Cook Islands Election Timing: Parliament has adjourned sine die, and the Cook Islands is now waiting for the official 2026 general election date from the King’s Representative, Sir Tom Marsters. Sovereign Wealth & Seabed Revenues: The Cook Islands Sovereign Wealth Fund Act 2026 has passed, setting up a long-term financial framework aimed at future seabed mineral income. Moana Pasifika Funding Shock: New Zealand Rugby has ruled out transferring Moana Pasifika’s Super Rugby Pacific licence to any new party, ending hopes for 2027 participation; NZR says bids failed capital and business-plan requirements, while leaving the door open for a Pacific-based franchise beyond 2027. Pacific Economic Security: Foreign Minister Tingika Elikana told Pacific counterparts that economic resilience and security are linked, pointing to the Cook Islands’ coordinated response to the fuel crisis and calling for Pacific-led energy cooperation. Tourism & Border Rules: The government says future visitors aged 12+ must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, with limited exemptions, as it maintains strict border caution. Ocean & Climate Data: Climate Change Cook Islands has begun an oceanographic survey aboard the Kaharoa II to build a baseline for future monitoring, including plastic pollution sampling. Regional Trade/Compliance: A technical EU tuna-freezing rule is driving new training for Pacific fisheries and market access officials, with implications for access to the EU tuna market.