AGP Executive Report

Moana Pasifika future: Kanaloa Rugby says its takeover bid is backed by four Pacific unions—Sāmoa, Tonga, Cook Islands and Niue—after Moana Pasifika shareholders moved the club toward liquidation, raising fresh questions about who gets to steer the franchise next. Fiji rugby league shake-up: Fiji’s national league body is under a FICAC probe as its finances are audited, with leaders saying debts, missed procedures and poor transparency have left the sport suffering. Pacific security: Australia’s ADF is supporting Operation SOLANIA alongside partners to deter illegal fishing, feeding into the wider Operation Tui Moana push across the South-West Pacific. Cook Islands climate push: PM Mark Brown is calling for faster climate action in Asia and the Pacific at the UN, stressing finance as the main barrier. Weather + economy: Heavy rain and ocean warnings hit the Southern Group, while MFEM warns global shocks could drag Cook Islands GDP down by up to 5%. Tourism momentum: North America marketing ramps up as Cook Islands tourism expands, and a new Christchurch–Rarotonga non-stop service begins. Sport tonight: State of Origin Game I kicks off in Sydney.

Critical Minerals Deal: India and the US signed a framework to secure supplies of critical minerals and rare earths, with mining and processing in the mix—another step in the race to control tech and defence supply chains. Cook Islands Connectivity: PM Mark Brown officially named a new inter-island vessel, MV Tuitui Moana, in China, aimed at strengthening links across the Pa Enua. Travel Boost: Christchurch has launched non-stop flights to Rarotonga with Air New Zealand, up to three times a week through late October. Dengue Update: The Cook Islands has been declared dengue-free again after 26 days without a case, ending a year-long outbreak. Regional Security: Pacific nations wrapped up Operation Tui Moana 2026, with Cook Islands police boarding and inspecting 13 fishing vessels as part of the crackdown on illegal fishing. Youth & Health: WHO says youth mental health across the Pacific is being hit by climate stress and online harms. Sport Spotlight: Oceania athletes put governance under the microscope at the Oceania Athletes Forum, while Pacific sport delivered record-breaking moments this week.

Dengue Update: The Cook Islands has been declared dengue-free after a year-long fight, with the last positive case recorded on 28 April and 26 days passing without new cases—though health officials and tourism leaders are urging people not to get complacent as dengue continues to pop up elsewhere in the Pacific (including Tonga, New Caledonia and Samoa). Travel & Connectivity: Air New Zealand launches direct Christchurch–Rarotonga service tonight (seasonal, up to three times a week), adding seats for South Islanders heading into winter. Regional Security: Pacific nations wrapped up Operation Tui Moana 2026, a three-week push to deter illegal fishing across multiple zones, with Cook Islands police and maritime crews boarding vessels during the operation. Local Roads & Safety: Cook Islands Police say drunk driving is driving 43% of May arrests and will ramp up traffic enforcement this weekend. Economy Pressure: New Zealand’s visa fee cuts for Pacific travellers and longer default visas are expected to hit government revenue by $1–2m a year. Minimum Wage Debate: Cook Islands’ minimum wage rises to $10.50 from 1 July, sparking worries about price hikes and layoffs even as workers say it’s still not enough.

Pacific Community Day: More than 500 residents gathered in Port Moresby to celebrate Pacific Community Day, with performances, SME markets and a message of unity across Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, Fiji, the Solomon Islands and West Papua. Tower Leadership: Tower has appointed Michael Skeens as Chief Operations Officer, tasked with running operational hubs and systems, after a stint scaling its Fiji operations and improving customer service. Tourism Trouble: Tourists chasing a viral “hidden gem” beach ended up with blown tires and damaged rentals after taking rough, remote routes. Fisheries Crackdown: Pacific nations wrapped Operation Tui Moana 2026, using patrols, aerial surveillance and inspections to deter illegal fishing across multiple EEZs, with Cook Islands police boarding 13 vessels. Cook Islands Economy: The new minimum wage of $10.50 from 1 July 2026 is offering mild relief but sparking anxiety over inflation, price rises and possible layoffs. Road Safety: Police say drunk driving is driving 43% of May arrests, and enforcement ramps up this weekend.

Cook Islands Minimum Wage: The Cooks’ minimum wage is set to rise to $10.50 an hour from 1 July 2026, but the 50-cent bump is already sparking a familiar fight—workers say it’s not enough against inflation, while businesses warn of price rises and possible job cuts. Tower Appointments: In Fiji, insurer Tower has named Michael Skeens as its new chief operations officer, tasking him with running operational hubs and systems after leading customer service and expanding the Suva service hub. Pacific Border Policy: New Zealand is looking at a “Pacific preference” in immigration to boost the region—coming as Pacific economies juggle recovery pressures. Regional Security: Australia-backed operations are continuing to target illegal fishing, with ADF support linked to Operation Tui Moana and Cook Islands patrols and boardings. Sports & Culture: Super Rugby’s Hurricanes clinched top seeding, while Cook Islands athletes keep stacking records and medals in Oceania athletics.

