AGP Executive Report

Ocean Conservation Funding: Bezos Earth Fund is adding $25m+ to ocean protection across the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, backing work to protect 625,000+ square miles of sea as part of its push to safeguard 30% of Pacific waters by 2030. Climate Finance Push: PM Mark Brown heads to Pacific Pre-COP31 to press for climate finance that’s simpler and faster for small island states, with a focus on ocean protection and practical resilience projects. Local Infrastructure on Penrhyn: NZDF engineers and Navy hydrographers are progressing school, hospital and water upgrades on Penrhyn, while updated surveys improve navigation data. Trade Digitalisation: The Cook Islands is expanding its ePhyto system, moving from paper plant certificates to secure electronic certification to cut delays and open markets. Tourism Pathways: Te Mato Manava Tūroto opens Expressions of Interest for the 2027 Te Arata’a youth tourism scholarship pathway. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: A new Cook Islands youth perspective highlights the tension between jobs and culture versus environmental risk from polymetallic nodule extraction. Gardens & Food Systems: A reminder that beneficial ladybird beetles can be blocked by ant “farming,” showing how small ecosystem shifts affect pest control.

Ocean Conservation Funding: The Bezos Earth Fund is committing more than $25 million to ocean conservation across five Pacific island nations, including the Cook Islands, aiming to protect over 625,000 square miles of sea as part of its “Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity” push to safeguard 30% of waters by 2030. Cook Islands Climate Diplomacy: PM Mark Brown is heading to Pacific Pre-COP31 talks to press for faster, simpler climate finance and practical support for water, coastal protection, transport and essential infrastructure in the Pa Enua. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Cook Islands coverage spotlights the tough choices around extracting polymetallic nodules, with local voices weighing jobs and development against cultural and environmental risks. Plant Trade Digitisation: The Cook Islands’ shift to the IPPC ePhyto Solution is cutting border delays and costs, with thousands of electronic phytosanitary certificates exchanged since 2022. Pa Enua Infrastructure: NZDF engineers continue work on Penrhyn, including water tanks, school upgrades, hospital repairs and hydrographic surveys. Tourism Skills Pipeline: Te Mato Manava Tūroto is opening Expressions of Interest for the 2027 Te Arata’a youth tourism scholarship pathway. Plastic Pollution Coordination: Te Ipukarea Society convened public and private stakeholders to tackle plastic pollution, waste constraints and the National Action Plan for Plastics.

Pacific Climate Diplomacy: PM Mark Brown heads to Tuvalu and Fiji for Pacific Pre-COP31, pushing for climate finance that’s simpler and faster for small island states, plus stronger ocean protection and resilience work for projects like water, coastal protection, transport and essential infrastructure in the Pa Enua. Ocean Conservation Funding: The Bezos Earth Fund announced $25m+ in new ocean conservation grants across the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, targeting protection of 625,000+ square miles and support for Marae Moana and other marine protected areas. Deep-Sea Mining Pressure: Cook Islands debate over polymetallic nodules continues as global mapping and mining momentum grows, with Greenpeace also protesting deep-sea mineral exploration tied to future mining plans. Plant Trade Digitisation: The Cook Islands’ shift to IPPC ePhyto electronic phytosanitary certificates is cutting border delays and costs while helping exports like vanilla, taro and noni juice reach new markets. Tourism Skills Pipeline: Te Mato Manava Tūroto opens Expressions of Interest for the 2027 Te Arata’a youth tourism scholarship pathway, linking students with industry experience and training. Pa Enua Infrastructure: NZDF engineers continue Penrhyn upgrades, including new water tanks, school improvements, hospital repairs and hydrographic survey work.

Cook Islands Tourism: Te Mato Manava Tūroto has opened Expressions of Interest for the 2027 Te Arata’a o te Pae Tūroto youth tourism scholarships, aiming to connect students with industry experience and pathways into tourism. Infrastructure & Pa Enua: Prime Minister Mark Brown visited Tongareva with US and NZ envoys to brief locals on a safe, reliable wharf at Omoka, with community engagement at the centre. Marine & Waste: Te Ipukarea Society convened Pa Enua and private-sector stakeholders to tackle plastic pollution, focusing on implementation of the National Action Plan for Plastics and reducing single-use items. Border & Trade Tech: The Cook Islands’ shift to the IPPC ePhyto Solution is cutting border delays and costs by replacing paper plant certificates with secure digital ePhytos. Deep-sea Mining Debate: Cook Islands youth voices are pushing hard questions on whether deep-sea mining can deliver a real economic future without damaging culture and the environment. Regional Ocean Conservation: The Bezos Earth Fund announced $25m+ in ocean grants including support for Cook Islands Marae Moana, as Pacific leaders weigh conservation against economic needs. Health & Culture: CC Tamure Fitness is using traditional dance to boost women’s wellbeing, blending culture with regular exercise. Global Context: Greenpeace protested deep-sea mining plans involving a NZ state-owned research vessel, keeping the issue in the spotlight.

