AGP Executive Report

Sustainable Tourism Spotlight: Vanuatu’s Havannah Boat House is being held up as a model for “sit lightly on the land” tourism—no glass, no air-conditioning, rooms designed to breathe with louvered shutters and built on slim piers using cyclone-recovered timbers. Deep-Sea Minerals & Geopolitics: A major US-linked deep-sea push is moving ahead—American Ocean Minerals and Odyssey have filed with the SEC to progress their roughly $1bn merger, while the Cook Islands is publicly stressing that any seabed mining decision must be science-based and tied to its marine protection framework. Cook Islands–Regional Partnerships: Central Province (PNG) and the Cook Islands renewed ties through a Sister Province Partnership Arrangement signed at the Melanesian Oceans Summit, aiming at cultural exchange, tourism, trade, education, climate action and youth programmes. Governance Watch: Letters continue to question Airport Authority Cook Islands CEO leave and remote work arrangements, with the board insisting continuity and oversight are in place. Pacific Energy Resilience: Cook Islands MP Stephen Matapo attended PRETMM6 in Port Moresby, focused on energy security and maritime transport resilience.

Sustainable Tourism Spotlight: Vanuatu’s Havannah Boat House is being held up as a model for “sit lightly on the land” tourism—built on slim piers with no glass or air-conditioning, using cyclone-recovered timber and local craft, and designed to adapt as the trade winds shift. Cook Islands–Pacific Links: Central Province and the Cook Islands renewed their long-running relationship by signing a Sister Province Partnership Arrangement at APEC Haus, aiming for cultural exchange, youth and women’s empowerment, tourism, climate work, agriculture, and trade. Geopolitics Watch: The Cook Islands and New Zealand have started defence and security talks after signing a new pact that eased last year’s China-related diplomatic strain. Ongoing Governance Debate: Letters continue to question governance and accountability at the Airport Authority Cook Islands, including concerns raised about remote leadership arrangements.

Pacific Governance & Security: Cook Islands and New Zealand have started defence and security talks after signing a new pact last month, aiming to share information and align regional priorities following last year’s China-related diplomatic strain. Regional Partnerships: Central Province (PNG) and the Cook Islands renewed ties by signing a Sister Province Partnership Arrangement at APEC Haus, with cooperation on culture, youth, women’s empowerment, tourism, climate, agriculture and trade. Ocean Policy & Minerals: PM Mark Brown told Pacific leaders the Cook Islands is pushing “sacred ocean” protection through the Marae moana marine park while keeping seabed-mining decisions science-based, saying mapping is done but the science isn’t complete. Business & Travel Signals: A separate passport-power story put Sri Lanka at 94th globally, while another roundup lists visa-free/visa-on-arrival access for Cook Islands among several destinations. Local Governance Watch: Letters continue to question Airport Authority leadership arrangements, keeping public confidence and accountability in the spotlight.

Sister-Province Deal: Central Province and the Cook Islands have renewed their long-running friendship by signing a Sister Province Partnership Arrangement at APEC Haus, with Prime Minister Mark Brown and Governor Rufina Peter agreeing to expand cultural exchange, education, youth and women’s empowerment, tourism, trade, climate action, agriculture and sports. Defence Reset: In a separate diplomatic shift, Cook Islands and New Zealand officials have started talks on defence and security cooperation after a prior China-related strain eased with a new security declaration. Governance Scrutiny: The Airport Authority board has responded to public concerns over the CEO’s approved leave and remote work, saying acting leadership and oversight arrangements keep operations stable. Ocean Policy Push: PM Brown also reiterated the Cook Islands’ “sacred ocean” approach—large marine protection plus science-based rules for any seabed minerals decisions. Regional Context: Pacific leaders are also meeting on energy resilience, while the week’s letters keep pressure on transparency around deep-sea mining decisions.

Sister Province Deal: Central Province and the Cook Islands have renewed their long-running friendship by signing a Sister Province Partnership Arrangement in Port Moresby, with cultural exchange, education, youth and women’s empowerment, tourism, climate action, agriculture, sports, and trade all on the agenda. Election & Geopolitics Watch: With 2026 elections looming across the Pacific, the Cook Islands’ relationship with New Zealand is back in focus after a defence and security declaration helped ease last year’s China-linked diplomatic strain. Ocean Protection Push: Prime Minister Mark Brown told Pacific leaders the Cook Islands is doubling down on marine protection through the Marae moana Act and science-based rules for any future seabed minerals decisions. Governance Scrutiny: Letters continue to question leadership and accountability at the Airport Authority, including concerns about remote CEO arrangements. Regional Energy Agenda: Cook Islands MP Stephen Matapo attended PRETMM6 in PNG to push Pacific energy resilience and transport planning.

