AGP Executive Report

Tourism Recognition: The Cook Islands has been named Oceania’s Leading Island Destination for a fourth straight year at the 2026 World Travel Awards, with Tourism Corporation saying the win reflects the whole sector’s people and hospitality. Youth Pathways: Te Mato Manava Tūroto has opened Expressions of Interest for the 2027 Te Arata’a o te Pae Tūroto tourism scholarship pathway, aiming to connect young Cook Islanders with school engagement, industry experience and training. Travel & Visitor Context: Cook Islands Tourism says the destination is tracking for another strong year into 2027, while wider Pacific reporting flags visitor spending and arrivals softness in August 2026. Environment & Policy: A major focus this week is the deep-sea mining debate, with residents weighing jobs and development against environmental risks, alongside broader Pacific calls to balance ocean protection with economic needs. Community & Culture: Marumaru Atua captain Deon Wong attended the International Congress of Maritime Museums in Australia, highlighting Cook Islands voyaging heritage on the global stage.

Pacific Climate Push: PM Mark Brown heads to Tuvalu and Fiji for Pacific Pre-COP31, urging simpler, faster climate finance and stronger ocean recognition, with a focus on practical projects for the Pa Enua. Diplomatic Links: Cook Islands High Commissioner Michael John Henry meets Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka in Suva, with talks covering trade, investment, tourism and labour mobility ahead of Pre-COP31. Border Tech Watch: A proposed paperless trans-Tasman travel plan is gaining traction, but experts warn travellers shouldn’t ditch passports yet as rollout details could cause delays. Tourism Recognition: The Cook Islands wins Oceania’s Leading Island Destination for a fourth straight year at the World Travel Awards, highlighting sector-wide effort and local hospitality. Tourism Skills Pipeline: Te Mato Manava Tūroto opens Expressions of Interest for the 2027 Te Arata’a youth tourism scholarships, aiming to build future industry talent. Sustainability & Plastics: Te Ipukarea Society convenes Pa Enua and private-sector stakeholders to tackle plastic pollution with a national action plan focus. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: A new report spotlights community concerns over polymetallic nodule extraction and the trade-off between jobs and environmental risk. Travel Demand Context: Visitor spending and arrivals in August show a decline, while NZ outbound travel remains resilient despite higher international airfares. Community & Culture: Marumaru Atua captain Deon Wong attends an international maritime heritage congress in Australia, reinforcing voyaging and cultural ties.

Tourism Recognition: The Cook Islands has been named Oceania’s Leading Island Destination for a fourth straight year at the 2026 World Travel Awards, with Te Mato Manava Tūroto saying the win reflects the whole sector’s hard work and people-first hospitality. Youth Pathways: Te Mato Manava Tūroto has opened Expressions of Interest for the 2027 Te Arata’a o te Pae Tūroto tourism scholarship pathway, linking school engagement, industry experience and scholarship support (closing 21 October). Destination Experience: Muri Beach Club Hotel is promoting a Day Pass that lets visitors enjoy lagoon-front facilities, pool time and food & beverage without booking a room. Local Sports & Travel Buzz: Cook Islands residents and visiting teams are in the spotlight with local rugby league exhibition matches and the Cook Islands’ growing presence in regional competitions, including golf and youth sport. Sustainability & Debate: The deep-sea mining discussion continues to heat up, with residents weighing potential economic gains against environmental and cultural risks. Community & Environment: Te Ipukarea Society brought together government, business and Pa Enua groups to push practical solutions to plastic pollution and progress a national action plan.

Tourism Awards: The Cook Islands has been named Oceania’s Leading Island Destination for a fourth straight year at the 2026 World Travel Awards, with Te Mato Manava Tūroto saying the win reflects the whole sector’s hospitality. Tourism Pipeline: Te Arata’a o te Pae Tūroto—Cook Islands Tourism’s youth pathway—has opened Expressions of Interest for the 2027 scholarship intake, closing 21 October. Destination & Experience: Muri Beach Club Hotel is promoting a Day Pass concept for visitors and locals, letting guests enjoy the lagoon-front facilities without booking a room. Marine Policy Debate: A Cook Islands deep-sea mining story spotlights community concerns over polymetallic nodules in the EEZ and the push-pull between jobs and environmental risk. Regional Security Watch: Cook Islands police say they’re keeping a close eye on gang activity linked to international crime groups allegedly recruiting Pacific Islanders. Sports & Community: Cook Islands men’s golf team returned with silver from the inaugural Pacific Cup in Tahiti, while Cook Islands beach handball is set to make history at the Summer Youth Olympics in Dakar. Media & AI: Pasifika AI creator Kevyn Wahuzue urges Pacific newsrooms to keep human relationships in front of AI tools behind the story.

