AGP Executive Report

Cook Islands Finance Boom: International trust registrations hit a record 433, up 42% year-on-year and nearly 90% in two years, driven largely by US demand for asset protection structures; the sector contributed over NZ$48m to the economy in 2024/25 and now makes up about 8.5% of real GDP, opening room for New Zealand fintech/regtech and compliance services. Local Governance & Transport: Rarotonga’s new ride-hailing app Smartie Rides launches, but highlights a rules gap since the Transport Licensing Act dates to 1967 and doesn’t cover vehicle-sharing platforms. Regional Fisheries Diplomacy: Cook Islands joined Pacific delegations at FAO COFI37 in Rome to push for stronger recognition and support for Pacific-led tuna management and regional cooperation. Ocean Conservation Funding: The Bezos Earth Fund announced US$25m in grants to protect large areas of tropical Pacific ocean, including marine protected areas in the Cook Islands. Defence Support on Penrhyn: NZDF personnel arrived for Exercise Tropic Twilight to help Penrhyn with school and hospital upgrades, water storage, solar water stills and hydrographic surveys. Deep-Sea Capability Building: 23 Cook Islanders returned from China training on deep-sea resource management under a Blue Partnership MOU. Tourism Community Vote: Cook Islands Tourism opened voting for its People’s Choice Kia Orana Champions awards, with 12,000+ votes already cast in the first day.

Financial Services Boom: Cook Islands trust registrations hit a record 433, up 42% year-on-year and nearly 90% over two years, driven largely by US demand for asset protection structures; the sector now contributes over NZ$48m to the economy and is about 8.5% of real GDP. Ocean Conservation Funding: The Bezos Earth Fund announced US$25m in grants to protect tropical Pacific marine areas, including support for Cook Islands projects and efforts to create international marine protected areas in the high seas. Transport Rules in the Spotlight: Rarotonga’s new ride-hailing app Smartie Rides is launching amid a policy gap, with the Transport Licensing Act 1967 needing updates to cover vehicle-sharing platforms. Tourism & Community Business: Cook Islands Tourism opened voting for its 2026 People’s Choice Kia Orana Champions awards, with 12,000+ votes already cast in the first day. Regional Shipping Links: Samoa’s MV Fotu o Samoa III arrived after a 40-day voyage, backed by the Unit Trust of Samoa, and is expected to connect Samoa with the Cook Islands and other nearby islands. Deep-Sea Resource Capacity: 23 Cook Islanders returned from China after training on deep-sea resource management, coordinated with the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority.

Gambling Compliance: Auckland influencer Millie Elder-Holmes has lost a jurisdiction challenge over overseas gambling ads, with the Cook Islands regulator citing alleged Gambling Act breaches tied to Instagram and Facebook posts. Opposition Office Funding: Cook Islands United Party is seeking support to renovate the Opposition Leader’s office, but CIIC has frozen works pending a wider review. Deep-Sea Mining Outlook: The US says deep-sea mining permits could be issued within months, as Washington accelerates seabed mineral plans amid intensifying China-led competition. Financial Services Boom: A Cook Islands Government report says US demand for asset protection trusts is driving record growth, with international trust registrations up 42% year-on-year to 433 and nearly 90% higher than two years ago—fueling fintech/regtech and compliance demand. Transport Rules in Focus: Rarotonga’s new ride-hailing service Smartie Rides highlights gaps in the 1967 Transport Licensing Act, with calls to update the framework for vehicle-sharing platforms. Tourism Engagement: Cook Islands Tourism has opened voting for the 2026 Kia Orana Champions People’s Choice Awards, with 12,000+ votes already cast in the first day. Regional Resilience: UN DESA urges Pacific SIDS—including the Cook Islands—to close social protection gaps to better withstand climate and economic shocks.

