AGP Executive Report

Rarotonga Stay Deals: Flight Centre is promoting a seven-night adults-only escape at Sunset Resort on Rarotonga from $1320pp (travel Nov 29, 2026–Mar 17, 2027), with daily breakfast, return airport transfers, an extra free night, and dining/market transfer perks. Outback Getaway: World Travellers has a four-night Kings Canyon package from $1899pp twin share, including guided Rim Walk, Light Towers at Sunset, daily breakfast and five days’ car hire from Alice Springs. Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: The 55th PIF leaders summit is underway in Koror, with understrength attendance and concerns over regional unity amid geopolitics and transnational crime. Realm Leaders Meet: Luxon hosted the first Realm leaders meeting in Auckland with Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau—framed as a chance for frank talks. Cook Islands Tourism Support: BTIB’s free Mangaia business workshop returns Sept 15–17 at CITTI, covering soft loans, UCI branding, costing/pricing, forecasting and bookkeeping. Local News: A Cook Islands fisherman in Mitiaro reported finding suspected cocaine packages washed ashore, with police testing indicating cocaine presence. Sports & Culture: Pickleball Cook Islands heads to the 2026 World Cup in Da Nang (Aug 30–Sep 6) for a historic first for the nation.

Mururoa veterans finally return: Nineteen New Zealand sailors who witnessed French nuclear testing at Mururoa in 1973 are now heading to the Cook Islands for a last tour, recalling the eerie “desert” conditions and the long wait for closure. Pacific security and unity in focus: Leaders head to Palau for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum with a tougher agenda shaped by geopolitics, transnational crime and pressure on regional unity, while debate over ocean protection and major-power competition looms. Cook Islands crime and safety watch: Police are investigating 19 suspected cocaine packages (about 26.5kg) washed ashore in Mitiaro, after a fisherman feared it could be a bomb; meanwhile, a weekend spike in burglaries and stolen motorbikes has police working across several districts. Tourism and business support: Mangaia entrepreneurs get a free BTIB business workshop (Sept 15–17) covering planning, costing, bookkeeping and branding. Travel industry signals: Norwegian Cruise Line opened Summer 2028 bookings, touting more time in port and late departures across the South Pacific and beyond. Sports with a Cook Islands spotlight: Pickleball Cook Islands players depart for the World Cup debut in Vietnam, while Cook Islands school tennis programs continue building pathways for young players.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Pacific leaders are heading to Palau for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting, but pull-outs are already raising alarm about regional unity, with some officials privately blaming Chinese pressure. Realm talks in Auckland: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon hosted the first meeting of the Realm leaders (Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau) to talk through constitutional relationships. Cook Islands election result: Mark Brown is set to return as Prime Minister after the Cook Islands Party won 13 of 24 seats, with support from six independents strengthening his majority. Drugs on Mitiaro reef: Cook Islands Police are investigating 19 packages of suspected cocaine, about 26.49kg, washed ashore on Mitiaro on 28 July. Tourism & business support: BTIB’s free Mangaia workshop runs Sept 15–17, covering business planning, costing/pricing, forecasting and bookkeeping. Aitutaki stays in the spotlight: Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort (adults-only) has been named in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best 2026. Sports with a travel angle: Pickleball Cook Islands players depart for the World Cup in Da Nang, Vietnam (Aug 30–Sep 6). Cruise planning: Norwegian Cruise Line opened Summer 2028 bookings with more time ashore and late departures across the South Pacific and beyond.

Cruise Planning: Norwegian Cruise Line has opened bookings for its Summer 2028 season, with 450+ voyages across 20 ships, more time ashore (about 80% of sailing days in port), and 175 overnight stays plus late departures across 53 destinations, including the South Pacific. Regional Diplomacy: Pacific leaders are heading to Palau for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, with the agenda shaped by geopolitics, transnational crime, economic pressure and the push to keep a united regional voice. Realm Talks: In Auckland, PM Christopher Luxon met with Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau leaders for the first four-leader gathering of the Realm, focused on constitutional relationships and shared priorities. Tourism Skills for Pa Enua: Mangaia entrepreneurs can join a free BTIB Pa Enua business workshop (Sept 15–17) covering soft loans, UCI branding, planning, costing/pricing, forecasting and bookkeeping. Safety & Security: Cook Islands Police are investigating 19 suspected cocaine packages (about 26.5kg) washed ashore in Mitiaro, after a fisherman reported the find. Local Community: A six-week school tennis programme is back, with sessions across multiple schools and a pathway into national training. Sports Spotlight: Pickleball Cook Islands has sent its team to the 2026 World Cup in Da Nang, Vietnam (Aug 30–Sept 6), a first for the nation. Crime Watch: Police report a weekend spike in burglaries and stolen motorbikes across several Rarotonga areas, alongside other incidents. Government Update: Three Permanent Secretaries were sworn in to lead key ministries including Finance and Treasury, Police/National Security/Corrections, and Culture and Tourism. Travel Disruption Watch: Fiji’s new 5% tourism services tax starts 1 September, with Australia and New Zealand warning it could raise holiday costs and hit already-booked travellers. Honeymoon Highlight: Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort (adults only) has been named in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best 2026, placing it in the Top 1% of hotels worldwide.

