AGP Executive Report

Commonwealth Games build-up: Fiji, Niue and Vanuatu have named their teams for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games starting 23 July, with Fiji leading so far with 58 athletes across eight sports. Cook Islands safety & justice: A New Zealand visitor jailed in Rarotonga for smuggling cocaine and cannabis was sentenced to 1 year 11 months, sparking fresh calls for tougher, weight-based narcotics laws. Health alert for travellers: A rare bloodstream infection linked to a marine bacterium (Shewanella) has been reported after a Cook Islands trip, with doctors noting the likely route may be contaminated raw seafood. Travel connectivity: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti have activated a codeshare that lets travellers book one ticket for international flights into Tahiti plus inter-island connections to places including Rarotonga. Environment & waste: The National Environment Service is supporting a National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution under the Pacific Ocean Litter Project. Regional pressure on tourism: The Asian Development Bank is rolling out a $4b crisis package for Middle East fallout, explicitly citing impacts on tourism, fuel and food costs, and remittances—relevant for Pacific economies including Fiji and the Cook Islands. Local planning for visitors: A letter urges Rarotonga to adopt formal street names and house numbering to improve public safety and emergency response as tourism and holiday rentals grow. Cruising interest: Norwegian Cruise Line has extended South Pacific sailings on Norwegian Spirit through 2027, including calls at Rarotonga.

Health & Safety: A New Zealand visitor who returned from a Cook Islands holiday developed a rare bloodstream infection linked to a marine bacterium (Shewanella), with doctors pointing to likely infection after eating raw fish while staying on an outer island. Justice & Community Protection: A New Zealand man sentenced in the Cook Islands High Court for smuggling cocaine and cannabis into Rarotonga received one year and 11 months, sparking renewed calls for tougher, weight-based narcotics laws. Air Connectivity: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti launched a codeshare that lets travellers book one ticket for international flights plus inter-island connections to destinations including Rarotonga. Sustainability & Marine Life: The National Environment Service is supporting development of a Cook Islands National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution under the Pacific Ocean Litter Project. Northern Group Outreach: Punanga Turuturu Itivaine completed a community outreach trip across Pukapuka, Rakahanga, Manihiki and Penrhyn. Sport & Tourism Appeal: Cook Islands paddler Reuben Dearlove won Masters Men 50 at Te Aito 2026 in Tahiti, adding to the island’s growing va’a profile. Cruise Demand: Norwegian Cruise Line extended South Pacific sailings on Norwegian Spirit, including an itinerary calling at Rarotonga.

Drug sentencing & law reform: A New Zealand visitor jailed in the Cook Islands High Court for smuggling cocaine and cannabis into Rarotonga received one year and 11 months, prompting columnist Thomas Wynne to question whether narcotics laws and sentencing are strong enough to protect communities. Public safety & addressing addresses: A letter urges Rarotonga to adopt formal street names and house numbering, arguing that clearer navigation would help emergency responders reach people faster. Health alert for travellers: A rare bloodstream infection in a Cook Islands visitor-returnee in New Zealand has been traced to a marine bacterium (Shewanella), with doctors pointing to possible infection after eating raw fish. Travel connectivity: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti have activated a codeshare that lets travellers book one ticket for international flights plus inter-island connections to destinations including Rarotonga. Northern Group outreach: Advocacy group Punanga Turuturu Itivaine completed a community outreach trip to Pukapuka, Rakahanga, Manihiki and Penrhyn. Sustainability planning: The National Environment Service is supporting development of a Cook Islands National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution under the Pacific Ocean Litter Project. Cruising: Norwegian Cruise Line added more South Pacific sailings for 2026–27, including itineraries calling at Rarotonga. Sport: Cook Islands paddler Reuben Dearlove won Masters Men 50 at Te Aito 2026 in Tahiti.

