AGP Executive Report

Northern Group Outreach: Punanga Turuturu Itivaine (PTI) wrapped up a major community outreach trip to Pukapuka, Rakahanga, Manihiki and Penrhyn, strengthening support links across the outer islands. Housing Pressure: In a letter to the editor, the long-term housing crisis is flagged as a growing concern as tourism-driven short-term rentals squeeze the rental market, even as visitor accommodation income helps some local households. Beach & Waste Watch: A baseline study on Cook Islands beach plastic pollution says it’s largely driven by tourism and community habits, prompting calls for targeted waste management and tighter collaboration. Local Food Tourism: Te Tapora Kai at Punanga Nui Market hosted a “Taste of the Cook Islands” pop-up with local dishes, live music and new vendors, aiming to boost market foot traffic for visitors and locals. Conservation & Predators: Te Ipukarea Society highlights feral cats threatening Rarotonga’s rare seabirds, with renewed focus on protecting nesting sites. Health on Rarotonga: New Zealand chiropractic interns return for free spinal health checks and holistic adjustments, with clinics based at Te Atukura Grounds in Avarua. Sport & Culture: Cook Islands paddlers head to Tahiti for Te Aito, while Cook Islands Rugby League Origin Series kicks off locally with new coaches and pathways for players.

Tourism & Environment: A new baseline study says Cook Islands beach plastic pollution is driven by tourism and local habits, prompting calls for targeted waste management and tighter collaboration. Local Food & Culture: “Taste of the Cook Islands” returned to Te Tapora Kai at Punanga Nui Market, spotlighting local vendors and dishes plus live music and cultural demos. Conservation & Wildlife: Te Ipukarea Society warns feral cats are threatening Rarotonga’s rare seabirds, with researchers focusing on breeding and nesting in the cloud forest. Governance & Capability: A Legal Policy Development Course brought together Cook Islands government officials and private lawyers to strengthen law and policy design skills. Sports & Community: Cook Islands paddlers head to Tahiti for Te Aito (June 5-6), while the Cook Islands Rugby League Origin Series kicks off this weekend at Nukupure Park. Regional Tourism Data: SPTO and Niue Tourism share findings from the 2024 International Visitor Survey, highlighting visitor preferences and spending to guide Pacific tourism strategy.

Tourism & Environment: A new baseline study says Cook Islands beach plastic pollution is driven mainly by tourism and everyday community habits, with industry calling for more targeted waste management and better coordination. Market & Culture: “Taste of the Cook Islands” returned to Te Tapora Kai at Punanga Nui Market, spotlighting local food, crafts, live music and cultural demos, with new vendors joining the pop-up. Wildlife Protection: Te Ipukarea Society warns feral cats are threatening Rarotonga’s rare seabirds, including ground-nesting species in the island’s cloud forest. Local Governance: A Legal Policy Development Course brought government officials and private lawyers together in Rarotonga to strengthen skills in drafting laws and advising decision-makers. Regional Tourism Data: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Niue Tourism shared findings from the 2025 International Visitor Survey, highlighting visitor preferences and spending to guide Pacific tourism planning. Aviation Connectivity: SPTO stressed closer partnership between tourism and airlines at the ASPA meeting in the Cook Islands to improve regional connectivity and sustainable growth. Travel Deals: House of Travel promoted Rarotonga beachfront stays and packages, while other offers included Southeast Asia cruises and Arctic adventures.

High Arctic Deals: Aurora Expeditions is offering savings of up to 30% (to $9,399pp twin share) on select Svalbard and Greenland voyages, with Northern Lights and Zodiac cruising highlights. Rarotonga Stay & Package: The Edgewater Resort & Spa is promoting a five-night Rarotonga beachfront escape from $1,599pp twin share via House of Travel, including flights, transfers and daily tropical breakfast. World Cup Pathway: New Zealand has secured Oceania’s direct qualification spot for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Cook Islands among the OFC nations in the qualifying campaign. Beach Plastic Push: A baseline study says Cook Islands beach plastic pollution is driven by tourism and community habits, prompting calls for targeted waste management and tighter collaboration. Local Food Tourism: “Taste of the Cook Islands” returns to Te Tapora Kai at Punanga Nui Market, spotlighting local dishes, live music and new vendors. Wildlife Threat: Te Ipukarea Society warns feral cats are threatening Rarotonga’s rare seabirds, including nesting petrels in the cloud forest. Fuel Squeeze: Penrhyn Island has used its last 100 litres of diesel and borrowed 5,000 litres from the police patrol boat, while power use is restricted as fuel prices rise. Tourism Connectivity Talk: SPTO says stronger tourism-and-aviation partnerships are key to unlocking sustainable growth across the Pacific, following discussions at the ASPA meeting hosted in the Cook Islands.

