AGP Executive Report

Deep-sea mining politics: A Cook Islands deep-sea exploration licence holder, Moana Minerals Limited, is linked to a proposed US merger that could leave one company effectively controlling much of the Marae Moana area, raising fears of monopoly-style control and opaque royalty arrangements. Election economy: With less than a week to go to the 12 August Cook Islands election, voters are fixated on cost of living, driven by global shocks, supply-chain costs, petrol prices, and local issues like water tariffs and outer-island infrastructure. Travel and connectivity: A new Air Tahiti Nui–Air Tahiti codeshare makes it easier to reach Rarotonga on one ticket, with baggage transfer and coordinated connections. Ocean tech and imaging: Sony-backed underwater imaging is being used for UHD live-streaming from deep Cook Islands waters, supporting scientific exploration and education. Deep-sea mining debate widens: Pacific leaders and communities are again pushing back on US-led seabed mining auctions, citing “no consultations” and risks to food security. Culture and recognition: Cook Islands music icon Will Crummer is set to receive the 2026 Ministry for Pacific Peoples Lifetime Achievement Award at the Pacific Music Awards. Sports (local interest): Guam’s women’s team beat the Cook Islands in the Oceania Volleyball Championships, while the Cook Islands also featured in earlier tournament action.

Deep-Sea Mining Backlash: Pacific leaders are reacting sharply to a US plan to auction seabed areas for deep-sea mining, with officials saying there were “no consultations” and warning about impacts on food security and identity. Cook Islands Election Watch: With the 12 August vote nearing, cost of living is dominating campaigns, alongside infrastructure needs and water tariff concerns after upgrades to Rarotonga’s water network. Cook Islands Travel & Air Links: A new Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti codeshare is making it easier to reach Rarotonga on one ticket, with baggage transfers and coordinated connections. Underwater Tech for Cook Islands Research: Sony-backed underwater imaging is being used to live-stream UHD footage from deep waters around the Cook Islands, supporting scientific exploration and education. Governance & Integrity Debate: A letter argues Cook Islands oversight bodies aren’t doing enough on corruption and calls for stronger, independent anti-corruption action. Local Culture Spotlight: Cook Islands music icon Will Crummer is set to receive a major Pacific Peoples Lifetime Achievement Award. Sports (Oceania Volleyball): Guam’s women beat the Cook Islands in the tournament opener, while Guam’s men advanced after sweeping Palau.

Deep-sea mining backlash: Pacific island leaders are raising alarms over a US push to auction nearby ocean areas for deep-sea mining, warning of “no consultations” and risks to food security and identity. Cook Islands election pressure: With the 12 August vote close, cost of living is dominating campaigns, from supply-chain and petrol impacts to water tariff user levies and outer-island infrastructure. Tourism and air access: A new Air Tahiti Nui–Air Tahiti codeshare makes it easier to reach Rarotonga on one ticket, with baggage transfers and smoother connections. Underwater tech for Cook Islands research: Sony imaging gear is being adapted for deep-ocean live-streaming from Cook Islands waters, boosting UHD underwater documentation and education. Sports—Oceania volleyball: Guam opened the championships with a four-set win over the Cook Islands, setting the tone for a tight tournament. Governance concerns: A letter argues Cook Islands integrity and oversight bodies need stronger independence and accountability, proposing an anti-corruption office model. Culture and heritage: Pacific Music Awards has named Cook Islands icon Will Crummer for a Lifetime Achievement Award, spotlighting his role in preserving Polynesian music.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: A US plan to auction nearby ocean tracts for deep-sea mining has sparked alarm in Pacific territories, with leaders saying there were “no consultations” and warning of risks to food security and ocean livelihoods. Cook Islands Election Watch: With less than a week to polling, the cost of living is dominating Cook Islands election campaigning, alongside pressure on water tariffs and outer-island development. Governance & Integrity Debate: A letter argues Cook Islands oversight bodies aren’t acting strongly enough on corruption and calls for an independent anti-corruption office with real separation from political influence. Travel & Aviation Links: A new Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti codeshare makes it easier to reach the Cook Islands on one ticket, with baggage transfers and smoother connections. Ocean Tech Spotlight: Sony’s underwater imaging gear is being adapted for live UHD streaming from deep waters around the Cook Islands, aiming to boost science and education outreach. Local Culture Recognition: Cook Islands music icon Will Crummer is set to receive the 2026 Ministry for Pacific Peoples Lifetime Achievement Award.

