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.