AGP Executive Report

Pacific Infrastructure & Ocean Protection: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown returned from the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau with two big wins: support for Marae Moana with the Bezos Earth Fund and BirdLife International, and a NZ$101m Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade co-funded by New Zealand and the United States. Deep-Sea Mining Backlash: Greenpeace Aotearoa is calling the Penrhyn port deal a “Trojan horse” for deep-sea mining, warning it links to critical minerals plans and could open the door to seabed extraction. Local Governance & Legal Risk: Brown says the Cook Islands will stick to science and caution, keeping exploration and research separate from extraction, as a new report warns stronger environmental rules could trigger costly investor-state disputes. Climate & Energy Pressure: Pacific communities facing fuel shortages are also bracing for a powerful El Niño, with warnings of drought in some areas and heavier rain in others—raising risks for drinking water, food and children’s health. Conservation Tech in the Clouds: A new partnership is using automated predator-control traps in Rarotonga’s Takuvaine cloud forest, installing the first such high-altitude traps of their kind in the Cook Islands to protect native wildlife from rats and feral cats. Health Systems for a Digital Age: Pacific health leaders met in Rarotonga to push resilient, equitable health systems, covering financing, workforce, health data and research, and AI—feeding into the Healthy Islands Vision 2050. Fisheries Science: Cook Islands’ MMR team returned from WCPFC SC22 in Samoa, highlighting how emerging tech and stronger stock-assessment work feed into better tuna management decisions. Marine Science Spotlight: NOAA’s deep-sea work continues to turn up poorly known life, including an “outrageously tiny” fish sighting during a mission off New England, alongside recent Cook Islands ROV exploration findings.

Cook Islands Infrastructure & Ocean Protection: PM Mark Brown returned from the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau after securing major support for Marae Moana with the Bezos Earth Fund and BirdLife International, plus a landmark NZ$101m Penrhyn port upgrade co-funded by New Zealand and the United States. Port Upgrade Scrutiny: The same Penrhyn/Tongareva project—US$50m plus NZ$10m—has drawn Greenpeace Aotearoa criticism, calling it a “Trojan horse” for deep-sea mining and raising transparency and environmental concerns. Seabed Mining Governance: Brown says the Cook Islands will stay cautious and stick to science, warning that stronger rules could trigger costly investor-state legal action, as Pacific governments face “chilling effect” risks. Climate & Water Stress: Pacific communities are being urged to prepare for a powerful El Niño, with ChildFund warning of drought in some areas, heavier rain in others, and mounting pressure on drinking water, food and children’s health. Conservation Tech in the Cloud Forest: Automated predator-control traps have been installed over 400m up in Rarotonga’s Takuvaine Valley, using technology to protect native wildlife from rats and feral cats. Marine Science Update: NOAA reported an “outrageously tiny” unidentified deep-sea fish from a recent expedition, underscoring how much ocean life remains undocumented. Regional Health & AI-Ready Systems: Pacific Heads of Health met in Rarotonga to modernise health systems for a digital age, covering health data, AI, climate resilience and workforce needs.

Pacific Infrastructure & Ocean Funding: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown returned from the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau after securing major support for Marae Moana with the Bezos Earth Fund and BirdLife International, plus a NZ$101m Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade co-funded by New Zealand and the United States. Port Upgrade Controversy: Greenpeace Aotearoa is calling the Penrhyn deal “a Trojan horse” and “resource grabbing,” linking it to the US Critical Minerals Framework and fears of a pathway to deep-sea mining. Local Governance & Caution on Seabed Mining: Brown says the Cook Islands will stick to science and only move from exploration to extraction when it has the answers it needs, amid warnings about legal risks from investor-state disputes. Conservation Tech in the Cloud Forest: Waihī Beach and Rarotonga’s Te Ipukarea Society have deployed automated rat traps over 400m up in the Takuvaine Valley cloud forest, using predator-control tech to protect native wildlife. Marine Science Update: NOAA reported an “outrageously tiny” unidentified deep-sea fish from a New England expedition, while noting recent Cook Islands ROV work that recovered a whale beak and observed glass sponges. Regional Health Tech Focus: Pacific Heads of Health met in Rarotonga to modernise health systems for a digital age, covering AI, health data and research, and climate resilience.

Deep-sea discovery: NOAA’s latest deep-ocean mission off New England spotted an “outrageously tiny” fish, estimated at just 5mm to 1cm, still unidentified but possibly a juvenile sea toad—another reminder that much of the ocean’s life remains undocumented. Local conservation tech: A new Cook Islands partnership is using automated rat traps in the cloud forest above 400m on Rarotonga, aiming to protect seabirds and native wildlife in hard-to-reach terrain. Coral repair science: A study reports damselfish can speed up healing of wounded corals—up to 55% faster for larger injuries—suggesting fish habitat protection could directly improve reef recovery. Pacific health (digital age): Leaders at the 17th Pacific Heads of Health Meeting in Rarotonga agreed on priorities spanning health financing, non-communicable diseases, reproductive health, health data and research, AI, and climate resilience. Seabed mining controversy: Greenpeace Aotearoa is attacking a US–NZ co-funded Penrhyn/Tongareva port upgrade as a “Trojan horse” for deep-sea mining, while Cook Islands leaders urge caution and say extraction won’t move ahead without the science. Regional funding push: The US announced $150m+ for Pacific nations (with NZ support for Penrhyn), targeting energy security, anti-illegal fishing tech, and infrastructure—while campaigners warn the money could reshape regional priorities. Tuna management: Cook Islands officials returned from WCPFC scientific meetings, stressing that stronger science and emerging tools are key to turning research into sustainable tuna decisions. Citizen science + tradition: Students on Mauke and Atiu completed early field pilots of a marine citizen science programme that blends traditional knowledge with reef monitoring tools like photogrammetry.