Opposition Office Funding: The Cook Islands United Party is seeking government help to renovate the Opposition Leader’s Avarua office, but CIIC has frozen the works pending a broader review. Financial Services Boom: A Cook Islands Government report says US demand for asset protection trusts is driving record growth: international trust registrations rose 42% in a year to 433, nearly 90% higher than two years ago, with financial services contributing over NZ$48m in 2024/25. Fintech & Regtech Opportunity: The same surge is opening a market for trust administration, compliance, identity verification, cybersecurity and payments—especially as about 85% of trustee revenue comes from US clients. Transport Rules Under Pressure: Rarotonga’s new app-based ride-hailing service, Smartie Rides, launches while highlighting gaps in the 1967 Transport Licensing Act, with calls to update rules for vehicle-sharing platforms. Deep-Sea Mining Timeline: The US says deep-sea mining permits could be issued within months, as federal discussions move ahead—raising questions for Pacific seabed governance. Regional Skills Building: Twenty-three Cook Islanders returned from China after a 10-day deep-sea resource management training programme run with the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority. Tourism Awards Voting: Cook Islands Tourism has opened voting for the 2026 People’s Choice “Kia Orana Champions” awards, with 12,000 votes already cast in the first 24 hours.

Cook Islands Finance & Trade: A Cook Islands Government report says US demand for asset protection is driving record trust growth, with international trust registrations up 42% in a year to 433 and almost 90% higher than two years ago; the sector now contributes over NZ$48m (2024/25) and is 8.5% of real GDP, opening room for New Zealand fintech/regtech and compliance services. Transport & Regulation: Rarotonga’s new app-based ride-hailing service, Smartie Rides, has launched but is highlighting a licensing gap in the 1967 Transport Licensing Act for vehicle-sharing platforms. Tourism & Community: Cook Islands Tourism has opened voting for the 2026 People’s Choice “Kia Orana Champions” awards, with more than 12,000 votes cast in the first 24 hours and a new Innovation Icon category. Governance & Cost of Living: PM Mark Brown says the incoming Cook Islands Party-led government’s first 100 days will focus on cost of living and housing, including fuel security and progressing a National Housing Strategy 2030. Public Services & Support: More than 50 NZDF personnel are in Penrhyn for Exercise Tropic Twilight, delivering construction, health and hydrography work. Regional Economy & Climate: PM Brown is urging the Asian Development Bank to make climate resilience funding easier and be lenient on debt servicing, arguing small economies must borrow for survival. Sports: Cook Islands netball missed out on the 2027 Netball World Cup after losing 50–72 to Samoa in the Oceania qualifier.

Visa policy & travel links: Labour is promising to expand New Zealand visa-waiver travel for citizens of Pacific Islands Forum nations, aiming to cut costs and paperwork for Pacific families visiting for weddings, funerals and other key cultural moments. Tourism demand: Stats NZ shows record New Zealand-resident travel back from the Cook Islands (118,000 arrivals in the year to July) and Tonga (30,000), highlighting strong VFR demand and a growing Pacific tourism share. Financial services boom: A Cook Islands Government report says international trust registrations are up 42% year-on-year to a record 433, nearly 90% higher than two years ago, driven largely by US demand for asset protection trusts—pushing growth in compliance, identity and cybersecurity services. Local business & transport: Rarotonga’s new app-based ride-hailing service Smartie Rides launches, spotlighting gaps in the 1967 Transport Licensing Act for vehicle-sharing platforms. Governance & delivery: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown flags cost of living and housing as top priorities in the first 100 days, including a cost-of-living review and progress on a National Housing Strategy 2030. Community & reputation: Nikao Cemetery in Rarotonga was vandalised, with volunteers preparing a working bee to repair damaged graves and headstones. Regional capacity building: More than 50 NZDF personnel are in Penrhyn for Exercise Tropic Twilight, delivering construction, health and hydrography support. Skills & training: Cook Islanders have returned from China after a deep-sea resource management programme run with the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority.

