AGP Executive Report

Energy & Fuel Security: Cook Islands’ new online dashboard says fuel stocks are stable, with Rarotonga up to 57 days and Aitutaki “well-stocked” despite a 10-day petrol baseline, while Penrhyn Island hit a diesel crunch and borrowed 5,000 litres from police patrol boat Te Kukupa II as deliveries are due around June 25–26. Food & Fisheries Compliance: EU rules on freezer vessels are set to hit 97% of Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU, with Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu training officials on the new requirements to keep seafood market access. Agribusiness & Forestry Skills: FAO and the EU-backed STODAS project spotlighted Samoa’s Agri-Innovate Competition, while Samoa forestry officers completed sustainable teak and pine production training in Suva, building climate-resilient skills. Tourism & Local Industry: “Taste of the Cook Islands” returns to Te Tapora Kai at Punanga Nui Market, boosting vendor foot traffic with local food, crafts and culture. Environment & Pest Pressure: Beach plastic is being blamed on tourism and community habits, and an island-wide ant infestation is threatening Rarotonga’s ecosystem. Construction & Compliance: Fire safety boss Neil Gould was sentenced after MBIE found he falsified building compliance paperwork for a fire hydrant system. Maritime Safety: Five sailors were reported killed after cargo ships were hit by drones in the Sea of Azov. Geopolitics & Minerals: Deep-sea mining is increasingly tied to US-China competition, with China’s fleet and Pacific seabed control under renewed scrutiny.

Beach Waste & Tourism: A new baseline study says Cook Islands beach plastic pollution is being driven locally by tourism and community habits, pushing industry leaders to call for targeted waste management and tighter collaboration. Invasive Pest Alert: Growers and agricultural experts report an invasive pest outbreak spreading through the Cook Islands, raising alarm over origins and impacts on local production. Local Food & Market Boost: “Taste of the Cook Islands” returned to Te Tapora Kai at Punanga Nui Market, with new vendors, live culture, and sampling of staples like ika mata and rukau to lift visitor and local foot traffic. Fuel Security Update: Government’s new online dashboard reports “stable” fuel stocks, with Rarotonga up to 57 days and Aitutaki well-stocked despite a 10-day petrol baseline. Northern Group Power Strain: Penrhyn Island hit a diesel crunch, borrowing 5,000 litres from the police patrol boat and restricting power use while awaiting the next barge shipment. Food Safety for Seafood Exports: EU training in Suva targets new freezer-vessel food safety rules expected to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting seafood. Energy Politics: Opposition backs the National Energy Response Framework, urging early, calm preparation to avoid uncertainty for families and businesses. Tourism Sustainability Planning: Stakeholders met to review progress on the Destination Stewardship Plan and map the next phase of sustainable tourism development.

Beach Waste & Tourism: A new baseline study says Cook Islands beach plastic pollution is being driven locally by tourism and community habits, prompting calls for targeted waste management and tighter industry-community coordination. Invasive Pest Alert: Growers and arborists report an invasive pest outbreak unlike anything they’ve seen before, with a two-part investigation tracing origins and spread. Local Food Push: “Taste of the Cook Islands” returned to Te Tapora Kai at Punanga Nui Market, featuring local dishes, new vendors, itivaine samples, and cultural demos—aimed at boosting market foot traffic. Fuel Security Update: Government’s new online dashboard reports “stable” fuel stocks, with Rarotonga up to 57 days and Aitutaki well-stocked, supporting the National Energy Response Framework. Northern Group Power Crunch: Penrhyn Island hit its last 100 litres of diesel, borrowing 5,000 litres from police and restricting power hours until the next shipment. Energy Politics: Opposition backs the energy framework, urging early, calm preparation to avoid uncertainty for families and businesses. Food Safety for Seafood Exports: EU rules on freezer vessels could affect 97% of Pacific Island vessels exporting to the EU, with regional training in Suva to help authorities meet new requirements. Sustainable Tourism Planning: Stakeholders reviewed progress on the Destination Stewardship Plan and discussed the next phase for sustainable tourism development.

