Deep-Sea Mining Rules Stalled: The UN’s International Seabed Authority wrapped up its July meeting with no mining code and no commercial mining approved, while NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer continues deep-ocean baseline dives in Cook Islands waters to fill the science gap regulators say they need. Regional Public Pushback: A US-backed deep-sea exploration proposal covering an area between Kiribati, the Cook Islands and French Polynesia is open for public comment until 3 August, with Pacific groups urging submissions and warning impacts don’t respect borders. Local Payments Upgrade: BSP Cook Islands has rolled out upgraded 4G EFTPoS terminals, replacing older machines since February to cut wait times and improve merchant and customer transaction experience. Tourism Support for Home Operators: Te Pa’ata, a digital programme, is helping Cook Islands holiday home owners strengthen their tourism businesses with practical tools and expert guidance. Trade Days Boost for Local Business: Bank of the Cook Islands Trade Days drew a record 111 vendors at Punanga Nui Market, including Māori-language babywear brand Pepe E Au, as the event celebrated 25 years of the locally owned bank. Water Tariff Misinformation Corrected: To Tatou Vai says outdated social media documents are wrong and the residential water tariff remains $1.40 per cubic metre for the coming year. Offshore Asset Protection Demand: Southpac Group says US tech founders are increasingly seeking Cook Islands and Nevis asset protection as AI, cybersecurity and data privacy disputes rise.