World Cup Pathway: New Zealand has secured Oceania’s direct qualification spot for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Cook Islands among the 11 OFC nations that took part in the qualifying campaign. Tourism & Environment: A baseline study says Cook Islands beach plastic pollution is driven by tourism and local habits, prompting calls for targeted waste management and tighter collaboration. Food & Culture Events: “Taste of the Cook Islands” returned to Te Tapora Kai at Punanga Nui Market, spotlighting local favourites like ika mata, mitiore, rukau and varaoa karo, plus live music and cultural demos. Wildlife Protection: Te Ipukarea Society warns feral cats are threatening Rarotonga’s rare seabirds, including ground-nesting species in the island’s cloud forest. Community & Capability: A Legal Policy Development Course in Rarotonga is building skills across government and private lawyers to strengthen law and policy design. Fuel Pressure: Penrhyn Island has burned through its last 100 litres of diesel and is borrowing 5,000 litres from police Te Kukupa II, while restricting power use as fuel prices rise. Sports Spotlight: Cook Islands Rugby League Origin Series kicks off this weekend at Nukupure Park, with Town Blues vs Country Maroons and a pathway toward National Residents selection. Regional Tourism Data: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Niue Tourism Office shared findings from the 2024 International Visitor Survey, part of the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative. Aviation Connectivity Focus: SPTO highlighted the need for stronger tourism-airline partnerships at the ASPA meeting hosted in the Cook Islands. Cruise Demand: Norwegian Cruise Line extended its South Pacific season, citing strong interest in multi-island, close-to-home cruising.

Tourism & Environment: A new Cook Islands beach plastic baseline study says pollution is driven by tourism and local habits, with industry calling for targeted waste management and tighter collaboration. Market & Food Tourism: “Taste of the Cook Islands” returned to Te Tapora Kai at Punanga Nui Market, spotlighting local vendors like Jax Farm and dishes from ika mata to rukau, plus live music and cultural demos. Wildlife Protection: Te Ipukarea Society warns feral cats are threatening Rarotonga’s ground-nesting seabirds in the Takuvaine cloud forest, highlighting the birds’ role as ocean health indicators. Sustainable Tourism Planning: Stakeholders met to review progress on the Destination Stewardship Plan and map the next phase of sustainable tourism development. Regional Connectivity: The Pacific Tourism Organisation urged closer tourism-aviation partnerships at the ASPA meeting hosted in the Cook Islands to strengthen connectivity and support growth. Energy & Costs: Penrhyn Island is rationing power and borrowing diesel from the police patrol boat after its last 100 litres ran out as fuel prices rise. Sports & Culture: Cook Islands Rugby League Origin Series kicks off this weekend, while paddlers head to Tahiti for Te Aito va’a races. Community Health: NZ chiropractic interns return to Rarotonga for free spinal checks and holistic adjustments at Te Atukura Grounds.

Beach Waste Watch: A new baseline study says Cook Islands beach plastic pollution is driven by tourism and local habits, prompting calls for targeted waste management and tighter industry-community collaboration. Market & Flavours: “Taste of the Cook Islands” returned to Te Tapora Kai at Punanga Nui Market, with local vendors and itivaine serving favourites like ika mata, mitiore, rukau and varaoa karo, plus cultural demos to draw more visitors to the market. Wildlife Protection: Te Ipukarea Society warns feral cats are threatening Rarotonga’s rare seabirds, including ground-nesting species in the island’s cloud forest ecosystem. Sustainable Tourism Planning: Tourism leaders and government agencies met to review progress on the Destination Stewardship Plan and map the next phase of sustainable tourism development. Fuel Pressure in the Northern Group: Penrhyn Island burned through its last 100 litres of diesel and has borrowed fuel from police patrol boat Te Kukupa II while restricting power use ahead of a late-June resupply. Community Health: New Zealand chiropractic interns are returning to Rarotonga for free spinal health checks and holistic adjustments at Te Atukura Grounds. Ocean & Culture: Pacific voyaging and ocean conservation leaders gathered on Rapa Nui to strengthen ancestral ties and coordinate high-seas marine protection efforts.

