AGP Executive Report

Maritime Security: NZ Defence Force and NZ Customs ran Pacific maritime surveillance patrols in Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands EEZ, targeting vessels suspected of illegal activity as part of Operation Kiwa and PFIAF support. Land & Law: The Cook Islands Law Commission is holding public meetings this week clarifying that consultations cover only government-warrant land, not private leases. Governance Capacity: CIIC continues director training to strengthen board decision-making, integrity and emerging governance challenges. Health Access: New Zealand chiropractic interns return to Rarotonga for free spinal health checks at Te Atukura Grounds near the PM’s Office. Energy Readiness: Opposition backs the National Energy Response Framework, urging government to lead early and keep Pa Enua and businesses informed. Pacific Rugby: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders back Kanaloa’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific-led pathways must be protected. Tourism & Aviation: SPTO highlights the need for tighter tourism-air connectivity partnerships at the ASPA meeting hosted in the Cook Islands. Fuel Crunch: Penrhyn Island used its last diesel and has borrowed from police, with power restrictions in place while a barge delivery is expected mid/late June.

Pacific Rugby Governance: Tonga and Cook Islands rugby leaders have backed the Kanaloa consortium’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific rugby’s future must be shaped by Pacific voices as New Zealand Rugby weighs competing proposals after Moana Pasifika’s planned 2026 Super Rugby Pacific exit. Women’s Sport in Exile: Afghanistan’s women’s football team is set for its first international match in five years, playing the Cook Islands in Auckland after FIFA approved eligibility in April, despite the Taliban-linked federation not recognising the squad. Regional Politics: Papua New Guinea MPs debate whether to ratify Bougainville’s 2019 independence vote, with Minister Belden Namah arguing commitments on arms disposal and governance weren’t met. Energy & Cost Pressure: Penrhyn Island has run down its diesel and is borrowing fuel from the Cook Islands police patrol boat while restricting power use as regional fuel prices rise. Tourism Policy: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Niue Tourism share findings from the 2024 International Visitor Survey, highlighting visitor preferences and spending to guide regional tourism strategy.

Bougainville Independence Row: PNG MPs debate whether to ratify Bougainville’s 2019 independence vote, with Minister Belden Namah arguing the autonomous government hasn’t met arms-disposal and governance commitments, and pushing back on ABG leaders’ “military” appearances. Cook Islands Energy & Fuel Pressure: Opposition backs the National Energy Response Framework, while Penrhyn Island runs on borrowed diesel from police and restricts power as June deliveries remain tight. Regional Aviation-Tourism Push: Cook Islands hosts ASPA81, with the Pacific Tourism Organisation stressing closer aviation and tourism coordination to keep island connectivity and sustainable growth on track. Sustainable Tourism Debate: Industry warns the Cook Islands remains exposed to global slowdown risks even as government downplays a worst-case 5% GDP decline. Community Safety Infrastructure: Ngatangiia’s CICC Ekalesia Sunday School Hall renovations are completed under the Rarotonga Safety Shelter Programme, adding roof, solar, and disability-access upgrades. Diplomacy & Mobility: PM Mark Brown says the Cook Islands passport ID stamp is “purely voluntary,” and leads a China visit tied to the launch of the MV Tuitui Moana. Sports With Local Links: PNG U-19 men’s team departs for OFC qualifiers in the Cook Islands, while Afghan Women United—now eligible internationally—prepare to play a Cook Islands team in Auckland.

Afghan Women’s Soccer Returns: After years in hiding following the Taliban’s 2021 ban, the Afghan Women United program has gained international eligibility and is now training in Auckland, with matches scheduled against a Cook Islands team—an emotional milestone for players rebuilding their sporting lives. Pacific Rugby Power Shift: Tonga and Cook Islands rugby leaders have backed the Kanaloa consortium’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing the franchise’s future must be shaped by Pacific voices as New Zealand Rugby weighs options. Regional Aviation-Tourism Link: At ASPA81 in Rarotonga, the Pacific Tourism Organisation stressed that better coordination between airlines, airports and tourism agencies is key to unlocking sustainable growth for island economies. Fuel Security Under Pressure: Penrhyn Island has run down its diesel and is borrowing from the police patrol boat while restricting power use, as fuel prices rise and deliveries face delays. Community Safety Upgrade: Ngatangiia’s CICC Ekalesia Sunday School Hall has been renovated and made more accessible under the Rarotonga Safety Shelter Programme. Cook Islands–China Ties: PM Mark Brown’s visit to Wuzhou highlighted new cooperation pathways, including the launch of the MV Tuitui Moana to improve connectivity. Tourism Caution: Local tourism voices warn the Cook Islands remains vulnerable to global slowdown risks despite government optimism.

