AGP Executive Report

Cook Islands Port Deal: The US and New Zealand have committed about US$60m to upgrade Penrhyn/Tongareva’s port at Omoka, aiming to improve safer landings and reliable delivery of fuel, food and construction materials for the northern Cook Islands. Deep-Sea Mining Backlash: Greenpeace Aotearoa is calling the port funding a “Trojan horse” tied to critical minerals and deep-sea mining, arguing it could open the door to seabed exploitation and accusing the project of colonial resource grabbing. Local Voices on Penrhyn: A Cook Islands columnist and community advocates are urging an open discussion with islanders, stressing the project must be led by Tongareva people and that transparency and consent matter as foreign investment ramps up. Climate Pressure: Pacific leaders and aid groups are warning that a strengthening El Niño could bring drought, heavier rainfall in other areas, and rising pressure on drinking water, food and children’s health—on top of ongoing fuel stress. Conservation & Food Security: A new conservation partnership is using automated predator traps in Rarotonga’s cloud forest to protect native wildlife, including seabirds threatened by rats and feral cats. Freight Infrastructure (Mauke): Construction is underway on a new purpose-built Mauke cargo shed (NZ$300,000), expected to be completed in early November to improve handling and temporary storage of freight. Shipping Tech (Regional): OM Maritime’s CEO says shipping’s AI agenda is too vendor-led and argues users should drive what technology actually fits their operations.

Port Upgrade & Geopolitics: The US and New Zealand have agreed to co-fund a major upgrade of Penrhyn/Tongareva port in the northern Cook Islands—US$50m (subject to US processes) plus NZ$17.5m—framed as a lifeline for safer landings and better freight access, but also tied to the wider Critical Minerals push. Greenpeace Backlash: Greenpeace Aotearoa and Cook Islands-descended spokesperson Juressa Lee are calling it “resource grabbing” and a “Trojan horse” for deep-sea mining, while also disputing claims of racism in the debate. Local Voice on Tongareva: A Cook Islands columnist stresses the project must be led by Tongareva people, highlighting community consultation and transparency concerns around the port and any minerals agenda. Freight Infrastructure (Mauke): Work is underway on a new $300,000 purpose-built cargo shed for Mauke, due in early November, aimed at improving protection, handling and temporary storage of sea freight. Conservation & Food Security: Automated predator traps have been installed in Rarotonga’s Takuvaine cloud forest to protect native wildlife from rats and feral cats—supporting long-term ecosystem health. Climate Risk: Pacific communities are bracing for a strengthening El Niño, with warnings for drought, heavier rain in other areas, and pressure on water, food and children’s health. Creative Industries: Cook Islands teams are set to compete in the POP48 film challenge, with Pacific filmmakers urged to take control of their own stories. Maritime Legal Watch: Finland’s appeals court has reopened the Eagle S anchor-dragging case involving damage to subsea cables, a reminder that Cook Islands-flagged shipping can face major legal scrutiny.

Cook Islands Port Upgrade: The US and New Zealand have jointly backed a major Penrhyn/Tongareva port upgrade, with the US putting in US$50m and NZ$17.5m, framed as a “lifeline” for safer landings and better freight links for the northern Cook Islands. Green Sea-Change Debate: Greenpeace Aotearoa is pushing back hard, calling it “resource grabbing” and a “Trojan horse” tied to critical minerals and possible deep-sea mining, while Cook Islands voices also argue over transparency and what islanders are being told. Pacific Forum Fallout: At the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, leaders faced intense external pressure around China, while the summit still delivered climate and policing outcomes—plus more US funding across the region. Mauke Freight Boost: Work has started on Mauke’s new purpose-built $300,000 cargo shed, due in early November, aimed at improving protection, handling and temporary storage for sea freight. Maritime Risk in International Waters: Finland’s appeals court has reopened the anchor-dragging case involving the Cook Islands-flagged tanker Eagle S, after earlier dismissal—raising stakes for prosecutions tied to damage to subsea cables. Fuel + El Niño Pressure: Pacific communities are being warned to prepare for a strong El Niño, with knock-on risks to water, food and children’s health amid ongoing fuel stress. Shipping Tech & AI: A Singapore shipowner argues shipping’s AI agenda is still being driven by vendors more than users, with more practical vessel monitoring and automation on the table.

