AGP Executive Report

Tourism & Energy Shock: Prime Minister Mark Brown says Cook Islands has avoided a worst-case GDP hit despite Middle East-driven fuel price fears, pointing to record visitor numbers (187,018 arrivals in 2025, +10% on 2024) and only limited flight cancellations. Regional Finance Diplomacy: Pacific finance ministers will meet in the Marshall Islands to discuss the Middle East crisis and regional economic resilience, including the Pacific Resilience Facility. US-Pacific Engagement: A White House summit with Pacific leaders is described as “collaborative” and focused on listening, with pledges for infrastructure investment and climate funding. Border Policy for Business Continuity: Government says future Cook Islands tourists aged 12+ must be fully vaccinated, with quarantine-free travel from New Zealand only when there’s confidence of no community transmission. Health & Security: Cook Islands Secretary of Health Bob Williams calls for a tougher, coordinated Pacific approach to drug trafficking, warning harm often starts in families and communities before police see cases. Environment & Waste: Te Ipukarea Society marks 30 years, highlighting landfill pressure and the need for better waste sorting across homes, businesses and tourism. Local Economy & Governance: Apex Advice appoints Bronwyn Kirwan as CEO; a letter raises concerns about missing vendor seating at the new Te Tapora Kai market. Regional Trade & Fisheries: Cabinet endorses an MoU for sustainable management of South Pacific albacore tuna among Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Samoa and Tonga.

Tourism & Energy Shock: Prime Minister Mark Brown says Cook Islands has avoided a worst-case GDP contraction despite Middle East-driven fuel price fears, pointing to record visitor numbers (2025 arrivals peaked at 187,018, up 10% on 2024) and only limited flight disruptions. Regional Finance Coordination: Pacific Finance Ministers head to the Marshall Islands for the 2026 Forum Economic Ministers Meeting, with Middle East risks and a new Pacific Resilience Facility on the agenda. US-Pacific Engagement: A White House summit with a dozen Pacific leaders is described as “collaborative,” with Washington stressing it’s listening and not forcing countries to choose between the US and China. Border Policy: Cook Islands says future NZ quarantine-free travel will require full vaccination for visitors aged 12+, with exemptions only via medical certificate, and borders staying closed until NZ is confident there’s no community transmission. Health & Security: Cook Islands Secretary of Health Bob Williams calls for a tougher, more coordinated Pacific approach to drug trafficking, arguing health, climate, peace and security must be tackled together. Business Leadership: Apex Advice appoints Bronwyn Kirwan as CEO, taking over from Craig Mulholland; Apex has offices including one in the Cook Islands. Environment & Waste: Te Ipukarea Society marks 30 years of conservation work and highlights ongoing waste sorting problems through school visits to the landfill and conservation areas. Regional Trade: Cabinet endorsed an MoU for sustainable management of South Pacific albacore tuna among Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Samoa and Tonga. Medicinal Cannabis Access: A letter argues Cook Islands’ medicinal cannabis law still leaves residents without local pharmacy access, forcing travel abroad for supply.

Tourism Border Rules: The Cook Islands says all future visitors aged 12+ must be fully vaccinated before entry, with medical exemptions only; it also won’t resume quarantine-free travel from New Zealand until it’s confident there’s no community transmission and NZ is at Alert Level 1, while the islands stay at Alert Level 2 until 14 days without community spread. Financial Services Leadership: Apex Advice has appointed former Fidelity Life executive Bronwyn Kirwan as its new CEO, taking over from Craig Mulholland; Apex has nine offices including one in the Cook Islands and 42 financial advisers. Environment & Waste: Te Ipukarea Society marks 30 years of environmental stewardship and took Grade 5–6 students from Apii Takitumu to the Rarotonga landfill and Takitumu Conservation Area, highlighting waste sorting problems and the need for better home, business and tourism practices. Health & Regional Security: Cook Islands Secretary of Health Bob Williams urged a tougher, more coordinated Pacific response to drug trafficking, arguing health, climate, peace and security must be tackled together. Local Governance & Markets: A letter raises concerns that chairs were removed without notice at the new $10m Te Tapora Kai market, leaving vendors—many pensioners—without seating for weekly trading. Regional Fisheries Cooperation: Cabinet endorsed an MoU to strengthen sustainable management of South Pacific albacore tuna, bringing together Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Samoa and Tonga for shared advocacy and negotiations. Business & Trade Context: A Pacific-wide push is underway to meet EU tuna freezing rules, with officials training on onboard refrigeration requirements to protect access to the EU market. Sports & Community: Cook Islands beach handball is set for its senior world championship debut in Croatia after qualifying via Oceania results.