Iran Talks, Tensions: President Trump says U.S. negotiations with Iran are moving “orderly,” but warns negotiators not to “rush into a deal,” keeping the Strait of Hormuz blockade in place until any agreement is “certified and signed.” Regional Security: Australia’s ADF is backing Pacific partners to curb illegal fishing, with Operation Solania supporting the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency’s Operation Tui Moana—while Cook Islands police report Te Kukupa II boarded 13 fishing vessels during OPTM26. Cook Islands Governance & Law: Parliament has unanimously passed a cybercrime and online bullying bill, strengthening police powers. Sports: The Hurricanes sealed top seeding in Super Rugby after beating the Highlanders, while Cook Islands athletes keep stacking medals and national records at the Oceania Athletics Championships in Darwin. Road Safety: Cook Islands police say drunk drivers are driving 43% of May arrests and will focus on traffic enforcement this weekend.

Maritime enforcement ramps up: The Australian Defence Force has joined a multinational push to detect and deter illegal fishing, sending RAAF aircraft to support the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency’s Operation Tui Moana, with patrols covering more than 113,000 square kilometres and targeting threats to marine resources and transnational crime. On the water, Cook Islands police act: Te Kukupa II completed boarding and inspections of 13 fishing vessels during Operation Tui Moana 2026, also encountering three yachts in the Cook Islands EEZ. Road safety focus: Cook Islands Police say drunk drivers made up 43% of May arrests so far, and enforcement ramps up this weekend after a hit-and-run at Kiikii. Culture and sport in the spotlight: A Tongan-Cook Islands girl has become the first Pacific Islander crowned Mini Miss Aotearoa NZ 2026, while Team Cook Islands athletes keep setting records at the Oceania Athletics Championships.

US visa pause ripple: The US State Department has suspended immigrant visa processing for nationals from 75 countries, including Egypt, triggering a rush of questions from would-be travellers—many are now mapping out roughly 65 visa-free or easier entry options worldwide, including visa-on-arrival and quick e-visa routes. Middle East pressure: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Iran’s “tolling system” in the Strait of Hormuz is “not acceptable,” and warns the US and partners need a “Plan B” if talks don’t move. Cook Islands policy push: Parliament has unanimously passed a Cybercrime and Amendment Bill targeting hacking, digital fraud, online bullying and child exploitation, while boosting police digital powers. Pa Enua travel costs: Government is prioritising sealing northern runways to bring down outer-island flight prices, with possible short-term fuel support on the most expensive routes. Local governance: Public meetings are set over proposed changes to the Cook Islands Act 1915 on returning land no longer needed for public purposes.

Iran Tensions: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Iran’s plan to impose tolls on the Strait of Hormuz is “not acceptable,” while the Trump administration weighs fresh strikes even as diplomacy continues and a mediator heads to Tehran. Cook Islands Economy & Budget: Government says the economy is holding strong, and tomorrow’s big National Budget is set to push security, welfare relief and infrastructure, including a $3m boost to social welfare. Pa Enua Travel Costs: The Prime Minister says sealing Pa Enua runways is the key to lowering outer-island travel costs, with fuel support also being considered. Land Law Shake-up: Public meetings start over proposed changes to the Cook Islands Act 1915 that could let land taken by government warrant be returned to customary owners when no longer needed. Cybercrime Crackdown: Parliament has unanimously passed a bill modernising laws on hacking, digital fraud, online bullying and child exploitation, with stronger police digital powers. Aviation & Tourism: Cook Islands is expanding flight connectivity as Jetstar’s Brisbane–Rarotonga service lands and more routes are added. Community & Sport: Puaikura Fire Brigade raises $41,100 for the Sky Tower challenge; Team Cook Islands racks up medals at Oceania Athletics in Darwin.

Pacific Security & Fisheries: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up after three weeks of regional surveillance, with Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, PNG, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga and Tuvalu joining patrols and aerial checks to crack down on IUU fishing and other maritime crime—61 vessel inspections and 200+ detections logged. Cybercrime Law: Cook Islands Parliament unanimously passed a Cybercrime and Amendment Bill 2026 to tackle hacking, digital fraud, online bullying and child exploitation, while boosting police digital investigative powers. Domestic Shipping Upgrade: PM Mark Brown heads to China next week for the MV Tuitui Moana inauguration, a new inter-island vessel built to strengthen safer, more reliable links to the Pa Enua. Aviation Reality Check: At the ASPA conference, Air Rarotonga’s Sir Ewan Smith and ASPA leaders stressed the tough economics of small-scale Pacific aviation—even as Cook Islands adds flights. Sports & Culture: Arorangi Lady Bears won the women’s rugby league title in a 22–16 comeback; and NZ Music Month spotlights how Pacific artists like Annie Crummer are now shaping Aotearoa’s mainstream sound.

