AGP Executive Report

Maritime Security: Australia’s RAAF C-27J Spartan has deployed to the Cook Islands for Pacific surveillance under Operation Solania, working with RNZAF to support fisheries enforcement and identify vessels of interest. Regional Law & Cybercrime: Fiji is pushing Pacific-wide cybercrime coordination as legal experts meet in Nadi to finalise a regional handbook to strengthen laws and responses, with the Cook Islands among participants. Coastal Emergency (NZ): Huge swells have triggered evacuations along Wellington’s southern coast, with Cook Islands resident Thomas Tarurongo Wynne among those ordered out by 9am. Deep-Sea Science: NOAA will map deep waters around the Cook Islands this summer in a 28-day expedition with local partners, streaming live research and sharing data publicly. Football (Cook Islands): The OFC U-19 Men’s Championship qualifiers kick off in Rarotonga, with PNG starting strong against Tonga and the Cook Islands hosting as teams chase Samoa qualification. Local Sport: Country Maroons edged Town Blues 26-24 in golden-point extra time to take early lead in the 2026 Origin Series. Environment & Waste: A new baseline study links Cook Islands beach plastic pollution to tourism and local habits, calling for targeted waste management and better collaboration.

Pacific Cybercrime Push: Fiji’s acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga says Pacific legal systems must keep up as a regional handbook is being finalised in Nadi with Cook Islands and other countries to strengthen cybercrime laws and defenses. Cook Islands Maritime Security: NZDF personnel supported Cook Islands Police on Te Kukupa II for fisheries patrols under Operation Tui Moana, with air surveillance later used to track possible fishing and serious organised crime. Deep-Sea Mapping for Cook Islands: NOAA will lead a 28-day expedition this July–August to map deep waters around the Cook Islands, with live streaming and data shared to support local stewardship. Coastal Climate Risk in NZ (Cook Islands family affected): Wellington’s southern coastline evacuations continue as huge swells threaten homes; one Cook Islands resident says their Ōwhiro Bay property is just metres from the beach. Sport at Home: The OFC U-19 Men’s Championship qualifiers kick off in Rarotonga with Cook Islands hosting Tonga and Papua New Guinea, while PNG’s David Tita starred in an earlier qualifier win. Local Environment Watch: Studies and community reporting highlight beach plastic pollution linked to tourism and habits, and growing concerns over invasive pests and feral cats threatening Rarotonga seabirds.

Deep-Sea Minerals & NOAA: Deep Sea Minerals says it has submitted a NOAA application under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act and received a “substantial compliance” determination, advancing its U.S. regulatory push for seabed critical minerals. Oceania U-19 Football: Papua New Guinea opened the OFC U-19 Men’s qualifying in Rarotonga with a 4-0 win over Tonga, powered by David Tita’s hat-trick, putting PNG one step closer to Samoa. Local Sport (Tournament Host): Cook Islands begin their home qualifying campaign at the CIFA Complex, with coach Ngati Manuela banking on family support to lift the team. Seabed Science for the Cooks: NOAA will map deep waters around the Cook Islands this summer on the Okeanos Explorer, with live streaming and public release of data to support local stewardship. Environment & Waste: A baseline study links Cook Islands beach plastic pollution to tourism and community habits, while local groups warn invasive pests and feral cats are threatening Rarotonga’s rare seabirds. Governance & Land: Landowners react at the Law Commission’s second public consultation on returning warranted land no longer needed by the Crown.

OFC U-19 Qualifiers in Rarotonga: The Cook Islands kick off their home campaign today with Tonga and Papua New Guinea chasing a spot at the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship in Samoa, with coach Ngati Manuela betting on family support to lift the team. PNG U-19 push: Papua New Guinea opened the qualifying race in style, with David Tita’s hat-trick driving a 4-0 win over Tonga and putting PNG one step closer to qualification. Deep-sea mapping for Cook Islands: NOAA will lead a 28-day expedition this July–August to map deep waters around the Cook Islands, working with the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority and streaming live science for the public. Fuel stocks update: Government’s new online dashboard says fuel levels are stable, with Rarotonga up to 57 days of supply and Aitutaki “well-stocked.” Law & governance: Landowners are debating the Law Commission’s proposals on returning “warranted” land, while a separate case involving PM Mark Brown and Henry Puna may face an appeal. Environment watch: A study links Cook Islands beach plastic to tourism and local habits, and seabird researchers warn feral cats threaten Rarotonga’s rare birds.