Tourism & Border Rules: The Cook Islands says it will only accept vaccinated tourists aged 12+ when the travel bubble resumes, with medical exemptions only, and it won’t reopen quarantine-free travel from New Zealand until it’s confident there’s no community transmission. Health & Community Safety: Cook Islands Health Secretary Bob Williams urged a tougher, more coordinated Pacific response to drug trafficking, warning the damage often shows up first in families and villages, not police reports. Environment & Waste: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) marks 30 years of environmental stewardship, taking Grade 5–6 students to the landfill and Takitumu Conservation Area to highlight waste sorting gaps and biodiversity protection. Regional Security & Crime: Law enforcement and health experts at a Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue called for stronger regional cooperation to tackle rising transnational crime, including digital networks. Business Leadership: Bronwyn Kirwan is set to take over as CEO of Apex Advice, with the firm listing nine offices including one in the Cook Islands. Medicinal Cannabis Access: A letter argues the Cook Islands’ medicinal cannabis law isn’t working for residents because there’s no local pharmacy supply and patients can’t have medicine posted. Trade & Fisheries Cooperation: Cabinet endorsed an MoU to strengthen sustainable management of South Pacific albacore tuna among Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Samoa and Tonga. Energy Costs: Pacific leaders linked the fuel crisis to economic security and pushed for regional cooperation and faster energy transition.

Tourism Border Rules: Cook Islands says it will only accept fully vaccinated tourists aged 12+ when the travel bubble resumes, with medical exemptions only, and it won’t open quarantine-free travel from New Zealand until it’s confident there’s no community transmission. Finance & Advice Sector: Bronwyn Kirwan is set to take over as CEO of Apex Advice, stepping in after Craig Mulholland; Apex has offices across the region including in the Cook Islands. Health & Community Safety: Cook Islands Health Secretary Bob Williams urged a tougher, more coordinated Pacific response to drug trafficking, arguing the crisis hits families and health systems first. Regional Security: Law enforcement and health experts at a Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue called for stronger community and regional cooperation to tackle rising transnational crime, including digital networks. Medicinal Cannabis Access: A letter says medicinal cannabis laws still leave Cook Islands residents without local pharmacy supply, forcing patients to travel abroad for medicine. Environment & Partnerships: Te Ipukarea Society marked its 30th year, while SBMA shared its seabed minerals sector vision at a New Zealand wānanga focused on energy, infrastructure and opportunities. Tuna Governance: Cabinet endorsed an MoU to strengthen regional cooperation on sustainable management of South Pacific albacore tuna, involving Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Samoa and Tonga. Sports & Culture: Cook Islands prepares for its beach handball world championship debut in Croatia after Oceania qualification.

Apex Leadership Change: Former Fidelity Life executive Bronwyn Kirwan is set to take over as Chief Executive of Apex Advice, stepping into a new phase for the Auckland-based firm that has nine offices including one in the Cook Islands. Regional Security & Health: Cook Islands Health Secretary Bob Williams urged a tougher, more coordinated Pacific approach to drug trafficking, warning the damage often starts in families and communities before police see cases. Fuel Cost Pressure: Pacific leaders at the 2026 Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue linked the fuel crisis to economic security, with PNG flagging plans for smaller refineries to support fuel resilience across island states. Tuna Cooperation: Cabinet endorsed an MoU to strengthen regional management of South Pacific albacore tuna, bringing Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Samoa and Tonga closer on advocacy and sustainable fisheries. Local Governance Friction: A letter says Te Tapora Kai vendors were left without chairs after an allocation was removed without notice, raising concerns about communication with the people running the market. Medicinal Cannabis Access Gap: Another letter argues Cook Islands’ medicinal cannabis rules don’t deliver for residents because there’s no local pharmacy supply and patients can’t have medicine posted.

