AGP Executive Report

Cook Islands energy governance: Cook Islands Investment Corporation says Te Aponga Uira (TAU) has new board leadership, with Jessie Sword appointed deputy chair from May 29, and directors Dallas Young and Metua Okotai joining from June 8 (plus James Carfax-Foster from Aug 1), following departures including Stuart Henry, Randolph George and Elizabeth Iro. Port infrastructure and geopolitics: The US and New Zealand have backed a major Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade, with US$50m and NZ$17.5m earmarked, framed as a strategic Pacific infrastructure push that could reshape supply reliability and economic opportunity for the northern islands. Local tech and transport: Smartie Rides has launched in Rarotonga, positioning its locally built ride-hailing app as a home-grown alternative to Uber/Grab and aiming to undercut taxi costs while bundling services like food delivery. Freight upgrades for Pa Enua: Construction has started on a new $300,000 purpose-built cargo shed for Mauke, due for completion in early November, designed to improve protection, handling and temporary storage of freight. Maritime enforcement: Maritime Cook Islands reports the China-owned fishing vessel Kema has been deregistered as a Cook Islands flagged ship after a Cook Islands High Court fine of $400,000. Business and connectivity outlook: Pacific Dataport says it plans to expand sales into the Cook Islands, using satellite data capacity from Starlink and Eutelsat OneWeb to serve hard-to-connect locations. Community impact: A historic Rarotonga cemetery (Nikao) has been vandalised, with Cook Islands Investment Corporation notifying researcher Cate Walker of damaged headstones and calls for prosecution. Sports with local relevance: Cook Islands World Cup rugby league hopes got a boost as KL Iro says Valentine Holmes is expected to be fit to play after a low-grade ankle sprain.

Electricity Governance: Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) has reshuffled the Te Aponga Uira (TAU) board, appointing Jessie Sword as deputy chair and welcoming Dallas Young, Metua Okotai and James Carfax-Foster as directors, following departures including Stuart Henry, Randolph George and Elizabeth Iro—aimed at strengthening governance for reliable, sustainable power. Port & Trade Strategy: The US and New Zealand are backing a major Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade, with funding framed as a Pacific infrastructure play that could reshape access for northern Cook Islands and broader regional logistics. Local Business Tech: Smartie Rides has launched in Rarotonga, positioning its locally built ride-hailing app as a home-grown alternative to Uber/Grab with competitive pricing and an integrated food delivery option. Freight Infrastructure: Construction is underway on Mauke’s new $300,000 purpose-built cargo shed, expected to be completed in early November to improve handling and storage for sea freight. Maritime Accountability: A Finland appeals court has reopened the anchor-dragging case involving the Cook Islands-flagged tanker Eagle S, keeping pressure on how states handle prosecutions tied to subsea cable damage. Community & Heritage: Reports of vandalised war graves at Rarotonga’s Nikao Cemetery are prompting calls for prosecution, with the site described as a key burial ground for Cook Islands soldiers and others. Sports Boost: Cook Islands World Cup hopes got a lift as Valentine Holmes is expected to be fit for the Aitu campaign.

Pacific Connectivity & Trade: Pacific Dataport, an Alaska-based satellite data reseller, says it’s using expertise from remote broadband delivery to expand sales next year including to the Cook Islands. Regional Geopolitics & Infrastructure: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, the US and New Zealand backed a major Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade—US$50m and NZ$17.5m respectively—framing it as strategic competition played out through ports and development. Local Business & Transport: Smartie Rides launched in Rarotonga, positioning its locally built ride-hailing app as a cheaper, home-grown alternative to Uber/Grab and linking rides with its food delivery. Maritime Compliance: Maritime Cook Islands says the China-owned fishing vessel Kema has been deregistered after a Cook Islands High Court fine of $400,000. Community & Reputation Risk: Nikao Cemetery in Rarotonga was vandalised, with an Australian researcher calling for prosecutions after headstones were knocked over. Sports & Economy Spillover: Cook Islands World Cup hopes got a boost as Valentine Holmes is expected to be fit, while BSP announced a major PNG Chiefs NRL sponsorship deal through to 2030.

