AGP Executive Report

Pacific Peace Call: Pacific Islands Forum leaders, including Cook Islands PM Mark Brown, urged world leaders to uphold the UN Charter and seek peaceful dispute settlement as wars and tensions continue to ripple through small economies. Border Security & Trade Enforcement: Cook Islands Customs received US Homeland Security Investigations training and drug test kits, boosting intelligence and enforcement capacity against transnational crime. Middle East Cost Pressure: The Asian Development Bank is rolling out a $4b crisis package for countries hit by the Middle East conflict, with trade finance for energy and food imports—relevant to Pacific freight and fuel costs. Local Business Skills: The Cook Islands Business Hub closed after years supporting youth learning and workplace pathways, including Massey University graduates backed through the hub. Women’s Health & Community Services: Free cervical screening outreach continues in Rarotonga, with clinics scheduled at Kavera and other sites in coming weeks. Plastic Policy Push: The National Environment Service is developing a Cook Islands National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution under the Pacific Ocean Litter Project. Water Governance: Former PM Henry Puna appointed chair of To Tatou Vai, as the water authority continues work on safe, reliable services. Cybercrime Cooperation: Cook Islands is among countries involved in Pacific-wide efforts to strengthen cybercrime laws and legal responses.

Border Security & Customs: US Homeland Security Investigations trained Cook Islands Customs officers and donated drug test kits, boosting enforcement capacity as transnational crime targets “the weakest link.” Regional Finance: The Asian Development Bank is rolling out a $4b crisis package for Middle East fallout, with trade finance for energy and food imports; Cook Islands support is flagged as expected to be part of the response. Youth & Skills: The Cook Islands Business Hub has closed after years supporting youth learning and workplace pathways, including Massey University graduates backed through the hub. Women’s Health: CIFWA and partners ran menstrual health sessions for 300+ students and continue free cervical screening outreach in Rarotonga (Kavera today, then Tepiri, Matavera, Avatiu, Inave). Environment & Waste: Te Ipukarea Society highlights practical plastic reduction, while a National Action Plan is being developed to tackle plastic pollution across the Cook Islands. Water Governance: Former PM Henry Puna appointed chair of Rarotonga’s water authority To Tatou Vai after Brian Mason’s resignation. Seabed Minerals Watch: SBMA attended an ISA-backed regional workshop in Fiji on deep-sea sustainable blue growth and state responsibilities.

Border security upgrade: US Homeland Security Investigations trained Cook Islands Customs and donated drug test kits, as MFEM says the islands sit on the edge of Pacific trade routes and must stay alert to transnational crime. Crisis finance for fuel and food pressures: The Asian Development Bank is rolling out a $4b package for Middle East conflict fallout, including $1b in trade finance for energy and food imports; Cook Islands trade finance support is expected to be part of the response. Youth and skills after the Business Hub: The Cook Islands Business Hub has closed after years supporting youth and learning, including Massey University graduates backed through the hub. Local health outreach: Te Ipukarea Society, CIFWA and RedPack ran a menstrual health session at Tereora College, pushing reusable options to cut waste and costs. Plastic policy push: The National Environment Service is developing a National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution, aiming to align government, business and communities on practical waste reduction and alternatives. Seabed mining debate: Indigenous voices are gaining ground in the global fight over deep-sea mining, with Cook Islands-linked regional work also highlighted around deep-sea governance and capacity building. Regional maritime surveillance: NZDF supported Cook Islands fisheries patrols under Operation Tui Moana, with air reconnaissance used to track potential breaches and serious organised crime. Governance appointment: Henry Puna has been appointed chair of Rarotonga’s water authority, To Tatou Vai, following Brian Mason’s resignation.

