AGP Executive Report

Rugby League World Cup push: Cronulla centre KL Iro says he’s recruiting Cook Islands-eligible stars to help put the nation “on the map” at RLWC 2026, with targets including Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Xavier Willison, while Raiders enforcer Josh Papali’i is weighing representing the Cook Islands (or Samoa) as he prepares for his swan song. Tourism safety update: Cook Islands Police are investigating the death of a 68-year-old tourist whose body was recovered from the sea off Arorangi after a kayaking incident; a medical report is expected and the case will go to the Coroner. Culture & visitor experiences: A Japanese research team has made its first visit to Nassau, meeting residents and students and carrying out a plantation excavation to help uncover the island’s history. Diplomatic ties: India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Muanpuii Saiawi, has been concurrently accredited as High Commissioner to Niue, and she was previously accredited to the Cook Islands earlier this year. Sports development: Cook Islands athletes are progressing toward the Dakar Youth Olympics, with beach handball, swimming and triathlon set to represent the country in late 2026. Local industry spotlight: A feature visits Perfumes of Rarotonga’s Nikao factory, highlighting its island-inspired coconut oil, fragrances and skincare sold in-store and online. Aviation & tourism context: NZ Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters points to the Cook Islands’ airline experience as a Pacific model for sustaining tourism-linked connectivity amid regional airline pressures. Politics: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown has been re-elected, with analysts saying voters focused more on cost of living than geopolitics over China ties.

Cook Islands tourism and culture spotlight: A new visit to the Perfumes of Rarotonga factory in Panama, Nikao highlights locally made coconut oils and fragrances, with the article urging travellers to shop in-store or online for island-inspired beauty and skincare. Safety at sea: Cook Islands Police are investigating the death of a 68-year-old tourist whose body was recovered after she went kayaking and capsized off Arorangi; a medical report is expected and the case will go to the Coroner. Sport and youth travel: Thirteen Cook Islands athletes will represent the country at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics in Senegal, with beach handball, swimming and triathlon set for October 31–November 13. Regional aviation and tourism links: New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters points to the Cook Islands’ airline experience as a Pacific model, saying flights supported by NZ helped grow the route to about 175,000 passengers a year. Local politics with tourism implications: Analysts say PM Mark Brown’s re-election reflects voters prioritising cost of living amid a row over China ties, while the Cook Islands Party’s strong parliamentary position could shape future tourism and development decisions.

Local Tourism Spotlight: A visit to the Perfumes of Rarotonga factory in Panama, Nikao highlights locally made coconut oils, perfumes and skincare, with the team welcoming visitors and the range available in-store and online. Safety & Tourism: Cook Islands Police are investigating the death of a 68-year-old tourist whose body was recovered from the sea off Arorangi after a kayaking incident; a medical report is expected and the case will go to the Coroner. Culture & Heritage Travel: A Japanese research team made its first visit to Nassau, working with Apii Nassau students and residents to explore plantation histories through excavation and oral accounts. Sports Tourism: Thirteen Cook Islands athletes are preparing for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics, with beach handball, swimming and triathlon set to represent the country in Senegal. Arts & Film: Pacific filmmakers are bringing identity-led stories to major festivals, including a Cook Islands short documentary, The Kete Informs You, by Andrew McGeorge. Politics & Aviation: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown is re-elected amid a China ties row, while NZ Foreign Minister Winston Peters points to the Cook Islands’ airline experience as a Pacific aviation model for tourism-dependent economies.

Pacific Film & Culture: Cook Islands cinematographer Andrew McGeorge’s short documentary The Kete Informs You is being showcased at major NZ and Pasifika film festivals, spotlighting artist Ta’i Paitai and the kete as a way to explore identity and contemporary culture. Sport & Travel Links: Thirteen Cook Islands tennis youngsters (ages 9–16) returned from a two-week French Polynesia trip mixing competition, training and cultural exchanges, with support from Air Rarotonga and Air Tahiti. Aviation & Tourism Resilience: New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters points to the Cook Islands’ airline experience as a Pacific aviation model, citing growth to about 175,000 passengers a year and the importance of reliable routes for tourism-dependent economies. Local Politics & Visitor Confidence: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown is re-elected amid a China ties dispute, with analysts saying cost-of-living concerns are outweighing geopolitical questions—an issue that matters for a tourism-heavy economy. Travel Deals & Planning: Norwegian Cruise Line opens Summer 2028 bookings with 450+ sailings, including South Pacific itineraries, encouraging early planning for longer, port-rich trips. International Calling Update: Ncell introduces a 60-second pulse rate for international outgoing calls to 198 countries from Aug 18, improving clarity for travellers staying connected abroad.

