AGP Executive Report

Cook Islands–New Zealand Politics: Opposition leader Te Ariki Heather says major talks with Wellington can wait until after the 12 August Cook Islands election, aiming to reset relations only after New Zealand’s own election decision in November. Marine Conservation & Tourism Compliance: New Zealand’s DoC reports more than 4 tonnes of protected corals and clams seized under CITES over 3.5 years, warning holidaymakers that many travellers still bring restricted items without permits. Deep-Sea Mining Risks: Multiple reports and Pacific voices are pushing back against deep sea mining as regulators debate rules, with fresh alarm over unstudied radioactive material mobilised from seabed deposits and calls for nations to rethink or pause. Local Industry & Infrastructure Planning: Letters question what happens after ribbon-cutting on Cook Islands projects—urging stronger long-term operations, maintenance, and planning for Pa Enua energy and inter-island shipping investments. Blue Economy Innovation: A feature highlights how marine biotechnology is emerging as a Pacific investment frontier beyond traditional fisheries, from aquaculture to seaweed and marine biomaterials. Disaster Readiness & Logistics: SPC and WFP trained Pacific disaster management warehouse officers in Brisbane, including Cook Islands participants, to improve relief supply handling and dispatch. Safety at Sea: A Pukapuka fisherman missing for a week was found alive after storms, underscoring the need for lifejackets and basic safety gear.

Wildlife Trade Crackdown: New Zealand’s DoC seized over 4 tonnes of protected corals and clams linked to holiday imports, including 2.2 tonnes of coral and 2.4 tonnes of clams, warning travellers—Cook Islands, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa are common sources—about CITES permits and the steady winter flow of illegal items. Pa Enua Equity Debate: Letters question whether Pa Enua islands get a fair share of infrastructure and services, pointing to uneven investment (including solar and barges) and asking what happens after ribbon-cutting—especially for long-term operations, maintenance and upgrades. Deep-Sea Mining Radiation Alarm: Pacific environment groups and a new report warn deep-sea mining could mobilise naturally occurring radioactive materials from the seabed into marine food chains, raising risks for ecosystems and seafood consumers while regulators still lack key research. Cook Islands Seabed Activity Update: American Ocean Minerals says it completed Expedition 7 in the Cook Islands, collecting 4,059 seafloor samples across 53 sites to build environmental baselines ahead of future milestones. Disaster Readiness & Logistics: SPC and WFP trained Pacific warehouse and logistics officers (including Cook Islands) in Brisbane on relief warehousing and dispatch, strengthening disaster supply movement. At-Sea Survival Story: A Pukapuka fisherman lost for a week was found alive after storms, highlighting the dangers of missing basic safety gear. Renewables vs Fuel Pressure: A Pacific fuel crisis timeline shows diesel and electricity costs spiking across the region, with leaders pushing solar to reduce future shocks. Creative Industry Push: Fiji and other Pacific hosts are set for the People of the Pasifika 48-Hour Film Challenge, with Cook Islands among the participating countries.

CITES Enforcement: DOC says more than 4.6 tonnes of protected corals and clams were seized over 3.5 years, with 5,000+ people bringing them in without permits—another reminder for holiday travellers and importers. Pa Enua Equity Debate: A letter challenges whether government investment is evenly shared across the outer islands, pointing to Atiu’s upgrades and barge plans while urging similar attention for other Pa Enua needs. Deep-Sea Mining Radiation Risk: New reports warn deep-sea mining could mobilise naturally occurring radioactive materials, raising concerns for marine life and the seafood food chain as regulators debate rules. Cook Islands Seabed Activity: American Ocean Minerals says Expedition 7 collected 4,059 samples across 53 sites in the Cook Islands area to build environmental baselines ahead of future milestones. Disaster Logistics Training: SPC and WFP trained warehouse and logistics officers from Cook Islands and other Pacific nations in Brisbane to speed relief supply handling during disasters. Fuel Crisis Impacts: A regional review links the fuel crunch to sharp diesel and electricity cost spikes and renewed calls for solar and renewable support. At-Sea Rescue: A Pukapuka fisherman survived a week after his outboard failed in storms, later found by NZDF aircraft and rescued by a Taiwanese fishing vessel. Tourism/Finance Oversight Question: A letter questions why MFEM is leading Te Paata for holiday accommodation providers instead of Tourism Cook Islands, warning it could lead to tighter oversight. Regional Security: Cook Islands’ FM Tingika Elikana argues economic resilience and security are tied, citing pre-planned response to the global fuel crisis at a Pacific peace and security dialogue. Sports Participation: NZ’s AIMS Games confirm record entries, including Cook Islands schools, reflecting strong demand for individual sports despite family cost pressures.

