AGP Executive Report

Environment & Skills: The Cook Islands National Environment Service celebrated NES director Halatoa Fua and two senior staff, Benjamin Maxwell and Tekura Moeka’a, completing a Master of Environmental Management and Sustainability in Australia—framing it as a boost for local environmental governance and SDG delivery. Tourism People & Awards: Tourism Month continues with Atiu Villas GM Jackey Tanga named 2026 Tourism Woman of the Month, highlighting “unsung heroines” who keep the industry running across islands. Market Redevelopment: Cook Islands Investment Corporation has launched public consultation surveys to shape the future of Punanga Nui Market, following Stage 1 works including Te Tapora Kai and Are Kai Moana. Shipping & Ports Costs: Cook Islands Ports Authority has implemented a 2% tariff rise from July 1, with consumers expected to bear the cost. Finance & Trust Boom: Government figures show record trust registrations (433), driven largely by US demand for asset protection—pushing growth in fintech/regtech and compliance services. Northern Infrastructure & Dual Use: Penrhyn/Tongareva port upgrades are drawing attention to “dual use” possibilities as NZ and the US discuss potential military involvement. Deep-Sea Minerals Watch: A non-binding LOI links Deep Sea Minerals and Westwin to evaluate US processing routes for polymetallic nodules, while US permit timelines for seabed mining are said to be moving fast.

Deep-Sea Minerals Dealmaking: Deep Sea Minerals has signed a non-binding LOI with Westwin Elements to explore U.S. processing routes for polymetallic nodules—pending subsea rights, permits and a future definitive joint development agreement. Pacific Politics & Security: Greens MP Teanau Tuiono backs tighter rules on donations and lobbying, while warning that growing U.S. involvement in the Pacific—including in the Cook Islands—could tilt toward military basing. Journalism & AI: A Pacific Media summit in Fiji says AI should support journalists, not replace them, with “human-in-the-loop” checks and strong verification. Tongareva Infrastructure, Dual Use Debate: A Tongareva/Penrhyn wharf funding intention of about NZ$101.5m (with the U.S. and New Zealand) is reigniting discussion on whether upgraded port and airport infrastructure could serve military needs. Penrhyn NZDF Support: More than 50 NZDF personnel are working on Penrhyn projects under Exercise Tropic Twilight, including school upgrades, water stills, repairs, and hydrographic surveys. Cook Islands Finance Boom: Trust registrations hit a record 433, up 42% year-on-year, driven largely by U.S. asset protection demand—fueling fintech, regtech and compliance opportunities. Shipping & Costs: Cook Islands Ports Authority raised tariffs by 2% from July 1, with consumers expected to bear the cost. Fisheries Leadership: Cook Islands and other Pacific states pushed for stronger recognition of Pacific-led fisheries strategies at FAO COFI37 in Rome. Transport Innovation: Smartie Rides launched in Rarotonga, highlighting the need to update the 1967 Transport Licensing Act for ride-hailing services.

AI & Media Skills: Pacific Media Summit speakers say AI should support journalists, not replace them, with “human-in-the-loop” checks, transparency to audiences, and strong verification to protect trust. Shipping & Sanctions: A new debate argues physical blockades miss the financial side of sanctions-evasion networks, where ship ownership, insurers and banks can be swapped faster than governments can track. Ports & Connectivity: Penrhyn/Tongareva’s port upgrade is framed as “dual use” infrastructure, with the US open to military presence alongside civilian benefits for the remote atoll. Pa Enua Support: More than 50 NZDF personnel are on Penrhyn for construction, health, water and hydrography work under Exercise Tropic Twilight. Finance Sector Boom: Cook Islands trust registrations hit a record 433, driven by US demand for asset protection structures, pushing growth in fintech/regtech and compliance services. Transport Costs: Cook Islands Ports Authority raised tariffs by 2%, with consumers expected to bear the cost. Fisheries Leadership: Pacific delegations at COFI37 pressed for stronger support for Pacific-led fisheries strategies and regional cooperation. Tourism Industry Pulse: Cook Islands Tourism opened voting for the People’s Choice Kia Orana Champions, with a new Innovation Icon category. Local Transport Rules: Rarotonga’s ride-hailing launch (Smartie Rides) spotlights gaps in the 1967 Transport Licensing Act for vehicle-sharing services.