Rugby Politics: Cook Islands and Tonga leaders have backed the Kanaloa consortium’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific rugby’s future must be shaped by Pacific voices as New Zealand Rugby weighs competing proposals. Energy Security: Penrhyn Island has run down its diesel and is borrowing 5,000 litres from the police patrol boat Te Kukupa II, with power use restricted while a June fuel delivery is awaited. Regional Aviation Governance: The Pacific Aviation Safety Office (PASO) has elected Papua New Guinea’s Benedict Oraka as chair, with Cook Islands director John Hosking re-elected as deputy chair. Disaster Preparedness & Community Safety: The Rarotonga Safety Shelter Programme has completed renovations to the Ngatangiia CICC Ekalesia Sunday School Hall, adding accessibility upgrades and improved shelter infrastructure. Tourism Sustainability Debate: Tourism stakeholders say the country is still vulnerable to global slowdown risks, while others warn that growth driven by visitor numbers is outpacing waste and environmental capacity. Government & Foreign Affairs: PM Mark Brown says the Cook Islands passport ID stamp is “purely voluntary,” and leads a China visit highlighting the MV Tuitui Moana as a connectivity milestone. Fuel Prices Watch: Regional fuel increases continue, with Samoa’s kerosene, petrol and diesel all rising again in June.

Community Safety & Infrastructure: Ngatangiia’s CICC Ekalesia Sunday School Hall has been renovated under the Rarotonga Safety Shelter Programme, adding roof works, solar reinstatement, repainting, and new disability-accessible bathrooms, ramps and footpaths. Regional Aviation Governance: The Pacific Aviation Safety Office (PASO) elected Papua New Guinea’s Benedict Oraka as council chair for the next 12 months, with Cook Islands’ John Hosking re-elected as deputy chair. Cook Islands–China Connectivity: PM Mark Brown led a visit to Wuzhou, Guangxi, marking the inauguration of the MV Tuitui Moana, a co-funded inter-island vessel aimed at improving domestic shipping and access. Public Administration Clarification: Brown says the Cook Islands identification stamp on passports is “purely voluntary,” after public concern sparked by a viral video. Energy Security Planning: Government has moved into phase two of a five-phase fuel response framework to manage global supply risks tied to the Middle East conflict. Tourism Policy Debate: Tourism stakeholders are mapping next steps for sustainable tourism, while industry warns the country remains exposed to global slowdown risks despite government assurances. Sports & Youth: Cook Islands athletes and schools keep momentum—Apii Avarua claimed a record 16th athletics title, and young sailors are competing in Tahiti. Maritime Security: ADF surveillance operations are supporting regional efforts against illegal fishing, including patrols involving Cook Islands partners.

Budget & Funding: The Cook Islands Government says New Zealand has reinstated $20m in paused funding, putting it at about 5% of this year’s $375m appropriation, with more to follow once programme agreements are finalised. Tourism & Environment: Tourism stakeholders are mapping the next phase of the Destination Stewardship Plan, while industry voices warn that chasing visitor growth is piling up a waste burden on a “little paradise.” Economic Risk: Tourism leaders say the country remains exposed to global slowdown risks, even as government points to a worst-case 5% GDP decline scenario. Energy Security: Government has moved into phase two of a five-phase energy response plan to manage fuel supply shocks linked to the Middle East. Domestic Shipping & Diplomacy: PM Mark Brown’s historic visit to Wuzhou, China, marked the launch of the MV Tuitui Moana, aimed at improving connectivity across the Pa Enua. Public Administration: Brown says the Cook Islands identification stamp on passports is “purely voluntary” after public concern sparked online. Regional Cooperation: Cook Islands delegates met in Tonga under PACER Plus to progress trade facilitation, customs, standards and biosecurity priorities. Maritime Security: Australia’s ADF joins Operation SOLANIA to support fisheries surveillance with Cook Islands and Tonga partners. Sports & Youth: Apii Avarua wins its 16th athletics title; a Cook Islands sailing team competes in Tahiti; and the Oceania Athletes Forum in Auckland puts athlete governance questions to top Olympic leaders.

