AGP Executive Report

Food Security & Resilience: A Cook Islands opinion piece argues the country should boost local farming to cut import dependence and strengthen jobs and local business, with a focus on building stronger growers’ associations and coordinated production across Rarotonga and the Southern Group. Sustainable Tourism & Waste: Tourism leaders and stakeholders are pushing the next phase of the Destination Stewardship Plan, while another column warns that chasing visitor growth can outpace waste systems—citing landfill and beach litter impacts as new air links and resort capacity raise pressure. Regional Aviation–Tourism Links: The Cook Islands hosted ASPA81, with Pacific aviation and tourism leaders stressing closer airline–tourism coordination to improve connectivity and support island economies. Tourism Data: SPTO and Niue Tourism shared findings from the 2025 International Visitor Survey, highlighting visitor preferences and key source markets for Pacific planning. Local Community Health: Free spinal health checks return to Rarotonga as NZ chiropractic interns begin community clinic sessions at Te Atukura Grounds. Cook Islands–China Ties: PM Mark Brown’s historic visit to Wuzhou, China, included the launch of the MV Tuitui Moana and talks to deepen cooperation and connectivity. Energy Costs in the Northern Group: Penrhyn Island used its last diesel and borrowed fuel from the police patrol boat, with power restrictions in place as delivery is delayed. Sport & Culture: Valentine Holmes is set to make himself available for the Cook Islands at the Rugby League World Cup after injury setbacks.

Regional Tourism Networking: Fiji again hosted the South Pacific Tourism Exchange (SPTE 2026) at Crowne Plaza Nadi, bringing Pacific businesses and partners together with Fiji Airways backing. Cook Islands Rugby Spotlight: Valentine Holmes says he’ll make himself available for the Cook Islands at the Rugby League World Cup, after injury kept him out of earlier qualifying matches. Health & Community: New Zealand College of Chiropractic interns return to Rarotonga for free spinal health checks and holistic adjustments at Te Atukura Grounds from Saturday, June 6. Tourism Data & Planning: SPTO and Niue Tourism shared 2025 International Visitor Survey findings, while SPTO also stressed stronger tourism-aviation partnerships at ASPA81 in Rarotonga. Fuel Pressure in the Northern Group: Penrhyn Island burned its last 100 litres of diesel, borrowing 5,000 litres from Te Kukupa II and restricting power use as June deliveries loom. Sustainable Tourism Debate: Cook Islands tourism leaders warn visitor growth is outpacing waste capacity, and stakeholders reviewed progress on the Destination Stewardship Plan. China Connectivity: PM Mark Brown’s visit to Wuzhou, Guangxi, highlighted new cooperation and connectivity tied to the MV Tuitui Moana. Visitor Spend Signal: April visitor spending rose in Hawaii (DBEDT), with fewer arrivals but higher daily spend—an indicator worth watching for Pacific demand trends.

Rugby & Tourism Spotlight: Valentine Holmes says he’ll make himself available for the Cook Islands at the Rugby League World Cup, with a Rarotonga culture reconnection trip part of the build-up. Health & Community Travel: New Zealand College of Chiropractic interns return to Rarotonga for free spinal health checks and holistic adjustments, with clinic sessions starting Saturday June 6 at Te Atukura Grounds. Regional Aviation Link: Cook Islands hosted ASPA81 in Rarotonga, bringing aviation and tourism leaders together to push stronger airline–tourism partnerships for better Pacific connectivity. Sustainable Tourism Pressure: Cook Islands tourism stakeholders warn the country is still highly vulnerable to global slowdown risks, while the Destination Stewardship Plan meeting focused on the next phase of sustainable tourism development. Visitor Growth vs Waste: A fresh view on tourism growth argues arrival numbers can’t outpace waste management capacity, as more flights and full resorts mean more plastics and rubbish for small islands to handle. Fuel Crunch (Northern Group): Penrhyn Island used its last 100 litres of diesel, borrowing from Te Kukupa II and restricting power use until a late-June fuel delivery. China Connectivity: PM Mark Brown’s historic visit to Wuzhou, Guangxi, highlighted new cooperation and the launch of the MV Tuitui Moana to improve Cook Islands connectivity.