CITES Enforcement: DOC says more than 4 tonnes of protected corals and clams have been seized over the past 3.5 years, with thousands of holiday imports coming in without the right permits. Pa Enua Equity: A letter challenges uneven government investment across the outer islands, questioning whether Atiu’s upgrades and barge plans are matched by similar support for others. Deep-Sea Mining Alarm: New reports warn deep-sea mining could mobilise naturally occurring radioactive materials, raising risks to marine life and seafood via the food chain—while Cook Islands advocates urge caution and more safeguards. Cook Islands Research Push: American Ocean Minerals’ Expedition 7 collected 4,059 seabed samples across 53 sites in the Cook Islands area to strengthen environmental baselines ahead of future steps. Disaster Readiness: SPC and WFP trained Pacific logistics and warehouse officers (including Cook Islands) in Brisbane to speed relief supply handling during emergencies. At-Sea Survival: Pukapuka fisherman Apiuta Apiuta was found alive after a week drifting in a tiny boat, rescued following a NZ Defence Force sighting and a Taiwanese fishing vessel pickup. Tourism & Data Concerns: A letter questions why the Ministry of Finance is leading Te Paata for holiday accommodation, warning it could lead to tighter oversight of private operators.

Pa Enua Funding Fairness: A letter to the editor questions whether government investment is being shared evenly across the outer islands, pointing to upgrades and agricultural support in Atiu plus planned barges from China, while asking if other Pa Enua are getting the same attention. Deep-Sea Mining Radiation Risk: A new report warns deep-sea mining could mobilise naturally occurring radioactive materials from targeted seabed deposits, raising concerns for marine ecosystems and seafood consumers as regulators debate rules at the International Seabed Authority. Disaster Logistics Training: SPC and WFP ran a Pacific Humanitarian Warehousing Program exchange in Brisbane, training Cook Islands and other Pacific logistics officers on procurement, storage, kitting and dispatch for faster relief operations. Cook Islands Deep-Sea Exploration Push: American Ocean Minerals says it completed Expedition 7 in the Cook Islands region, collecting 4,059 samples across 53 sites to build environmental baselines for future seabed mineral work. Tourism & Oversight Debate: Another letter questions why the Ministry of Finance is leading Te Paata for holiday accommodation providers, warning it could lead to greater government oversight of private businesses. At-Sea Rescue: A Pukapuka fisherman survived a week lost at sea after his outboard failed in worsening storms, later found by an RNZAF aircraft and rescued with help from a Taiwanese fishing vessel.

Humanitarian Logistics: SPC and WFP ran a Humanitarian Warehouse Exchange in Brisbane, training Cook Islands logistics officers on the full relief-supply cycle (procurement, receiving, quality checks, kitting, dispatch, and warehouse systems) with first aid certification—peer-to-peer learning aimed at faster disaster response. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: AOMC says it has completed Expedition 7 in the Cook Islands, collecting 4,059 samples across 53 sites to build environmental baselines for future polymetallic nodule work, while an anti-deep-sea mining campaign warns radioactive material could enter the marine food chain if mining disturbs seabed sediments. Fuel Crisis Impact: A Pacific-wide timeline shows diesel and electricity costs spiking after supply disruptions, with leaders pushing renewable options like solar to reduce future shocks. Maritime Safety: Pukapuka fisherman Apiuta Apiuta survived a week at sea after his outboard failed in storms, later rescued by NZ Defence Force aircraft and a Taiwanese fishing vessel. Tourism & Heritage Works: The Avana Nui Maruarua restoration project in Ngatangiia is nearing completion, with local crews tied to ancestral connections. Regional Media & Creative Industry: Fiji’s FBC will host the inaugural People of the Pasifika 48-Hour Film Challenge, with Cook Islands, Samoa and Solomon Islands also taking part in September. Policy & Security: Cook Islands FM Tingika Elikana argued at the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue that economic resilience and security are linked, citing pre-planned responses to the fuel crisis and calling for Pacific-led energy cooperation.

