Deep-sea minerals push under scrutiny: Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) has partnered with US firm Wetstone to fund offshore mineral exploration, but a local environmental group is questioning the company’s lack of technical track record. US-Cook Islands cooperation: Caretaker PM Mark Brown met US Ambassador Jared Novelly to discuss ocean science, maritime security and economic opportunities, with both sides flagging closer “win-win” partnership. NOAA expedition adds data for seabed decisions: A 26-day NOAA deep-sea mission in the Cook Islands’ EEZ returned to Rarotonga after 14 remotely operated dives, collecting 400+ samples and 23+ biological specimens, feeding into future resource debates. Shipping capacity reassurance: The first of two Cook Islands Government-owned cargo-passenger vessels is due early next week, with assurances to a local shipping company it will not compete. Governance and finance leadership change: Auditor-General Dennis resigns to become Permanent Secretary of Finance and Treasury on 25 August, citing the need to address public financial management weaknesses. Maritime enforcement: A foreign fishing company was fined $400,000 by the High Court for illegal fishing and falsifying reports. Diplomatic accreditation update: India’s Muanpuii Saiawi is concurrently accredited as High Commissioner to Niue, with residence in Wellington, after earlier Cook Islands accreditation.