AGP Executive Report

Pacific Diplomacy & Delivery: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says Realm leaders meeting in Auckland must shift from pledges to deliverables, with action on climate resilience, regional cooperation and giving Pacific countries more say. Cook Islands Politics: Mark Brown is set to return as PM after the 2026 election, with the Cook Islands Party winning 13 seats and six independents boosting his incoming majority. Business & Skills: BTIB’s free Pa Enua business workshop returns to Mangaia (Sept 15–17) covering soft loans, UCI branding, business planning, costing/pricing, forecasting and bookkeeping. Local Economy & Crime: Police report a weekend spike in crime, including four burglaries and five stolen motorbikes across Rarotonga, with investigations ongoing. Governance Appointments: Three Permanent Secretaries were sworn in to key ministries, including Finance and Treasury, Police/National Security/Corrections, and Culture and Tourism. Offshore Minerals Watch: CIIC has partnered with US firm Wetstone for offshore mineral exploration, drawing criticism over the partner’s lack of technical track record. Community & Youth: Ruckstars junior rugby is expanding in the Cook Islands with support from the Australian High Commission and BSP, aiming to build skills and active lifestyles. US-Cook Islands Ties: US Ambassador Jared Novelly met Mark Brown to discuss ocean science, maritime security and economic opportunities.

Cook Islands Politics: Mark Brown is set to return as Prime Minister after the 2026 election, with the Cook Islands Party winning 13 of 24 seats and support from six independents that could lift his caucus to 19—while the Democratic Party was shut out. Public Administration: Three Permanent Secretaries were sworn in to key ministries, including Finance and Treasury (David Teika Dennis), Police/National Security/Corrections (Trevor Unusu) and Culture and Tourism (Bunyan Sivoro, reappointed), with a push for fiscal discipline and accountability. Deep-Sea Mining & Sovereignty: A new report warns Pacific governments, including the Cook Islands, could face costly investor-state claims if they tighten environmental or regulatory rules on deep-sea mining. Energy & Outer Islands: A letter questions why outer-island solar still leaves communities dependent on diesel, arguing battery replacement funding is lagging behind potential savings. Security & Crime: Police report a weekend spike in burglaries and stolen motorbikes across several districts, alongside other incidents including noise complaints and a crash. Regional Business/Trade Context: The week also carried broader Pacific signals on tourism pressures and investor risk, underlining how policy choices can quickly affect household costs and business planning.

Deep-Sea Mining & Sovereignty: A new Pacific Network on Globalisation report warns investor-state dispute rules could let foreign mining firms sue Pacific governments over environmental or regulatory changes, putting countries including the Cook Islands at risk of costly “chilling effects.” Cook Islands Governance: Political analyst William Numanga argues the Cook Islands should rethink how government functions are organised to improve outcomes across education, health, culture, sport and food security. CIIC Offshore Minerals: Cook Islands Investment Corporation has partnered with US firm Wetstone for offshore mineral exploration, drawing criticism from a local environmental group over the partner’s lack of technical track record. Energy & Outer Islands: A letter questions why outer-island solar still leaves heavy diesel dependence, pointing to large potential diesel savings versus low funding for battery replacements. Public Sector Appointments: Three Permanent Secretaries were sworn in to lead key ministries, including Finance and Treasury, Police/National Security/Corrections, and Culture and Tourism. Security & Crime: Police report a weekend spike in burglaries and stolen motorbikes across multiple districts, alongside other incidents. Sports & Youth: The Ruckstars junior rugby programme received Australian High Commission community grant support to build youth skills and active lifestyles.

