AGP Executive Report

Penrhyn Port Upgrade: The Cook Islands secured a major US–NZ-funded Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, with the US putting in US$50m and New Zealand about NZ$17.5m (around US$10m), positioned as a “lifeline” and a safer gateway for fuel, food and construction supplies. Geopolitics & Minerals Backlash: Greenpeace Aotearoa is calling the project a “trojan horse” and “resource grabbing,” linking it to US critical minerals plans and potential deep-sea mining, while local voices debate transparency and what islanders have been told. Climate Finance Push: The Green Climate Fund says reforms are cutting approval and accreditation delays, targeting faster access for Pacific countries and more direct funding through national and regional institutions. El Niño Warning: Pacific communities facing a fuel crisis are also being urged to prepare for a strengthening El Niño, with drought risks for some islands and heavier rain for others stressing water, food and children’s health. Regional Security Focus: The wider PIF agenda remains dominated by US–China rivalry, with leaders’ absences and pressure around missile issues underscoring how external geopolitics is shaping Pacific priorities.

Penrhyn Port Upgrade: The US and New Zealand have signed on to a US$60m upgrade of Penrhyn (Tongareva) port, with Washington putting in US$50m and NZ$17.5m, and NZ managing construction—positioned as a “lifeline” for safer access and better logistics for the remote northern atoll. Geopolitics & Minerals Backlash: Greenpeace Aotearoa calls the deal a “resource grabbing” “Trojan horse,” warning it could open the door to deep-sea mining and linking it to the Critical Minerals Framework. Cook Islands at PIF: Prime Minister Mark Brown returned from the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau citing major infrastructure and ocean funding, including support for Marae Moana via the Bezos Earth Fund and BirdLife International. Climate Finance Speed-Up: Green Climate Fund reforms aim to cut approval and accreditation delays, targeting faster access for Pacific countries and more direct funding through national and regional institutions. Fuel + El Niño Risk: Pacific communities facing fuel stress are warned to prepare for El Niño impacts—drought in some areas, heavier rain in others—raising pressure on water, food and child health. Regional Security Funding: Australia announced a US$600m Pacific anti-drugs surveillance push under the Waqa Moana Initiative, targeting narco-smuggling routes into Australia.

Penrhyn Port Deal: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown returned from the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau after securing the NZ$101m Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade, co-funded by the US (US$50m) and New Zealand (NZ$17.5m), with the project framed as a “lifeline” and a “friendly port” for US Pacific security and economic links. Environmental & Transparency Pushback: Greenpeace Aotearoa hit out at the project as “resource grabbing” and a potential gateway to deep-sea mining, while local voices are urging clearer consultation and transparency around critical minerals. Climate Finance Reform: The Green Climate Fund says reforms should cut Pacific approval and accreditation delays, targeting faster access to climate money (down to a nine-month goal) and boosting direct national and regional delivery. Fuel + El Niño Risk: Pacific communities facing fuel stress are being warned to prepare for El Niño impacts—drought in some areas, heavier rain in others—raising pressure on water, food and child health. Tourism Jobs & Skills: Te Mato Manava Tūroto launched Tourism Month (Sept 1–30) with awards and a youth pathway programme aimed at growing the next generation of tourism talent.

Penrhyn Port Deal: The Cook Islands secured a NZ$101m (US$60m) upgrade for the Penrhyn/Tongareva port, co-funded by the US and New Zealand and backed by claims it will improve shipping safety and outer-island supply links, but Greenpeace Aotearoa is calling it “resource grabbing” and warning it could open the door to deep-sea mining. Pacific Islands Forum Funding Push: At the PIF in Palau, the US also announced more than US$150m for Pacific priorities including fuel storage and grid stability, anti-illegal fishing support, and broader security and infrastructure cooperation. Climate Finance Speed-Up: Green Climate Fund reforms aim to cut approvals and accreditation delays, targeting nine months and pushing more direct access for Pacific national and regional entities. Pacific Resilience Facility Momentum: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown urged investors and partners to back the PRF so climate money reaches communities faster, as the region’s new resilience-focused fund moves from treaty to projects. Local Voice on Tongareva: A Cook Islands News columnist highlights Tongareva community concerns over transparency and the framing of the port project amid US critical-minerals interest.

