AGP Executive Report

Cook Islands Election Update: Preliminary results point to PM Mark Brown’s Cook Islands Party retaining power, winning 12 of 24 seats with Nassau voting delayed by bad weather; Brown is expected to secure a second term as voters focus more on cost of living than geopolitics, despite earlier disputes with New Zealand over China-linked deals. New Zealand–Pacific Aviation: Foreign Minister Winston Peters says the Cook Islands’ airline experience shows what’s possible in tough Pacific conditions, citing NZ support that helped grow the route to about 175,000 passengers a year, while carriers warn they must balance commercial pressure with community “lifeline” services. Deep-Sea Mining Governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns about seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, opposing a US company’s exploration push in the South Penrhyn Basin. US Engagement: The US ambassador outlines trade-focused partnerships and calls for transparent discussion on “sustainable” seabed mining, while Biden’s Pacific summit included the Cook Islands in new US diplomatic recognition and pledged infrastructure support. Court & Fisheries: A foreign fishing company faces a $400,000 High Court fine for illegal fishing and falsifying reports. Cyber Safety: A new programme targets residents and businesses with practical education on scams and financial fraud.

Cook Islands Election: Preliminary results point to Prime Minister Mark Brown’s Cook Islands Party retaining power, winning 12 of 24 seats, with voting on remote Nassau delayed by bad weather and a 13-seat majority still needed to govern. Cost of Living & Water: Campaign focus is on inflation, diesel-linked pressures, and water tariffs, with opposition pushing changes to residential and agricultural charges. China, Deep-Sea Mining & Diplomacy: The election is widely framed as a test of how the Cook Islands balances China ties and deep-sea mining plans, after disputes with New Zealand over Beijing deals and seabed exploration. Election Scrutiny: Overseas observers from the Pacific Islands Forum monitored the Rarotonga process and met the Chamber of Commerce, linking stability to private-sector confidence. Deep-Sea Mining Governance: Te Ipukarea Society took Cook Islands concerns to the International Seabed Authority, opposing a US company’s exploration push in the South Penrhyn Basin. Cyber Safety: A new programme aims to help residents and businesses defend against scams and financial fraud. Regional Security & Climate: SPREP’s executive board meeting in Samoa stressed the “triple planetary crises” and the need for resilience funding ahead of COP31.

Cook Islands Election Update: Preliminary results point to PM Mark Brown’s Cook Islands Party retaining parliament with 12 of 24 seats, but Nassau voting was delayed by bad weather, keeping the final tally open and raising coalition questions. Voter Mood: Cost of living, inflation and water charges are front of mind, while one analysis flags a large non-voting share as a potential democratic signal. China & Deep-Sea Mining: The campaign is being framed around China ties and seabed mining, with Te Ipukarea Society taking Cook Islands concerns to the International Seabed Authority and a separate poll debate continuing over how mining views are measured. Regional Watch: Overseas observers from the Pacific Islands Forum monitored the vote, and the U.S. held a Pacific summit where Cook Islands was among those recognised, with promises for infrastructure and internet connectivity. Cyber & Skills: A new cyber safety awareness programme targets scams and fraud, while CITTI is running sewing courses to help households manage rising clothing costs. Business & Trade Links: New Zealand-India free trade deal talk surfaced in Independence Day coverage, and the wider week included election-linked governance stability concerns for the private sector.

Cook Islands Election Update: Preliminary results point to Prime Minister Mark Brown’s Cook Islands Party retaining parliament with 12 of 24 seats, though voting on remote Nassau is delayed by bad weather and a 13-seat majority is still needed to govern. Cost of Living & Water: Campaign focus remains on inflation, household pressures and water tariffs, with opposition pushing changes to To Tatou Vai charges. Deep-Sea Mining & China: The election is also framed as a referendum on deep-sea mining and expanded ties with China, with voters and observers watching how policy could shift on seabed minerals. International Scrutiny: Overseas election observers from the Pacific Islands Forum are on the ground, also meeting the Chamber of Commerce to hear business concerns about stability and governance. Seabed Mining Governance: Te Ipukarea Society has taken Cook Islands concerns about seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, challenging a US company’s push for an exploration licence in an enclave surrounded by Cook Islands waters. Regional Diplomacy & Connectivity: At a US-Pacific summit, Washington recognised the Cook Islands and Niue and flagged new infrastructure support, including internet connectivity via undersea cables. Cyber Safety: A new Cyber Safety Awareness Programme aims to help residents and businesses protect against scams and financial fraud.