Deep-Sea Mining & Sovereignty: A new Pacific Network on Globalisation report warns investor-state dispute rules could let mining firms sue Pacific governments over environmental or regulatory changes, putting countries including the Cook Islands in the firing line and creating a “chilling effect” on stronger protections. Kiribati Diplomacy: Kiribati MPs are set to vote on a constitutional change aimed at making it harder for future governments to switch diplomatic recognition back to Taiwan, as ties with China deepen. Local Governance & Cost of Living: Pacific MPs are split over a proposed 4% council rates cap, with Labour open to caps but warning councils still need funding for roads, rubbish, pipes and community services. Cook Islands Deep-Sea Research: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer has completed a 26-day ROV survey in the Cook Islands EEZ, collecting hundreds of samples and new marine specimens as the US pushes ahead with deep-sea mineral interest. Government Appointments: Three Permanent Secretaries were sworn in to lead Finance and Treasury, Police/National Security/Corrections, and Culture and Tourism, with David Teika Dennis moving from Auditor-General. Energy & Outer Islands: A letter raises concerns that outer-island solar still leaves communities dependent on diesel, questioning whether battery replacement funding matches the scale of potential diesel savings. Security Update: Police report a weekend spike in burglaries and stolen motorbikes across multiple districts, alongside other incidents including a crash and noise complaints. Youth Sport: The Ruckstars junior rugby programme in the Cook Islands received support via the Australia–Cook Islands Oa’ Tumanava Partnership and BSP sponsorship, backing active lifestyles and youth development.

Deep-sea mining & sovereignty: A new Pacific Network on Globalisation report warns Pacific governments, including the Cook Islands, could face costly investor-state claims if they tighten environmental or regulatory rules around deep-sea mining, with “chilling effects” discouraging stronger protections. Cook Islands governance: The Cook Islands is being urged to rethink how government is organised to deliver better outcomes, with education, health, culture, sport and food security treated as connected priorities rather than siloed responsibilities. Deep-sea science in the Cook Islands: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer has completed a 26-day expedition in the Cook Islands’ EEZ, running 14 remotely operated dives and collecting hundreds of samples, as US interest in deep-sea minerals continues. Energy & outer-island reliability: A reader letter questions why outer-island solar still leaves communities dependent on diesel, pointing to a reported mismatch between potential diesel savings and low funding for battery replacement. Public finance leadership: Auditor-General David Teika Dennis has resigned to become Permanent Secretary for Finance and Treasury, as three Permanent Secretaries were sworn in to key ministries. Community & youth sport: The Ruckstars junior rugby programme received Australian High Commission community grants and BSP support to build youth skills and active lifestyles. Local security: Police report a weekend spike in burglaries and stolen motorbikes across several areas, alongside other incidents.

Governance & Reform: Political analyst William Numanga argues the Cook Islands should rethink how government functions are organised, pushing for stronger coordination across education, health, culture, sport and food security, including a possible consolidation of Education, Culture and Sports under one umbrella. Energy & Outer Islands: A reader letter questions why outer-island solar still leaves communities dependent on diesel, highlighting a reported mismatch between diesel costs and underfunded battery replacements. Public Finance Leadership: Three new Permanent Secretaries were sworn in—David Teika Dennis to Finance and Treasury (moving from Auditor-General), Trevor Unusu to Police, National Security and Correctional Services, and Bunyan Sivoro reappointed to Culture and Tourism—signalling a focus on fiscal discipline and transparency. Deep-Sea Economy vs Environment: NOAA’s 26-day deep-sea expedition in the Cook Islands’ EEZ found new marine life and seabed mineral data, while CIIC’s offshore minerals exploration partnership with US firm Wetstone draws criticism over technical track record. Crime & Safety: Police report a weekend spike in burglaries and stolen motorbikes across multiple districts, alongside noise complaints and a crash incident. Youth Sport & Community Grants: The Ruckstars junior rugby programme received support via Australia–Cook Islands Oa’ Tumanava partnership and BSP sponsorship, aiming to build active lifestyles and youth skills. Diplomacy & Trade Links: US Ambassador Jared Novelly met PM Mark Brown to discuss ocean science, maritime security and economic opportunities, reinforcing closer bilateral cooperation.

