AGP Executive Report

Pacific Islands Forum wrap (Palau): Leaders adopted the “Belau Declaration” pushing urgent, inclusive climate action to keep warming within 1.5°C, while also “registering concern” over China’s July missile test; Palau’s Surangel Whipps is set to chair the next year and the forum’s future host line-up was mapped out. Cook Islands tourism safety alert: Accommodation operators are being warned about a scam using stolen credit cards and fake death certificates to pressure staff into processing unusual refund requests. Penrhyn port “lifeline” push: The US and New Zealand will co-fund a major Penrhyn Atoll port upgrade (US$50m + NZ$17.5m), framed as connectivity for the Pa Enua and linked to broader critical minerals plans—prompting Greenpeace Aotearoa to call it colonial “resource grabbing.” Conservation in the clouds: A Waihī Beach–Rarotonga partnership is installing automated predator traps over 400m up in the Takuvaine cloud forest to protect native wildlife and seabirds. Tourism spotlight: Te Mato Manava Tūroto launches Tourism Month 2026 (Sept 1–30) celebrating people, women and youth pathways through awards and programmes. Travel & security backdrop: Australia announced a US$600m Pacific surveillance package targeting narco-smuggling routes, while the US pledged over US$150m across energy, fishing, infrastructure, digital and policing priorities. Luxury travel news: SeaDream Yacht Club revealed SeaDream III, a new ship debuting July 2029, with reservations opening now.

Pacific security: Australia has pledged a $600m program to boost aerial and maritime surveillance across the Pacific, aiming to disrupt narco-submarines and small vessels used to move drugs toward Australia. Tourism scam alert: Cook Islands accommodation providers are being warned about a global fraud using stolen credit cards and fake death certificates to pressure staff into processing unusual “refund” transfers. US-PIF investment push (Cook Islands link): The US says it will back more than $150m in Pacific projects, including US$50m (with NZ support) to upgrade the Penrhyn “lifeline” port—raising hopes for better inter-island shipping and connectivity, while also drawing criticism over links to deep-sea mining. Tourism month: Te Mato Manava Tūroto is running Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto (Tourism Month 2026) through September, spotlighting people, women and youth in the industry. Sports (Cook Islands in the mix): The OFC U-16 Women’s Championship build-up continues, with the Cook Islands drawn in Group A alongside New Zealand and Fiji.

Pacific Security & Crime: Australia announced a $600m Waqa Moana Initiative to boost aerial and maritime surveillance across the Pacific to disrupt narco-submarines and small drug-smuggling vessels. US-Pacific Investment Push: The US unveiled $150m+ in new Pacific support at the Pacific Islands Forum, including $60m for energy security, $17m for anti-illegal fishing, and $50m (with NZ $10m) to upgrade the Penrhyn “lifeline” port in the Cook Islands. Cook Islands Port Controversy: Greenpeace Aotearoa called the US-NZ Penrhyn port project “resource grabbing,” warning it could pave the way for deep-sea mining. Connectivity & Air Travel: NZ PM Christopher Luxon defended using two RNZAF Boeing 757s for the Forum trip, citing limited options and the need for reliable connectivity for leaders and delegations. Tourism Spotlight: Te Mato Manava Tūroto launched Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto (Tourism Month 2026) for September, featuring People’s Choice Awards, Tourism Woman of the Month, and a Youth Tourism Pathway programme. Sports & Travel Link: The OFC U-16 Women’s Championship build-up continues in Honiara, with Cook Islands drawn in Group A alongside New Zealand and Fiji.