Cook Islands Election: Preliminary results point to Prime Minister Mark Brown’s Cook Islands Party retaining power with 12 of 24 seats, but the majority is razor-thin and voting on remote Nassau was delayed by bad weather. Voter Turnout & Democracy: A commentary flags a worrying turnout gap in Rarotonga—about 40.9% of the roll not showing up in preliminary figures—arguing non-voting can be a political message, not apathy. Cost of Living & Water: Campaign focus remains on inflation, cost pressures, and water tariffs, with opponents promising changes to To Tatou Vai charges. China, Deep-Sea Mining & New Zealand Ties: The election is also being read through the lens of China-linked deals and deep-sea mining plans, with New Zealand’s earlier funding pause still part of the political backdrop. Cyber Safety: The government is rolling out a Cyber Safety Awareness Programme aimed at residents and businesses to tackle scams and financial fraud. Deep-Sea Mining Governance: Te Ipukarea Society took Cook Islands concerns about seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority forum, opposing a US company’s exploration push. Regional Diplomacy: Observers from the Pacific Islands Forum monitored the vote, and the US signalled renewed engagement with Cook Islands at a Pacific summit, including support for infrastructure and internet connectivity.

Cook Islands Election Update: Preliminary results point to Prime Minister Mark Brown’s Cook Islands Party retaining power with 12 of 24 seats, while voting on remote Nassau is delayed by bad weather; Brown is expected to form government with independents as a 13-seat majority is needed. Cost of Living & Water Tariffs: Campaign focus remains on inflation, imported fuel pressures, and proposed changes to Rarotonga water use tariffs, with voters seeking stability after global shocks. China, Deep-Sea Mining & NZ Relations: The election is also framed as a test of the Cook Islands’ China ties and its deep-sea mining direction, amid ongoing sensitivity with New Zealand after earlier consultation disputes. Regional Business & Governance: Overseas election observers from the Pacific Islands Forum met Cook Islands business leaders, underscoring the link between stable governance and a thriving private sector. Cyber Safety: The government is rolling out a Cyber Safety Awareness Programme aimed at residents and businesses to tackle scams and financial fraud. US-Pacific Infrastructure Push: US President Joe Biden’s Pacific summit included recognition of the Cook Islands and Niue and new funding promises for infrastructure and internet connectivity.

Cook Islands Election Update: Preliminary results point to Prime Minister Mark Brown’s Cook Islands Party retaining control, winning 12 of 24 seats, with voting still delayed on remote Nassau due to bad weather; Brown is expected to form government with support from independents while voters focus on Cost of Living & Water Tariffs: inflation and household pressures topped campaign concerns, alongside proposals to change Rarotonga water use tariffs; Election Oversight & Business Angle: overseas observers from the Pacific Islands Forum and Fiji Electoral Commission monitored the process, and met the Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce to stress that stability and good governance matter for the private sector; China, Deep-Sea Mining & Diplomacy: the election is also framed as a test of the Cook Islands’ stance on China ties and deep-sea mining, with New Zealand watching closely after earlier disputes; Cyber Safety: the government launched a Cyber Safety Awareness Programme aimed at helping residents and businesses defend against scams and financial fraud.

U.S.-Cook Islands Ties: President Joe Biden met Pacific leaders for a second White House summit, formally recognising the Cook Islands and Niue and backing new infrastructure funding, including US$40 million for secure, resilient regional projects and internet connectivity via undersea cables—while Cook Islands PM Mark Brown said it’s a chance to build partnerships for prosperity. Election Update: Preliminary results point to Mark Brown’s Cook Islands Party retaining parliament with 12 of 24 seats, with voting delayed on remote Nassau due to bad weather; Brown is expected to lead a second term, but the narrow majority means coalition-building is likely. Campaign Focus: Voters are weighing cost of living, inflation and water tariffs, with opposition pushing changes to residential and agricultural water use charges. Deep-Sea Mining & China: The election is also framed around deep-sea mining and the Cook Islands’ expanded dealings with China, after a diplomatic rift with New Zealand over agreements signed without consultation. Cyber Safety: The Cook Islands is rolling out a Cyber Safety Awareness Programme aimed at residents and businesses to tackle scams and financial fraud. Environment Governance: SPREP’s Executive Board meeting in Samoa reviewed Pacific environmental priorities amid the “triple planetary crises” of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.