Financial Services Boom: A Cook Islands Government report says US demand for asset protection is driving record trust growth, with international trust registrations up 42% in a year to 433 and nearly 90% higher than two years ago; financial services now contribute over NZ$48m and about 8.5% of real GDP, opening demand for NZ and offshore legal, compliance, identity and cybersecurity services. Tourism & Travel: Stats NZ data shows record New Zealand-resident traveller arrivals from the Cook Islands (118,000 in the year to July) and a new high for Tonga (30,000), pointing to strong VFR demand and pent-up travel. Social Protection & Resilience: A UN DESA brief urges Pacific SIDS to expand social protection to cut poverty and better handle climate and price shocks; coverage is above 90% in the Cook Islands, but far lower in several other states. Transport Rules Tested: Rarotonga’s new app-based ride-hailing service, Smartie Rides, launches while highlighting a gap in the 1967 Transport Licensing Act, with calls to modernise licensing for vehicle-sharing. Governance & Cost of Living: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown flags cost of living and housing as top priorities in the first 100 days, including a fuel security focus and progress on a National Housing Strategy 2030. Deep-Sea Skills & Training: Twenty-three Cook Islanders returned from China after a deep-sea resource management programme run with SBMA, aimed at strengthening local capacity for the sector. Community & Reputation: Nikao Cemetery in Rarotonga was vandalised, prompting a community working bee to repair damaged graves and renewed calls for accountability.

Cook Islands Finance Boom: A new Cook Islands Government report says US demand for asset protection is driving record trust growth, with international trust registrations up 42% in a year to 433 and nearly 90% higher than two years ago; the sector now contributes over NZ$48m (2024/25) and is 8.5% of real GDP, with about 85% of trustee revenue coming from US clients. Fintech/Regtech Hiring Push: The same surge is creating a skills gap and opportunities for New Zealand and overseas providers in trust administration, compliance, identity checks, cybersecurity and cross-border payments. Transport Rules Under Pressure: Rarotonga’s new app-based ride-hailing service, Smartie Rides, launches while local transport licensing rules still date back to 1967, highlighting the need for a framework for vehicle-sharing platforms. Regional Fisheries Leadership: Cook Islands and other Pacific members backed Pacific-led, science-based fisheries management at COFI37 in Rome, calling for stronger recognition and support for regional approaches. Shipping & Trade Risk Talk: Splash Singapore’s countdown is on, with discussions focused on how shipping should manage faster-changing assumptions via resilience, longer-term investment and risk pricing. Community & Heritage: Volunteers are set to repair vandalised graves at Nikao Cemetery, including headstones linked to Cook Islands First World War veterans, after police were notified.

Sustainable Fisheries Diplomacy: Pacific countries, including the Cook Islands, pushed for stronger international recognition of Pacific-led, science-based tuna management at FAO’s COFI37 in Rome, highlighting regional monitoring and compliance systems and celebrating FFA’s Margarita Lizárraga Medal. Fintech & Trust Boom: A Cook Islands government report says international trust registrations hit a record 433, up 42% year-on-year, with financial services contributing over NZ$48m in 2024/25 and now 8.5% of real GDP—driving demand for New Zealand and global trust administration, compliance, identity, cybersecurity and payments. Transport Rules Under Pressure: Rarotonga’s new app-based ride-hailing service, Smartie Rides, has spotlighted a licensing gap in the 1967 Transport Licensing Act, with calls to update rules for vehicle-sharing platforms. Governance & Power Sector: Cook Islands Investment Corporation announced new Te Aponga Uira board appointments and leadership changes aimed at strengthening governance for reliable electricity services. Community & Heritage: Volunteers are set to repair vandalised graves at Nikao Cemetery after headstones were knocked over, including a First World War site tied to the Cook Islands Online Cenotaph restoration work. Deep-Sea Capacity Building: Twenty-three Cook Islanders returned from China after a 10-day deep-sea resource management training programme coordinated with the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority. Cost of Living Agenda: PM Mark Brown says the incoming government’s first 100 days will prioritise cost of living and housing, including fuel security and a cost-of-living review. Regional Security Context: Australia’s new “cocaine highway” crackdown plan underscores ongoing illicit trafficking risks across Pacific routes, including references to cocaine found on Cook Islands reefs.

Transport Regulation Watch: Rarotonga’s new locally built ride-hailing service, Smartie Rides, has launched via an app, but it’s also spotlighting a long-standing gap in the Cook Islands’ transport rules—vehicle-sharing platforms aren’t covered under the Transport Licensing Act 1967, with calls to update the framework. Cost of Living & Housing: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says cost of living and housing will be top priorities in the first 100 days, including a cost-of-living review focused on practical, targeted relief and progress on the housing policy. Climate Finance Push: Brown is urging the Asian Development Bank to make climate resilience funding easier to access and be lenient on debt servicing, arguing micro-economies like the Cook Islands face extreme disaster exposure. Deep-Sea Skills Building: 23 Cook Islanders have returned from China after a 10-day deep-sea resource management training programme coordinated with the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority. Governance & Power Supply: Cook Islands Investment Corporation has announced leadership changes and new board directors for Te Aponga Uira, aiming to strengthen governance for reliable electricity services. Community Impact: Volunteers are holding a working bee at Nikao Cemetery after vandalism damaged and removed headstones, including First World War veterans’ graves.

