AGP Executive Report

Immigration & Citizenship: New Zealand First says it will substantially reduce non-essential immigration and treat citizenship as a “privilege”, aiming to ease pressure on housing and public services—an issue that will resonate for Cook Islands travellers and Kiwis alike. Heritage & Community Safety: A long-time restoration lead at Rarotonga’s historic Nikao Cemetery says headstones were vandalised, calling for prosecution; the site is tied to Cook Islands soldiers and families, including tourists and expats. Sports Tourism (Cook Islands): Cook Islands women’s paddlers return from Hawaiʻi’s Queen Liliʻuokalani Canoe Race with medals, placing third overall and second in Open Women. Youth Football Pathways: CIFA confirms its U14 Girls Academy squad will travel to New Zealand in October for the McCartney Tournament in Taupō. Travel Security Scam Alert: Cook Islands accommodation operators are warned to scrutinise unusual refund requests after a scam using stolen cards and fake death certificates. Regional Connectivity & Infrastructure: The US and New Zealand back a major Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade, framed as safer landings and better supply access for the remote island. Pacific Games & Events: Oceania Netball World Cup qualifier kicks off in Tonga next week with Cook Islands among the contenders for two spots.

Sport & Tourism: Cook Islands men’s and women’s teams are set for a big week in Rotorua as the 2026 Oceania Rugby 7s Cup (with SVNS 3 qualification places on the line) features Cook Islands alongside Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Niue and more. Community & Culture: Rarotonga paddlers returned from Hawaiʻi with medals after the 52nd Queen Liliʻuokalani Canoe Race, placing third overall and second in the Open Women’s division. Youth Pathways: CIFA has confirmed its TDS U14 Girls Academy squad will travel to New Zealand in October for the McCartney Tournament in Taupō. Conservation & Nature: A new partnership is bringing automated predator-control traps to Rarotonga’s Takuvaine Valley cloud forest to protect native wildlife from rats and feral cats. Infrastructure & Debate: The US and New Zealand have jointly backed a major Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade, but it’s already sparked fresh controversy over critical minerals and colonial influence. Travel Safety: Cook Islands accommodation operators are being warned about a scam using stolen cards and fake death certificates to push fraudulent refund requests.

World Cup Rugby League: Cook Islands skipper KL Iro says injured centre Valentine Holmes is “sweet to go” for the Pacific nation’s World Cup after a low-grade ankle sprain diagnosis. Youth Football: CIFA confirms its TDS U14 Girls Academy squad will travel to New Zealand in October for the McCartney Tournament in Taupō (9–11 Oct), aiming to boost both football and personal growth. School Travel & Culture: Gisborne Intermediate School students spend more than a week in Rarotonga, mixing lagoon time with cultural exchange at Te Uki Ou School and a final handover with Apii Avarua. Tourism Safety Scam Alert: Cook Islands accommodation operators are warned to scrutinise unusual refund requests tied to stolen cards and fake “death certificates.” Conservation in the Clouds: Waihī Beach and Te Ipukarea Society partner to install automated predator traps in Rarotonga’s Takuvaine Valley cloud forest to protect native wildlife. Penrhyn Port & Big-Power Politics: The US and New Zealand back a major Penrhyn/Tongareva port upgrade, while local voices and NGOs call for transparency and question critical minerals links. Sport (Netball): The Oceania Netball World Cup qualifier kicks off in Tonga next week with Cook Islands among the teams chasing two spots.

Pacific Islands Forum fallout: The 55th PIF leaders meeting in Palau wrapped with climate commitments and “registered concern” over China’s July missile test, but also highlighted empty chairs as several heads of government skipped the summit. US-Australia security push: Australia announced a $600m Pacific surveillance plan targeting narco-submarines and small vessels, while the US pledged $150m+ for Pacific energy, policing and port projects. Penrhyn/Tongareva port upgrade: The US and New Zealand are co-funding a major Penrhyn port reconstruction (US $50m plus NZ $17.5m), with Cook Islands voices and groups calling for transparency as critics link the project to critical minerals and deep-sea ambitions. Tourism industry spotlight: Te Mato Manava Tūroto launched Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto (Tourism Month 2026) across September, celebrating tourism people and youth pathways. Conservation on the ground: Te Ipukarea Society and Waihī Beach partners installed automated predator traps in the Takuvaine Valley cloud forest to protect native wildlife. Sport & travel links: CIFA confirmed its U14 girls academy squad will travel to New Zealand for the McCartney Tournament in Taupō, and netball qualifiers in Tonga include the Cook Islands chasing Oceania World Cup spots.