Cook Islands Politics & Tourism: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown has been re-elected, with the Cook Islands Party on track for 18 seats and a three-quarter supermajority, despite a row over China ties with New Zealand—analysts say voters focused more on cost of living than geopolitics. Aviation Spotlight: New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters pointed to the Cook Islands’ airline experience as a Pacific aviation model, citing growth from NZ support to about 175,000 passengers annually and stressing how tourism depends on reliable regional flights. Election Campaign Issues: The campaign is also turning on practical pressures like water charges, with opposition proposing changes to residential and agricultural tariffs on Rarotonga. International Travel Planning: Norwegian Cruise Line opened Summer 2028 bookings with 450+ sailings and South Pacific calls, while Big 7 Travel’s 2026 “best beaches” list put Cook Islands’ Ee Motu Beach among top standouts.

Cook Islands Politics: Prime Minister Mark Brown has been re-elected, with the Cook Islands Party on track for a fifth straight term and a three-quarter supermajority after preliminary results show 18 seats (plus independents joining). The campaign focus stayed largely on cost of living, even as voters weighed the fallout from China ties and the New Zealand relationship. Pacific Aviation & Tourism: New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says the Cook Islands’ airline experience shows what’s possible in tough Pacific conditions, citing route growth supported by earlier NZ funding and highlighting the tourism importance of reliable regional flights. Travel Tech/Comms (Regional): Ncell in Nepal introduced a 60-second pulse rate for international outgoing calls to 198 countries from Aug 18, aimed at improving the calling experience for travellers. Sports & Visitor Interest: International Rugby League confirmed match fees for the Rugby League World Cup, with Cook Islands and other Pacific players set for specific payments—good news for athletes and a potential draw for fans planning trips.

Cook Islands Politics & Tourism Outlook: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown has been re-elected, with the Cook Islands Party on track for a fifth straight term and a big parliamentary majority—while voters, analysts say, are weighing cost of living and everyday pressures more than the China-diplomacy row. Aviation & Connectivity: New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters points to the Cook Islands’ airline experience as a Pacific aviation model, saying tourism-dependent economies rely on reliable routes and that support helped lift passenger numbers to about 175,000 annually. Election Campaign Focus: As the election nears, both sides are spotlighting practical issues—especially water charges/tariffs on Rarotonga—alongside broader promises around economic recovery after border reopening. Regional Sports (Travel Angle): Rewa FC is urging supporters to travel to Ba for a must-win OFC Men’s Champions League clash against Lae City, with semi-final hopes on the line. Global Travel Noise: Norwegian Cruise Line opened Summer 2028 bookings with South Pacific sailings among many destination-rich itineraries.

Pacific Aviation & Tourism: New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says the Cook Islands’ airline experience shows what’s possible in tough Pacific operating conditions, citing NZ support that helped the route grow to about 175,000 passengers a year. Election & Cost of Living: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown has been re-elected, with analysts saying voters focused more on cost-of-living pressures than China-related diplomacy, after preliminary results put the Cook Islands Party on track for a strong parliamentary position. Travel Inspiration: Big 7 Travel’s 2026 “world’s best beaches” list highlights the UK’s Porthcurno Beach (top 10) and notes Cook Islands’ Ee Motu Beach among the standouts—another reminder of the region’s pull for beach lovers. Sports & Regional Tourism: OFC Men’s Champions League action continues for Cook Islands’ Tupapa Maraerenga as Rewa FC prepare for must-win group matches, keeping regional travel and fan interest moving. Community & Culture: Netball icon Anna Noovao is remembered for her legacy across the Cook Islands, NZ and Australia, a feel-good story for sports-minded visitors.