OFC U19 Football Qualifiers: Papua New Guinea opened its campaign in Rarotonga with a 4-0 win over Tonga, with David Tita firing a hat-trick to put PNG one victory from booking a spot at next year’s OFC U19 Men’s Championship in Samoa. Local Sport Spotlight: Cook Islands are also hosting the qualifiers at the CIFA Academy, with home support expected to boost their push after a runner-up finish in 2024. Deep-Sea Science: NOAA will lead a 28-day expedition this July–August to map and explore deep waters around the Cook Islands, in partnership with the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority, with live streaming and public data sharing. Environment & Waste: A baseline study says Cook Islands beach plastic pollution is driven by tourism and local habits, prompting calls for targeted waste management and better coordination. Governance & Land: Landowners voiced concerns at the Law Commission’s second public consultation on returning “warranted” land no longer needed by the Crown. Energy Update: A new government online dashboard says fuel stocks are stable, with Rarotonga up to 57 days and Aitutaki well-stocked despite a 10-day petrol baseline.

Deep-Sea Mapping: NOAA will lead a 28-day expedition to map and explore deep waters around the Cook Islands this July–August, working with the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority and streaming live dives and science for the public. Sports—Football: The Cook Islands host the OFC U19 Men’s Championship 2026 qualifying tournament at CIFA Complex in Rarotonga, with Tonga and Papua New Guinea joining the hosts for a shot at the OFC title and FIFA U-20 World Cup qualification. Local Governance—Land: Landowners packed the Law Commission’s second public consultation, questioning past Crown acquisitions and pushing for clearer rules on returning land no longer needed. Environment—Beach Plastic: A baseline study says Cook Islands beach plastic pollution is driven by tourism and community habits, prompting calls for targeted waste management and better collaboration. Energy—Fuel Stocks: Government’s new online dashboard reports stable fuel stock levels, with Rarotonga up to 57 days and Aitutaki well-stocked despite a 10-day petrol baseline. Community & Culture: “Taste of the Cook Islands” returns to Te Tapora Kai at Punanga Nui Market, spotlighting local food, crafts, and cultural demos. Police Service: Senior Constable Marama Ikike retires after 25 years with Cook Islands Police.

Deep-Sea Mapping: NOAA will lead a 28-day expedition to map and study deep waters around the Cook Islands this July–August, with live streaming and public release of data to support local stewardship. Biodiversity Under Threat: Rarotonga’s rare seabirds face pressure from feral cats, with researchers warning the cloud-forest ecosystem is already fragile. Invasive Pest Alert: Growers and experts say an invasive pest outbreak is spreading fast and is unlike anything they’ve seen before, raising alarms for local plants and food supply. Local Governance & Land: The Law Commission is holding public meetings on “warranted” land, with landowners pushing for clearer return principles and the Commission stressing it won’t affect leases on privately owned land. Sports—U19 Football: Cook Islands host OFC U19 Men’s Championship qualifiers at CIFA, with Tonga and Papua New Guinea joining the race for a spot in Samoa. Community & Service: Senior Constable Marama Ikike retires after 25 years in police; and free spinal health checks return to Rarotonga with NZ chiropractic interns based in Avarua. Energy Watch: A new online dashboard says fuel stocks are stable, with Rarotonga up to 57 days and Aitutaki well-stocked.

OFC U-19 Football: Cook Islands host the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2026 qualifying stage in Rarotonga with Papua New Guinea and Tonga, chasing the sole spot to the OFC finals and a pathway to the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Rugby League: The 2026 Cook Islands Rugby League Origin Series kicks off this weekend at Nukupure Park, with Town Blues vs Country Maroons and new coaches aiming to feed players into the National Residents squad. Va’a Racing: Cook Islands paddlers have departed for Tahiti for Te Aito Tahiti, including a strong singles line-up for the open ocean challenge. Local Sports & Community: Trader Jacks marks 40 years in Avarua Harbour, while Puaikura Volunteer Fire Brigade raises $43,775 for Blood Cancer New Zealand and finishes fifth at the Sky Tower Challenge. Governance & Services: Legal training boosts Cook Islands Government law-making capability; a new online dashboard says fuel stocks are stable (up to 57 days in Rarotonga). Public Consultation: Law Commission public meetings begin today and tomorrow on “warranted” land, stressing it doesn’t affect leases over privately owned land.