Cruise Bookings: Norwegian Cruise Line has opened Summer 2028 bookings, with 450+ voyages across 20 ships and more time ashore (about 80% of sailing days in port), including late departures and overnight stays in popular cities plus South Pacific calls. Regional Diplomacy: Pacific Islands Forum leaders are heading to Palau for a tougher agenda shaped by geopolitics, transnational crime, and the push to keep a united regional voice. Realm Talks: In Auckland, PM Christopher Luxon met Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau leaders for the first time as a foursome, focusing on constitutional relationships and shared priorities. Tourism & Business Support: Mangaia entrepreneurs get a free three-day BTIB Pa Enua workshop (Sept 15–17) covering soft loans, UCI branding, business planning, costing/pricing, forecasting and bookkeeping. Sports: Cook Islands pickleball players depart for the 2026 World Cup in Da Nang (Aug 30–Sept 6) for a historic first. Safety & Security: Police are investigating a weekend spike in burglaries and stolen motorbikes, while separate reports detail 19 suspected cocaine packages found washed ashore on Mitiaro reef.

Realm Talks in Auckland: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon hosted the first meeting of the Realm leaders in Auckland with Cook Islands PM Mark Brown, Niue PM Dalton Tagelagi and Tokelau Ulu Alapati Tavite—no deals, just a chance to talk ahead of the Palau summit. Regional Forum Focus: Pacific leaders are heading to Palau for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum with a tough agenda shaped by geopolitics, transnational crime and the push for stronger regional unity. Cook Islands Tourism Skills Boost: Mangaia entrepreneurs can apply for free BTIB Pa Enua business training at CITTI (Sept 15–17), covering soft loans, UCI branding, business planning, costing/pricing, forecasting and bookkeeping. Aitutaki Stays in the Spotlight: Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort (adults-only) has been named in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best 2026, placing it in the Top 1% of hotels worldwide. Safety & Crime Watch: Police report a weekend spike in burglaries and stolen motorbikes across multiple areas, with inquiries ongoing. Drugs on the Reef: Cook Islands Police are investigating 19 packages of suspected cocaine found washed ashore on Mitiaro reef, weighing about 26.49kg. Sports for Visitors & Locals: A six-week school tennis programme is back in action across several Cook Islands schools, aiming to feed players into national training pathways.

School Sports Development: A six-week school tennis programme is back in action across Rarotonga, with sessions at Apii Takitumu (Tuesdays), Apii Nikao (Wednesdays), Titikaveka College (Thursdays) and Te Uki Ou School (Fridays), aiming to introduce kids aged 7–9 to tennis and feed talent into the National Training Programme. Regional Diplomacy: Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown is among Pacific leaders heading to Palau for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum, with the agenda shaped by geopolitics, transnational crime, economic pressures and the push for stronger regional unity. Tourism & Business Support: BTIB’s free Mangaia business workshop returns next month (Sept 15–17) at CITTI, covering soft loans, UCI branding, business planning, costing/pricing, forecasting and bookkeeping. Public Safety & Community Impact: Police report a weekend spike in burglaries and stolen motorbikes across Arorangi, Nikao, Ruatonga and Tutakimoa, alongside noise complaints and a crash near the Muri Night Market. Drug Discovery at Sea: A Mitiaro fisherman reported suspected cocaine packages washed ashore on July 28; Cook Islands Police say preliminary testing indicates cocaine, with 19 packages weighing about 26.49kg recovered for further handling.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown is in Auckland ahead of next week’s PIF leaders’ meeting, with NZ, Niue and Tokelau Realm leaders also meeting to tackle geopolitics, transnational crime, economic pressure and regional integration. Mangaia tourism support: The Business Trade and Investment Board is bringing free three-day business training to Mangaia (Sept 15–17) covering soft loans, UCI branding, planning, costing/pricing, forecasting and bookkeeping. Cook Islands security alert: Police are investigating a weekend spike in burglaries and stolen motorbikes across Arorangi, Nikao, Ruatonga and Tutakimoa. Cocaine find on Mitiaro reef: A Mitiaro fisherman reported suspected cocaine packages washed ashore on July 28; police say initial testing indicates cocaine and total weight is about 26.49kg. Cook Islands politics: Brown is set to return as PM after the 2026 election, with the Cook Islands Party winning 13 seats and support from six independents boosting his parliamentary majority. Aitutaki stays in the spotlight: Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort (adults only) has been named in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best 2026. Sporting firsts: Pickleball Cook Islands players depart for the 2026 World Cup in Da Nang, Vietnam, aiming for a historic debut.