Border Security Boost: Cook Islands Customs received US Homeland Security Investigations training and drug test kits, as MFEM said the support targets evolving transnational crime risks for a country on the edge of Pacific trade routes. Regional Finance Shock Response: The Asian Development Bank is rolling out a $4b crisis package for Middle East conflict fallout, with trade finance for energy and food imports and formal requests already logged from 15 countries including Fiji and Cook Islands (expected to receive trade finance). Pacific Peace & Fuel Pressure: Pacific leaders renewed calls for global peace while warning rising fuel and freight costs are hitting small economies hardest at the end of supply chains. Seabed Mining Governance: Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority representatives joined a Suva workshop on deep seabed sustainable blue growth, focusing on state responsibilities, environmental governance, data management and future capacity building. Local Water Leadership: Former PM Henry Puna was appointed chair of Rarotonga’s water authority, To Tatou Vai, taking over from Brian Mason. Health & Community: Free cervical screening outreach continues in Rarotonga, with clinics scheduled at Kavera and later sites across the month. Environment & Plastics Policy: The National Environment Service is supporting a National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution, aiming to cut waste entering landfill and the ocean while improving recycling and alternatives. Business & Finance Sector Demand: A report says demand for Cook Islands trusts and offshore asset protection is rising, citing higher litigation risk and growing interest in privacy and flexibility. Cybercrime Cooperation: Cook Islands is among countries involved in Pacific-wide work to strengthen cybercrime laws and legal responses through a regional handbook process.

Border Security Boost: Cook Islands Customs received US Homeland Security Investigations training and drug test kits, as MFEM says the islands must stay vigilant against transnational crime despite being on the edge of trade routes. Middle East Shock Funding: The Asian Development Bank is rolling out a $4b crisis package for 15 Asia-Pacific countries, including support for fuel and food imports via about $3b in government requests plus $1b in trade finance—Cook Islands trade finance is flagged as expected. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback & Governance: Indigenous voices are increasingly shaping seabed mining debates, with New Caledonia’s 50-year commercial seabed mining ban cited as a major Indigenous-backed win; meanwhile, SBMA says it attended an ISA workshop in Fiji on deep seabed sustainable blue growth and state responsibilities. Local Water Governance: Former PM Henry Puna has been appointed chair of Rarotonga’s water authority, To Tatou Vai, following Brian Mason’s resignation. Health & Community: Free cervical screening outreach continues in Rarotonga with clinics at Kavera and later dates across the island. Digital Crime Coordination: Fiji is driving Pacific-wide cybercrime law implementation work, with a regional handbook initiative that includes the Cook Islands. NOAA Deep-Sea Science: NOAA will lead a 28-day expedition around the Cook Islands this summer, with live streaming and public data sharing to support stewardship.

ADB Crisis Funding: The Asian Development Bank has mobilised a $4 billion package to help Asia-Pacific economies absorb the economic hit from the Middle East conflict, with about $3b for direct government support and $1b in trade finance to keep energy and food imports moving; Cook Islands Governance & Services: Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) attended a Suva workshop on deep seabed sustainable blue growth, focusing on state responsibilities, environmental governance, data management and future capacity building; Public Health: CIFWA and the Ministry of Health are running free cervical screening outreach in Rarotonga, with a clinic at Kavera today and further dates listed across the island; Environment & Plastics: The National Environment Service is supporting development of a National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution under the Pacific Ocean Litter Project, aiming to cut plastic entering landfill and the marine environment; Water Infrastructure: Former PM Henry Puna has been appointed chair of Rarotonga’s water authority, To Tatou Vai, following Brian Mason’s resignation; Maritime & Security: NZDF supported Cook Islands maritime surveillance with personnel aboard Te Kukupa II for fisheries patrols under Operation Tui Moana, with air reconnaissance later in the month.