Invasive Pests: Growers and arborists are sounding the alarm after an invasive pest outbreak they say is unlike anything they’ve seen before, with reporting focused on how it started and spread across the Cook Islands. Food & Tourism: “Taste of the Cook Islands” returns to Te Tapora Kai at the Punanga Nui Market, with local dishes, live music, cultural demos, and new vendor participation aimed at boosting market foot traffic. Energy Security: The Government’s new online dashboard says fuel stocks are stable, with Rarotonga up to 57 days of supply and Aitutaki well-stocked, as the country moves through the National Energy Response Framework. Northern Group Fuel Crunch: Penrhyn Island has run down to its last 100 litres of diesel, borrowing 5,000 litres from the police patrol boat and restricting power use while awaiting the next barge delivery. Seafood Compliance: EU rules on freezer vessels are set to affect most EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels, with regional training in Suva supporting authorities to keep access to the EU seafood market. Local Resilience & Infrastructure: Renovations to the Ngatangiia CICC Ekalesia Sunday School Hall strengthen the Rarotonga Safety Shelter Programme, improving roofs, accessibility, and disaster readiness. Regional Tourism Connectivity: Pacific tourism leaders stress tighter coordination between tourism and aviation to improve connectivity and sustainable growth, including discussions at the ASPA meeting in the Cook Islands.

Local Food & Crafts: “Taste of the Cook Islands” returns to Te Tapora Kai at Punanga Nui Market (9am–12 noon), with local dishes, live music, itivaine samples, and new registered vendors joining the usual Friday food, craft, and craft-jewellery stalls. Energy Security: Government’s new online dashboard says fuel stocks are stable—Rarotonga up to 57 days and Aitutaki well-stocked—while the country sits in the Amber phase of its National Energy Response Framework. Northern Group Fuel Crunch: Penrhyn Island has burned through its last 100 litres of diesel and is borrowing 5,000 litres from police patrol boat Te Kukupa II, with power restricted and a barge scheduled around June 25–26. Tourism Planning: Stakeholders met to review progress on the Destination Stewardship Plan and map the next phase of sustainable tourism development. Food Safety for Exports: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained on new EU freezer-vessel food safety rules that could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting seafood.

Energy & Shipping Costs: Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands has run out of diesel (last 100 litres) and borrowed 5,000 litres from police patrol boat Te Kukupa II, with power use restricted to 6am–10pm while a barge fuel delivery is expected around June 25–26. Energy Policy: The Cook Islands has moved into phase two of its five-phase National Energy Response Framework to manage global fuel supply shocks linked to the Middle East conflict. Tourism & Aviation: The Pacific Tourism Organisation used the ASPA81 meeting in Rarotonga to push tighter tourism–aviation partnerships, arguing air connectivity is key to sustainable growth across island economies. Sustainable Tourism Planning: Cook Islands stakeholders met to review progress on the Destination Stewardship Plan and map the next phase of sustainable tourism development. Food Security (Opinion): A local analyst argues the Cook Islands should boost domestic agriculture to cut import dependence and strengthen economic resilience. Community Resilience: Renovations to the Ngatangiia CICC Ekalesia–Sunday School Hall were completed under the Rarotonga Safety Shelter Programme, improving safety shelter capacity and accessibility. Regional Forestry Exchange: FAO-backed training in Suva supported Samoa’s sustainable teak and pine production skills to build climate resilience. International Visitor Data: SPTO and Niue Tourism released the 2024 International Visitor Survey to guide tourism strategy using Pacific-wide data.

Food Security & Local Farming: A Cook Islands opinion piece argues the country can cut import dependence by backing local growers, strengthening grower associations, and building a coordinated agriculture push across Rarotonga and the Southern Group. Energy & Fuel Supply: Cook Islands’ Penrhyn Island has hit a diesel crunch, borrowing 5,000 litres from the police patrol boat and restricting power use while a June barge delivery is awaited; meanwhile, the government moves into phase two of a five-phase energy response framework. Tourism & Aviation Links: Cook Islands hosted ASPA81, with regional leaders stressing stronger tourism–aviation partnerships to improve connectivity and support island economies. Sustainable Tourism Planning: Stakeholders reviewed progress on the Cook Islands Destination Stewardship Plan and mapped the next phase for sustainable tourism development. Regional Forestry Resilience: FAO reports Samoa forestry officers completed training in sustainable teak and pine production in Suva, boosting climate resilience through South-South knowledge exchange. Community Safety Infrastructure: Ngatangiia’s CICC Ekalesia Sunday School Hall renovation is completed under the Rarotonga Safety Shelter Programme, improving disaster preparedness and accessibility.