Cook Islands health & safety: A rare bloodstream infection in a 68-year-old Cook Islands Māori man after a holiday has been traced to a marine bacterium (Shewanella), with doctors noting the likely link to raw fish and urging awareness rather than panic. Tourism connectivity: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti have activated a codeshare that lets travellers book one ticket from Europe/US/Japan/NZ and then connect via Tahiti to inter-island flights including Rarotonga. Local governance & planning: A Legal Policy Development Course in Rarotonga brought together officials and private lawyers to strengthen law and policy drafting skills across 18 agencies. Environment & waste: The NES is supporting a National Action Plan to tackle Cook Islands plastic pollution under the Pacific Ocean Litter Project, aiming for behaviour change and better recycling. Community & culture: The “Taste of the Cook Islands” pop-up at Te Tapora Kai is spotlighting local food, crafts and culture at Punanga Nui Market. Sports: Champion paddler Reuben Dearlove won Masters Men 50 at Te Aito 2026 in Tahiti, adding to his va’a record. Travel & enforcement: A New Zealand man jailed in the Cook Islands High Court for smuggling cocaine and cannabis into Rarotonga. Regional context: ADB announced a $4b crisis package for Middle East fallout, with tourism and fuel/food pressures flagged for Pacific economies.

Seabed Mining Debate: Indigenous leaders across the Pacific are pushing back on deep-sea mining, arguing it threatens fragile ecosystems and raises sovereignty concerns, with New Caledonia’s 50-year commercial seabed mining ban cited as a major Indigenous-backed win. Public Health Alert: A rare marine-bacteria infection (Shewanella) has been linked to a Cook Islands holiday after a New Zealand man developed fever, severe leg pain and a bloodstream infection following raw fish consumption. Drug Smuggling Court Case: A New Zealand visitor jailed in the Cook Islands High Court for smuggling cocaine and cannabis into Rarotonga is a stark reminder that narcotics have no place in the islands. Air Connectivity Boost: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti have activated a codeshare, letting travellers book one ticket for international flights plus inter-island hops to destinations including Rarotonga. Tourism & Community: Cook Islands Tourism Corporation ran a “Taste of the Cook Islands” pop-up at Punanga Nui Market, spotlighting local food, culture and new vendors. Environment & Waste: A National Action Plan is being developed to tackle plastic pollution under the Pacific Ocean Litter Project, aiming to cut single-use plastics and improve waste systems. Sports Spotlight: Champion paddler Reuben Dearlove won Masters Men 50 at Te Aito 2026 in Tahiti, adding another international title to his va’a record.

Middle East Relief for Tourism-Linked Economies: The Asian Development Bank is mobilising a $4b package for 15 Asia-Pacific countries hit by the Middle East conflict, including about $3b in direct financing and $1b in trade support to protect fuel and food imports—key pressures that can ripple into remittances and tourism. Health Alert for Visitors: A New Zealand man hospitalised after a Cook Islands holiday was diagnosed with a rare bloodstream infection linked to a marine bacterium (Shewanella), with doctors pointing to likely infection after eating raw fish. Local Safety & Navigation: A letter urges Rarotonga to adopt formal street names and house numbering to speed up emergency response as visitor reliance on digital maps grows. Travel Connectivity Boost: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti have activated a codeshare that lets travellers book one ticket for international flights plus inter-island hops to destinations including Rarotonga. Marine Waste Action: The Cook Islands’ National Environment Service is supporting a National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution under the Pacific Ocean Litter Project. Community & Culture: Punanga Turuturu Itivaine completed outreach to remote Northern Group islands, while “Taste of the Cook Islands” pop-ups at Te Tapora Kai promoted local food and culture. Cruise Interest: Norwegian Cruise Line extended South Pacific sailings on Norwegian Spirit, including calls at Rarotonga.