Governance & Integrity: A new letter argues Cook Islands oversight is failing on accountability and transparency, calling for overhaul of the Ombudsman and Public Expenditure Review Committee and proposing an independent anti-corruption office insulated from Cabinet influence. Deep-sea Minerals: Pacific leaders and communities are pushing back on deep-sea mining, with alarm over US moves to auction seabed areas without consultation and fresh public comment on a proposed high-seas exploration licence involving the Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Election Watch: With less than a week to go before the 12 August Cook Islands general election, voters are focused on cost of living, supply-chain and energy pressures, plus water tariff user levies and outer-island infrastructure. Travel & Aviation: A new Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti codeshare makes it easier to reach Rarotonga via one ticket, with coordinated connections and baggage handling. Culture & Community: Cook Islands music icon Will Crummer is set to receive the 2026 Ministry for Pacific Peoples Lifetime Achievement Award at the Pacific Music Awards. Tech for Ocean Science: Sony imaging tech is being adapted for deep-ocean live-streaming from Cook Islands waters, supporting scientific exploration and education. Sports: Guam’s women beat the Cook Islands in the Oceania Volleyball Championships opener, while the Marshall Islands later upset Guam in a four-set match.

Deep-Sea Mining Backlash: Pacific leaders are alarmed by a Trump-backed push to auction large areas of ocean for deep-sea mining, with American Sāmoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands warning of “no consultations” and risks to food security and ocean life. Cook Islands Election Watch: With less than a week to go before the 12 August Cook Islands general election, voters are fixated on cost of living—fuel, supply-chain pressures, and water tariffs—while infrastructure and outer-island development also feature in campaigns. Offshore Tech for Cook Islands Research: Sony’s underwater imaging gear is being modified for UHD live-streaming from 5,000m depths on Cook Islands expeditions, highlighting growing investment in ocean science and education. Deep-Sea Policy Debate (Regional): A “Speak Up for Our Shared Ocean” campaign urges public submissions over a proposed high-seas exploration process involving Kiribati, the Cook Islands and French Polynesia, as international rules for commercial mining are still being negotiated. Sports & Community: Guam’s women beat the Cook Islands in the Oceania Volleyball Championships opener, while the Marshall Islands later upset Guam in a four-set match—keeping regional sport in the spotlight. Local Culture: Cook Islands music icon Will Crummer is set to receive the 2026 Ministry for Pacific Peoples Lifetime Achievement Award at the Pacific Music Awards.

Deep-Sea Minerals Watch: The ISA wrapped its July 2026 Kingston session without adopting a Mining Code, with regulators pointing to a missing baseline of environmental science—while NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is running live-streamed ROV dives in the Cook Islands to build that groundwork. Public Input on High Seas Mining: A U.S.-linked proposal to explore deep-sea minerals in an area between Kiribati, the Cook Islands and French Polynesia is open for submissions until 03 August, as Pacific groups push back on unilateral licensing while international rules are still being negotiated. Local Ocean Tech: Sony partnered with DeepSea Power & Light and Ocean Exploration Trust to modify a camera system for UHD live-streaming from 5,000m+ depths during a Cook Islands expedition—aimed at education and species discovery. Cook Islands Culture & Media: Filmmaker Professor Tom Murray’s “Vaka Moana: Ancestors of the Future” heads to a Melbourne premiere after nearly five years of production. Sports (Cook Islands in focus): Guam’s women beat the Cook Islands 4 sets to start the Oceania Volleyball Championships, while Guam also prepares to host the full event Aug. 3–9. Food & Hospitality: A Cook Islands-linked profile highlights The Waterline Restaurant & Outrigger Bar on Rarotonga’s Arorangi coast.

Deep-Sea Tech for Cook Islands: DeepSea Power & Light and Ocean Exploration Trust modified a Sony underwater camera to capture and live-stream UHD from ~5,000m, aiming to boost education and scientific outreach from Cook Islands waters. Deep-Sea Mining Rules Stall: The UN seabed regulator’s July session ended without a Mining Code, while NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is running ROV dives in Cook Islands terrain to build the baseline science regulators say is missing. Local Governance & Waste Policy: Te Ipukarea Society argues incineration isn’t the answer for Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, citing scale, operating needs, and the mismatch with small island waste volumes. Offshore Minerals Debate: A U.S.-linked proposal for deep-sea exploration between Kiribati, the Cook Islands and French Polynesia is open for public comment, with Pacific groups pushing for submissions while international rules are still being negotiated. Regional Business & Risk: Southpac Group reports a surge in US tech founders seeking Cook Islands asset protection as AI and cybersecurity disputes rise. Culture & Community: Te Maeva Nui performances spotlight Cook Islands cultural pride, while Will Crummer is named a 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Sport: Guam opened the Oceania Volleyball Championships with a four-set win over the Cook Islands.