Aviation–Tourism Link-Up: Cook Islands hosted the 81st Association of South Pacific Airlines (ASPA81) in Rarotonga, with delegates stressing that stronger coordination between airlines, airports and tourism bodies is key to unlocking sustainable growth across island economies. Sustainable Tourism Pressure: Local tourism leaders say the Cook Islands remains exposed to global slowdown risks, while another report warns that chasing visitor numbers can outpace waste management capacity as new flights and resorts add more plastics and rubbish to small island systems. Regional Tourism Data: The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) and Niue Tourism Office released International Visitor Survey findings under the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, highlighting visitor preferences and spending to guide Pacific destination strategy. Fuel Crunch in the Northern Group: Penrhyn Island used its last diesel and borrowed supply from police patrol boat Te Kukupa II, while power use is being restricted as fuel prices rise and a battery replacement project continues. Cook Islands–China Ties: PM Mark Brown’s historic visit to Wuzhou, Guangxi included the launch celebration of the MV Tuitui Moana, framed as a step toward improved connectivity and deeper bilateral cooperation. Ocean Protection & Voyaging: Pacific voyaging and ocean leaders gathered on Rapa Nui to strengthen cultural ties and collaborate on high-seas marine conservation, with Cook Islands participation noted. Cruise Interest in the South Pacific: Norwegian Cruise Line extended its South Pacific season with more close-to-home itineraries, pointing to strong demand from Australians for culture and easy multi-island travel.

Cook Islands Tourism & Aviation: Cook Islands hosted ASPA81 in Rarotonga (18–20 May) with airline, aviation and tourism leaders focused on “Island Economies in Flight” and the need for tighter aviation–tourism partnerships to boost regional connectivity. Sustainable Tourism Pressure: Industry voices warn the Cook Islands is still vulnerable to global slowdown risks, while another report flags the growing waste burden as visitor growth and new air links push totals beyond 200,000 a year. Destination Stewardship Plan: Stakeholders met to review progress on the Destination Stewardship Plan and map the next phase of sustainable tourism development. Connectivity & Travel Demand: Pacific Tourism Organisation stressed stronger tourism–aviation links at ASPA81, and Norwegian Cruise Line extended its South Pacific season with more close-to-home itineraries for Australians. Regional Costs & Fuel: Penrhyn Island in the Northern Group ran down its last 100 litres of diesel and borrowed fuel from police as prices rise, with power restrictions in place. Cook Islands–China Links: PM Mark Brown’s historic visit to Wuzhou, Guangxi, highlighted new cooperation and the launch of the MV Tuitui Moana to improve connectivity. Ocean Protection & Voyaging: Pacific voyaging and ocean leaders gathered in Rapa Nui to strengthen cultural ties and collaborate on high-seas marine conservation, with Cook Islands participation noted.

Aviation–Tourism Partnerships: The Pacific Tourism Organisation backed closer coordination between tourism authorities, airlines and airport operators at ASPA81 in Rarotonga, calling air connectivity a key lever for sustainable growth. Cruise Momentum: Norwegian Cruise Line extended its 2026–27 South Pacific season with more close-to-home itineraries, citing strong Australian demand for culture and easy multi-island cruising. Fuel Shock for Outer Islands: Penrhyn Island burned its last 100 litres of diesel, borrowing 5,000 litres from police boat Te Kukupa II and restricting power use while awaiting a barge fuel delivery around 25–26 June. Connectivity Boost (NZ): Air New Zealand launched a seasonal direct Christchurch–Rarotonga service up to three times weekly through late October, making winter escapes simpler for South Islanders. Tourism Under Pressure: Cook Islands tourism stakeholders warned the country remains exposed to global downturn risks, even as government forecasts suggest a worst-case GDP fall of up to 5%. Health Update: The Cook Islands has regained dengue-free status after 26 days without a case, while Tonga reports ongoing outbreaks. Weather Alert: A heavy rain and ocean warning was issued for the Southern Group, with Aitutaki urged to prepare for flooding and rough seas.