Fuel Supply Stress in the Northern Group: Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands has burned through its last 100 litres of diesel and is now drawing on 5,000 litres borrowed from police patrol boat Te Kukupa II, while restricting power use to 6am–10pm as the next barge delivery is expected around June 25–26. Energy Policy Pressure: Cook Islands Opposition backs the National Energy Response Framework, urging “early and calm preparation” so families, businesses and Pa Enua communities aren’t left in limbo. Tourism + Aviation Link-Up: At the ASPA81 meeting in Rarotonga, the Pacific Tourism Organisation stressed that tourism can’t grow without stronger aviation partnerships, with delegates calling for tighter coordination across airlines, airports and tourism bodies. Sustainable Tourism Planning: Stakeholders reviewed progress on the Cook Islands Destination Stewardship Plan and mapped the next phase for sustainable tourism development. Community Safety Infrastructure: The Rarotonga Safety Shelter Programme has finished renovating the Ngatangiia CICC Ekalesia–Sunday School Hall, adding roof replacement, solar panel reinstatement, accessibility upgrades and safer disaster-preparedness facilities. Regional Forestry Skills Exchange: FAO-backed training in Suva helped Samoa forestry officers build sustainable teak and pine production and management skills, supporting climate resilience across the Pacific. Cook Islands–China Connectivity: PM Mark Brown’s visit to Wuzhou highlighted cooperation tied to the launch of the government-owned MV Tuitui Moana, aimed at improving Cook Islands connectivity.

Energy & Supply Security: Cook Islands Government moves into phase two of its five-phase energy response framework as fuel risks tied to the Middle East conflict continue, while Penrhyn Island runs on borrowed diesel and restricts power use until the next shipment. Tourism & Aviation Connectivity: Cook Islands hosts ASPA81 aviation leaders, with SPTO stressing tourism and airlines must work together to strengthen regional connectivity and resilience. Sustainable Tourism Planning: Stakeholders review progress on the Cook Islands Destination Stewardship Plan and map the next phase for sustainable tourism development. Tourism Data: SPTO and Niue Tourism share findings from the 2024 International Visitor Survey, highlighting visitor preferences and spending to guide Pacific tourism strategy. Forestry & Climate Resilience: FAO supports Samoa and Fiji with a sustainable teak and pine production training exchange aimed at improving seed propagation and harvesting skills for climate resilience. Community Safety Infrastructure: Rarotonga Safety Shelter Programme completes renovations to the Ngatangiia CICC Ekalesia Sunday School Hall, adding accessibility upgrades and disaster preparedness capacity.

Energy & Fuel Security: Cook Islands Government moves into phase two of its five-phase energy response framework as global fuel risks from the Middle East conflict continue, while Penrhyn Island runs down its last 100 litres of diesel and borrows 5,000 litres from police patrol boat Te Kukupa II, with power use restricted and a June barge delivery expected. Tourism & Aviation: The Pacific Tourism Organisation says tourism growth depends on tighter tourism–aviation partnerships, highlighted at the ASPA81 meeting hosted in Rarotonga, as delegates push for better coordination across airlines, airports and tourism bodies. Sustainable Tourism Planning: Stakeholders review progress on the Destination Stewardship Plan and map the next phase for sustainable tourism development. Tourism Data: SPTO and Niue Tourism Office release International Visitor Survey findings under the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, aimed at guiding visitor experience, spending and strategy across the region. Community Resilience: Rarotonga Safety Shelter Programme completes renovations to the Ngatangiia CICC Ekalesia–Sunday School Hall, adding accessibility upgrades and disaster-preparedness capacity. Agrifood Innovation: Global AgriInno Challenge 2026 opens applications for agrifood innovators in Small Island Developing States, with Cook Islands among the eligible SIDS teams. Education & Skills: Open Polytechnic graduation highlights Cook Islands-born learner Susan Aretere earning a Bachelor of Social Work, reflecting growing demand for workforce-ready qualifications.

