Deep-Sea Mining & Health: As the International Seabed Authority debates rules, the Deep Sea Mining Campaign warns proposed mining could mobilise naturally occurring radioactive materials from the seabed, raising risks to marine life and seafood consumers via the food chain. Disaster Readiness: SPC and the UN World Food Programme ran a Humanitarian Warehouse Exchange in Brisbane for six Pacific NDMOs, including Cook Islands staff, to strengthen warehousing, dispatch and first-aid skills for faster relief. Cook Islands Election: Parliament has been adjourned sine die and the Cook Islands general election is set for Wednesday, 12 August, with the government entering caretaker mode ahead of the poll. Aitutaki Harbour Pressure: Deputy Prime Minister Albert Nicholas has issued an ultimatum to the Cook Islands Investment Corporation to complete the Arutanga Harbour project within the next fiscal year or continue at its own cost. Seabed Minerals Finance: The Cook Islands Sovereign Wealth Fund Act 2026 has passed, creating a framework to secure long-term future value from seabed mineral revenues. Local Wealth & Trusts: Avenue International (Cook Islands) Limited won Bloomberg Businessweek Financial Institution Awards’ “Outstanding Award of Trustee Service” for a third straight year, highlighting asset protection and wealth planning services. Deep-Sea Exploration: American Ocean Minerals completed Expedition 7 in the Cook Islands area, collecting 4,059 samples across 53 sites to build environmental baselines for future development. Digital Inclusion (Tourism): MFEM’s UNCDF-backed Te Pa’ata initiative targets holiday home operators with digital financial literacy support to improve e-payment access. Moana Pasifika Update: NZ Rugby has rejected bids to keep Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby Pacific beyond 2027, leaving the door open for a future Pasifika franchise from 2028.