Penrhyn Port Upgrade: The US and New Zealand have pledged about US$60m to upgrade the Penrhyn (Tongareva) port in the northern Cook Islands, with Washington putting in US$50m and NZ about NZ$17.5m, and NZ managing construction—promising safer landings and better access for fuel, food and supplies. Geopolitics & Mining Concerns: The deal is being attacked by Greenpeace Aotearoa, which calls it a “trojan horse” and “resource grabbing,” warning it could open the door to deep-sea mining tied to critical minerals. Local Governance & Transparency: Separate coverage flags transparency and environmental concerns around how the project is being handled and what impacts it could bring. Pacific Funding Push: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, the US also announced US$150m+ for the region, including energy support, anti-illegal fishing work, and the Penrhyn port component. Tourism & Business: Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto (Tourism Month 2026) runs Sept 1–30, spotlighting tourism awards, a women’s tourism programme and youth pathways. Climate Finance Momentum: Cook Islands officials joined regional meetings on climate priorities, while the Pacific Resilience Facility moves from concept to community projects.

Penrhyn Port Upgrade: The US and New Zealand have pledged about US$60m to upgrade Penrhyn (Tongareva) port, with Washington putting in US$50m and NZ about NZ$17.5m, aiming to make landings safer and improve fuel, food and construction supply links for the northern Cook Islands—while also tying into a Critical Minerals Framework that could support future deep-sea mining. Local Debate: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown calls the port a “lifeline,” but Greenpeace Aotearoa has slammed the deal as “resource grabbing,” raising transparency and environmental concerns. Pacific Security & Energy Push: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, the US also announced more than US$150m for the region, including a proposed US$60m fuel security initiative and US$17m to counter illegal fishing, alongside broader infrastructure and digital support. Climate Finance Access: Green Climate Fund reforms promise faster approvals for Pacific projects, targeting nine months, as leaders press for easier access to climate money. Tourism Spotlight: Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto (Tourism Month 2026) runs September 1–30, celebrating tourism people and youth pathways.

Penrhyn Port Upgrade (Cook Islands): The US and New Zealand have pledged US$60m (US$50m from Washington, NZ$10m from Wellington) to upgrade Penrhyn/Tongareva port, framed as a “lifeline” for outer-island shipping and improved connectivity, with the project linked to the US–Cook Islands Critical Minerals Framework and potential deep-sea mining. Local pushback: Greenpeace Aotearoa called the deal “resource grabbing” and “colonialism,” raising transparency and environmental concerns. Pacific security & economy: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, the US announced over US$150m in new support, including a proposed US$60m regional fuel security push, US$17m to tackle illegal fishing, and the Penrhyn port funding as part of broader maritime security and anti-drug efforts. Climate finance speed-up: Green Climate Fund reforms aim to cut approval and accreditation timelines to nine months, targeting faster access for Pacific countries. Tourism & business: Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto (Tourism Month 2026) runs Sept 1–30, spotlighting people, women and youth pathways in the sector.

Pacific Security Funding: Australia pledged a $600m Waqa Moana Initiative to boost aerial and maritime surveillance to disrupt narco-submarines and small vessels moving drugs through the Pacific toward Australia. Cook Islands Port Upgrade: The US and New Zealand announced a US$60m Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade, with the US funding $50m and NZ $17.5m, framed as improving maritime connectivity and supporting critical minerals work. Local Pushback: Greenpeace Aotearoa called the Penrhyn deal “resource grabbing,” warning it could be a pathway to deep-sea mining. Climate Finance Speed-Up: Green Climate Fund reforms aim to cut approval and accreditation timelines to nine months, responding to Pacific complaints about slow access to climate money. PRF Momentum: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown urged investors and philanthropies to back the Pacific Resilience Facility so funds reach communities, while PRF is showcasing 14 small community projects ahead of pre-COP and COP31. Regional Health & Resilience: Pacific health leaders met in Rarotonga to align on resilient, future-ready health systems, including financing, workforce, data and climate resilience. Tourism Spotlight: Te Mato Manava Tūroto launched Tourism Month 2026 (Sept 1–30) with awards and youth and women-focused programmes.

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.