Tourism Data & Visitor Demand: The Pacific Tourism Organisation, with Niue, released the 2024 International Visitor Survey under the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, highlighting New Zealand as the top source market (84%), visitor age patterns (60–69), and how the data will guide more resilient tourism planning across Cook Islands and the wider Pacific. Aviation–Tourism Link: At ASPA81 in Rarotonga, SPTO stressed that tourism can’t grow without stronger airline and airport partnerships, with delegates calling for closer coordination to improve connectivity for small island economies. Fuel Supply Pressure: Penrhyn Island hit a diesel crunch, borrowing 5,000 litres from police patrol boat Te Kukupa II while restricting power use; the next fuel barge is expected mid-to-late June as regional prices keep climbing. Energy Policy Debate: The Opposition backed the National Energy Response Framework, urging calm, early preparation to avoid uncertainty for families, businesses and the Pa Enua. Shipping & Connectivity: PM Mark Brown marked the launch of the MV Tuitui Moana in China, calling it a practical step for safer, more reliable inter-island shipping and improved access for communities. Sustainable Tourism Planning: Stakeholders reviewed progress on the Destination Stewardship Plan and mapped the next phase for sustainable tourism development. Community Safety Infrastructure: Ngatangiia’s CICC Ekalesia–Sunday School Hall renovation was completed under the Rarotonga Safety Shelter Programme, adding accessibility upgrades and updated solar and building works. Agri Innovation Call: Global AgriInno Challenge 2026 is open for agrifood innovators targeting Small Island Developing States, with Cook Islands among the eligible SIDS and finalists heading to Hangzhou in August.

Energy Security: Opposition backs the National Energy Response Framework, saying calm early preparation is better than leaving families and the Pa Enua in limbo. Fuel Supply Crunch: Penrhyn Island hit a diesel shortage, using its last 100 litres and borrowing 5,000 litres from police patrol boat Te Kukupa II, while power use is restricted as the next barge is due mid/late June. Tourism-Aviation Link: The Pacific Tourism Organisation urged tighter tourism and aviation partnerships at ASPA81 in Rarotonga, stressing air connectivity as a key driver of sustainable tourism growth. Tourism Demand Risk: Cook Islands tourism leaders warn the country is still exposed to a global slowdown, even as government downplays a worst-case 5% GDP drop. Domestic Shipping Upgrade: PM Mark Brown marked the inauguration of MV Tuitui Moana in China, a co-funded inter-island vessel aimed at improving connectivity and lowering transport costs. Disaster Preparedness: Renovations to the Ngatangiia CICC Ekalesia Sunday School Hall were completed under the Rarotonga Safety Shelter Programme, adding roof, solar, accessibility and repainting works. Public Health: Cook Islands regained dengue-free status after 26 days without cases, but tourism and households are urged to avoid complacency. Regional Travel: Air New Zealand launched a seasonal Christchurch–Rarotonga direct service up to three times weekly through late October.

Fuel & Energy Security: Penrhyn Island burned through its last 100 litres of diesel, then borrowed 5,000 litres from police patrol boat Te Kukupa II, with power use restricted to 6am–10pm while a barge fuel delivery is expected around 25–26 June. Disaster Preparedness & Community Infrastructure: The Rarotonga Safety Shelter Programme has finished renovating the Ngatangiia CICC Ekalesia–Sunday School Hall, including a new roof, solar panel reinstalls, accessibility upgrades, and new disability-friendly facilities. Shipping & Connectivity: PM Mark Brown marked the inauguration of the MV Tuitui Moana in Wuzhou, China—an inter-island vessel co-funded by Cook Islands and China to strengthen domestic maritime transport. Aviation & Tourism Access: Air New Zealand launched a seasonal non-stop Christchurch–Rarotonga service up to three times weekly through late October, aiming to make travel easier for South Islanders. Tourism Risk Watch: Cook Islands tourism leaders warned the sector remains exposed to a global slowdown, even as government points to a 5% GDP decline as a worst-case scenario. Public Health Update: The Cook Islands has regained dengue-free status after 26 days without a recorded case, but officials urged continued mosquito-breeding control to avoid complacency. Regional Ocean & Culture: Pacific voyaging and ocean conservation leaders gathered at Rapa Nui to strengthen ancestral ties and push high-seas marine protection. Sports & Youth: The CITC Prince of Wales Primary School Athletics Championship kicked off in Rarotonga with strong performances and “energy and enthusiasm” from schools. Energy Transition Debate: A letter criticises delays in Cook Islands renewable electricity targets, arguing residents are paying the price through rising fossil fuel costs.