US-Pacific Funding Push: The US will spend over US$150m across the Pacific, with Cook Islands named for a US$50m Penrhyn Atoll port “lifeline” project, plus Compact state support and a US$60m regional energy security initiative. Cook Islands Infrastructure & Deep-Sea Mining: New Zealand and the US will co-fund the Penrhyn port upgrade (NZ$17.5m + US$50m), aimed at boosting inter-island shipping and enabling larger ships tied to deep-sea minerals plans. Pacific Unity Under Pressure: The Pacific Islands Forum in Palau is opening with major leader absences, as geopolitics, crime and regional unity tensions shape the agenda. Blue Corridors for Wildlife: WWF and partners urge Pacific nations to protect “whale highways” and other migration routes with coordinated blue corridors. Coral Conservation Science: A study finds damselfish can speed healing of wounded corals, pointing to fish-habitat protection as a conservation lever. Tourism Air Access (Regional): Palau’s direct Brisbane-Koror Qantas service is extended to at least Nov 2027, supporting its tourism recovery. Cruise & Leisure (Broader): SeaDream announces its first new ship in 25 years, debuting 2029, while cruise deals continue to circulate for the wider region.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: The 55th PIF leaders meeting opened amid turmoil, with nearly a third of key leaders absent, raising questions about regional unity as geopolitics, crime and development compete for attention. Cook Islands connectivity & ports: In a major boost for the Pa Enua, the US and New Zealand will co-fund a “lifeline” port upgrade at Penrhyn Atoll, with the US putting in US$50m and NZ US$10m, framed as critical infrastructure for domestic shipping and inter-island travel. Critical minerals push: The Penrhyn port deal is also tied to deep-sea mining ambitions, with the US and NZ positioning the project as “responsible” and aligned with high standards. US Pacific support: Washington pledged more than $150m for energy security, anti-illegal fishing, digital tech and law enforcement across Pacific nations. Tourism air access: Palau extended its Australia air link, with Qantas adding a second weekly Brisbane–Koror flight from December, supporting a tourism recovery. Local business support: Mangaia entrepreneurs get a free three-day BTIB workshop in September on planning, costing, forecasting and bookkeeping. Sport & travel buzz: Cook Islands’ presence continues in regional sport, including Rugby League World Cup pool talk featuring the Cook Islands.

Port & deep-sea mining push: The US, New Zealand and the Cook Islands have agreed to co-fund a major “lifeline” port upgrade at Penrhyn Atoll (a former US military base), with the US putting in US$50m and NZ $17.5m, aimed at handling larger ships and supporting the region’s deep-sea minerals plans. Pacific diplomacy at Palau: As the Pacific Islands Forum leaders meet in Palau, NZ Prime Minister Christopher Luxon plays down concerns about PIF clout after several leaders’ absences, arguing the forum can act like ASEAN for development partners. Cook Islands tourism & business support: Mangaia entrepreneurs get a free three-day Business Trade and Investment Board workshop (Sept 15–17) covering soft loans, UCI branding, business planning, costing/pricing, forecasting and bookkeeping. Safety & security spotlight: A Cook Islands fisherman says he feared for his life after finding a 26kg cocaine package washed ashore on Mitiaro, with preliminary police testing indicating cocaine. Sports with a Cook Islands angle: Pickleball Cook Islands heads to the 2026 World Cup in Da Nang, Vietnam, in a historic first for the nation.

Deep-Sea Mining Infrastructure: The US and New Zealand will jointly fund a “lifeline” port development at Penrhyn Atoll in the Cook Islands, with the US putting in $50m and NZ $10m, announced at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau—aimed at supporting domestic shipping and inter-island travel while also advancing Washington’s critical minerals push. Pacific Forum Politics: The 55th Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting is underway in Palau with a third of leaders potentially missing, raising questions about regional unity as geopolitics, crime and ocean resources dominate the agenda. Cook Islands Tourism & Business: Mangaia gets a free three-day Business Trade and Investment Board workshop (Sept 15–17) focused on planning, costing/pricing, forecasting and bookkeeping, delivered through CITTI. Local Safety & Community: A Cook Islands fisherman in Mitiaro says he feared for his life after finding suspected cocaine packages washed ashore (more than 26kg), with police testing underway. Sports Spotlight: Pickleball Cook Islands has sent its national team to the 2026 World Cup in Da Nang, Vietnam, in a historic first for the nation.

Rarotonga Stay Deals: Flight Centre is promoting a seven-night adults-only escape at Sunset Resort on Rarotonga from $1320pp (travel Nov 29, 2026–Mar 17, 2027), with daily breakfast, return airport transfers, an extra free night, and dining/market transfer perks. Outback Getaway: World Travellers has a four-night Kings Canyon package from $1899pp twin share, including guided Rim Walk, Light Towers at Sunset, daily breakfast and five days’ car hire from Alice Springs. Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: The 55th PIF leaders summit is underway in Koror, with understrength attendance and concerns over regional unity amid geopolitics and transnational crime. Realm Leaders Meet: Luxon hosted the first Realm leaders meeting in Auckland with Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau—framed as a chance for frank talks. Cook Islands Tourism Support: BTIB’s free Mangaia business workshop returns Sept 15–17 at CITTI, covering soft loans, UCI branding, costing/pricing, forecasting and bookkeeping. Local News: A Cook Islands fisherman in Mitiaro reported finding suspected cocaine packages washed ashore, with police testing indicating cocaine presence. Sports & Culture: Pickleball Cook Islands heads to the 2026 World Cup in Da Nang (Aug 30–Sep 6) for a historic first for the nation.

