Tourism Cost Pressure: Muri Beach Hotel GM Liana Scott says even with a 50-cent minimum wage rise, Cook Islands families and tourism businesses are still squeezed by power, water and imported goods costs—highlighting the need for longer-term relief like lower power prices and import duties. ADB Investment in Local Business: ADB Frontier Seed backs Cook Islands fashion label Manini Wear with USD$130,000 to cut ocean freight emissions and expand retail into Aitutaki, marking ADB’s first non-sovereign Cook Islands transaction. Fuel Relief Timing: MFEM’s chief economist says fuel prices should ease within weeks, but food relief will likely take at least six months. Banking Leadership: ANZ announces a Pacific restructure: Terence Low becomes Samoa country head (also overseeing ANZ Cook Islands and ANZ Tonga), while Sucharu Tandon shifts to Vanuatu with expanded regional retail oversight. Youth & Democracy: Cook Islands National Youth Council launches a candidate dialogue series ahead of the General Election to boost youth participation and civic education. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Te Ipukarea Society calls for open public discussion on deep-seabed mining during election season, arguing voters deserve clear candidate positions. Regional Security: New Zealand is reported to be exploring participation in the Fiji–Australia Defence Alliance, with supporters framing it as strengthening Pacific security ties. Sports Sponsorship: Bank South Pacific confirms major sponsorship of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, with Cook Islands among participating teams.