AGP Executive Report

Bezos Earth Fund Grants: The Bezos Earth Fund has approved $25m+ in new ocean conservation grants covering the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, lifting total Pacific awards to $63.3m under its $100m pledge aimed at protecting 30% of waters by 2030. Deep-sea Mining Debate: Cook Islands leaders and communities are weighing deep-sea mining prospects, including polymetallic nodules in the EEZ, against cultural and environmental risks. Tourism Pipeline: Te Mato Manava Tūroto has opened Expressions of Interest for the 2027 Te Arata’a youth tourism scholarship intake, linking school engagement, industry experience and pathways into tourism jobs. Tourism Recognition: The Cook Islands was named Oceania’s Leading Island Destination for a fourth straight year at the 2026 World Travel Awards. Trade Modernisation: The Cook Islands is expanding digital plant trade certification after adopting the IPPC ePhyto solution, cutting delays and border friction for exporters. Public Safety: Residents are being warned about scam calls impersonating BSP staff to obtain sensitive banking details. Disaster Readiness Support: NZDF engineers and Navy hydrographers have been delivering repairs, water tanks and updated harbour survey data on Penrhyn as part of Exercise Tropic Twilight. Governance & Data: The Cook Islands has agreed national priorities to implement the UN-IGIF geospatial framework to improve decision-making for infrastructure, climate resilience and ocean governance.

Tourism & Trade: The Cook Islands has been named Oceania’s Leading Island Destination for a fourth straight year at the 2026 World Travel Awards, with tourism described as the backbone of the economy (over two-thirds of GDP). Blue Economy Funding: Bezos Earth Fund announced $25m in new grants to protect more than 625,000 square miles of ocean across the Cook Islands and other Pacific states, aiming to back “Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity” and protect at least 30% by 2030. Digital Trade Facilitation: The Cook Islands is using the IPPC ePhyto system, moving from paper plant certificates to secure ePhytos—reporting thousands of certificates exchanged and reduced border delays. Ocean Governance & Mining Debate: The Cook Islands faces tough choices on deep-sea mining, while Greenpeace staged a protest against New Zealand’s state vessel supporting exploration tied to mining plans. Data & Infrastructure Planning: The country has agreed next steps under the UN-IGIF to strengthen geospatial information management for infrastructure, climate resilience and ocean governance. Public Health: Te Marae Ora says suicide prevention remains a year-round priority, urging people to ask for help as police report multiple callouts and deaths since 2025. Regional Media Accountability: Pacific media leaders adopted a declaration calling for timely access to loss and damage information and stronger government accountability. Business Leadership: Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council re-elected Liana Scott, flagging workforce, immigration, regulation and sustainability as key priorities.

Pacific Conservation Funding: Bezos Earth Fund announced $25m in new grants to protect over 625,000 sq miles of ocean across the Cook Islands, Kiribati, PNG, Tonga and Vanuatu, aiming to sustainably manage waters and protect at least 30% by 2030. Tourism & Business: The Cook Islands was named Oceania’s Leading Island Destination for a fourth straight year at the 2026 World Travel Awards, with tourism still a major driver of the economy. Trade & Compliance: The Cook Islands’ shift from paper to ePhytos under the IPPC ePhyto Solution is cutting border delays and costs and helping exporters access new markets. Governance & Data: Government agreed next steps under the UN-IGIF geospatial framework to strengthen decision-making for infrastructure, climate resilience and ocean governance. Mental Health: Te Marae Ora and police reiterated that suicide prevention is year-round, with seven suicide-related callouts since 2025 and five recorded deaths to date. Environment & Jobs Debate: Cook Islands deep-sea mining remains a live economic and cultural flashpoint, with protests and calls for caution as exploration and potential mining timelines move forward. Media & Accountability: Pacific media leaders pushed for better access to loss and damage information and stronger government transparency.

Tourism Boost: The Cook Islands has been named Oceania’s Leading Island Destination for a fourth straight year at the 2026 World Travel Awards, a win tourism leaders say reflects the whole sector’s work and the destination’s hospitality. Geospatial Governance: The government has agreed to action all nine pathways of the UN-IGIF, setting priorities to strengthen geospatial information management to improve infrastructure planning, climate resilience and ocean governance. Climate & Health Watch: A new analysis says Pacific life expectancy gains are uneven, with Naoero falling furthest behind, while the Cook Islands is highlighted as moving to the top in the region. Environment & Waste: Communities across the Cook Islands joined World Clean-up Day, with schools, businesses and government teams tackling litter and protecting natural spaces. Plastic Pollution Push: Te Ipukarea Society convened government, private sector and Pa Enua stakeholders to coordinate practical solutions to plastic pollution and progress a national action plan. Tourism Industry Leadership: The Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council has re-elected Liana Scott for 2026/27, with priorities including workforce and immigration, regulatory reform and balancing growth with sustainability. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Greenpeace staged a protest in Wellington against New Zealand’s use of a state-owned research vessel tied to deep-sea mining exploration, warning of irreversible ocean damage.

