AGP Executive Report

Rarotonga Cemetery Vandalism: An Australian-based researcher says vandals must be prosecuted after headstones were knocked over at the historic Nikao Cemetery, including damage to her mother’s grave. Sports—OFC U-16 Women: Cook Islands bounced back with a 0–0 draw against Solomon Islands after an 0–11 loss to Fiji, with goalkeeper Leah Schuster starring as semi-final hopes tighten. Weather & Climate Resilience: Cook Islands officials at a regional meeting in Tonga highlighted an El Niño “split” between drier south and wetter north, pushing for early warning systems that reach every community. Regional Action on Violence Against Women: Cook Islands officials returned from a symposium focused on prevention, not just response, to end violence against women. Miss World Oceania Homecoming: Tiare Henry-Anguna returned to a big welcome after being crowned Miss World Oceania 2026, reinforcing Cook Islands’ global profile. Handball in Wellington: The Cook Islands women’s senior team is competing in the inaugural Oceania Nations Trophy at Ākau Tangi Sports Centre. Penrhyn Port Upgrade Debate: A letter urges an open discussion on the US-NZ-Cook Islands Penrhyn port upgrade, weighing benefits against environmental and community impacts.

Climate & Oceans: The UN says the world will overshoot 1.5°C soon, and for the Pacific that means sea-level rise is “locked in” for centuries—so adaptation is now unavoidable. Social Protection: Labour MP Tangi Utikere says the Social Development Minister must apologise after more than 8,000 emergency food grant applications were declined using the wrong code. Sport—Cook Islands on the pitch: Cook Islands held Solomon Islands to a 0-0 draw in the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship, while New Zealand’s late win over Fiji sends them through; Fiji earlier thrashed Cook Islands 11-0. Sport—International spotlight: Cook Islands women’s paddlers won medals at Hawaiʻi’s Queen Liliʻuokalani Canoe Race, placing third overall and second in Open Women. Pageantry & pride: Tiare Henry-Anguna has been crowned Miss World Oceania 2026, with former Miss Cook Islands Tajiya Sahay calling it proof the country belongs on the global stage. Local business: Smartie Rides launches in Rarotonga as a home-grown ride-hailing alternative to Uber/Grab.

World Cup boost for Cook Islands rugby league: Skipper KL Iro says Valentine Holmes’ ankle injury is a low-grade sprain and he’s expected to be fit for the Cook Islands Aitu World Cup campaign. OFC U-16 Women’s Championship: New Zealand edged Fiji 1-0 with a late winner, while Cook Islands were hammered 11-0 by Fiji in their opener in Honiara. Local sport development: Badminton Cook Islands celebrates Danny Simpson becoming the first Cook Islands coach to complete the BWF Level 2 course. Transport and business: Smartie Rides has launched in Rarotonga as a home-grown ride-hailing option aimed at undercutting taxi costs. Freight infrastructure: Construction has started on a new $300,000 purpose-built cargo shed for Mauke, due for completion in early November. Community and culture: Jehovah’s Witnesses will hold a free “Eternal Happiness” convention at the National Auditorium from September 11–13. Maritime enforcement: Maritime Cook Islands confirms the China-owned fishing vessel Kema has been deregistered as a Cook Islands flagged ship after a $400,000 fine.

Cook Islands sport: Fiji crushed the Cook Islands 11-0 in the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship opener in Honiara, with Adi Reva netting five as the Kulas look to bounce back. Cook Islands football development: CIFA confirmed its TDS U14 Girls Academy squad for New Zealand’s McCartney Tournament in Taupō next month. Local tech and transport: Smartie Rides has launched in Rarotonga, pitching its app as a home-grown alternative to Uber/Grab with competitive fares and integrated services. Pageantry and pride: Miss Cook Islands Tiare Henry-Anguna won Miss World Oceania 2026, dedicating the title to her late father and the wider Pacific. Regional handball: The first Oceania Senior Women’s Handball Championship tips off in Wellington this week, with Cook Islands among the seven teams. Infrastructure and geopolitics: The US and New Zealand have backed a major Penrhyn Port upgrade, with the project framed as a strategic Pacific investment. Community news: Work has started on a new $300,000 purpose-built cargo shed for Mauke, due for completion in early November. Public safety: Woolworths recalled a Multi Grain Cereal sold in NZ and exported to the Cook Islands after reports it may contain blue plastic pieces.