Cook Islands Election Update: Preliminary results suggest Prime Minister Mark Brown’s Cook Islands Party will likely retain control of parliament, winning 12 of 24 seats, with voting delayed on remote Nassau due to bad weather; Brown’s party is one seat short of a majority but is already moving to secure support with independents while opposition leaders signal they may need to unite. Cost of Living & Water: Campaign focus remains on inflation, imported fuel pressures, and water tariffs, with the opposition pushing to remove residential and agricultural water use charges on Rarotonga. Cyber Safety: The government is rolling out a Cyber Safety Awareness Programme aimed at residents and businesses to tackle scams and financial fraud. Deep-Sea Mining & China Ties: The election is also framed around deep-sea mining and expanded dealings with China, after a diplomatic rift with New Zealand over consultation and strategic concerns. Regional Environment Governance: SPREP’s Executive Board met in Samoa, with Pacific leaders stressing the “triple planetary crises” and the need for coordinated priorities and funding.

Cook Islands Election: Voting begins in a tight general election that’s become a referendum on cost of living, water tariffs and deep-sea mining, with Mark Brown’s Cook Islands Party holding a narrow lead but polls showing no clear majority and a likely coalition. China–Deep-Sea Mining Stakes: Brown’s China deals and mining exploration plans are central fault lines, while challengers promise a referendum and critics warn the country is being pulled into a wider China–West contest. Deep-Sea Mining Scrutiny: A NOAA expedition reports megalodon teeth found as nuclei for nodule growth in the Cook Islands’ seabed, adding scientific detail to a debate already split by public concern. Regulatory/Deal Watch: A US$1billion merger involving American Ocean Minerals and Odyssey Marine has entered a new SEC phase, with revised timing and staged ownership changes tied to Cook Islands licence holders. Regional Climate Push: SPREP’s Samoa meeting highlights the “fight for our lives” from climate, biodiversity loss and pollution, while Forum foreign ministers back stronger COP31 momentum. Digital Inclusion: A Cook Islands internet governance expert says inclusion is “fundamentally a human issue,” not just connectivity. Business & Finance: Financial Secretary Garth Henderson dedicates the Leadership Mace to COVID-era teams, underscoring the economic pressures that shaped jobs and government support. FIFA Governance: OFC confirms it will issue an imminent statement on FIFA’s Forward Enterprise proposal, with Cook Islands among member associations.

Cook Islands Election: Voting has started in a general election seen as a referendum on deep-sea mining and closer ties with China, with PM Mark Brown facing challenger Teariki Heather and expectations of a coalition. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: A NOAA expedition reports megalodon teeth were “nuclei” for nodule growth in Cook Islands waters, while a separate poll shows majority opposition to seabed mining—fueling political pressure. Cost of Living & Water: Campaign focus includes welfare and economic recovery, plus proposed changes to Rarotonga water tariffs. Regulatory/Investor Signals: A revised SEC filing pushes the AOMC–Odyssey merger deadline to Oct 8, 2026 and shifts Cook Islands licence ownership descriptions to a staged acquisition. Digital & Financial Integrity: CITTI is running sewing courses to help with rising clothing costs; CIFIU is probing advanced-fee scams targeting Cook Islanders. Regional Climate Diplomacy: SPREP’s Samoa board meeting stresses the “triple planetary crisis,” while Forum foreign ministers back stronger climate action ahead of COP31.

Cook Islands Election: With the general election on Wednesday, a Cook Islands News poll shows a tight race and no clear majority, with the governing Cook Islands Party on 30.5% and the surging Cook Islands United Party on 26.7%, while 25.7% remain undecided—meaning coalition talks look likely. Cost of Living & Water: Campaign focus is on stabilising household finances, with opposition leader Tina Browne pushing to remove Rarotonga water use tariffs and review the To Tatou Vai structure. Deep-Sea Mining Politics: Seabed mining remains a flashpoint as a majority opposes it in polling, while leaders stress current work is limited to exploration and research. Regional Climate Push: Pacific foreign ministers backed stronger climate action ahead of COP31, including more climate finance and ocean-climate priorities, though climate is being challenged by rising geopolitical and fuel-supply concerns. Digital & Connectivity: The Manatua submarine cable fault has degraded internet services in Niue and the Cook Islands, with repairs dependent on securing a specialist cable ship. Governance & Fraud: The Cook Islands FIU, with police and banking partners, is investigating advance fee fraud scams targeting locals.

