AGP Executive Report

Cook Islands Shipping & Connectivity: MV Tuitui Moana has left Nansha, Guangzhou on a 46-day delivery voyage to Rarotonga, with stops in Cebu, Lae and Suva, aiming to strengthen passenger, cargo and essential supply links to the Pa Enua. Cook Islands–Fiji Business & Diplomacy: A courtesy meeting in Auckland brought together Cook Islands High Commissioner-designate Michael Henry and Fiji’s High Commissioner Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, focusing on boosting business and trade, plus aviation connectivity and people-to-people ties. Cook Islands Election & Youth Policy: The Cook Islands National Youth Council ran livestreamed Kai Vānanga sessions for Titikaveka and Ngatangiia, with candidates debating environment, economics, community and culture—especially the pressure tourism puts on land, lifestyle and the environment. Cook Islands Politics & Public Finance: Former finance secretary Sholan Ivaiti is contesting the Titikaveka seat for the Democratic Party, bringing auditing and public finance experience into the August 12 election. Regional Sports & Economy: Eleven Pacific nations, including the Cook Islands, have sent teams to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, with Pacific squads facing funding hurdles but now shifting focus to competition. Regional Governance Watch: Tokelau’s access to a major tuna fisheries revenue scheme remains in dispute after leaked documents raised questions about fisheries oversight and New Zealand’s role.

Cook Islands Shipping & Trade: MV Tuitui Moana has left Nansha, Guangzhou for its 46-day delivery voyage home, routing via Cebu, Lae and Suva before arriving in Rarotonga—aimed at boosting passenger, cargo and essential supply links to the Pa Enua. Public Safety & Security: Australia has handed over two Toyota Landcruiser SUVs to Cook Islands Police under the Oa Tumanava Partnership, strengthening frontline response and community engagement. Election & Policy: Former finance secretary Sholan Ivaiti is contesting the Titikaveka seat for the Democratic Party, while health advocate Chris Denny is standing for the Progressive Party—both moves underline how finance and prevention are shaping campaign priorities. Youth & Economy: CINYC’s Kai Vānanga no te Uki o Āpōpō sessions in Titikaveka and Ngatangiia put environment, economics, community and culture at the centre of candidate discussions, with tourism’s pressure on land and lifestyle a recurring theme. Regional Fisheries Governance: Tokelau’s access to a major tuna fishing revenue scheme remains in dispute after New Zealand rejected claims it took greater control, with financial uncertainty for Tokelau tied to the PNA Vessel Day Scheme.

Cook Islands Election & Business Climate: Youth-led Kai Vānanga no te Uki o Āpōpō sessions in Titikaveka and Ngatangiia put environment, economics, community and culture front and centre, with candidates facing questions on tourism’s pressure on land and lifestyle ahead of the August 12 vote. Local Politics & Public Finance: Former finance secretary Sholan Ivaiti is contesting Titikaveka, while Chris Denny is standing for the Progressive Party, both signalling a sharper focus on accountability and prevention. Police & Security Spending: Australia handed over two Toyota Landcruiser SUVs to Cook Islands Police under the Oa Tumanava Partnership, aimed at boosting frontline response and community engagement. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Te Ipukarea Society warns deep-sea mining could release naturally occurring radioactive material from polymetallic nodules, adding to election-time concerns over DSM’s environmental and social risks. Regional Fisheries Governance: A Tokelau fisheries dispute with New Zealand over oversight and access to the PNA Vessel Day Scheme highlights how fisheries control can quickly become a budget issue across Realm countries.

Cook Islands Election Watch: With nominations confirmed and polling set for 12 August, the campaign is heating up across seats, including Toanui Isamaela’s return to the Cook Islands Party for Amuri/Ureia and business candidate Teakaau “Tex” Tangimetua contesting Akaoa for CIP, while youth-led forums like Kai Vānanga no te Uki o Āpōpō push candidates to address environment, economics, community and culture. Local Business & Jobs: Paradise Supplies marked 10 years in hospitality supply, highlighting growth from a shipping container start to an online ordering platform handling 600+ orders a month. Public Sector & Security: Cook Islands Police received two Toyota Landcruiser SUVs from Australia under the Oa Tumanava Partnership, aimed at strengthening frontline policing and community engagement. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: A new push for deep-sea mining is colliding with Pacific concerns, as French Polynesia says it wasn’t consulted over an American startup’s proposal near Cook Islands waters, while Cook Islands groups warn DSM could release radioactive material and threaten marine life and food security. Regional Trade & Diplomacy: A courtesy meeting in Auckland underlined Cook Islands–Fiji efforts to boost business, trade, aviation links and people-to-people ties.