Border & enforcement: US Homeland Security Investigations trained Cook Islands Customs and donated drug test kits, boosting intelligence and enforcement as the islands sit on the edge of Pacific trade routes. Regional energy security: At the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue in Suva, Cook Islands and others warned the fuel crisis is now an economic security threat, pushing calls for stronger supply chains and faster energy transition. Tuna cooperation: Cabinet backed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen sustainable management of South Pacific albacore tuna, bringing Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Samoa and Tonga closer on fisheries advocacy and negotiations. Seabed minerals & governance: Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority shared its sector vision at a New Zealand wānanga and also attended an ISA workshop in Suva on deep-sea sustainable blue growth responsibilities and data management. Local market operations: A letter says vendors at the new $10m Te Tapora Kai were left without chairs after arriving early, blaming poor communication and raising concerns for pensioner traders. Health & workforce: Record numbers of Pacific medical graduates are joining New Zealand’s health system, with cultural connection highlighted as improving patient communication. Business & culture: HBO Max launched across New Zealand, the Cook Islands and Tokelau, with local producers urging Pacific creators to pitch Pacific ideas for wider licensing demand.

Cook Islands Border Security Boost: US Homeland Security Investigations trained Cook Islands Customs and donated drug test kits, as MFEM says the islands must stay vigilant on transnational crime. Medicinal Cannabis Access Gap: A letter argues the new medicinal cannabis law leaves local patients unable to fill prescriptions locally, forcing repeated travel abroad because medicine can’t be posted and there’s no local pharmacy supply. Te Tapora Kai Vendor Frustration: Vendors say chairs were removed from the new $10m market without notice, sparking concerns about communication and support for the people who make the marketplace work. Seabed Minerals Cooperation: SBMA attended a Suva workshop on deep-sea sustainable blue growth, focusing on state responsibilities, environmental governance and future capacity building. Regional Tuna Governance: Cabinet endorsed an MOU to strengthen sustainable management of South Pacific albacore tuna, bringing Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Samoa and Tonga closer on science-based fisheries and advocacy. Fuel Crisis and Economic Security: Pacific leaders warned the fuel crisis is now an economic security threat, pushing for stronger supply chains and faster energy transition. HBO Max Launch in the Pacific: HBO Max went live in New Zealand, the Cook Islands and Tokelau, with local producers seeing a chance to pitch Pacific stories for wider licensing reach. Business & Skills: The Cook Islands Business Hub closed after years supporting youth, while two local students graduated from Massey University with Hub support. Local Court Case: A Fijian businessman in the Cook Islands was charged with multiple counts of assault after a related-party incident.

Cook Islands Business Hub closure: The Cook Islands Business Hub in town officially closed on June 12, 2025, ending a long-running workplace, learning and community support role for local youth. Local governance & appointments: Former Cook Islands PM Henry Puna has been appointed chair of Rarotonga’s water authority, To Tatou Vai, following Brian Mason’s resignation, with CIIC citing governance and partnership experience. Border security support: Cook Islands Customs received US Homeland Security Investigations training and drug test kits, aimed at strengthening enforcement as the islands sit on the edge of key Pacific trade routes. Energy & resilience pressures: Pacific leaders at the 2026 Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue warned the fuel crisis is now an economic security threat, pushing calls for stronger supply chains and faster energy transition. Regional fisheries cooperation: Cabinet endorsed an MoU to strengthen sustainable management of South Pacific albacore tuna, bringing together Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Samoa and Tonga for shared advocacy and science-based governance. Health access gap: A letter argues Cook Islands’ medicinal cannabis law is not delivering for residents because there’s no local pharmacy supply and medicine can’t be posted from overseas. Ocean economy & data: USGS published a Samoa Basin expedition report from box coring work, with results relevant to deep-sea mineral and sediment characterisation near Cook Islands EEZ boundaries. Youth & skills: Two young Cook Islanders graduated from Massey University supported by the Cook Islands Business Hub, highlighting ongoing pathways into professional careers.