Tourism Recognition: The Cook Islands has been named Oceania’s Leading Island Destination for a fourth straight year at the 2026 World Travel Awards, with Tourism Corporation saying the win reflects the whole sector’s people and hospitality. Youth Pathways: Te Mato Manava Tūroto is opening Expressions of Interest for the 2027 Te Arata’a o te Pae Tūroto tourism scholarship pathway, linking school, industry experience and future scholarships. Tourism Industry Leadership: Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council re-elects Liana Scott for 2026/2027, setting priorities around workforce, policy reform, business costs and keeping growth sustainable. Marine Debate: Cook Islands residents are weighing deep-sea mining prospects, with a focus on whether extracting polymetallic nodules can deliver an economic future without harming the environment and culture. Safety & Community: Cook Islands police are keeping a close eye on gang movement linked to international crime recruitment. Sports & Culture: Cook Islands men’s golf team brings home silver at the inaugural Pacific Cup in Tahiti, while youth paddlers prepare for an overseas Waka Ama regatta on Australia’s Sunshine Coast.

World Cup eligibility drama: Roosters centre Robert Toia says he’s still torn over whether to represent Tonga or Australia, with squads due soon and his NRL grand final decision looming. Maritime heritage: Captain Deon Wong’s Marumaru Atua took part in the 22nd International Congress of Maritime Museums in Australia, spotlighting Cook Islands voyaging culture. Tourism win: The Cook Islands has been named Oceania’s Leading Island Destination for a fourth straight year at the 2026 World Travel Awards. Deep-sea mining debate: Residents and youth are weighing economic hopes against environmental and cultural risks from proposed seabed mining in the EEZ. Visitor experience: Muri Beach Club’s Day Pass lets non-staying guests enjoy lagoonfront facilities without booking a room. Safety and security: Police are keeping a close eye on gang-linked travel as international groups allegedly recruit Pacific Islanders. Youth sport: Ngakau Toa Vaka paddlers are fundraising ahead of a Sunshine Coast trip to compete in junior Waka Ama. Media and AI: Pasifika creators and leaders urge Pacific newsrooms to keep human relationships and editorial control in front of AI tools.

AI & Journalism: Pasifika AI creator Kevyn Wahuzue says Pacific media should use AI for “the work behind the story,” but keep relationships, reporting decisions and trust firmly human. Tourism Awards: The Cook Islands has been named Oceania’s Leading Island Destination for a fourth straight year at the 2026 World Travel Awards, with Tourism Corporation praising the sector’s people and hospitality. Tourism Momentum: Cook Islands Tourism says visitor demand is strong heading into 2027, even as global pressures continue. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Youth voices are pushing back on proposed deep-sea mining, weighing jobs and development against cultural identity and environmental risk. Conservation Science: A new report explores what fossil corals in the Cook Islands can teach about global sea level rise. Muri Day Pass: Muri Beach Club Hotel promotes a no-room-needed day pass for lagoon and pool time. Safety & Security: Police are keeping a close eye on gang travel linked to alleged recruitment of Pacific Islanders. Penrhyn/Tongareva Port: The US ambassador denies any discussion of a military base tied to the planned wharf, saying security talks focus on illegal fisheries and narco-terrorism. Industry Leadership: CITIC re-elects Liana Scott for 2026/27, with priorities including workforce, policy reform and sustainable growth. Plastic Pollution: Te Ipukarea Society convenes stakeholders to tackle plastic pollution with practical, coordinated solutions.

World Travel Awards: The Cook Islands has been named Oceania’s Leading Island Destination for a fourth straight year at the 2026 World Travel Awards, with Tourism Corporation director Noeline Mateariki crediting the whole sector and the destination’s people. Marine science & climate: A new report looks at what fossil corals in the Cook Islands can reveal about past sea level change and what that might mean for future global sea rise. Tourism momentum: Cook Islands Tourism says the destination is tracking for another strong year into 2027, with visitor demand holding up despite global pressures. Industry leadership: The Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council has re-elected Liana Scott as president for 2026/2027, with priorities including workforce, immigration, regulation and sustainability. Community & culture: Young Ngakau Toa Vaka paddlers are fundraising and preparing for an overseas Sunshine Coast challenge, aiming to represent the Cook Islands internationally. Environment action: Te Ipukarea Society and partners brought stakeholders together to tackle plastic pollution, focusing on practical solutions, legislation and waste-management constraints. Safety & security: Cook Islands police say they’re keeping a close eye on gang activity linked to international crime groups recruiting in the region. Media & tech: Pacific news leaders warn that AI can blur cultures and languages, urging local tools and rules so Pacific stories stay distinct.