U.S.-NZ Port Upgrade: The US and New Zealand have jointly backed a major rebuild of Penrhyn (Tongareva) port, with US$50m from Washington and NZ$17.5m from NZ, aimed at safer landings and better supply links for the remote atoll—though it’s already sparked debate over critical minerals and transparency. Tourism Safety Scam Alert: Cook Islands accommodation providers are being warned about a global scam using stolen cards and fake death certificates to push unusual “refund” requests. Tourism Month 2026: Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto runs Sept 1–30, spotlighting people, women and youth pathways through awards and industry programmes. Conservation Partnership: Waihī Beach has teamed with Te Ipukarea Society to deploy automated predator traps in Rarotonga’s Takuvaine cloud forest to protect seabirds and native wildlife. Sport & Travel Pathways: CIFA confirmed its U14 girls academy squad will travel to New Zealand in October for the McCartney Tournament in Taupō, while netball action ramps up with Cook Islands set to compete for Oceania World Cup spots in Tonga. Community & Culture: Cook Islands High Commission staff and diaspora joined Koroneihana 2026 celebrations in Aotearoa, reinforcing strong ties with the Kiingitanga.

Pacific Netball Qualifier in Tonga: The Oceania Netball World Cup spots are up for grabs as Tonga hosts a round-robin with the Cook Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Samoa, running 14–18 September. Pacific Islands Forum fallout: Palau’s 55th PIF summit closed with leaders’ “Belau Declaration” on climate action, but also highlighted geopolitical strain after several prime ministers skipped the meeting at the last minute. Penrhyn/Tongareva port upgrade: The US and New Zealand are jointly funding a major Penrhyn port reconstruction (Omoka) to improve safer ship landings and supply access—while critics warn it’s tied to critical minerals and deep-sea ambitions. Tourism industry spotlight: Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto (Tourism Month 2026) runs 1–30 September, celebrating people, women leaders and youth pathways across Cook Islands tourism. Accommodation scam warning: Operators are urged to scrutinise unusual refund requests linked to stolen cards and fake death certificates. Conservation on Rarotonga: Waihī Beach and Te Ipukarea Society have launched high-altitude automated rat traps in the Takuvaine cloud forest to protect native wildlife. US-Pacific investment push: Washington announced $150m+ for energy security, anti-illegal fishing, digital upgrades and policing cooperation, with the Cook Islands flagged for Penrhyn port support.

Pacific Islands Forum wrap-up: Palau hosted the 55th PIF leaders meeting, ending with the Belau Declaration calling for urgent climate action and “registered concern” over China’s July missile test, while several prime ministers skipped at the last minute amid rising US–China tensions. Penrhyn/Tongareva port deal: The US and New Zealand backed a major upgrade to the Penrhyn port (Omoka) with US$50m + NZ$17.5m, framed as safer maritime connectivity and economic opportunity, but Greenpeace Aotearoa blasted it as colonialism and resource grabbing tied to deep-sea minerals. Tourism industry spotlight: Te Mato Manava Tūroto launched Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto (Tourism Month 2026) for September 1–30, featuring People’s Choice Awards, Tourism Woman of the Month and a youth pathway programme. Visitor safety scam warning: Cook Islands accommodation operators were urged to watch for a global fraud using stolen cards and fake death certificates to push unusual refund transfers. Conservation on Rarotonga: Waihī Beach and Te Ipukarea Society teamed up to deploy automated predator traps in the Takuvaine Valley cloud forest to protect seabirds and native wildlife. Luxury travel news: SeaDream Yacht Club announced SeaDream III for July 2029, adding a newbuild to its intimate, high-service yachting fleet.

Pacific Islands Forum wrap-up: The 55th PIF summit in Palau ended with leaders issuing a Belau Declaration calling for urgent climate action, while China–US tensions stayed front and centre after leaders’ absences and a “registered concern” over a July missile test. Penrhyn/Tongareva port push: The US and New Zealand backed a major Penrhyn port upgrade (US$50m + NZ$17.5m) to improve maritime access and ship landings, but Greenpeace Aotearoa slammed it as colonial “resource grabbing,” linking it to critical minerals and deep-sea mining. Cook Islands tourism & community: Tourism Month 2026 is set for September 1–30, spotlighting people, women and youth pathways across the industry. Conservation on Rarotonga: Waihī Beach and Te Ipukarea Society launched high-altitude automated rat traps in the Takuvaine cloud forest to protect native wildlife and seabirds. Scam warning: Accommodation providers were urged to watch for a global refund scam using stolen cards and fake death certificates. Sports tourism angle: The Cook Islands are among teams in the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship build-up in Honiara, with matches starting Sunday.

