AGP Executive Report

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: The UN International Seabed Authority extended a controversial deep-sea exploration contract for a The Metals Company subsidiary, while still failing to finalise rules for commercial mining—fueling fresh calls for caution as Pacific sovereignty and environmental safeguards stay in limbo. Tourism Industry Dialogue: In a first-of-its-kind session with the Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council, Te Ipukarea Society and the Seabed Minerals Authority urged clearer, more cautious national discussion on how seabed mining could affect the environment, economy, tourism and sovereignty. Cook Islands Shipping: MFEM says the new passenger and cargo vessel Tuitui Moana has left Guangzhou for its 46-day delivery voyage via stops in the Philippines, Papua New Guinea and Fiji, aiming to boost connectivity to the Pa Enua. Climate-Resilient Skills: MFEM and the Ministry of Education signed onto a Green Climate Fund direct access project to train builders and inspectors on climate-resilient building codes. Energy Finance (Regional Signal): The ADB backed India’s rooftop solar rollout with US$850m, targeting lower upfront costs and better grid readiness—an execution-focused model for Pacific energy planners. AI & Asset Protection: Southpac Group reports a surge in clients building offshore asset protection structures as AI, cybersecurity and data privacy disputes rise.

Deep-Sea Minerals & Sovereignty: A new round of Pacific debate is heating up as global powers push seabed mining rules at the International Seabed Authority, with experts warning it’s becoming a sovereignty and security issue—not just environmental policy. Tourism Stakeholder Pushback: In the Cook Islands, Te Ipukarea Society and the Seabed Minerals Authority briefed the tourism industry, urging clearer national dialogue and caution around environmental, economic and governance impacts. Cook Islands Shipping Upgrade: MFEM says MV Tuitui Moana has left China for a 46-day delivery voyage via PNG and Fiji, aiming to boost passenger and cargo links to the Pa Enua. Climate-Resilient Construction: MFEM and the Ministry of Education signed a Green Climate Fund agreement to train builders and inspectors on climate-resilient building codes. Pacific Fisheries Tech: A Cook Islands observer programme case study shows how a satellite-enabled app (OLLO) lets longline data upload near real-time to regional tuna databases. Offshore Asset Protection Trend: Southpac Group reports a sharp rise in AI-and-cyber litigation risk driving more US founders to use Cook Islands and Nevis asset protection structures.

Deep-Sea Minerals & Sovereignty: A University of Canterbury professor says Pacific seabed mining is becoming a new test of regional sovereignty as global powers push for rules at the International Seabed Authority, with talks in Jamaica ending without agreement and conservation groups urging a pause until stronger safeguards exist. Cook Islands Tourism Angle: Te Ipukarea Society and the Seabed Minerals Authority briefed the Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council, stressing the need for clearer, cautious national dialogue on how deep seabed mining could affect the environment, the economy, tourism and sovereignty. Offshore Services Demand: Southpac Group reports a 290% jump in client growth tied to rising AI, cybersecurity and data-privacy litigation risk, with more US founders using Cook Islands and Nevis-style asset protection structures. Climate-Resilient Trades: MFEM and the Ministry of Education signed a Green Climate Fund deal to train builders and inspectors on climate-resilient building codes via CITTI. Shipping Connectivity: The Tuitui Moana has departed China for a 46-day delivery voyage to Rarotonga, via Cebu, Lae and Suva, aiming to strengthen Pa Enua passenger and cargo links. Regional Security Watch: Australia’s Pacific diplomatic push continues amid China concerns, while the Solomon Islands signals a more balanced approach by moving to sign a US Coast Guard “ship rider” patrol deal.

Deep-Sea Mining Debate: The Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council heard Te Ipukarea Society and the Seabed Minerals Authority on deep seabed mining, with a clear push for more clarity, caution and national dialogue as tourism, environment, economy and sovereignty all hang in the balance. Radioactive Risk Watch: SBMA also responded to a new report flagging radioactive contamination risks, saying there’s currently no evidence of severe or major toxic effects from mining activities. Vessel Connectivity: MFEM says the Tuitui Moana has left China for a 46-day delivery voyage via Cebu, Lae and Suva, aiming to strengthen links between Rarotonga and the Pa Enua for passengers, cargo and essentials. Climate Trades Training: MFEM and the Ministry of Education signed a Green Climate Fund service agreement to train builders and inspectors on climate-resilient building codes through CITTI. Sports Tourism: Oceania Volleyball Championship lands on Guam Aug 3–9 with Cook Islands among the teams, positioning the event as a regional sports tourism boost.