Pacific Infrastructure & Trade: Work has started on Mauke’s new purpose-built $300,000 cargo shed, a 16.5m by 21.5m facility due for completion in early November to improve freight protection, handling and temporary storage. Cook Islands Ports Under Fire: The US and New Zealand’s co-funded Penrhyn/Tongareva port upgrade (US$50m + NZ$17.5m) is being attacked by Greenpeace Aotearoa as “resource grabbing” and a “Trojan horse” for deep-sea mining, while Cook Islands leaders frame it as a lifeline for safer landings and better supply access. Fuel, Climate & Food Security: Pacific communities are bracing for a strong El Niño, with warnings of drought in some areas, heavier rain in others, and added pressure on drinking water, food and children’s health. Regional Funding Reforms: The Green Climate Fund says it will speed approvals and expand direct access for Pacific national and regional institutions, aiming to cut delays and reduce intermediaries. Shipping Tech & Labour: A Singapore shipowner argues shipping’s AI agenda should be driven more by users than vendors, with AI-assisted monitoring seen as a way to cope with seafarer shortages. Tourism Industry Spotlight: Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto launches Tourism Month 2026 (Sept 1–30), spotlighting awards and pathways for women and youth in the Cook Islands tourism sector.

Mauke Freight Upgrade: Construction is underway on Mauke’s new $300,000 purpose-built cargo shed, a 16.5m x 21.5m x 6m facility due for completion in early November, designed to protect and temporarily store sea freight and improve long-term logistics for the island. Port, Minerals & Sovereignty Clash: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, the US and New Zealand announced a co-funded Penrhyn/Tongareva port upgrade (US$50m + NZ$17.5m), with Greenpeace Aotearoa calling it a “Trojan horse” for deep-sea mining and “resource grabbing,” while Cook Islands leaders frame it as a lifeline for safer access and better supply routes. Climate Pressure on Industry: ChildFund warns El Niño is likely to intensify fuel, water and food stress across Pacific communities, raising risks for children’s health—an issue that can quickly ripple into shipping, food supply and service costs. Climate Finance Access: The Green Climate Fund says it’s speeding approvals and expanding direct access for national and regional institutions, aiming to reduce delays and intermediaries. Tourism Industry Push: Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto (Tourism Month 2026) runs Sept 1–30, spotlighting people, women and youth pathways through awards and development programmes. Regional Security Funding: Australia unveiled a $600m Pacific surveillance push targeting narco-trafficking routes, underscoring how security spending is increasingly tied to maritime operations. Creative Sector: POP48 is gearing up, with Cook Islands teams among hosts producing short films in 48 hours to help Pacific filmmakers take control of the narrative.

Port & Critical Minerals: The US and New Zealand have pledged about US$60m (US$50m + NZ$17.5m) to upgrade Penrhyn/Tongareva port in the northern Cook Islands, with NZ managing construction—promised as a “lifeline” for safer landings and better supply routes, but Greenpeace Aotearoa calls it a “Trojan horse” for deep-sea mining and says it risks colonial “resource grabbing.” Local Voice on Infrastructure: Cook Islands columnist Thomas Wynne highlights Penrhyn MP Vaine Wichman’s push for long-running community consultation and local jobs, while Te Ipukarea Society questions transparency around the port and the wider critical minerals agenda. Pacific Geopolitics at PIF: The 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau ended with leaders missing and US–China tensions front and centre, including pressure around a Chinese missile test and Taiwan’s presence—setting the backdrop for the Cook Islands port deal. Climate & Resilience Funding: The Green Climate Fund says it’s speeding approvals and expanding direct access for Pacific national and regional institutions, aiming to cut delays and intermediaries. El Niño Pressure: ChildFund warns fuel crisis and rising costs could turn El Niño into a “polycrisis,” stressing early action to protect safe drinking water, food and children’s health. Conservation Tech: Waihī Beach and Te Ipukarea Society have installed automated predator traps in the Takuvaine cloud forest above 400m to protect native wildlife from rats and feral cats. Tourism Industry: Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto (Tourism Month 2026) runs Sept 1–30, spotlighting awards and pathways for tourism women and youth.