Penrhyn Port “Lifeline” Deal: The US and New Zealand have jointly backed a major Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade, with US$50m from Washington and NZ$17.5m from NZ, framed as safer shipping and better access for the Pa Enua—while critics warn it’s tied to critical minerals and deep-sea mining. Pacific Islands Forum Outcomes: Leaders in Palau agreed on urgent climate action, set new police minister meetings, and kept Taiwan’s “development partner” status—amid reports of major leader absences and rising geopolitical friction. US Investment Push: Washington announced over US$150m for Pacific energy, anti–illegal fishing, digital and policing, with the Cook Islands again named for Penrhyn port support. Tourism Month 2026: Te Mato Manava Tūroto launches Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto (Sept 1–30) celebrating tourism people, women and youth pathways. Scam Alert for Stays: Cook Islands accommodation operators are urged to watch for refund scams using stolen cards and fake death certificates. Conservation on Rarotonga: Waihī Beach and Te Ipukarea Society are trialling automated predator traps in the Takuvaine cloud forest to protect native wildlife. Sports Spotlight: Cook Islands women’s U-16 campaign gets a boost as Tonga, Fiji and New Zealand arrive for the OFC Women’s U-16 Championship build-up in Honiara.

Penrhyn Port “Lifeline” & Critical Minerals: The US and New Zealand will co-fund a major Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade—US$50m plus NZ$17.5m—aimed at safer landings and better supply links for the Pa Enua, while critics warn it also advances deep-sea mining interests. Pacific Islands Forum Outcomes: Leaders in Palau backed urgent climate action, set new police minister talks, and confirmed future host plans—while Taiwan’s presence and China’s “consequences” rhetoric kept geopolitics tense. Tourism Month 2026: Te Mato Manava Tūroto launches Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto (Sept 1–30) with People’s Choice Awards, Tourism Woman of the Month and a youth pathway programme. Accommodation Scam Alert: Cook Islands stays are being urged to scrutinise unusual refund requests tied to stolen cards and fake death certificates. Conservation for Visitors: A Waihī Beach–Rarotonga partnership is installing automated predator traps in the Takuvaine cloud forest to protect native wildlife and seabirds. Sports & Travel Demand: U-16 Women’s Championship build-up includes the Cook Islands in Honiara, with teams arriving ahead of matches.

Penrhyn/Tongareva Port & Minerals: The US and New Zealand are co-funding a major Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade, framed as a “friendly port” for Pacific security and economic opportunity, but local voices are pushing for clearer transparency and stronger community involvement as deep-sea mining interests loom. Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders wrapped up with a climate-focused “Belau Declaration,” while geopolitics stayed tense, including China’s warnings over Taiwan’s presence and ongoing concerns about regional security. Cook Islands Tourism Month: Te Mato Manava Tūroto is running Tourism Month 2026 through September, spotlighting people, women and youth pathways across the industry. Conservation for visitors to notice: A new Waihī Beach–Rarotonga partnership is using automated predator traps in the cloud forest to protect native wildlife and seabirds. Scam alert for travellers: Accommodation operators are being warned about a fake death certificate scam tied to stolen cards and unusual refund requests. Luxury travel: SeaDream Yacht Club announced SeaDream III, a new ship debuting in July 2029.

Penrhyn “lifeline” port funding: The US and New Zealand will co-fund a major upgrade to the Penrhyn (Tongareva) port on the Cook Islands’ northern atoll, with the US putting in US$50m and NZ$17.5m, aiming to improve safer ship landings and boost inter-island supply and travel—while also feeding wider regional interest in critical minerals. Tourism industry scam alert: Cook Islands accommodation providers are being warned about a global fraud using stolen credit cards and fake death certificates to pressure staff into processing unusual “refund” requests. Conservation on the move: Waihī Beach has teamed with Rarotonga’s Te Ipukarea Society to deploy automated predator-control traps in the Takuvaine Valley cloud forest, targeting rats and feral cats to protect native wildlife and seabirds. Tourism Month 2026: Te Mato Manava Tūroto is running Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto (Tourism Month) from Sept 1–30, featuring People’s Choice Awards, Tourism Woman of the Month, and a Youth Tourism Pathway Programme. Pacific forum ripple effects: Coverage from the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau highlights major regional investment and policy shifts that could shape travel connectivity and visitor access across the wider Pacific.