Cook Islands Election Watch: With polling showing a tight race and no clear majority, voters are weighing cost of living, water tariffs and the country’s deep-sea mining stance as the Cook Islands heads to the polls on Wednesday; Diplomacy & China-West Rivalry: PM Mark Brown defended his term amid diplomatic rifts and Beijing partnerships, with the election increasingly seen as a test of how the small state navigates intensifying China-West competition; Cost of Living & Water: Brown points to growth and welfare increases, while the opposition says it would remove residential and agricultural water use tariffs on Rarotonga and review the water utility’s structure; Deep-Sea Mining & Finance: A majority poll opposes seabed mining, while US-listed merger filings tied to Cook Islands exploration licences raise new questions about how interests are being acquired and the deal timeline; Banking & Payments: The Bank of the Cook Islands rolls out new digital payment tools (TakuEcom and TakuPOS) aimed at helping small businesses and outer islands accept card and online payments; Cyber/Connectivity: The Manatua submarine cable fault has degraded internet services in parts of the Pacific, including the Cook Islands, with repairs dependent on securing a specialist vessel; Climate Pressure: SPREP’s DG warns Pacific communities face a “fight for our lives” from climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution despite minimal global emissions.

Cooks Election Watch: With polls showing no clear majority, Cook Islands voters head to the Aug 12 general election amid cost-of-living pressure and a fragmented race between the governing Cook Islands Party and the surging Cook Islands United Party, leaving coalition talks likely. Deep-Sea Mining & Finance: AOMC’s planned merger with Odyssey Marine Exploration is moving through a new SEC deadline (Oct 8, 2026) and shifts how Cook Islands licence ownership is described, while local debate intensifies after polling found majority opposition to seabed mining. Digital Payments & Connectivity: The Bank of the Cook Islands rolls out new smartphone-based payment options (TakuPOS) and e-commerce tools (TakuEcom), and the Manatua submarine cable fault is degrading internet services in Niue and the Cook Islands as repairs depend on securing a specialist vessel. Governance & Business Climate: CIIC leadership is reshuffled with Fletcher Melvin reappointed as chair and Olivia Heather-Halston named deputy, as election-era scrutiny of integrity and accountability continues. Regional Geopolitics: Pacific foreign ministers failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s missile test, underscoring how external rivalry is shaping local decision-making.

Cook Islands Election: A new Cook Islands News poll shows a tight race with no clear winner ahead of the 12 August vote, with the governing Cook Islands Party on 30.5% versus the surging Cook Islands United Party at 26.7%, while 25.7% remain undecided—pointing to coalition talks. Deep-sea Mining Watch: A US$1billion merger filing tied to Odyssey Marine and American Ocean Minerals sets a revised 8 October 2026 completion deadline and shifts how Cook Islands licence ownership is described, while another poll reports majority opposition to seabed mining. Digital & Connectivity: The Manatua submarine cable fault has degraded internet services for Niue and the Cook Islands, with repairs dependent on securing a specialist vessel. Banking & Payments: The Bank of the Cook Islands launches TakuEcom now and TakuPOS in mid-August to help businesses and entrepreneurs accept card payments and sell online without costly terminals. Regional Politics: Pacific foreign ministers failed to agree on a statement condemning China’s nuclear-capable missile test, underscoring wider geopolitical pressure around the Pacific. Scams & Security: CIFIU is investigating growing “advance fee fraud” scams targeting Cook Islanders, working with police and banking reporting officers.

Seabed Mining Backlash: A new Cook Islands poll finds a majority of voters oppose seabed mining, with leaders stressing current work is only exploration and scientific research. Election Vision & Cost of Living: Cook Islands Party leader Mark Brown lays out a “no one left behind” plan for a prosperous, connected nation, while letters and commentary keep pushing hard on affordability and governance accountability. Deep-Sea Mining Pressure Across the Pacific: Pacific communities react to a US deep-sea mining auction proposal, saying there were “no consultations,” adding to regional alarm about seabed mining. Digital Payments Boost: The Bank of the Cook Islands rolls out new payment options—TakuEcom now and TakuPOS mid-August—aimed at helping small businesses take contactless and online payments without costly terminals. Cybercrime Alert: CIFIU is probing growing Facebook scams targeting Cook Islanders, including advance-fee fraud. Internet Reliability: The Manatua submarine cable fault is degrading internet services for Niue and the Cook Islands, with repairs dependent on securing a specialist vessel. Regional Fisheries Cashflow: The US-Pacific Tuna Treaty continues to deliver, with FFA reporting a second 2026 payout of US$50.42m to Pacific island parties.