Penrhyn Port Upgrade: The US and New Zealand have backed a major redevelopment of Penrhyn’s Omoka/Tongareva port, with US$50m and NZ$17.5m funding flagged after feasibility work—aimed at safer landings and more reliable delivery of essentials to the northern Cook Islands. Local Innovation: Smartie Rides has launched in Rarotonga, positioning a home-grown ride-hailing app as a cheaper alternative to taxis and global platforms, with strong early visitor uptake and plans for Smartie Tours. Freight Infrastructure: Construction is underway on Mauke’s new $300,000 purpose-built cargo shed, due to finish in early November, to improve protection, handling and temporary storage of sea freight. Maritime Compliance: Maritime Cook Islands says the China-owned fishing vessel Kema has been deregistered after a Cook Islands High Court fine of $400,000. Regional Politics & Security: Coverage around the 55th Pacific Islands Forum highlights ongoing pressure on Pacific leaders amid US-China tensions, with Cook Islands attention on minerals and military strategy. Community Impact: Nikao Cemetery in Rarotonga was vandalised, with calls for prosecution after headstones were knocked over. Business-Adjacent Sports Boost: Cook Islands World Cup hopes got a lift as Valentine Holmes is reported fit to play after an ankle injury.

Penrhyn Port Upgrade: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says the country secured major funding at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, including a NZ$101m Penrhyn (Tongareva) port project co-funded by New Zealand and the United States, framed as a “lifeline” for the northern island and a “friendly port” for US engagement in the Pacific. Local Governance & Community Debate: Letters and commentary urge transparency and stronger Tongareva involvement, warning that big foreign investment and any critical-minerals angle could reshape island life and call for clear cost/recovery benefits and impact assessments. Freight Infrastructure: Work has started on a new $300,000 purpose-built cargo shed for Mauke, due for completion in early November, aiming to improve freight handling and reliability for island businesses and services. Maritime Compliance: Maritime Cook Islands confirms the China-owned fishing vessel Kema has been deregistered after a Cook Islands High Court fine of $400,000. Local Tech & Transport: Smartie Rides launched in Rarotonga, positioning its locally built ride-hailing app as a cheaper alternative to international platforms. Climate Reality Check: A UN overshoot report says sea-level rise is already locked in for the Pacific, making adaptation unavoidable. Sports & Business Spotlight: Cook Islands World Cup rugby league hopes got a boost with Valentine Holmes expected to be fit, while BSP’s PNG Chiefs sponsorship deal highlights regional bank branding power.

Climate Reality Check: UNEP says the world will overshoot 1.5°C soon, and for the Pacific sea-level rise is “locked in” for centuries—making adaptation unavoidable. NRL & Banking Sponsorship: Bank South Pacific signs a record A$20m deal as PNG Chiefs’ principal foundation partner through 2030, boosting brand exposure and community programs. Maritime Sanctions Risk: Windward reports 275 tankers broadcast fraudulent registry flags in Q2, with suppliers facing new responsibility as checks shift. Cook Islands Port Investment: The US and New Zealand back a NZ$101m Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade, framed as a “lifeline” and “friendly port” for regional security and economic access. Local Tech & Transport: Smartie launches a home-grown ride-hailing app in Rarotonga, aiming to undercut taxi costs and keep services in one platform. Freight Infrastructure: Work starts on a $300,000 purpose-built cargo shed for Mauke, due for completion in early November. Climate Stress Ahead: El Niño is expected to continue through 2026, with drought and water-pressure risks for parts of the Pacific. Maritime Legal Watch: Finland’s appeals court reopens the Eagle S anchor-dragging case involving damage to subsea cables, with implications for prosecutions.

Penrhyn Port Deal: The Cook Islands secured major funding at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, with New Zealand and the United States co-funding a NZ$101m Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade to improve the lifeline for Omoka and strengthen maritime safety and supply reliability. Geopolitics & Minerals Debate: The same project is being framed by the US as a “friendly port” for Pacific resilience and critical minerals access, but Greenpeace Aotearoa warns it could open a gateway to deep-sea mining and calls it resource grabbing. Local Business: Smartie Rides launched in Rarotonga, positioning its locally built ride-hailing app as a home-grown alternative to Uber/Grab with competitive pricing and an integrated food delivery offering. Freight Infrastructure: Construction has started on a $300,000 purpose-built cargo shed for Mauke, due for completion in early November to improve handling and temporary storage of freight. Shipping Industry: Splash Singapore’s final fortnight is underway, with rising registrations and a speaker lineup heavy on shipping decision-makers, including OM Maritime’s CEO pushing for users—not vendors—to lead shipping tech choices. Sports Boost: Cook Islands World Cup hopes got a lift as Valentine Holmes is expected to be fit after a low-grade ankle sprain.