Ocean Conservation Funding: The Bezos Earth Fund has announced more than $25m in new ocean conservation grants across the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, aiming to protect and sustainably manage over 625,000 square miles and help reach a 30% protection target by 2030. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Cook Islands coverage spotlights the push-pull over polymetallic nodules in the EEZ, with residents weighing jobs and development against cultural and environmental risks. Local Infrastructure & Security: US Ambassador Jared Novelly says Washington is not discussing a military base at Penrhyn/Tongareva, while the wharf project at Omoka moves forward with partners visiting the island. Tourism Talent Pipeline: Te Mato Manava Tūroto has opened Expressions of Interest for the 2027 Te Arata’a youth tourism scholarship pathway, linking students to industry experience and training. Tourism Momentum: The Cook Islands was named Oceania’s Leading Island Destination for a fourth straight year at the World Travel Awards, while CITIC re-elected Liana Scott and set priorities around workforce, policy reform and destination sustainability. Plant Trade Digitalisation: The Cook Islands’ shift to IPPC ePhyto electronic phytosanitary certificates is cutting delays and costs while opening markets. Sports & Culture: CC Tamure Fitness is using tamure dance to boost women’s health, and Cook Islands teams are taking part in the POP48 48-hour Pasifika film challenge.

Deep-sea minerals & mapping: Deep Sea Minerals Corp says NOAA has started another offshore mapping expedition near American Samoa, adding to U.S. efforts to map critical minerals in the Pacific. Deep-sea mining debate in the Cook Islands: Cook Islands News reports the country faces tough choices over polymetallic nodules, with youth voices weighing economic hopes against cultural and environmental risks. Ocean conservation funding: Bezos Earth Fund announced $25m+ in new grants for ocean conservation across Cook Islands, Kiribati, PNG, Tonga and Vanuatu, aiming to protect at least 30% of Pacific waters by 2030. Local infrastructure & wharves: PM Mark Brown visited Tongareva with U.S. and NZ partners to progress plans for a safe, reliable wharf at Omoka. Tourism pipeline: Te Arata’a youth pathway opens for 2027 tourism scholarships, linking students, industry experience and further education. Plant trade digitisation: Cook Islands highlights how switching from paper phytosanitary certificates to the IPPC ePhyto system is speeding trade and reducing border delays. Plastic pollution coordination: Te Ipukarea Society convened government, private sector and Pa Enua stakeholders to push practical steps for reducing single-use plastics and advancing a national action plan. Health through culture: CC Tamure Fitness is using traditional dance as a women-led fitness model, blending community, movement and wellbeing.

Tourism & Culture: Cook Islands women are using traditional tamure dance as a fitness engine, with CC Tamure Fitness growing from Facebook Live classes during COVID into three in-person sessions weekly plus online options—creating a safe, community-led space to get active while staying connected to culture. Tourism Recognition: The Cook Islands has been named Oceania’s Leading Island Destination for a fourth straight year at the 2026 World Travel Awards, with tourism leaders pointing to industry-wide effort and local hospitality. Youth Pipeline: Te Mato Manava Tūroto is opening Expressions of Interest for the 2027 Te Arata’a youth tourism scholarship pathway, linking school engagement, industry experience and scholarships. Infrastructure & Community: PM Mark Brown visited Tongareva with US and NZ partners to progress plans for a safe, reliable wharf at Omoka, bringing the project directly to residents. Environment & Industry Debate: Cook Islands faces tough choices over deep-sea mining, as youth voices weigh potential economic gains against cultural and environmental risks. Trade Modernisation: The Cook Islands is moving beyond paper phytosanitary certificates, using the IPPC ePhyto system to speed plant trade and reduce border delays. Media & Skills: The Pacific Islands News Association summit wrapped in Savusavu, focusing on reaching remote communities through digital innovation.