Mururoa veterans finally return: Nineteen New Zealand sailors who witnessed French nuclear testing at Mururoa in 1973 are now heading to the Cook Islands for a last tour, recalling the eerie “desert” conditions and the long wait for closure. Pacific security and unity in focus: Leaders head to Palau for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum with a tougher agenda shaped by geopolitics, transnational crime and pressure on regional unity, while debate over ocean protection and major-power competition looms. Cook Islands crime and safety watch: Police are investigating 19 suspected cocaine packages (about 26.5kg) washed ashore in Mitiaro, after a fisherman feared it could be a bomb; meanwhile, a weekend spike in burglaries and stolen motorbikes has police working across several districts. Tourism and business support: Mangaia entrepreneurs get a free BTIB business workshop (Sept 15–17) covering planning, costing, bookkeeping and branding. Travel industry signals: Norwegian Cruise Line opened Summer 2028 bookings, touting more time in port and late departures across the South Pacific and beyond. Sports with a Cook Islands spotlight: Pickleball Cook Islands players depart for the World Cup debut in Vietnam, while Cook Islands school tennis programs continue building pathways for young players.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Pacific leaders are heading to Palau for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting, but pull-outs are already raising alarm about regional unity, with some officials privately blaming Chinese pressure. Realm talks in Auckland: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon hosted the first meeting of the Realm leaders (Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau) to talk through constitutional relationships. Cook Islands election result: Mark Brown is set to return as Prime Minister after the Cook Islands Party won 13 of 24 seats, with support from six independents strengthening his majority. Drugs on Mitiaro reef: Cook Islands Police are investigating 19 packages of suspected cocaine, about 26.49kg, washed ashore on Mitiaro on 28 July. Tourism & business support: BTIB’s free Mangaia workshop runs Sept 15–17, covering business planning, costing/pricing, forecasting and bookkeeping. Aitutaki stays in the spotlight: Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort (adults-only) has been named in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best 2026. Sports with a travel angle: Pickleball Cook Islands players depart for the World Cup in Da Nang, Vietnam (Aug 30–Sep 6). Cruise planning: Norwegian Cruise Line opened Summer 2028 bookings with more time ashore and late departures across the South Pacific and beyond.

Cruise Planning: Norwegian Cruise Line has opened bookings for its Summer 2028 season, with 450+ voyages across 20 ships, more time ashore (about 80% of sailing days in port), and 175 overnight stays plus late departures across 53 destinations, including the South Pacific. Regional Diplomacy: Pacific leaders are heading to Palau for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, with the agenda shaped by geopolitics, transnational crime, economic pressure and the push to keep a united regional voice. Realm Talks: In Auckland, PM Christopher Luxon met with Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau leaders for the first four-leader gathering of the Realm, focused on constitutional relationships and shared priorities. Tourism Skills for Pa Enua: Mangaia entrepreneurs can join a free BTIB Pa Enua business workshop (Sept 15–17) covering soft loans, UCI branding, planning, costing/pricing, forecasting and bookkeeping. Safety & Security: Cook Islands Police are investigating 19 suspected cocaine packages (about 26.5kg) washed ashore in Mitiaro, after a fisherman reported the find. Local Community: A six-week school tennis programme is back, with sessions across multiple schools and a pathway into national training. Sports Spotlight: Pickleball Cook Islands has sent its team to the 2026 World Cup in Da Nang, Vietnam (Aug 30–Sept 6), a first for the nation. Crime Watch: Police report a weekend spike in burglaries and stolen motorbikes across several Rarotonga areas, alongside other incidents. Government Update: Three Permanent Secretaries were sworn in to lead key ministries including Finance and Treasury, Police/National Security/Corrections, and Culture and Tourism. Travel Disruption Watch: Fiji’s new 5% tourism services tax starts 1 September, with Australia and New Zealand warning it could raise holiday costs and hit already-booked travellers. Honeymoon Highlight: Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort (adults only) has been named in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best 2026, placing it in the Top 1% of hotels worldwide.

Cruise Bookings: Norwegian Cruise Line has opened Summer 2028 bookings, with 450+ voyages across 20 ships and more time ashore (about 80% of sailing days in port), including late departures and overnight stays in popular cities plus South Pacific calls. Regional Diplomacy: Pacific Islands Forum leaders are heading to Palau for a tougher agenda shaped by geopolitics, transnational crime, and the push to keep a united regional voice. Realm Talks: In Auckland, PM Christopher Luxon met Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau leaders for the first time as a foursome, focusing on constitutional relationships and shared priorities. Tourism & Business Support: Mangaia entrepreneurs get a free three-day BTIB Pa Enua workshop (Sept 15–17) covering soft loans, UCI branding, business planning, costing/pricing, forecasting and bookkeeping. Sports: Cook Islands pickleball players depart for the 2026 World Cup in Da Nang (Aug 30–Sept 6) for a historic first. Safety & Security: Police are investigating a weekend spike in burglaries and stolen motorbikes, while separate reports detail 19 suspected cocaine packages found washed ashore on Mitiaro reef.