Health & Safety: A New Zealand Medical Journal case report links a rare bloodstream infection in a Cook Islands holidaymaker to a marine bacterium (Shewanella), with doctors pointing to likely exposure via raw fish consumed on an outer island stay. Local Living & Navigation: A letter urges Rarotonga to adopt formal street names and house numbering to improve public safety as tourism growth and holiday rentals make addresses harder to find. Air Travel Connectivity: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti have activated a codeshare, letting travellers book one ticket from Europe/US/Japan/NZ to Tahiti and then connect on inter-island flights to destinations including Rarotonga. Environment & Waste: The National Environment Service is developing a Cook Islands National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution under the Pacific Ocean Litter Project, focusing on waste systems, behaviour change and practical alternatives. Community & Culture: “Taste of the Cook Islands” returns to Te Tapora Kai at Punanga Nui Market, spotlighting local food, crafts and cultural demos. Sports: Cook Islands paddler Reuben Dearlove wins Masters Men 50 at Te Aito in Tahiti, with more Cook Islands va’a crews heading into the Vodafone Channel Race. Governance Skills: A Legal Policy Development Course in Rarotonga builds law-drafting and policy design capability across Cook Islands agencies.

Rare infection scare for visitors: A man was hospitalised in New Zealand after a rare Shewanella infection linked to a Cook Islands holiday; doctors say the likely route may have been raw fish consumption, but the exact source remains unclear, with clinicians stressing raw fish is still a local delicacy. Air links for South Pacific travellers: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti have activated a codeshare from June 3, letting passengers book one ticket for international flights plus inter-island connections to destinations including Rarotonga. Plastic pollution plan: The Cook Islands’ National Environment Service has engaged Ma’anga Consultancy to develop a National Action Plan under the Pacific Ocean Litter Project, aiming to cut single-use plastic and improve waste, recycling and behaviour change. Local paddling success: Cook Islands champion Reuben Dearlove won Masters Men 50 at Te Aito 2026 in Tahiti, with the team also preparing for the Vodafone Channel Race next week. Northern Group community outreach: Punanga Turuturu Itivaine completed a major outreach trip to Pukapuka, Rakahanga, Manihiki and Penrhyn, strengthening engagement across the remote islands. Tourism food culture push: The Cook Islands Tourism Corporation ran “Taste of the Cook Islands” at Te Tapora Kai to boost market foot traffic and showcase local dishes and vendors. Housing pressure letter: A reader argues tourism-driven short-term accommodation is squeezing long-term rentals, calling for urgent national attention to the housing crisis.

Plastic Pollution Policy: The Cook Islands National Environment Service has engaged Ma’anga Consultancy to develop a National Action Plan under the Pacific Ocean Litter Project, aiming to cut single-use plastic and marine litter through coordinated action across government, business, schools and communities. Va’a & Sport: Cook Islands paddler Reuben Dearlove won Masters Men 50 at Te Aito 2026 in Tahiti, with Cook Islands also sending a full singles contingent for the June 5-6 Te Aito Tahiti races. Northern Group Community Outreach: Punanga Turuturu Itivaine (PTI) completed a major outreach trip to Pukapuka, Rakahanga, Manihiki and Penrhyn. Local Food & Tourism Activation: The Cook Islands Tourism Corporation ran “Taste of the Cook Islands” at Te Tapora Kai, featuring local dishes, live culture and new vendor participation at Punanga Nui Market. Governance Skills for the Islands: A Legal Policy Development Course in Rarotonga is building law and policy drafting capability across Cook Islands Government and private legal practitioners. Rugby League Pathway: The 2026 Cook Islands Rugby League Origin Series kicks off this weekend, giving Kuki heritage players a pathway toward National Residents selection. Housing Pressure (Opinion/Letter): A long-term housing crisis is being linked to tourism-driven short-term accommodation demand, raising pressure on rentals for locals.

Visa-Free Travel: South African passport holders can now access Togo visa-free, lifting visa-free reach to 101 destinations (despite the passport slipping to 51st in the Henley Passport Index). Northern Group Outreach: Punanga Turuturu Itivaine (PTI) wraps a major community outreach trip to Pukapuka, Rakahanga, Manihiki and Penrhyn. Housing Pressure: A letter flags the long-term housing crisis as tourism growth boosts short-term visitor accommodation demand. Beach Plastic Focus: A baseline study says Cook Islands beach plastic pollution is driven by tourism and local habits, prompting calls for targeted waste management. Local Food & Culture: “Taste of the Cook Islands” returns at Te Tapora Kai, with local vendors, live music and cultural demos to draw visitors and locals to the market. Environment & Wildlife: Te Ipukarea Society highlights feral cats threatening Rarotonga’s rare seabirds, with researchers studying nesting behaviour. Sport & Travel: Cook Islands paddlers head to Tahiti for Te Aito va’a races; and Cook Islands Rugby League Origin Series kicks off this weekend at Nukupure Park. Health on Rarotonga: Free spinal health checks resume as NZ chiropractic interns return to Avarua.