Cook Islands Politics: Mark Brown is set to return as Prime Minister after the 2026 election, with the Cook Islands Party winning 13 of 24 seats and support from six independents for a strong 19-seat caucus. Sports & Tourism Buzz: Pickleball Cook Islands has sent its team to the 2026 Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang, Vietnam (Aug 30–Sep 6), a first for the nation. Aitutaki Stays: Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort (adults only) has been named in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards “Best of the Best 2026,” placing it in the Top 1% of hotels worldwide. Safety & Community: Police report a weekend spike in crime, including burglaries and stolen motorbikes across Arorangi, Nikao, Ruatonga and Tutakimoa. Drug Discovery: Authorities are investigating 19 packages of suspected cocaine washed ashore on Mitiaro reef, weighing about 26.49kg. International Links: India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Muanpuii Saiawi, is also concurrently accredited as High Commissioner to Niue, with residence in Wellington, and previously accredited to the Cook Islands and Samoa.

Cruise & Air Travel: Norwegian Cruise Line has opened 2028 sailings with more overnight stays and late departures in popular cities, plus 3–14 day itineraries across Europe, Australia, the South Pacific and Alaska (80% of time in port). Sport & Tourism Spotlight: Pickleball Cook Islands has sent its team to the 2026 World Cup in Da Nang, Vietnam, with the nation aiming to build pathways toward the 2032 Olympics. Cook Islands Crime & Safety: Police are investigating 19 packages of suspected cocaine washed ashore on Mitiaro reef, weighing about 26.49kg; officers say initial testing indicates cocaine presence. Local Governance: Three Permanent Secretaries were sworn in to lead key ministries, including Culture and Tourism, alongside Finance and Treasury and Police/National Security/Corrections. Honeymoon/Accommodation: Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort (adults-only) has been named in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards “Best of the Best 2026,” placing it in the Top 1% of hotels worldwide. Culture in the Spotlight: Miss Cook Islands Tiare Henry-Anguna shared a personal message about cultural identity at Miss World 2026’s Head-to-Head challenge in Vietnam.

Sports & Tourism Spotlight: Pickleball Cook Islands has sent its national team to Da Nang, Vietnam for the 2026 Pickleball World Cup (Aug 30–Sep 6), a historic first for the nation as more than 60 countries are expected to compete. Public Safety & Community Impact: Cook Islands Police are investigating 19 packages of suspected cocaine washed ashore on Mitiaro, weighing about 26.49kg, after a fisherman feared a body or bomb during a reef trip. Road Safety Reminder: A coroner has published findings after Kyle O’Brien died in a Christchurch drink-driving crash, highlighting “terrible consequences” tied to excessive speed, a very high alcohol level and diazepam. Culture & Identity: Miss Cook Islands Tiare Henry-Anguna shared her Miss World message on cultural belonging, inspired by her father’s wish to return home before he died. Travel Industry Buzz: Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort (adults-only) has been named in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best 2026, placing it in the Top 1% of hotels worldwide. Local Governance: Three Permanent Secretaries were sworn in to lead key ministries including Finance and Treasury, Police/National Security/Corrections, and Culture and Tourism.

Drug Bust at Sea: Cook Islands Police are investigating 19 packages of suspected cocaine, about 26.49kg, washed ashore on Mitiaro reef on 28 July, after a local fisherman feared it could be a body or even a bomb before reporting it. Tourism Spotlight: Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort (adults-only) has been named in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards “Best of the Best 2026,” placing it in the Top 1% of hotels worldwide. Local Safety & Crime: Police report a weekend spike in burglaries and stolen motorbikes across Arorangi, Nikao, Ruatonga and Tutakimoa, with some bikes recovered and leads being followed. Culture & Identity: Miss Cook Islands Tiare Henry-Anguna shared a personal story of returning home to the Cook Islands and using her platform to strengthen cultural pride. Sports Pathway: Team Cook Islands has confirmed beach handball, swimming and triathlon for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics, with 13 athletes preparing. International Links: India’s High Commissioner Muanpuii Saiawi is now also accredited to Niue, with earlier concurrent accreditation to the Cook Islands and Samoa.

