AGP Executive Report

Middle East Cost Shock: The Asian Development Bank is mobilising a $4b package for 15 Asia-Pacific countries hit by the war’s fallout, including about $3b in direct financing and $1b in trade support to keep fuel and food imports moving. Renewables Pressure on the Pacific: A separate report flags how high oil prices exposed Pacific fuel vulnerability—fuel dependence remains high even where renewable targets exist—raising the urgency for faster clean-energy delivery. Cook Islands Water Governance: Former PM Henry Puna has been appointed chair of Rarotonga’s water authority, To Tatou Vai, after Brian Mason’s resignation. Plastic Policy Push: The National Environment Service is supporting development of a Cook Islands National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution under the Pacific Ocean Litter Project. Maritime Security for Fisheries: NZDF surveillance patrols supported Cook Islands Police in May as part of Operation Tui Moana, with aerial searches and vessel photos feeding follow-up work. Health Outreach: Free cervical screening continues in Rarotonga, with a clinic at Kavera today and further dates listed for other clinics. Regional Tech Law: Pacific legal officers in Fiji are progressing cybercrime law coordination, including a regional handbook to strengthen enforcement. Sports & Community: CIFA is streaming selected FIFA World Cup matches on Vaka TV, and Cook Islands women beat Afghanistan United 1-0 and 3-0 in Auckland.

FIFA World Cup on Vaka TV: The Cook Islands Football Association has sponsored live-streamed selected FIFA World Cup 2026 matches on Vaka TV, with a full broadcast schedule released for fans tuning in from home. Health & Prevention: A free cervical screening clinic begins Rarotonga outreach today at Kavera, with services running 4.30pm–7pm and further dates set across the island. Environment & Policy: The National Environment Service is developing a National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution, aiming to cut waste entering landfill and the lagoon through coordinated government, business and community action. Water Governance: Former PM Henry Puna has been appointed chair of Rarotonga’s water authority, To Tatou Vai, following Brian Mason’s resignation. Security & Fisheries: NZDF support continues in Cook Islands waters, with maritime patrols on Te Kukupa II and later air reconnaissance under Operation Tui Moana to deter illegal fishing. Sports (Football): Tonga’s OFC U19 qualifying campaign ended after defeats including a 4-1 loss to hosts Cook Islands, as the tournament continues to shape the race for Samoa’s championship spot. Regional Development: The East-West Center appointed Jaimee Neel as Deputy Director of the Pacific Islands Development Program, backing Pacific-led priorities ahead of major regional meetings.

Plastic Policy & Community Action: The Cook Islands’ National Environment Service is developing a National Action Plan under the Pacific Ocean Litter Project, aiming to cut plastic entering landfill and the lagoon through behaviour change, better recycling, and practical single-use alternatives. Water Governance: Former PM Henry Puna has been appointed chair of Rarotonga’s water authority, To Tatou Vai, after Brian Mason’s resignation, with CIIC citing Puna’s governance and partnership experience. Fuel Security: 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. Legal & Policy Capacity: Officials and private lawyers attended a Legal Policy Development Course in Rarotonga to strengthen law and policy design skills across government agencies. Maritime & Fisheries Enforcement: NZDF support continued in Cook Islands waters, with RNZAF and RNZN personnel backing Operation Tui Moana to identify vessels of interest. Regional Security (Cyber): Fiji is pushing Pacific-wide cybercrime coordination through PILON, including a regional handbook to help countries strengthen legal responses. Sports & Community: Cook Islands women beat Afghanistan United 1-0 and 3-0 in Auckland, while the OFC U19 qualifiers in Rarotonga get underway with Tonga and PNG.

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.

Maritime Security: New Zealand backed Cook Islands fisheries patrols in May, with RNZAF and RNZN personnel supporting Operation Tui Moana and identifying vessels of interest. Fuel Assurance: Cabinet-approved online dashboard confirms “stable” fuel stocks—Rarotonga up to 57 days and Aitutaki well-stocked. Legal Capability: A three-day Legal Policy Development Course in Rarotonga boosted law and policy drafting skills across 18 agencies and private practitioners. Cybercrime Cooperation: Pacific legal officials in Fiji are finalising a regional cybercrime legislation handbook, with the Cook Islands among participants. Deep-Sea Science: NOAA will map deep waters around the Cook Islands this summer in a 28-day expedition with public streaming and shared data for stewardship. Governance & Land: The Law Commission held a second public consultation on “warranted” land, with landowners debating returning land no longer needed by the Crown. Sports & Community: Cook Islands women beat Afghanistan United 1-0 and 3-0 in Auckland; OFC U19 qualifiers begin in Rarotonga today. International Watch: Israel plans a representative office in Papua New Guinea, while Moana Pasifika’s future gets fresh attention as NZ’s Winston Peters says new supporters have come forward.

