AGP Executive Report

OFC U-19 Football: Papua New Guinea booked qualification for the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2026 in Samoa with a commanding 5-1 win over the Cook Islands, ending the hosts’ campaign after a must-win clash. Border Security: Cook Islands Customs received enforcement training and drug test kits from US Homeland Security Investigations, boosting intelligence and detection capacity as transnational crime looks for weak links. Health & Community: A free cervical screening clinic runs in Kavera today as Rarotonga outreach continues, with pap smears aimed at early detection for women aged 25–65. Environment & Waste: Te Ipukarea Society is pushing sustainable menstrual options, while also tackling plastic waste through reusable period products. Sports & Culture: The Cook Islands Sports Awards return this Saturday after a two-year break, with awards covering achievements from 2024 and 2025. Sea Conditions: A heavy swell warning remains for the Northern Group after coastal inundation and high seas. Diocese Anniversary: The Catholic Diocese of Rarotonga begins 60th anniversary celebrations, with catechists honoured for decades of service. Public Safety & Drugs: A New Zealand visitor sentenced to one year and 11 months for smuggling cocaine and cannabis into Rarotonga has sparked renewed calls for tougher, weight-based narcotics laws.

Diocese Anniversary: The Catholic Diocese of Rarotonga begins its 60th anniversary celebrations tomorrow with the honouring of 80 catechists who have served the Church in the Cook Islands. Cybersecurity: The Cook Islands’ first cybercrime lab has been launched to help tackle growing digital threats. Border Security: Cook Islands Customs received US Homeland Security Investigations training and drug test kits, boosting enforcement capability as transnational crime looks for weak links. Health & Prevention: A free cervical screening clinic starts in Kavera today, with outreach continuing across Rarotonga over the coming weeks. Community & Environment: Te Ipukarea Society and partners ran a menstrual health session at Tereora College, promoting reusable period products to cut waste. Sports: The Cook Islands U19 men’s campaign ended after a 5-1 loss to Papua New Guinea, while the Country Maroons moved closer to an Origin title after a golden-point win over the Town Blues. Regional Diplomacy: India and Papua New Guinea reviewed bilateral ties and agreed to deepen cooperation across sectors.

Cook Islands–PNG Football: The Cook Islands U-19 men’s qualifying campaign ended after a 5-1 loss to Papua New Guinea, who booked their place in the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship with a dominant win. Border Security: Cook Islands Customs boosted enforcement capability after a visit from US Homeland Security Investigations, including training and donated drug test kits. Public Health: A community push is underway after Cook Islands was ranked third globally for non-communicable disease rates, with calls for faster prevention and lifestyle change. Health Services: Free cervical screening continues in Rarotonga today at Kavera, with clinics scheduled across the coming weeks. Weather Watch: A heavy swell warning remains for the Northern Group as authorities monitor coastal inundation and high seas. Community & Rights: Pride Cook Islands is urging stronger protections and respectful dialogue for LGBTQIA+ people. Sports Awards: The Cook Islands Sports Awards return this Saturday after a two-year break, with awards covering 2024 and 2025 achievements. Environment & Culture: Cook Islands is represented at a Suva workshop on deep seabed sustainable blue growth, focusing on state responsibilities and environmental governance.

OFC U19 Men’s Qualifiers: The Cook Islands are one step from the OFC U19 Men’s Championship after a 4-0 win over Tonga set up a must-win clash with Papua New Guinea in Rarotonga. U19 Women’s Tournament Update: Tahiti has withdrawn from the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship 2026, with PNG replacing them and Cook Islands placed in Group A. Border Security & Drugs: Cook Islands Customs received US Homeland Security Investigations training and drug test kits to strengthen enforcement against transnational crime. Public Health Push: Cook Islands ranks third globally for NCD rates, prompting calls for a preventative health shift, while a free cervical screening clinic runs at Kavera today. Community Safety: Heavy swell and coastal inundation warnings remain for the Northern Group as authorities monitor conditions after recent coastal impacts. Rights & Respect: Pride Cook Islands is urging stronger protections and respectful dialogue for LGBTQIA+ people. Environment: Work is underway on a Cook Islands National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution, backed by the Pacific Ocean Litter Project. Sports on TV: Selected FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be live streamed on Vaka TV via CIFA sponsorship.

