Climate Negotiations: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown and Environment PS Dr Sivendra Michael say Pre-COP31 must deliver real change, warning negotiators against a weak outcome and stressing that “just transition” can’t be separated from finance. Regional Diplomacy: Brown heads to Tuvalu and Fiji to push simpler, faster climate finance access, while Cook Islands High Commissioner Henry meets Fiji PM Rabuka ahead of Pre-COP31 and renewed cooperation on trade, investment, tourism and labour mobility. Ocean Conservation Funding: Jeff Bezos’ Earth Fund is committing over $25m to ocean protection across five Pacific nations, including the Cook Islands’ Marae Moana, as part of a broader push to protect 30% of regional waters by 2030. Banking & Consumer Safety: Bank of South Pacific customers are warned about scam calls impersonating bank staff, and a former Manihiki bank teller has been jailed for stealing about $89,000. Infrastructure & Skills: NZDF’s Penrhyn humanitarian mission is progressing with school upgrades, hospital repairs and expanded hydrographic surveying. Trade Modernisation: The Cook Islands is expanding digital plant trade certification via the IPPC ePhyto system, cutting delays and costs. Tourism & Jobs: Cook Islands Tourism highlights a youth pathway scholarship intake (Te Arata’a) and the destination’s World Travel Awards win, while visitor spending trends show August arrivals and spend down year-on-year.