Cruise Growth: Norwegian Cruise Line has extended its 2026–27 South Pacific season, adding more close-to-home itineraries (8 to 13 days) for Australians, with a focus on culture, relaxation and easy multi-island travel. Fuel & Power Watch: Penrhyn Island has run down its last 100 litres of diesel and is borrowing 5,000 litres from police patrol boat Te Kukupa II, while restricting power use to 6am–10pm until a late-June fuel delivery. Tourism Under Pressure: Cook Islands tourism leaders say the country remains exposed to global economic slowdown risks, even as government points to a worst-case 5% GDP decline scenario. Sustainable Tourism Planning: Stakeholders met to review progress on the Destination Stewardship Plan and map the next phase of sustainable tourism development. Waste Concerns: A renewed debate is underway as visitor growth and new air links could push numbers beyond 200,000, raising fresh pressure on waste systems. Connectivity Boost: Air New Zealand launches a seasonal non-stop Christchurch–Rarotonga service up to three times weekly through October. Weather Alerts: A heavy rain and ocean warning has been issued for the Southern Group, including Aitutaki, with rough swells forecast. Health Update: The Cook Islands has regained dengue-free status after 26 days without a case, though other Pacific areas are still reporting outbreaks. Regional Aviation: The Cook Islands hosted ASPA81, bringing Pacific aviation and tourism leaders together on strategic partnerships to strengthen regional connectivity.

New Air Links: Air New Zealand launches a seasonal, non-stop Christchurch–Rarotonga service tonight, running up to three times a week through late October—an easier winter escape for South Islanders and a boost to Cook Islands connectivity. Dengue Update: The Cook Islands has been declared dengue-free after 26 days without a recorded case, following the last positive on 28 April—though officials urge residents and tourism businesses to stay vigilant. Sustainable Tourism Pressure: Tourism stakeholders are pushing back on “arrival numbers at all costs,” warning that visitor growth brings waste and environmental strain; the Destination Stewardship Plan is back on the agenda as leaders map the next phase. Economic Risk Watch: The tourism sector says the Cook Islands remains exposed to global slowdown risks, including scenarios of up to a 5% GDP decline, fuel price shocks and reduced travel demand. Regional Aviation Spotlight: The Cook Islands hosted ASPA81 in Rarotonga, bringing Pacific airline and tourism leaders together to strengthen aviation–tourism partnerships. Pacific Ocean Protection: Voyaging and ocean leaders gathered in Rapa Nui with Cook Islands participation to share wayfinding knowledge and collaborate on high-seas marine conservation. China Connectivity: PM Mark Brown’s historic visit to Wuzhou, China highlighted new cooperation pathways and connectivity linked to the MV Tuitui Moana.

Ocean Protection & Voyaging: Rapa Nui’s ocean council Koro Nui o te Vaikava, with Polynesian Voyaging Society and Pacific Pwo Navigators, hosted Te Piri māʻohi o Te Moana Nui a Hiva, bringing together voyaging leaders, scientists and government reps from across the Pacific (including the Cook Islands) to strengthen ancestral ties and collaborate on high-seas marine conservation. Sustainable Tourism Pressure: Cook Islands tourism leaders say the country is still vulnerable to global economic slowdown, even as visitor numbers rise; they’re also warning that growth can outpace waste management, with Rarotonga and Aitutaki studies flagging heavy plastic litter on beaches. Connectivity Boost: Air New Zealand’s new direct Christchurch–Rarotonga seasonal service starts tonight (up to three flights weekly to late October), adding seats for South Island winter escapes. Aviation Networking: Rarotonga hosted ASPA81, with airline and tourism partners discussing strategic aviation–tourism partnerships to strengthen regional connectivity. Health Update: The Cook Islands has regained dengue-free status after 26 days without a case, though other Pacific areas still report outbreaks. Policy Watch: Cook Islands tourism faces wider economic risk scenarios, including potential fuel-price shocks and tourism slowdown tied to global instability. Regional Weather Alert: Heavy rain and rough ocean swells are forecast for the Southern Group, with residents urged to stay alert.

