AGP Executive Report

Pacific Security: Australia announced a $600m surveillance push at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, aimed at disrupting narco-submarines and small vessels moving drugs toward Australia. Cook Islands Power Relief: Government approved a $700,000 one-off payment to Aitutaki’s power provider, alongside a 20% electricity tariff rise, as fuel costs bite. Penrhyn Port & Sovereignty Debate: The US and New Zealand backed a $101m Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade, with critics warning it could pave the way for deep-sea mining and calling for transparency and environmental safeguards. Pacific Islands Forum Diplomacy: New Zealand’s PM Christopher Luxon defended a second overseas plane for the Forum mission, while leaders discussed fuel, climate and security behind closed doors. Climate Finance Speed-Up: The Green Climate Fund says reforms are cutting approval and accreditation timelines to nine months, responding to Pacific complaints about slow access. Regional Health & Resilience: Cook Islands hosted Pacific Heads of Health, focusing on resilient health systems, NCDs, workforce, health data and climate resilience. Sports & Community: Cook Islands pickleball and AirBadminton teams returned with medals, while NMI’s triathlon squad previewed the 2027 Pacific Games course.

Penrhyn Port Upgrade: The US and New Zealand have pledged about US$60m (NZ$101m) to upgrade Penrhyn/Tongareva’s port, with the Cook Islands calling it a “lifeline” for outer-island shipping and connectivity—while critics warn it could be a pathway to deep-sea mining and raise transparency and environmental concerns. Pacific Security Push: Australia announced a US$600m aerial and maritime surveillance program aimed at disrupting narco-smuggling routes, as leaders at the Pacific Islands Forum also flagged fuel, climate and security pressures. US Funding Wave: Washington says it will spend over US$150m across the Pacific, including a US$60m regional energy security initiative, support against illegal fishing, and further infrastructure and digital projects—Cook Islands among the biggest beneficiaries. Climate Finance Speed-Up: Green Climate Fund reforms are cutting approval and accreditation timelines to a target of nine months, with the change framed as a response to Pacific leaders’ complaints about slow access to climate money. Realm & Connectivity Politics: New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon defended using two RNZAF planes for the Forum trip, linking the decision to connectivity needs for remote meetings with the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau. Local Governance & Oversight: Te Ipukarea Society is calling for public oversight as US investors and government involvement in deep-sea minerals exploration grows. Sports & Community: Cook Islands AirBadminton returned with medals from its first international AirBadminton appearance, while Cook Islands pickleball made history with the country’s first-ever international gold medals.

Penrhyn Port Deal: US and New Zealand have pledged about US$60m (US $50m plus NZ $17.5m) to upgrade the Penrhyn/Tongareva port on a former WWII base, announced in Palau alongside Cook Islands PM Mark Brown and NZ FM Winston Peters—a “lifeline” for the Pa Enua and a boost for shipping, safety and connectivity. Deep-Sea Mining Backlash: The same project is drawing sharp criticism, with Greenpeace calling it a Trojan horse for deep-sea mining and warning of legal and environmental risks. US Pacific Push: At the Pacific Islands Forum, the US unveiled $150m+ in new Pacific support, including a proposed $60m fuel security initiative, $17m for illegal fishing countermeasures, plus digital and policing cooperation. Tonga’s Share: Tonga is singled out for feasibility work on data centres and fuel storage, as the US investment push expands. Forum Tensions: The week’s PIF meeting in Palau has been roiled by major absences and heightened geopolitics, including China’s “consequences” warning over Taiwan’s presence. PRF Momentum: Brown also backed the Pacific Resilience Facility, saying it has moved from concept to funding community projects, with money now aimed at climate impacts on the ground.

Pacific Power Play: The US and Australia announced a combined US$580m (S$738m) funding push for Pacific Island nations at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, with Washington putting US$150m on the table and highlighting energy security, anti-illegal fishing, and maritime and cybercrime cooperation. Cook Islands Port Deal: The biggest Cook Islands-focused item is a US-NZ-US$60m port upgrade at Penrhyn/Tongareva (former WWII base): the US will fund US$50m and New Zealand NZ$17.5m, with NZ managing construction—framed as a “lifeline” for the Pa Enua and also tied to critical minerals and deeper strategic reach. Deep-Sea Mining Backlash: Greenpeace Aotearoa calls the Penrhyn project colonial “resource grabbing,” while Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says the government will stay science-led and cautious, warning of legal and environmental risks as investor-state disputes loom. Forum Cohesion Under Strain: The PIF leaders meeting opened amid major leader absences and a failed push for consensus on China-related security issues; New Zealand’s Chris Luxon played down concerns about PIF clout. Regional Tensions: China warned of “consequences” after Taiwan attended the forum opening, while Pacific leaders insisted the forum sets its own agenda. Small-State Cooperation: Singapore’s foreign minister backed continued capacity-building for Pacific officials, arguing small states are stronger when they work together.