Middle East Relief Funding: The Asian Development Bank is mobilising a $4 billion package to help Asia-Pacific economies hit by the conflict’s fallout, including $3b in direct financing and $1b in trade support for energy and food imports, with Cook Islands-linked regional impacts felt through fuel and freight pressures. OFC Football (U-19): Cook Islands opened their home OFC U-19 Men’s Qualifying campaign with a 4-1 win over Tonga, setting up a winner-takes-all clash with Papua New Guinea for a spot in Samoa. Women’s U-16 Tournament Update: Tahiti has withdrawn from the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship 2026, with Papua New Guinea stepping in as the replacement, reshaping the group line-up that includes Cook Islands. Health (Cervical Screening): Free cervical screening continues in Rarotonga with a clinic at Kavera today, with further dates listed across the island. Public Safety & Justice: A New Zealand visitor to Rarotonga has been jailed for smuggling cocaine and cannabis, while a separate case in New Zealand links a rare bloodstream infection to a Cook Islands holiday. Community & Faith: The Cook Islands Red Cross and Health Ministry marked World Blood Donor Day, and the Catholic Diocese of Rarotonga is set to celebrate 60 years of faith and service.

OFC U19 Football: Cook Islands made a big qualification push at the CIFA Complex, thumping Tonga 4-1 in their opening match, with captain Dallas Rongokea scoring twice, and now face a must-win showdown against Papua New Guinea to keep their Samoa hopes alive. World Cup on Vaka TV: CIFA has selected live FIFA World Cup 2026 matches for streaming on Vaka TV, bringing the tournament to homes across the Cook Islands. Health & Safety: A free cervical screening clinic is running at Kavera today as Rarotonga outreach continues, and the Red Cross and Health Ministry marked World Blood Donor Day to thank lifesaving donors. Courts & Crime: A New Zealand visitor has been jailed for smuggling cocaine and cannabis into Rarotonga, receiving one year and 11 months. Public Health Alert: A rare, severe infection in a Kiwi man after a Cook Islands trip has been traced to a marine bacterium, with doctors urging awareness of risks after raw seafood. Environment & Governance: The National Environment Service is developing a National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution, aiming to cut waste and strengthen long-term behaviour change.

Plastics Policy Push: The Cook Islands National Environment Service is backing a National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution, aiming to cut waste entering landfill and the lagoon, strengthen recycling and recovery, and shift behaviour across government, schools, businesses and communities. Water Governance: Former PM Henry Puna has been appointed chair of Rarotonga’s water authority, To Tatou Vai, taking over after Brian Mason’s resignation, as the utility works toward safe, reliable and sustainable services. Weather Watch: A heavy swell and coastal inundation warning has been issued for the Cook Islands, with forecasts of 4–5 metre swells and impacts starting in the Southern Group before moving to the Northern Group. U19 Football: The Cook Islands opened their OFC U-19 qualifying campaign with a 4-1 win over Tonga, setting up a decisive showdown with Papua New Guinea for a spot at next year’s championship in Samoa. Sports Community: Jared Lutu, a South Auckland Special Olympics athlete of Cook Islands and Sāmoan heritage, is helping coach young people at Hauora Inclusion Day, promoting participation and confidence through modified sports. Northern Group Outreach: Punanga Turuturu Itivaine (PTI) completed a major outreach trip to Pukapuka, Rakahanga, Manihiki and Penrhyn.

Weather Watch: A heavy swell and coastal inundation warning has been issued for the Cook Islands, with swells forecast at 4–5 metres and impacts starting in the Southern Group today and the Northern Group from Thursday. Water Governance: Former PM Henry Puna has been appointed chair of Rarotonga’s water authority, To Tatou Vai, taking over from Brian Mason. Youth Football: Cook Islands U-19s opened their OFC qualifying campaign with a 4-1 win over Tonga, led by captain Dallas Rongokea’s two first-half goals, setting up a decisive match against Papua New Guinea for a spot in Samoa. Sports (Paddling): Champion va’a paddler Reuben Dearlove won the Masters Men 50 division at Te Aito 2026 in Tahiti. Environment & Health: Work is underway on a National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution in the Cook Islands, while a mental health workshop focuses on early signs of distress and links to alcohol and drug use. Maritime Security: NZDF supported fisheries surveillance in Cook Islands waters in May as part of Operation Tui Moana, including aerial spotting of vessels of interest.

