AGP Executive Report

Rugby League World Cup: The Cook Islands face New Zealand in Christchurch after opening their campaign with a 40–12 loss to Fiji. Valentine Holmes is set for his long-awaited Aitu debut, while Kiwis prop Tanner Stowers-Smith says the occasion will carry special meaning. Resilient Services: Work has begun to strengthen Mauke Hospital, with roof, water-storage and accessibility upgrades planned for completion in December. Authorities are also preparing for El Niño-driven drought, including procuring desalination plants for the outer islands. Governance and Housing: Parliament may not sit until 2027 as electoral petitions remain unresolved. New immigration measures aimed at boosting tourism have also raised concerns about pressure on affordable housing. Netball: A 15-player, locally based Cook Islands squad has been named for the inaugural PacificAus Sports Netball Challenge in Brisbane this November.

Cook Islands Basketball: Romani Keith-Peraua made an impressive international debut at the FIBA Polynesian Cup, scoring 29 points against Tonga. The Cook Islands men are also chasing a return to the Pacific Games after a 19-year absence. Rugby League: The Aitu face New Zealand in Christchurch, with Valentine Holmes set for his long-awaited Cook Islands debut. Cyclone Recovery: Wati left major damage in Aitutaki, including to the $7 million Arutanga wharf and the marina causeway, as the government turns to recovery. Preparedness: Authorities are developing a drought response plan and sourcing desalination plants as El Niño threatens dry conditions through March 2027; a new online cybersecurity course also aims to help residents counter rising cybercrime. Seabed Mining: Local groups are raising concerns over US mining claims in Pacific waters and the risks to the Cook Islands.

Basketball: Cook Islands guard Romani Keith-Peraua made an impressive international debut at the FIBA Polynesian Cup, scoring 29 points against Tonga. The men’s team is aiming to end a 19-year wait for a Pacific Games appearance. Rugby League: Valentine Holmes is set to make his Aitu debut against the Kiwis in Christchurch on Saturday, after the Cook Islands opened their World Cup campaign with a 40–12 loss to Fiji. Water and Recovery: Authorities are preparing for El Niño-driven dry conditions through March 2027, with desalination plants planned for outer islands and residents urged to conserve water. Aitutaki is also assessing major damage to Arutanga wharf and its marina causeway after Cyclone Wati. Seabed Mining: US plans to pursue deep-sea minerals in the Pacific have raised concerns in the Cook Islands about environmental risks and the future of ocean governance.

Aitu’s World Cup: Valentine Holmes is set for his Cook Islands debut at fullback against New Zealand on Saturday, after the Aitu opened with a 40–12 loss to Fiji. Drought Preparations: With El Niño expected to bring dry conditions through March, officials are developing a response plan, arranging desalination plants for outer islands and urging people to conserve water. Cyber Safety: The Financial Intelligence Unit has launched an online course to help protect Cook Islanders as reported cybercrime rises. Cyclone Recovery: Cyclone Wati damaged Aitutaki’s Arutanga wharf and marina causeway, while schools began their final term with Aitutaki’s closed. Stranded in Rarotonga: A Sri Lankan woman who has been in the Cook Islands since 2023 says she cannot return home without transit permission from Australia or New Zealand. Language Funding: A letter to the editor questions the Government’s $15,000 allocation to the national Cook Islands Māori language commission.

Stranded in Rarotonga: A Sri Lankan woman stuck in the Cook Islands since 2023 says she is willing to be detained to prove she wants to go home. She cannot leave without a transit visa from Australia or New Zealand; New Zealand says it doubts her intentions. Rugby League World Cup: The Cook Islands face New Zealand in Christchurch on Sunday, with the Kiwis naming their team for the clash. Cyclone Recovery: Prime Minister Mark Brown says damage assessments and clean-up are underway after Cyclone Wati hit Aitutaki hardest. The storm damaged the island’s wharf and marina causeway, and Aitutaki schools remain closed. Seabed Mining: US bids to explore and mine the Pacific seabed are raising concerns for the Cook Islands, as companies seek rights to areas of the high seas rivaling those covered by international licenses. Tourism Policy: Public consultation is open on a draft national policy intended to shape tourism’s contribution to Cook Islands communities, culture, environment and economy.