Tourism Accolades: The Cook Islands has been named Oceania’s Leading Island Destination 2026 for a fourth straight year at the World Travel Awards, with Tourism Corporation saying the win reflects the whole sector’s people and hospitality. Industry Leadership: Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council re-elected Liana Scott as president for 2026/27, flagging priorities including workforce and immigration, policy reform, business costs and sustainability. Destination Demand: Cook Islands Tourism says the country is on track for another strong year into 2027, with visitor numbers and demand holding up despite global pressures. Travel Security Watch: Cook Islands police say they’re keeping a close eye on gang members visiting, amid concerns about international crime groups recruiting Pacific Islanders. Regional Infrastructure & Rumours: The US ambassador to the Cook Islands denies any discussion of a military base at Penrhyn/Tongareva, saying security talks relate to illegal fisheries and narco-terrorism, while the port project is framed as civilian. Community & Culture: Young Ngakau Toa Vaka paddlers are preparing for an overseas Sunshine Coast regatta, aiming to build skills and connections before future international events. Health: The Te Marae Ora mammogram programme screened 398 women on Rarotonga and Pa Enua, with follow-up needed for some results.

Tourism Outlook: Cook Islands Tourism says the destination is set for another strong year heading into 2027, with visitor numbers and demand holding up despite global pressures. Industry Leadership: Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council re-elected Liana Scott as president for 2026/27, with priorities including workforce and immigration, business costs, and balancing growth with sustainability. People Power in Tourism: The 2026 Te Iki’anga a te Iti Tangata People’s Choice Awards drew more than 17,000 votes, spotlighting the people behind the visitor experience. Women in Tourism: Tourism Month named Jackey Tanga (Atiu Villas) as Vaine Manava Tūroto o te Marama, recognising her long-running role in welcoming guests and growing opportunities on Atiu. Pa Enua & Connectivity: A major wharf project for Penrhyn/Tongareva is in the spotlight, with funding intentions around NZ$101.5m discussed alongside US and New Zealand partners. Community & Culture: Young Ngakau Toa Vaka paddlers are fundraising and preparing for an overseas Sunshine Coast challenge, aiming to represent the Cook Islands internationally. Environment: Te Ipukarea Society convened stakeholders to push practical solutions to plastic pollution, including implementation of a national action plan. Media & Trust: Pacific leaders urged newsrooms to protect core values and verify information as AI and synthetic content rise.

AI & Media Integrity: Pasifika AI creator Kevyn Wahuzue warns Pacific newsrooms risk becoming “consumers” of outside-built AI that can blur Pacific languages and cultures, urging use of regional archives and community control to correct outputs. Tourism Outlook: Cook Islands Tourism says the islands are set for another strong year into 2027 despite global pressures, while CITIC re-elected Liana Scott and flagged priorities like workforce, regulation and keeping growth sustainable. Pa Enua Connectivity: Funding intentions of about NZ$101.5m for a safer Tongareva/Penrhyn wharf are in focus, with US ambassador Jared Novelly denying any military base discussion tied to the project. Community & Culture: Ngakau Toa Vaka youth paddlers (12–17) are preparing for an overseas Sunshine Coast challenge, and Atiu Villas’ Jackey Tanga was named Tourism Woman of the Month. Environment & Health: Te Ipukarea Society convened stakeholders on practical plastic pollution solutions, and the Te Marae Ora mammogram programme flagged women needing follow-up specialist care.

Tourism Momentum: Cook Islands Tourism says the destination is set for another strong year heading into 2027, with visitor demand holding up despite global pressures. Industry Leadership: The 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 sustainability. Pa Enua Connectivity: Funding intentions of about NZ$101.5m for a safe, reliable wharf at Penrhyn/Tongareva were announced at the Pacific Islands Forum, with feasibility and technical work to follow. US Base Claims Denied: The US ambassador says Washington is not discussing a military base at Penrhyn/Tongareva, pointing to security talks focused on illegal fisheries and narco-terrorism. Pa Enua Sports & Culture: Young Ngakau Toa Vaka paddlers (12–17) are fundraising and preparing for the Trans-Tasman Gubbi Gubbi Waka Ama Regatta on Australia’s Sunshine Coast. Women in Tourism: Atiu Villas GM Jackey Tanga named 2026 Tourism Woman of the Month, recognised for her long-running role welcoming visitors to the island. Regional Travel Context: Auckland Airport flagged its busiest international departure day of the September school holidays, with outbound numbers topping 2019 levels and the Cook Islands among popular destinations.