Cook Islands Politics: A private prosecution involving Prime Minister Mark Brown and Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General Henry Puna has been dismissed in March, but lawyers Norman George and Paul Allsworth have now applied to appeal; the Ministry of Justice says the application is still pending. Local Governance: Public meetings begin today and tomorrow on the future of “warranted” land, with the Law Commission stressing consultations cover only land acquired by government warrant and do not affect leases over privately owned land. Maritime Security: RNZAF patrols targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity across the Fiji, Niue and Cook Islands EEZs as part of Operation Kiwa, supporting fisheries protection and regional organised-crime disruption. Health Access: New Zealand chiropractic interns return to Rarotonga for free spinal health checks and holistic adjustments, based at Te Atukura Grounds next to the Prime Minister’s Office. Community & Sport: Puaikura Volunteer Fire Brigade raised $43,775 for Blood Cancer New Zealand and finished fifth in the Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge; and Valentine Holmes has been added to the Cook Islands Rugby League World Cup squad as he recovers from injury and reconnects with his heritage. Regional Rugby: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders back Kanaloa’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific rugby’s future must be shaped by Pacific voices.

Maritime Security: RNZAF patrols targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity across Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands’ EEZs in May, supporting Pacific fisheries work and New Zealand Customs’ Operation Kiwa. Local Governance: Public meetings begin today and tomorrow on the future of “warranted” land, with the Law Commission stressing consultations cover only government land acquired by warrant, not private land leases. Health Access: New Zealand College of Chiropractic interns return to Rarotonga for free spinal health checks and holistic adjustments, based at Te Atukura Grounds next to the PM’s Office. Outer Islands Watch: Pa Enua residents say new budget health and referral funding still isn’t enough as medicine shortages continue, urging immediate, fair action. Fuel Pressure: Penrhyn Island has run down its diesel and is borrowing from police patrol boat Te Kukupa II while restricting power use. Sports & Community: Puaikura Volunteer Fire Brigade raised $43,775 for Blood Cancer NZ, finishing fifth in the Sky Tower Challenge; and Cook Islands football coach Jarves Aperau gains his OFC C licence as more local coaches apply. Regional Rugby: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders back Kanaloa’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific rugby’s future must be shaped by Pacific voices.

Maritime Security: RNZAF and NZ Customs carried out May surveillance patrols in Fiji, Niue and Cook Islands EEZs, using RNZAF MC-12K King Air and P-8A Poseidon aircraft to photograph vessels of interest under Operation Kiwa and PFIA support. Cook Islands Rugby: Pacific rugby leaders—including Cook Islands and Tonga—back Kanaloa’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific-led pathways and decision-making must be protected as NZ Rugby weighs options after Moana Pasifika’s 2026 exit. Football Development: Cook Islands Football Association coach Jarves Aperau gained his OFC C Licence, with three more local coaches applying and CIFA continuing director and coach education. Land Consultations: The Cook Islands Law Commission says this week’s public meetings cover only land acquired by government warrant, not government leases over privately owned land. Health & Community: Free spinal health checks return to Rarotonga with NZ chiropractic interns at Te Atukura Grounds, while Pa Enua residents push for urgent action over medicine shortages. Culture & Sport: The voyaging vaka Marumaru Atua is back on the water after 18 months on dry dock, and PNG U-19 men’s team departs for OFC qualifiers in the Cook Islands.

Maritime Security: RNZAF and NZ Customs ran May surveillance patrols in Fiji, Niue and Cook Islands EEZs, using an MC-12K King Air and P-8A Poseidon to photograph vessels of interest as part of Operation Kiwa and Pacific fisheries protection. Rugby League World Cup: Valentine Holmes says he’ll make himself available for the Cook Islands at the Rugby League World Cup after recovering from injury, with coach Karmichael Hunt leading the Aitu. Pacific Rugby Power Play: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders back Kanaloa’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific-led pathways and decision-making must be protected as NZ Rugby weighs options. Football Coaching Boost: CIFA approved Jarves Aperau’s OFC C Licence and reports more local coaches applying, while Grover Harmon was re-elected CIFA president for 2026–2030. Land Consultations Clarified: Cook Islands Law Commission public meetings stress this week’s talks on “warranted” land don’t affect leases over privately owned land. Health Access: Free spinal health checks return to Rarotonga as NZ chiropractic interns set up clinics at Te Atukura Grounds. Outer Islands Pressure: Penrhyn Island has run down its diesel and is borrowing from Te Kukupa II, with power restricted while fuel delivery is awaited. Voyaging Update: Vaka Marumaru Atua is back on the water after 18 months on dry dock, ahead of a new CIVS community engagement chapter.