Cybersecurity & Child Safety: Cook Islands Parliament unanimously passed a Cybercrime and Amendment Bill to tackle hacking, digital fraud, online bullying and child exploitation, while boosting police digital investigative powers. Immigration Fix: MFAI says it will accept late Cook Islands permanent residency applications after a website glitch left the Expression of Interest page unavailable. Domestic Shipping: PM Mark Brown heads to China next week for the inauguration of the MV Tuitui Moana, a newly built inter-island vessel meant to make Pa Enua connections more reliable and safer. Aviation & Tourism: Cook Islands is pushing back against global flight cutbacks by adding routes, with Jetstar’s Brisbane–Rarotonga service and more connectivity expected to support a possible “best year ever” for visitors. Regional Security: Brown also backed Pacific-led, prevention-based policing at the inaugural Pacific Police Ministers’ Meeting in Fiji. Sports & Community: Arorangi Lady Bears won the women’s rugby league title; athletics brought national records; and local swimmers expand training through a “Train the Trainers” push.

Pacific Security: U.S. forces say they briefly boarded an Iranian-flagged tanker in the Gulf of Oman, inspected it, then ordered it to change course after suspecting a blockade violation—another move in the wider Iran sanctions and shipping crackdown. Deep-Sea Science: NOAA will run a 28-day summer expedition mapping deep waters off the Cook Islands, using remotely operated vehicles and live-streamed deep-sea footage to support marine resource management. EU Fisheries: The European Parliament approved renewed EU-Cook Islands fisheries access until 2032, with payments aimed at sustainable local fisheries policy. Tourism & Flights: Cook Islands leaders say they’re adding routes even as airlines cut capacity, highlighting new Brisbane–Rarotonga service and more connectivity. Sports: Arorangi Lady Bears won the women’s rugby league title with a 22–16 comeback over Tupapa.

Deep-Sea Spotlight: NOAA says it will run a 28-day July–August expedition off the Cook Islands to map deep waters and the seabed, using remotely operated vehicles and live-streamed deep-sea footage, with data shared publicly and with the Cook Islands to support marine resource management. Survivor 50 Finale Buzz: The landmark “Survivor 50” season is set to end tonight with the final five shrinking to the final three, and the winner of the $2 million prize revealed in a three-hour finale. Aviation & Tourism: Jetstar has launched the first direct Brisbane–Rarotonga flight, adding to Cook Islands connectivity as the country pushes back against “weeding out” routes. Crime & Borders: New Zealand Customs warns Pacific countries are increasingly used as storage and trafficking hubs for organised crime, including meth and cocaine aimed at NZ and Australia. Regional Security: Pacific Police Ministers met in Fiji to push practical, intelligence-led cooperation against transnational crime.

Aviation & Tourism: Jetstar’s first Brisbane–Rarotonga flight has landed, with Cook Islander first officer Robert Woonton piloting the inaugural service—another connectivity boost as the Cook Islands adds routes instead of cutting them. Crime & Borders: New Zealand Customs warns Pacific countries are increasingly used by organised crime as storage and trafficking hubs for meth and cocaine, citing weak border systems and even possible infiltration of border agencies. Regional Security: Pacific Police Ministers met in Fiji to push Pacific-led, intelligence-led cooperation against transnational organised crime, with Cook Islands and others attending. Finance Crime: Rachel Marie Lamberth has been sentenced over $188k in fraud tied to misuse of payroll access. Health & Community: Firefighters are gearing up for the Sky Tower Challenge for Blood Cancer NZ, while inclusive dance brought together Jolt, Autism Cook Islands and Nukutere College students. Politics & Planning: Cook Islands is involved in the Pacific 2050 Strategy monitoring convening in Suva, focusing on roles, measurement and accountability.

U.S.-Iran Tensions: The U.S. Treasury expanded sanctions on May 19, targeting more Iranian-linked tankers and companies as Donald Trump said he’s delaying a planned resumption of attacks on Iran, while CENTCOM reports more commercial vessels have been redirected. Cook Islands Connectivity: The Cook Islands is pushing back against “weeding out flights” by adding routes, with Jetstar’s first Brisbane–Rarotonga service now operating and local officials pointing to rising visitor forecasts. Pacific Inclusion: Cook Islands youth and disability-inclusive dance brought Jolt, Autism Cook Islands and Nukutere College together in a feel-good showcase. Ocean Strategy: Cook Islands delegates joined Pacific 2050 Strategy monitoring talks in Suva, stressing shared roles and accountability. Tourism Caution: A viral “hidden beach” in Canada is drawing visitors who are blowing tires on remote logging roads—no cell coverage included.

Pacific Sports Spotlight: Oceania athletes are in full flight at the Oceania Athletics Championships in Cairns, with Pacific nations stacking the medal moments and showing the region’s depth across track, field and para sport. Aviation & Connectivity: Jetstar launched the first Brisbane–Rarotonga flight, giving Queenslanders a direct link to the Cook Islands—plus a special homecoming on the flight deck. Cook Islands & PNG Ties: Central Province and the Cook Islands renewed their long friendship by signing a Sister Province Partnership Arrangement, aiming at cultural exchange, youth links, trade and climate cooperation. Health & Consent: A Health and Disability Commissioner decision says a teen’s bone graft consent process failed to meet culturally appropriate standards, with apologies ordered. Geopolitics: The 55th Pacific Islands Forum is set for Palau, with big Indo-Pacific implications as China and the US compete for influence. Global Watch: A major study finds obesity trends are rising in many lower-income countries but plateauing in wealthy nations.