Sister-Province Deal: Central Province and the Cook Islands have renewed their historic ties by signing a Sister Province Partnership Arrangement in Port Moresby, with cooperation spanning culture, education, youth and women’s empowerment, tourism, climate change, agriculture, trade and investment. Election & Geopolitics: The Cook Islands is also gearing up for elections amid tougher Pacific geopolitics, following a recent thaw in relations with New Zealand after a defence and security declaration. Ocean & Minerals: Prime Minister Mark Brown used the Melanesian Oceans Summit to push ocean protection and science-led seabed minerals governance, while older coverage shows the debate is intensifying across the region. Governance Watch: Letters continue to question leadership and accountability at the Airport Authority, including remote-work arrangements. Regional Energy: Cook Islands officials joined Pacific energy resilience talks, reinforcing the push for cleaner, more secure power. Elsewhere: Nepal Telecom changed international call charging pulses, and a new Pacific-wide nursing support push highlights scholarships and learner funding.

Pacific Diplomacy: PNG’s Central Province and the Cook Islands have signed a Sister Province Partnership Arrangement at the Melanesian Oceans Summit, with cooperation set to cover tourism, culture, trade, education, climate action—and a push for women’s empowerment, agriculture, sports, youth and investment. Energy Resilience: Cook Islands leaders also backed the push for regional energy resilience at the Melanesian Oceans Summit, while PM Mark Brown reiterated renewable power as an economic security strategy. Governance & Public Trust: The Airport Authority Cook Islands Board responded to criticism over the CEO’s leave arrangements, saying acting leadership and oversight are in place. Deep-Sea Minerals Debate: Ongoing regional focus continues—from Cook Islands ocean protection and seabed-mineral rules to new scientific warnings about mining impacts. People & Skills: Nursing training support is expanding via Southern Cross scholarships, and a Cook Islands woman is progressing toward becoming Air Rarotonga’s first female pilot.

Telecom Billing Change: Nepal Telecom has updated international call charging, moving to a 60-second pulse for calls to 58 countries from tomorrow—one of the listed destinations is the Cook Islands—potentially changing costs for frequent travellers and businesses. Nursing Pipeline Support: In the Pacific, Whitireia and WelTec are backing future nurses with Southern Cross Nursing Scholarships for 2026, including support like uniforms and footwear for first-year students. Cook Islands–Regional Security: The Cook Islands and New Zealand have started talks on defence and security cooperation after a recent political reset, with officials aiming to share information and align regional priorities. Deep-Sea Minerals Debate: Cook Islands leaders continue to push for “science-based” seabed decisions while environmental groups warn mining could cause irreversible harm; meanwhile, the Cook Islands is also using the ADB to refine its deep-sea mineral frameworks. Governance Scrutiny: Letters keep spotlighting governance and accountability concerns at the Airport Authority, including remote leadership arrangements.

Nevis Financial Push: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says the Nevis Island Administration is stepping up efforts to position the island as a top international financial services hub, using his recent Vancouver trip to the Southpac Offshore Planning Institute to connect with trust and wealth industry players. Cook Islands Energy & Security: Cook Islands MPs joined Pacific energy and transport ministers in Port Moresby to push energy resilience and cleaner transitions, while PM Mark Brown told Melanesian leaders the country is linking ocean protection and seabed-minerals governance to climate resilience. Deep-Sea Minerals Scrutiny: The Cook Islands is also weighing biodiversity impacts and regulatory frameworks, as regional debate intensifies after new warnings that deep-sea mining could harm ecosystems for decades. Governance Pressure Point: A fresh letter questions Airport Authority Cook Islands leadership arrangements, arguing remote work and acting-CEO setups risk public confidence. Regional Finance Moves: The Pacific Resilience Facility Treaty has entered into force after Australia and Fiji ratified it, aiming to fund community-level climate and clean-energy resilience. People & Business: A Cook Islands woman, Isabel Drollet Macdonald, is on track to become Air Rarotonga’s first female pilot after graduating from Massey University.

