AGP Executive Report

Pacific Islands Forum tensions: China warned of “consequences” after Taiwan attended the PIF opening in Palau, while Australia and New Zealand pushed back that the forum sets its own agenda. Penrhyn port funding: The US and New Zealand pledged over NZ$100m to upgrade Penrhyn/Tongareva’s former WWII port, with the US contributing about US$50m and NZ about NZ$17.5m, framed as a “lifeline” for safer landings and stronger Pa Enua connectivity. Seabed mining legal risk: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says the government will stay cautious and science-led, keeping exploration and research separate from extraction as a new report warns stronger environmental rules could trigger costly investor-state disputes. Regional politics at PIF: The summit is underway in Palau with multiple leaders absent, raising questions about unity as geopolitics and crime sit alongside economic pressures. Domestic health and services: The health ministry launched a 2026–2030 NCD Action Plan with 129 strategic actions, while government is set to decide the long-term management model for new state domestic shipping vessels after a three-year transition.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: The 55th PIF leaders summit is underway, but a third of leaders may be missing, raising fresh questions about regional unity as some pullouts are linked to domestic pressures and alleged Chinese influence. Realm of New Zealand talks: Ahead of Palau, New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon met Cook Islands PM Mark Brown, Niue PM Dalton Tagelagi and Tokelau leader Alapati Tavite for the first four-way “Realm” meeting, with Brown urging a shift from pledges to deliverables. Small island security push: PIF small-island leaders heard calls to turn 2025 decisions into practical action as Palau takes the chair. Deep-sea mining legal risk: A new report warns Pacific governments could face costly investor-state disputes if they tighten rules or change course on seabed mining. Cook Islands domestic focus: The health ministry launched a 2026–2030 NCD action plan with 129 strategic actions, while women in Rarotonga are pushing to break the silence on menopause and improve local support. Election aftermath: Brown is set for a fifth term after the Cook Islands Party won a majority, with independent MPs bolstering the government.

Pacific Summit Pullouts: New Zealand’s Winston Peters says missing leaders at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau are “disappointing,” with absences blamed on health and other reasons, while some reports point to Chinese pressure. Realm of New Zealand Talks: Luxon hosted the first four-way Realm leaders meeting in Auckland with Cook Islands PM Mark Brown, Niue PM Dalton Tagelagi and Tokelau’s Alapati Tavite, focusing on shared priorities ahead of Palau. Cook Islands Election Result: Reuters reports Brown’s Cook Islands Party won 13 of 24 seats for a historic fifth term, with the Democratic Party wiped out and independents boosting a strong government caucus. Deep-Sea Mining Legal Risk: A Pacific NGO warns investor-state disputes could chill environmental rule changes, naming Cook Islands among countries exposed. Health Policy: The Cook Islands health ministry launched a 2026–2030 NCD plan with 129 strategic actions for Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. Blue Pacific Ocean Security: Forum coverage highlights threats to the “Ocean of Peace,” from deep-sea mining and plastic pollution to climate change, alongside intensifying US–China competition.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: New Zealand’s Winston Peters says several leaders’ pullouts are “disappointing” as the 55th PIF summit opens with empty seats and concerns about regional unity. Geopolitics and security: Officials say the agenda will be shaped by China-US competition, transnational crime, and pressure on Pacific integration. Realm of New Zealand talks: In Auckland, Luxon met Cook Islands PM Mark Brown, Niue PM Dalton Tagelagi and Tokelau Ulu Alapati Tavite for the first four-way Realm leaders meeting, with Brown urging “deliverables” over more promises ahead of Palau. Cook Islands election fallout: Reuters reports Brown’s Cook Islands Party won 13 of 24 seats for a fifth term, with the Democratic Party wiped out and independents boosting a strong governing majority. Deep-sea mining legal risk: A report warns Pacific governments—including the Cook Islands—could face investor-state disputes if they change course on mining rules. Health policy: The Cook Islands health ministry launched a 2026–2030 NCD plan with 129 strategic actions to tackle non-communicable diseases. Pa Enua shipping: MV Tuitui Moana is hailed as a “lifeline” delivering on the domestic shipping roadmap. Culture and community: Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust loses its main funding source after 40 years.