Realm Talks in Auckland: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon hosted the first meeting of the Realm leaders in Auckland with Cook Islands PM Mark Brown, Niue PM Dalton Tagelagi and Tokelau Ulu Alapati Tavite—no deals, just a chance to talk ahead of the Palau summit. Regional Forum Focus: Pacific leaders are heading to Palau for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum with a tough agenda shaped by geopolitics, transnational crime and the push for stronger regional unity. Cook Islands Tourism Skills Boost: Mangaia entrepreneurs can apply for free BTIB Pa Enua business training at CITTI (Sept 15–17), covering soft loans, UCI branding, business planning, costing/pricing, forecasting and bookkeeping. Aitutaki Stays in the Spotlight: Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort (adults-only) has been named in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best 2026, placing it in the Top 1% of hotels worldwide. Safety & Crime Watch: Police report a weekend spike in burglaries and stolen motorbikes across multiple areas, with inquiries ongoing. Drugs on the Reef: Cook Islands Police are investigating 19 packages of suspected cocaine found washed ashore on Mitiaro reef, weighing about 26.49kg. Sports for Visitors & Locals: A six-week school tennis programme is back in action across several Cook Islands schools, aiming to feed players into national training pathways.

School Sports Development: A six-week school tennis programme is back in action across Rarotonga, with sessions at Apii Takitumu (Tuesdays), Apii Nikao (Wednesdays), Titikaveka College (Thursdays) and Te Uki Ou School (Fridays), aiming to introduce kids aged 7–9 to tennis and feed talent into the National Training Programme. Regional Diplomacy: Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown is among Pacific leaders heading to Palau for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum, with the agenda shaped by geopolitics, transnational crime, economic pressures and the push for stronger regional unity. Tourism & Business Support: BTIB’s free Mangaia business workshop returns next month (Sept 15–17) at CITTI, covering soft loans, UCI branding, business planning, costing/pricing, forecasting and bookkeeping. Public Safety & Community Impact: Police report a weekend spike in burglaries and stolen motorbikes across Arorangi, Nikao, Ruatonga and Tutakimoa, alongside noise complaints and a crash near the Muri Night Market. Drug Discovery at Sea: A Mitiaro fisherman reported suspected cocaine packages washed ashore on July 28; Cook Islands Police say preliminary testing indicates cocaine, with 19 packages weighing about 26.49kg recovered for further handling.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown is in Auckland ahead of next week’s PIF leaders’ meeting, with NZ, Niue and Tokelau Realm leaders also meeting to tackle geopolitics, transnational crime, economic pressure and regional integration. Mangaia tourism support: The Business Trade and Investment Board is bringing free three-day business training to Mangaia (Sept 15–17) covering soft loans, UCI branding, planning, costing/pricing, forecasting and bookkeeping. Cook Islands security alert: Police are investigating a weekend spike in burglaries and stolen motorbikes across Arorangi, Nikao, Ruatonga and Tutakimoa. Cocaine find on Mitiaro reef: A Mitiaro fisherman reported suspected cocaine packages washed ashore on July 28; police say initial testing indicates cocaine and total weight is about 26.49kg. Cook Islands politics: Brown is set to return as PM after the 2026 election, with the Cook Islands Party winning 13 seats and support from six independents boosting his parliamentary majority. Aitutaki stays in the spotlight: Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort (adults only) has been named in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best 2026. Sporting firsts: Pickleball Cook Islands players depart for the 2026 World Cup in Da Nang, Vietnam, aiming for a historic debut.

Cook Islands Politics: Mark Brown is set to return as Prime Minister after the 2026 election, with the Cook Islands Party winning 13 of 24 seats and support from six independents for a strong 19-seat caucus. Sports & Tourism Buzz: Pickleball Cook Islands has sent its team to the 2026 Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang, Vietnam (Aug 30–Sep 6), a first for the nation. Aitutaki Stays: Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort (adults only) has been named in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards “Best of the Best 2026,” placing it in the Top 1% of hotels worldwide. Safety & Community: Police report a weekend spike in crime, including burglaries and stolen motorbikes across Arorangi, Nikao, Ruatonga and Tutakimoa. Drug Discovery: Authorities are investigating 19 packages of suspected cocaine washed ashore on Mitiaro reef, weighing about 26.49kg. International Links: India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Muanpuii Saiawi, is also concurrently accredited as High Commissioner to Niue, with residence in Wellington, and previously accredited to the Cook Islands and Samoa.