Tourism & Environment: Stakeholders reviewed progress on the Destination Stewardship Plan and mapped the next phase of sustainable tourism development, as industry voices warn the Cook Islands remains exposed to global shocks and the environmental “waste burden” that comes with growth. Budget & Economy: Government says New Zealand has reinstated $20m in paused funding, about 5% of this year’s $375m appropriation, while commentary and opposition scrutiny continue around the 2026/27 Budget and economic risk scenarios. Energy Security: The government moved into phase two of a five-phase energy response framework to manage fuel supply risks linked to Middle East conflict. Foreign Affairs & Shipping: PM Mark Brown’s China visit highlighted deeper Cook Islands–China ties, including the inauguration of the MV Tuitui Moana to strengthen inter-island connectivity. Public Policy Clarification: Brown says the Cook Islands identification stamp on passports is “purely voluntary.” Health: The Ministry of Health declared the country dengue-free again after 26 days without cases. Regional Security: ADF joined Operation SOLANIA to support maritime surveillance against illegal fishing alongside Cook Islands and regional partners. Sports & Community: Apii Avarua won its 16th athletics title; Cook Islands sailors competed in Tahiti; and a new accessible deck and ramp project was blessed at Apii Te Uki Ou.

Alcohol Licensing: Apii Te Uki Ou board chairperson? No—Rarotonga bar manager Gabrielle Lores has her licence cancelled after police described repeated obstruction, including a drink-driving incident with an evidential breath test of 744 micrograms per litre. Accessible Education: Apii Te Uki Ou has blessed a New Zealand-funded decking and accessibility ramp, improving safe access to its library, sensory room and learning support spaces. China Ties & Shipping: PM Mark Brown’s historic Wuzhou visit highlighted Cook Islands–China cooperation, including the inauguration of the MV Tuitui Moana to strengthen inter-island connectivity. Passport Policy: Brown says the Cook Islands identification stamp on passports is “purely voluntary,” after viral concern sparked debate. Fuel Security: Government moves into phase two of a five-phase energy response plan to manage global fuel supply risks. Regional Diplomacy: Cook Islands delegates attended PACER Plus budget and joint committee meetings in Tonga, shaping trade facilitation, customs, standards and biosecurity priorities. Dengue Update: Cook Islands is declared dengue-free after 26 days without a case, though other Pacific outbreaks continue. Aviation & Tourism: Air New Zealand launches direct Christchurch–Rarotonga service up to three times weekly, boosting winter travel links. Sports Governance: Kanaloa Rugby’s bid for Moana Pasifika is backed by rugby unions from Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands and Niue.

Energy Security: Government moves into phase two of a five-phase plan to safeguard fuel supply amid global shocks. Infrastructure & Inclusion: Apii Te Uki Ou blesses a New Zealand-funded accessible deck and ramp, improving safe access to its library and learning spaces. Foreign Affairs & Shipping: PM Mark Brown’s China visit in Wuzhou highlights MV Tuitui Moana’s launch and deeper Cook Islands–China cooperation, aimed at better inter-island connectivity. Public Policy Clarification: Brown says the Cook Islands identification stamp on passports is “purely voluntary” after viral debate. Regional Trade Talks: Cook Islands joins PACER Plus budget and joint committee meetings in Tonga, shaping proposals on trade facilitation, customs, standards and biosecurity. Aviation & Tourism Links: ASPA81 convenes Pacific aviation and tourism leaders in Rarotonga, focusing on strategic partnerships to strengthen regional connectivity. Health Update: Cook Islands regains dengue-free status after 26 days without cases, while monitoring continues. Transport Boost: Air New Zealand launches direct Christchurch–Rarotonga service up to three times weekly through late October. Sports & Youth: Cook Islands sailors compete at the Optimist Oceania Championships in Tahiti; Cook Islands bowls names its Commonwealth Games team.