Port Investment & Geopolitics: Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown says the US–NZ co-funded Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade is a “lifeline” for Omoka and a wider Pacific connectivity boost, with the US putting in US$50m (subject to processes) and NZ about NZ$17.5m, while Greenpeace Aotearoa warns it could become a gateway to deep-sea mining and “resource grabbing.” Local Business & Transport: Smartie Rides has launched a home-grown ride-hailing app in Rarotonga, aiming to undercut taxi costs and offer visitors a single app for rides and food delivery. Maritime Compliance: Maritime Cook Islands says the China-owned fishing vessel Kema has been deregistered after a Cook Islands High Court fine of $400,000. Climate Risk: ChildFund New Zealand warns Pacific communities to prepare for a strengthening El Niño, with drought in some areas and heavier rain in others, stressing safe water and child health. Legal/Infrastructure Security: Finland’s appeals court has reopened the anchor-dragging case involving the Cook Islands-flagged tanker Eagle S, with implications for prosecutions tied to subsea cable damage. Sports Economy Signal: PNG Chiefs and Bank South Pacific (BSP) have signed a landmark NRL sponsorship deal through at least the 2030 season.

Penrhyn Port Upgrade: Cook Islands secured a NZ$101m Penrhyn (Tongareva) port project, co-funded by New Zealand and the United States, with construction to be managed by the Cook Islands—while Greenpeace Aotearoa warns it could become a “gateway” to deep-sea mining and calls it resource grabbing. Local Infrastructure: Work is underway on Mauke’s new purpose-built $300,000 cargo shed (16.5m x 21.5m x 6m), due for completion in early November to improve freight handling and storage. Climate & Resilience Funding: The Green Climate Fund says reforms should speed approvals and expand direct access for Pacific institutions, targeting faster delivery and fewer intermediaries. Pacific Security & Diplomacy: The Pacific Islands Forum in Palau ended amid visible US–China tensions and leadership absences, with calls for a “Zone of Peace” and continued pressure around regional security and climate priorities. Maritime Enforcement: Maritime Cook Islands confirms the China-owned fishing vessel “Kema” has been deregistered after a Cook Islands High Court fine. Fuel + El Niño Risk: ChildFund New Zealand warns communities facing fuel stress should prepare for El Niño impacts on water, food and children’s health.

Penrhyn Port Upgrade: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says the NZ$101m Penrhyn (Tongareva) port project is a “lifeline” for Tongareva, co-funded by the US (US$50m) and New Zealand (NZ$17.5m) and aimed at safer landings and better supply links; Geopolitics & minerals: the US frames the upgrade as part of its Critical Minerals Framework and a “friendly port” strategy, while Environmental backlash: Greenpeace Aotearoa calls it “resource grabbing” and a potential gateway to deep-sea mining, raising transparency and environmental concerns; Freight infrastructure (Mauke): construction has started on a $300,000 purpose-built cargo shed for Mauke, due in early November, to improve protection and handling of sea freight; Maritime enforcement: Maritime Cook Islands confirms the China-owned fishing vessel Kema has been deregistered after a Cook Islands High Court fine of $400,000; Climate risk: Pacific leaders are bracing for El Niño impacts—fuel stress plus drought in some areas and heavier rain in others—while the Green Climate Fund says reforms should speed approvals and expand direct access for Pacific institutions.

Mauke Cargo Shed: Construction is underway on a new $300,000 purpose-built cargo shed for Mauke, with completion expected in early November—aimed at improving freight protection, handling and temporary storage for island businesses and services. Penrhyn Port Funding & Geopolitics: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, Cook Islands PM Mark Brown secured major announcements including the NZ$101m Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade, co-funded by New Zealand and the United States, positioned as a “lifeline” and a “friendly port” for US engagement—while Greenpeace Aotearoa warns it could open the door to deep-sea mining and raises transparency and environmental concerns. Climate Finance Speed-Up: The Green Climate Fund says reforms are set to cut approvals and accreditation delays, targeting faster access for Pacific countries and more direct funding through national and regional institutions. El Niño Fuel Crisis Warning: ChildFund New Zealand warns that a strengthening El Niño—on top of ongoing fuel stress—could trigger drought, heavier rainfall in other areas, and rising pressure on safe water, food and children’s health. Maritime Enforcement: Maritime Cook Islands confirms the China-owned fishing vessel Kema has been deregistered as a Cook Islands flagged ship after a $400,000 High Court fine. Regional Health Focus: Pacific Health leaders wrapped up a meeting in Rarotonga on modernising health systems for a digital age, with priorities spanning financing, workforce, health data and climate resilience.

Penrhyn Port Upgrade: The Cook Islands secured a major US–NZ-funded Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, with the US putting in US$50m and New Zealand about NZ$17.5m (around US$10m), positioned as a “lifeline” and a safer gateway for fuel, food and construction supplies. Geopolitics & Minerals Backlash: Greenpeace Aotearoa is calling the project a “trojan horse” and “resource grabbing,” linking it to US critical minerals plans and potential deep-sea mining, while local voices debate transparency and what islanders have been told. Climate Finance Push: The Green Climate Fund says reforms are cutting approval and accreditation delays, targeting faster access for Pacific countries and more direct funding through national and regional institutions. El Niño Warning: Pacific communities facing a fuel crisis are also being urged to prepare for a strengthening El Niño, with drought risks for some islands and heavier rain for others stressing water, food and children’s health. Regional Security Focus: The wider PIF agenda remains dominated by US–China rivalry, with leaders’ absences and pressure around missile issues underscoring how external geopolitics is shaping Pacific priorities.