Blue Pacific Funding: Bezos Earth Fund announced $25m in grants to protect 625,000+ sq miles of ocean across the Cook Islands and other Pacific states, aiming to sustainably manage waters and protect at least 30% by 2030. Tourism Spotlight: The Cook Islands was named Oceania’s Leading Island Destination for a fourth straight year at the 2026 World Travel Awards, with tourism still a major GDP driver. Plant Trade Digitalisation: The Cook Islands’ shift from paper phytosanitary certificates to the IPPC ePhyto system has cut border delays and costs and boosted e-certificate exchanges, helping exports like vanilla, taro and noni. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Young voices and community concerns are intensifying over polymetallic nodule mining in the Cook Islands EEZ, with calls for careful choices about jobs, culture and environmental risk. Tongareva Wharf & Security Claims: US ambassador Jared Novelly says Washington is not discussing a military base at Penrhyn/Tongareva, while the wharf project moves forward with community visits. Plastic Pollution Action: Te Ipukarea Society convened government, private sector and Pa Enua stakeholders to push coordinated solutions and a national action plan to cut single-use plastics. Market Consultation: Public consultation is underway on the future of Punanga Nui Market, gathering vendor and user feedback after Stage 1 precinct upgrades. Tourism Industry Leadership: CITIC re-elected Liana Scott for 2026/27, prioritising workforce, policy reform, business costs and destination sustainability.

Tourism Boost: The Cook Islands has been named Oceania’s Leading Island Destination for a fourth straight year at the 2026 World Travel Awards, with Tourism Corporation leaders crediting the whole sector and the islands’ hospitality. Plant Trade Digitalisation: The Cook Islands’ agriculture ministry says switching from paper phytosanitary certificates to the IPPC ePhyto system has cut border delays and costs and helped open new markets. Deep-Sea Mining Crossroads: Debate over polymetallic nodule mining in the Cook Islands’ deep EEZ is intensifying, with youth voices warning about cultural and environmental risks. Local Infrastructure & Governance: Tongareva wharf plans move forward as PM Mark Brown and partners visit Omoka to brief residents, while the US ambassador denies any discussion of a military base tied to Penrhyn/Tongareva. Waste & Plastics: Te Ipukarea Society convened government, business and Pa Enua stakeholders to push practical steps for reducing single-use plastics and progressing a national action plan. Climate & Health Context: Pacific life expectancy gains are uneven, and Cook Islands is highlighted as the region’s top performer, while leaders at the UN stress climate threats as present realities. Media & Skills: The PINA summit in Savusavu focused on reaching remote communities through digital innovation, and the NES celebrated environmental leaders completing a sustainability master’s program.

Tourism Recognition: The Cook Islands was named Oceania’s Leading Island Destination 2026 at the World Travel Awards, its fourth straight win, with the industry crediting tourism workers and airline partners. Wharf Progress (Tongareva): PM Mark Brown visited Tongareva with the US Ambassador and NZ High Commissioner to brief the community on a safe, reliable wharf at Omoka, amid renewed talk about what the port could be used for. US Influence Clarified: The US Ambassador said Washington is not discussing a military base at Penrhyn/Tongareva, framing security talks around illegal fishing and narco-terrorism. Plastic Pollution Action: Te Ipukarea Society convened government, private sector and Pa Enua stakeholders to push practical, coordinated steps to cut single-use plastics and strengthen the national action plan. Media & AI for the Pacific: Pacific journalists at the PINA summit urged “human-in-the-loop” AI use so newsrooms don’t lose cultural expertise or editorial control. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Greenpeace occupied a NZ state-owned research vessel tied to deep-sea mineral exploration, warning Pacific communities could face irreversible ocean damage if mining starts. Climate Pressure at the UN: Tuvalu and Solomon Islands leaders told the UN General Assembly climate impacts are already here and small states need scaled grants and resilience support. Market Feedback: Public consultation is underway on the future of Punanga Nui Market via new surveys for vendors and users after Stage 1 precinct works. Tourism Leadership: CITIC re-elected Liana Scott as president for 2026/27, setting priorities on workforce, immigration, regulation and balancing growth with sustainability.