Deep-Sea Minerals Watch: Deep Sea Minerals says it’s tightening disclosure after a British Columbia Securities Commission review, pointing investors to its amended annual filing while it discusses its NOAA exploration licence application. Policy & Trade Tensions: The US Senate is set for procedural votes on a Russia sanctions package that could pair with tariffs up to 100% on top Russian crude and gas buyers, with Democrats split over how broad the Trump tariff authority would be. Tourism & Culture: Te Maeva Nui kicked off with a lively Avarua float parade, spotlighting outer-island and international groups and the theme tied to the House of Ariki’s 60th anniversary. Deep-Seabed Mining Debate: Te Ipukarea Society and the Seabed Minerals Authority briefed the Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council, urging caution, clearer national dialogue, and weighing environmental, economic, tourism and sovereignty impacts. Climate-Resilient Skills: MFEM and the Ministry of Education signed a Green Climate Fund direct-access service agreement to train builders and inspectors on climate-resilient building codes. Transport & Supply Chain: The new vessel Tuitui Moana has departed China for a 46-day delivery voyage to Rarotonga via Cebu, Lae and Suva, aiming to boost connectivity to the Pa Enua. Regional Security: Australia’s Pacific diplomatic push continues with new defence and security pacts, as Solomon Islands moves toward a US ship-rider maritime enforcement deal.

Te Maeva Nui 2026: Avarua lit up for the official float parade, with outer-island and international groups turning up in vibrant cultural dress and decorated vehicles, all tied to the theme “Taku Ui Ariki – E papa ngaueuekore ia noku” and the House of Ariki’s 60th anniversary. Deep-sea mining debate: The Te Ipukarea Society and the Seabed Minerals Authority briefed the Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council, urging clearer national dialogue and caution as radioactive contamination risks and sovereignty concerns keep surfacing. Climate-resilient building skills: MFEM and the Ministry of Education signed on to Green Climate Fund support, training builders and inspectors on climate-resilient building codes via CITTI under the EDA project. Shipping and supply chain: The new passenger and cargo vessel Tuitui Moana has departed China for a 46-day delivery voyage, routing via Cebu, Lae and Suva before arriving in Rarotonga to strengthen Pa Enua connectivity. Tourism + film: A wine-and-cheese industry event in Australia spotlighted how film and streaming are shaping destination marketing, with Cook Islands tourism among the attendees. Sports spotlight: Team Cook Islands marched in Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games opening ceremony, with officials saying they were voted best dressed and that the team is settling in well.

Te Maeva Nui 2026: Avarua turned out for the official float parade, with outer-island and international groups showcasing culture through decorated vehicles and performances, tied to the theme “Taku Ui Ariki” and the House of Ariki’s 60th anniversary. Deep-sea mining debate: Te Ipukarea Society and the Seabed Minerals Authority briefed the tourism sector on why the Cook Islands needs clearer, cautious planning and real national dialogue as seabed mining’s environmental, economic and sovereignty impacts are weighed. Climate-resilient building skills: 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, using CITTI to deliver capacity building. Shipping and connectivity: The new passenger-cargo vessel Tuitui Moana has left China for a 46-day delivery voyage via Cebu, Lae and Suva, aiming to strengthen links to the Pa Enua. Tourism x film: A wine-and-cheese industry event spotlighted how film and streaming are shaping destination marketing, with Cook Islands among the tourism and production players. Regional maritime security: Solomon Islands’ PM Matthew Wale says a US Coast Guard ship-rider deal will be signed soon to boost patrols with local police, targeting threats like illegal fishing.

Shipping & Connectivity: The Cook Islands’ new passenger and cargo vessel, Tuitui Moana, has left Nansha, Guangzhou for its 46-day delivery voyage to Rarotonga, with planned stops in Cebu, Lae and Suva—aimed at strengthening links to the Pa Enua for passengers, cargo and essential supplies. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Te Ipukarea Society and the Seabed Minerals Authority briefed the Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council, urging caution, clarity and genuine national dialogue on seabed mining’s environmental, economic and sovereignty implications. Radioactive Risk Debate: SBMA welcomed a report raising radioactive contamination concerns from deep-sea mining, while saying there is currently no evidence of severe or major toxic effects from mining activities. Climate-Resilient Skills: MFEM and the Ministry of Education signed a Green Climate Fund service agreement to train builders and inspectors on climate-resilient building codes via CITTI. Culture & Tourism Events: Avarua’s Te Maeva Nui 2026 float parade kicked off the celebrations, with outer-island and international groups showcasing cultural identity and the House of Ariki’s 60th anniversary theme. Regional Security: Australia’s diplomatic push across the Pacific continues, including new defence arrangements and moves tied to concerns about China’s growing regional interest.