OFC U-19 Qualifiers: The Cook Islands kicked off their home campaign with a 4-0 win over Tonga at the CIFA Academy in Rarotonga, with Captain Dallas Rongokea scoring twice and the hosts setting up a decisive match against Papua New Guinea for a spot at the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship in Samoa. Origin Rugby League: Country Maroons edged Town Blues 26-24 in a golden-point extra-time thriller at Nukupure Park, with skipper Daniel Toa praising the grit after the win. Maritime Security: New Zealand backed Cook Islands fisheries enforcement in May, with RNZAF and RNZN personnel supporting Operation Tui Moana, including aerial surveillance and patrols from Te Kukupa II. Mental Health Training: Te Kainga O Pa Taunga is running a week-long workshop in Rarotonga to help communities spot early signs of emotional and psychological distress. Sea Level Rise Research: International scientists shared new sea-level rise findings with Rarotonga residents, using the islands’ ancient geology to better predict future impacts. Housing Pressure: A letter highlights how tourism-linked short-term rentals are squeezing the long-term rental market, adding urgency to the Cook Islands housing crisis.

OFC U-19 Football: The Cook Islands kicked off the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2026 qualifying campaign with a 4-0 win over Tonga at the CIFA Academy in Rarotonga, with Dallas Rongokea scoring twice and Crocombe adding two more, setting up a crucial Friday match against Papua New Guinea for a spot in Samoa. Rugby League Origin: Country Maroons edged Town Blues 26-24 in golden-point extra time at Nukupure Park, with skipper Daniel Toa praising the grit after a tense opener that leaves them close to their first Origin title since 2024. Women’s Football: The Cook Islands women beat Afghanistan United 1-0 and 3-0 in Auckland in a historic series tied to new FIFA rules allowing Afghan women to represent their country. Maritime Security: NZDF supported Cook Islands fisheries patrols in May, with RNZAF aircraft also joining later searches for vessels of interest. Mental Health: Te Kainga O Pa Taunga is running a week-long course to boost community mental health awareness and help people spot early signs of distress. Northern Group Outreach: Punanga Turuturu Itivaine completed a major outreach trip to Pukapuka, Rakahanga, Manihiki and Penrhyn.

Maritime Security: Australia’s RAAF C-27J Spartan has deployed to the Cook Islands for Pacific surveillance under Operation Solania, working with RNZAF to support fisheries enforcement and identify vessels of interest. Regional Law & Cybercrime: Fiji is pushing Pacific-wide cybercrime coordination as legal experts meet in Nadi to finalise a regional handbook to strengthen laws and responses, with the Cook Islands among participants. Coastal Emergency (NZ): Huge swells have triggered evacuations along Wellington’s southern coast, with Cook Islands resident Thomas Tarurongo Wynne among those ordered out by 9am. Deep-Sea Science: NOAA will map deep waters around the Cook Islands this summer in a 28-day expedition with local partners, streaming live research and sharing data publicly. Football (Cook Islands): The OFC U-19 Men’s Championship qualifiers kick off in Rarotonga, with PNG starting strong against Tonga and the Cook Islands hosting as teams chase Samoa qualification. Local Sport: Country Maroons edged Town Blues 26-24 in golden-point extra time to take early lead in the 2026 Origin Series. Environment & Waste: A new baseline study links Cook Islands beach plastic pollution to tourism and local habits, calling for targeted waste management and better collaboration.

Pacific Cybercrime Push: Fiji’s acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga says Pacific legal systems must keep up as a regional handbook is being finalised in Nadi with Cook Islands and other countries to strengthen cybercrime laws and defenses. Cook Islands Maritime Security: NZDF personnel supported Cook Islands Police on Te Kukupa II for fisheries patrols under Operation Tui Moana, with air surveillance later used to track possible fishing and serious organised crime. Deep-Sea Mapping for Cook Islands: NOAA will lead a 28-day expedition this July–August to map deep waters around the Cook Islands, with live streaming and data shared to support local stewardship. Coastal Climate Risk in NZ (Cook Islands family affected): Wellington’s southern coastline evacuations continue as huge swells threaten homes; one Cook Islands resident says their Ōwhiro Bay property is just metres from the beach. Sport at Home: The OFC U-19 Men’s Championship qualifiers kick off in Rarotonga with Cook Islands hosting Tonga and Papua New Guinea, while PNG’s David Tita starred in an earlier qualifier win. Local Environment Watch: Studies and community reporting highlight beach plastic pollution linked to tourism and habits, and growing concerns over invasive pests and feral cats threatening Rarotonga seabirds.