Moana Pasifika rescue talks: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says the Super Rugby franchise still has a pathway to a sustainable future, ruling out a direct government bailout as the club faces liquidation after owners said it wouldn’t return next season. Women’s football breakthrough: The Cook Islands women beat Afghanistan United 1-0 and 3-0 in Auckland, in the first camp since FIFA opened the door for Afghan women to represent their country. Maritime security boost: NZ Defence Force support continues in Cook Islands waters, with RNZAF and RNZN personnel backing Operation Tui Moana and Operation Kiwa to deter illegal fishing and transnational crime. Fuel security update: Cabinet-approved online dashboard confirms “stable” fuel stocks, with Rarotonga up to 57 days and Aitutaki well-stocked. Law and governance: A Legal Policy Development Course builds drafting skills across government and private lawyers, while landowners continue public consultation on “warranted” land proposals. Deep-sea resources: NOAA will map deep waters off the Cook Islands this summer, supporting stewardship and critical minerals management. Housing pressure: A letter argues the long-term housing crisis is being worsened by tourism-driven short-term rentals.

Maritime Security: A RAAF C-27J Spartan has deployed to the Cook Islands for Pacific aerial surveillance under Operation Solania, working with RNZAF as part of Operation Tui Moana to detect and deter illegal fishing; the ADF says it identified 12 vessels of interest, with PM Mark Brown stressing the value of air patrols for countries without their own capability. Fisheries Enforcement: New Zealand Defence Force support also continued in May, with RNZAF and NZDF personnel backing Cook Islands Police maritime patrols on Te Kukupa II and later air reconnaissance to photograph vessels for follow-up. Cybercrime Lawmaking: Pacific legal officials, including the Cook Islands, met in Fiji to finalise a regional cybercrime legislation handbook through PILON, aiming to strengthen laws and defenses as digital threats grow. Governance & Capacity: A Legal Policy Development Course in Rarotonga brought together government and private lawyers to improve legislative design and policy advice skills. Energy Watch: Cabinet-approved fuel-stock monitoring is now live via an online dashboard, reporting “stable” supplies (up to 57 days in Rarotonga). Land Reform Consultations: Landowners and the Law Commission continued public consultation on returning “warranted” land no longer needed by the Crown. Deep-Sea Resources: NOAA will map deep waters off the Cook Islands this summer in a 28-day expedition with Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority, with live streaming and public data sharing. Courtroom Politics: A private prosecution appeal application involving PM Mark Brown and Forum SG Henry Puna is pending after earlier dismissal.

Maritime Security & Fisheries: New Zealand Defence Force support continued in Cook Islands waters in May, with RNZN personnel on Te Kukupa II for Operation Tui Moana fisheries patrols and RNZAF aircraft joining wider surveillance to spot vessels suspected of illegal activity. Cybercrime & Justice: Fiji and Pacific legal officers met in Nadi to finalise a regional cybercrime legislation handbook, with Cook Islands among participants, as countries move to strengthen digital borders and law enforcement. Deep-Sea Governance: NOAA will lead a 28-day expedition mapping deep waters around the Cook Islands this July–August, in partnership with the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority, with live streaming and public data sharing. Energy & Cost of Living: Government’s new online dashboard says fuel stocks are stable, with Rarotonga up to 57 days and Aitutaki well-stocked. Land Reform: Landowners raised concerns at the Law Commission’s second public consultation on returning “warranted” land no longer needed by the Crown. Regional Politics & Rugby: NZ Foreign Minister Winston Peters says Moana Pasifika can still be saved as new backers show interest, while Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders back Kanaloa’s bid to take over the franchise.

