from Rarotonga and Aitutaki, where plastics made up most rubbish collected, linking the issue to pressures felt near tourist accommodation areas. Wildlife trade warning: A CITES reminder flags coral and clam “souvenirs” seized in New Zealand—over 4 tonnes in recent years—urging holidaymakers to check permits before bringing protected species home. Blue economy: A report spotlights how marine biotechnology is emerging as an Oceania investment frontier, moving beyond traditional fisheries toward higher-value ocean innovation. Regional culture: Fiji’s FBC selected to broadcast the inaugural People of the Pasifika 48-Hour Film Challenge, running across host nations including the Cook Islands in September. Safety at sea: A Cook Islands fisher from Pukapuka survived eight days lost after engine failure, rescued following an international search. Heritage & identity: Thomas Wynne reflects on a 1901 photo of Cook Islands ariki in New Zealand during annexation-era ceremonies, asking what they understood about power and partnership. Local funding: $161,150 has been allocated for the Ui Ariki 60th anniversary celebrations this Friday with traditional leaders from across the Pacific.

Cook Islands–NZ Politics: Cook Islands United Party leader Te Ariki Heather says major talks with New Zealand can wait until after the 12 August election, with a pause until Wellington’s government is decided in November, while ruling out any move toward a separate Cook Islands passport. Tourism Data Skills: The Pacific Tourism Organisation wrapped a five-day Pacific Tourism Data Initiative workshop in Nadi, training tourism officers from across nine Pacific nations (including the Cook Islands) in survey analysis and report writing to strengthen evidence-based tourism planning. Holiday Safety (CITES): New Zealand’s Department of Conservation reports more than four tonnes of protected corals and clams seized over the past 3.5 years, warning travellers—especially those heading to Pacific destinations like the Cook Islands—that permits are often required. Digital Payments for Holiday Homes: MFEM is rolling out Te Pa’ata, a UNCDF-supported project to boost digital financial literacy and help holiday home operators navigate e-payments from online travel platforms. Blue Economy Spotlight: A Pacific-focused piece highlights how marine biotechnology is emerging as a higher-value, more resilient “blue economy” pathway beyond traditional fishing. Rescue Story: A Cook Islands fisher from Pukapuka survived eight days lost at sea after engine failure, later located by the New Zealand air force and rescued by a Taiwanese vessel.

Cook Islands–NZ Politics: Te Ariki Heather (Cook Islands Unity Party) says major talks with New Zealand can wait until after both countries’ elections, aiming to pause until Wellington’s government is decided in November, while ruling out any move toward a separate Cook Islands passport. Tourism Data Skills: The Pacific Tourism Organisation wrapped a five-day Pacific Tourism Data Initiative workshop in Nadi, training tourism officers from nine Pacific nations (including the Cook Islands) in stats, survey analysis and report writing to strengthen evidence-based tourism planning. Holiday Travel Alerts: New Zealand’s Department of Conservation reports more than 4.6 tonnes of protected corals and clams seized over three and a half years, warning holidaymakers that CITES rules and permits are often missed. Blue Economy & Environment: A new deep-sea mining report warns proposed seabed mining could mobilise naturally occurring radioactive materials, raising risks for marine life and seafood consumers. Local Events Funding: $161,150 has been allocated for the Ui Ariki 60th anniversary celebrations this Friday, with traditional leaders expected from across the Pacific. Visitor Economy: May 2026 visitor spending rose to $1.77b (up 5.3%), but average length of stay fell to 7.60 days. Travel Industry Insight: oneworld VP Roger Blackburn says loyalty and commercial deals reinforce each other, including global corporate products and alliance loyalty partnerships. Travel Access Snapshot: Henley Passport Index coverage notes Pakistani passport holders can access the Cook Islands visa-free. Accommodation Feature: Lagoon Breeze Villas Rarotonga is highlighted as a family-friendly stay by Aro’a Lagoon. Culture & Identity: Nauru plans a referendum to adopt “Naoero,” reviving its indigenous name. Sports Spotlight: Cook Islander Max Teremoana Crocombe becomes the first Cook Islander to play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the New Zealand All Whites.

Cook Islands–New Zealand Politics: Te Ariki Heather (Cook Islands Unity Party) says major talks with Wellington can wait until after both countries’ elections, aiming to pause any reset until New Zealand’s government is decided in November, while ruling out a separate Cook Islands passport. Tourism Safety & Environment: New Zealand’s Department of Conservation warns holidaymakers after seizures of 4+ tonnes of protected corals and clams under CITES, urging travellers to check permits before bringing home “eye-catching” shells and coral from places like the Cook Islands. Regional Travel/Access: The Henley Passport Index roundup highlights visa-free options for Indian and Pakistani passport holders, including visa-free entry to the Cook Islands for Pakistani travellers. Blue Economy & Science: Reports flag risks from unregulated deep-sea mining, including mobilisation of naturally occurring radioactive materials, as Pacific leaders and scientists debate future rules. People-to-People & Culture: A Cook Islander, Maxime Crocombe, becomes the first Cook Islander to play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the New Zealand All Whites, with family ties to Rarotonga. Community Support: An Australian RACS ENT specialist team visits Rarotonga (June 22–26) for clinics and complex surgeries for residents and Pa Enua patients. Funding & Heritage: $161,150 has been allocated for the Ui Ariki 60th anniversary celebrations this Friday with traditional leaders from across the Pacific.