Penrhyn Port Upgrade: The US and New Zealand have jointly backed a US$60m upgrade of Penrhyn/Tongareva’s port, with the US putting in US$50m and NZ about NZ$17.5m, framed as a “lifeline” for safer shipping and better access for fuel, food and construction supplies—while also tying into critical minerals plans. Deep-Sea Mining Backlash: Greenpeace Aotearoa is calling it a “trojan horse” and “resource grabbing,” warning the port could open the door to deep-sea mining and urging stronger transparency and Indigenous control over how ocean knowledge is used. Local Voice in the Mix: Cook Islands voices are split: Penrhyn MP Vaine Wichman says the community has been consulted and wants local opportunities, while Te Ipukarea Society raises concerns about transparency and how much islanders have been told. Climate Pressure: Pacific leaders and aid groups are warning that a strong El Niño could worsen drought, rainfall swings, and strain water, food and children’s health—on top of an ongoing fuel crisis. Climate Finance Reform: The Green Climate Fund says it will speed approvals and expand direct access for Pacific national and regional institutions, aiming to reduce delays and intermediaries. Tourism Industry Spotlight: Te Mato Manava Tūroto is launching Tourism Month (Sept 1–30) with People’s Choice Awards, Tourism Woman of the Month and a Youth Tourism Pathway Programme. Regional Security Funding: Australia also announced a US$600m-style push for Pacific surveillance to target narco-smuggling routes, as drug trafficking pressure grows.

Port & Critical Minerals: The Cook Islands’ Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade is set to move ahead after the US and New Zealand pledged about US$60m (US$50m + NZ$17.5m), with construction to be managed by NZ—positioned as a “lifeline” for Tongareva and a boost for shipping of fuel, food and materials. Local Voices & Transparency: Penrhyn MP Vaine Wichman says the community has been consulted for years and pushes back on framing that leads with US critical minerals interests, while Te Ipukarea Society raises concerns about transparency around the wider agenda. Green Backlash: Greenpeace Aotearoa calls the deal a “trojan horse” and “resource grabbing,” arguing it could open the door to deep-sea mining and urging Indigenous knowledge to carry equal weight in the debate. Climate & Resilience Finance: At the Pacific Islands Forum, the Green Climate Fund says it will speed up approvals and expand direct access for Pacific national and regional institutions. Fuel Crisis Watch: Pacific leaders are also bracing for El Niño impacts—fuel shortages plus drought/rain swings could strain water, food and child health. Tourism Industry Pulse: Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto launches Tourism Month (Sept 1–30) with People’s Choice Awards, a Tourism Woman of the Month and a youth pathway programme.

Port & Infrastructure: The Cook Islands’ Penrhyn/Tongareva port upgrade is back in the spotlight after the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, with the US and New Zealand pledging about US$60m total (US$50m from Washington; NZ$17.5m from Wellington) and New Zealand set to manage construction—positioned as a “lifeline” for Tongareva and a boost for shipping of fuel, food and construction materials. Deep-Sea Mining Backlash: Greenpeace Aotearoa is calling it a “trojan horse” and “resource grabbing,” linking the port to the US critical minerals push and warning it could open the door to deep-sea mining in the Penrhyn Basin. Local Voices & Governance: Cook Islands News columnist Thomas Wynne highlights Penrhyn MP Vaine Wichman’s push for long-term community opportunity and consultation, while Te Ipukarea Society raises concerns about transparency around the upgrade and the wider critical minerals agenda. Climate Finance Reform: The Green Climate Fund says it will speed approvals and expand direct access for Pacific national and regional entities, aiming to cut delays and reduce intermediaries. Tourism Industry: Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto launches Tourism Month 2026 (Sept 1–30), spotlighting people, women and youth pathways across the Cook Islands visitor economy. Conservation Tech: Waihī Beach and Te Ipukarea Society have installed automated predator-control traps in Rarotonga’s Takuvaine cloud forest, targeting rats and feral cats threatening native seabirds.