Underwater Tech & Media: DeepSea Power & Light and Ocean Exploration Trust modified a Sony HDC-P50 POV camera to live-stream UHD from 5,000m depths in the Cook Islands, pushing studio-grade imaging for deep-ocean science and education. Deep-Sea Minerals Governance: The ISA council wrapped up its Kingston session with no Mining Code and no commercial mining rules, while NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer continues Cook Islands baseline dives to fill the science gap regulators say they need. Local Ocean Policy Debate: A public comment push is underway on a U.S.-linked deep-sea exploration proposal in high seas waters between Kiribati, the Cook Islands and French Polynesia, with campaigners warning impacts won’t respect borders. Offshore Industry & Risk: Southpac Group reports a 290% jump in US clients seeking Cook Islands and Nevis asset protection as AI, cybersecurity and data-privacy disputes rise. Waste & Infrastructure: Te Ipukarea Society argues incineration isn’t the answer for Rarotonga and Pa Enua, citing scale and operating realities for small island waste streams. Business & Fisheries Data: A Cook Islands observer used a satellite setup and the OLL0 app to upload longline data near real-time into the regional tuna database, speeding up reporting from the fishing grounds. Culture & Tourism: Te Maeva Nui performances at the National Auditorium delivered a major showcase of Cook Islands culture, while Will Crummer was named the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient at the Pacific Music Awards.

Sports & Tourism: Guam kicked off the 2026 Oceania Volleyball Championships with a four-set win over the Cook Islands (25–13, 25–16, 17–25, 25–10), setting an early tone for a week of high-level Pacific indoor volleyball. Local Hospitality: Rarotonga’s Waterline Restaurant & Outrigger Bar leans into its maritime story—built by a boat-builder and anchored by a long-standing original tree—serving classic island favourites as it continues to draw diners. Film & Culture: Filmmaker Tom Murray is preparing for the world premiere of “Vaka Moana: Ancestors of the Future” at MIFF after nearly five years in production. Deep-Sea Minerals Watch: The UN regulator’s ISA talks again stalled on a Mining Code, while NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is running ROV dives in Cook Islands waters to fill the baseline science gap; meanwhile, a U.S.-linked deep-sea exploration proposal affecting the region is open for public comment, with Pacific groups urging submissions. Offshore Governance & Data: A Cook Islands observer programme story highlights faster electronic reporting from the fishing grounds using satellite-linked tools.

Deep-sea mining rules stall: The UN International Seabed Authority wrapped its July session with no Mining Code adopted and no commercial mining approved, while NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer continues deep-ocean dives in Cook Islands waters to fill the baseline science gap needed for safe extraction thresholds. Public consultation on exploration: A U.S.-linked proposal to explore deep-sea minerals in international waters between Kiribati, the Cook Islands and French Polynesia is open for submissions until 03 August, with Pacific groups warning that transboundary impacts can’t be handled by unilateral licensing while ISA rules are still being negotiated. Local waste debate: Te Ipukarea Society argues incineration is not the answer for Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, pointing to the scale and operational realities of modern waste plants versus small island waste streams. Offshore services demand: Southpac Group says US tech founders are increasingly choosing Cook Islands and Nevis asset protection as AI, cybersecurity and data privacy disputes rise, reporting a 290% jump in client numbers since 2022. Culture and tourism: Te Maeva Nui performances delivered a major showcase of Cook Islands culture, while Rarotonga’s Waterline Restaurant & Outrigger Bar leans into maritime heritage with a story-rich dining experience. Media spotlight: Filmmaker Tom Murray’s “Vaka Moana: Ancestors of the Future” heads to a Melbourne premiere, and Aitutaki’s “A Changing Tide” documentary reflects on lagoon pressures from nature and development.

Deep-Sea Mining Rules Stalled: The UN’s International Seabed Authority wrapped up talks in Jamaica with no mining code adopted and no commercial mining approved, while NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer keeps running deep-ocean dives in Cook Islands waters to build the baseline science regulators say they still lack. Public Pushback on Exploration: A U.S.-linked proposal to explore deep-sea minerals in an area between Kiribati, the Cook Islands and French Polynesia is open for public comment until 3 August, with Pacific groups urging submissions and warning impacts won’t respect borders. Sovereignty Debate Intensifies: A regional expert says seabed mining is becoming a new test of Pacific sovereignty as global powers ramp up interest, turning ocean governance into a security and foreign-policy issue. Local Waste Policy: In Cook Islands commentary, incineration is challenged as a poor fit for small islands, citing scale, operating needs, and pollution-control requirements. Business & Risk: Southpac Group reports a surge in US clients seeking Cook Islands and Nevis asset protection as AI, cybersecurity and data-privacy disputes rise. Culture & Community: Te Maeva Nui performances in Rarotonga spotlight Cook Islands cultural excellence, while Aitutaki’s lagoon stress is explored in a new documentary.