OFC U16 Women’s Championship: The Cook Islands were hammered 11-0 by Fiji in their opener in Honiara, with Fiji’s Adi Reva netting five as the Kulas struggled to hold their defence. Youth Football Pathway: CIFA has named its TDS U14 Girls Academy squad for the McCartney Tournament in Taupō (9–11 October), sending homegrown players to test themselves against New Zealand clubs. Community & Culture: Gisborne Intermediate students spent more than a week in Rarotonga, taking part in lagoon time and a cultural exchange at Te Uki Ou School, including an umu and weaving. Local Infrastructure: Work is underway on Mauke’s new purpose-built $300,000 cargo shed, due for completion in early November to improve freight handling and storage. Harbour Upgrade Debate: A Penrhyn/Tongareva port upgrade linked to US and NZ funding is again in the spotlight, with Greenpeace pushing back over seabed-mining concerns and calling it a “Trojan horse.” Sports Spotlight: Badminton Cook Islands celebrates Danny Simpson becoming the first Cook Islands coach to complete the BWF Level 2 education course.

Netball (Cook Islands in focus): The Oceania Netball World Cup qualifier is set to tip off in Tonga next week with Tonga, the Cook Islands, Fiji, PNG and Samoa chasing two spots for the Sydney 2027 tournament. Sports (Cook Islands): Cook Islands’ senior women’s handball team is heading to Wellington for an international indoor tournament for the first time in 22 years, after a strong year of beach and world-championship action. Badminton (Cook Islands): Danny Simpson becomes the first Cook Islands coach to complete the BWF Level 2 coaching course in Auckland, strengthening the local coaching pathway. Local infrastructure: Work has started on a new $300,000 purpose-built cargo shed for Mauke, with completion expected in early November. Maritime enforcement: China-owned fishing vessel Kema has been deregistered as a Cook Islands flagged ship after a $400,000 fine. Community & safety: A couple received 12 months’ probation supervision after domestic assault charges, with the court stressing the need to address violence for their young daughter. International spotlight: Miss Cook Islands Tiare Henry-Anguna has been crowned Miss World Oceania 2026, dedicating the win to her late father and the whole Pacific.

Sports (Women’s Handball): Cook Islands’ senior women’s handball team has departed Rarotonga for Wellington for an International Indoor tournament (Sept 10–14), marking the first senior women’s side in 22 years. Badminton (Coaching): Danny Simpson becomes the first Cook Islands coach to complete the BWF Level 2 coaching course in Auckland, strengthening the local coaching pathway. Justice (Family Violence): A court sentenced a couple to 12 months’ probation supervision after separate domestic assault charges, stressing they must address violence for their young daughter. Infrastructure (Mauke): Work is underway on a $300,000 purpose-built cargo shed on Mauke, due for completion in early November. Maritime (Fishing Compliance): Maritime Cook Islands says the China-owned fishing vessel Kema has been deregistered as a Cook Islands flagged ship after a $400,000 fine. Pageants (Miss World Oceania): Tiare Henry-Anguna won Miss World Oceania 2026, dedicating the title to her late father and the Pacific. Diplomacy/Environment: Greenpeace hit back at Winston Peters over claims of “racism” tied to opposition to the US-NZ-funded Penrhyn (Tongareva) port plan and seabed mining concerns. Regional Football (OFC U-16): Fiji’s Mini Kulas and Junior Kulas thrashed the Cook Islands 11–0 in the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship in Honiara.

Cook Islands Port & Minerals Clash: Greenpeace Aotearoa hit back at Foreign Minister Winston Peters after he accused the group of “pure racism” over opposition to the US- and NZ-funded Penrhyn/Tongareva port, with a spokesperson saying the seabed-mining concerns are personal for Cook Islands descendants. Pacific Islands Forum Fallout: The 55th PIF in Palau ended amid visible US-China pressure, with several leaders absent and climate action criticised as the summit wrapped up. Miss World Spotlight: Cook Islands’ Tiare Henry-Anguna won Miss World Oceania in Vietnam, calling it a win for the whole Pacific. OFC U-16 Women’s Championship: Fiji’s Mini and Junior Kulas thrashed the Cook Islands 11-0 in Honiara, while New Zealand opened with a 5-0 win over hosts Solomon Islands. Climate Warning: Pacific communities facing fuel stress are being urged to prepare for El Niño impacts, including drought risk and pressure on water, food and children’s health.

