U.S.-Cook Islands ties: Ambassador Jared Novelly met PM Mark Brown to discuss deeper cooperation on ocean science, maritime security and economic opportunities, saying distance shouldn’t limit “neighbor” partnership. Cook Islands politics & cost of living: Brown is set for a second term after his party won 12 of 24 seats (with one seat still to vote), with analysts pointing to voters prioritising cost-of-living over geopolitical concerns. Aviation model: New Zealand foreign minister Winston Peters highlighted the Cook Islands’ airline growth as proof Pacific aviation can work despite tough conditions. Deep-sea resources & governance: A 26-day NOAA expedition in the Cook Islands EEZ found new marine life and seabed mineral data, while Te Ipukarea Society raised concerns at the International Seabed Authority over how deep-seabed mining could affect the region. Public finance leadership: Auditor-General David Teika Dennis resigned to become PS Finance and Treasury, citing gaps in public financial management capacity. Shipping competition: Government assured Taio Shipping a new state vessel will not compete with its services. Legal & compliance: A foreign fishing company was fined $400,000 for illegal fishing and falsifying reports. Communications update: Ncell introduced a 60-second pulse rate for international outgoing calls to 198 countries.