Transport Regulation Update: Rarotonga’s new locally built ride-hailing app, Smartie Rides, is launching with upfront pricing—but it’s also highlighting a rules gap. The Cook Islands’ Transport Licensing Act dates to 1967 and doesn’t clearly cover vehicle-sharing services like Uber-style platforms, with policy calling for an update to create a licensing framework. Deep-Sea Resources & China Links: Twenty-three Cook Islanders have returned from a 10-day China–Cook Islands training programme on deep-sea resource management in Hangzhou and Changsha, coordinated with the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority under a Blue Partnership MOU. Cost of Living & Housing: Prime Minister Mark Brown says the incoming Cook Islands Party government will prioritise cost of living and housing in its first 100 days, including a cost-of-living review focused on practical relief for families. Climate Finance Push: Brown is urging the Asian Development Bank to make climate resilience funding easier to access and to be lenient on debt servicing for small, highly exposed economies like the Cook Islands. Security & Crime: Australia’s new “Pacific drugs highway” plan targets cocaine traffickers using island routes, with reports noting cocaine found on a Cook Islands reef in July. Governance & Power Sector: Cook Islands Investment Corporation announces leadership changes at Te Aponga Uira, including new board directors and a deputy chair appointment to strengthen governance for electricity services. Community Impact: Volunteers are holding a working bee at Nikao Cemetery after vandalism damaged graves of First World War veterans and others, with police saying they have a continuing lead.

Deep-Sea Skills for Local Control: Twenty-three Cook Islanders returned from China after a 10-day training programme on deep-sea resource management, run with the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority and aimed at building local capability for the sector. Cost of Living & Housing Focus: Prime Minister Mark Brown says the Cook Islands Party-led government will prioritise fuel security and a cost-of-living review in its first 100 days, alongside pushing housing initiatives. Climate Finance Push: Brown urged the Asian Development Bank to make climate resilience funding easier to access and to be lenient on debt servicing for small, disaster-exposed economies like the Cook Islands. Drugs Highway Crackdown: Australia announced a A$600m plan to target cocaine trafficking routes through Pacific islands, citing cases including cocaine found on a Cook Islands reef in July. Community Impact: Volunteers are set to repair vandalised graves at Nikao Cemetery after headstones were damaged or removed, with police saying they have a continuing lead. Governance & Power Supply: Cook Islands Investment Corporation announced leadership and director changes for the Te Aponga Uira electricity board to strengthen governance and support reliable power services. Penrhyn Port Upgrade Debate: A US–NZ plan to upgrade Penrhyn’s port is framed as a lifeline for Tongareva, but locals are calling for open discussion on social and environmental impacts. Local Tech Growth: Smartie Rides launched in Rarotonga as a home-grown ride-hailing app, positioning itself as a lower-cost alternative to international platforms. Regional Weather Readiness: Pacific Meteorological Council updates show Weather Ready Pacific progressing from strong foundations toward earlier outputs, including Cook Islands training and operational upgrades.

Cost of Living & Housing: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says the Party-led government’s first 100 days will focus on cost-of-living relief (including fuel security) and pushing housing initiatives after a pre-election poll showed voters ranking inflation and household costs as the top concern. Climate Finance Push: Brown also urged the Asian Development Bank to make climate resilience funding easier to access and to be lenient on debt servicing, arguing micro-economies like the Cook Islands are forced to borrow for survival. Drugs & Security: Australia announced a A$600m plan to target cocaine trafficking through the Pacific “drugs highway,” citing cases including cocaine found on a Cook Islands reef in July. Governance & Power Supply: Cook Islands Investment Corporation announced leadership changes at Te Aponga Uira, including new board directors and a deputy chair appointment, aimed at strengthening governance for electricity services. Community & Heritage: A Nikao Cemetery working bee is planned after shock vandalism of First World War veterans’ graves, with police saying they have a continuing lead. Transport & Business Innovation: Smartie Rides launched a home-grown ride-hailing app in Rarotonga, positioning it as a cheaper local alternative to international taxi platforms. Regional Weather Readiness: Pacific Meteorological Council updates show progress under Weather Ready Pacific, with Cook Islands work on upper-air observation continuing as the region builds early warning capacity.