Permanent Secretary Appointments: The Cook Islands government has sworn in three new Permanent Secretaries—David Teika Dennis to Finance and Treasury, Trevor Unusu to Police, National Security and Correctional Services, and Bunyan Sivoro reappointed to Culture and Tourism—tasking them with stronger leadership and delivery of national development priorities. Public Finance Leadership Change: Auditor-General David Teika Dennis has resigned to take up the Finance PS role, with the move aimed at addressing identified gaps in public financial management capacity. Deep-Sea Minerals & Marine Science: NOAA’s 26-day Okeanos Explorer expedition has returned to Rarotonga after 14 dives and 400+ samples in the Cook Islands EEZ, adding baseline data for future resource decisions as deep-sea mining interest grows. Offshore Exploration Partnership: CIIC has partnered with US firm Wetstone to fund offshore mineral exploration, drawing criticism from a local environmental group over Wetstone’s limited technical track record. Security & Crime: Police report a weekend spike in crime, including four burglaries and five stolen motorbikes across Arorangi, Nikao, Ruatonga and Tutakimoa, alongside other incidents and traffic risk concerns. Diplomacy & Cooperation: US Ambassador Jared Novelly met PM Mark Brown to discuss closer cooperation on ocean science, maritime security and economic opportunities. Youth Sport Funding: The Australian High Commission and BSP support the Ruckstars junior rugby programme through community grants, aiming to build skills and active lifestyles for young people. Regional Health Focus: Pacific Heads of Health are meeting in the Cook Islands this week to tackle the “global syndemic” linking climate change, undernutrition and obesity.

Deep-Sea Research & Minerals: NOAA’s 26-day Okeanos Explorer mission in the Cook Islands EEZ returned to Rarotonga after 14 deep dives, collecting 400+ samples and 23+ biological specimens, feeding a baseline for future seabed decisions as deep-sea mining interest grows. Offshore Exploration Deal: Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) has partnered with US firm Wetstone for offshore mineral exploration, drawing criticism from a local environmental group over Wetstone’s lack of a technical track record. US-Cook Islands Cooperation: US Ambassador Jared Novelly met PM Mark Brown to discuss ocean science, maritime security and economic opportunities, while also calling for transparent talks on “sustainable” seabed mining. Governance & Finance: Auditor-General David Teika Dennis resigned to become Permanent Secretary for Finance and Treasury, citing public financial management weaknesses flagged by recent audits. Public Safety: Police are investigating a weekend spike in crime, including four burglaries and five stolen motorbikes across Arorangi, Nikao, Ruatonga and Tutakimoa. Regional Health Focus: Pacific leaders meeting in the Cook Islands this week are urged to tackle a “global syndemic” linking climate change, undernutrition and obesity. Diplomacy: India’s High Commissioner Muanpuii Saiawi is now concurrently accredited as High Commissioner to Niue, with residence in Wellington, and earlier accreditation to the Cook Islands. Aviation & Tourism Context: NZ Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters pointed to the Cook Islands’ airline experience as a Pacific aviation model amid broader airline pressures.

Deep-Sea Research & Minerals: NOAA’s 26-day Okeanos Explorer mission returned to Rarotonga after 14 dives in the western Cook Islands EEZ, collecting 400+ samples and 23+ biological specimens, feeding into seabed-minerals debates and calls for a baseline for future decisions. U.S-Cook Islands Cooperation: New U.S. Ambassador Jared Novelly met PM Mark Brown to discuss ocean science, maritime security and economic opportunities, including a push for transparent talks on “sustainable” seabed mining. Governance & Public Finance: Auditor-General David Teika Dennis resigned to become Permanent Secretary for Finance and Treasury, aiming to address public financial management capacity gaps. Shipping & Competition: Government-owned cargo-passenger vessel plans include assurances to a local shipping company that the new ship “will not compete” with its services. Politics & Cost of Living: Brown’s re-election, despite a China ties row with New Zealand, is seen by analysts as voters prioritising cost of living over geopolitics. Diplomatic Coverage: India’s High Commissioner Muanpuii Saiawi added concurrent accreditation to Niue, with earlier concurrent roles for the Cook Islands and Samoa. Sports & Youth: Ruckstars junior rugby in the Cook Islands received Australian High Commission community grant support (with BSP backing) to build active lifestyles and life skills.