Cook Islands Election Watch: Campaigning is ramping up for the Cook Islands general election on August 12, with Prime Minister Mark Brown’s “snap” timing drawing Opposition criticism over the tight six-week notice, while supporters argue it gives the government a clear run at voters. Wildlife & Holiday Safety: The Department of Conservation warns winter holidaymakers that more than four tonnes of protected corals and clams have been seized in New Zealand over three and a half years, with thousands of travellers bringing restricted CITES items home without permits—Cook Islands, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa are flagged as common sources. Tourism Skills & Digital Payments: MFEM is backing Te Pa’ata, a UNCDF-supported push to lift digital financial literacy for Cook Islands holiday home operators and help them navigate e-payments from OTA platforms like Airbnb. Regional Culture on Screen: Fiji’s FBC has been selected as host broadcaster for the inaugural People of the Pasifika 48-Hour Film Challenge in September, with Cook Islands, Samoa and Solomon Islands also taking part. Health Mission: An Australian-supported RACS ENT specialist team is in Rarotonga this week delivering clinics and complex surgeries for residents of Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. Pacific Spotlight: A Cook Islander, Maxime Teremoana Crocombe, becomes the first Cook Islander to play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the New Zealand All Whites as goalkeeper.

Wildlife & Holiday Safety: New Zealand’s DoC seized 4+ tonnes of protected corals and clams over 3.5 years, filling a six-metre container, with winter holidaymakers among the main offenders—many travellers are reportedly unaware CITES permits are needed. Cook Islands Spotlight: A Cook Islander, Maxime “Max” Teremoana Crocombe of Nikao, Rarotonga, became the first Cook Islander to play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup while in the New Zealand All Whites squad. Health in the Pa Enua: RACS ENT specialists are in Rarotonga (June 22–26) delivering clinics and complex surgeries with Te Marae Ora, supported by Australia’s partnership funding. Tourism & Travel Planning: A quick visa guide lists Cook Islands as visa-free for direct entry to many countries, plus VOA and eVisa options for others—useful for spontaneous trips. Regional Travel Context: El Niño updates from SPREP note it can bring both risks and opportunities across parts of the Pacific, including southern Cook Islands. Culture & Community: The POP48 Pasifika Film Challenge is set for September across Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa and Solomon Islands, with teams creating films in just 48 hours.

Tourism & Travel Essentials: A new visa guide highlights visa-free entry for travellers including the Cook Islands, plus visa-on-arrival and eVisa options for planning smoother trips. Conservation & Travel Safety: DOC reports more than 4.6 tonnes of protected corals and clams seized over recent years, with thousands of holidaymakers caught without the right CITES permits. Cook Islands Community: A Cook Islander has made World Cup history as the first Cook Islander to feature for the New Zealand All Whites, while ENT specialists from Australia are in Rarotonga for clinics and complex surgeries. Digital Economy for Visitors: MFEM’s Te Pa’ata initiative targets holiday home operators, aiming to lift digital financial literacy and help e-payments work better for OTA bookings. Regional Culture & Media: Fiji’s FBC has been selected as host broadcaster for the People of the Pasifika 48-Hour Film Challenge, with Cook Islands, Samoa and Solomon Islands also taking part. Roads & Safety: Cook Islands Police say reported road crashes are up 9% in the first half of 2026, with carelessness and distraction flagged as key causes.

Travel Planning: A quick-look guide to visa-free entry and visa-on-arrival options includes Cook Islands among visa-free destinations, plus eVisa/eTA routes for travellers who want to sort paperwork ahead. Tourism & Culture: Samoa’s TALA in Auckland has made Michelin history as the first Sāmoan restaurant to earn a Michelin star, a win that spotlights Pacific-centred fine dining. Conservation & Visitor Rules: New Zealand’s DOC says thousands of people have brought protected corals and clams into the country without the right permits, with seizures totalling tonnes during winter holiday season—another reminder for travellers. Cook Islands Stories: A Cook Islands fisher survived eight days lost at sea after engine failure, rescued on 18 June. Local Tourism Support: Te Pa’ata is rolling out to boost digital financial literacy for holiday home operators, aiming to reduce e-payment barriers linked to OTA platforms. Safety & Roads: Cook Islands police report road crashes up 9% in the first half of 2026, with carelessness and distraction flagged as key causes. Regional Spotlight: Fiji’s FBC has been selected to broadcast the inaugural People of the Pasifika 48-Hour Film Challenge across Pacific host nations this September. Health & Wellbeing: ENT specialists from Australia are in Rarotonga for a week of clinics and complex surgeries for residents and Pa Enua patients.

