Cook Islands Tourism & Borders: The Cook Islands government says future visitors aged 12+ must be fully vaccinated for Covid-19, with only medical certificate exemptions, and quarantine-free travel from New Zealand won’t resume until the country is confident there’s no community transmission. Healthcare Partnership: Australian ENT specialists from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons are in Rarotonga (June 22–26) delivering surgeries and specialist clinics with Te Marae Ora, supported by Australia’s budget support. Visitor Economy: Prime Minister Mark Brown says the Cook Islands has avoided a worst-case GDP contraction thanks to record visitor numbers, pointing to 2025 arrivals of 187,018 (+10% on 2024). Road Safety: Cook Islands Police report road crashes up 9% in the first half of 2026 (123 to 134), with carelessness and rising traffic density flagged as key risks. Culture & Heritage: The Avana Nui Maruarua restoration in Ngatangiia is nearing completion, with crews also sharing ancestral ties to the landmark. Environment & Waste: Te Ipukarea Society marks 30 years of stewardship by taking students to the landfill and Takitumu Conservation Area, highlighting the need for better waste sorting across homes, businesses and tourism. Regional Context (Fuel Crisis): A Pacific-wide fuel crisis update shows diesel price ceilings rising sharply across islands and leaders pushing renewable energy like solar to reduce future shocks. Sport (Cook Islands in the spotlight): A Cook Islander, Maxime Teremoana Crocombe, makes World Cup history as the first Cook Islander to play for the New Zealand All Whites, while Cook Islands club Puaikura FC has arrived for the OFC Women’s Champions League in Honiara.