Deep-Sea Mining Debate: A major US-led expedition has collected 4,059 samples across 53 sites in the Cook Islands, but the wider push for polymetallic nodules still faces scrutiny over costs and unproven economics. Maritime Safety: Pukapuka fisherman Apiuta Apiuta was found alive after a week at sea, rescued following motor trouble and harsh storms, a reminder of how quickly small mistakes can turn dangerous. Fuel Crisis Impact: A Pacific-wide look at how diesel and electricity costs surged shows governments scrambling for supply and leaning on renewables like solar to reduce future shocks. Cook Islands Policy & Resilience: Foreign Minister Tingika Elikana argues economic resilience and security are linked, pointing to the Cook Islands’ coordinated response to the fuel crisis and calling for Pacific-led energy cooperation. Governance Watch: Parliament passed the agriculture budget, but the Public Accounts Committee wants tighter oversight of an $800,000 food security programme. Tourism & Community: The Avana Nui Maruarua restoration project is nearing completion, with local crews also tied by ancestry to the landmark. Regional Business/Trust: Metis Global Group’s Cook Islands trust arm is highlighted for “asset resilience” as it marks a decade in the jurisdiction. Creative Industry: Fiji and Solomon Islands are set to host the People of the Pasifika 48-Hour Film Challenge alongside the Cook Islands and Samoa, with films made in just 48 hours.

Creative Industries: Fiji’s FBC TV has been picked as the official broadcast partner for the inaugural People of the Pasifika 48-Hour Film Challenge, running 4–6 September with five local teams per host nation (Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands) making mobile-first films in 48 hours. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: A Cook Islands-focused critique argues deep-seabed mining is a high-risk, high-cost gamble, pointing to optimistic assumptions in a 2025 assessment and concerns over unproven full-scale technology and uncertain economics for cobalt nodules. Maritime Safety: A Pukapuka fisherman, Apiuta Apiuta (“Pone”), survived a week lost at sea after his outboard failed in worsening storms; he was spotted by an RNZAF aircraft and rescued by a Taiwanese fishing vessel. Energy & Cost Pressures: A Pacific-wide fuel crisis timeline shows governments scrambling for supply and raising diesel ceilings, while leaders push renewables like solar to reduce future shocks. Tourism & Governance: A letter questions why the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management is leading Te Paata for holiday accommodation providers, raising fears of expanding government oversight into private business. Food Security Oversight: Cook Islands Parliament passed the agriculture budget, but the Public Accounts Committee urged tighter oversight of an $800,000 food security programme. Regional Security & Resilience: Foreign Minister Tingika Elikana says Pacific-led economic resilience and institutional planning are key to security, citing the Cook Islands’ coordinated response to the fuel crisis.

Deep-Sea Mining Debate: A new push for deep-seabed mining is being challenged by fresh analysis saying Cook Islands nodules may be far less profitable than promised, with extraction costs already looking higher than likely market values and key studies still missing. Maritime Safety: A Pukapuka fisherman, Apiuta “Pone” Apiuta, was found alive after a week at sea following storms that knocked out his dinghy; he was spotted by an RNZAF aircraft and rescued by a Taiwanese fishing vessel. Fuel Crisis Impact: A Pacific-wide timeline shows how the fuel crunch drove sharp diesel and electricity price hikes across islands, pushing governments toward renewables like solar while straining budgets. Cook Islands Tourism & Heritage Works: The Avana Nui Maruarua restoration in Ngatangiia is nearing completion, with builders also tied by ancestry to the landmark. Agriculture Oversight: Cook Islands Parliament passed the agriculture budget, but the Public Accounts Committee wants tighter oversight of a $800,000 food security programme. Regional Policy & Security: Foreign Minister Tingika Elikana told Pacific leaders that economic resilience and security are linked, pointing to the Cook Islands’ coordinated response to the fuel crisis and calling for Pacific-led energy cooperation. Environment Education: Te Ipukarea Society marked 30 years of stewardship by taking students to the landfill and the Takitumu Conservation Area, highlighting waste sorting gaps and the biodiversity at stake. Sports Participation: Record entries for the 2026 AIMS Games in Tauranga include Cook Islands schools, with growth driven by individual sports. Innovation Links: SITI attended a China Business Summit in Auckland, seeking stronger tech and innovation collaboration with New Zealand. Film for Pasifika: The People of the Pasifika 48-hour film challenge is set to run across Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa and Solomon Islands, with teams producing short films in just 48 hours.