Wildlife & Conservation: Te Ipukarea Society says feral cats are threatening Rarotonga’s rare seabirds, including the Kōputu petrel, as local researchers ramp up work on breeding and nesting in the island’s small cloud-forest habitat. Outrigger Racing (Travel/Events): Cook Islands paddlers have flown to Tahiti for the Te Aito Tahiti va’a races, with seven in the singles (V1) open category and a 22km ocean challenge on Saturday. Food & Culture Tourism: “Taste of the Cook Islands” returns to Te Tapora Kai at Punanga Nui Market (9am–12 noon), featuring local dishes, live music, cultural demos and new vendors. Governance & Skills: A Legal Policy Development Course is underway in Rarotonga, bringing together officials and private lawyers to strengthen law and policy drafting capability. Energy & Island Logistics: Penrhyn Island has dipped into its last 100 litres of diesel and borrowed 5,000 litres from police patrol boat Te Kukupa II, with power restricted while a battery replacement project continues. Sustainable Tourism Debate: Cook Islands tourism coverage highlights concerns that visitor growth is outpacing waste management, with Rarotonga beaches still seeing heavy plastic litter. Sports (Local Pride): The 2026 Cook Islands Rugby League Origin Series kicks off this weekend at Nukupure Park, with Town Blues vs Country Maroons and new coaching appointments.

Rarotonga Market Buzz: “Taste of the Cook Islands” returns to Te Tapora Kai at Punanga Nui Market today (9am–12noon) with local dishes, itivaine samples, live music and cultural demos—plus new registered vendors joining the line-up. Va’a & Sport Tourism: Cook Islands paddlers have flown to Tahiti for the Te Aito Tahiti va’a races (June 5–6), with seven in the V1 singles and a gruelling 22km open ocean event on Saturday. Local Rugby Spotlight: The 2026 Cook Islands Rugby League Origin Series kicks off this weekend at Nukupure Park, with Town Blues vs Country Maroons and a pathway to the National Residents squad and the Mantis-Hoff Series in September. Governance & Skills: A Legal Policy Development Course (June 3–today) brought government officials and private lawyers together in Rarotonga to strengthen law and policy drafting capability. Sustainability Pressure: Tourism leaders and stakeholders are mapping next steps under the Destination Stewardship Plan as visitor growth raises waste and environmental strain. Fuel Cost Reality Check: Penrhyn Island has run down its last 100 litres of diesel and is borrowing from the police patrol boat, while power use is restricted as fuel prices keep climbing.

Cook Islands–China Ties: PM Mark Brown’s historic visit to Wuzhou, Guangxi, celebrated the launch of the MV Tuitui Moana and opened new cooperation paths, including cultural and business stops. Sustainable Tourism Pressure: Cook Islands tourism leaders are pushing back on growth-at-all-costs, warning visitor numbers can outpace waste capacity as flights and new routes lift arrivals. Regional Aviation–Tourism Link: The Cook Islands hosted ASPA81 in Rarotonga, with delegates stressing stronger airline and tourism partnerships to improve Pacific connectivity. Tourism Data for Planning: SPTO and Niue Tourism shared findings from the 2024 International Visitor Survey under the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, highlighting key source markets and visitor profiles for strategy work. Fuel Crunch on Penrhyn: Penrhyn Island used its last 100 litres of diesel, borrowing 5,000 litres from police patrol boat Te Kukupa II while restricting power use ahead of a late-June fuel delivery. Health on Rarotonga: NZ chiropractic interns return for free spinal health checks and holistic adjustments at Te Atukura Grounds starting Saturday, June 6. Tourism Outlook Caution: Industry warns the Cook Islands remains vulnerable to global economic slowdown despite government assurances.

