AGP Executive Report

Pacific Security & Trade: Australia has unveiled a A$600m plan to disrupt cocaine smuggling across the “Pacific drugs highway,” citing semi-submersibles and noting at least 19 cocaine packages found on a Cook Islands reef in July. Marine Life: Te Ipukarea Society and Cook Islands Whale Research ran a two-day humpback whale education programme for Year 7–8 students, highlighting migration, ecosystem roles and whale songs. Education Reform: A consultation analysis on replacing New Zealand’s NCEA found strong support for improvements, but many educators, students and families want refinement rather than scrapping the system. Electricity Governance: CIIC announced leadership changes for Te Aponga Uira, including a new deputy chair and fresh board directors, aiming to strengthen governance for reliable power. Freight Infrastructure: Construction has started on Mauke’s $300,000 purpose-built cargo shed to improve sea freight handling and storage, with completion expected in early November. Port Upgrade Debate: US and NZ funding for a Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade is drawing pushback from Greenpeace, which links the project to deep-sea mining concerns and strategic access. Regional Shipping & Tech: A shipping industry voice at Splash Singapore argues AI and monitoring tools should be driven by users, not vendors.

Pacific Security & Trade: Australia unveiled a A$600m plan to hit cocaine smuggling across the “Pacific drugs highway,” citing semi-submersibles and recent cocaine finds including 19 packages on a Cook Islands reef in July. Marine & Tourism: Te Ipukarea Society says humpback whales are back, running a Year 7–8 education programme on migration and ecosystem roles. Power & Utilities Governance: CIIC announced leadership changes at Te Aponga Uira/TAU, appointing Jessie Sword as deputy chair and adding Dallas Young, Metua Okotai and James Carfax-Foster to strengthen governance for reliable electricity. Education Policy: A consultation analysis finds strong support for improving NCEA, but many educators and families oppose replacing it outright—preferring refinement. Freight Infrastructure: Work is underway on Mauke’s new purpose-built cargo shed (NZ$300k), aiming to improve sea freight handling and storage. Regional Geopolitics & Ports: US and NZ funding for a Penrhyn/Tongareva port upgrade is drawing debate, with Greenpeace pushing back over links to deep-sea mining concerns. Shipping & Compliance: A maritime intelligence report warns bunker suppliers face rising fraud risks as tankers broadcast flags tied to fraudulent registries.

Pacific Security & Trade: Australia has unveiled a A$600m plan to hit cocaine smuggling across the Pacific “drugs highway,” targeting semi-submersibles after cocaine packages washed up in the region, including a July find on a Cook Islands reef. Marine Life: Te Ipukarea Society says humpback whales are back in Cook Islands waters, with a two-day education programme for Year 7–8 students on migration, ecosystem roles and whale calls. Electricity Governance: CIIC has reshuffled Te Aponga Uira leadership, appointing Jessie Sword as deputy chair and adding Dallas Young, Metua Okotai and James Carfax-Foster to strengthen governance for reliable power. Education Policy: A consultation on replacing NCEA shows strong support for improvements, but many educators and families want refinement rather than a full overhaul. Freight Infrastructure: Construction has started on Mauke’s new purpose-built cargo shed (NZ$300k), aiming to improve sea freight protection and storage. Tourism Links: Pacific Tourism Organisation returns to New Zealand with its “Hidden Treasures” roadshow, including Cook Islands among featured destinations. Port Upgrade Debate: Greenpeace has hit back at Winston Peters over claims tied to a US/NZ-funded Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade, warning it could enable deep-sea mining.

Education Policy: A Ministry of Education review of 8,292 submissions says most educators and industry want improvements to senior secondary qualifications, but many teachers, students and families oppose scrapping NCEA—preferring refinement over replacement, as the government plans a staged rollout of new certificates from 2028. Energy & Utilities Governance: CIIC has reshaped the Te Aponga Uira (TAU) board, appointing Jessie Sword as deputy chair and adding Dallas Young, Metua Okotai and James Carfax-Foster to support reliable, sustainable electricity services. Ports & Supply Chains: Construction is underway on Mauke’s new $300,000 purpose-built cargo shed to improve freight protection, handling and temporary storage, with completion expected in early November. Pacific Infrastructure & Diplomacy: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, Cook Islands secured funding for Marae Moana protection and the NZ$101m Penrhyn port upgrade (co-funded by New Zealand and the United States), while Tongareva voices continue to debate transparency and the wider critical minerals agenda. Climate & Resilience Finance: 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. Maritime Security/Legal: A Finland appeals court reopened a case involving a Cook Islands-flagged tanker accused of anchor-dragging that damaged subsea cables, keeping pressure on accountability for offshore infrastructure damage. Tourism Trade: The Pacific Tourism Organisation returned to New Zealand’s travel industry via the 2026 Treasures of the South Pacific Roadshow, featuring Cook Islands and other destinations to boost destination awareness.