Pacific Security: Australia and Fiji have signed the Ocean of Peace Alliance, with mutual defence obligations, as regional concern grows over China’s expanding role after a ballistic missile launch near Tuvalu. Climate Skills & Buildings: MFEM and the Ministry of Education signed a Green Climate Fund service agreement to train builders and inspectors on climate-resilient building codes via CITTI. Shipping & Connectivity: The Cook Islands’ new vessel Tuitui Moana has left Nansha, Guangzhou for a 46-day delivery voyage to Rarotonga, with stops in Cebu, Lae and Suva. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: SBMA says a new report highlights radioactive risks from deep-sea mining but notes there’s currently no evidence of severe major toxic effects; French Polynesia also plans to challenge a US seabed mining proposal made without consultation. Biosecurity: Cook Islands agriculture confirms no H5N1 cases locally and keeps poultry import risk low, with possible restrictions if the virus appears in domestic flocks. Local Business: Paradise Supplies marks 10 years, celebrating growth from a container operation to an online ordering platform handling 600+ orders a month. Tourism x Film: A Cairns film-and-screen event spotlighted how entertainment is shaping destination marketing, with Cook Islands among the tourism partners.

Climate Skills for Builders: The Ministry of Finance and Economic Management and the Ministry of Education have signed a Green Climate Fund Enhancing Direct Access deal to train builders and inspectors on climate-resilient building codes, with the Cook Islands Tertiary Training Institute delivering capacity-building. Vessel Connectivity: MFEM says the new passenger and cargo ship Tuitui Moana has left Nansha, Guangzhou for a 46-day delivery voyage via Cebu, Lae and Suva, aiming to strengthen links to the Pa Enua once in service. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority welcomed a report flagging radioactive contamination risks from deep-sea mining, while stressing there’s currently no evidence of severe toxic effects; Te Ipukarea Society also warns DSM could threaten marine life and the food basket. Biosecurity Alert: Cook Islands agriculture says H5N1 bird flu risk remains low after detection in New Zealand, with possible poultry import restrictions if the virus appears locally. Regional Security Watch: Australia and Fiji have advanced new Pacific defence pacts amid concerns about China’s growing regional interest, with Australia also moving to review security arrangements in the Solomon Islands. Local Business Milestone: Paradise Supplies marked 10 years, celebrating growth from a container and van into an online ordering platform handling 600+ orders a month. Sport & Culture: Team Cook Islands stood out at the Commonwealth Games opening in Glasgow, with a best-dressed moment and pride in TAV outfits.

Maritime Supply Chain: Cook Islands’ new passenger and cargo vessel Tuitui Moana has left Nansha, Guangzhou for a 46-day delivery run to Rarotonga, calling at Cebu, Lae and Suva—an important step for moving people, cargo and essential supplies to the Pa Enua. Deep-Sea Mining & Health: The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority says a new report highlights radioactive contamination risks from deep-sea mining, while stressing there’s currently no proof of severe or major toxic effects—keeping pressure on how DSM is assessed and managed. Climate & Ocean Research: A month-long expedition is building the first baseline of ocean conditions across the Cook Islands EEZ, tracking temperatures, currents, seafloor conditions and microplastics to understand how climate change could affect local livelihoods. Avian Flu Watch: After H5N1 was detected in New Zealand, Cook Islands agriculture says there are no cases locally and the risk is low, but poultry import restrictions could be considered if the virus appears in domestic flocks. Local Business: Paradise Supplies marks 10 years in hospitality supply, celebrating growth from a container and van to an online ordering platform handling 600+ orders a month. Youth & Elections: The Cook Islands National Youth Council runs Kai Vānanga no te Uki o Āpōpō sessions where candidates debate environment, economics, community and culture—especially the pressure tourism puts on land and lifestyle.

Tourism x Film: A Cairns Crocodiles Film & Screen Track wine-and-cheese event brought together Cook Islands tourism and major streaming/production players to discuss how screen content is shaping destination demand. Shipping & Logistics: The Cook Islands’ new passenger and cargo vessel Tuitui Moana has left Nansha, Guangzhou for a 46-day delivery voyage via Cebu, Lae and Suva, aiming to boost Pa Enua connectivity. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority welcomed a report flagging radioactive contamination risks, while stressing there’s currently no proof of severe toxic effects; meanwhile, Te Ipukarea Society argues DSM could threaten the Moana and food security. Biosecurity: Cook Islands authorities are on alert after H5N1 was detected in New Zealand, with possible poultry import restrictions if outbreaks appear locally. Ocean Research: A month-long expedition is building a baseline of climate impacts across the Cook Islands EEZ, mapping and sampling from surface to deep waters. Local Business: Paradise Supplies marked 10 years, highlighting growth from a container start to an online ordering platform handling 600+ orders monthly. Youth & Elections: Cook Islands National Youth Council ran Kai Vānanga sessions where candidates debated environment, economics, community and culture, with tourism pressures front and centre.