Tourism Spotlight: Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort (adults-only) has been named in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards “Best of the Best 2026,” placing it in the Top 1% of hotels worldwide based on real guest reviews. Safety & Travel Disruption: Cook Islands Police are investigating a spike in weekend crime, including four burglaries and five stolen motorbikes, plus a fatal crash involving a motorbike near Muri Night Market. Public Health/Marine Safety: Police confirmed the death of a 68-year-old tourist after a kayaking incident off Arorangi; a medical report is expected and the case will go to the Coroner. Local Security Update: Nineteen packages of suspected cocaine (about 26.49kg) washed ashore on Mitiaro reef and are under investigation. Culture & Identity: Miss Cook Islands Tiare Henry-Anguna shared a personal story of returning home to the Cook Islands for her father’s final days during Miss World’s Head-to-Head challenge. Regional Travel Context: New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says Cook Islands’ airline experience shows how Pacific aviation supports tourism and community connectivity. Diplomacy: India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Muanpuii Saiawi, is also accredited to Niue and previously to the Cook Islands and Samoa.

Government Appointments: Three new Permanent Secretaries were sworn in at Government House, with David Teika Dennis taking Finance and Treasury, Trevor Unusu leading Police, National Security and Correctional Services, and Bunyan Sivoro reappointed to Culture and Tourism—an early signal of fresh leadership across key ministries. Tourism Recognition: Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort (adults-only) has been named in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards “Best of the Best 2026,” placing it in the Top 1% of hotels worldwide based on guest reviews. Cook Islands Spotlight on Culture: Miss Cook Islands Tiare Henry-Anguna shared a powerful story of returning home to the Cook Islands with her father during the Miss World 2026 Head-to-Head challenge in Vietnam. Safety & Crime Watch: Police report a weekend spike including burglaries and stolen motorbikes, while also investigating the death of a 68-year-old tourist after a kayaking incident near the reef. Drugs Seizure: Nineteen packages of suspected cocaine, weighing about 26.49kg, washed ashore on Mitiaro reef and are now under investigation. Travel Context: New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says Cook Islands’ airline experience shows what’s possible for Pacific tourism despite tough aviation conditions.

NRL & Pacific pride: Cook Islands-born star Joey Manu has signed with Papua New Guinea’s Chiefs for 2028 after talks with PNG PM James Marape, who urged support for a “Pacific team.” Aitutaki stays in the spotlight: Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort (adults-only) has been named in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards, placing it in the Top 1% of hotels worldwide. Local safety update: Police report a weekend spike in crime, including four burglaries and five stolen motorbikes across Arorangi, Nikao, Ruatonga and Tutakimoa, plus a fatal kayaking incident involving a 68-year-old tourist. Drugs on the reef: About 26.49kg of suspected cocaine washed ashore at Mitiaro, with 19 packages recovered and initial testing indicating cocaine. Tourism cost pressure region-wide: Fiji’s new 5% tourism services tax starts 1 September, with Australia and New Zealand warning it could raise holiday costs and hit already-booked travellers. Culture on the world stage: Miss Cook Islands Tiare Henry-Anguna shared a powerful message on identity and belonging at Miss World 2026.

Drug Bust: Cook Islands Police are investigating 19 packages of suspected cocaine, about 26.49kg, washed ashore on the Mitiaro reef; the bundles are labelled “888” and were found by a local fisherman on July 28, with initial testing indicating cocaine and an estimated street value of NZ$9.2m–$12m. Safety & Tourism: Police also confirmed the death of a 68-year-old tourist after a kayaking incident in Arorangi; she was found about 50m off the reef, resuscitation failed, and the case will go to the Coroner. Cruise & Expeditions: Silversea’s Silver Cloud has departed on a 77-day Grand South Pacific Expedition 2026 from Fremantle to Valparaiso, calling at 57 destinations across 11 countries, including South Pacific highlights. Local Sports: Cook Islands will send 13 athletes to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics in beach handball, swimming and triathlon. Culture & Travel Experiences: A Japanese research team has visited Nassau to explore plantation history and oral accounts, working with students and teachers during its first research trip.