Maritime Security: Solomon Islands says it will sign a U.S. Coast Guard “ship rider” deal next week, bringing U.S. patrols and local police together to tackle drug trafficking, people smuggling and illegal fishing—after earlier U.S. boardings of Chinese fishing boats drew protests from Beijing. Deep-Sea Mining Tensions: French Polynesia is preparing to challenge an American startup’s seabed mining proposal just beyond its borders, echoing wider Pacific concerns that high-seas mining plans could bypass local input—an issue that also directly touches the Cook Islands’ wider deep-sea debate. Cook Islands Politics & Governance: Cook Islands election season is heating up with multiple candidate moves and youth engagement: former finance secretary Sholan Ivaiti is contesting Titikaveka, Chris Denny is standing for the Progressive Party, and the National Youth Council’s Kai Vānanga sessions put environment, economics, community and culture at the centre of candidate discussions. Local Business & Community: Paradise Supplies marked 10 years in hospitality supply, highlighting its growth from a container operation to an online ordering platform handling 600+ orders a month. Public Safety Support: Cook Islands Police received two new Toyota Landcruiser SUVs from Australia under the Oa Tumanava Partnership to strengthen frontline operations and community engagement. Ocean Research: A month-long expedition is building a baseline of ocean conditions across the Cook Islands EEZ, measuring temperatures, currents, seafloor changes and microplastics to track climate impacts on livelihoods.

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.

Diplomacy & Trade: Cook Islands High Commissioner-designate Michael Henry met Fiji’s High Commissioner Ratu Inoke Kubuabola in Auckland to strengthen bilateral cooperation, with a clear focus on boosting business and trade, improving aviation links and deepening people-to-people ties. Election & Youth Policy: The National Youth Council’s Kai Vānanga no te Uki o Āpōpō brought candidates to Titikaveka and Ngatangiia, with youth pushing for better balance between tourism-driven growth and protecting land, culture, and the environment. Public Safety & Funding: Australia handed over two new Toyota Landcruiser SUVs to Cook Islands Police under the Oa Tumanava Partnership, supporting frontline operations and community engagement. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Te Ipukarea Society warned that deep-sea mining could release naturally occurring radioactive particles from polymetallic nodules, raising concerns for marine life and the food basket as election pressure to greenlight DSM grows. Ocean Baseline Work: A month-long expedition is building the first baseline of ocean conditions across the Cook Islands EEZ, measuring temperatures, currents, seafloor changes and microplastics to track climate impacts on livelihoods. Local Business Milestone: Paradise Supplies marked 10 years since starting from a shipping container and a small vehicle, now running an online ordering platform handling 600+ orders a month. Politics & Finance: Former finance secretary Sholan Ivaiti is contesting the Titikaveka seat, while Chris Denny is standing for the Progressive Party with a prevention-and-accountability health focus.

Cook Islands Politics & Elections: Former finance secretary Sholan Ivaiti is back in the political arena, contesting the Titikaveka seat for the Democratic Party, while incumbent Toanui Isamaela has rejoined the Cook Islands Party to contest Amuri/Ureia; youth-led Kai Vānanga no te Uki o Āpōpō sessions in Titikaveka and Ngatangiia put environment, economics, community and culture front and centre for candidates ahead of the 12 August election. Local Business & Community: Paradise Supplies marked 10 years in hospitality supply, growing from a container and van into an online ordering business handling 600+ orders a month. Public Safety & Partnerships: Cook Islands Police received two new Toyota Landcruiser SUVs from Australia under the Oa Tumanava Partnership to strengthen frontline operations. Environment & Ocean Economy: Te Ipukarea Society warns deep-sea mining could release radioactive material from polymetallic nodules, while a month-long scientific voyage is building a baseline of climate impacts across the Cook Islands EEZ. Regional Trade & Tourism: Tourism experts urge Kiwis to travel better as borders reopen, with Cook Islands reopening booked for 14 January.

Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Te Ipukarea Society says deep-seabed mining is becoming a defining election issue, warning of environmental and social risks and raising concerns about naturally occurring radioactive particles in the seabed. Climate & Ocean Research: A month-long expedition is building the first baseline of conditions across the Cook Islands EEZ, measuring ocean heat, currents, seafloor changes and microplastics to track climate impacts on livelihoods. Local Policing Support: Australia handed over two Toyota Landcruiser SUVs to Cook Islands Police under the Oa Tumanava Partnership, boosting frontline response and community engagement. Youth & Elections: The National Youth Council’s Kai Vānanga no te Uki o Āpōpō sessions put candidates on the spot on environment, economics, community and culture, with tourism pressures a recurring theme. Business Milestone: Paradise Supplies marked 10 years, highlighting growth from a shipping container operation to an online ordering platform handling 600+ orders a month. Political Line-up: Former finance secretary Sholan Ivaiti returns to contest Titikaveka, while Chris Denny enters politics with a prevention and accountability focus. Sports & Community: Youth-led and community-focused coverage also includes new election engagement and local hospitality recognition, alongside broader Pacific tourism reopening advice.