Penrhyn Port Deal: The US and New Zealand have pledged about US$60m/NZ$101m to upgrade the Penrhyn (Tongareva) port on the northern Cook Islands, with Washington contributing US$50m and Wellington NZ$17.5m (and implementing the works), aimed at safer landings, better access for outer islands and stronger transport links—while also tying into critical minerals and wider Pacific security interests. Pacific Islands Forum Push: At the PIF in Palau, Cook Islands PM Mark Brown urged partners to back the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) so climate funds reach communities, as the PRF moves projects toward COP31. Bigger US Funding Signal: The US announced US$150m+ for Pacific energy security, digital and infrastructure support, and measures against illegal fishing—part of a broader US/Australia funding package reported at US$738m. Seabed Mining Caution: Brown reiterated the Cook Islands will stick to science and avoid moving from exploration to extraction until risks are understood, amid warnings about legal exposure if rules tighten. Weather Watch: Strong wind warnings for the Southern Cooks were lifted, but swells remain a concern for mariners and exposed coastlines.

Pacific Funding Race: The US and Australia announced a combined US$738m (US$580m) package for Pacific Island nations at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, with Washington also flagging US$60m for fuel storage and grid stability plus US$17m to tackle illegal fishing. Penrhyn Port Upgrade: The US and New Zealand pledged about US$60m (NZ$101m) to upgrade Penrhyn’s WWII-era port on the Cook Islands’ northern atoll, with the US putting in US$50m and NZ about NZ$17.5m, aiming to improve shipping links for outer islands and support future deep-sea mineral development. Energy Security Push: A separate US$150m+ support package at the forum targets energy security, illegal fishing, infrastructure, digital tech and law enforcement. Deep-Sea Mining Caution: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says the government will stick to science and avoid moving from exploration to extraction until risks are understood, as Pacific leaders face legal and environmental warnings. Tuna Policy Update: The Cook Islands’ MMR returned from WCPFC Scientific Committee SC22 in Samoa, advancing the country’s tuna sustainability agenda ahead of the December commission session. Local Business/Services: The government will decide the long-term management model for its new state-operated domestic shipping vessels after a three-year data-collection transition for the Pa Enua. Weather Watch: Strong wind warnings for the Southern Cooks were lifted, but swells remain at alert level for exposed areas.

Penrhyn Port Upgrade: The US and New Zealand have pledged over NZ$100m to upgrade Penrhyn (Tongareva) port, with the US contributing US$50m and NZ$17.5m, aiming to improve safer landings and connectivity for the northern Cook Islands and potentially support future deep-sea mining logistics. Seabed Mining Caution: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says the country will stick to science and only move from exploration to extraction when it has the answers, as a new report warns Pacific governments could face costly investor-state disputes if rules tighten or licences change. Banking Disruption: Cook Islands customers report online banking outages and security worries at a regional bank, though the bank says funds are safe after a manual password reset error. Domestic Shipping Model: After a three-year transition to gather operating data, the government will decide the long-term management approach for new state-operated domestic vessels serving the Pa Enua. Pa Enua Business Support: BTIB’s free Mangaia training returns Sept 15–17, covering soft loans, UCI branding, business planning, costing/pricing, forecasting and bookkeeping. Fishing Firm Missing: A foreign fishing company fined $400,000 by the Cook Islands High Court in June still can’t be located despite a Suva registered office.