Ocean & deep-sea minerals: Prime Minister Mark Brown used the inaugural Melanesian Ocean Summit to push the Cook Islands’ “sacred ocean” model—Marae moana’s huge marine park bans large-scale fishing and seabed mining in protected areas—while stressing any future minerals harvesting must be science-based, saying mapping is underway but “the science is not yet complete.” Visa access: A new Henley Passport Index update puts Pakistan at 100th, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to about 30 destinations, including the Cook Islands. Regional plastic pressure: Kiribati renewed calls for stronger upstream action on plastic pollution, pointing to how limited capacity and high costs leave it stuck dealing with waste that washes ashore. Governance & finance watch: AOMC and Odyssey advanced their proposed merger with a US SEC filing, while PCRIC launched a new website to boost disaster-risk finance visibility across Pacific states. Energy resilience: The World Bank urged Fiji to protect people, not fuel prices, via targeted support rather than broad subsidies.

Democracy under the microscope: A new letter warns about “silence” around major decisions shaping the Cook Islands’ future, pointing to seabed-mining deals, a US minerals push, and concerns over the “Tainted Crypto Currency Bill” and transparency in governance. Governance pressure point: Another letter questions the Airport Authority’s remote-work setup and acting leadership on consultant rates, arguing a critical national asset needs visible, in-person executive oversight. Deep-sea minerals momentum (and pushback): Cook Islands-linked activity continues to draw attention as the region weighs frameworks, with calls for stronger public outreach and warnings that mining could cause long-lasting ecosystem damage. Regional resilience funding: Fiji and Australia ratified the Pacific Resilience Facility Treaty, moving climate adaptation and disaster-preparedness grants closer to communities. Local life: Netball competition heats up with Arorangi Flames staying unbeaten, while a Cook Islands woman, Isabel Drollet Macdonald, is set to become Air Rarotonga’s first female pilot.

Fuel Relief Push: The World Bank is urging Fiji (and other Pacific governments) to protect people from rising fuel costs with targeted social support, not broad fuel subsidies—warning subsidies strain budgets and blunt incentives to cut consumption and invest in alternatives. Disaster Finance Upgrade: In the Cook Islands, PCRIC has launched a new website to boost awareness and information ahead of COP-style engagement, reinforcing its role as a regional disaster risk finance provider. Deep-Sea Minerals Governance: American Samoa has set up a Deep-Sea Minerals Steering Committee, while the Cook Islands is using the ADB as an “honest broker” to refine deep-sea mineral regulatory and financial frameworks amid biodiversity concerns. Regional Energy/Climate Funding: The Pacific Resilience Facility Treaty has moved forward with ratifications and activation steps aimed at getting community-level climate and resilience grants to the “last mile.” Local Business & Talent: A Cook Islands woman is on track to become Air Rarotonga’s first female pilot, and PCRIC’s footprint expansion adds to the region’s growing resilience ecosystem.

Deep-sea minerals push: Odyssey and AOMC have filed a registration statement for a proposed merger aimed at building a scaled marine critical minerals platform tied to Cook Islands exploration interests, as the SEC review process gets underway. Governance pressure: A fresh letter questions “remote” leadership at the Airport Authority, arguing the CEO’s Australia-based work and acting arrangements risk public confidence in a critical national asset. Security talks: The Cook Islands and New Zealand have started defence and security discussions after a recent pact ended a China-related spat, with officials focused on information sharing and aligning regional priorities. Ocean protection debate: The Governor of American Samoa has set up a Deep-Sea Minerals Steering Committee, while Cook Islands voices continue to warn that deep-sea mining could cause long-lasting damage to fragile biodiversity. Energy and resilience: The Pacific Resilience Facility treaty has entered into force, with Australia and Fiji ratifying—aimed at getting community-level climate and clean-energy funding moving. Local life: A Cook Islands woman, Isabel Drollet Macdonald, is on track to become Air Rarotonga’s first female pilot.

Defence reset: Cook Islands and New Zealand have started talks on defence and security cooperation, aiming to share information and align regional priorities after last month’s pact ended a China-related spat that had left Wellington out of the loop. Aviation breakthrough: Isabel Drollet Macdonald has qualified as a pilot and is in talks with Air Rarotonga about becoming the airline’s first female pilot—an early win for local aviation talent. Deep-sea mining pressure: A major Pacific review warns deep sea mining could cause “dire and long-lasting” damage, potentially wiping out species before they’re even discovered, as Cook Islands weighs its regulatory path. Biodiversity policy work: The National Biodiversity Committee discussed coral export futures and whether to join CITES, with a new biodiversity strategy update moving toward validation and launch. Regional resilience funding: The Pacific Resilience Facility treaty has entered into force after ratification by Australia and Fiji, setting up community-focused climate and disaster grants. Local sport: Arorangi Flames remain unbeaten in netball as the season heats up.