Public Safety & Courts: Tenant Jonathon Michael Parker was sentenced over blackmail allegations tied to a bitter dispute with elderly landlords, including claims of video recordings and intimidation during a North Canterbury tenancy. Elections & Finance: Former finance secretary Sholan Ivaiti is returning to contest the Titikaveka seat for the Democratic Party, bringing public finance and auditing experience into the August 12 campaign. Elections & Health: Fitness trainer Chris Denny is standing for the Progressive Party, pitching prevention and accountability as his policy focus. Local Business: Paradise Supplies marked 10 years in the Cook Islands, growing from a container operation into an online ordering business handling 600+ orders a month. Youth & Policy: CINYC’s Kai Vānanga no te Uki o Āpōpō held youth forums in Titikaveka and Ngatangiia, with candidates debating environment, economics, community and culture—especially tourism’s pressure on land and lifestyle. Policing & Aid: Cook Islands Police received two new Toyota Landcruiser SUVs from Australia to strengthen frontline operations under the Oa Tumanava Partnership. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Te Ipukarea Society renewed calls for open discussion on deep-sea mining ahead of the election, warning of environmental and radioactive-material risks to marine life and food.

Deep-Sea Science in the EEZ: A month-long expedition is underway in the Cook Islands to build the first baseline of ocean conditions across the EEZ, with researchers sampling water, mapping the seafloor, measuring temperatures and currents, and testing for microplastics—aimed at tracking how climate change is already reshaping the Northern Cook Islands and affecting livelihoods. Election Watch: Youth-led Kai Vānanga no te Uki o Āpōpō sessions have kicked off in Titikaveka and Ngatangiia, with candidates fielding questions on environment, economics, community and culture, as voters push for tourism growth that doesn’t erode land, lifestyle and the environment. Local Politics: Incumbent MP Toanui Isamaela has rejoined the Cook Islands Party to contest Amuri/Ureia, while businessman Teakaau “Tex” Tangimetua is standing for Akaoa under the CIP banner. Policing Support: Cook Islands Police received two new Toyota Landcruiser SUVs from Australia under the Oa Tumanava Partnership to strengthen frontline response and community engagement. Public Debate on DSM: Te Ipukarea Society is calling for open discussion on deep-seabed mining during the election period so voters can hear candidates’ positions on a long-term issue tied to the ocean, economy and democracy.

Deep-Sea Climate Baseline: A month-long expedition is underway in the Cook Islands to build the first baseline of ocean conditions across the EEZ, with researchers sampling water, mapping the seafloor, measuring temperatures and currents, and testing for microplastics—aimed at tracking how climate change is already shifting “ocean heat content,” especially in the Northern Cook Islands. Election Watch: Youth-led Kai Vānanga no te Uki o Āpōpō sessions have kicked off in Titikaveka and Ngatangiia, with candidates debating environment, economics, community and culture, and repeatedly returning to the need to balance tourism growth with land, lifestyle and environmental protection. Local Politics: Incumbent MP Toanui Isamaela has rejoined the Cook Islands Party to contest Amuri/Ureia, while businessman Teakaau “Tex” Tangimetua is running for Akaoa as a CIP candidate. Public Safety Support: Cook Islands Police received two new Toyota Landcruiser SUVs from Australia under the Oa Tumanava Partnership, boosting frontline response and community engagement. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Te Ipukarea Society is calling for open public discussion on deep-seabed mining during the election period, arguing voters need clear answers on impacts to the ocean, economy, culture and democracy. Tourism & Skills: Tourism experts are urging Kiwis to travel more responsibly as Pacific borders reopen, and Southpac Group has appointed NZ PR firm Impact PR to support its international communications across markets including the Cook Islands.