Penrhyn Port Deal: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says the country secured major funding at the Pacific Islands Forum, including the NZ$101 million Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade co-funded by New Zealand and the United States, aimed at safer landings and better access for the remote northern island. Greenpeace Pushback: Greenpeace Aotearoa calls the Penrhyn project a “trojan horse” tied to critical minerals and deep-sea mining concerns, warning it could open a pathway to seabed extraction. Pacific Diplomacy: Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka will propose a “Zone of Peace” vision at the PIF Leaders meeting in November, arguing the region should avoid being pulled between the US and China. Health Watch: Health authorities warn flu-like illnesses are surging, with under-fives facing the highest risk of hospitalisation and urging vaccinations and prevention. Sports (Cook Islands): Cook Islands’ Tiare Henry-Anguna was named Miss World Oceania, while the Miss World crown went to Dominican Republic’s Joheirry Mola. Football (OFC U-16): New Zealand kicked off the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship with a 5-0 win over hosts Solomon Islands; the tournament also includes Cook Islands and Fiji.

Penrhyn Port Deal: The Cook Islands secured a NZ$101m Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade at the Pacific Islands Forum, co-funded by the United States and New Zealand, with officials framing it as a “lifeline” and “friendly port” for the north—while Greenpeace warns it could be a gateway to deep-sea mining. Climate & Resilience: Pacific leaders backed faster Green Climate Fund access and direct funding for national and regional institutions, as El Niño warnings grow—fuel shortages plus extreme weather could hit water, food and children’s health. Local Climate Action: Pa Enua mayors and executives wrapped a climate workshop in Rarotonga, described as a first step toward implementing the Cook Islands’ resilience programme. Health Alert: Authorities say flu-like illnesses are surging, with under-fives at highest risk and calls for vaccinations. Environment & Conservation: Waihī Beach and Te Ipukarea Society launched automated predator-control traps in the Takuvaine cloud forest to protect native wildlife. Sports: Cook Islands triathletes gained Pacific Games prep at a Mo’orea regional cup; and local rugby league and union fixtures keep the weekend busy, including Tupapa Panthers vs Avatiu Eels and Rarotonga Super Club 15s. Culture & Community: Students in Tere Apii‘anga pushed alternatives to single-use plastics, using creativity and traditional knowledge.

Pacific Infrastructure & Climate Finance: PM Mark Brown returned from the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau with major wins, including funding for Marae Moana and faster Green Climate Fund approvals aimed at giving Pacific nations more direct access to climate money. Penrhyn Port Debate: The NZ–US-backed Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade is set to become a “friendly port” for US interests, but Greenpeace is calling it a “trojan horse” for deep-sea mining and warning of transparency and environmental risks. Health Watch: Health authorities say flu-like illnesses are surging, with under-fives facing the highest hospitalisation risk and urging vaccinations and prevention. Environment & Community: Te Ipukarea Society and Waihī Beach are rolling out automated predator traps in the Takuvaine cloud forest to protect native wildlife. Youth Sport: Cook Islands triathletes gained Pacific Games-focused experience in Mo’orea, while the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship kicks off in Solomon Islands with Cook Islands among the contenders. Culture & Education: Tere Apii‘anga students showcased creative alternatives to single-use plastics, using local knowledge to cut pollution. Miss World Spotlight: Cook Islands’ Tiare Henry-Anguna advanced at Miss World 2026, as Joheirry Mola of the Dominican Republic was crowned.

US–NZ Port Push in the Cook Islands: Greenpeace Aotearoa is blasting the US$60m Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade as a “Trojan horse” for deep-sea mining, after the US pledged US$50m and NZ about US$10m at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau. Health: The Cook Islands and New Zealand have renewed their health partnership to streamline overseas specialist referrals, with Health NZ introducing a centralised process to assess and coordinate patients. Climate Resilience: Pa Enua mayors and executives wrapped a three-day climate workshop in Rarotonga, calling it a first step toward implementing the Cook Islands’ major resilience programme. Public Health Alert: Health authorities say under-fives are at highest risk as flu-like illnesses surge, urging vaccinations and prevention. Sports: Five Cook Islands triathletes gained Pacific Games-focused race experience at the World Triathlon Regional Cup in Mo’orea. Culture & Community: Cook Islands reaffirmed its international cultural policy voice via IFACCA board participation, and the Cook Islands High Commission joined Kiingitanga celebrations at Koroneihana in Aotearoa. Local Safety: Accommodation operators are warned about a scam using stolen cards and fake death certificates to demand “refunds.”

