Air Travel Costs: Stats NZ says international airfares rose 21.5% year-on-year to August, driven by higher jet fuel costs and aviation system charges, but Kiwis are still travelling strongly with 3.09 million arrivals in the year to July. Tourism Leadership: Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council re-elected Liana Scott as president for 2026/27, with priorities including workforce and immigration, policy reform, business costs and keeping growth sustainable. Pa Enua Connectivity: Cook Islands PM says a Tongareva (Penrhyn) wharf funding intention of about NZ$101.5m is on the table, with feasibility work to follow in partnership with the US and New Zealand. Penrhyn Military Claims: US ambassador Jared Novelly denies Washington is discussing a military base at Tongareva, saying any security talks relate to illegal fisheries and narco-terrorism. Sport & Tourism: Cook Islands golf team is in Tahiti for the inaugural 2026 Pacific Cup, while the men’s national team returns to Rarotonga to host Tahiti in matches starting 26 September. Health & Community: Te Marae Ora mammogram screening found women needing repeat tests, ultrasound and specialist follow-up, and the programme screened 398 women across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. Finance Growth: Cook Islands trust registrations hit a record 433 (+42%), highlighting booming international trust services linked to US demand. Ocean Conservation: Bezos Earth Fund announced US$25m in grants to protect Pacific ocean areas, including marine protected areas in the Cook Islands.