Deep-Sea Research & Mining Baselines: NOAA’s 26-day Okeanos Explorer mission in the Cook Islands EEZ returned to Rarotonga after 14 remotely operated vehicle dives, collecting 400+ samples and 23+ biological specimens, feeding a baseline for future seabed resource decisions. US-Cook Islands Ties: In meetings after his credentials, U.S. Ambassador Jared Novelly discussed ocean science, maritime security, and economic opportunities, including a push for transparent talks around “sustainable” seabed mining. Offshore Minerals Deal Under Scrutiny: CIIC has partnered with U.S. firm Wetstone to fund offshore mineral exploration, drawing criticism from a local environmental group over Wetstone’s lack of a technical track record. Government Shipping Assurance: Cook Islands’ first of two government-owned cargo-passenger vessels is set to arrive early next week, with assurances it won’t compete with a local shipping company. Public Finance Leadership Change: Auditor-General Dennis Teika Dennis resigns effective 25 August to become Permanent Secretary of Finance and Treasury, citing gaps in public financial management capacity. Tourism & Connectivity: Norwegian Spirit will base in the South Pacific for summer 2028 with itineraries including Rarotonga, Aitutaki and other regional stops, while Silversea’s Silver Cloud has launched a 77-day Grand South Pacific Expedition calling at 57 destinations. Youth Sport Funding: The Ruckstars junior rugby programme in the Cook Islands received support via Australia’s Community Grants Program and BSP, aiming to build active lifestyles and life skills. Diplomatic Accreditation: India’s High Commissioner Muanpuii Saiawi is concurrently accredited as next High Commissioner to Niue, with residence in Wellington, and previously held concurrent roles for the Cook Islands and Samoa. Regional Aviation Context: New Zealand’s Winston Peters points to the Cook Islands’ airline experience as a Pacific aviation model amid broader airline pressures.

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.

Cook Islands election & governance: PM Mark Brown is set for a second term after his Cook Islands Party won more seats, with analysts saying cost-of-living concerns outweighed geopolitical worries over China ties and consultation with New Zealand. U.S.-Cook Islands ties: Newly appointed US Ambassador Jared Novelly met Brown to discuss ocean science, maritime security, and trade-focused cooperation, including transparent talks on “sustainable” seabed mining. Deep-sea research & seabed minerals: NOAA’s 26-day expedition in the Cook Islands EEZ returned to Rarotonga with findings from 14 dives, including new marine life data and seabed mineral insights that could shape future resource decisions. Deep-sea mining pushback: Te Ipukarea Society took Cook Islands concerns to the International Seabed Authority, opposing a US company’s attempt to pursue an exploration licence via NOAA in an area surrounded by Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Maritime enforcement: The High Court ordered a foreign fishing company to pay a $400,000 fine for illegal fishing and falsifying reports. Youth sport funding: Ruckstars junior rugby is getting support through Australia’s Community Grants Program and BSP, feeding into a wider youth active lifestyles push. Diplomatic updates: India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Muanpuii Saiawi, has been concurrently accredited to Niue, with earlier concurrent accreditation to the Cook Islands. Local shipping assurance: Government says a new Cook Islands Government-owned cargo-passenger vessel will not compete with a local shipping company’s services. Public finance leadership: Auditor-General David Teika Dennis resigned to become Permanent Secretary for Finance and Treasury, aiming to address public financial management capacity gaps.

Youth & Sport Funding: The Australian High Commission and BSP-backed Ruckstars junior rugby clinic is building confidence and life skills for Cook Islands youth, feeding into a wider Youth Active Lifestyles pathway. Diplomacy & Regional Links: India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Muanpuii Saiawi, has been concurrently accredited to Niue, with earlier concurrent accreditation to the Cook Islands and Samoa. U.S.-Cook Islands Cooperation: U.S. Ambassador Jared Novelly met PM Mark Brown to discuss ocean science, maritime security and trade-focused economic opportunities. Shipping & Competition: Government-owned cargo-passenger vessel plans include assurances to a local shipping company that the new service will not compete. Public Finance Leadership: Auditor-General David Teika Dennis resigns to become Permanent Secretary of Finance and Treasury, citing public financial management capacity gaps. Deep-Sea Economy & Governance: A NOAA 26-day expedition in the Cook Islands EEZ found new marine life and seabed mineral data, while Te Ipukarea Society took Cook Islands deep-sea mining concerns to the International Seabed Authority. Election & Aviation: PM Brown’s re-election (with a strong parliamentary majority) is framed as cost-of-living driven, and NZ Foreign Minister Winston Peters points to the Cook Islands airline as a Pacific aviation model amid wider airline pressures. Fisheries Enforcement: A foreign fishing company was fined $400,000 for illegal fishing and falsifying reports.