Cook Islands Politics & Community: Youth-led Kai Vānanga no te Uki o Āpōpō sessions in Titikaveka and Ngatangiia put environment, economics, community and culture at the centre, with candidates facing questions on tourism’s pressure on land, lifestyle and the environment. Election Watch: Incumbent MP Toanui Isamaela has returned to the Cook Islands Party to contest Amuri/Ureia on 12 August, with three challengers including a former CIP candidate and rivals from the Democratic Party and Cook Islands United Party. Public Safety & Partnerships: Cook Islands Police received two new Toyota Landcruiser SUVs from Australia under the Oa Tumanava Partnership, aimed at strengthening frontline operations and community engagement. Tourism & Consumer Pressure: Tourism experts say Kiwis should travel more responsibly as borders reopen, with Cook Islands reopening booked for 14 January. Business & Investment: ADB Frontier Seed backed Cook Islands fashion brand Manini Wear with USD 130,000 to cut ocean freight emissions and expand retail into Aitutaki. Asset Management & Comms: Southpac Group appointed NZ PR firm Impact PR to handle international communications and reputation work across markets including the Cook Islands. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Te Ipukarea Society says deep-seabed mining must be openly discussed during the election so voters can see where parties stand, not just hear from influential voices.

ADB Investment in Local Business: Manini Wear wins a USD 130,000 ADB Frontier Seed growth capital boost, aiming to cut ocean freight emissions and expand retail into Aitutaki. Election & Governance: Youth-led Kai Vānanga no te Uki o Āpōpō sessions in Titikaveka and Ngatangiia put environment, economics, community and culture front and centre as candidates face questions on tourism pressures and balance. Public Debate on Deep-Sea Mining: Te Ipukarea Society calls for open discussion during the election period, warning deep-seabed mining is becoming a political decision rather than a people-led one. Policing Support: Australia hands over two Toyota Landcruiser SUVs to Cook Islands Police under the Oa Tumanava Partnership to strengthen frontline operations. Regional Finance Leadership: ANZ reshuffles Pacific roles, with Terence Low set to become Country Head for Samoa and oversee ANZ Cook Islands and Tonga. Fuel & Cost of Living: MFEM says fuel prices should ease within weeks, but food relief could take up to six months. Tourism Payments Transparency: A letter questions why MFEM leads Te Pa’ata, urging clearer data use, storage and safeguards for accommodation providers. Geopolitics & Security: US Marines conduct verification boarding of a sanctioned tanker in the Gulf of Oman amid renewed Iran blockade enforcement.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The Trump administration has announced a proposed deep sea mining lease sale in federal waters near American Samoa, with Pacific Indigenous and community opposition growing as the US moves toward commercial seabed extraction. Pacific Tourism & Cost Pressures: Tourism experts urge Kiwis to travel more responsibly as borders reopen, while Cook Islands hotel operator Liana Scott says the sector’s strong season isn’t easing cost-of-living strain from power, water and imported goods. ADB Boost for Local Business: ADB Frontier Seed backs Cook Islands fashion brand Manini Wear with USD 130,000 to cut ocean freight emissions and expand retail into Aitutaki. Finance & Banking Leadership: ANZ announces a Pacific leadership reshuffle, with Terence Low taking Country Head for Samoa and overseeing ANZ Cook Islands and ANZ Tonga. Elections & Governance Debate: Letters and commentary focus on election timing ahead of the 12 August 2026 vote and calls for transparency around politically sensitive issues like deep-seabed mining. Fuel Relief Outlook: Cook Islands fuel prices are expected to fall within weeks, but food relief may take months. Regional Security & Trade Context: Coverage also flags wider Pacific security and shipping tensions, underscoring how external shocks can ripple into regional business conditions.

Tourism Reopening & Visitor Behaviour: Massey University’s Regina Scheyvens and Dr Api Movono, with Good Travel co-founder Eliza Raymond, urged Kiwis to plan and travel more responsibly as Pacific borders reopen, noting Fiji is open and the Cook Islands is booked to reopen on 14 January. Cost-of-Living Pressure on Tourism: Muri Beach Hotel GM Liana Scott says the Cook Islands’ minimum wage rise helps, but households and businesses still feel the pinch from high power, water and imported goods costs, with government support for water and energy but longer-term relief needed via power prices and import duties. Deep-Sea Mining in the Election Spotlight: Te Ipukarea Society says deep-seabed mining must be openly discussed during the election period so voters can judge candidates’ positions, arguing a healthy democracy needs room for difficult environmental conversations. Local Business Growth Funding: ADB Frontier Seed backed Cook Islands fashion brand Manini Wear with USD 130,000 to cut ocean freight emissions and expand retail into Aitutaki. Banking Leadership Change: ANZ announced a Pacific leadership restructure, naming Terence Low as Samoa country head (also overseeing ANZ Cook Islands and ANZ Tonga) from September 2026. Fisheries & Illegal Fishing Crackdown: Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency operations continue targeting overfishing and misreporting, with observer coverage and enforcement central to protecting tuna revenue for schools and hospitals.