Deep-Sea Minerals Update: Deep Sea Minerals says it has submitted a NOAA application under the 1980 Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act and has received a “substantial compliance” determination, a step it says strengthens priority rights and keeps its U.S. seabed strategy moving. Cook Islands Deep-Water Mapping: NOAA will lead a 28-day expedition this July–August to map deep waters around the Cook Islands, in partnership with the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority, with live streaming and public release of data and samples. Fuel Security Dashboard: Government’s new online dashboard reports “stable” fuel stocks in the Amber phase—up to 57 days on Rarotonga and “well-stocked” on Aitutaki. Maritime Security: RNZAF patrols targeted suspected illegal activity across Fiji, Niue and Cook Islands EEZs in May as part of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency support and New Zealand’s Operation Kiwa. Law & Governance: A Legal Policy Development Course in Rarotonga trained officials and private lawyers on legislative design and advising decision-makers; meanwhile, Law Commission public meetings focus on warranted government land only. Sports & Youth: Cook Islands host OFC U19 Men’s Championship qualifiers today, with Tonga and PNG competing for a Samoa spot.

Pacific Security & Climate: Australia and New Zealand reaffirmed Pacific-led regionalism, backing the Pacific Islands Forum and Palau’s 55th Leaders’ Meeting, with climate action front and centre. Deep-Sea Mining Stakes: A new NOAA-led expedition will map deep waters around the Cook Islands with the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority, while analysis highlights how seabed minerals are becoming a geopolitical contest involving major powers. Local Governance & Law: The Law Commission’s second public consultation on “warranted” land drew strong landowner emotion, with a reminder it targets land acquired by government warrant only. Fuel Supply Update: Government’s online dashboard says fuel stocks are stable—Rarotonga up to 57 days and Aitutaki well-stocked. Maritime Security: RNZAF patrols supported Operation Kiwa, targeting vessels suspected of illegal activity across Pacific EEZs including the Cook Islands. Sports & Youth: Cook Islands U19 Men’s qualifiers kick off at home with Tonga and PNG, while CIFA re-elected Grover Harmon for 2026–2030.

Law & Courts: A private prosecution seeking to appeal a March dismissal of charges against Cook Islands PM Mark Brown and Pacific Islands Forum SG Henry Puna is now pending approval, after the High Court acquitted both over 2018 charter flights to Penrhyn and Pukapuka. Land Policy: The Law Commission is holding public meetings this week on “warranted” government-acquired land, stressing consultations do not affect leases over privately owned land—while landowners press for clearer implications of past acquisitions and the return of unused Crown land. Energy & Governance: Cabinet has approved the National Energy Response Framework, with a new online dashboard reporting “stable” fuel stocks—Rarotonga up to 57 days and Aitutaki “well-stocked”—as the country remains in the Amber phase. Maritime & Security: RNZAF surveillance patrols in May targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity across Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands EEZs under Operation Kiwa, supporting fisheries protection and organised crime disruption. Deep-Sea Resources: NOAA will map deep waters around the Cook Islands this July–August in a 28-day expedition with the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority, streaming live science and making data public. Sports & Youth: Cook Islands U19 Men’s Championship qualifiers kick off today at the CIFA Complex with Tonga and PNG, while CIFA president Grover Harmon has been re-elected for 2026–2030.

Legal Accountability: Citizens Against Corruption lawyers have applied to appeal the March dismissal of fraud/improper payment charges against Prime Minister Mark Brown and Forum SG Henry Puna, with the Ministry of Justice saying the application is still pending. Land & Governance: The Law Commission is holding public meetings on “warranted” government land, stressing it does not affect leases over privately owned land, while landowners press concerns over past acquisitions and return principles. Energy Security: Cabinet-approved updates to the National Energy Response Framework are reflected in a new online dashboard showing “stable” fuel stocks, with Rarotonga up to 57 days and Aitutaki well-stocked. Deep-Sea Resources: NOAA will lead a 28-day expedition to map and study deep waters around the Cook Islands, streaming live science and making data publicly available with the Seabed Minerals Authority. Maritime Security: RNZAF patrols in May targeted suspected illegal activity across Fiji, Niue and Cook Islands EEZs as part of Operation Kiwa. Sports & Youth: Cook Islands host OFC U19 Men’s qualifiers with Tonga and PNG chasing the Samoa spot; CIFA also re-elected Grover Harmon as president.