Deep-Sea Minerals & NOAA: Deep Sea Minerals says it has submitted a NOAA application under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act and received a “substantial compliance” determination, advancing its U.S. regulatory push for seabed critical minerals. Oceania U-19 Football: Papua New Guinea opened the OFC U-19 Men’s qualifying in Rarotonga with a 4-0 win over Tonga, powered by David Tita’s hat-trick, putting PNG one step closer to Samoa. Local Sport (Tournament Host): Cook Islands begin their home qualifying campaign at the CIFA Complex, with coach Ngati Manuela banking on family support to lift the team. Seabed Science for the Cooks: NOAA will map deep waters around the Cook Islands this summer on the Okeanos Explorer, with live streaming and public release of data to support local stewardship. Environment & Waste: A baseline study links Cook Islands beach plastic pollution to tourism and community habits, while local groups warn invasive pests and feral cats are threatening Rarotonga’s rare seabirds. Governance & Land: Landowners react at the Law Commission’s second public consultation on returning warranted land no longer needed by the Crown.

OFC U-19 Qualifiers in Rarotonga: The Cook Islands kick off their home campaign today with Tonga and Papua New Guinea chasing a spot at the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship in Samoa, with coach Ngati Manuela betting on family support to lift the team. PNG U-19 push: Papua New Guinea opened the qualifying race in style, with David Tita’s hat-trick driving a 4-0 win over Tonga and putting PNG one step closer to qualification. Deep-sea mapping for Cook Islands: NOAA will lead a 28-day expedition this July–August to map deep waters around the Cook Islands, working with the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority and streaming live science for the public. Fuel stocks update: Government’s new online dashboard says fuel levels are stable, with Rarotonga up to 57 days of supply and Aitutaki “well-stocked.” Law & governance: Landowners are debating the Law Commission’s proposals on returning “warranted” land, while a separate case involving PM Mark Brown and Henry Puna may face an appeal. Environment watch: A study links Cook Islands beach plastic to tourism and local habits, and seabird researchers warn feral cats threaten Rarotonga’s rare birds.

OFC U19 Football Qualifiers: Papua New Guinea opened its campaign in Rarotonga with a 4-0 win over Tonga, with David Tita firing a hat-trick to put PNG one victory from booking a spot at next year’s OFC U19 Men’s Championship in Samoa. Local Sport Spotlight: Cook Islands are also hosting the qualifiers at the CIFA Academy, with home support expected to boost their push after a runner-up finish in 2024. Deep-Sea Science: NOAA will lead a 28-day expedition this July–August to map and explore deep waters around the Cook Islands, in partnership with the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority, with live streaming and public data sharing. Environment & Waste: A baseline study says Cook Islands beach plastic pollution is driven by tourism and local habits, prompting calls for targeted waste management and better coordination. Governance & Land: Landowners voiced concerns at the Law Commission’s second public consultation on returning “warranted” land no longer needed by the Crown. Energy Update: 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.

Deep-Sea Mapping: NOAA will lead a 28-day expedition to map and explore deep waters around the Cook Islands this July–August, working with the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority and streaming live dives and science for the public. Sports—Football: The Cook Islands host the OFC U19 Men’s Championship 2026 qualifying tournament at CIFA Complex in Rarotonga, with Tonga and Papua New Guinea joining the hosts for a shot at the OFC title and FIFA U-20 World Cup qualification. Local Governance—Land: Landowners packed the Law Commission’s second public consultation, questioning past Crown acquisitions and pushing for clearer rules on returning land no longer needed. Environment—Beach Plastic: A baseline study says Cook Islands beach plastic pollution is driven by tourism and community habits, prompting calls for targeted waste management and better collaboration. Energy—Fuel Stocks: Government’s new online dashboard reports stable fuel stock levels, with Rarotonga up to 57 days and Aitutaki well-stocked despite a 10-day petrol baseline. Community & Culture: “Taste of the Cook Islands” returns to Te Tapora Kai at Punanga Nui Market, spotlighting local food, crafts, and cultural demos. Police Service: Senior Constable Marama Ikike retires after 25 years with Cook Islands Police.