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.

Deep-Sea Mining Backlash: Greenpeace activists occupied a New Zealand state-owned research vessel in Wellington, protesting deep-sea minerals exploration tied to a push for mining in the Pacific from 2027, warning of irreversible ocean damage and cultural risk. Pacific Media Accountability: Editors at the 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu adopted a declaration calling for timely, transparent access to climate loss and damage information and stronger government accountability to support Pacific communities and journalists. Local Environment Action: Communities across the Cook Islands joined World Clean-up Day, with schools, businesses and government teams tackling waste to protect local natural beauty. Tourism Leadership: The Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council re-elected Liana Scott as president for 2026/27, setting priorities around workforce and immigration, regulatory reform, and balancing growth with destination sustainability. Marine Plastics Work: Te Ipukarea Society convened Pa Enua and sector stakeholders to coordinate practical solutions to plastic pollution, including implementation of legislation and a national action plan. Health & Screening: The Te Marae Ora mammogram programme screened 398 women and flagged follow-up needs, including repeat mammograms, ultrasounds and biopsies. Market Feedback: CIIC launched surveys to shape the future of Punanga Nui Market after Stage 1 upgrades to precinct access and facilities.

Climate Accountability: Pacific media leaders adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, calling for timely, transparent access to loss-and-damage information and stronger government accountability. Plastic Pollution Action: Te Ipukarea Society convened over 30 stakeholders with NES and Infrastructure Cook Islands to push practical, coordinated steps for the National Action Plan on plastics and reduce single-use items. Tourism Governance: Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council re-elected Liana Scott for 2026/27, setting priorities on workforce and immigration, regulatory reform, business costs, and sustainable growth. Market Feedback: Cook Islands Investment Corporation launched surveys to shape the future of Punanga Nui Market after Stage 1 upgrades, seeking vendor and public input to guide policy. Environment & Skills: NES director Halatoa Fua and others completed a Master of Environmental Management and Sustainability, framed as capacity-building for Cook Islands environmental governance. Health Services: Te Marae Ora mammogram programme screened 398 women and flagged follow-up needs, including repeat scans, ultrasounds and biopsies. Deep-Sea Mining Protest: Greenpeace occupied New Zealand’s state-owned research vessel in Wellington, protesting deep sea mining moves affecting the Pacific. Sports Management: CISNOC secretary general Geoffrey Halston completed an IOC-supported executive masters programme in sport organisation management.

Transport & Safety: A coroner says NZTA knew a slippery stretch near Pareora was hazardous and failed to fix the northbound left lane, contributing to a fatal 2018 crash. Plastic & Waste: Te Ipukarea Society convened 30+ stakeholders with NES and Infrastructure Cook Islands to push practical, coordinated steps on plastic pollution, including implementation of the National Action Plan and reducing single-use plastics. Pa Enua Infrastructure: A major wharf funding intention for Tongareva (about NZ$101.5m) is flagged as a lifeline for safer landings and reliable delivery of food, fuel and materials, with feasibility work to follow. Tourism Business: CITIC re-elected Liana Scott as president for 2026/27, setting priorities around workforce/immigration, regulatory reform, and keeping tourism growth sustainable. Market Policy: CIIC has launched surveys to shape the future direction of Punanga Nui Market after Stage 1 works improved precinct access and facilities. Health & People: The mammogram programme Te Marae Ora screened 398 women and identified follow-up needs for 52 repeat scans, 39 ultrasounds and additional biopsies. Environment Action: Communities across the Cook Islands backed World Clean-up Day to tackle waste and protect local natural beauty.