Deep-Seabed Mining Reality Check: Te Ipukarea Society says deep-seabed mining won’t be the economic “miracle” it’s been sold as, pointing to independent analysis that costs are likely higher and profits lower than promised, with Cook Islands nodule viability still unproven. Maritime Safety & Community Resilience: Pukapuka fisherman Apiuta Apiuta (“Pone”) was found alive after a week lost at sea, rescued by an RNZAF aircraft team and a Taiwanese fishing vessel crew, after storms knocked out his dinghy twice. Fuel Crisis Fallout Across the Pacific: A regional timeline shows how fuel and electricity costs surged after supply disruptions, with Pacific governments raising diesel ceilings and pushing renewable energy to reduce future shocks. Cook Islands Tourism & Local Industry: Record visitor numbers are helping shield the Cook Islands from the worst of the global fuel crisis, while local policy debates continue around how government agencies engage with private accommodation operators. Regional Security & Economic Resilience: Foreign Minister Tingika Elikana argues Pacific-led energy cooperation and pre-planned responses are key to keeping economic security linked to stability, as leaders meet on peace and security in Suva. AIMS Games Momentum: The 2026 Zespri AIMS Games in Tauranga hit record entries, including Cook Islands representation, with growth driven by individual sports. Environmental Stewardship: Te Ipukarea Society’s 30-year push continues with school visits to the Rarotonga landfill and Takitumu Conservation Area, highlighting waste sorting gaps and biodiversity protection.

Fuel Crisis Impact: Pacific governments raised diesel ceilings and scrambled for supply as the Strait of Hormuz disruption fed through to higher fuel and electricity costs, with leaders pushing for solar and other renewables to avoid future shocks. Maritime Safety: A Cook Islands fisherman missing for a week off Pukapuka was found alive after RNZAF spotted him and a Taiwanese vessel helped rescue him, highlighting the risks of going without basic safety gear. Deep-Sea Resources: American Ocean Minerals wrapped up a major Cook Islands seafloor survey, collecting 4,059 samples across 53 sites to build environmental baselines ahead of potential polymetallic nodule development. Tourism & Resilience: Cook Islands visitor numbers are holding up despite global fuel pressure, with record arrivals helping cushion the economy. Agriculture & Livestock: Early results from an FAO-backed artificial insemination programme are boosting local pig and goat breeding, while Fiji’s fresh and frozen ag exports hit record earnings. Food Security Oversight: Cook Islands’ agriculture budget passed, but parliament’s Public Accounts Committee urged tighter oversight of a $800,000 food security programme. Environment Education: Te Ipukarea Society marked 30 years by taking students to the landfill and conservation area to spotlight waste sorting and biodiversity. Regional Security Policy: Foreign Minister Tingika Elikana argued at the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue that economic resilience and security are linked, calling for Pacific-led energy cooperation. EU Tuna Access: Pacific fisheries officials trained on new EU onboard freezing rules, underscoring how temperature control can make or break access to the EU tuna market.

Fuel Crisis Fallout: Pacific governments have raised diesel ceilings and scrambled for supply as the region faces a managed but sharp jump in fuel and electricity costs, with leaders pushing renewables like solar to avoid future shocks. Cook Islands Resilience & Tourism: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says the country has avoided a worst-case GDP hit despite global oil disruptions, pointing to record visitor numbers as a buffer. Maritime Safety for Local Fishing: A Pukapuka fisherman missing for a week was found alive after RNZAF’s P-8A Poseidon spotted him in a tiny 13-foot boat; he survived storms with minimal gear. Deep-Sea Industry Watch: American Ocean Minerals wrapped up a major Cook Islands seafloor sampling mission (4,059 samples across 53 sites) to build environmental baselines ahead of potential polymetallic nodule development. Agriculture & Food Security: Cook Islands Parliament passed the agriculture budget, but the Public Accounts Committee urged tighter oversight of an $800,000 food security programme; meanwhile, AI breeding under an FAO programme is showing early gains for local pig and goat farmers. Regional Policy & Trade: Pacific fisheries officials are training for EU tuna freezing rules, highlighting how compliance and cold-chain engineering can make or break access to the EU market.