Public Health & Development: A Devpolicy Blog review puts Pacific life expectancy at 68.8 years (up from 52.7 in 1960), but progress is slower than in other middle-income countries, with Naoero singled out for a sharp slide to the region’s lowest level by 2023. AI & Media Independence: At the 8th Pacific Media Summit, speakers warned Pacific newsrooms risk becoming AI “consumers” unless they build local tools and rules, while urging human-led editorial control. Wharf Progress & Security Claims: In Tongareva, PM Mark Brown met US and NZ partners on a safe wharf at Omoka, as the US ambassador rejected claims of any military base link. Plastic Pollution Action: Te Ipukarea Society convened government, private sector and Pa Enua stakeholders to push practical steps for reducing single-use plastics and advancing a national action plan. Tourism Industry Signals: Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council re-elected Liana Scott, with priorities including workforce, immigration, policy reform and balancing growth with destination sustainability. Market Feedback: CIIC launched surveys to shape the future of Punanga Nui Market after Stage 1 upgrades. Deep-Sea Mining Protest: Greenpeace occupied a NZ state-owned research vessel tied to deep-sea mining exploration, calling for New Zealand to resist moves that could start mining in the Pacific.

Tongareva Wharfs & Pa Enua Connectivity: Prime Minister Mark Brown visited Tongareva with the US Ambassador and NZ High Commissioner to brief locals on a safe, reliable wharf at Omoka, with funding intentions of about NZ$101.5m discussed as partners progress feasibility work. Local Governance & Infrastructure Planning: A Cook Islands News columnist argues wharfs, runways and water all matter under El Niño, but stresses water security may be the make-or-break need for outer islands. Marine Waste & Plastic Reduction: Te Ipukarea Society convened government, private sector and Pa Enua stakeholders to push practical, coordinated steps to cut single-use plastics and strengthen the National Action Plan for Plastics. Tourism Industry Pulse: CITIC re-elected Liana Scott as president for 2026/27, prioritising workforce and immigration, regulatory reform, business costs and destination sustainability; Tourism Woman of the Month Jackey Tanga was also named for her Atiu Villas leadership. Public Consultation: CIIC launched surveys to shape the future of Punanga Nui Market after Stage 1 works, including Te Tapora Kai and Are Kai Moana. Media & AI in the Pacific: At the PINA summit, speakers urged Pacific newsrooms to use AI to support journalism while keeping human judgement and cultural expertise central. Climate & Health Context: Economists highlighted shifting Pacific life expectancy trends, noting Cook Islands’ rise to the highest in the region. Deep-Sea Mining Protest: Greenpeace occupied a NZ state-owned vessel after deep-sea mineral exploration, warning against Pacific deep-sea mining moving toward 2027.

Tongareva Wharf Progress: PM Mark Brown visited Tongareva with US Ambassador Jared Novelly and NZ High Commissioner Catherine Graham to brief locals on a safe, reliable wharf at Omoka, with funding intentions around NZ$101.5m and partners stressing it’s about connectivity, not a military base. Local Governance & Resilience: A Tongareva/Penrhyn wharf debate continues as NZDF crews arrive for Exercise Tropic Twilight, repairing school, hospital and water storage needs on the remote atoll. Plastic Pollution Push: Te Ipukarea Society convened Pa Enua and private-sector stakeholders to tackle single-use plastics, waste-management constraints and the National Action Plan for Plastics, with NES and Infrastructure Cook Islands in the lead. Tourism Industry Update: CITIC re-elected Liana Scott for 2026/27, prioritising workforce and immigration, regulatory reform, business costs and destination sustainability; meanwhile, Tourism Woman of the Month went to Atiu’s Jackey Tanga. Market Consultation: CIIC launched surveys to shape the future of Punanga Nui Market after Stage 1 precinct works, seeking vendor and public feedback. Regional Health Snapshot: New analysis shows Pacific life expectancy rising to 68.8 years, with Cook Islands now the highest in the region. Travel Costs & Demand: NZ international airfares rose 21.5% year-on-year, but demand remains resilient, with Cook Islands flagged among destinations gaining popularity. Media & Skills: The Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu urged AI use that strengthens journalism without replacing human judgement, alongside newsroom sustainability and climate accountability. Deep-Sea Mining Protest: Greenpeace occupied a NZ state-owned research vessel after deep-sea minerals work tied to US mining plans, warning of irreversible ocean damage.