Penrhyn Port “lifeline” deal: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, Cook Islands PM Mark Brown backed a major Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade as the US and New Zealand co-fund it—US$50m from Washington and NZ$17.5m from Wellington—framed as safer shipping and stronger connectivity for the Pa Enua, and linked by US officials to the Critical Minerals Framework. Seabed mining caution: Brown also urged a science-led approach, saying the Cook Islands will not move from exploration to extraction until it has the answers, as Pacific governments face legal risk from investor-state disputes tied to deep-sea mining. PIF unity under strain: New Zealand’s Winston Peters played down the impact of missing leaders at the 55th PIF summit, while China warned of “consequences” over Taiwan’s presence—adding fresh tension to a meeting focused on climate, crime and regional cooperation. Regional politics watch: Brown pushed for concrete decisions on regional architecture and partnership frameworks at PIF, while small island leaders were urged to turn 2025 commitments into practical action. Domestic policy and services: The government will decide the long-term management model for new state domestic shipping vessels after a three-year transition, and the health ministry launched a 2026–2030 NCD plan with 129 strategic actions.

Pacific Islands Forum tensions: China warned of “consequences” after Taiwan attended the PIF opening in Palau, while Australia and New Zealand pushed back that the forum sets its own agenda. Penrhyn port funding: The US and New Zealand pledged over NZ$100m to upgrade Penrhyn/Tongareva’s former WWII port, with the US contributing about US$50m and NZ about NZ$17.5m, framed as a “lifeline” for safer landings and stronger Pa Enua connectivity. Seabed mining legal risk: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says the government will stay cautious and science-led, keeping exploration and research separate from extraction as a new report warns stronger environmental rules could trigger costly investor-state disputes. Regional politics at PIF: The summit is underway in Palau with multiple leaders absent, raising questions about unity as geopolitics and crime sit alongside economic pressures. Domestic health and services: The health ministry launched a 2026–2030 NCD Action Plan with 129 strategic actions, while government is set to decide the long-term management model for new state domestic shipping vessels after a three-year transition.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: The 55th PIF leaders summit is underway, but a third of leaders may be missing, raising fresh questions about regional unity as some pullouts are linked to domestic pressures and alleged Chinese influence. Realm of New Zealand talks: Ahead of Palau, New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon met Cook Islands PM Mark Brown, Niue PM Dalton Tagelagi and Tokelau leader Alapati Tavite for the first four-way “Realm” meeting, with Brown urging a shift from pledges to deliverables. Small island security push: PIF small-island leaders heard calls to turn 2025 decisions into practical action as Palau takes the chair. Deep-sea mining legal risk: A new report warns Pacific governments could face costly investor-state disputes if they tighten rules or change course on seabed mining. Cook Islands domestic focus: The health ministry launched a 2026–2030 NCD action plan with 129 strategic actions, while women in Rarotonga are pushing to break the silence on menopause and improve local support. Election aftermath: Brown is set for a fifth term after the Cook Islands Party won a majority, with independent MPs bolstering the government.