ANZAC Day & Pacific service: A reflective piece links Anzac Day remembrance to Pacific communities, noting Cook Islands observance and the sacrifices of Pacific servicemen and women. Aviation & access: Cook Islands hosted ASPA81 in Rarotonga (18–20 May), bringing airline and aviation leaders together on regional connectivity. New routes for travellers: Air New Zealand launched the first non-stop Christchurch–Rarotonga service (seasonal, up to three times weekly), giving South Islanders an easier winter escape. Sustainable tourism pressure: Tourism leaders warn the destination remains vulnerable to global slowdown risks, while the Destination Stewardship Plan meeting focused on next steps for sustainable growth. Waste & visitor numbers: Commentary argues arrival-led success is outdated, highlighting landfill and plastic litter impacts as new flights and resorts add pressure. Dengue update: The Cook Islands has regained dengue-free status after 26 days without a case, though other Pacific areas still report outbreaks. Regional ties: PM Mark Brown’s historic visit to Wuzhou, China, highlighted new cooperation and connectivity via the MV Tuitui Moana. Tourism markets: North America and UK updates point to demand for authentic, experience-led travel as reach expands.

Cook Islands–China Connectivity: PM Mark Brown led a delegation to Wuzhou, Guangxi, to celebrate the launch of the government-owned MV Tuitui Moana, with talks aimed at deepening maritime and economic cooperation. Aviation & Tourism Links: The Cook Islands hosted ASPA81 in Rarotonga (18–20 May), bringing together airline and tourism leaders to focus on aviation–tourism partnerships and regional connectivity. New Direct Flights: Air New Zealand begins seasonal non-stop Christchurch–Rarotonga service tonight, up to three times weekly through late October, boosting winter escape options for South Island travellers. Health Update for Visitors: The Cook Islands has been declared dengue-free after 26 days without a recorded case, though health and tourism leaders urge continued mosquito-control vigilance. Weather Alert: A heavy rain and ocean warning is in place for the Southern Group, including Aitutaki, with flooding and rough seas risks. Tourism Market Push: Cook Islands Tourism is strengthening North America outreach, highlighting airline partnerships, cruise opportunities and demand for authentic, experiential experiences. Policy Pressure on Travel: Government moves to cut Pacific visa fees and extend visa timeframes may reduce revenue by $1–2m annually, raising questions for immigration funding.

Cook Islands–China ties: PM Mark Brown’s historic visit to Wuzhou, Guangxi, highlighted new cooperation pathways and the launch of the MV Tuitui Moana, aimed at boosting Cook Islands connectivity. Aviation & tourism connectivity: The Cook Islands hosted ASPA81 in Rarotonga, bringing Pacific airline and tourism leaders together to strengthen regional air links. New direct flights: Air New Zealand launched (tonight) a seasonal non-stop Christchurch–Rarotonga service up to three times weekly through late October, giving South Islanders an easier winter escape. Dengue update: The Cook Islands has been declared dengue-free after 26 days without a recorded case, though health officials urge continued mosquito control. Weather alert: A heavy rain and ocean warning is in place for the Southern Group, especially Aitutaki, with flooding and rough seas risks. Tourism strategy & costs: Air Rarotonga introduced a fuel surcharge amid Middle East-driven fuel price rises, while the tourism sector shifts toward destination stewardship and better visitor yield. Market push: North America and UK tourism messaging is leaning into authentic, experience-led travel rather than “just beaches.”

Aviation & Tourism: Cook Islands hosted ASPA81 in Rarotonga (18–20 May) with airline executives and tourism leaders discussing “Island Economies in Flight” and strengthening Pacific connectivity. New Routes: Air New Zealand launched a seasonal non-stop Christchurch–Rarotonga service (up to 3x weekly through late October), giving South Islanders an easier winter escape. Health Update: The Cook Islands has been declared dengue-free after 26 days without a recorded case, following the end of Operation Namu26—though officials urge continued mosquito-breeding vigilance. Weather Watch: A heavy rain and ocean warning is in place for the Southern Group, including Aitutaki, with flooding and rough seas possible. Policy & Visitor Economy: Government moves to cut Pacific visa fees and extend visa timeframes could cost NZ$1–2m a year in revenue, while tourism demand and market reach keep expanding. Sustainability & Costs: Air Rarotonga introduced a fuel surcharge amid Middle East-driven fuel price pressure, while the tourism corporation shifts toward destination stewardship and better visitor yield.

