AGP Executive Report

Border Policy: The Cook Islands says all future tourists aged 12+ must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, with only medical certificate exemptions, and it won’t reopen quarantine-free travel from New Zealand until it’s confident there’s no community transmission. Health Support: Australian ENT specialists from RACS are in Rarotonga this week (June 22–26) delivering specialist clinics and complex surgeries with Te Marae Ora and Australian budget support. Tourism & Economy: Prime Minister Mark Brown says the Cook Islands has avoided a worst-case GDP shrink scenario despite global fuel shocks, pointing to record visitor numbers and strong arrivals growth. Road Safety: Cook Islands Police report road crashes up 9% in the first half of 2026, with carelessness and distraction flagged as key drivers. Community & Environment: Te Ipukarea Society marks 30 years of conservation work, with school visits highlighting waste sorting gaps and the need for better tourism and household waste practices. Sports Spotlight: Cook Islander Max Teremoana Crocombe makes World Cup history as the first Cook Islander to play for the New Zealand All Whites, while Fiji’s Mick Potter is set to return as Bati head coach pending work-permit approval.

Cook Islands tourism and border policy: The government says future visitors aged 12+ must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, with only medical exemptions, and it won’t reopen quarantine-free travel from New Zealand until it’s confident there’s no community transmission. Medical support for residents: An Australian ENT specialist team from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons is in Rarotonga (June 22–26) delivering surgeries and specialist clinics for Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, backed by the “Oa Tumanava Partnership.” Local sport with global links: Cook Islander Maxime (Max) Teremoana Crocombe becomes the first Cook Islander to feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, starring for the New Zealand All Whites as they face Belgium. Road safety update: Cook Islands Police report road crashes up 9% in the first half of 2026, with carelessness and distraction flagged as key drivers. Environment milestone: Te Ipukarea Society marks 30 years of conservation work, with community events highlighting waste and biodiversity education. Regional context: A Pacific-wide look at how the fuel crisis is reshaping costs, energy choices and planning across island nations.

Cook Islands tourism resilience: Prime Minister Mark Brown says the country has avoided a worst-case GDP hit despite global oil shocks, pointing to record visitor numbers and continued growth. Border rules for travellers: The government says all future tourists aged 12+ must be fully vaccinated for Covid-19, with limited exemptions, and quarantine-free travel from New Zealand only when there’s confidence there’s no community transmission. Local travel safety & roads: Cook Islands Police report road crashes up 9% in the first half of 2026 (123 to 134), with carelessness, distraction and heavier traffic blamed; drunk driving appears down but may be cyclical. Environment & tourism impacts: Te Ipukarea Society marks 30 years with ongoing conservation education, including school visits to the landfill and conservation area to highlight waste sorting gaps and biodiversity protection. Community & culture: A traditional Cook Islands welcome was given to Tonga’s King Tupou VI ahead of USP Cook Islands graduation ceremonies, underlining strong regional ties. Regional context for visitors: A new travel-related dengue case was reported in Oʻahu involving a visitor, with local transmission risk expected to be low—another reminder for mosquito control.

Cook Islands tourism resilience: Prime Minister Mark Brown says the Cook Islands has avoided a worst-case GDP hit despite global fuel shocks, pointing to record visitor numbers and ongoing growth. Fuel crisis impacts across the Pacific: A new regional look at the fuel crunch shows Pacific governments raising diesel ceilings and scrambling for supply, while leaders push renewable energy to reduce future shocks. Border rules for visitors: The Cook Islands says future tourists aged 12+ must be fully vaccinated, with quarantine-free travel only when New Zealand is at the right Covid alert level and community transmission is contained. Local travel safety: Cook Islands Police report road crashes up 9% in the first half of 2026, with carelessness and distraction flagged as key drivers. Environment & tourism education: Te Ipukarea Society marks 30 years with school visits to the landfill and conservation areas, highlighting waste sorting gaps and the need for better tourism and community practices. Regional health watch: Hawai‘i reports a travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu involving a visitor, with local transmission risk expected to be low—still a reminder to remove standing water. Sports with Cook Islands links: Cook Islands’ Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad shines for the Warriors, while Fiji’s Rugby League World Cup coaching plans include Mick Potter returning as head coach.

