Cook Islands-Fiji Diplomacy: The Cook Islands High Commission in New Zealand helped set up a courtesy meeting in Auckland between Fiji’s High Commissioner Ratu Inoke Kubuabola and Cook Islands High Commissioner-designate Michael Henry, with talks focused on boosting business and trade, improving aviation links, and strengthening people-to-people ties. Election Politics & Leadership: Former finance secretary Sholan Ivaiti is back in the political arena, contesting the Titikaveka seat for the Democratic Party, while fitness advocate Chris Denny is standing for the Progressive Party and incumbent Toanui Isamaela has rejoined the Cook Islands Party to contest Amuri/Ureia. Frontline Policing Support: Cook Islands Police received two new Toyota Landcruiser SUVs from Australia under the Oa Tumanava Partnership, aimed at strengthening frontline operations and community engagement. Local Business Spotlight: Paradise Supplies marked 10 years in business, celebrating growth from a container-based start to an online ordering operation handling 600+ orders a month. Youth & Community Voices: The National Youth Council’s Kai Vānanga no te Uki o Āpōpō sessions put young people at the centre of election discussions, with candidates debating environment, economics, community and culture. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Te Ipukarea Society renewed its push against deep-sea mining ahead of the election, warning about environmental and social risks tied to the Moana and deep seabed. Regional Context: A week of wider Pacific coverage also included renewed NZ-Fiji Duavata cooperation and ongoing debate around deep-sea mining and ocean governance.