Penrhyn Port Upgrade: The US and New Zealand have pledged about US$60m to rebuild Penrhyn (Tongareva) port, with the US putting in US$50m and NZ about NZ$17.5m, promising safer landings and better supply links for the remote atoll—though Greenpeace Aotearoa calls it “colonialism” tied to deep-sea mining. Pacific Diplomacy at PIF: Pacific leaders wrapped up the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, issuing the “Belau Declaration” on urgent climate action and “registering concern” over China’s July missile test, while also backing a West Papua human-rights dialogue led by Rabuka and Marape. Cook Islands in Regional Culture: The Cook Islands High Commission joined the diaspora at Koroneihana 2026 in Aotearoa, highlighting enduring Kiingitanga ties. Sports—OFC U-16 Women’s: The OFC U-16 Women’s Championship kicks off in Solomon Islands on Sunday 6 September, with the Cook Islands among eight teams chasing a path to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Local Safety Alert: Cook Islands accommodation operators are being warned about a scam using stolen cards and fake death certificates to push fraudulent refund requests. Health Partnership: Health New Zealand and Te Marae Ora have re-signed their partnership to streamline referrals for specialist care not available locally.

US–NZ Port Push: The US and New Zealand have co-funded a $60m upgrade for Penrhyn (Tongareva) port, with the US putting in $50m and NZ $10m, framed as improving access and supporting critical minerals work tied to deep-sea mining. Green Sea-Mining Backlash: Greenpeace Aotearoa calls the Penrhyn plan “colonialism and resource grabbing,” while campaigners argue Indigenous knowledge must carry real weight in deep-sea mining decisions. Aitutaki Power Relief: Government approved a $700,000 one-off bailout for Aitutaki Power Station as electricity rates rise, alongside a 20% tariff increase for residents. Pacific Forum Outcomes: Pacific leaders wrapped up the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, backing urgent climate action, setting new policing minister meetings, and appointing PM Rabuka and PNG PM Marape to lead a West Papua human rights mission. Sports & Culture: Cook Islands teams are in the spotlight—U-16 Women’s Championship kicks off in Solomon Islands with Cook Islands among the contenders, while Te Maeva Nui 2027’s theme spotlights youth as custodians of Cook Islands culture.

Pacific Security: Australia has pledged $600m for aerial and maritime surveillance under the Waqa Moana Initiative, aiming to disrupt narco-submarines and small vessels feeding drugs into Australia. Cook Islands Politics: A letter to the editor says PM Mark Brown is likely to secure a clear majority after election petitions, but asks what happens with former minister George “Maggie” Angene and whether he’ll join the Cabinet. Energy Relief for Aitutaki: Government approved a $700,000 bailout for Te Mana Uira O Araura and a 20% electricity tariff increase as power costs rise. Penrhyn Port & Deep-Sea Mining Debate: The US and New Zealand-backed $101m Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade is being framed as a “lifeline,” but critics warn it could open the door to deep-sea mining and question transparency and environmental impacts. Health Partnership: Health NZ and Te Marae Ora have renewed a Cook Islands partnership to strengthen access to specialist care in New Zealand via a centralised referral process. Culture & Youth: Te Maeva Nui 2027’s theme spotlights young people as custodians of Cook Islands culture. Sports & Talent: Cook Islands pickleball starts strong in Da Nang with medals, while the AirBadminton team returns with hardware from its first international competition. Tourism & Community: Tourism Month 2026 launches in September, celebrating people, women leaders and youth pathways in the industry.

Penrhyn Port Upgrade: The US and New Zealand have pledged about US$60m to upgrade Penrhyn (Tongareva) port in the northern Cooks, with the project framed as improving shipping links and supporting potential critical minerals work—while Greenpeace Aotearoa calls it “colonialism” and warns it could pave the way for deep-sea mining. Pacific Security & Drugs: Australia announced a $600m Pacific surveillance push aimed at stopping narco-submarines and small vessels used in drug trafficking, as leaders also flagged rising illicit drug flows. US Pacific Investment Push: The US says it will spend over US$150m across the region, including US$60m for fuel security, US$17m to tackle illegal fishing, and more support tied to policing and infrastructure. Health Partnership: Health NZ and Te Marae Ora have re-signed a Cook Islands health partnership to strengthen access to specialist care in New Zealand via a more centralised referral process. Climate Finance Speed-Up: The Green Climate Fund says reforms are cutting approval and accreditation timelines to a target of nine months, aiming to get money to Pacific countries faster. Sports & Community: Cook Islands AirBadminton returns with medals from its first international competition, and Vodafone has extended support for the Cocobots robotics team ahead of FIRST Global in South Korea.