Public Finance Leadership: Auditor-General David Teika Dennis has resigned to become Permanent Secretary for Finance and Treasury, effective 25 August, citing audit findings and capacity gaps in public financial management. Deep-Sea Knowledge for Policy: A 26-day NOAA expedition in the Cook Islands EEZ returned to Rarotonga after 14 remotely operated dives, collecting 400+ samples and 23+ biological specimens, feeding a baseline for decisions on seabed resources. Election & Cost of Living: Preliminary results point to Prime Minister Mark Brown’s Cook Islands Party retaining government, with voters focused on inflation and living costs as China ties and deep-sea mining remain political flashpoints. Regional Governance & Business Confidence: Overseas observers monitored the election, meeting the Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce to discuss how stability and good governance support the private sector. US Engagement & Seabed Mining Talk: The US ambassador, Jared Novelly, says trade-focused partnerships and transparent discussions on “sustainable” seabed mining are priorities. Court Action on Fisheries: The High Court fined a foreign fishing company $400,000 for illegal fishing and falsifying reports. Cyber Safety for Households & Firms: A new cyber safety awareness programme targets scams and financial fraud affecting residents and businesses.