Tourism & Culture: The Avana Nui Maruarua restoration in Ngatangiia is nearing completion, with crew members sharing ancestral ties to the landmark. Road Safety: Cook Islands Police report road crashes rose 9% in the first half of 2026 (123 to 134), with carelessness and distraction flagged as key causes. Health for Travellers: Hawai‘i DOH confirmed a travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu involving a visitor; local transmission risk is expected low, but officials urge travellers to avoid mosquito bites and remove standing water. Policy & Travel Rules: Cook Islands says future tourists aged 12+ must be fully vaccinated for Covid-19 before quarantine-free travel resumes. Environment Education: Te Ipukarea Society marks 30 years, taking students from Apii Takitumu to the landfill and Takitumu Conservation Area to link waste habits to biodiversity. Airport Compliance: Police warn vaping breaches at Rarotonga International Airport continue (up to three a month), with enforcement likely to ramp up. Visitor Economy: Prime Minister Mark Brown says record visitor numbers are helping the Cook Islands avoid a worst-case GDP contraction scenario tied to global fuel shocks.

Vaccinated travel rules: Cook Islands says all future tourists aged 12+ must be fully vaccinated for Covid-19, with only medical certificate exemptions, and borders won’t reopen to New Zealand quarantine-free until there’s confidence of no community transmission. Visitor economy resilience: Prime Minister Mark Brown says the country has avoided a worst-case GDP hit despite global fuel shocks, pointing to record visitor numbers and 2025 arrivals of 187,018. Fuel crisis focus: A Pacific-wide response is underway as leaders invoke the Biketawa Declaration to tackle the region’s fuel dependence and rising costs. Airport compliance: Rarotonga International Airport vaping breaches are continuing, with police warning offenders may face tougher scrutiny after multiple incidents, including alleged vaping on flights and in restricted areas. Environment education: Te Ipukarea Society marks 30 years, taking students from Apii Takitumu to the landfill and conservation area to highlight waste sorting gaps and biodiversity protection. Health watch (regional): Hawai‘i reports a travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu involving a visitor; local transmission risk is low, but officials urge travellers to prevent mosquito breeding. Tourism policy debate: A letter questions why MFEM is leading Te Paata, raising concerns about government oversight of private holiday accommodation operators. Legal case update: Lawyer says a New Zealand woman with Aitutaki links detained in the US over a cannabis conviction could be released within days after the conviction was thrown out. Sports & culture: Cook Islands’ senior beach handball team qualifies for the world championships in Croatia; Tonga’s King Tupou VI received a traditional Cook Islands welcome ahead of USP graduation.

Fuel & Tourism Resilience: Pacific leaders are coordinating under the Biketawa Declaration as the global fuel crisis continues to squeeze island economies and travel costs, with Cook Islands visitor numbers still holding up despite wider price shocks. Border Rules for Visitors: The Cook Islands says future tourists aged 12+ must be fully vaccinated for Covid-19, with quarantine-free travel only when New Zealand is at Covid Alert Level 1 and there’s no community transmission. Health Alerts for Travellers: Dengue remains a growing Pacific concern, with multiple outbreaks reported across the region; Hawai‘i also flagged a travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, urging visitors to prevent mosquito breeding by removing standing water. Environment & Tourism Waste: Te Ipukarea Society marks 30 years of conservation work, highlighting how tourism and households still need to improve waste sorting before it reaches the landfill. Airport Behaviour: Rarotonga International Airport police are cracking down on vaping breaches by travellers, including alleged incidents on flights and in restricted areas. Culture & Travel Experience: Tonga’s King Tupou VI received a traditional Cook Islands welcome at Atupare Marae ahead of USP graduation events, underscoring the region’s shared cultural ties. Sport & Visitor Interest: Cook Islands beach handball is set for its senior world championship debut in Croatia after Oceania qualification.

Fuel Crisis Response: Pacific leaders are coordinating under the Biketawa Declaration as global oil shocks keep squeezing island economies, with emergency fuel-saving steps already underway in places like the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Fiji. Visitor Economy Watch: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says the country has avoided a worst-case GDP hit thanks to record visitor arrivals, even as global oil supply disruptions keep pressure on costs. Travel Rules Update: The Cook Islands says vaccinated tourists aged 12+ will be required when the travel bubble resumes, with limited medical exemptions and border opening only when New Zealand is at low community transmission risk. Health Alert for Travellers: A travel-related dengue case has been reported on Oʻahu involving a visitor; officials say local spread risk is low but urge travellers to prevent mosquito breeding by removing standing water. Airport Compliance: Police in Rarotonga warn vaping breaches at the airport continue, with enforcement and scrutiny expected to increase. Environment Education: Te Ipukarea Society marks 30 years with school visits to the landfill and conservation areas, spotlighting waste sorting gaps and the need for better tourism and community waste habits. Culture & Community: Tonga’s King Tupou VI received a traditional Cook Islands welcome at Atupare Marae ahead of USP graduation events. Sport Spotlight: Cook Islands winger Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad starred for the Warriors with four tries, while KL Iro marked his 50th NRL appearance and returned home for the Cook Islands Sports Awards.