Cook Islands Ports Authority: Tariffs at Avatiu are set to rise again, with a 2% annual increase already implemented from 1 July 2026—an added cost that the authority says reflects higher operating prices. Pa Enua infrastructure: Penrhyn/Tongareva is getting major attention, with NZDF crews on Exercise Tropic Twilight repairing schools and hospital facilities, improving water storage, and surveying maritime routes—while a separate Penrhyn port upgrade is also being discussed with US and NZ input. Dual-use infrastructure debate: A law expert says Penrhyn’s port could become “dual use,” serving both civilian needs and potential military presence, as the US signals openness to that. Shipping and connectivity: The government’s new cargo-passenger vessel MV Tuitui Moana will stay at Avatiu Port for two more months before its first Pa Enua voyage, highlighting ongoing logistics upgrades for outer islands. Financial services boom: Cook Islands trust registrations hit a record 433, up 42% year-on-year, driven largely by US demand for asset protection—fueling fintech/regtech and compliance job growth. Fisheries diplomacy: Pacific delegations pushed fisheries priorities at FAO COFI37 in Rome, backing Pacific-led tuna management and stronger support for SIDS. Deep-sea mining pressure: The US could issue deep-sea mining permits within months, raising new regional questions for Cook Islands seabed governance. Tourism industry pulse: Cook Islands Tourism opened voting for the Kia Orana Champions People’s Choice Awards, with over 12,000 votes cast in the first 24 hours.

Pa Enua Connectivity: The Cook Islands says a major new wharf for Penrhyn/Tongareva is a top priority for outer-island communities, with funding intentions of about NZ$101.5m announced in Palau and now headed for feasibility and technical work. Defence & Infrastructure: NZDF personnel have arrived on Penrhyn for Exercise Tropic Twilight, delivering construction, health, water and hydrography support—while a separate Penrhyn port upgrade raises “dual use” questions as the US signals openness to military-linked infrastructure. Shipping & Costs: MV Tuitui Moana’s first Pa Enua voyage is pushed to November, and the Cook Islands Ports Authority has lifted tariffs by 2%, putting more pressure on consumers. Finance Services Boom: Trust registrations hit a record 433 (+42% year-on-year), driven largely by US demand for asset protection structures—fueling fintech/regtech and compliance opportunities. Fisheries Leadership: Pacific countries, including the Cook Islands, pushed Pacific-led fisheries priorities at FAO COFI37 in Rome, backing regional cooperation and science-based tuna management. Transport Rules Update: Rarotonga’s new ride-hailing service Smartie Rides is spotlighting gaps in the 1967 Transport Licensing Act. Tourism People Power: Voting is open for the 2026 Kia Orana Champions People’s Choice Awards, with 12,000+ votes already in. Culture & Media: Ruta Mave calls for more Polynesian storytelling through Cook Islands short films.

Defence & Infrastructure: Penrhyn/Tongareva is getting a major boost as more than 50 NZDF personnel arrive for Exercise Tropic Twilight, tackling school and hospital repairs, water storage, solar water stills, and hydrographic surveys—while the Penrhyn port upgrade also raises “dual use” questions as the US signals openness to military-linked infrastructure. Fisheries & Food Security: Pacific delegations at FAO COFI37 in Rome pushed for stronger international recognition of Pacific-led tuna strategies, backing regional cooperation and science-based management, with Cook Islands among the active participants. Finance & Trade Services: Cook Islands trust registrations hit a record 433, up 42% year-on-year and nearly 90% over two years, driven largely by US demand for asset protection structures—fueling a fintech/regtech and compliance services opportunity. Transport & Logistics: The Cook Islands Ports Authority has raised cargo-passenger tariffs by 2%, with consumers expected to “bear the cost,” while the government’s new MV Tuitui Moana is set to stay at Avatiu Port for months before its first Pa Enua run. Environment & Shipping Risk: Cook Islands seabird monitoring teams attended the World Seabird Conference, focusing on restoration and atoll protection as climate pressures intensify.