Tongareva wharf funding: Cook Islands PM says a safe, reliable wharf at Penrhyn/Tongareva is set for about NZ$101.5m, backed by the US and New Zealand, with feasibility and technical work to follow—an outer-island connectivity boost with big business and logistics implications. Plastic pollution push: Te Ipukarea Society convened 30+ stakeholders (government, private sector, tourism, retail, waste) to align practical actions under its PSIDS Plastic project, focusing on single-use reduction, legislation implementation and a national action plan. Tourism leadership: Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council re-elected Liana Scott for 2026/27, with priorities including workforce and immigration, regulatory reform, and keeping growth sustainable. Health screening results: Te Marae Ora mammogram programme screened 398 women and flagged follow-ups—52 repeat mammograms, 39 ultrasounds and additional biopsies—highlighting demand for specialist care. Environmental grants: Bezos Earth Fund announced US$25m more for tropical Pacific conservation, including projects in the Cook Islands, aiming to scale marine protection under the “Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity” plan. Regional business finance: BSP Financial Group shares jumped 8.07% on the ASX, with the bank’s Pacific branch network (including the Cook Islands) continuing to underpin earnings. Governance and policy: Public consultation is underway on the future of Punanga Nui Market, with CIIC surveys for vendors and users to shape proposed market policies.

Plastic Pollution Response: Te Ipukarea Society brought 30+ stakeholders together at Masters House Hall to push practical, coordinated steps to cut single-use plastics and strengthen the National Action Plan, with NES and Infrastructure Cook Islands central to waste-management delivery. Clean-up Drive: Communities across the Cook Islands backed World Clean-up Day, with schools, businesses, government teams and families joining beach and roadside rubbish collection. Pa Enua Infrastructure: A major wharf funding intention for Tongareva (Penrhyn) was flagged at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, with feasibility and technical work to follow—fuel, food and safer landings are key business and lifeline themes. Tourism Industry Leadership: Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council re-elected Liana Scott for 2026/27, setting priorities around workforce/immigration, regulatory reform and keeping growth sustainable. Market Feedback: Cook Islands Investment Corporation launched surveys to shape the future of Punanga Nui Market after Stage 1 works, seeking input from vendors and the public. Sports & Skills: CISNOC’s Geoffrey Halston completed an IOC-supported executive masters session, while the Round Rarotonga road race delivered a new course record for Jayden Hunter.

Deep Sea Mining & Geopolitics: Greenpeace activists occupied New Zealand’s state-owned research vessel Tangaroa in Wellington, protesting deep sea mineral exploration for US firm Glomar and warning NZ could be “complicit” in any push to start mining in the Pacific from 2027. Tourism Industry: Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council re-elected Liana Scott as president for 2026/27, with priorities including workforce and immigration, regulatory reform, and keeping tourism growth aligned with destination sustainability. Outer Islands Infrastructure: Tongareva/Penrhyn wharf plans are framed as a major connectivity boost, with NZ$101.5m funding intention discussed in Palau alongside US and NZ partnership. Local Business & Markets: Cook Islands Investment Corporation has launched public consultation surveys on the future of Punanga Nui Market, following Stage 1 works including Te Tapora Kai and Are Kai Moana. Environment Funding: Bezos Earth Fund announced US$25m in new grants for tropical Pacific conservation, including projects in the Cook Islands, plus support for marine protected area proposals under the UN High Seas Treaty. Health & Skills: Te Marae Ora mammogram screening identified women needing follow-up, while NES celebrated NES director Halatoa Fua and others completing a Master of Environmental Management and Sustainability.

Pacific Media Summit: Journalists at the 8th PINA summit in Savusavu stressed staying independent while finding practical ways to reach remote communities, relying on community networks and making the most of limited resources. Tourism Leadership: Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council re-elected Liana Scott as president for 2026/27, with priorities including workforce and immigration, regulatory reform, business costs and destination sustainability. Health & Screening: Te Marae Ora’s 2026 mammogram programme screened 398 women and flagged follow-up needs, including repeat mammograms, ultrasounds and biopsies. Pa Enua Connectivity: Government says a major NZ$101.5m funding intention for a safe wharf at Tongareva (Penrhyn) is a key transport upgrade, with feasibility work to follow. Market Feedback: CIIC launched surveys to shape the future of Punanga Nui Market after Stage 1 precinct works, seeking input from vendors and users. Environment & Skills: NES director Halatoa Fua and others completed a Master of Environmental Management, aiming to strengthen Cook Islands environmental governance. Financial Services Growth: Trust registrations hit a record 433, with the sector increasingly driven by US demand and now contributing about 8.5% of real GDP. Ocean Conservation Funding: Bezos Earth Fund announced US$25m in new grants for tropical Pacific marine protection, including projects in the Cook Islands.