Northern Group Outreach: Punanga Turuturu Itivaine (PTI) wrapped up a major community outreach trip to Pukapuka, Rakahanga, Manihiki and Penrhyn, strengthening support links across the outer islands. Housing Pressure: In a letter to the editor, the long-term housing crisis is flagged as a growing concern as tourism-driven short-term rentals squeeze the rental market, even as visitor accommodation income helps some local households. Beach & Waste Watch: A baseline study on Cook Islands beach plastic pollution says it’s largely driven by tourism and community habits, prompting calls for targeted waste management and tighter collaboration. Local Food Tourism: Te Tapora Kai at Punanga Nui Market hosted a “Taste of the Cook Islands” pop-up with local dishes, live music and new vendors, aiming to boost market foot traffic for visitors and locals. Conservation & Predators: Te Ipukarea Society highlights feral cats threatening Rarotonga’s rare seabirds, with renewed focus on protecting nesting sites. Health on Rarotonga: New Zealand chiropractic interns return for free spinal health checks and holistic adjustments, with clinics based at Te Atukura Grounds in Avarua. Sport & Culture: Cook Islands paddlers head to Tahiti for Te Aito, while Cook Islands Rugby League Origin Series kicks off locally with new coaches and pathways for players.

Tourism & Environment: A new baseline study says Cook Islands beach plastic pollution is driven by tourism and local habits, prompting calls for targeted waste management and tighter collaboration. Local Food & Culture: “Taste of the Cook Islands” returned to Te Tapora Kai at Punanga Nui Market, spotlighting local vendors and dishes plus live music and cultural demos. Conservation & Wildlife: Te Ipukarea Society warns feral cats are threatening Rarotonga’s rare seabirds, with researchers focusing on breeding and nesting in the cloud forest. Governance & Capability: A Legal Policy Development Course brought together Cook Islands government officials and private lawyers to strengthen law and policy design skills. Sports & Community: Cook Islands paddlers head to Tahiti for Te Aito (June 5-6), while the Cook Islands Rugby League Origin Series kicks off this weekend at Nukupure Park. Regional Tourism Data: SPTO and Niue Tourism share findings from the 2024 International Visitor Survey, highlighting visitor preferences and spending to guide Pacific tourism strategy.

Tourism & Environment: A new baseline study says Cook Islands beach plastic pollution is driven mainly by tourism and everyday community habits, with industry calling for more targeted waste management and better coordination. Market & Culture: “Taste of the Cook Islands” returned to Te Tapora Kai at Punanga Nui Market, spotlighting local food, crafts, live music and cultural demos, with new vendors joining the pop-up. Wildlife Protection: Te Ipukarea Society warns feral cats are threatening Rarotonga’s rare seabirds, including ground-nesting species in the island’s cloud forest. Local Governance: A Legal Policy Development Course brought government officials and private lawyers together in Rarotonga to strengthen skills in drafting laws and advising decision-makers. Regional Tourism Data: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Niue Tourism shared findings from the 2025 International Visitor Survey, highlighting visitor preferences and spending to guide Pacific tourism planning. Aviation Connectivity: SPTO stressed closer partnership between tourism and airlines at the ASPA meeting in the Cook Islands to improve regional connectivity and sustainable growth. Travel Deals: House of Travel promoted Rarotonga beachfront stays and packages, while other offers included Southeast Asia cruises and Arctic adventures.

