Geospatial Upgrade: The Cook Islands has agreed national priorities and next steps to implement all nine pathways of the UN-IGIF, following a Rarotonga workshop that brought together government, SOEs, business, academia and Pa Enua communities, with early focus on governance, legal frameworks, data, finance and engagement to improve infrastructure, climate resilience and ocean governance. Tourism Recognition: The Cook Islands was named Oceania’s Leading Island Destination 2026 for a fourth straight year at the World Travel Awards, with the Tourism Corporation crediting the whole sector and its people. Public Consultation: Cook Islands Investment Corporation has launched surveys to shape the future of Punanga Nui Market after Stage 1 upgrades, seeking input from vendors and the wider public on what’s working and what needs fixing. Plastic Pollution Push: Te Ipukarea Society convened a multi-stakeholder meeting with NES and Infrastructure Cook Islands to coordinate practical actions for reducing single-use plastics and advancing a national action plan. Health & Living Standards: A regional analysis says Pacific life expectancy rose to 68.8 years since 1960, but highlights uneven progress, with Naoero falling furthest behind while the Cook Islands now leads the region. Deep-Sea Mining Tension: Greenpeace staged a protest in Wellington against use of a NZ-owned research vessel tied to deep-sea minerals work for an American company, warning of irreversible ocean damage and calling for New Zealand not to be complicit.