Sports & Youth Development: The Australian High Commission and Bank of the South Pacific (BSP) are funding the Ruckstars junior rugby programme in the Cook Islands, aimed at safe, inclusive sport while building leadership, teamwork and healthier lifestyles. Diplomacy & Regional Links: India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Muanpuii Saiawi, has been concurrently accredited as High Commissioner to Niue, with residence in Wellington, and earlier accreditation also covered the Cook Islands and Samoa. U.S.-Cook Islands Cooperation: U.S. Ambassador Jared Novelly met Prime Minister Mark Brown to discuss deeper ties on ocean science, maritime security and economic opportunities. Election & Business Confidence: Preliminary results point to Brown’s Cook Islands Party winning 12 of 24 seats (with one island still to vote), with cost of living and inflation flagged as key voter concerns—an outcome that matters for stability and private-sector planning. Maritime & Enforcement: A foreign fishing company was fined $400,000 by the Cook Islands High Court for illegal fishing and falsifying reports. Deep-Sea Economy Debate: NOAA’s 26-day expedition in the Cook Islands EEZ reported new marine life and seabed mineral findings, feeding into ongoing regional arguments over deep-sea mining governance. Governance & Oversight: The Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) raised Cook Islands concerns about seabed mining at the International Seabed Authority, opposing a U.S.-linked exploration licence push.

U.S.-Cook Islands ties: Ambassador Jared Novelly met PM Mark Brown to discuss deeper cooperation on ocean science, maritime security and economic opportunities, saying distance shouldn’t limit “neighbor” partnership. Cook Islands politics & cost of living: Brown is set for a second term after his party won 12 of 24 seats (with one seat still to vote), with analysts pointing to voters prioritising cost-of-living over geopolitical concerns. Aviation model: New Zealand foreign minister Winston Peters highlighted the Cook Islands’ airline growth as proof Pacific aviation can work despite tough conditions. Deep-sea resources & governance: A 26-day NOAA expedition in the Cook Islands EEZ found new marine life and seabed mineral data, while Te Ipukarea Society raised concerns at the International Seabed Authority over how deep-seabed mining could affect the region. Public finance leadership: Auditor-General David Teika Dennis resigned to become PS Finance and Treasury, citing gaps in public financial management capacity. Shipping competition: Government assured Taio Shipping a new state vessel will not compete with its services. Legal & compliance: A foreign fishing company was fined $400,000 for illegal fishing and falsifying reports. Communications update: Ncell introduced a 60-second pulse rate for international outgoing calls to 198 countries.

Shipping & Trade: The Cook Islands Government says the first of its two new cargo-passenger vessels will arrive early next week and has assured local operator Taio Shipping the new service won’t compete. Environment & Law: In New Zealand’s Parliament, the Natural Environment Bill advanced to second reading, with ministers citing committee changes aimed at clearer rules and lower compliance costs while keeping the planning system’s core structure. Public Finance Leadership: Auditor-General Dennis Teika Dennis has resigned to become Permanent Secretary for Finance and Treasury, stepping in to address gaps flagged by recent audits and public expenditure reviews. Deep-Sea Economy & Governance: A 26-day NOAA expedition in the Cook Islands EEZ reported new marine life findings and seabed mineral insights, feeding into wider regional debate over deep-sea mining. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Te Ipukarea Society took Cook Islands concerns to the International Seabed Authority meeting, opposing a US company’s exploration licence application tied to the South Penrhyn Basin. Election & Business Confidence: Preliminary results point to Prime Minister Mark Brown’s Cook Islands Party retaining power after the election, with cost of living and governance stability emerging as key themes for voters and the private sector. Regional Diplomacy: The US hosted Pacific leaders and recognised the Cook Islands, promising support for resilient infrastructure including internet connectivity.