Food Security & Resilience: A Cook Islands opinion piece argues the country should boost local farming to cut import dependence and strengthen jobs and local business, with a focus on building stronger growers’ associations and coordinated production across Rarotonga and the Southern Group. Sustainable Tourism & Waste: Tourism leaders and stakeholders are pushing the next phase of the Destination Stewardship Plan, while another column warns that chasing visitor growth can outpace waste systems—citing landfill and beach litter impacts as new air links and resort capacity raise pressure. Regional Aviation–Tourism Links: The Cook Islands hosted ASPA81, with Pacific aviation and tourism leaders stressing closer airline–tourism coordination to improve connectivity and support island economies. Tourism Data: SPTO and Niue Tourism shared findings from the 2025 International Visitor Survey, highlighting visitor preferences and key source markets for Pacific planning. Local Community Health: Free spinal health checks return to Rarotonga as NZ chiropractic interns begin community clinic sessions at Te Atukura Grounds. Cook Islands–China Ties: PM Mark Brown’s historic visit to Wuzhou, China, included the launch of the MV Tuitui Moana and talks to deepen cooperation and connectivity. Energy Costs in the Northern Group: Penrhyn Island used its last diesel and borrowed fuel from the police patrol boat, with power restrictions in place as delivery is delayed. Sport & Culture: Valentine Holmes is set to make himself available for the Cook Islands at the Rugby League World Cup after injury setbacks.

Regional Tourism Networking: Fiji again hosted the South Pacific Tourism Exchange (SPTE 2026) at Crowne Plaza Nadi, bringing Pacific businesses and partners together with Fiji Airways backing. Cook Islands Rugby Spotlight: Valentine Holmes says he’ll make himself available for the Cook Islands at the Rugby League World Cup, after injury kept him out of earlier qualifying matches. Health & Community: New Zealand College of Chiropractic interns return to Rarotonga for free spinal health checks and holistic adjustments at Te Atukura Grounds from Saturday, June 6. Tourism Data & Planning: SPTO and Niue Tourism shared 2025 International Visitor Survey findings, while SPTO also stressed stronger tourism-aviation partnerships at ASPA81 in Rarotonga. Fuel Pressure in the Northern Group: Penrhyn Island burned its last 100 litres of diesel, borrowing 5,000 litres from Te Kukupa II and restricting power use as June deliveries loom. Sustainable Tourism Debate: Cook Islands tourism leaders warn visitor growth is outpacing waste capacity, and stakeholders reviewed progress on the Destination Stewardship Plan. China Connectivity: PM Mark Brown’s visit to Wuzhou, Guangxi, highlighted new cooperation and connectivity tied to the MV Tuitui Moana. Visitor Spend Signal: April visitor spending rose in Hawaii (DBEDT), with fewer arrivals but higher daily spend—an indicator worth watching for Pacific demand trends.

Rugby & Tourism Spotlight: Valentine Holmes says he’ll make himself available for the Cook Islands at the Rugby League World Cup, with a Rarotonga culture reconnection trip part of the build-up. Health & Community Travel: New Zealand College of Chiropractic interns return to Rarotonga for free spinal health checks and holistic adjustments, with clinic sessions starting Saturday June 6 at Te Atukura Grounds. Regional Aviation Link: Cook Islands hosted ASPA81 in Rarotonga, bringing aviation and tourism leaders together to push stronger airline–tourism partnerships for better Pacific connectivity. Sustainable Tourism Pressure: Cook Islands tourism stakeholders warn the country is still highly vulnerable to global slowdown risks, while the Destination Stewardship Plan meeting focused on the next phase of sustainable tourism development. Visitor Growth vs Waste: A fresh view on tourism growth argues arrival numbers can’t outpace waste management capacity, as more flights and full resorts mean more plastics and rubbish for small islands to handle. Fuel Crunch (Northern Group): Penrhyn Island used its last 100 litres of diesel, borrowing from Te Kukupa II and restricting power use until a late-June fuel delivery. China Connectivity: PM Mark Brown’s historic visit to Wuzhou, Guangxi, highlighted new cooperation and the launch of the MV Tuitui Moana to improve Cook Islands connectivity.