Shipping & Supply Chain: MV Tuitui Moana has departed Nansha, Guangzhou for a 46-day delivery run back to Rarotonga, with stops in Cebu, Lae, and Suva—aimed at boosting Pa Enua connectivity for passengers, cargo, and essential supplies. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority says a new report highlights radioactive contamination risks from deep-sea mining, while noting there’s currently no proof of severe toxic effects—amid wider Pacific pushback including French Polynesia objecting to a US seabed plan made without consultation. Health & Biosecurity: Cook Islands authorities confirm H5N1 bird flu hasn’t been detected locally, but are considering poultry import restrictions from New Zealand if the virus appears in domestic flocks. Ocean Science for Resilience: A month-long expedition is building a baseline of ocean conditions across the Cook Islands EEZ, tracking heat, currents, seafloor change, and microplastics to understand climate impacts on livelihoods. Local Business Spotlight: Paradise Supplies marks 10 years since starting from a container and a small car, now handling 600+ online orders a month.

Shipping & supply chain: The Cook Islands’ new vessel Tuitui Moana has left Nansha, Guangzhou for a 46-day delivery run to Rarotonga, with stops in Cebu, Lae, and Suva—aimed at strengthening links to the Pa Enua for passengers, cargo, and essential supplies. Deep-sea mining pressure: The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority says a new report highlights radioactive contamination risks from deep-sea mining, while also stressing there’s currently no evidence of severe or major toxic effects from mining activities. Regional pushback: French Polynesia says it was not consulted over an American seabed mining plan near its borders, as the International Seabed Authority debates the rules. Health & biosecurity: The Cook Islands Ministry of Agriculture confirms no H5N1 cases locally but is ready to restrict poultry imports from New Zealand if the virus spreads. Youth & tourism impacts: Kai Vānanga no te Uki o Āpōpō sessions put young voters at the centre, with candidates debating how to balance tourism growth with land, culture, and environmental protection. Climate science: A month-long voyage is building a baseline of ocean conditions across the Cook Islands EEZ, including mapping seafloor and testing for microplastics.

Shipping & Supply Chains: MV Tuitui Moana has left Nansha, Guangzhou for a 46-day delivery run back to Rarotonga, via Cebu, Lae and Suva, with MFEM saying it will boost links to the Pa Enua for passengers, cargo and essential supplies. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority welcomed a report flagging radioactive contamination risks from deep-sea mining, while stressing there’s currently no evidence of severe toxic effects; meanwhile, French Polynesia says it was not consulted over a US startup’s seabed mining plan just beyond its borders. Health & Biosecurity: Cook Islands authorities are on alert after H5N1 was detected in New Zealand, with poultry import restrictions possible if the virus appears in local flocks. Ocean Science for Industry: A scientific voyage is mapping deep-ocean changes across the Cook Islands EEZ to build a baseline for climate impacts, including microplastics and ocean heat content. Local Business & Community: Paradise Supplies marked 10 years, highlighting growth from a container and van to an online ordering platform handling 600+ orders monthly. Energy & Costs: Oil prices rose to a one-month high as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz slowed amid renewed US-Iran tensions. Youth & Elections: CINYC’s Kai Vānanga no te Uki o Āpōpō sessions put youth voices front and centre, with candidates debating environment, economics, community and culture.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: French Polynesia says it was approached but not consulted over an American Deep Sea Minerals plan to explore seabed mining just beyond the Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia—sparking fresh international-law concerns. Cook Islands Marine Risk Debate: Te Ipukarea Society warns deep-sea mining could release naturally occurring radioactive particles from polymetallic nodules, raising stakes for marine life and food security. Ocean Baseline for Climate: A new expedition is mapping deep ocean changes across the Cook Islands EEZ, collecting samples, temperatures, currents, seafloor maps and microplastics to build a long-term baseline for livelihoods. Avian Flu Watch: Cook Islands authorities confirm no H5N1 cases locally but keep a precautionary stance, including possible poultry import restrictions from New Zealand. Local Business Milestone: Paradise Supplies marks 10 years, highlighting growth from a container operation to an online ordering platform handling 600+ orders monthly. Youth & Elections: CINYC’s Kai Vānanga no te Uki o Āpōpō sessions bring candidates to youth-led discussions on environment, economics, community and culture. Regional Security: Solomon Islands moves to sign a US Coast Guard ship-rider deal to boost maritime enforcement and tackle illegal fishing. Energy Costs: Oil prices jump as Strait of Hormuz shipping slows amid renewed US-Iran tensions, feeding into broader logistics and supply pressures.