Pacific Summit Pullouts: New Zealand’s Winston Peters says missing leaders at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau are “disappointing,” with absences blamed on health and other reasons, while some reports point to Chinese pressure. Realm of New Zealand Talks: Luxon hosted the first four-way Realm leaders meeting in Auckland with Cook Islands PM Mark Brown, Niue PM Dalton Tagelagi and Tokelau’s Alapati Tavite, focusing on shared priorities ahead of Palau. Cook Islands Election Result: Reuters reports Brown’s Cook Islands Party won 13 of 24 seats for a historic fifth term, with the Democratic Party wiped out and independents boosting a strong government caucus. Deep-Sea Mining Legal Risk: A Pacific NGO warns investor-state disputes could chill environmental rule changes, naming Cook Islands among countries exposed. Health Policy: The Cook Islands health ministry launched a 2026–2030 NCD plan with 129 strategic actions for Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. Blue Pacific Ocean Security: Forum coverage highlights threats to the “Ocean of Peace,” from deep-sea mining and plastic pollution to climate change, alongside intensifying US–China competition.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: New Zealand’s Winston Peters says several leaders’ pullouts are “disappointing” as the 55th PIF summit opens with empty seats and concerns about regional unity. Geopolitics and security: Officials say the agenda will be shaped by China-US competition, transnational crime, and pressure on Pacific integration. Realm of New Zealand talks: In Auckland, Luxon met Cook Islands PM Mark Brown, Niue PM Dalton Tagelagi and Tokelau Ulu Alapati Tavite for the first four-way Realm leaders meeting, with Brown urging “deliverables” over more promises ahead of Palau. Cook Islands election fallout: Reuters reports Brown’s Cook Islands Party won 13 of 24 seats for a fifth term, with the Democratic Party wiped out and independents boosting a strong governing majority. Deep-sea mining legal risk: A report warns Pacific governments—including the Cook Islands—could face investor-state disputes if they change course on mining rules. Health policy: The Cook Islands health ministry launched a 2026–2030 NCD plan with 129 strategic actions to tackle non-communicable diseases. Pa Enua shipping: MV Tuitui Moana is hailed as a “lifeline” delivering on the domestic shipping roadmap. Culture and community: Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust loses its main funding source after 40 years.

Cook Islands Election & Government: Mark Brown’s Cook Islands Party is set for a historic fifth straight term after winning 13 of 24 seats, with the Democratic Party wiped out and independents helping push Brown’s incoming caucus to a supermajority. Realm of New Zealand Talks: In Auckland, Luxon met Brown, Niue PM Dalton Tagelagi and Tokelau’s Ulu Alapati Tavite for the first four-way Realm leaders meeting, with Brown urging a shift from promises to deliverables ahead of the Palau summit. Pacific Security & Crime Agenda: Leaders are heading to Palau for the Pacific Islands Forum, with geopolitics, transnational crime, resilience and regional unity all expected to dominate discussions. Deep-Sea Mining Legal Risk: A new report warns Pacific governments, including the Cook Islands, could face costly investor-state disputes if they tighten rules or change course on deep-sea mining. Pa Enua Shipping: The MV Tuitui Moana was welcomed as a “lifeline” delivering on the Domestic Shipping Roadmap promise for safer, more reliable inter-island services. Health Policy: The health ministry launched a 2026–2030 NCD plan with 129 strategic actions to tackle non-communicable diseases across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. Culture & Community Funding: Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust says it has lost its main CNZ funding source beyond 2026 after 40 years.

Funding Shake-Up: Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust says it has lost its main CNZ funding source beyond 2026 after 40 years, calling the outcome “deeply disappointing” and “heartbreaking” for the next generation of Pacific artists. Pa Enua Shipping: MV Tuitui Moana has been welcomed in Rarotonga as a “lifeline” delivered under the Domestic Shipping Roadmap, aiming to give Pa Enua communities safer, more reliable inter-island service. Health Policy: The health ministry has launched a NCD Action Plan 2026–2030 with 129 strategic actions to tackle non-communicable diseases across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. Realm Talks: Luxon hosted the first Realm leaders meeting with Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau in Auckland, with Mark Brown urging action over promises ahead of the Palau summit. Election Politics: Mark Brown is set for a historic fifth term after the Cook Islands Party won 13 of 24 seats, with the Democratic Party wiped out and independents boosting Brown’s incoming majority. Regional Security Agenda: Pacific leaders are heading to Palau as geopolitics, transnational crime and pressure on regional unity shape the Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ meeting.

Realm Talks in Auckland: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon hosted the first four-way Realm of New Zealand leaders meeting with Cook Islands PM Mark Brown, Niue PM Dalton Tagelagi and Tokelau Ulu Alapati Tavite—no treaty, just a “chance to talk” ahead of Palau. Action Over Promises: Brown urged the Pacific to shift from strategies to deliverables, stressing climate resilience, regional cooperation and Pacific countries having more say. Election Fallout: Reuters reports Brown is set to return with a rare majority—Cook Islands Party 13 of 24 seats—after the Democratic Party was shut out, with independents boosting the government’s caucus. China Congratulates Brown: Beijing publicly welcomed Brown’s re-election, saying it’s ready to deepen ties with the new government. Deep-Sea Mining Legal Risks: A Pacific NGO report warns investor-state dispute rules could expose countries including the Cook Islands to costly claims and a “chilling effect” on stronger environmental protections. NCD Push: The health ministry launched a 2026–2030 plan with 129 strategic actions to tackle non-communicable diseases across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. Regional Agenda for Palau: Leaders are heading to the Pacific Islands Forum facing geopolitics, transnational crime and pressure on regional unity.