Nuclear & Pacific politics: Fukushima’s treated wastewater release is back in the spotlight as critics challenge Japan’s ALPS plan, with scientists and activists arguing the approach is scientifically flawed. Energy & cost pressure: The Cook Islands moves into phase two of a five-phase fuel supply response as Middle East conflict risks keep fuel volatility front and centre. Disaster readiness: Ngatangiia’s CICC Ekalesia Sunday School Hall has been renovated to serve as a stronger community safety shelter, with accessibility upgrades and solar panel work included. Tourism sustainability: Stakeholders reviewed progress on the Destination Stewardship Plan and mapped the next phase for sustainable tourism development. Tourism demand risk: The tourism industry warns the Cook Islands is still highly exposed to a global economic slowdown, even as government downplays a worst-case 5% GDP decline. Aviation & connectivity: Cook Islands hosts ASPA81 aviation leaders, while a new Air New Zealand non-stop Christchurch–Rarotonga service adds more seats for South Island travellers. Shipping upgrade: MV Tuitui Moana was inaugurated in China, a new inter-island vessel aimed at improving connectivity across the Pa Enua. Labour & inflation debate: A minimum wage rise to $10.50 from 1 July 2026 is sparking pushback from workers and concern from businesses about price rises and layoffs. Health update: The Cook Islands is declared dengue-free again after 26 days without cases, though other Pacific outbreaks continue.

Aviation & Tourism Connectivity: Air New Zealand launches a new seasonal non-stop Christchurch–Rarotonga service (up to three times weekly), giving South Islanders a faster route to the Cook Islands. Sustainable Tourism Planning: Stakeholders review progress on the Destination Stewardship Plan and map the next phase for sustainable tourism development. Shipping & Domestic Transport: PM Mark Brown marks the inauguration of the MV Tuitui Moana in China, a co-funded inter-island vessel aimed at improving connectivity and lowering transport costs across the Pa Enua. Energy Security: Government moves into phase two of a five-phase fuel supply response plan to manage global fuel risks tied to Middle East conflict. Tourism Demand Risk: The tourism industry warns the Cook Islands remains exposed to a global slowdown, even as government points to a worst-case 5% GDP decline scenario. Labour & Costs: Cook Islands’ minimum wage rises to $10.50/hour from 1 July 2026, sparking debate over inflation pressure, potential price hikes, and possible layoffs. Health: Cook Islands regains dengue-free status after 26 days without a case, while other Pacific areas still report outbreaks. Regional Influence: Commentary questions whether Quad-driven port plans for Fiji are being shaped without enough Pacific voice in the room.

Pacific Voyaging & Ocean Stewardship: Rapa Nui hosted Te Piri mā’ohi o Te Moana Nui a Hiva, bringing together voyaging leaders, scientists and government reps to share wayfinding knowledge and push marine conservation, with Cook Islands among the participating communities. Sustainable Tourism Planning: Stakeholders reviewed progress on the Destination Stewardship Plan and mapped the next phase of sustainable tourism development, as industry voices warn the sector remains exposed to global downturn risks. Aviation & Connectivity: Cook Islands welcomed Pacific aviation leaders for ASPA81, focused on strategic partnerships between aviation and tourism, while a new Air New Zealand non-stop Christchurch–Rarotonga service adds more seats for South Island travellers. Domestic Shipping Upgrade: PM Mark Brown backed the inauguration of the MV Tuitui Moana in China, a co-funded vessel aimed at improving safe inter-island connectivity across the Pa Enua. Fuel Security Response: Government moved into phase two of a five-phase energy response framework to manage fuel supply shocks tied to Middle East conflict. Minimum Wage Pressure: The $10.50 hourly minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is welcomed by workers but sparks business fears of higher prices and layoffs. Public Health Update: Cook Islands regained dengue-free status after 26 days without cases, though other Pacific outbreaks continue. Tourism Demand Signals: Industry data and visitor survey work continues across the region, including Kiribati’s 2025 International Visitor Survey report. Critical Minerals & Wider Pacific Politics: Regional diplomacy and major power moves—from Quad port plans in Fiji to critical minerals deals—keep shaping the business environment around the Pacific.