Climate Finance Push: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says developed countries must match Pacific urgency with faster climate finance and deeper emissions cuts, after a Pre-COP31 trip to Tuvalu highlighted how rising seas are already hitting northern atolls. Funding Gap: A new Pacific Resilience Facility push saw about $15m pledged (near $200m total) toward a $500m target, but leaders say it’s still far below what’s needed and too slow to reach communities. Health & Migration Costs: A Cook Islands Māori social worker in Wellington highlights how Pacific patients face tough questions over who pays for life-saving dialysis and specialist care, with Health NZ debt tied to overseas cases. Drug Enforcement: Cook Islands Police are seeking legal advice on how to safely destroy nearly 27kg of cocaine found on Mitiaro, with questions about possible “dump-and-collect” routes. Banking & Scams: BSP warns customers about scammers impersonating bank staff, urging people to verify requests. Security & Governance: A Cook Islands-linked private security licence was cancelled after a conviction involving misconduct toward shoppers. Ocean Conservation Dollars: Bezos Earth Fund announced $25m+ for ocean protection across five Pacific nations including the Cook Islands, as debate continues over whether philanthropy can offset broader environmental impacts. Infrastructure Progress: NZDF reports continued upgrades on Penrhyn, including water tanks, school and hospital repairs, and expanded maritime surveying.