Cook Islands Politics & Housing: PM Mark Brown says the new government’s first 100 days will focus on cost of living and housing, including a fuel-security push and a cost-of-living review aimed at targeted relief for families. Climate Finance: Brown urges the Asian Development Bank to make climate resilience funding easier to access and to be lenient on debt servicing, arguing micro-economies like the Cook Islands are forced to borrow for survival. Drugs & Security: Australia announces a A$600m plan to tackle cocaine smuggling across the Pacific “drugs highway,” citing cases including cocaine found on a Cook Islands reef in July. Local Governance & Community: Volunteers plan a working bee at Nikao Cemetery after shock vandalism of First World War veterans’ graves, with police saying they have a continuing lead. Power Sector Governance: Cook Islands Investment Corporation updates Te Aponga Uira Board leadership, appointing new directors and a deputy chair to support reliable electricity services. Health & Climate: Te Marae Ora health secretary Bob Williams backs a Pacific network action plan linking health and climate change, calling for strong Pacific leadership. Infrastructure & Trade: US and NZ backing for a Penrhyn port upgrade keeps the spotlight on how external investment could reshape northern Cook Islands supply chains and local impacts. Transport Innovation: Smartie Rides launches a home-grown ride-hailing app in Rarotonga, aiming to undercut taxi costs and offer visitors a single platform for multiple services.

Weather & Resilience: A three-part editorial series reviews progress under Weather Ready Pacific and the Pacific Meteorological Council, noting 2025 foundations and an Amber status in early 2026—stronger capability building, but still no full outcome-level warning impacts yet. Cost of Living & Housing: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says the Party-led government’s first 100 days will prioritise a cost-of-living review (fuel security, inflation pressures) and pushing housing initiatives, after voters flagged living costs as the top concern. Climate Finance Push: Brown also urged the Asian Development Bank to make climate resilience funding easier to access and be lenient on debt servicing for micro-economies facing escalating disasters. Governance & Power Supply: Cook Islands Investment Corporation announced Te Aponga Uira Board changes, appointing new directors and a deputy chair to strengthen electricity governance. Community & Heritage: Volunteers are holding a working bee at Nikao Cemetery after vandalism damaged and removed headstones, including First World War graves. Regional Security/Trade: Australia announced a A$600m plan targeting cocaine smuggling via the “Pacific drugs highway,” citing cases including cocaine found on a Cook Islands reef in July. Transport & Business: Smartie Rides launched a home-grown ride-hailing app in Rarotonga, aiming to undercut taxi costs and expand services. Infrastructure Watch: Work is underway on Mauke’s $300,000 purpose-built cargo shed to improve freight handling and storage.

Court Update: The Court of Appeal has upheld the cocaine sentence of Peter Uelese, a Rebels MC member accused of stealing about 9kg of cocaine from a Christchurch container yard and arranging further handovers worth $150,000. Climate Finance: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown urged the Asian Development Bank to make climate resilience funding easier to access and to be lenient on debt servicing, warning micro-economies are being forced to borrow for “protection” as disasters intensify. Regional Security & Trade: Australia announced a A$600m plan to target Pacific cocaine smuggling routes, citing “narco-subs” and noting a Cook Islands reef discovery of cocaine packages in July. Local Community & Heritage: A community working bee is planned after vandalism at Nikao Cemetery, including broken and removed headstones of First World War veterans; police say they have a continuing lead. Energy Governance: Cook Islands Investment Corporation announced leadership changes at Te Aponga Uira, appointing new board directors and a deputy chair to strengthen governance for electricity services. Business & Innovation: Smartie Rides launched a home-grown ride-hailing app in Rarotonga, aiming to undercut taxi costs and offer multiple services in one platform.