Cyclone Recovery: Prime Minister Mark Brown says clean-up and damage assessments are under way after Cyclone Wati hit Aitutaki, where the Arutanga wharf suffered major damage and the marina causeway was left underwater. Aitutaki schools remain closed. The early storm also signals a premature start to the cyclone season, with Red Cross urging Pacific communities to prepare. World Cup: The Cook Islands Aitu are regrouping after a 40–12 loss to Fiji and face New Zealand on October 24. Coach Karmichael Hunt says inspiring the next generation remains central to the team’s campaign. Seabed Mining: US-backed claims to mine Pacific international waters are rapidly expanding, raising concerns about environmental risks and who benefits. The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority says safeguards remain a priority. Tourism: Public consultation has opened on a national policy intended to guide tourism’s contribution to communities, culture, the environment and the economy. Health: Te Marae Ora is collecting its own data after a global index ranked the Cook Islands third for obesity, estimating nearly 72 per cent of adults are obese.

Cyclone Recovery: Prime Minister Mark Brown says clean-up and damage assessments are under way after Cyclone Wati, with Aitutaki hardest hit. The storm damaged the Arutanga wharf and marina causeway, and Aitutaki schools remain closed as the government organises support for affected communities. Regional Investment: The Cook Islands is among 12 Pacific nations covered by the Asian Development Bank’s new five-year strategy, which targets jobs, essential services and infrastructure suited to island communities. World Cup: The Aitu lost their opener 40–12 to Fiji and face New Zealand in Christchurch on October 24. Youth Football: The Cook Islands under-15 team has travelled to Azerbaijan for the first FIFA global event involving a Cook Islands team at this age level.

Cyclone Wati: The storm has weakened and moved away from the Cook Islands, but strong winds and rough seas remain in the southern group. Aitutaki’s Arutanga wharf and marina causeway suffered major damage, raising concerns about the island’s key supply link. Rugby League World Cup: The Cook Islands lost their opener 40–12 to Fiji, with late tries narrowing the margin. They face New Zealand in Christchurch this weekend, where the Kiwis have named two Christchurch-born debutants. Deep-Sea Mining: A U.S. company is seeking permits to explore and mine a vast area of the Pacific seabed through a unilateral process, prompting concern in the Cook Islands about marine protection and international ocean governance.

Cyclone Wati: The storm has moved southeast and weakened to an ex-tropical system, but a strong-wind warning remains for the Southern Cook Islands. Aitutaki is assessing major damage to its $7 million Arutanga wharf and marina causeway, which was submerged by heavy seas. Rugby League World Cup: After a 40-12 loss to Fiji, the Cook Islands face New Zealand in Christchurch on Sunday. The Kiwis have made six changes and named Christchurch-born debutants Jacob Laban and Tanner Stowers-Smith; Valentine Holmes is available for selection for the Kukis. Seabed Mining: A US company’s bid to pursue deep-sea mining permits through a domestic process, rather than the International Seabed Authority, has raised concerns for Cook Islands and Pacific ocean governance. NOAA has not approved the application.

Cyclone Wati: The Category 2 storm has swept through the Southern Cook Islands, with warnings remaining in place as it tracks south. Aitutaki’s Arutanga Harbour causeway was found underwater, and officials say damage to the vital supply lifeline needs assessing. The island also reported power outages, fallen trees and damage to homes. Rugby League: The Cook Islands opened their World Cup campaign with a 40–12 loss to Fiji after falling 28 points behind at halftime. They face New Zealand in Christchurch next. Seabed Mining: A local environmental group has raised concerns over a US push to advance deep-sea mining, an issue with direct stakes for Cook Islands waters.

