Border security upgrade: US Homeland Security Investigations trained Cook Islands Customs and donated drug test kits, as MFEM says the islands sit on the edge of Pacific trade routes and must stay alert to transnational crime. Crisis finance for fuel and food pressures: The Asian Development Bank is rolling out a $4b package for Middle East conflict fallout, including $1b in trade finance for energy and food imports; Cook Islands trade finance support is expected to be part of the response. Youth and skills after the Business Hub: The Cook Islands Business Hub has closed after years supporting youth and learning, including Massey University graduates backed through the hub. Local health outreach: Te Ipukarea Society, CIFWA and RedPack ran a menstrual health session at Tereora College, pushing reusable options to cut waste and costs. Plastic policy push: The National Environment Service is developing a National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution, aiming to align government, business and communities on practical waste reduction and alternatives. Seabed mining debate: Indigenous voices are gaining ground in the global fight over deep-sea mining, with Cook Islands-linked regional work also highlighted around deep-sea governance and capacity building. Regional maritime surveillance: NZDF supported Cook Islands fisheries patrols under Operation Tui Moana, with air reconnaissance used to track potential breaches and serious organised crime. Governance appointment: Henry Puna has been appointed chair of Rarotonga’s water authority, To Tatou Vai, following Brian Mason’s resignation.