Tourism & Economy: Prime Minister Mark Brown says the Cook Islands has avoided a feared 5% GDP contraction thanks to record visitor numbers, with 2025 arrivals peaking at 187,018 (up 10% on 2024) despite global oil-price shocks. Border Rules: The government says future tourists aged 12+ must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, with limited exemptions on medical certificates, and quarantine-free travel only when there’s confidence no community transmission is present. Environment & Community: Te Ipukarea Society marks 30 years of environmental stewardship, taking students to the Rarotonga landfill and the Takitumu Conservation Area to spotlight waste sorting and biodiversity. Health Alert for Travellers: Hawai‘i reports a travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu involving a visitor; officials say local transmission risk is low but urge travellers to prevent mosquito breeding by removing standing water. Airport Compliance: Police warn vaping breaches at Rarotonga International Airport continue, with up to three incidents a month and potential for tougher enforcement. Sports Spotlight: Cook Islands winger Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad shines for the Warriors with a four-try haul, though an injury to forward Jackson Ford adds concern.

Tourism & Economy: Prime Minister Mark Brown says Cook Islands has dodged a worst-case GDP hit despite global fuel shocks, pointing to record visitor numbers and growth risk assessments not playing out. Travel Policy: The government says future tourists aged 12+ must be fully vaccinated for Covid-19, with limited exemptions, and border reopening tied to confidence there’s no community transmission. Visitor Safety & Health: Hawai‘i health officials report a travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu involving a visitor; local transmission risk is expected low, but authorities urge travellers to prevent mosquito breeding by removing standing water. Airport Rules: Cook Islands Police warn vaping breaches at Rarotonga International Airport are still happening, with up to three incidents a month and potential for tougher enforcement. Environment & Community: Te Ipukarea Society marks 30 years with continued conservation education, including school visits to the landfill and conservation areas highlighting waste and biodiversity links. Legal/People: A New Zealand woman with Aitutaki links detained by US immigration over a cannabis conviction is expected to be released within days after the conviction was thrown out. Regional Context: PNG is looking to boost oil and gas output to help fuel security across Pacific islands as geopolitical tensions keep costs volatile.

Environmental Education: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) marks 30 years with hands-on learning for Grade 5 and 6 students, taking them to the Rarotonga landfill and the Takitumu Conservation Area to spotlight waste sorting gaps and the need for better action across homes, businesses and tourism. Border Rules: The Cook Islands says vaccinated tourists aged 12+ will be required when travel bubble arrangements resume, with limited medical exemptions and conditions tied to New Zealand’s Covid alert status. Health & Travel Safety: Hawai‘i reported a travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu involving a visitor, with officials stressing low local transmission risk but urging travellers and residents to remove standing water and prevent mosquito breeding. Tourist Conduct at Airport: Cook Islands Police warn vaping breaches at Rarotonga International Airport continue, with offenders facing tougher scrutiny and enforcement, including incidents on aircraft and in restricted areas. Local Access to Medicinal Cannabis: A letter argues the Cook Islands’ medicinal cannabis law isn’t working for residents because there’s no local pharmacy supply and medicine can’t be posted, forcing patients to travel abroad. Culture & Sport: Cook Islands Aitu star KL Iro returns home after his 50th NRL appearance, speaking at the Cook Islands Sports Awards and inspiring the next generation. Regional Spotlight: HBO Max launched in New Zealand, the Cook Islands and Tokelau, raising hopes for Pacific creators to pitch content and build demand for local storytelling.

Environmental Education: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) marks 30 years with a hands-on Grade 5–6 visit to the Rarotonga landfill and the Takitumu Conservation Area, spotlighting waste sorting gaps and the need for better home, business and tourism practices. Border Rules: The Cook Islands says all future tourists aged 12+ must be fully vaccinated for entry when the travel bubble resumes, with only medical certificate exemptions. Health & Travel: Hawai‘i reported a travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu linked to a visitor, with officials stressing low local transmission risk and urging travellers to remove standing water and prevent mosquito breeding. Tourism Compliance: Police in Rarotonga warn vaping breaches at Rarotonga International Airport continue, with up to three incidents a month and potential for tougher enforcement. Sports Spotlight: Cook Islands NRL star KL Iro returns home after his 50th NRL appearance, speaking at the Cook Islands Sports Awards and inspiring the next generation. Culture & Education: Tonga’s King Tupou VI received a traditional Cook Islands welcome at Atupare Marae ahead of his role as USP chancellor for graduation proceedings.