High Arctic Deals: Aurora Expeditions is offering savings of up to 30% (to $9,399pp twin share) on select Svalbard and Greenland voyages, with Northern Lights and Zodiac cruising highlights. Rarotonga Stay & Package: The Edgewater Resort & Spa is promoting a five-night Rarotonga beachfront escape from $1,599pp twin share via House of Travel, including flights, transfers and daily tropical breakfast. World Cup Pathway: New Zealand has secured Oceania’s direct qualification spot for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Cook Islands among the OFC nations in the qualifying campaign. Beach Plastic Push: A baseline study says Cook Islands beach plastic pollution is driven by tourism and community habits, prompting calls for targeted waste management and tighter collaboration. Local Food Tourism: “Taste of the Cook Islands” returns to Te Tapora Kai at Punanga Nui Market, spotlighting local dishes, live music and new vendors. Wildlife Threat: Te Ipukarea Society warns feral cats are threatening Rarotonga’s rare seabirds, including nesting petrels in the cloud forest. Fuel Squeeze: Penrhyn Island has used its last 100 litres of diesel and borrowed 5,000 litres from the police patrol boat, while power use is restricted as fuel prices rise. Tourism Connectivity Talk: SPTO says stronger tourism-and-aviation partnerships are key to unlocking sustainable growth across the Pacific, following discussions at the ASPA meeting hosted in the Cook Islands.

World Cup Pathway: New Zealand has secured Oceania’s direct qualification spot for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Cook Islands among the 11 OFC nations that took part in the qualifying campaign. Tourism & Environment: A baseline study says Cook Islands beach plastic pollution is driven by tourism and local habits, prompting calls for targeted waste management and tighter collaboration. Food & Culture Events: “Taste of the Cook Islands” returned to Te Tapora Kai at Punanga Nui Market, spotlighting local favourites like ika mata, mitiore, rukau and varaoa karo, plus live music and cultural demos. Wildlife Protection: Te Ipukarea Society warns feral cats are threatening Rarotonga’s rare seabirds, including ground-nesting species in the island’s cloud forest. Community & Capability: A Legal Policy Development Course in Rarotonga is building skills across government and private lawyers to strengthen law and policy design. Fuel Pressure: Penrhyn Island has burned through its last 100 litres of diesel and is borrowing 5,000 litres from police Te Kukupa II, while restricting power use as fuel prices rise. Sports Spotlight: Cook Islands Rugby League Origin Series kicks off this weekend at Nukupure Park, with Town Blues vs Country Maroons and a pathway toward National Residents selection. Regional Tourism Data: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Niue Tourism Office shared findings from the 2024 International Visitor Survey, part of the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative. Aviation Connectivity Focus: SPTO highlighted the need for stronger tourism-airline partnerships at the ASPA meeting hosted in the Cook Islands. Cruise Demand: Norwegian Cruise Line extended its South Pacific season, citing strong interest in multi-island, close-to-home cruising.

Tourism & Environment: A new Cook Islands beach plastic baseline study says pollution is driven by tourism and local habits, with industry calling for targeted waste management and tighter collaboration. Market & Food Tourism: “Taste of the Cook Islands” returned to Te Tapora Kai at Punanga Nui Market, spotlighting local vendors like Jax Farm and dishes from ika mata to rukau, plus live music and cultural demos. Wildlife Protection: Te Ipukarea Society warns feral cats are threatening Rarotonga’s ground-nesting seabirds in the Takuvaine cloud forest, highlighting the birds’ role as ocean health indicators. Sustainable Tourism Planning: Stakeholders met to review progress on the Destination Stewardship Plan and map the next phase of sustainable tourism development. Regional Connectivity: The Pacific Tourism Organisation urged closer tourism-aviation partnerships at the ASPA meeting hosted in the Cook Islands to strengthen connectivity and support growth. Energy & Costs: Penrhyn Island is rationing power and borrowing diesel from the police patrol boat after its last 100 litres ran out as fuel prices rise. Sports & Culture: Cook Islands Rugby League Origin Series kicks off this weekend, while paddlers head to Tahiti for Te Aito va’a races. Community Health: NZ chiropractic interns return to Rarotonga for free spinal checks and holistic adjustments at Te Atukura Grounds.