Penrhyn “lifeline” port funding: The US and New Zealand will co-fund a major upgrade to the Penrhyn (Tongareva) port on the Cook Islands’ northern atoll, with US$50m from Washington and NZ$17.5m from NZ, aimed at safer ship landings and better access for fuel, food and construction supplies—while also boosting the atoll’s wider connectivity. Deep-sea mining debate: Greenpeace Aotearoa is pushing back hard, calling the Penrhyn port project “colonialism and resource grabbing” and warning it could pave the way for deep-sea mining, while Te Ipukarea Society is urging transparency and public oversight. Conservation on the move: A new partnership between Waihī Beach and Rarotonga’s Te Ipukarea Society is installing automated predator traps in the Takuvaine Valley cloud forest (over 400m up) to protect native wildlife and seabirds from rats and feral cats. Tourism spotlight: Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto (Tourism Month 2026) runs Sept 1–30, featuring People’s Choice Awards, Tourism Woman of the Month and a Youth Tourism Pathway Programme. Scam warning for stays: Cook Islands accommodation operators are being urged to watch for a global scam using stolen cards and fake death certificates to demand “unusual” refunds. Cultural ties abroad: The Cook Islands High Commission joined diaspora at Koroneihana 2026 in Aotearoa, marking the second anniversary of Māori Queen Te Arikinui Kuini Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō. Pacific security push: Australia announced a US$600m surveillance program targeting narco-smuggling routes across the Pacific, with the Cook Islands named among key partners in the wider regional picture.

Pacific Islands Forum wrap (Palau): Leaders adopted the “Belau Declaration” pushing urgent, inclusive climate action to keep warming within 1.5°C, while also “registering concern” over China’s July missile test; Palau’s Surangel Whipps is set to chair the next year and the forum’s future host line-up was mapped out. Cook Islands tourism safety alert: Accommodation operators are being warned about a scam using stolen credit cards and fake death certificates to pressure staff into processing unusual refund requests. Penrhyn port “lifeline” push: The US and New Zealand will co-fund a major Penrhyn Atoll port upgrade (US$50m + NZ$17.5m), framed as connectivity for the Pa Enua and linked to broader critical minerals plans—prompting Greenpeace Aotearoa to call it colonial “resource grabbing.” Conservation in the clouds: A Waihī Beach–Rarotonga partnership is installing automated predator traps over 400m up in the Takuvaine cloud forest to protect native wildlife and seabirds. Tourism spotlight: Te Mato Manava Tūroto launches Tourism Month 2026 (Sept 1–30) celebrating people, women and youth pathways through awards and programmes. Travel & security backdrop: Australia announced a US$600m Pacific surveillance package targeting narco-smuggling routes, while the US pledged over US$150m across energy, fishing, infrastructure, digital and policing priorities. Luxury travel news: SeaDream Yacht Club revealed SeaDream III, a new ship debuting July 2029, with reservations opening now.

Pacific security: Australia has pledged a $600m program to boost aerial and maritime surveillance across the Pacific, aiming to disrupt narco-submarines and small vessels used to move drugs toward Australia. Tourism scam alert: Cook Islands accommodation providers are being warned about a global fraud using stolen credit cards and fake death certificates to pressure staff into processing unusual “refund” transfers. US-PIF investment push (Cook Islands link): The US says it will back more than $150m in Pacific projects, including US$50m (with NZ support) to upgrade the Penrhyn “lifeline” port—raising hopes for better inter-island shipping and connectivity, while also drawing criticism over links to deep-sea mining. Tourism month: Te Mato Manava Tūroto is running Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto (Tourism Month 2026) through September, spotlighting people, women and youth in the industry. Sports (Cook Islands in the mix): The OFC U-16 Women’s Championship build-up continues, with the Cook Islands drawn in Group A alongside New Zealand and Fiji.

Pacific Security & Crime: Australia announced a $600m Waqa Moana Initiative to boost aerial and maritime surveillance across the Pacific to disrupt narco-submarines and small drug-smuggling vessels. US-Pacific Investment Push: The US unveiled $150m+ in new Pacific support at the Pacific Islands Forum, including $60m for energy security, $17m for anti-illegal fishing, and $50m (with NZ $10m) to upgrade the Penrhyn “lifeline” port in the Cook Islands. Cook Islands Port Controversy: Greenpeace Aotearoa called the US-NZ Penrhyn port project “resource grabbing,” warning it could pave the way for deep-sea mining. Connectivity & Air Travel: NZ PM Christopher Luxon defended using two RNZAF Boeing 757s for the Forum trip, citing limited options and the need for reliable connectivity for leaders and delegations. Tourism Spotlight: Te Mato Manava Tūroto launched Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto (Tourism Month 2026) for September, featuring People’s Choice Awards, Tourism Woman of the Month, and a Youth Tourism Pathway programme. Sports & Travel Link: The OFC U-16 Women’s Championship build-up continues in Honiara, with Cook Islands drawn in Group A alongside New Zealand and Fiji.