Maritime Safety: A Cook Islands fisherman from Pukapuka, Apiuta “Pone” Apiuta, was found alive after 7 days missing at sea in a tiny 13-foot aluminium rowboat. The RNZAF P-8A Poseidon crew spotted him west of Pukapuka and a Taiwanese fishing vessel helped pluck him from the ocean; he was seen waving in a blue T-shirt and black shorts. Local Economy & Resilience: Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown says the country has avoided a feared GDP hit despite the global fuel shock, pointing to record visitor numbers and continued growth. Tourism & Heritage Works: The Avana Nui Maruarua restoration in Ngatangiia is nearing completion, with the construction crew also tied by ancestry to the landmark. Agriculture & Food Systems: The Cook Islands Parliament passed the agriculture budget, while a Public Accounts Committee push for tighter oversight landed on an $800,000 food security programme. Environment & Community: Te Ipukarea Society marked 30 years of stewardship with school visits to the Rarotonga landfill and Takitumu Conservation Area, spotlighting waste sorting gaps and biodiversity protection. Livestock Breeding: Early results from the FAO-backed Artificial Insemination programme are emerging for local pig and goat farmers.

Maritime Safety: Pukapuka fisher Apiuta Apiuta (Pone) was knocked out of his dinghy twice in relentless storms and only found after a week at sea, spotted by RNZDF aircraft and rescued by a Taiwanese fishing vessel. Maritime Search & Rescue: RNZAF Poseidon also located another missing Cook Islands fisherman west of Pukapuka after he failed to return from a day’s fishing, with nearby vessels able to pick him up. Tourism & Heritage Works: The Avana Nui Maruarua restoration in Ngatangiia is nearing completion, with crews working on one of the Cook Islands’ key historical landmarks. Environment & Waste: Te Ipukarea Society marked 30 years by taking students to the Rarotonga landfill and the Takitumu Conservation Area, highlighting the scale of waste and the need for better sorting by homes and tourism. Agriculture & Livestock: FAO’s artificial insemination programme is showing early gains for local pig and goat breeding. Regional Policy: Foreign Minister Tingika Elikana urged Pacific-led economic and energy resilience at the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue, pointing to the Cook Islands’ coordinated response to the fuel crisis. Governance & Oversight: Parliament passed the agriculture budget, but the Public Accounts Committee called for tighter oversight of a $800,000 food security programme.

Innovation & Industry Links: Cook Islands’ innovation/industry officials are in Auckland for the China Business Summit, with Hong Kong pushing deeper AI, life/health tech and fintech collaboration with New Zealand. Deep-Sea Minerals Watch: A major US-led deep-sea sampling mission collected 4,059 seabed samples across 53 sites in the Cook Islands area, feeding future environmental baselines ahead of polymetallic nodule development. Fuel Crisis & Resilience: A Pacific-wide fuel crisis timeline shows how diesel and power costs spiked after the Hormuz disruption, driving urgent calls for renewable energy and regional energy cooperation. Cook Islands Tourism & Policy: Record visitor numbers are helping shield the Cook Islands from worst-case GDP damage, while Parliament debates oversight of a $800,000 food security programme. Agriculture on the Ground: Early gains are emerging from a FAO-backed artificial insemination programme for local pig and goat breeding. Environment & Community: Te Ipukarea Society marks 30 years with hands-on waste and conservation education, including landfill visits for school students. Regional Security: Foreign Minister Tingika Elikana argues Pacific-led economic resilience is inseparable from security, citing the Cook Islands’ coordinated response to the fuel crisis.

Deep-Sea Minerals: AOMC’s Expedition 7 has wrapped up a three-week survey in the Cook Islands, pulling 4,059 samples from 53 sites to build environmental baselines ahead of future polymetallic nodule work. Tourism & Community: The Avana Nui Maruarua restoration in Ngatangiia is nearing completion, with crews also tied by ancestry to the landmark. Local Agriculture Oversight: Cook Islands Parliament passed the agriculture budget, but the Public Accounts Committee wants tighter oversight of the $800,000 food security programme. Livestock Breeding: The FAO-backed Artificial Insemination programme is showing early gains for local pig and goat farmers. Food & Fisheries Market Access: Pacific exporters are training on onboard freezing requirements tied to EU tuna rules, with temperature control now critical for keeping access to the EU market. Energy Security & Policy: Minister Tingika Elikana told the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue that economic resilience and security are linked, pointing to the Cook Islands’ coordinated response to the fuel crisis and calling for Pacific-led energy cooperation. Environment Education: Te Ipukarea Society marks 30 years with school visits to the landfill and conservation areas, highlighting waste sorting gaps and biodiversity protection. Regional Finance: Pacific finance ministers meet in the Marshall Islands to tackle the Middle East shock and push coordinated economic resilience planning.