Penrhyn Port Upgrade: The US and New Zealand have pledged over NZ$100m to upgrade Penrhyn (Tongareva) port on the northern Cook Islands, with the US contributing about US$50m and NZ about NZ$17.5m, aimed at safer landings, better access to services, and stronger trade links—announced at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau and tied to a wider critical minerals push. Seabed Mining Caution: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says the country will stick to science and won’t move from exploration to extraction until answers are in, even as Pacific leaders face mounting legal and environmental concerns around deep-sea mining. Investor-State Dispute Warning: A new report warns Pacific governments, including the Cook Islands, could face costly investor claims if they tighten environmental rules or change mining licences—raising fears of a “chilling effect” on regulation. Pa Enua Shipping Model: After a three-year transition to gather operating data, the government will decide the long-term management approach for new state-run domestic vessels serving the Pa Enua. Local Business Support: BTIB’s free three-day business workshop returns to Mangaia (Sept 15–17), helping Pa Enua entrepreneurs with planning, costing/pricing, forecasting and bookkeeping. Banking Disruption: Customers report online banking outages and security issues at a regional bank in the Cook Islands, while the bank says funds are safe after a manual password reset error. Domestic Security: Police arrested two people after a weekend crime wave in Rarotonga, including burglaries and stolen motorbikes.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: New Zealand’s Winston Peters says absences at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting are “disappointing,” with leaders including Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale (no-confidence motion) and others not attending, as the summit’s agenda turns on geopolitics, crime, resilience and regional unity. Realm of New Zealand talks: In Auckland, Christopher Luxon met Cook Islands PM Mark Brown, Niue PM Dalton Tagelagi and Tokelau Ulu Alapati Tavite for a “chance to talk” ahead of Palau, with Brown urging deliverables over more strategy. Deep-sea mining risk to sovereignty: A new report warns Pacific governments could face investor-state lawsuits if they tighten environmental rules or change deep-sea mining policy, naming the Cook Islands among those exposed. Domestic shipping upgrade: The MV Tuitui Moana is described as a “lifeline” for the Pa Enua, delivering on the Cook Islands Domestic Shipping Roadmap promise of safer, more reliable inter-island service. Banking outage: Customers report online banking lockouts and security concerns after a manual password reset error at a regional bank in the Cook Islands, though the bank says funds are safe. Local business support: BTIB’s free Mangaia workshop returns in September, focusing on soft loans, UCI branding, business planning, costing/pricing, forecasting and bookkeeping. Politics: Mark Brown is set to return as Cook Islands PM with a strong parliamentary majority after the 2026 election, boosted by support from six independents.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders head to the 55th Forum with big gaps in attendance, including health-related pullouts, as the agenda turns on geopolitics, transnational crime, and how to keep a united regional voice while major powers compete. Cook Islands politics: Prime Minister Mark Brown is set to return with a rare majority after the 2026 election, with six independents boosting his governing bloc. Blue Pacific & deep-sea mining risk: Multiple reports warn that investor-state dispute rules could expose Cook Islands and other Pacific governments to costly legal action if they tighten environmental protections or change mining policy. Domestic shipping for Pa Enua: The MV Tuitui Moana is being framed as a “lifeline” delivering on the Domestic Shipping Roadmap promise for safer, more reliable inter-island services. Business & skills in the Pa Enua: BTIB’s free three-day workshop returns to Mangaia in September, targeting planning, costing/pricing, forecasting and bookkeeping for local entrepreneurs. Banking outage: Customers report online banking lockouts and security concerns at a regional bank in the Cook Islands, though the bank says funds are safe after a manual password reset error. Local economy & community: Cook Islands school tennis is back via a six-week programme supported through international junior pathways, with sessions across multiple schools. Energy transition debate: Letters raise concerns that outer-island solar still leaves communities dependent on diesel, pointing to funding gaps for battery replacement.

Pacific Diplomacy in Palau: New Zealand’s Winston Peters says it’s disappointing that several Pacific leaders are missing the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, with absences linked to health and politics, as the summit tackles geopolitics, crime, and regional unity. Realm of New Zealand Talks: In Auckland, Christopher Luxon met Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau leaders for a “frank conversation” on Realm constitutional relationships ahead of Palau. Cook Islands Shipping Boost: The MV Tuitui Moana is being hailed as a “lifeline” for the Pa Enua, delivering on the Domestic Shipping Roadmap promise of safer, more reliable inter-island service. Banking Disruption: Customers report online banking lockouts and security issues after a manual password reset error at a regional bank operating in the Cook Islands, though the bank says funds are safe. Deep-sea Mining Legal Risk: A new report warns Pacific governments—including the Cook Islands—could face costly investor-state disputes if they tighten or reverse deep-sea mining rules. Local Business Support: BTIB’s free Mangaia workshop returns next month, focusing on soft loans, UCI branding, business planning, costing/pricing, forecasting and bookkeeping. Governance Update: Mark Brown is set to return as Cook Islands PM with a strong parliamentary majority after the 2026 election.