Cook Islands Election: Preliminary results show the Cook Islands Party leading with 12 of 24 seats, with one island still to vote, and opposition leaders calling for unity as Mark Brown’s camp pushes ahead. Cost of Living & Water: Campaign focus is on stabilising growth after border reopening, plus pressure over Rarotonga water tariffs, with opposition promising changes if elected. Seabed Mining Debate: A fresh letter challenges claims from a seabed mining poll, arguing the sample was too small and the question wording didn’t directly measure opposition to mining itself. Regional Tourism Trade: The Solomon Islands is highlighting business opportunities at the Treasures of the South Pacific roadshow in Australia, with the Cook Islands listed among core tourism partners. Sport & Travel Links: Rewa FC’s OFC Champions League campaign includes a match-up with Cook Islands’ Tupapa Maraerenga, underlining how regional fixtures keep travel and fan movement active. Pacific Geopolitics: A US critical minerals order is prompting renewed debate across the region, with American Samoa reiterating its “No” stance and stressing its limited legal reach but strong political voice. Beach Buzz: Big 7 Travel’s global best-beaches list again puts Cook Islands’ Ee Motu Beach in the spotlight.

Cook Islands Election Watch: With the Cook Islands heading to a general election, preliminary results show the Cook Islands Party leading with 12 of 24 seats, while the opposition is pushing for unity as voters weigh cost of living, water tariffs and deep-sea mining. Tourism & Travel Context: A new RNZ Pacific explainer on international travel highlights record June arrivals for New Zealand-resident travellers, with Cook Islands among the destinations showing strong year-end growth. Sports & Community: Rewa FC’s OFC Champions League campaign continues after an opening-match apology to supporters, with a must-win next game against Lae City to keep semi-final hopes alive. Regional Spotlight: Palau’s men’s volleyball team has qualified for the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti, adding another Pacific sporting pathway for athletes and fans. Safety & Local News: Cook Islands Police report a man remanded over a bush-knife threat, plus minor incidents involving a motorcyclist crash and a tourist reversing into a hotel wall.

Top Beach Buzz: Big 7 Travel’s 2026 “50 Best Beaches” list has put Cornwall’s Porthcurno Beach at No.9 worldwide, praising its white sand, turquoise water and cliff backdrop. Cook Islands Election: Preliminary results show the Cook Islands Party leading with 12 of 24 seats, with one island still to vote; opposition leaders are now talking about uniting to challenge PM Mark Brown. Cost of Living & Water: Campaign focus remains on living costs and Rarotonga water tariffs, with the opposition promising changes to reduce household pressure. Rugby League World Cup Pay: International Rugby League says 2026 World Cup players will receive a standard AU$850 per week match fee, with Cook Islands and other Pacific players paid AU$2,550 for three weeks (more for top-four and finals). Regional Sports: Rewa FC has apologised to supporters after a 4-1 loss in the OFC Men’s Champions League and now faces Tupapa Maraerenga FC (Cook Islands) next. Tourism & Travel Data: NZ border figures show record June arrivals for NZ-resident travellers, with Cook Islands among the destinations driving year-end growth.

Top beach buzz: Big 7 Travel’s annual “50 Best Beaches” list has put Cornwall’s Porthcurno Beach in the global Top 10, ranking 9th overall and praising its turquoise water and cliff-backed scenery. Cook Islands election: With one seat still to vote, the Cook Islands Party is leading with 12 of 24 seats, and opposition leaders are calling for unity after Mark Brown’s party showed strong district-level organisation. Cost of living focus: Campaign attention is centred on household pressures, including welfare and pay recovery claims, plus proposed changes to Rarotonga water tariffs. Regional sport & travel tie-in: Rewa FC’s OFC Men’s Champions League run includes a match against Cook Islands’ Tupapa Maraerenga, underlining ongoing Pacific travel for fans and teams. Tourism context: New Zealand’s border stats show record June-year arrivals of NZ residents, with Cook Islands among the destinations driving record flows. Local safety: Cook Islands Police report a man remanded over a bush-knife threat, plus minor incidents involving a motorbike crash and a tourist reversing into a hotel wall.