Cyclone Wati: Aitutaki’s Arutanga Harbour and marina causeway were left underwater as Category 2 Cyclone Wati swept through the Southern Cook Islands. Mayor Nick Henry says the damage may require dredging and could disrupt the island’s vital sea supply route. Police are monitoring conditions as the storm moves south. Rugby League World Cup: The Cook Islands opened with a 40–12 loss to Fiji after trailing 28–0 at halftime. They face New Zealand in Christchurch next, while Fiji meet Australia.

Cyclone Wati: Aitutaki reported minor damage, including power cuts and a fallen tree, as Category 2 Wati threatened the southern Cook Islands. Forecasters warned of damaging winds, heavy rain, rough seas and possible coastal flooding; residents were urged to follow official updates. Rugby League World Cup: The Cook Islands Aitu lost their opener 40–12 to Fiji after trailing 28–0 at halftime, but scored twice after the break. Health: A new Vision Centre at Rarotonga Hospital is expanding access to eye care.

Cyclone Preparedness: Aitutaki has activated its emergency operations centre as Category 2 Cyclone Wati tracks southeast. Forecasters warn of damaging winds, heavy rain and dangerous seas; residents are urged to follow local alerts. World Cup: Cook Islands’ Aitu opened their campaign with a 40–12 loss to Fiji, after trailing 28–0 at halftime. They scored twice in the second half, but struggled to turn attacking chances into points. Beach Volleyball: Cook Islands pair Twina Tangirere and Tuanna Mitchell won bronze at the Oceania championships in Rarotonga, beating Australia’s second pair in the playoff. Rights and Culture: The Makea Nui title dispute is back before the High Court, with claimants contesting customary succession. At a UN review, experts also pressed the Cook Islands on gender barriers and the law allowing marriage at 16. Ocean Protection: Te Ipukarea Society warns that a proposed US seabed-mining process could affect Pacific ocean governance, including Cook Islands interests.

Cyclone Wati: The system has strengthened to Category 2 as it moves south through the Cook Islands, with alerts issued across the group. Aitutaki faces damaging winds, heavy rain and rough seas; residents are urged to follow official updates, prepare supplies and locate their nearest shelter. Rugby League World Cup: Cook Islands Aitu face Fiji in their opening match, with several players set to make their national debuts. Beach Volleyball: Twina Tangirere and Tuanna Mitchell won bronze at the Oceania championships, beating Australia’s second pair. Women’s Rights: UN experts pressed the Cook Islands on a law allowing marriage at 16 and persistent barriers facing women, especially in the Pa Enua. Seabed Mining: Te Ipukarea Society warns a US bid to authorise deep-sea mining could affect ocean governance and Pacific interests; public consultation closes on 19 October.

Cyclone Wati: The early-season storm has strengthened to Category 1 and is tracking southeast from Suwarrow toward the Southern Cook Islands. Aitutaki is forecast to face damaging gale-force winds, heavy rain and rough seas from Sunday. Residents are urged to follow official updates and prepare. Rugby League World Cup: The Cook Islands meet Fiji in their opening match on Sunday, with both sides looking to start strongly in the tournament. Water Security: Rakahanga has installed its first solar distillation unit, turning brackish well water into fresh water for community use. Women’s Rights: Cook Islands representatives have discussed progress and ongoing challenges with the UN committee on discrimination against women, including issues affecting Pa Enua communities.

Cyclone Wati: The tropical depression has strengthened into a Category 1 cyclone near Suwarrow and is moving southeast toward the Southern Cook Islands. A warning is in force for Suwarrow, with alerts for Palmerston, Aitutaki and nearby islands. Residents are urged to secure property, check emergency supplies and follow official updates; the system could intensify further. Water Security: Rakahanga’s first solar distillation unit is turning brackish well water into fresh water for community use. Women’s Rights: Cook Islands representatives discussed progress and challenges with the UN women’s rights committee, including safety, health, leadership and access to justice for women in the Pa Enua. Public Service: Prime Minister Mark Brown called on government agencies to work together, focus on core priorities and improve efficiency. Tourism: The Cook Islands has been named Oceania’s Leading Island Destination for the fourth year in a row.