In the past 12 hours, Cook Islands-focused coverage has been dominated by community and regional developments rather than major local policy shifts. A key local cultural update is that two Auckland-based Cook Islands dancers will travel fully funded to the 2026 Te Mire Ura Nui International Dancer of the Year competition—marking a change from dancers previously having to cover flights, costumes and travel costs themselves. Separately, a week-long inclusive dance programme by Jolt is scheduled to visit Rarotonga in May, with workshops planned across multiple local education and community settings and an emphasis on movement-led inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities.

Regional climate and energy financing has also moved forward quickly in the last day. Multiple articles report that the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) Treaty has been ratified by Australia and Fiji, and that the treaty has come into force (entered into force on 6 May 2026). The PRF is described as a Pacific-led, grant-based mechanism intended to put climate resilience and adaptation financing into the hands of communities, including support for clean energy transition and disaster preparedness. Related coverage also notes Australia’s commitment of FJ$157m to activate the facility, with funding expected to become available in August.

Beyond climate finance, the last 12 hours include broader Pacific energy and transport context. One story describes Nauru’s push to reduce diesel dependence through a proposed solar and battery project, while another frames maritime reform efforts—highlighting the push for implementation of the Pacific One-Maritime Framework to strengthen safety, shipping access, decarbonisation, digital systems, resilience and inclusion. Sports and public-interest items also appear in the same window, including a government appeal against fuel panic-buying (with shipments continuing on schedule) and a report that Cook Islanders have been targeted in a Facebook “advanced fee” scam.

Looking across the wider week, there is clear continuity around climate, resilience, and the governance of Pacific resources. Earlier coverage includes the PRF ratification process and activation details, plus ongoing debate about deep-sea mining—including calls for a moratorium and warnings that mining could be environmentally “dire and long-lasting.” Cook Islands-specific angles also appear in the background: the Cook Islands is reported as seeking greater inclusion in the Asian Development Bank’s critical minerals agenda, and there are separate Cook Islands business/finance items such as CIIC appointing its first chief risk officer and ongoing scrutiny of a CINSF land lease acquisition.

Overall, the most significant “news momentum” in this rolling window is the PRF Treaty moving from ratification to entry into force, supported by Australia’s funding commitment and framed as a shift toward community-controlled resilience financing. By contrast, other Cook Islands items in the last 12 hours—dance funding, fuel messaging, and scam alerts—read more like targeted community and consumer updates rather than structural change.

In the past 12 hours, the most prominent business-relevant development is Australia’s activation of the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) following Australia’s AUD$100 million (FJ$157 million) commitment. Coverage says the PRF is Pacific-led and designed to provide predictable, grant-based financing for community-level climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, and loss-and-damage responses—aiming to simplify access for frontline communities and allow Pacific nations to shape governance and distribution. Separate reporting also notes the formal ratification step by Australia and Fiji, reinforcing continuity in the PRF rollout.

Sport and culture coverage also featured strongly in the last 12 hours, though it is more indirect to Cook Islands business. Multiple articles describe a “new war” between rugby union and rugby league in the Pacific, tied to Rugby Australia’s NRL franchise funding and concerns about talent poaching across Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and the Cook Islands. There was also lighter entertainment coverage (e.g., a “Survivor 50” viewing guide and a guide to the 2026 New Zealand International Comedy Festival’s Pasifika line-up), which suggests ongoing regional media attention rather than a specific economic shift for the Cook Islands.

Beyond the most recent window, several items provide context for where Cook Islands business and governance priorities are clustering. On the policy and governance side, CIIC appointed its first Chief Risk Officer, Sandra Yeats, to strengthen group-wide risk management and oversight (including captive insurance administration). On the trade and development side, Cook Islands officials are reported as pushing for inclusion in emerging regional critical minerals initiatives at the ADB Annual Meeting, while other coverage notes Cook Islands participation in PACER Plus planning discussions in Samoa—focused on customs, food safety standards, trade barriers, and labour mobility.

Finally, the deeper-sea mining debate remains a recurring theme across the week, with multiple articles warning of potentially severe and long-lasting biodiversity impacts and calling for moratoriums or stronger international safeguards. In parallel, there are practical business and community updates—such as faster payments via BSP’s upgraded EFTPoS terminals in the region, a government appeal against fuel panic-buying (with Aitutaki supply pressures noted), and a reported Facebook “advanced fee” scam targeting Cook Islanders—indicating a mix of infrastructure modernization, consumer risk, and resilience concerns shaping the week’s coverage.