Pacific Rugby: Tonga and Cook Islands rugby leaders have backed the Kanaloa consortium’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific rugby’s future should be shaped by Pacific voices as New Zealand Rugby weighs options after Moana Pasifika’s planned 2026 exit. Afghan Women’s Football: After years in exile following the Taliban takeover, Afghanistan’s women’s team is set for its first international match in five years, playing the Cook Islands in Auckland this week, with FIFA eligibility approved in April even though the Afghanistan federation still doesn’t recognise the squad. Football Pathways: PNG’s U-19 men’s team has departed for the Cook Islands for OFC U-19 qualifying, chasing the tournament’s sole spot against Tonga and hosts Cook Islands. Energy & Cost Pressures: Cook Islands Opposition supports the National Energy Response Framework, urging early, calm preparation to avoid uncertainty for families and the Pa Enua. Tourism & Aviation: The Pacific Tourism Organisation says stronger tourism-air connectivity is key for sustainable growth, highlighting discussions at the ASPA meeting hosted in the Cook Islands. Fuel Supply: Penrhyn Island has run out of diesel and is borrowing from the police patrol boat, with power use restricted while a June fuel delivery is awaited.

Afghan Women’s Football Return: After escaping the Taliban and years in exile, the Afghanistan women’s team is back on the international stage. This week, 23 players from the Afghan Women United programme are training in Auckland and will play matches against a Cook Islands team, following FIFA’s April decision to grant eligibility. NRL & Cook Islands Links: Dolphins have re-signed Cook Islands international Francis Molo on a fresh two-year deal, keeping him at the club despite reported Super League interest. 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 should be shaped by Pacific voices. Tourism & Aviation Connectivity: The Pacific Tourism Organisation says stronger tourism-aviation partnerships are key for regional connectivity and sustainable growth, highlighted at the ASPA81 meeting hosted in the Cook Islands. Community Safety Infrastructure: Renovations are complete on the Ngatangiia CICC Ekalesia–Sunday School Hall under the Rarotonga Safety Shelter Programme, including accessibility upgrades. Fuel Pressure on Penrhyn: Penrhyn Island has run down its diesel and is borrowing fuel from police patrol boat Te Kukupa II while restricting power use.

Afghan Women’s Soccer Comeback: After escaping the Taliban and years in exile, the Afghan Women United team has been granted eligibility for international play and is now in Auckland for matches against the Cook Islands. Pacific Rugby Power Play: 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. Aviation-Tourism Link: The Cook Islands hosted ASPA81, where the Pacific Tourism Organisation stressed that better coordination between airlines, airports and tourism bodies is key to sustainable growth. Fuel Pressure in the Northern Group: Penrhyn Island has run out of diesel and borrowed fuel from police, while power use is being restricted as deliveries are delayed. Community Safety Upgrade: Ngatangiia’s CICC Ekalesia Sunday School Hall has reopened after renovations under the Rarotonga Safety Shelter Programme, including accessibility improvements. Diplomacy & Connectivity: PM Mark Brown’s visit to China’s Wuzhou marked the launch of the MV Tuitui Moana, with new pathways for Cook Islands–Guangxi cooperation. Sports Spotlight: Apii Avarua extended its dominance at the Prince of Wales Primary School Athletics Championships, winning first place for the 16th time.

NRL & Cook Islands links: Dolphins have extended Francis Molo for two more years, keeping the Samoa international and Cook Islands representative in their forward pack. Fuel supply squeeze: Penrhyn Island has run out of diesel (just 100 litres left) and is now borrowing 5,000 litres from police patrol boat Te Kukupa II, with power restricted while a June barge delivery is awaited. Cook Islands safety infrastructure: Ngatangiia’s CICC Ekalesia Sunday School Hall has been renovated and upgraded with new roof work, solar panel reinstalls, repainting, and disability access ramps and facilities under the Rarotonga Safety Shelter Programme. Regional aviation leadership: The Pacific Aviation Safety Office (PASO) has elected Papua New Guinea’s Benedict Oraka as council chair, with Cook Islands director John Hosking re-elected as deputy chair. Tourism pressure: Tourism leaders warn the Cook Islands remains vulnerable to a global slowdown, even as visitor growth continues. Sports spotlight: Apii Avarua won its 16th straight Prince of Wales Primary School Athletics title, while young sailors from Rarotonga competed in Tahiti’s Optimist Oceania regatta. Governance & public trust: PM Mark Brown says the Cook Islands ID stamp on passports is “purely voluntary,” after public concern sparked by a viral video.