Cook Islands election fallout: Mark Brown’s Cook Islands Party is set for a historic fifth straight term after winning 13 of 24 seats in the final count, with the Democratic Party wiped out of parliament; Reuters reports Brown’s majority is expected to be backed by independents, giving the incoming government a strong caucus. Realm diplomacy: Brown is in Auckland ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, as New Zealand’s Luxon meets Realm leaders (Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau) to push “deliverables” and keep Realm ties steady amid regional security and climate pressures. Health policy: The health ministry has launched a 2026–2030 NCD Action Plan with 129 strategic actions aimed at tackling non-communicable diseases across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. Deep-sea mining legal risk: A new Pacific report warns investor-state dispute claims could chill environmental rule changes, naming the Cook Islands among countries exposed. Regional security agenda: Pacific leaders head to Palau as geopolitics, transnational crime, and regional unity dominate talks. Community & sport: A six-week school tennis programme is back in action across multiple schools, feeding into national training pathways.

Realm diplomacy: New Zealand says its ties with Realm partners Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau are “strong and stable” after Luxon met Mark Brown, Dalton Tagelagi and Alapati Tavite in Auckland ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau. Pacific security & climate: Brown used the Realm leaders’ meeting to push for action over promises, stressing climate resilience and regional cooperation as core to Pacific security. Election outcome: Mark Brown is set for a historic fifth term after the Cook Islands Party won 13 of 24 seats in the 2026 election, with the Democratic Party wiped out; six independents are expected to lift the government caucus to 19. Opposition leadership: Cook Islands United Party leader Teariki Heather says he will nominate his younger brother Robert as Leader of the Opposition. Governance & sovereignty: A new report warns deep-sea mining could trigger costly investor-state disputes, naming the Cook Islands among exposed Pacific states. Regional appointments: Pamela Maru becomes the first Cook Islander appointed to an executive role at the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, starting as Deputy Director-General in January 2027.

Cook Islands Election: Mark Brown’s Cook Islands Party is set for a historic fifth straight term after winning 13 of 24 seats in the final 2026 count, with six independents backing the government for a 19-seat caucus. Parliament Watch: The Democratic Party has been wiped out, while the Cook Islands United Party won four seats and independents took the rest, including multiple seats from Mangaia and Atiu. Government Appointments: Three Permanent Secretaries were sworn in to key ministries—Finance and Treasury, Police/National Security/Corrections, and Culture and Tourism—signalling a fresh push on public service delivery. Pa Enua Shipping: The new government cargo-passenger vessel MV Tuitui Moana was welcomed in Rarotonga under the Domestic Shipping Roadmap to improve services for the outer islands. Deep-Sea Mining Risk: A new report warns Pacific governments, including the Cook Islands, could face investor-state legal claims if they tighten or reverse deep-sea mining rules. Regional Context: In the wider Pacific, leaders are also preparing for major ocean and climate diplomacy ahead of upcoming forum and COP meetings.

Election Results: Reuters reports Cook Islands Party leader Mark Brown is set to stay on as PM after official results show CIP won 13 of 24 seats, clinching a historic fifth term; the Democratic Party is wiped out, with the Cook Islands United Party taking four seats and the rest going to independents and minor groupings. Government Appointments: Three Permanent Secretaries were sworn in to key ministries, including Finance and Treasury, Police/National Security/Corrections, and Culture and Tourism—an early test of how the new government will staff up. Domestic Shipping: The government’s new US$3m inter-island cargo-passenger vessel MV Tuitui Moana was welcomed in Rarotonga, aimed at improving Pa Enua services under the Domestic Shipping Roadmap. Regional Fisheries Leadership: Pamela Maru resigns as Marine Resources Secretary from December to become Deputy Director-General at the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency. Deep-Sea Mining Politics: A new report warns Pacific states, including the Cook Islands, could face investor-state legal threats if they tighten environmental rules around deep-sea mining. Sports & Culture (lighter): Cook Islands pickleball heads to its World Cup debut in Vietnam; and the National Triples bowling finals are set after postponement.