Cook Islands Election & Government: Mark Brown’s Cook Islands Party is set for a historic fifth straight term after winning 13 of 24 seats, with the Democratic Party wiped out and independents helping push Brown’s incoming caucus to a supermajority. Realm of New Zealand Talks: In Auckland, Luxon met Brown, Niue PM Dalton Tagelagi and Tokelau’s Ulu Alapati Tavite for the first four-way Realm leaders meeting, with Brown urging a shift from promises to deliverables ahead of the Palau summit. Pacific Security & Crime Agenda: Leaders are heading to Palau for the Pacific Islands Forum, with geopolitics, transnational crime, resilience and regional unity all expected to dominate discussions. Deep-Sea Mining Legal Risk: A new report warns Pacific governments, including the Cook Islands, could face costly investor-state disputes if they tighten rules or change course on deep-sea mining. Pa Enua Shipping: The MV Tuitui Moana was welcomed as a “lifeline” delivering on the Domestic Shipping Roadmap promise for safer, more reliable inter-island services. Health Policy: The health ministry launched a 2026–2030 NCD plan with 129 strategic actions to tackle non-communicable diseases across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. Culture & Community Funding: Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust says it has lost its main CNZ funding source beyond 2026 after 40 years.

Funding Shake-Up: Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust says it has lost its main CNZ funding source beyond 2026 after 40 years, calling the outcome “deeply disappointing” and “heartbreaking” for the next generation of Pacific artists. Pa Enua Shipping: MV Tuitui Moana has been welcomed in Rarotonga as a “lifeline” delivered under the Domestic Shipping Roadmap, aiming to give Pa Enua communities safer, more reliable inter-island service. Health Policy: The health ministry has launched a NCD Action Plan 2026–2030 with 129 strategic actions to tackle non-communicable diseases across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. Realm Talks: Luxon hosted the first Realm leaders meeting with Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau in Auckland, with Mark Brown urging action over promises ahead of the Palau summit. Election Politics: Mark Brown is set for a historic fifth term after the Cook Islands Party won 13 of 24 seats, with the Democratic Party wiped out and independents boosting Brown’s incoming majority. Regional Security Agenda: Pacific leaders are heading to Palau as geopolitics, transnational crime and pressure on regional unity shape the Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ meeting.

Realm Talks in Auckland: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon hosted the first four-way Realm of New Zealand leaders meeting with Cook Islands PM Mark Brown, Niue PM Dalton Tagelagi and Tokelau Ulu Alapati Tavite—no treaty, just a “chance to talk” ahead of Palau. Action Over Promises: Brown urged the Pacific to shift from strategies to deliverables, stressing climate resilience, regional cooperation and Pacific countries having more say. Election Fallout: Reuters reports Brown is set to return with a rare majority—Cook Islands Party 13 of 24 seats—after the Democratic Party was shut out, with independents boosting the government’s caucus. China Congratulates Brown: Beijing publicly welcomed Brown’s re-election, saying it’s ready to deepen ties with the new government. Deep-Sea Mining Legal Risks: A Pacific NGO report warns investor-state dispute rules could expose countries including the Cook Islands to costly claims and a “chilling effect” on stronger environmental protections. NCD Push: The health ministry launched a 2026–2030 plan with 129 strategic actions to tackle non-communicable diseases across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. Regional Agenda for Palau: Leaders are heading to the Pacific Islands Forum facing geopolitics, transnational crime and pressure on regional unity.

Cook Islands election fallout: Mark Brown’s Cook Islands Party is set for a historic fifth straight term after winning 13 of 24 seats in the final count, with the Democratic Party wiped out of parliament; Reuters reports Brown’s majority is expected to be backed by independents, giving the incoming government a strong caucus. Realm diplomacy: Brown is in Auckland ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, as New Zealand’s Luxon meets Realm leaders (Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau) to push “deliverables” and keep Realm ties steady amid regional security and climate pressures. Health policy: The health ministry has launched a 2026–2030 NCD Action Plan with 129 strategic actions aimed at tackling non-communicable diseases across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. Deep-sea mining legal risk: A new Pacific report warns investor-state dispute claims could chill environmental rule changes, naming the Cook Islands among countries exposed. Regional security agenda: Pacific leaders head to Palau as geopolitics, transnational crime, and regional unity dominate talks. Community & sport: A six-week school tennis programme is back in action across multiple schools, feeding into national training pathways.