Tourism Momentum: Cook Islands Tourism says the destination is set for another strong year, with visitor demand building into the 2027 season. Industry Leadership: CITIC re-elected Liana Scott as president for 2026/27, with priorities including workforce and immigration, policy reform, business costs and sustainability. Pa Enua & Connectivity: In Palau, Prime Minister Mark Brown announced an intention of about NZ$101.5m for a safe, reliable wharf at Penrhyn/Tongareva with US and New Zealand partners—aimed at improving northern island transport links. Plastic Pollution Push: Te Ipukarea Society brought government, private sector and Pa Enua stakeholders together to tackle practical solutions for plastic pollution, including a National Action Plan and better waste-management coordination. Community & Culture: Ngakau Toa Vaka’s 12–17-year-old paddlers are fundraising and preparing for the Sunshine Coast Gubbi Gubbi Waka Ama Regatta. Health & Travel Planning: The Te Marae Ora mammogram programme screened 398 women on Rarotonga and flagged follow-ups for further testing. Ocean Conservation Funding: Bezos Earth Fund announced US$25m in grants to protect Pacific ocean areas, including marine protected areas in the Cook Islands. Visa Notes for Travellers: Guides highlight that the Cook Islands allows visa-free entry for up to 31 days (and Niue up to 30) for eligible passport holders in 2026, with reminders to confirm current rules before booking.

Junior sport & travel links: Twenty-four young Ngakau Toa Vaka paddlers (aged 12–17) are set to represent the Cook Islands at the Trans-Tasman Gubbi Gubbi Waka Ama Regatta on Australia’s Sunshine Coast, travelling to Lake Kawana from Sept 28 to Oct 5 as part of the Auika Junior Development Programme. Tourism awards: The 2026 Te Iki’anga a te Iti Tangata People’s Choice Awards drew more than 17,000 votes, spotlighting the people behind the visitor experience. Environment & visitor experience: Te Ipukarea Society brought government, private sector and Pa Enua stakeholders together to push practical, coordinated solutions to plastic pollution, including stronger cooperation and a National Action Plan for Plastics. Media & resilience: Cook Islands News publisher John Woods was honoured at the Pacific Islands News Association summit in Fiji for 55 years in media, reflecting on surviving pandemic-era shifts. Tourism outlook: Cook Islands Tourism says the country is on track for another strong year heading into 2027 despite global challenges. Local tourism leadership: CITIC re-elected Liana Scott as president for 2026/27, with priorities including workforce and immigration, policy reform, business competitiveness and destination sustainability. Health & access: The Te Marae Ora mammogram programme screened 398 women on Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, flagging those needing repeat tests, ultrasound and specialist follow-up. Outer-island infrastructure debate: US ambassador Jared Novelly says Washington is not discussing a military base at Penrhyn/Tongareva, while the wharf project remains framed around connectivity.

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.

US–Cook Islands Port Push: US Ambassador Jared Novelly says Washington is not discussing a military base at Penrhyn/Tongareva, insisting the planned wharf is about connectivity and security cooperation tied to illegal fisheries and narco-terrorism. Pa Enua Infrastructure: Prime Minister Mark Brown says a NZ$101.5m wharf funding intention (with US and NZ partners) is a major step for Tongareva’s safe, reliable transport link. Tourism Industry Leadership: Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council re-elects Liana Scott for 2026/27, with priorities including workforce and immigration, regulatory reform, business costs, and balancing growth with destination sustainability. Atiu Tourism Spotlight: Te Mato Manava Tūroto names Jackey Tanga (Atiu Villas) Tourism Woman of the Month, celebrating her long-running role in welcoming visitors and expanding island experiences. Sport & Travel Buzz: Cook Islands golf team heads to Tahiti for the inaugural Pacific Cup, while the senior men’s national team returns to Rarotonga to host Tahiti in two matches. Health & Community: Mammogram screening on Rarotonga and the Pa Enua flags women needing follow-up, including repeat scans, ultrasounds and biopsies. Pacific Media Integrity: Pacific journalists are urged to verify facts and use community networks to reach remote audiences amid AI and misinformation risks.