Aviation–Tourism Link-Up: Cook Islands hosted the 81st Association of South Pacific Airlines (ASPA81) in Rarotonga, with delegates stressing that stronger coordination between airlines, airports and tourism bodies is key to unlocking sustainable growth across island economies. Sustainable Tourism Pressure: Local tourism leaders say the Cook Islands remains exposed to global slowdown risks, while another report warns that chasing visitor numbers can outpace waste management capacity as new flights and resorts add more plastics and rubbish to small island systems. Regional Tourism Data: The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) and Niue Tourism Office released International Visitor Survey findings under the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, highlighting visitor preferences and spending to guide Pacific destination strategy. Fuel Crunch in the Northern Group: Penrhyn Island used its last diesel and borrowed supply from police patrol boat Te Kukupa II, while power use is being restricted as fuel prices rise and a battery replacement project continues. Cook Islands–China Ties: PM Mark Brown’s historic visit to Wuzhou, Guangxi included the launch celebration of the MV Tuitui Moana, framed as a step toward improved connectivity and deeper bilateral cooperation. Ocean Protection & Voyaging: Pacific voyaging and ocean leaders gathered on Rapa Nui to strengthen cultural ties and collaborate on high-seas marine conservation, with Cook Islands participation noted. Cruise Interest in the South Pacific: Norwegian Cruise Line extended its South Pacific season with more close-to-home itineraries, pointing to strong demand from Australians for culture and easy multi-island travel.

Cook Islands Tourism & Aviation: Cook Islands hosted ASPA81 in Rarotonga (18–20 May) with airline, aviation and tourism leaders focused on “Island Economies in Flight” and the need for tighter aviation–tourism partnerships to boost regional connectivity. Sustainable Tourism Pressure: Industry voices warn the Cook Islands is still vulnerable to global slowdown risks, while another report flags the growing waste burden as visitor growth and new air links push totals beyond 200,000 a year. Destination Stewardship Plan: Stakeholders met to review progress on the Destination Stewardship Plan and map the next phase of sustainable tourism development. Connectivity & Travel Demand: Pacific Tourism Organisation stressed stronger tourism–aviation links at ASPA81, and Norwegian Cruise Line extended its South Pacific season with more close-to-home itineraries for Australians. Regional Costs & Fuel: Penrhyn Island in the Northern Group ran down its last 100 litres of diesel and borrowed fuel from police as prices rise, with power restrictions in place. Cook Islands–China Links: PM Mark Brown’s historic visit to Wuzhou, Guangxi, highlighted new cooperation and the launch of the MV Tuitui Moana to improve connectivity. Ocean Protection & Voyaging: Pacific voyaging and ocean leaders gathered in Rapa Nui to strengthen cultural ties and collaborate on high-seas marine conservation, with Cook Islands participation noted.

Aviation–Tourism Partnerships: The Pacific Tourism Organisation backed closer coordination between tourism authorities, airlines and airport operators at ASPA81 in Rarotonga, calling air connectivity a key lever for sustainable growth. Cruise Momentum: Norwegian Cruise Line extended its 2026–27 South Pacific season with more close-to-home itineraries, citing strong Australian demand for culture and easy multi-island cruising. Fuel Shock for Outer Islands: Penrhyn Island burned its last 100 litres of diesel, borrowing 5,000 litres from police boat Te Kukupa II and restricting power use while awaiting a barge fuel delivery around 25–26 June. Connectivity Boost (NZ): Air New Zealand launched a seasonal direct Christchurch–Rarotonga service up to three times weekly through late October, making winter escapes simpler for South Islanders. Tourism Under Pressure: Cook Islands tourism stakeholders warned the country remains exposed to global downturn risks, even as government forecasts suggest a worst-case GDP fall of up to 5%. Health Update: The Cook Islands has regained dengue-free status after 26 days without a case, while Tonga reports ongoing outbreaks. Weather Alert: A heavy rain and ocean warning was issued for the Southern Group, with Aitutaki urged to prepare for flooding and rough seas.