Realm diplomacy: New Zealand says its ties with Realm partners Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau are “strong and stable” after Luxon met Mark Brown, Dalton Tagelagi and Alapati Tavite in Auckland ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau. Pacific security & climate: Brown used the Realm leaders’ meeting to push for action over promises, stressing climate resilience and regional cooperation as core to Pacific security. Election outcome: Mark Brown is set for a historic fifth term after the Cook Islands Party won 13 of 24 seats in the 2026 election, with the Democratic Party wiped out; six independents are expected to lift the government caucus to 19. Opposition leadership: Cook Islands United Party leader Teariki Heather says he will nominate his younger brother Robert as Leader of the Opposition. Governance & sovereignty: A new report warns deep-sea mining could trigger costly investor-state disputes, naming the Cook Islands among exposed Pacific states. Regional appointments: Pamela Maru becomes the first Cook Islander appointed to an executive role at the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, starting as Deputy Director-General in January 2027.

Cook Islands Election: Mark Brown’s Cook Islands Party is set for a historic fifth straight term after winning 13 of 24 seats in the final 2026 count, with six independents backing the government for a 19-seat caucus. Parliament Watch: The Democratic Party has been wiped out, while the Cook Islands United Party won four seats and independents took the rest, including multiple seats from Mangaia and Atiu. Government Appointments: Three Permanent Secretaries were sworn in to key ministries—Finance and Treasury, Police/National Security/Corrections, and Culture and Tourism—signalling a fresh push on public service delivery. Pa Enua Shipping: The new government cargo-passenger vessel MV Tuitui Moana was welcomed in Rarotonga under the Domestic Shipping Roadmap to improve services for the outer islands. Deep-Sea Mining Risk: A new report warns Pacific governments, including the Cook Islands, could face investor-state legal claims if they tighten or reverse deep-sea mining rules. Regional Context: In the wider Pacific, leaders are also preparing for major ocean and climate diplomacy ahead of upcoming forum and COP meetings.

Election Results: Reuters reports Cook Islands Party leader Mark Brown is set to stay on as PM after official results show CIP won 13 of 24 seats, clinching a historic fifth term; the Democratic Party is wiped out, with the Cook Islands United Party taking four seats and the rest going to independents and minor groupings. Government Appointments: Three Permanent Secretaries were sworn in to key ministries, including Finance and Treasury, Police/National Security/Corrections, and Culture and Tourism—an early test of how the new government will staff up. Domestic Shipping: The government’s new US$3m inter-island cargo-passenger vessel MV Tuitui Moana was welcomed in Rarotonga, aimed at improving Pa Enua services under the Domestic Shipping Roadmap. Regional Fisheries Leadership: Pamela Maru resigns as Marine Resources Secretary from December to become Deputy Director-General at the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency. Deep-Sea Mining Politics: A new report warns Pacific states, including the Cook Islands, could face investor-state legal threats if they tighten environmental rules around deep-sea mining. Sports & Culture (lighter): Cook Islands pickleball heads to its World Cup debut in Vietnam; and the National Triples bowling finals are set after postponement.

Deep-sea mining sovereignty fight: A new Pacific Network on Globalisation report warns investor-state dispute rules could let mining firms sue Pacific governments over environmental or regulatory changes, putting countries including the Cook Islands in the firing line. Cook Islands election count: The Electoral Office has declared 12 seats in the 2026 general election, with 11 more still to be finalised; key races include Tupapa Maraerenga (CIP’s Tamaiti Maru Willie) and Manihiki (CIP’s Akaiti Puna by five votes). Local governance rates debate: Pacific MPs are split over a proposed 4% council rates cap as cost-of-living pressure grows, with Labour open to caps but warning councils still need funding for roads, pipes, rubbish and community services. Public service reshuffle: Three Permanent Secretaries were sworn in, including David Teika Dennis (Finance and Treasury), Trevor Unusu (Police, National Security and Correctional Services) and Bunyan Sivoro (Culture and Tourism). Drug bust on Mitiaro reef: Cook Islands Police are investigating 19 packages of suspected cocaine, about 26.49kg, washed ashore and labelled “888.” Energy accountability letter: A reader questions why outer-island solar still leaves communities dependent on diesel, arguing battery replacement funding looks far too low compared with potential diesel savings.