Tongareva Wharf Progress: PM Mark Brown toured Tongareva with US Ambassador Jared Novelly and NZ High Commissioner Catherine Graham to brief residents on a safe, reliable wharf at Omoka, while the US ambassador pushed back on claims of any military base link. Pa Enua Resilience & Water Security: A commentary argues El Niño makes wharfs, runways and water storage inseparable lifelines for outer islands, where shipping limits can quickly turn weather shocks into health and food crises. Plastic Pollution Push: Te Ipukarea Society convened government, private sector and Pa Enua stakeholders to tackle single-use plastics, waste-management constraints and the National Action Plan for Plastics. Tourism Industry Leadership: Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council re-elected Liana Scott for 2026/27, setting priorities on workforce, immigration, regulatory reform, business costs and destination sustainability. Tourism Community Recognition: The 2026 Te Iki’anga a te Iti Tangata People’s Choice Awards drew 17,000+ votes celebrating people behind visitor experiences. Market Feedback: Public consultation is underway on the future of Punanga Nui Market, with new surveys for vendors and users following Stage 1 precinct works. Environmental Skills Upgrade: NES director Halatoa Fua and others completed a Master of Environmental Management and Sustainability, aimed at strengthening Cook Islands environmental governance. Fisheries & Food Security: Pacific delegations pressed fisheries priorities at FAO COFI37 in Rome, backing Pacific-led tuna management and regional cooperation. Financial Services Growth: Trust registrations hit a record 433, up 42%, highlighting expanding US-linked trust administration as a remote second income stream.

Tourism & Awards: The Cook Islands’ visitor industry celebrated its people at the 2026 Te Iki’anga a te Iti Tangata People’s Choice Awards, with more than 17,000 votes cast. Pa Enua Infrastructure: Tongareva welcomed PM Mark Brown, US Ambassador Jared Novelly and NZ High Commissioner Catherine Graham as wharf plans at Omoka move forward, with the partners meeting the community in person. Water Security & Resilience: Columnist Thomas Wynne argues El Niño makes the “which comes first” question urgent—wharfs, runways and water all matter, but water security is the immediate lifeline. Environment & Plastics: Te Ipukarea Society brought over 30 government, private sector and civil society stakeholders together to push practical, coordinated solutions to plastic pollution, including implementation of a national action plan. Media & Industry Skills: Cook Islands News publisher John Woods was honoured at the 8th Pacific Islands News Association summit in Fiji, highlighting the region’s push for sustainable, human-led journalism. Deep Sea Mining Debate: Greenpeace activists occupied a NZ state-owned research vessel tied to deep sea minerals exploration, warning New Zealand must not be complicit in mining plans. Tourism Governance: CITIC re-elected Liana Scott for 2026/27, setting priorities on workforce, immigration, regulation, business costs and balancing growth with destination sustainability. Market Development: CIIC launched surveys to shape the future of Punanga Nui Market after Stage 1 works improved Te Tapora Kai, Are Kai Moana and access/parking. Defence Claims at Penrhyn: US ambassador Jared Novelly denied any discussion of a military base during his Tongareva visit, framing security talks around fisheries and narco-terrorism. Financial Services Growth: Cook Islands trust registrations hit a record 433, up 42% year-on-year, with US-linked demand driving expansion in remote-capable financial services.

Aviation Costs & Travel Demand: Stats NZ says international airfares rose 21.5% year-on-year to August, driven mainly by higher jet fuel costs linked to the Middle East conflict, plus rising aviation system charges; despite the jump, NZ-resident arrivals still climbed to 3.09 million in the year to July (Travel & Connectivity). Deep-Sea Mining Protest: Greenpeace activists occupied a New Zealand state-owned research vessel, Tangaroa, after it completed deep sea mineral exploration for an American company pushing mining from 2027, calling for NZ not to be complicit in seabed extraction (Environment & Extractives). Cook Islands Tourism Leadership: The Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council re-elected Liana Scott as president for 2026/27, with priorities including workforce and immigration, regulatory reform, business costs, and balancing growth with destination sustainability (Tourism & Workforce). Pa Enua Infrastructure: NZDF crews are supporting Penrhyn/Tongareva community projects under Exercise Tropic Twilight, including school and hospital repairs, water storage work, and lagoon surveying (Pa Enua Development). Market Feedback Drive: CIIC has launched surveys to shape the future of Punanga Nui Market after Stage 1 upgrades, gathering views from vendors and the public (Local Commerce).