Travel Rules Update: The Cook Islands says all future visitors aged 12+ must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, with only medical certificate exemptions, and it won’t reopen quarantine-free travel to New Zealand until there’s confidence of no community transmission. Community & Environment: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) marks its 30th anniversary, celebrating three decades of conservation advocacy and public education, with a special community event planned in Rarotonga. Health & Travel Risk: Hawai‘i health officials report a new travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu tied to a visitor exposed in a dengue-prone area; local transmission risk is expected to be low, but mosquito-control reminders are front and centre. Tourism Tech & Media: HBO Max has launched across New Zealand, the Cook Islands and Tokelau, and Pacific screen producer Stan Wolfgramm says local creators can use the platform to push Pacific stories into bigger markets. Visitor Safety & Compliance: Police warn vaping breaches at Rarotonga International Airport continue, with offenders facing tougher scrutiny and enforcement. Sports Tourism Spotlight: Cook Islands NRL star KL Iro returns home after hitting 50 NRL games, speaking at the Cook Islands Sports Awards.

Cook Islands environment milestone: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) marks its 30th anniversary today, celebrating three decades of independent conservation advocacy and education after the 1990s financial crisis sidelined environmental priorities. Community & safety for travellers: Police in Rarotonga are warning that vaping breaches at Rarotonga International Airport are still happening monthly, with offenders facing tougher scrutiny and enforcement. Health alert for the region: Hawaii’s Department of Health reports a new travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu involving a visitor; officials say the risk of local transmission is low, but urge travellers to avoid mosquito bites and remove standing water. Cook Islands in sport: Cook Islands beach handball is set for its senior world championship debut in Croatia next week after qualifying via the Oceania Championships. Diaspora legal update: A New Zealand woman with maternal links to Aitutaki, Cook Islands, detained in the US over a 2016 cannabis conviction, is expected to be released within days after the conviction was thrown out. Tourism media: HBO Max has launched across New Zealand, the Cook Islands and Tokelau, with local producer Stan Wolfgramm saying Pacific creators can use the platform to push Pacific storytelling.

Regional Security: Law enforcement, justice and health experts at the 2026 Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue say transnational crime is now an established threat, with digital networks and maritime surveillance gaps making cooperation across countries essential—Cook Islands’ health secretary Bob Williams and Tonga police leadership were among those calling for stronger regional response. Public Health for Travellers: Hawai‘i’s Department of Health reported a new travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu involving a visitor; officials say the risk of local transmission is low, but urged travellers and residents to remove standing water and protect against mosquito bites. Cook Islands Sports & Tourism Spotlight: Cook Islands’ senior beach handball team is set for its world championship debut in Croatia next week after qualifying via Oceania, adding another international drawcard for the islands’ growing beach-sport scene. Visitor Safety & Compliance: Police warn vaping breaches at Rarotonga International Airport continue, with offenders facing tougher scrutiny and enforcement. Local Governance & Access: A Cook Islands letter argues medicinal cannabis access is effectively limited for residents because there’s no local pharmacy supply and the law doesn’t allow medicines to be posted—leaving patients to travel abroad. Community & Culture: King Tupou VI of Tonga received a traditional Cook Islands welcome at Atupare Marae in Puaikura ahead of USP Cook Islands graduation.

Beach Handball Milestone: Cook Islands are set for their senior world championship debut in beach handball at the IHF event in Croatia next week, qualifying as Oceania runners-up after the sport’s rapid local growth. Royal Cultural Ties: King Tupou VI of Tonga received a traditional Cook Islands welcome at Atupare Marae in Puaikura, ahead of his role as USP chancellor for graduation proceedings. Tourism Safety & Health: Hawai‘i reported a travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu involving a visitor, with officials saying local transmission risk is low but urging travellers to remove standing water and prevent mosquito breeding. Regional Travel Watch: Police in Rarotonga warned that vaping breaches at Rarotonga International Airport are continuing, with offenders facing tougher scrutiny and enforcement. Pacific Media & Streaming: HBO Max launched across New Zealand, the Cook Islands and Tokelau, creating a new platform for Pacific storytellers to pitch content. Sport Spotlight: Cook Islands NRL star KL Iro marked 50 NRL games, then returned home for the Cook Islands Sports Awards. Policy Debate: A letter argues medicinal cannabis access is failing local patients because there’s no local pharmacy supply, leaving residents to travel abroad. Governance & Community: A columnist calls for stricter narcotics sentencing and questions whether Cook Islands laws protect communities enough.