Deep-Sea Minerals & Regulation: Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) sent a team to a Suva workshop with the International Seabed Authority and Pacific Islands Forum on State responsibilities, regional environmental governance, data management and future capacity-building for deep seabed “blue growth.” Public Health & Community Services: A free cervical screening outreach is underway, with a clinic at Kavera today (4.30pm–7pm) as Rarotonga screening continues through the month, supported by CIFWA and the Ministry of Health. Plastic Pollution Policy: The National Environment Service is developing a Cook Islands National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution under the Pacific Ocean Litter Project, aiming to cut marine litter and landfill waste while improving recycling, procurement and practical alternatives. Water Governance: Former PM Henry Puna has been appointed chair of Rarotonga’s water authority, To Tatou Vai, following Brian Mason’s resignation. Maritime Security: New Zealand Defence Force support backed Cook Islands fisheries patrols and later air searches for vessels of interest across the region, feeding follow-up to authorities. Finance & Offshore Structuring: Wealth Web says demand for Cook Islands trusts and offshore asset protection is rising, citing litigation risk and greater public visibility of wealth, alongside record Cook Islands Finance registrations and renewals. Deep-Water Mapping: NOAA will lead a 28-day expedition this July–August to map deep waters around the Cook Islands, with live streaming and public release of data and samples. Cybercrime Cooperation: Cook Islands is among regional legal teams in Fiji working on a Pacific handbook to strengthen cybercrime laws and implementation. Fuel Shock Warning: Pacific fuel crisis coverage highlights how renewable targets can lag delivery, leaving economies exposed to global oil price spikes.

Plastics Policy Push: The Cook Islands’ National Environment Services is developing a National Action Plan on plastic pollution, backed by the Australia-funded Pacific Ocean Litter Project, with a focus on practical alternatives to single-use plastics and behaviour change led by government, business and communities. Water Governance: Former Cook Islands PM Henry Puna has been appointed chair of Rarotonga’s water authority, To Tatou Vai, replacing Brian Mason, as the utility targets safe, reliable and sustainable water services. Offshore Finance Demand: Wealth Web says demand for Cook Islands trusts and offshore asset protection is rising, citing higher litigation risk and greater public visibility of wealth; Cook Islands Finance data shows 1,023 registrations and renewals in the latest quarter. Maritime Security: NZDF supported Cook Islands Police with fisheries patrols and air reconnaissance in May, backing Operation Tui Moana and Operation Kiwa to deter illegal activity and serious organised crime. Deep-Sea Minerals Science: NOAA will lead a 28-day expedition mapping deep waters around the Cook Islands in July–August, with data and samples shared publicly and with local stewardship efforts. Regional Cybercrime: Fiji hosted Pacific legal experts to finalise a regional handbook to strengthen cybercrime laws, including support for the Cook Islands’ participation.

Environment & Waste Policy: The Cook Islands National Environment Service has engaged Ma’anga Consultancy to develop a National Action Plan under the Pacific Ocean Litter Project, aiming to cut plastic entering landfill and the lagoon by coordinating government, businesses, schools and communities on waste reduction, recycling improvements, sustainable procurement and single-use alternatives. Water Governance: Former Prime Minister Henry Puna has been appointed chair of Rarotonga’s water authority, To Tatou Vai, following Brian Mason’s resignation, with the Cook Islands Investment Corporation citing governance and partnership experience to support safe, reliable water services. Offshore Finance Demand: Wealth Web says demand for Cook Islands trusts and offshore asset protection is rising as litigation risk and public wealth exposure increase, pointing to record Cook Islands Finance registrations and renewals. Maritime Security & Fisheries: NZDF supported Cook Islands Police with maritime surveillance and fisheries patrols in May, including air reconnaissance to photograph vessels of interest for follow-up under regional operations. Deep-Sea Resources: NOAA will lead a 28-day expedition mapping deep waters around the Cook Islands this July–August, with data and samples shared publicly to support stewardship and resource management. Regional Trade Compliance: EU rules on freezer vessel food safety are set to affect most Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU, with training delivered to national competent authorities to help maintain market access. Business & Tourism: A “Taste of the Cook Islands” pop-up at Te Tapora Kai is set to boost market foot traffic with local food, live music and new vendor participation.