Assault Charges: A Fijian businessman in the Cook Islands has been charged with multiple counts of assault after police arrested him on Monday and issued a Police Safety Order to de-escalate an earlier dispute; the alleged theft charge against the other party is also set for court. Medicinal Cannabis Access: A letter says the Cook Islands’ medicinal cannabis law is failing local patients because there’s no local pharmacy supply and the law blocks overseas posting, forcing repeated travel abroad for many residents. Fuel Crisis & Resilience: Pacific leaders at the 2026 Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue linked rising fuel costs to broader economic security risks, pushing for regional cooperation and faster energy transition. Tuna Cooperation: Cabinet endorsed an MoU to strengthen sustainable management of South Pacific albacore tuna, bringing Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Samoa and Tonga closer on fisheries negotiations. Border Security Upgrade: US Homeland Security Investigations trained Cook Islands Customs and donated drug test kits, boosting enforcement capacity for transnational threats. ADB Crisis Funding: The Asian Development Bank is deploying a $4b package for Middle East conflict fallout, including trade finance for energy and food imports, with Cook Islands support expected. Water Governance: Former PM Henry Puna has been appointed chair of Rarotonga’s water authority, To Tatou Vai, following Brian Mason’s resignation. Local Business Skills: The Cook Islands Business Hub has closed after years supporting youth learning and career pathways. Public Health: Free cervical screening continues with outreach clinics scheduled across Rarotonga, starting at Kavera today.

Fuel & Economic Security: Pacific leaders say the fuel crisis is now an economic security threat, with rising prices feeding inflation and higher costs for transport, business and jobs; Cook Islands and other island ministers at the 2026 Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue in Suva backed stronger regional cooperation and faster energy resilience. Regional Fisheries Cooperation: Cabinet endorsed an MoU to strengthen sustainable management of South Pacific albacore tuna, bringing Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Samoa and Tonga together for science-based management and coordinated advocacy. Border & Customs Capacity: US Homeland Security Investigations trained Cook Islands Customs and donated drug test kits, boosting enforcement capability for transnational crime risks. Energy Transition Pressure: PNG says it plans to increase oil and gas production and explore smaller refineries to support fuel security for itself and smaller Pacific states amid Hormuz-related volatility. Digital Storytelling Opportunity: HBO Max launched in the Cook Islands and Tokelau, with local producers urging Pacific creators to pitch professional Pacific ideas for wider licensing reach. Local Governance: Former PM Henry Puna appointed chair of Rarotonga water authority To Tatou Vai. ADB Crisis Funding: ADB announced a $4b package for Middle East conflict fallout, including trade finance for energy and food imports, with Cook Islands support expected to be included. Ocean Stewardship: Te Ipukarea Society attended the inaugural State of the Pacific Ocean convening in Suva, pushing indigenous-led action against extractive thinking and ocean pressures.

Fuel & Cost of Living: Pacific leaders say the fuel crisis is now an economic security threat, with ministers from the Cook Islands, PNG, Nauru and Tuvalu warning that higher prices are hitting transport, business profits and jobs, and calling for stronger regional cooperation and faster energy transition. Fisheries Trade & Governance: Cook Islands’ Cabinet has endorsed an MoU to strengthen regional management of South Pacific albacore tuna, bringing together Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Samoa and Tonga to support science-based fisheries and coordinated advocacy. Streaming & Local Content: HBO Max launched in New Zealand, the Cook Islands and Tokelau, and a Pacific screen producer says the new platform could help local creators push “Pacific ideas” into bigger markets. Tourism Diversification: Palau is promoting sport fishing at an international trade show in San Diego, aiming to attract high-value visitors while highlighting conservation and cultural heritage. Local Business & Skills: The Cook Islands Business Hub has closed after years supporting youth learning and careers, including Massey University graduates backed through the hub. Community & Procurement: MFEM provided 10 electric motorbikes for local Puna community safety and monitoring, funded with support from China to cut petrol use and reduce fuel costs. Water Governance: Former PM Henry Puna has been appointed chair of To Tatou Vai, Rarotonga’s water authority.