Fisheries Diplomacy: Pacific countries used COFI37 in Rome to push for stronger international recognition of Pacific-led tuna strategies, backing regional cooperation and science-based management, with the FFA honoured for sustainable fisheries work. Trust & Finance Boom: Cook Islands trust registrations hit a record 433 (+42% year-on-year), driven largely by US asset-protection demand; financial services now contribute over NZ$48m and about 8.5% of real GDP, opening space for New Zealand fintech/regtech and compliance services. Ports & Costs: Cook Islands Ports Authority’s 2% tariff rise from July 1 is set to flow through to consumers, while Penrhyn’s port upgrade is also drawing attention for potential “dual use” civilian-military infrastructure. Shipping & Connectivity: MV Tuitui Moana will stay at Avatiu Port for at least two more months before its first Pa Enua voyage, and Samoa’s MV Fotu o Samoa III is expected to connect the region including the Cook Islands. Deep-Sea Resources Watch: US deep-sea mining permits could move within months as seabed plans accelerate, while 23 Cook Islanders return from training in China on deep-sea resource management. Transport Rules: Rarotonga’s new ride-hailing service Smartie Rides is spotlighting gaps in the 1967 transport licensing framework for vehicle-sharing platforms. Tourism Engagement: Cook Islands Tourism opened voting for the Kia Orana People’s Choice Awards, with 12,000+ votes already in the first day.

Shipping & Connectivity: MV Tuitui Moana, the Cook Islands Government’s new cargo-passenger vessel, will stay at Avatiu Port for at least two more months before its first Pa Enua voyage. Tourism & Consumer Choice: Cook Islands Tourism has opened voting for the 2026 People’s Choice Kia Orana Champions, with 25 finalists and a new Innovation Icon category after 12,000+ votes in the first day. Ports & Costs: Cook Islands Ports Authority has raised tariffs by 2% from July 1, pushing the “bear the cost” message onto consumers. Finance Services Boom: A government report says US demand for asset protection trusts is driving record growth—international trust registrations up 42% in a year to 433, nearly 90% higher than two years ago—fueling fintech and regtech opportunities. Transport Rules in the Spotlight: Rarotonga’s new ride-hailing service, Smartie Rides, is launching while highlighting gaps in the 1967 Transport Licensing Act for vehicle-sharing platforms. Defence & Infrastructure: Over 50 NZDF personnel have deployed to Penrhyn for Tropic Twilight, delivering construction, health, solar water stills and hydrography work. Environment & Deep-Sea Pressure: The US could issue deep-sea mining permits within months, as Washington accelerates critical mineral access—raising new pressure for Pacific seabed governance.

Shipping & Connectivity: MV Tuitui Moana’s maiden voyage has been pushed to November, with the new Cook Islands cargo-passenger vessel expected to stay at Avatiu Port for at least two more months before its first Pa Enua run. Conservation & Environment: Te Ipukarea Society and partners attended the 4th World Seabird Conference in Hobart, focusing on seabird monitoring and restoration work on atolls like Takutea, Manuae and Suwarrow. Ports & Costs: Cook Islands Ports Authority has raised tariffs by 2% from July 1, 2026, with consumers expected to “bear the cost” as operating prices rise. Finance & Services: Cook Islands trust growth is surging on US demand for asset protection, with international trust registrations up nearly 90% in two years, driving a fintech/regtech and compliance services push. Transport Rules: Rarotonga’s new ride-hailing app Smartie Rides is spotlighting gaps in the 1967 Transport Licensing Act, as licensing frameworks for vehicle-sharing still need updating. Regional Security & Infrastructure: Penrhyn port upgrades are drawing attention for possible “dual use” military and civilian benefits, with NZ and the US signalling openness to a military presence. Deep-Sea Mining Pressure: US deep-sea mining permits could move within months, adding urgency for Pacific seabed governance and capacity-building.

Deep-sea mining: US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum says federal approvals for seabed mineral permits could start within months, as Washington pushes faster reviews and seeks more access to critical minerals amid China-linked supply concerns. Port & defence: A Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade is drawing attention for its “dual use” potential, with the US open to military presence as NZDF ramps up construction, health, water and hydrography work on the atoll. Shipping & costs: Cook Islands Ports Authority has raised tariffs by 2% from July 1, with consumers expected to “bear the cost” as operating prices rise. Finance & jobs: Cook Islands trust registrations are surging on US demand for asset protection, up nearly 90% in two years, boosting the market for NZ legal, compliance, fintech and regtech services. Tourism awards: Cook Islands Tourism opened voting for the 2026 People’s Choice “Kia Orana Champions” awards, with 12,000+ votes already cast and a new Innovation Icon category. Transport rules: Rarotonga’s new ride-hailing app Smartie Rides is spotlighting gaps in the 1967 Transport Licensing Act, as licensing frameworks for vehicle-sharing platforms are still unclear. Fisheries: Pacific countries used COFI37 to press for stronger recognition and support for Pacific-led, science-based fisheries management.