Port Upgrade & Critical Minerals: The US and New Zealand have pledged about US$60m (US$50m from the US, NZ$10m from NZ) to upgrade Penrhyn/Tongareva port in the Cook Islands, with NZ managing construction—promising safer landings and better movement of fuel, food and building materials, but drawing sharp backlash from Greenpeace Aotearoa, which calls it “resource grabbing” and a “trojan horse” for deep-sea mining. Local Industry Impact: The project is framed as a “lifeline” for Penrhyn’s remote community and a potential platform for new industries. Geopolitics at the Pacific Islands Forum: The deal was announced in Palau amid wider Pacific power competition, with leaders also discussing fuel security, illegal fishing and maritime crime. Conservation & Food Webs: A new study highlights damselfish-assisted repair of wounded corals, pointing to fish habitat protection as a practical lever for coral recovery. Tourism & Talent: Cook Islands Tourism Corporation launches Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto (Tourism Month 2026) in September, spotlighting awards and youth pathways for the sector. Film & Storytelling: POP48 is set to run Sept 4–6, with Cook Islands teams competing in a 48-hour challenge to tell Pacific stories from Pacific perspectives.

Port & shipping investment: The US and New Zealand have committed about US$60m to upgrade Penrhyn/Tongareva port in the northern Cook Islands, with the US putting in US$50m and NZ about US$10m, and NZ managing construction—promised as a “lifeline” for safer landings and better movement of fuel, food and building materials. Deep-sea mining backlash: Greenpeace Aotearoa calls it a “trojan horse” and “resource grabbing,” linking the port push to the Critical Minerals Framework and fears it could accelerate deep-sea mining plans. Pacific security funding: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, the US also announced over US$150m for the region, including a US$60m fuel security push, plus support for anti-illicit fishing and maritime policing. Tourism industry spotlight: Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto (Tourism Month 2026) runs Sept 1–30, featuring People’s Choice awards, a Tourism Woman of the Month programme and a youth pathway. Creative sector: Cook Islands teams are set to take part in the inaugural POP48 Film Challenge (Sept 4–6), with Pacific Standard Time hosting Cook Islands teams for a 48-hour filmmaking sprint.

Pacific Islands Forum Wrap: Leaders in Palau backed urgent climate action in the Belau Declaration, while China registered concern over a July missile test and Taiwan kept its “development partner” status—setting the tone for a week of geopolitical competition. Cook Islands Port Deal: The US and New Zealand pledged US$60m to upgrade Penrhyn/Tongareva’s port, with the US funding US$50m and NZ US$10m, framed as a “lifeline” for outer-island shipping and connectivity but also tied to the critical minerals push. Greenpeace Backlash: Greenpeace Aotearoa called the Penrhyn project “colonialism” and a “resource grabbing” trojan horse for deep sea mining, while campaigners say Indigenous knowledge must shape decisions, not just be consulted. Fuel, Security, and Crime: Australia announced A$600m for Pacific surveillance to target drug trafficking routes, as leaders also pressed for fuel security and resilience planning. Tourism Spotlight: Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto launches Tourism Month 2026 (Sept 1–30) with people’s choice awards, women’s and youth pathways. Conservation Tech: A new Cook Islands partnership is deploying automated predator traps in Rarotonga’s cloud forest to protect seabirds and native wildlife. Film Challenge: The inaugural POP48 film challenge (Sept 4–6) brings Cook Islands teams into a 48-hour storytelling race, with Pacific voices front and centre.

Penrhyn Port Upgrade & Deep-Sea Mining Backlash: The US and New Zealand have pledged about US$60m (US$50m + NZ$10m) to upgrade Penrhyn/Tongareva port, framed as a “lifeline” for the Pa Enua and a boost to shipping links, but Greenpeace Aotearoa calls it colonial “resource grabbing” tied to deep-sea mining, while campaigners warn Indigenous knowledge must shape the debate. Local Governance & Shipping: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says the country will stick to science and caution, staying in exploration/research until it has answers before any extraction, as concerns grow over environmental and legal risks. Pacific Security & Logistics: Australia announced a US$600m surveillance push to target narco-submarines and small vessels moving drugs through the Pacific toward Australia, highlighting how maritime routes drive both trade and crime. Tourism & Community Industry: Te Mato Manava Tūroto launches Tourism Month (Sept 1–30) with People’s Choice, Tourism Woman of the Month, and a Youth Tourism Pathway to build the next wave of hospitality talent. Culture & Media Production: The inaugural POP48 Film Challenge (Sept 4–6) brings Cook Islands teams into a 48-hour filmmaking sprint with public voting and a Hawai’i masterclass prize.