Tourism & Trade: Palau is widening its global reach in sport fishing, showcasing its conservation-led, culture-rich angling offer at an international trade show in San Diego—aiming to attract higher-value visitors and create new local community opportunities. Local Governance & Water: Former Cook Islands PM Henry Puna has been appointed chair of Rarotonga’s water authority, To Tatou Vai, following Brian Mason’s resignation, as the utility pushes for safe, reliable and sustainable water services. Security & Customs: Cook Islands Customs received US Homeland Security Investigations training and drug test kits to strengthen enforcement and intelligence capability as transnational crime targets the region’s “weakest link.” Energy & Community Safety: The Cook Islands Ministry of Finance and Economic Management has provided 10 electric motorbikes for local Puna community safety and monitoring in Rarotonga, cutting petrol use while improving response times. Environment & Waste Policy: Work is underway on a Cook Islands National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution, backed by the Pacific Ocean Litter Project, with a focus on practical alternatives and coordinated action across government, business and communities. Regional Finance: The Asian Development Bank is deploying a $4b crisis package for Middle East conflict fallout, including trade finance for energy and food imports—supporting economies facing higher fuel and freight costs. Business & Skills: The Cook Islands Business Hub has closed after years supporting youth learning and careers, with graduates continuing into professional pathways in Rarotonga.

Maritime Security: AIS-visible commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz fell to near zero as “dark” movements continued, while IRGC small-craft activity surged—raising fresh concerns for regional trade and shipping reliability. Local Governance & Business: Wilson Parking alleges South Island boss Peter Turner diverted business to a rival while breaching restraint-of-trade obligations, with claims involving lease arrangements and access to confidential site profitability. Community Safety & Transport: The Cook Islands Ministry of Finance and Economic Management is funding 10 electric motorbikes for local Puna outreach and monitoring in Rarotonga, aiming to cut petrol use and improve response times. Regional Diplomacy: Pacific Islands Forum leaders issued a renewed global appeal for peace, urging UN Charter principles and dialogue as tensions rise and small states face economic disruption. Youth & Skills: The Cook Islands Business Hub has closed after years supporting youth learning and workplace pathways, including graduates completing Massey University study with Hub support. Health & Waste: Te Ipukarea Society and partners ran menstrual health sessions promoting reusable products to cut plastic waste, while Cook Islands Customs received US Homeland Security training and drug test kits to strengthen border enforcement.

Pacific Peace Appeal: Pacific Islands Forum leaders, including Cook Islands PM Mark Brown, issued a renewed global call for peace, urging UN Charter respect and dialogue as tensions rise worldwide. Border Security Boost: Cook Islands Customs received US Homeland Security Investigations training and drug test kits, strengthening enforcement capacity as the islands sit on trade routes. Local Safety & Transport: The Ministry of Finance and Economic Management delivered 10 electric motorbikes to Puna for community safety and monitoring, aiming to cut petrol use and speed responses. Regional Finance Pressure: The Asian Development Bank is rolling out a $4b package for Middle East conflict fallout, with trade finance for fuel and food imports—relevant to Pacific cost pressures. Water Governance: Former PM Henry Puna was appointed chair of Rarotonga’s water authority, To Tatou Vai, following Brian Mason’s resignation. Youth & Skills: The Cook Islands Business Hub has closed after years supporting youth learning and career pathways. Health Access: Free cervical screening continues in Rarotonga, with clinics scheduled at Kavera and other sites.

Pacific Peace Call: Pacific Islands Forum leaders, including Cook Islands PM Mark Brown, urged world leaders to uphold the UN Charter and seek peaceful dispute settlement as wars and tensions continue to ripple through small economies. Border Security & Trade Enforcement: Cook Islands Customs received US Homeland Security Investigations training and drug test kits, boosting intelligence and enforcement capacity against transnational crime. Middle East Cost Pressure: The Asian Development Bank is rolling out a $4b crisis package for countries hit by the Middle East conflict, with trade finance for energy and food imports—relevant to Pacific freight and fuel costs. Local Business Skills: The Cook Islands Business Hub closed after years supporting youth learning and workplace pathways, including Massey University graduates backed through the hub. Women’s Health & Community Services: Free cervical screening outreach continues in Rarotonga, with clinics scheduled at Kavera and other sites in coming weeks. Plastic Policy Push: The National Environment Service is developing a Cook Islands National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution under the Pacific Ocean Litter Project. Water Governance: Former PM Henry Puna appointed chair of To Tatou Vai, as the water authority continues work on safe, reliable services. Cybercrime Cooperation: Cook Islands is among countries involved in Pacific-wide efforts to strengthen cybercrime laws and legal responses.