Penrhyn Port Upgrade: A planned upgrade to Penrhyn (Tongareva) is drawing attention to “dual use” infrastructure, with the US saying it’s open to a military presence as the Cook Islands, New Zealand and the US partner on the project. Defence & Local Infrastructure: New Zealand’s NZDF has deployed more than 50 personnel to Penrhyn for construction, health, water and hydrography work under Exercise Tropic Twilight, including school upgrades, solar water stills and updated maritime surveys. Ports & Cost of Living: Cook Islands Ports Authority has raised tariffs by 2% from July 1, with consumers expected to bear the cost. Finance Sector Boom: Record growth in Cook Islands trusts is being driven by US demand for asset protection, with registrations up nearly 90% in two years and a growing market for fintech, regtech and compliance services. Tourism Awards: Voting is open for the 2026 Kia Orana Champions People’s Choice Awards, with more than 12,000 votes cast in the first 24 hours. Transport Rules Tested: Rarotonga’s new ride-hailing service Smartie Rides is spotlighting gaps in transport licensing rules dating back to 1967. Deep-Sea Skills: Twenty-three Cook Islanders returned from China after training on deep-sea resource management, supported by the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority. Regional Fisheries Leadership: Pacific countries pushed for stronger, Pacific-led fisheries solutions at COFI37, highlighting science-based management and regional cooperation.

Ports & Costs: Cook Islands Ports Authority’s 2% annual tariff rise from July 1, 2026 is set to push more costs onto consumers, even as the authority says prices will eventually ease. Finance & Services: A Cook Islands Government report points to a trust boom driven by US demand for asset protection, with international trust registrations up 42% in a year to a record 433 and nearly 90% growth over two years—fueling demand for New Zealand and local trust administration, compliance, identity, cybersecurity and payments. Trade & Shipping: Shipping leaders are heading to Splash Singapore (Sept 24) to debate how to manage freight risk as the industry shifts from treating volatility as “business as usual” to actively pricing and transferring uncertainty. Security & Infrastructure: Penrhyn’s port upgrade is drawing attention for “dual use” potential, with the US open to military presence alongside civilian logistics. Regional Fisheries: Pacific countries used COFI37 to press for stronger recognition and support for Pacific-led, science-based tuna management and regional cooperation. Tourism & Community: Te Mato Manava Tūroto has opened voting for the 2026 People’s Choice “Kia Orana Champions” awards, with 12,000+ votes already in the first 24 hours. Transport Rules: Rarotonga’s new ride-hailing app Smartie Rides is spotlighting gaps in the 1967 Transport Licensing Act for vehicle-sharing services. Social Protection: A UN DESA brief says Pacific SIDS need stronger social protection to handle climate and economic shocks, noting Cook Islands coverage is above 90% while some neighbours sit below 30%. Sports: Cook Islands notched a first win in the Oceania Netball Qualifier, beating PNG 64–54, but still faces a tight path after earlier losses.

Netball & Sport: Cook Islands earned their first win in the Oceania Netball World Cup qualifier, beating Papua New Guinea 64–54 in Tonga, after earlier losses to Tonga and Fiji—only the top two advance to the 2027 Sydney World Cup. Tourism & Consumer Choice: Voting is open for the 2026 Te Iki’anga a te Iti Tangata People’s Choice Awards, with Te Mato Manava Tūroto reporting 12,000+ votes in the first 24 hours for the Kia Orana Champions. Shipping & Costs: Cook Islands Ports Authority has lifted tariffs by 2% from July 1, 2026, saying rising costs will be passed on to consumers. Finance & Trust Services: A Cook Islands Government report says US demand for asset protection trusts is driving record growth—registrations up nearly 90% in two years to 433, with about 85% of trustee revenue from US clients. Northern Infrastructure & Dual Use: Penrhyn port upgrades are drawing attention for potential “dual use” between civilian and military needs, as the US signals openness to a military presence. Defence & Community Works: NZDF’s Tropic Twilight has brought 50+ personnel to Penrhyn for school upgrades, solar water stills, market repairs, and hydrographic surveys. Transport Rules: Rarotonga’s new ride-hailing app Smartie Rides is spotlighting gaps in the 1967 Transport Licensing Act, with calls to update rules for vehicle-sharing services. Deep-Sea Resources: 23 Cook Islanders returned from China training on deep-sea resource management, linked to the Blue Partnership and SBMA capacity-building. Fisheries Diplomacy: Cook Islands featured at COFI37 in Rome as Pacific countries push for stronger recognition and support for Pacific-led, science-based fisheries management.