Pacific Media Summit: News leaders at the 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu stressed that independent journalism must still reach remote communities despite long travel, high costs and weak connectivity, with collaboration and community networks key to getting stories out. Tourism Leadership: Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council re-elected Liana Scott as president for 2026/27, with priorities including workforce and immigration, regulatory reform, and keeping growth sustainable. Pa Enua Infrastructure: NZDF crews arrived on Penrhyn/Tongareva for Exercise Tropic Twilight, backing community-led repairs including school, hospital and water storage improvements. Market Planning: Cook Islands Investment Corporation launched surveys to shape the future of Punanga Nui Market after Stage 1 works, gathering input from vendors and the public. Environment & Skills: The National Environment Service celebrated NES director Halatoa Fua and two staff completing a Master of Environmental Management and Sustainability, aimed at strengthening environmental governance. Financial Services Growth: Cook Islands trust registrations hit a record 433, up 42%, highlighting expanding international trust business tied to overseas wealth planning. Ocean Conservation Funding: Bezos Earth Fund announced US$25m in new grants for tropical Pacific marine protection, including projects in the Cook Islands.

Ocean Conservation Funding: Bezos Earth Fund announced US$25m in new grants for tropical Pacific protection, including support for marine protected area proposals involving the Cook Islands and work tied to the UN High Seas Treaty. Outer Islands Infrastructure: In Palau, the Cook Islands PM flagged about NZ$101.5m for a safe, reliable wharf at Tongareva/Penrhyn, with US and NZ partners, as feasibility and technical work progresses. Market Policy Consultation: CIIC launched surveys to shape the future of Punanga Nui Market after Stage 1 upgrades, seeking input from vendors and the public on what’s working and what needs fixing. Financial Services Growth: Cook Islands trust registrations hit a record 433 (+42%), with the sector increasingly driven by US demand and contributing strongly to GDP. Tourism People: Atiu Villas GM Jackey Tanga was named 2026 Tourism Woman of the Month, highlighting women’s behind-the-scenes roles in the industry. Environment Skills: NES director Halatoa Fua and others completed a Master of Environmental Management and Sustainability, aimed at strengthening environmental governance in the Cook Islands.

Cook Islands finance boom: International trust registrations hit a record 433 in the latest year, up 42% year-on-year, driven largely by US demand for asset-protection structures; the sector now contributes about 8.5% of real GDP and earned over NZ$48m in 2024/25. Market planning: Cook Islands Investment Corporation has launched public consultation surveys to shape the future of Punanga Nui Market after Stage 1 works, including Te Tapora Kai and the Are Kai Moana fish facility. Tourism leadership: Atiu Villas GM Jackey Tanga named 2026 Tourism Woman of the Month, spotlighting “unsung heroines” across the industry. Deep-sea mining signals: Deep Sea Minerals and Westwin signed a non-binding LOI to evaluate US processing routes for polymetallic nodules, while Naoero’s president says Naoero will withdraw from the ICC and criticises delays at the seabed mining regulator. Regional connectivity: NZ and US partnership funding intention of about NZ$101.5m for a safe wharf at Tongareva (Penrhyn) is flagged as a major transport upgrade for the Pa Enua. Health and follow-up: Te Marae Ora mammogram screening identified women needing repeat tests, ultrasound and biopsies, with travel support for Pa Enua participants.

Tourism & Community: Cook Islands Tourism Corporation named Jackey Tanga (Atiu Villas) as the 2026 Vaine Manava Tūroto o te Marama “Tourism Woman of the Month,” spotlighting her long-running role in welcoming visitors and widening tourism opportunities across Atiu. Market Development: Cook Islands Investment Corporation has opened public consultation via three surveys to shape the future direction of Punanga Nui Market, following Stage 1 works including Te Tapora Kai, the Are Kai Moana fish market and precinct upgrades. Environment & Skills: National Environment Service director Halatoa Fua and two senior staff completed a Master of Environmental Management and Sustainability at the University of Newcastle, framed as an investment in stronger environmental governance for the Cook Islands. Deep-Sea Minerals: Deep Sea Minerals and Westwin signed a non-binding letter of intent to evaluate U.S.-based processing routes for polymetallic nodules, pending rights, permits and definitive agreements. Pa Enua Resilience: NZDF personnel arrived on Penrhyn/Tongareva for Exercise Tropic Twilight, supporting repairs to school and hospital facilities, water storage and lagoon surveying. Finance Sector Boom: A government report says international trust registrations hit a record 433, up 42% year-on-year, with US demand driving growth and financial services contributing over NZ$48m to the economy in 2024/25.