Law & Governance: The Cook Islands Law Commission is holding public meetings this week on land acquired by government warrant, stressing it does not affect leases over privately owned land, as landowners press for clarity on returning no-longer-needed Crown land. Energy Security: Cabinet’s National Energy Response Framework is now reflected in a new online dashboard showing “stable” fuel stocks, with Rarotonga up to 57 days supply and Aitutaki well-stocked. Maritime & Security: New Zealand’s RNZAF and Customs-backed Operation Kiwa carried out surveillance patrols across Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands EEZ in May, targeting vessels suspected of illegal activity. Deep-Sea Resources: NOAA will lead a 28-day expedition mapping deep waters around the Cook Islands this July–August, in partnership with the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority, with live streaming and public data sharing. Governance Capability: A Legal Policy Development Course in Rarotonga is building skills for drafting laws and advising decision-makers, with officials from 18 agencies and private lawyers taking part. Sports & Community: The Cook Islands U19 Men’s Championship qualifiers kick off today at CIFA Complex, with Tonga and PNG joining the host nation for a spot at Samoa in September.

Energy Security Update: Cabinet-approved National Energy Response Framework puts Cook Islands in Amber phase, and a new online dashboard says fuel stocks are “stable” with Rarotonga up to 57 days and Aitutaki well-stocked despite a 10-day petrol baseline. Governance & Law: A Legal Policy Development Course in Rarotonga brought officials and private lawyers together to strengthen law and policy drafting skills, with the Acting Attorney-General stressing investment in public sector capability. Anti-Corruption Court Move: Citizens Against Corruption and lawyer Norman George have applied to appeal a March High Court dismissal of charges against PM Mark Brown and Forum SG Henry Puna over 2018 charter flights. Public Consultation Clarification: Law Commission meetings this week focus only on land acquired by government warrant, with officials stressing it does not affect leases over privately owned land. Maritime Security: New Zealand’s RNZAF and Customs-backed Operation Kiwa included patrols in Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands EEZ targeting suspected illegal activity. Regional Rugby Politics: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders back Kanaloa’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific rugby’s future should be shaped by Pacific voices. Sports & Community: Opposition backs the energy framework; and a letter calls for a missing Masters Sportswoman category in the National Sports Awards.

Legal Accountability: A private prosecution seeking to appeal the March dismissal of fraud/improper payment charges against Cook Islands PM Mark Brown and Forum SG Henry Puna has been filed, but the Ministry of Justice says approval is still pending. Maritime Security: RNZAF patrols in May targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity across Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands EEZ as part of Operation Kiwa, supporting fisheries protection and organised-crime disruption. Local Governance & Land: The Cook Islands Law Commission is holding public meetings on “warranted” government land, stressing consultations do not affect leases over privately owned land. Energy & Cost Pressures: Penrhyn Island has run down its diesel and is borrowing fuel from Te Kukupa II while restricting power use, with delivery expected later this month. Regional Diplomacy: Pacific leaders including PM Mark Brown met in Tokyo to push for better ocean financing, technology and data access. Sports & Identity: Cook Islands rugby and Tonga back Kanaloa’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific-led pathways must be protected. Community & Health: New Zealand chiropractic interns return to Rarotonga for free spinal health checks at Te Atukura Grounds. Culture: The Mateariki siblings reclaimed Te Mire Ura International Dancer of the Year titles.

Land Policy Consultation: Cook Islands Law Commission says this week’s public meetings on “warranted” land cover only land acquired by government warrant and won’t affect leases over privately owned land. Energy Oversight: Opposition backs the National Energy Response Framework, urging government to prepare early and avoid leaving families and Pa Enua communities in uncertainty. Maritime Security: RNZAF patrols targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity across Fiji, Niue and Cook Islands EEZs as part of Operation Kiwa, supporting fisheries protection and organised-crime disruption. Fuel Crunch in the North: Penrhyn Island has run down its last 100 litres of diesel, borrowing 5,000 litres from Te Kukupa II and restricting power use while awaiting a June fuel delivery. Governance Capacity: CIIC continues director training to strengthen board decision-making and governance consistency across its group. Sports & Identity: Cook Islands rugby and Tonga leaders back Kanaloa’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific-led pathways must be protected. Community Health: New Zealand chiropractic interns return to Rarotonga for free spinal health checks starting June 6. Regional Ocean Summit: Pacific leaders at a Tokyo summit stress ocean management as survival, calling for better finance, technology and data access for island states. Rugby League Spotlight: Valentine Holmes says he’ll make himself available for Cook Islands at the Rugby League World Cup after injury sidelined him earlier. International Football: Afghan Women United players in Auckland will play matches against a Cook Islands team as FIFA eligibility opens a new chapter after Taliban-era bans.