Border & enforcement: US Homeland Security Investigations trained Cook Islands Customs and donated drug test kits, boosting intelligence and enforcement as the islands sit on the edge of Pacific trade routes. Regional energy security: At the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue in Suva, Cook Islands and others warned the fuel crisis is now an economic security threat, pushing calls for stronger supply chains and faster energy transition. Tuna cooperation: Cabinet backed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen sustainable management of South Pacific albacore tuna, bringing Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Samoa and Tonga closer on fisheries advocacy and negotiations. Seabed minerals & governance: Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority shared its sector vision at a New Zealand wānanga and also attended an ISA workshop in Suva on deep-sea sustainable blue growth responsibilities and data management. Local market operations: A letter says vendors at the new $10m Te Tapora Kai were left without chairs after arriving early, blaming poor communication and raising concerns for pensioner traders. Health & workforce: Record numbers of Pacific medical graduates are joining New Zealand’s health system, with cultural connection highlighted as improving patient communication. Business & culture: HBO Max launched across New Zealand, the Cook Islands and Tokelau, with local producers urging Pacific creators to pitch Pacific ideas for wider licensing demand.