Sustainable Fisheries: Pacific leaders, including Cook Islands representatives, pushed for stronger international recognition of Pacific-led, science-based tuna management at FAO’s COFI37 in Rome, highlighting regional monitoring and compliance gains. Defence & Infrastructure: Penrhyn’s port upgrade is drawing attention for “dual use” potential as NZDF teams arrive for construction, health, water and hydrography work under Exercise Tropic Twilight, with updated maritime data for the Cook Islands Government. Finance & Tech Services: Cook Islands’ trust boom is accelerating demand for fintech, regtech and cybersecurity, with international trust registrations up to a record 433 and financial services contributing over NZ$48m to the economy in 2024/25. Transport Rules: Rarotonga’s new ride-hailing service, Smartie Rides, is spotlighting gaps in the 1967 Transport Licensing Act, as vehicle-sharing licensing frameworks lag behind app-based services. Maritime & Trade Risk: Shipping leaders are set to debate how freight is being “financialised,” with risk increasingly priced and managed rather than treated as a cost of doing business. Sports: Cook Islands netball’s World Cup qualifier campaign continues after narrow losses to Tonga and Fiji, leaving must-win matches ahead. Deep-Sea Capacity: 23 Cook Islanders returned from China training on deep-sea resource management, building local capability for the seabed minerals sector.

Transport & Regulation: Rarotonga’s new locally built ride-hailing service, Smartie Rides, is launching via an app—but it’s also spotlighting a licensing gap in the Cook Islands’ 1967 Transport Licensing Act, with calls to update rules for vehicle-sharing platforms. Sport & Community: The Cook Islands netball team fell to Fiji 63–65 in the Oceania World Cup qualifier and now must win their remaining matches (PNG and Samoa) to stay in contention for the 2027 Sydney tournament. Deep-Sea Resources & Training: Twenty-three Cook Islanders returned from China after a 10-day deep-sea resource management programme with SBMA, aimed at strengthening local capacity as the sector heats up. Energy & Governance: CIIC has appointed new directors to the Te Aponga Uira Board (including Dallas Young and Metua Okotai) and named a new deputy chair, as the utility focuses on reliable electricity services. Politics & Cost of Living: PM Mark Brown says cost of living and housing will be top priorities in the first 100 days, including fuel security and progress on a National Housing Strategy 2030. Marine Life: Te Ipukarea Society and Cook Islands Whale Research are running education sessions as humpback whales return to local waters. Education Reform: Consultation results show strong support to improve NCEA, but many educators and families want refinement rather than replacing it outright. Maritime & Trade Risks: A global shipping report flags rising fraud in ship registry and AIS signals—an issue that can affect suppliers and logistics partners dealing with sanctions-linked vessels.

Transport & Regulation: Rarotonga’s locally built Smartie Rides ride-hailing app has launched, but it’s also spotlighting an old licensing gap in the Cook Islands’ 1967 Transport Licensing Act, with calls to update rules for vehicle-sharing services. Deep-Sea Resources & Training: Twenty-three Cook Islanders returned from China after a 10-day programme on deep-sea resource management, backed by a Blue Partnership MOU and delivered with SBMA, aiming to build local capacity as seabed interest grows. Deep-Sea Mining Pressure: US deep-sea mining permits could move within months as Washington accelerates critical minerals recovery and challenges China’s supply dominance, while broader reporting shows how mining plans can advance without local leaders feeling properly warned. Governance & Power Supply: CIIC announced leadership changes to the Te Aponga Uira electricity board, including new directors and a deputy chair, as it seeks stronger governance for reliable power. Cost of Living & Housing: PM Mark Brown says cost of living and housing are top priorities in the first 100 days, including fuel security and a National Housing Strategy 2030 push. Maritime & Trade: A Penrhyn port upgrade is framed as strategic infrastructure competition, with community-focused benefits but also calls for open discussion on environmental and local impacts. Education Reform Debate: Consultation on NCEA tweaks shows broad support for improving the system, but many educators and families want refinement rather than replacement. Marine Life: Te Ipukarea Society reports humpback whales are returning to Cook Islands waters, with education sessions for students. Regional Security: Australia’s new plan targets cocaine traffickers using the “Pacific drugs highway,” noting past seizures including a Cook Islands reef find. Fashion & Culture: Pacific Fusion Fashion Show marks a 10-year milestone, celebrating Pasifika designers and representation on mainstream runways.