Aviation & Tourism: Cook Islands hosted ASPA81 in Rarotonga (18–20 May), bringing together airline executives and tourism leaders to focus on “Island Economies in Flight” and regional connectivity. Regional Diplomacy & Security: Cook Islands joined PACER Plus budget and joint committee meetings in Tonga (18–22 May), shaping trade facilitation, customs, standards, biosecurity and private-sector priorities. Climate Action: PM Mark Brown used the UN ESCAP opening in Bangkok to press for faster climate action, with finance flagged as the key barrier. Maritime & Fisheries Enforcement: Australia’s ADF backed Operation SOLANIA in the Cook Islands and Tonga to support FFA’s Operation Tui Moana, targeting illegal fishing and strengthening surveillance coordination. Domestic Shipping: MV Tuitui Moana was inaugurated in Wuzhou, China, as a milestone for Cook Islands–China cooperation and the domestic shipping roadmap. Public Health: Cook Islands declared dengue-free after 26 days without a case, following a year-long outbreak response. Economy & Cost Pressures: New Zealand released $20m of paused funding to the Cook Islands, with more tied to programme agreements; meanwhile, the 2026/27 Budget faces scrutiny over impacts on revenue and costs, and the minimum wage rise to $10.50 from 1 July is already sparking business anxiety. Connectivity Boost: Air New Zealand launched a seasonal Christchurch–Rarotonga direct service up to three times weekly through late October.

Budget & Opposition Scrutiny: The 2026/27 national Budget—described as the biggest ever—is drawing fresh questions from the Opposition and business over priorities and impacts. Minimum Wage Debate: A minimum wage rise to $10.50 from 1 July 2026 is welcomed by workers but met with warnings from businesses about cost pressures, possible price hikes and staffing strain. NZ Funding Release: New Zealand has released $20 million of paused funding for the Cook Islands, with more money tied to final programme agreements. Domestic Shipping Upgrade: PM Mark Brown marked the inauguration of MV Tuitui Moana in China, a co-funded vessel aimed at improving inter-island connectivity and reducing transport costs. Trade & Borders: Cook Islands officials took part in PACER Plus budget committee meetings in Tonga, shaping trade facilitation, customs, biosecurity and private-sector resilience plans. Regional Security: Australia’s ADF joined operations supporting fisheries surveillance, including work linked to Operation Tui Moana 2026. Health Update: The Cook Islands has regained dengue-free status after 26 days without a case, though other Pacific outbreaks continue. Tourism Connectivity: Air New Zealand launched a seasonal direct Christchurch–Rarotonga service, adding up to three flights weekly through late October.

Seabed Mining Debate: A fresh pushback from Cook Islands voices says corporate merger filings for seabed minerals (including American Ocean Minerals and CIC links) appear to clash with government claims that commercial mining hasn’t been decided, raising alarms about “accelerated” timelines versus ongoing environmental baseline work. National Budget Scrutiny: The 2026/27 budget—described as the biggest ever—is drawing sharper questions from the Opposition and business over what it means for costs and priorities. Domestic Shipping: PM Mark Brown marked the inauguration of the MV Tuitui Moana in China, calling it a key step for safer, more reliable inter-island connectivity under Cook Islands–China cooperation. Regional Trade & Borders: Cook Islands participation in PACER Plus budget and joint committee meetings in Tonga fed into trade facilitation, customs, standards, biosecurity and private-sector resilience plans. Minimum Wage: The minimum wage rises to $10.50 from 1 July 2026, with workers urging it’s still too low and businesses warning of price rises and strain. Health Update: Cook Islands has been declared dengue-free after 26 days without cases, though other Pacific outbreaks continue. Tourism & Transport: Air New Zealand launches a seasonal direct Christchurch–Rarotonga service, boosting South Island access. Sport Governance: Kanaloa’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika is backed by rugby unions including Cook Islands, as liquidation uncertainty continues.