Education Reform Debate: Cook Islands-linked coverage from NZ shows strong support for improving NCEA, but many educators, students and families don’t back replacing it outright—government plans to phase in a new foundation certificate (Year 11 in 2028), then certificates for Years 12 and 13. Energy & Utilities Governance: CIIC has reshaped the Te Aponga Uira (TAU) electricity board, appointing Dallas Young and Metua Okotai as directors, plus Jessie Sword as deputy chair, after other directors departed. Port & Critical Minerals Tension: The US and NZ announced major Penrhyn/Tongareva port funding at the Pacific Islands Forum, with local voices split—supporters stress safer lifeline logistics for the northern atoll, while critics warn about transparency and the deep-sea mining agenda. Climate & Water Risk: Pacific communities face a worsening fuel crisis alongside El Niño forecasts—potential drought in some areas, heavier rain in others, and rising pressure on safe drinking water, food and children’s health. Freight Infrastructure: Construction is underway on Mauke’s $300,000 purpose-built cargo shed to improve protection, handling and temporary storage of freight. Regional Diplomacy: US presence in the Pacific is being framed as more active, including investment announcements tied to projects like Penrhyn, as big-power rivalry shapes forum outcomes. Maritime Security/Shipping: New reporting highlights growing risks around maritime fraud and sanctions checks, with implications for shipping and bunker suppliers. Culture & Fashion: Pacific Fusion Fashion Show marked a 10-year milestone at NZ Fashion Week, spotlighting Pasifika designers and representation.

Port & Critical Minerals: The Cook Islands’ Penrhyn/Tongareva port upgrade is set to get about US$60m from the US and New Zealand, announced at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau—sparking a fresh fight over whether the project is just a lifeline for freight and safer landings or a gateway to deep-sea mining. Community Voices: Cook Islands leaders and commentators are pushing for local control, transparency, and real consultation on what the upgrade means for Penrhyn’s future. Greenpeace Backlash: Greenpeace Aotearoa (including a Cook Islands-Māori spokesperson) has hit out at Winston Peters and warned the port deal could be a “Trojan horse” for seabed mining. Freight Infrastructure (Pa Enua): Construction has started on Mauke’s new purpose-built cargo shed (NZ$300,000), aimed at improving protection, handling and temporary storage of freight. Shipping Security: Maritime intelligence reports fraudulent ship registry flags and false AIS activity are rising risks for bunker suppliers, especially where sanctions are involved. Climate Readiness: Pacific communities are being urged to prepare for a strong El Niño, with knock-on threats to water, food and children’s health.

Cook Islands Port & Critical Minerals: The US and New Zealand have jointly backed a major Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade, with US$50m from the US and NZ$17.5m from NZ, framed as a lifeline for the northern atoll—while Greenpeace calls it a “Trojan horse” for deep-sea mining and warns Indigenous knowledge and community control are being sidelined. Local Infrastructure Delivery: Work has started on Mauke’s new purpose-built $300,000 cargo shed, due in early November, aimed at improving freight protection, handling and temporary storage for sea-dependent services. Freight & Logistics Capacity: Mauke’s shed project is part of the wider push to strengthen island freight infrastructure and reduce reliance on less reliable cargo arrangements. Governance & Trust: A Cook Islands-linked letter raises concerns about leadership, transparency and consultation around the 2025 China partnership and the deep-sea mining debate. Regional Climate & Food Security: Pacific communities are being urged to prepare for a powerful El Niño, with fuel crisis pressures adding risk to water, food and children’s health. Maritime Security & Cables: Finland’s appeals court has reopened a case involving a Cook Islands-flagged tanker over subsea cable damage, keeping attention on protection of critical undersea infrastructure. Conservation Tech: A new Waihī Beach–Rarotonga partnership is deploying automated predator traps in a cloud forest to protect native wildlife from rats and feral cats.

Food Support Accountability: Labour MP Tangi Utikere says Social Development Minister Louise Upston must apologise after MSD declined 8,000+ emergency food grant applications using the wrong “food not essential” code, with the issue tied to how the government pushes laws through urgency. Maritime Security & Compliance: Windward reports 275 tankers broadcast fraudulent registry flags in Q2 and logged 1.24m false AIS meetings, raising new trust problems for bunker suppliers and sanctions checks. Cook Islands Port Investment: The US and New Zealand are co-funding a Penrhyn/Tongareva port upgrade (US$50m + NZ$17.5m), framed as a lifeline for safer landings and supplies—while Greenpeace warns it could be a “Trojan horse” for deep-sea mining and sparks debate over transparency and Indigenous control. Freight Infrastructure: Work is underway on Mauke’s new purpose-built cargo shed (NZ$300,000), due early November, to improve sea-freight handling and storage. Climate & Fuel Pressure: Pacific leaders and aid groups warn El Niño could worsen drought, water stress and child health risks on top of ongoing fuel crises. Regional Film & Creative Industry: POP48 (People of Pasifika 48-hour film challenge) is set to run Sept 4–6 with Cook Islands teams competing, aiming to put Pacific storytelling in Pacific hands. Shipping Courts: Finland’s appeals court reopened the Eagle S anchor-dragging case involving a Cook Islands-flagged tanker, with implications for prosecutions tied to subsea cable damage.

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.