Pacific Maritime Security: Australia announced a $600m Waqa Moana Initiative to boost aerial and maritime surveillance across the Pacific, aiming to disrupt narco-submarines and small drug-smuggling vessels. Energy & Climate Priorities: New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon said Pacific leaders are pressing hard on fuel costs, El Niño risks, and security ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Retreat in Palau. US Funding Push: The US pledged $150m+ for Pacific energy storage, anti–illegal fishing training, digital and infrastructure support, and law-enforcement cooperation, with Cook Islands named as a key beneficiary. Penrhyn Port Upgrade (Cook Islands): The US and New Zealand will co-fund a $60m upgrade of Penrhyn/Tongareva port—described as a “lifeline” for outer-island shipping—while critics warn it could accelerate deep-sea mining and raise transparency and environmental concerns. Green Opposition: Greenpeace Aotearoa called the Penrhyn deal “colonialism and resource grabbing,” linking it to deep-sea mining plans. Tourism Industry: Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto (Tourism Month 2026) runs Sept 1–30, spotlighting people, women leaders, youth pathways, and tourism awards. Marine Conservation: A WWF-backed push urges Pacific countries to protect “whale highways” via blue corridors to safeguard migration routes amid shipping, fishing, and climate pressure. Science for Coasts: A study suggests damselfish can speed coral wound healing, offering a new angle for conservation planning.

Pacific Infrastructure & Trade: The US and New Zealand have pledged about US$60m to upgrade the Penrhyn (Tongareva) port in the Cook Islands, with the US putting in US$50m and NZ NZ$17.5m, aimed at improving shipping links for the Pa Enua and boosting connectivity for potential deep-sea minerals development. Geopolitics & Criticism: Greenpeace Aotearoa calls the Penrhyn deal “resource grabbing,” saying it could be a pathway to deep-sea mining, while the US frames it as “critical infrastructure” tied to a critical minerals agenda. Energy Security: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, the US also announced US$150m+ in new Pacific support, including a proposed US$60m regional fuel security push for storage and grid stability. Maritime Security & Fisheries: The package includes US$17m to tackle illegal fishing, plus moves to strengthen maritime security and policing cooperation. Tourism Spotlight: Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto kicks off Tourism Month (Sept 1–30) with awards, a women’s tourism programme, and a youth pathway. Environment & Conservation: A WWF-backed push urges Pacific countries to protect migration routes via “blue corridors” or “whale highways.”

Penrhyn Port Deal (Cook Islands): The US, Cook Islands and New Zealand signed off on a major Penrhyn “lifeline” port upgrade, with the US putting in US$50m and NZ adding about US$10m, aimed at boosting outer-island shipping and setting up future deep-sea mining logistics. Deep-Sea Mining Backlash: Greenpeace Aotearoa calls the move colonial “resource grabbing,” while Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says the country will stay with science and caution, not extraction, until risks are understood. Pacific Funding Push: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, the US and Australia announced a combined US$738m–US$739m package for Pacific nations, including US$60m for regional fuel storage and grid stability, plus support on illegal fishing and maritime security. Fuel Security Focus: US Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau also flagged a US$150m-plus support push covering energy, law enforcement, digital tech and infrastructure. Blue Corridors for Wildlife: Conservation groups urged Pacific governments to protect “whale highways” with coordinated “blue corridors” as shipping, fishing and climate pressures grow. Governance & Legal Risk: A new report warns investor-state dispute rules could create a “chilling effect” on stronger environmental rules or licence changes for deep-sea mining. Local Shipping Update: After a three-year transitional period, the Cook Islands government will decide the long-term management model for its new state-operated domestic vessels serving the Pa Enua.