Deep-Sea Mining & Ocean Governance: The International Seabed Authority wrapped up its July 2026 Kingston session with no mining code agreed and no commercial mining approved, while NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer continues Cook Islands deep-ocean baseline dives to fill the science gap regulators say they need. Public Consultation: A U.S.-linked proposal for deep-sea exploration in the Eastern High Seas Pocket (between Kiribati, the Cook Islands and French Polynesia) is open for public comment until 3 August, with Pacific groups urging submissions and warning impacts don’t respect borders. Local Environment Debate: A new Cook Islands-focused argument pushes back on incineration as a waste solution, saying small-island scale and pollution-control needs make it a poor fit for Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. Offshore Finance & Risk: Southpac Group reports a sharp rise in US clients seeking Cook Islands and Nevis asset protection as AI, cybersecurity and data privacy disputes increase. Culture & Community: Te Maeva Nui performances in Rarotonga delivered a major showcase of Cook Islands culture and talent. Business & Skills: A Cook Islands observer programme story highlights faster electronic reporting from tuna longline vessels using satellite-linked tools. Regional Spotlight: Guam prepares to host the Oceania Volleyball Championships Aug 3–9, with the Cook Islands among the competing teams. Aitutaki Documentary: Aitutaki’s lagoon is spotlighted in a documentary on mounting environmental stress and the need to protect a national treasure.

Deep-sea mining & sovereignty: The International Seabed Authority wrapped up its July 2026 Kingston talks with no Mining Code and no commercial mining rules, while NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer continues deep-ocean dives in Cook Islands waters to build the baseline science regulators say is missing. Public consultation: A U.S.-linked proposal to explore deep-sea minerals in the Eastern High Seas Pocket between Kiribati, the Cook Islands and French Polynesia is open for public comment until 3 August, with Pacific groups urging submissions and questioning unilateral licensing while international rules are still being negotiated. Local governance & environment: A Cook Islands-focused op-ed argues incineration is not the answer for Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, citing scale, costs, and the operational demands of modern waste plants. Offshore finance & risk: Southpac Group says demand is surging for Cook Islands and Nevis asset protection as U.S. tech founders face rising AI, cybersecurity and data-privacy disputes. Capital markets: Deep Sea Minerals Corp. filed a final Canadian base shelf prospectus for up to C$50m, supporting its North American funding plans. Culture: Te Maeva Nui performances delivered a major showcase of Cook Islands culture at the National Auditorium.

Deep-Sea Minerals & Governance: The UN’s International Seabed Authority wrapped up its Kingston talks again without adopting a mining code, while extending a controversial exploration contract—leaving the science and safeguards gap front and centre. Cook Islands Waters & Data: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is running live deep-ocean dives in Cook Islands terrain to fill the baseline knowledge regulators say they still need before any safe extraction thresholds can be set. Public Pushback: A U.S.-linked deep-sea exploration proposal covering an area between Kiribati, the Cook Islands and French Polynesia is open for public comment until 3 August, with Pacific groups urging submissions and warning about transboundary impacts. Tourism Industry Dialogue: Te Ipukarea Society and the Seabed Minerals Authority briefed the Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council, stressing clearer national dialogue and caution rather than a simple pro- or anti-mining debate. Local Capacity & Fisheries Tech: A Cook Islands observer programme story shows how an observer used satellite-linked reporting and the OLL0 app to upload tuna longline data near real time, strengthening regional fisheries monitoring. Climate-Resilient Construction: MFEM and the Ministry of Education signed on to train builders and inspectors on climate-resilient building codes under a Green Climate Fund direct access project. Business Leadership Wellbeing: A new executive health focus highlights that leaders may be coping, but sustained complexity is the real risk as board attention shifts away from wellbeing. Offshore Asset Protection Demand: Southpac Group reports a surge in US tech founders seeking Cook Islands and Nevis asset protection as AI, cybersecurity and data privacy disputes rise.

Deep-Sea Mining Rules Stalled in Cook Islands Waters: The UN’s International Seabed Authority wrapped up its Kingston talks without a mining code, while NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is running live deep-ocean dives in Cook Islands terrain to close the science gap regulators say they need. Public Pushback on U.S.-Led Exploration: A U.S. company’s high seas exploration proposal covering areas between Kiribati, the Cook Islands and French Polynesia is open for public comment until 3 August, with Pacific groups urging submissions and warning impacts don’t respect borders. Tourism Industry Weighs In: Te Ipukarea Society and the Seabed Minerals Authority briefed the Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council, stressing clearer, cautious national dialogue on how any future seabed mining could affect environment, jobs, tourism and sovereignty. Local Tech for Fisheries Reporting: A Cook Islands observer programme story shows how an offline longline observer app helped move tuna data uploads closer to real time, improving how Pacific fisheries data gets managed. Offshore Asset Protection Demand Rises: Southpac Group says US tech founders are increasingly seeking Cook Islands and Nevis structures as AI, cybersecurity and data privacy disputes grow. Climate-Resilient Building Skills: MFEM and the Ministry of Education signed on to train builders and inspectors under a Green Climate Fund direct access project, strengthening climate-ready construction capacity.