Deep-Sea Mining Fallout: A new Deep Sea Mining Campaign report warns the International Seabed Authority is moving too fast, flagging “unaddressed” risks from mobilised naturally occurring radioactivity—potentially harming marine life and the seafood food chain. Climate Outlook for the Pacific: SPREP says El Niño can bring both drought risk and opportunities, with Pacific communities urged to plan for changing rainfall and ocean conditions. Survival at Sea: Cook Islands fisher Junior Apiuta Apiuta was rescued after eight days lost following engine failure on a solo trip from Pukapuka. Holiday Home Payments Support: MFEM’s Te Pa’ata initiative targets digital financial literacy for holiday home operators, aiming to smooth e-payments access for OTA-linked bookings. Creative Tourism & Media: Fiji’s FBC has been named host broadcaster for the regional People of the Pasifika 48-Hour Film Challenge, running simultaneously across Cook Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Fiji in September. Road Safety Watch: Cook Islands Police report a 9% rise in road crashes in the first half of 2026, with carelessness and distraction still leading causes. Health Mission: Rarotonga is hosting visiting ENT specialists from Australia for clinics and complex surgeries with Te Marae Ora support.

Deep Sea Mining & Health: An anti-deep sea mining group warns radioactive material could enter the marine food chain if seabed mining disturbs particles, raising risks for seafood eaters including people. El Niño Outlook for the Pacific: SPREP says the declared El Niño can bring both dry and wetter-than-normal impacts, with southern Cook Islands among areas to watch. Ocean Survival Story: Cook Islands fisher Junior Apiuta Apiuta was rescued after eight days lost at sea following engine failure on a solo trip from Pukapuka. Holiday Homes & Payments: MFEM’s Te Pa’ata initiative targets gaps in digital financial literacy for holiday home operators, aiming to smooth e-payments from OTA platforms like Airbnb. Film Challenge Across the Pacific: Fiji’s FBC has been selected as host broadcaster for the POP48 Film Challenge, running simultaneously across Cook Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Fiji in September. Rarotonga Health Visit: Australian ENT specialists are in Rarotonga this week for clinics and complex surgeries with Te Marae Ora, supported by Australia’s partnership funding. Road Safety: Cook Islands Police report a 9% rise in reported road crashes in the first half of 2026, with carelessness and distraction flagged as key factors. Local Heritage Restoration: The Avana Nui Maruarua project in Ngatangiia is nearing completion, with workers highlighting strong ancestral ties to the landmark. Sports Spotlight: A Cook Islander, Maxime Teremoana Crocombe, made World Cup history as the first Cook Islander to play for the New Zealand All Whites.

Pasifika Film Challenge: Fiji’s FBC TV has been named the official broadcast partner for the inaugural People of the Pasifika 48-Hour (POP48) Film Challenge, joining the Cook Islands, Samoa and Solomon Islands as host nations, with teams creating short films in just 48 hours across September. Tourism Stay Review: Lagoon Breeze Villas in Rarotonga is highlighted as a family-friendly base near Aro’a Lagoon, with space for kids, a well-equipped kitchen and comfort features like air conditioning. Cook Islands Spotlight (Sports): A Cook Islander, Maxime “Max” Teremoana Crocombe, has made World Cup history as the first Cook Islander to play for the New Zealand All Whites, with another Cook Islander, Ardie Savea, named All Blacks captain alongside coach Dave Rennie (also from Rarotonga). Health & Community: Australian ENT specialists are in Rarotonga (June 22–26) delivering surgeries and specialist clinics with Te Marae Ora support. Road Safety: Cook Islands Police report a 9% rise in reported road crashes in the first half of 2026, while drunk driving incidents appear to be easing. Local Heritage: The Avana Nui Maruarua restoration project in Ngatangiia is nearing completion, with crews tied to the site’s ancestral connections. Economy & Tourism: Prime Minister Mark Brown says the Cook Islands has avoided a worst-case GDP contraction thanks to record visitor numbers, despite global fuel disruptions.

Film & Media: Fiji’s FBC TV has been picked as the official broadcast partner for the inaugural People of the Pasifika 48-Hour (POP48) Film Challenge, joining the Cook Islands, Samoa and Solomon Islands as host nations for a September event where teams will create short films in just 48 hours. Travel & Stays: A Rarotonga review spotlights Lagoon Breeze Villas as a family-friendly base by Aro’a Lagoon, with space for kids, a kitchen for easy meals, and comfort features for heat and mosquitoes. Tourism & Economy: Prime Minister Mark Brown says the Cook Islands has avoided a worst-case GDP shrink scenario, pointing to record visitor numbers and continued growth despite global fuel and flight disruptions. Health & Community: Australian ENT specialists from RACS are in Rarotonga (June 22–26) delivering surgeries and specialist clinics with support from Te Marae Ora and Australia’s partnership funding. Sports (Cook Islands): A Cook Islander, Maxime “Max” Teremoana Crocombe, made World Cup history as the first Cook Islander to play while representing the New Zealand All Whites. Road Safety: Cook Islands Police report a 9% rise in reported road crashes in the first half of 2026, with carelessness and distraction flagged as key factors. Heritage: The Avana Nui Maruarua restoration effort in Ngatangiia is nearing completion, with crew members sharing ancestral connections to the landmark.