Water Governance: Former Cook Islands PM Henry Puna has been appointed chair of Rarotonga’s water authority, To Tatou Vai, taking over from Brian Mason as the utility pushes ahead on safe, reliable, sustainable water services. Environment & Waste Policy: The National Environment Service is helping develop a Cook Islands National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution under the Pacific Ocean Litter Project, aiming to cut plastic entering landfill and the lagoon while strengthening waste systems and behaviour change. Energy Security: Cabinet-approved fuel-stock reporting is now live via a new online dashboard, showing “stable” supplies—Rarotonga up to 57 days and Aitutaki well-stocked. Legal & Governance Capacity: Government officials and private lawyers completed a Legal Policy Development Course focused on better law and policy design, with support from Australia’s Attorney-General’s Department. Maritime Security: NZDF personnel supported Cook Islands Police fisheries patrols aboard Te Kukupa II, with later air reconnaissance to identify vessels of interest. Accountability in Politics: A private prosecution involving PM Mark Brown and Forum SG Henry Puna has been dismissed, but an appeal application is pending. Regional Diplomacy: Israel says it will open a representative office in Papua New Guinea, after talks with PM James Marape. Sports & Community: Cook Islands women beat Afghanistan United 1-0 and 3-0 in Auckland, while paddler Reuben Dearlove won Masters Men 50 at Te Aito 2026 in Tahiti.