Domestic Shipping & China Ties: PM Mark Brown inaugurated the newly built MV Tuitui Moana in Wuzhou, China, a co-funded inter-island vessel meant to strengthen connectivity and cut Pa Enua travel costs. Budget Under Pressure: The 2026/27 national Budget—described as the biggest ever—is drawing scrutiny from both the Opposition and business. Minimum Wage Debate: Brown announced a rise to $10.50 an hour from 1 July 2026, with workers pushing back on inflation and businesses warning of price hikes and job strain. PACER Plus Trade Talks: Cook Islands joined PACER Plus budget and joint committee meetings in Tonga, shaping proposals on trade facilitation, customs, standards, biosecurity and private-sector development. Fisheries Security: Australia’s ADF backed regional efforts against illegal fishing under Operation SOLANIA, supporting FFA’s Operation Tui Moana 2026. Public Health: Cook Islands declared dengue-free after 26 days without cases, though other Pacific outbreaks continue. Sports & Culture: Cook Islands dancers and athletes are in the spotlight—Te Mire Ura Nui runs 28-29 May, while Cook Islands bowlers and relay teams set records and prepare for major events. Regional Crime Warning: New Zealand’s Customs Minister says the Pacific can’t “arrest” its way out of organised crime—needs better laws, supports and stronger borders. Tourism Connectivity: Air New Zealand launches a seasonal Christchurch–Rarotonga direct service up to three times weekly through late October. Seabed Mining Concern: A Te Ipukarea Society-linked letter argues corporate merger filings suggest accelerated seabed mining timelines that clash with government caution. Visa Fees Controversy: Separate reporting says New Zealand is cutting Pacific visa fees and extending timeframes, but officials warn of a multi-million-dollar revenue hit.

Regional Trade & Diplomacy: Cook Islands officials joined PACER Plus budget and joint committee meetings in Tonga, shaping trade facilitation, customs, standards, biosecurity, private sector development and economic resilience priorities. Climate Action: PM Mark Brown used the UN ESCAP opening in Bangkok to push for faster climate action, stressing finance as the key barrier for vulnerable Pacific states. Maritime Security: Australia’s ADF backed Cook Islands and partners in the fight against illegal fishing under Operation SOLANIA, supporting FFA’s Operation Tui Moana. Fisheries Enforcement: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped after three weeks of coordinated surveillance across multiple Pacific EEZs, including Cook Islands, to deter IUU fishing and other maritime crime. Public Health: Cook Islands declared dengue-free after 26 days without a case, ending a year-long outbreak response. Immigration Policy: New Zealand’s Pacific visa fee cuts and longer default visas raise concerns about a potential $1–2m annual revenue hit, even as the policy aims to deepen Pacific connections. Cost of Living & Labour: Cook Islands’ minimum wage rises to $10.50 from 1 July 2026, with workers seeking more relief and businesses warning of price rises and strain. Connectivity: Air New Zealand launches a seasonal direct Christchurch–Rarotonga service up to three times weekly, boosting South Island access to the islands.

Moana Pasifika Power Struggle: Kanaloa Rugby says its takeover bid is backed by four Pacific unions—Sāmoa, Tonga, Cook Islands and Niue—after Moana Pasifika shareholders moved the club toward liquidation, raising fresh questions about who gets to steer the franchise’s future and how “Pacific sovereignty” will be protected. Climate Diplomacy: PM Mark Brown joined calls at the UN ESCAP in Bangkok to accelerate climate action across Asia and the Pacific, stressing finance as the key bottleneck. Maritime Security: The ADF joined a South-West Pacific push against illegal fishing under Operation SOLANIA, supporting FFA’s Operation Tui Moana 2026. Dengue Update: The Cook Islands has been declared dengue-free after 26 days without a case, though other Pacific areas still report infections. Connectivity & Cost Pressure: Air New Zealand launches direct Christchurch–Rarotonga service, while Cook Islands tourism and airlines juggle sustainability and rising fuel costs. Local Politics/Economy: The minimum wage lifts to $10.50 from 1 July, sparking business anxiety over price rises and workloads.