Dengue Update: The Cook Islands has been declared dengue-free after 26 days without a recorded case, following the last positive on 28 April—though officials and the tourism industry are urging residents and businesses to keep mosquito-breeding areas under control. New Flights for Visitors: Air New Zealand has launched a seasonal, direct Christchurch–Rarotonga service (up to three times weekly through late October), giving South Islanders an easier winter escape. Pa Enua Travel Costs: Government is prioritising sealing runways in the northern group to allow larger aircraft and cut Pa Enua travel costs, with possible short-term fuel support on the most expensive routes. Tourism Market Push: Cook Islands Tourism says it’s strengthening North America reach with new airline partnerships, cruise opportunities and demand for more authentic, experience-led travel. Weather Alert: A heavy rain and ocean warning has been issued for the Southern Group, including Aitutaki, with residents told to prepare for flooding risks and rough seas. Visa Policy Impact: New Zealand’s reduced Pacific visa fees and longer default visas could cost the government $1–2 million a year, with funding pressures flagged. Economic Risk Watch: Finance officials highlight how global oil and Middle East disruption could hit tourism and drive GDP down by up to 5%. Regional Tourism Data: SPTO and Kiribati’s tourism authority released the 2025 International Visitor Survey report, adding to Pacific-wide visitor insights. Sustainability & Aviation Reality: Air Rarotonga says it’s managing visitor numbers sustainably amid higher fuel costs and ongoing infrastructure work for remote routes. Domestic Shipping: PM Mark Brown will travel to China for the inauguration of the MV Tuitui Moana, completing the new inter-island vessel.

Aitutaki & Southern Group Weather: A heavy rain and ocean warning is in place for the Southern Cook Islands, with flooding risk in low-lying areas and rough swells expected as a tropical storm system moves through. Dengue Update: The Cook Islands has been declared dengue-free after 26 days without a recorded case, following the last positive case on 28 April—though other Pacific areas (including Tonga) are still reporting cases. New Air Links: Air New Zealand’s seasonal direct Christchurch–Rarotonga service starts tonight, running up to three times a week through late October, boosting South Island access for winter escapes. Tourism Markets: Cook Islands tourism is pushing “experiences, not just beaches” in the UK and expanding its North America reach, with demand for authentic experiences and cruise opportunities highlighted. Pa Enua Connectivity & Costs: Government is prioritising sealing Pa Enua runways to cut travel costs and enable larger aircraft, while also considering fuel support on the most expensive northern routes. Domestic Shipping: PM Mark Brown will travel to China to inaugurate the MV Tuitui Moana, a new inter-island vessel built to strengthen safer, more reliable links for outer islands. Industry & Sustainability: Air Rarotonga says it has introduced a fuel surcharge amid Middle East-driven fuel price pressure, while the national tourism focus shifts toward stewardship and better visitor yield. Cruise Line News: Ponant has unveiled speakers for its 2027 Explorers Club voyage collection, including a first-time Paul Gauguin appearance. Business & Policy: MFEM warns global shocks could cut real GDP by up to 5% via higher fuel costs and reduced tourism, and visa fee changes for Pacific travellers are expected to hit government revenue.

New Air Links: Air New Zealand begins direct Christchurch–Rarotonga tonight, a seasonal service up to three times a week through late October, giving South Islanders an easier winter escape. Tourism Demand (North America & UK): Cook Islands is pushing experiential travel in the UK and expanding its North America reach with new airline partnerships, cruise opportunities and rising demand for authentic experiences. Weather Alert (Southern Group): A heavy rain and ocean warning is in place for the Southern Cook Islands, with Aitutaki urged to prepare for flooding risks and rough swells. Health Update (Dengue): The Cook Islands has been declared dengue-free after 26 days without a recorded case, though other Pacific areas still report cases. Policy & Travel Costs: New Zealand’s Pacific visa fee cuts and longer default visas could reduce government revenue by $1–2m a year, while also easing travel for Pacific communities. Sustainability & Ops: Air Rarotonga says it has introduced a fuel surcharge amid Middle East-driven fuel price rises, while shifting focus toward destination stewardship and better visitor yield. Pa Enua Connectivity: PM Mark Brown will travel to China to attend the inauguration of the MV Tuitui Moana, a new inter-island vessel aimed at safer, more reliable shipping for outer islands. Innovation for SIDS: Applications are open for the FAO-led Global AgriInno Challenge 2026, with Cook Islands among SIDS teams eligible for reserved finalist spots.