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.