Cook Islands Election: With one island still to vote, the Cook Islands Party leads the race for Parliament (12 of 24 seats), leaving the opposition regrouping as leader Te Ariki Heather calls for unity to challenge PM Mark Brown next time. Cost of Living & Water: Campaign focus stays on everyday pressures—Brown points to welfare and economic recovery, while opposition leader Tina Browne pushes to remove Rarotonga water use tariffs and review To Tatou Vai. OFC Champions League (Cook Islands link): Tupapa Maraerenga FC (Cook Islands) face Rewa FC in the OFC Men’s Champions League, with the tournament in Fiji and matches streamed free on DAZN—good news for fans planning a sports trip. Tourism Inspiration: Aitutaki gets a fresh spotlight in a travel feature, highlighting lagoon adventures and Resort Tava’e packages. Safety & Travel Notes: Police report a domestic bush-knife threat arrest, plus minor incidents involving a motorcyclist crash and a tourist reversing into a hotel wall. Regional Travel Context: New Zealand border stats show record June arrivals for Cook Islands-linked NZ resident travel, underlining ongoing demand for Pacific routes.

Cook Islands Politics: With voters heading to the polls, preliminary results show the Cook Islands Party leading with 12 of 24 seats, just one short of a majority, as the opposition weighs how to unite to challenge PM Mark Brown. Election Issues: Campaign focus is on cost of living, water tariffs and deep-sea mining, with Brown pointing to growth and welfare increases while the opposition pushes changes to Rarotonga water charges. OFC Champions League (Cook Islands): Tupapa Maraerenga FC is set to face Rewa FC in Fiji as the Oceania tournament gets underway, with the full schedule and free live streaming on DAZN. Regional Sports Pay: The Rugby League World Cup 2026 match fee rules are clarified, with Cook Islands and other Pacific players set for lower weekly amounts than some higher-profile teams. Tourism & Travel Inspiration: Aitutaki gets a spotlight travel feature, highlighting lagoon adventures and Resort Tava’e packages. Safety & Local Notes: Police report a domestic bush-knife threat arrest, plus minor incidents involving a motorcyclist crash and a tourist reversing into a hotel wall.

Cook Islands Election: Preliminary results show the Cook Islands Party leading with 12 of 24 seats, one seat still to vote, while opposition leaders are calling for unity to challenge PM Mark Brown. Cost of Living & Water: Campaign focus is on stabilising the economy and tackling household pressures, with debate over water use tariffs on Rarotonga. Rugby League World Cup Pay: International Rugby League sets a standard AU$850 weekly match fee for players at RLWC 2026, with Cook Islands and other Pacific players receiving lower base amounts than some reported Australian flat-payment claims. OFC Champions League (Cook Islands): Tupapa Maraerenga FC face Rewa FC in the Oceania tournament, with Rewa needing positive results to stay in the semi-final race. Tourism Spotlight (Aitutaki): A travel feature highlights Aitutaki’s lagoon experience and Resort Tava’e packages, reinforcing the island’s appeal for visitors planning ahead. Sports Legacy: Netball icon Anna Noovao’s legacy is honoured across the Cook Islands, New Zealand and Australia after her death at 58.

Cook Islands Election: Preliminary results put the Cook Islands Party on top with 12 of 24 seats, just short of a full majority, as opposition leaders call for unity after the campaign’s biggest upset—Democratic Party leader Tina Browne appears to have lost Rakahanga. Cost of Living & Water: With voters focused on stability, the campaign is also heating up around cost pressures and proposed changes to Rarotonga water tariffs. Rugby League World Cup Pay: The International Rugby League says all players at RLWC 2026 will receive a standard AU$850 per week match fee, with Cook Islands, Fiji, PNG, Samoa and Tonga players set for smaller tournament payments depending on progression. OFC Champions League (Cook Islands link): Tupapa Maraerenga FC will face Rewa FC in Ba as the OFC Men’s Champions League gets underway, with Rewa needing wins to keep semi-final hopes alive. Tourism & Travel Inspiration: A feature spotlights Aitutaki’s lagoon lifestyle and stays at Resort Tava’e, plus lagoon activities and transfers for visitors planning a Cook Islands getaway. Sports & Community: Netball legend Anna Noovao’s legacy is being honoured across the Cook Islands, New Zealand and Australia after her death at 58.