Offshore Finance Demand: Wealth Web says demand for Cook Islands trusts and offshore asset protection is rising as litigation risk, public wealth exposure and global mobility push entrepreneurs, investors and family offices toward earlier planning; it cites Cook Islands Finance data showing 1,023 registrations and renewals in the latest quarter, the highest since 2019 and up 13.2% year-on-year. Rugby Business Rescue Effort: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says Moana Pasifika “can still be saved” and rules out a direct government bailout, arguing for a sustainable business model after the franchise was placed into liquidation. Maritime Security & Fisheries Enforcement: NZDF supported Cook Islands Police maritime surveillance in May, using Te Kukupa II for fisheries patrols under Operation Tui Moana and later air reconnaissance to photograph vessels of interest for follow-up. Deep-Sea Minerals Push: NOAA will lead a 28-day expedition mapping deep waters off the Cook Islands in July-August, with data and samples made publicly available to support stewardship and resource management; Deep Sea Minerals also reports progress on U.S. regulatory steps. Governance Capability: CIIC continues director training to strengthen governance effectiveness across its group boards, including integrity, conflicts of interest and emerging 2026 governance challenges. Tourism Market Activation: Te Tapora Kai at Punanga Nui Market runs a “Taste of the Cook Islands” pop-up with local food, crafts and cultural demos to boost visitor and local foot traffic.

Moana Pasifika Rescue Talks: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says there’s still a pathway to keep Super Rugby’s Moana Pasifika alive, with new potential backers showing interest and no direct government bailout—owners had flagged financial constraints, then moved the franchise into liquidation. Regional Rugby Governance: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders back the Kanaloa consortium’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific-led decision-making and player pathways must be protected as New Zealand Rugby weighs options. Maritime Security in the Cooks: NZDF supported Cook Islands Police with RNZN and RNZAF patrols in May, including fisheries enforcement under Operation Tui Moana and follow-up surveillance for suspected illegal activity. Deep-Sea Minerals Push: Deep Sea Minerals Corp reports progress on its U.S. NOAA application, including “substantial compliance” and priority rights, while NOAA plans a 28-day expedition to map deep waters around the Cook Islands. Food Safety for EU Seafood: Fiji-led training finalises a regional handbook to help Pacific countries meet new EU freezer-vessel requirements that could affect most Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU. Housing Pressure Letter: A reader highlights the long-term housing crisis, warning tourism-driven short-term rentals are squeezing the rental market for locals. Governance Capability: CIIC continues director training to strengthen board decision-making, integrity and emerging governance challenges.

Maritime Security & Fisheries Enforcement: NZDF backed Cook Islands Police fisheries patrols in May, with RNZAF aircraft later photographing vessels of interest for follow-up under Operation Tui Moana and Operation Kiwa. Cybercrime Law Reform: Fiji hosted a PILON meeting in Nadi to finalise a Pacific cybercrime legislation handbook, bringing together legal experts including the Cook Islands to strengthen regional digital defenses. Deep-Sea Minerals & Regulation: Deep Sea Minerals says it has submitted a NOAA application and received substantial compliance, while NOAA will map deep waters off the Cook Islands this summer with streamed public science. Tourism & Local Markets: Te Tapora Kai ran “Taste of the Cook Islands” pop-ups to boost market foot traffic, with local vendors and cultural demos. Governance & Investment: CIIC continued director training to strengthen governance capability across its group of boards. Sports Business: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders back Kanaloa’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing for Pacific-led pathways as the franchise faces financial uncertainty.