Cook Islands Election: The final count is still in play after 12 seats were declared, with 11 more to be confirmed, leaving four constituencies—Rakahanga, Pukapuka-Nassau, Ngatangiia and Matavera—still in a tight showdown. Government Appointments: Three Permanent Secretaries were sworn in to lead key ministries: David Teika Dennis (Finance and Treasury), Trevor Unusu (Police, National Security and Correctional Services), and Bunyan Sivoro (Culture and Tourism). Drugs & Policing: Cook Islands Police are investigating 19 packages of suspected cocaine washed ashore on Mitiaro reef, weighing about 26.49kg, after a local fisherman reported the find. Deep-Sea Mining Sovereignty: A Pacific Network on Globalisation report warns investor-state dispute rules could let mining firms sue Pacific governments over environmental or regulatory changes, naming the Cook Islands among those exposed. Outer-Island Energy: A letter raises concerns that outer islands remain diesel-dependent despite solar capacity, questioning whether battery replacement funding matches the scale of need. Local Governance Debate (regional): Pacific MPs are split over a proposed four per cent council rates cap as cost-of-living pressure grows.

Election Update: First 12 seats are declared in the 2026 general election, with 11 more expected today as the final MP list moves into day two. Housing & Integrity: A Tamahere emergency-housing “winners” list tied to a $3m-plus estate is drawing fresh scrutiny. Energy Transition: A letter asks why outer-island solar still leaves communities dependent on diesel, pointing to underfunded battery replacement despite large solar capacity. Government Appointments: Three new Permanent Secretaries were sworn in to lead Finance and Treasury, Police/National Security/Corrections, and Culture and Tourism. Drug Enforcement: Police are investigating 19 packages of suspected cocaine (about 26.49kg) washed ashore on Mitiaro reef, reportedly marked “888.” Governance & Reform: An opinion argues Cook Islands institutions should be reorganised to better deliver on education, health, culture, sport and food security. International Policy: Cook Islands reaffirmed commitment to international humanitarian law at a Pacific roundtable, aiming to strengthen domestic coordination. Environment & Science: NOAA deep-sea mapping in American Samoa highlights a wider debate over when scientific data becomes public versus commercial mining decisions. Regional Diplomacy: A Pacific “Blue Corridors” push calls for connected ocean protection across borders and the high seas.

Public Service Appointments: Acting Governor-General Sir Albert Rocky Palmer swore in three new Permanent Secretaries—David Teika Dennis to Finance and Treasury, Trevor Unusu to Police, National Security and Correctional Services, and Bunyan Sivoro reappointed to Culture and Tourism—urging strong leadership and delivery on national priorities. Drug Enforcement: Cook Islands Police are investigating 19 packages of suspected cocaine, about 26.49kg, washed ashore on the Mitiaro reef; the bundles are labelled “888” and were found by a fisherman who reported it immediately. Maritime Security & Compliance: A new report warns false-flag operations are still expanding, with Windward tracking hundreds of tankers broadcasting fraudulent registries and noting the IMO list is rising. Regional Diplomacy: The U.S. Ambassador met caretaker PM Mark Brown to discuss closer cooperation on ocean science, maritime security and economic opportunities. Health & Food Systems: Pacific leaders at a Cook Islands health convening are urged to tackle the “global syndemic” linking climate change, undernutrition and obesity. Sports & Pacific Identity: PNG Chiefs confirmed Joseph Manu as Player #007 for 2028–29, highlighting his Cook Islands and Māori heritage.

NRL & Pacific identity: Cook Islands-born Joseph “Joey” Manu has been confirmed as PNG Chiefs player #007 for 2028, with the deal sealed after talks with PNG PM James Marape—framing it as a Pacific team project. Drug enforcement: Cook Islands Police are investigating 19 packages of suspected cocaine (about 26.49kg) washed ashore on Mitiaro reef, reportedly marked “888,” after a local fisherman reported the find. Marine governance & deep sea: CIIC has partnered with US firm Wetstone for offshore deep-sea minerals exploration, drawing criticism over the company’s track record, while NOAA’s recent deep-sea expedition returned with new data on marine life and seabed minerals in the Cook Islands EEZ. Elections & Parliament: The Cook Islands Party is set for a powerful fifth term after independents from Mangaia agreed to join the government, while the Democratic Party leader Tina Pupuke-Browne says her party will conduct an “honest review” after losing all seats in preliminary results. Humanitarian law: Cook Islands reaffirmed its commitment to international humanitarian law at a regional roundtable in Brisbane, pledging stronger domestic coordination. Public service leadership: Pamela Maru has resigned as Secretary for Marine Resources to take a senior fisheries role at the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency.