Penrhyn Port Upgrade: The US and New Zealand have pledged about US$60m (US$50m from Washington, NZ$17.5m from Wellington) to upgrade Penrhyn/Tongareva’s port, with New Zealand set to implement the work, aiming to improve safer landings and connectivity for the northern Cook Islands and linking the project to a critical minerals framework. Greenback Backlash: Greenpeace Aotearoa calls the deal “resource grabbing,” warning it could be a pathway to deep-sea mining, while Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says the government will stay science-led and cautious on seabed mining. Pacific Funding Push: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, the US announced more than US$150m for Pacific nations, including US$60m for regional fuel storage and grid stability, US$17m to tackle illegal fishing, and support for the Penrhyn port. Climate Finance Speed-Up: Green Climate Fund reforms cut approval and accreditation timelines to a target of nine months, with Executive Director Mafalda Duarte saying the changes are meant to make climate money easier to access for Pacific countries. Local Business & Tourism: Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto (Tourism Month 2026) runs September 1–30, featuring people’s choice awards, a tourism woman of the month programme, and a youth pathway initiative. Weather Watch: Strong wind warnings for the Southern Cooks have been lifted, but swells remain a concern for exposed coastlines and small craft.