Penrhyn Port Upgrade: The US and New Zealand have signed on to a US$60m upgrade of Penrhyn (Tongareva) port, with Washington putting in US$50m and NZ$17.5m, and NZ managing construction—positioned as a “lifeline” for safer access and better logistics for the remote northern atoll. Geopolitics & Minerals Backlash: Greenpeace Aotearoa calls the deal a “resource grabbing” “Trojan horse,” warning it could open the door to deep-sea mining and linking it to the Critical Minerals Framework. Cook Islands at PIF: Prime Minister Mark Brown returned from the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau citing major infrastructure and ocean funding, including support for Marae Moana via the Bezos Earth Fund and BirdLife International. Climate Finance Speed-Up: Green Climate Fund reforms aim to cut approval and accreditation delays, targeting faster access for Pacific countries and more direct funding through national and regional institutions. Fuel + El Niño Risk: Pacific communities facing fuel stress are warned to prepare for El Niño impacts—drought in some areas, heavier rain in others—raising pressure on water, food and child health. Regional Security Funding: Australia announced a US$600m Pacific anti-drugs surveillance push under the Waqa Moana Initiative, targeting narco-smuggling routes into Australia.

Penrhyn Port Deal: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown returned from the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau after securing the NZ$101m Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade, co-funded by the US (US$50m) and New Zealand (NZ$17.5m), with the project framed as a “lifeline” and a “friendly port” for US Pacific security and economic links. Environmental & Transparency Pushback: Greenpeace Aotearoa hit out at the project as “resource grabbing” and a potential gateway to deep-sea mining, while local voices are urging clearer consultation and transparency around critical minerals. Climate Finance Reform: The Green Climate Fund says reforms should cut Pacific approval and accreditation delays, targeting faster access to climate money (down to a nine-month goal) and boosting direct national and regional delivery. Fuel + El Niño Risk: Pacific communities facing fuel stress are being warned to prepare for El Niño impacts—drought in some areas, heavier rain in others—raising pressure on water, food and child health. Tourism Jobs & Skills: Te Mato Manava Tūroto launched Tourism Month (Sept 1–30) with awards and a youth pathway programme aimed at growing the next generation of tourism talent.

Penrhyn Port Deal: The Cook Islands secured a NZ$101m (US$60m) upgrade for the Penrhyn/Tongareva port, co-funded by the US and New Zealand and backed by claims it will improve shipping safety and outer-island supply links, but Greenpeace Aotearoa is calling it “resource grabbing” and warning it could open the door to deep-sea mining. Pacific Islands Forum Funding Push: At the PIF in Palau, the US also announced more than US$150m for Pacific priorities including fuel storage and grid stability, anti-illegal fishing support, and broader security and infrastructure cooperation. Climate Finance Speed-Up: Green Climate Fund reforms aim to cut approvals and accreditation delays, targeting nine months and pushing more direct access for Pacific national and regional entities. Pacific Resilience Facility Momentum: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown urged investors and partners to back the PRF so climate money reaches communities faster, as the region’s new resilience-focused fund moves from treaty to projects. Local Voice on Tongareva: A Cook Islands News columnist highlights Tongareva community concerns over transparency and the framing of the port project amid US critical-minerals interest.

Penrhyn Port Upgrade: The US and New Zealand have pledged about US$60m to upgrade the Penrhyn (Tongareva) port in the northern Cook Islands, with Washington putting in US$50m and NZ about NZ$17.5m, and NZ managing construction—promising safer landings and better access for fuel, food and supplies. Geopolitics & Mining Concerns: The deal is being attacked by Greenpeace Aotearoa, which calls it a “trojan horse” and “resource grabbing,” warning it could open the door to deep-sea mining tied to critical minerals. Local Governance & Transparency: Separate coverage flags transparency and environmental concerns around how the project is being handled and what impacts it could bring. Pacific Funding Push: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, the US also announced US$150m+ for the region, including energy support, anti-illegal fishing work, and the Penrhyn port component. Tourism & Business: Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto (Tourism Month 2026) runs Sept 1–30, spotlighting tourism awards, a women’s tourism programme and youth pathways. Climate Finance Momentum: Cook Islands officials joined regional meetings on climate priorities, while the Pacific Resilience Facility moves from concept to community projects.