Pacific Security & Governance: NZDF backed Cook Islands Police fisheries patrols in May, with RNZAF aircraft joining later to photograph vessels of interest under Operation Tui Moana and Operation Kiwa. Digital Resilience: Fiji and other Pacific nations are pushing cybercrime law coordination, finalising a regional handbook with Cook Islands among participants. Deep-Sea Resources: NOAA will map deep waters around the Cook Islands this July–August, with data shared publicly and with local stewardship bodies; meanwhile Deep Sea Minerals says it submitted a NOAA application and achieved substantial compliance. Regional Business & Investment: CIIC continues director training to strengthen governance across its boards. Rugby Economy Watch: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says Moana Pasifika can still be saved as new backers show interest, while Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders back Kanaloa’s bid to take over the franchise. Food & Trade Rules: EU seafood requirements are set to hit most Pacific Island freezer vessels, raising compliance pressure for access to the EU market. Local Tourism Push: Te Tapora Kai’s “Taste of the Cook Islands” pop-up is driving market foot traffic with local food, crafts and cultural demos.

Deep-Sea Minerals Update: Deep Sea Minerals says it has submitted its NOAA application for U.S. deep-sea hard minerals and has received a “substantial compliance” determination, giving it priority rights in the application area while it continues regulatory, technical and environmental workstreams. NOAA Mapping for Cook Islands: NOAA will lead a 28-day expedition this July–August to map and study deep waters around the Cook Islands, using ROVs and live-streamed science, with data and samples shared publicly and with the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority. Energy Costs Hit Northern Group: Penrhyn Island has run down to its last 100 litres of diesel and borrowed 5,000 litres from the police patrol boat Te Kukupa II, while restricting power use as fuel prices rise and battery replacement work continues. Maritime Security: RNZAF patrols targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity in Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands EEZs as part of New Zealand’s Operation Kiwa, supporting fisheries protection and organised-crime disruption. Food Safety for EU Seafood: EU rules on freezer vessels are set to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels, with Fiji-based training for national authorities aimed at keeping access to the EU seafood market. Tourism & Local Markets: Te Tapora Kai hosted a “Taste of the Cook Islands” pop-up to boost market foot traffic, featuring local dishes, crafts and cultural demonstrations. Rugby Business: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders back Kanaloa’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific-led pathways must be protected as New Zealand Rugby weighs options.

Deep-sea minerals & geopolitics: NOAA will lead a 28-day expedition to map deep waters around the Cook Islands this July–August, working with the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority and streaming ROV dives and live science, with data and samples set to be publicly shared to support local stewardship. Maritime security: New Zealand’s RNZAF targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity across Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands EEZ during May as part of Operation Kiwa, supporting fisheries protection and regional organised-crime disruption through surveillance and follow-up by authorities. Food safety & trade access: EU rules on freezer-vessel temperatures are set to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels; Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained on the new requirements to help keep EU seafood exports viable. Tourism & local business: Te Tapora Kai at Punanga Nui Market is running a “Taste of the Cook Islands” pop-up with local food, crafts and cultural demos to boost foot traffic and support registered vendors. Governance capability: CIIC continues director training for its group boards, focusing on decision-making, integrity and key governance challenges for 2026.

Deep-sea science for minerals: NOAA will lead a 28-day expedition this July–August to map and study deep waters around the Cook Islands, working with the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority and streaming live ROV dives and shipboard science, with all data and samples to be made public. Food safety and market access: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu joined a Suva training on new EU freezer-vessel food safety rules that could affect about 97% of Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU, aiming to keep compliance strong and seafood trade open. Maritime security: RNZAF patrols in May targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity across Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands EEZs, supporting FFA work and New Zealand’s Operation Kiwa to deter serious organised crime. Tourism push at Te Tapora Kai: Cook Islands Tourism Corporation ran a “Taste of the Cook Islands” pop-up at Punanga Nui Market to boost local produce sales and foot traffic, with new vendors, cultural demos and traditional dishes. Local governance capability: CIIC continued director training for boards, focusing on decision-making, conflicts of interest and emerging governance challenges. Energy pressure on Penrhyn: Penrhyn Island used its last 100 litres of diesel, borrowing 5,000 litres from the police patrol boat and restricting power use while a battery replacement project progresses. Regional rugby business: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders backed Kanaloa’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific-led pathways must be protected as NZ Rugby weighs options.