Deep-Sea Mining Backlash: Greenpeace Aotearoa is blasting a US–New Zealand co-funded port upgrade at Tongareva (Penrhyn) as a “Trojan horse” for deep-sea mining, pointing to the Critical Minerals Framework and the Penrhyn Basin’s polymetallic nodules. Local Tech & Conservation: A new automated predator-control effort is taking rat traps into Rarotonga’s Takuvaine cloud forest, with volunteers installing the first such high-altitude traps in the Cook Islands to protect seabirds and native wildlife. Indigenous Knowledge in Research: Greenpeace says Pacific Indigenous knowledge must carry equal weight in the deep-sea mining debate—and that communities must control how their ocean knowledge is used. Pacific Health Tech Agenda: The 17th Pacific Heads of Health meeting in Rarotonga set priorities spanning health data and research, AI, workforce development, and climate-resilient health systems. Tuna Science for Policy: Cook Islands fisheries officials returned from WCPFC Scientific Committee work in Samoa, stressing that emerging technologies and strong peer review should translate into better tuna management decisions. Reef Monitoring, Culture + Tools: Students on Mauke and Atiu completed early pilots of a marine citizen science programme that blends traditional knowledge with practical reef monitoring methods.

Conservation Tech in the Cloud Forest: A new partnership between Waihī Beach and Rarotonga’s Te Ipukarea Society has deployed automated predator-control traps (AT220/AT230) in the Takuvaine Valley cloud forest, now operating over 400 metres above sea level to protect seabirds and native wildlife from rats and feral cats. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Greenpeace says Indigenous knowledge in the Pacific must carry equal weight in deep-sea mining decisions, arguing communities should control how ocean knowledge is used—not just be consulted. Port Upgrade Sparks Tech, Trade, and Environment Questions: The US and New Zealand are co-funding a Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade, but Greenpeace Aotearoa calls it colonial “resource grabbing,” while critics raise transparency and environmental concerns tied to the wider critical minerals push. Pacific Health Meets Digital Age: Pacific Heads of Health wrapped up in Rarotonga, focusing on resilient health systems for a digital future, including AI, health data and research, and climate resilience. Coral Repair via Fish Help: A new study reports damselfish can speed up wounded coral healing, suggesting reef conservation should protect fish habitats alongside corals. Tuna Science for Management: Cook Islands marine scientists returned from WCPFC SC22 in Samoa, pushing for stronger science-to-policy links for sustainable tuna fisheries.

Pacific Health & Digital Health: Pacific Heads of Health wrapped up the 17th meeting in Rarotonga, focusing on resilient “Healthy Islands” systems for a digital age—covering health financing, non-communicable diseases, workforce, health data and research, AI, climate resilience, and health security. Port Upgrade vs Seabed Mining Fears: The US and New Zealand’s NZ$100m+ Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade is drawing heat in the Cook Islands, with Greenpeace Aotearoa calling it colonial “resource grabbing” tied to deep-sea mining, while PM Mark Brown says the country will stay cautious and stick to science. US-Pacific Tech & Energy Push: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, the US announced $150m+ for Pacific priorities—energy security, anti-illegal fishing tech, and infrastructure—while Tonga’s package includes secure government cloud migration and data-centre modernisation. Tuna Science in Action: Cook Islands’ MMR returned from WCPFC SC22 in Samoa, stressing that better science and emerging tools feed into stronger tuna management decisions. Coral Repair Discovery: A study reports damselfish-assisted healing of wounded corals, with faster recovery when fish are present—pointing to fish habitat protection as a conservation lever.

Pacific Infrastructure & Minerals: The US and New Zealand have announced a US$60m (plus NZ$17.5m) upgrade to the Penrhyn/Tongareva port, framed as a “lifeline” for the northern Cook Islands and linked to a Critical Minerals Framework—while Greenpeace Aotearoa calls it colonial “resource grabbing,” warning it could pave the way for deep-sea mining. Local Governance & Risk: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says the country will stick to science and caution, keeping to exploration and research until it has answers, as Pacific groups warn investor-state rules could limit how governments tighten environmental protections. Regional Tech & Security Funding: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, Washington pledged $150m+ for Pacific energy security, anti–illegal fishing tech, and port and digital infrastructure support—part of a broader push to deepen ties amid growing great-power competition. Marine Science: A new study reports damselfish-assisted repair can speed coral healing, suggesting fish habitat protection could improve reef recovery. Tuna Research: MMR staff returned from WCPFC Scientific Committee work in Samoa, aiming to turn emerging science and technologies into stronger tuna management decisions.

Pacific Tech & Energy: The US and Australia unveiled a combined US$580m package for Pacific nations at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, with major focus on energy security (including a proposed US$60m Regional Energy Security Initiative), digital infrastructure, and law enforcement. Cook Islands Port Push: The US and NZ are funding a strategic port upgrade at Penrhyn/Tongareva (US$50m + NZ$17.5m), raising fresh concerns that it could be a stepping stone for deep-sea mining. Seabed Mining Caution: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says his government will stick to science and only move from exploration to extraction once answers are in, while a new report warns investor-state dispute rules could chill stronger environmental protections. Tuna Sustainability: MMR returned from WCPFC Scientific Committee SC22 in Samoa, stressing that robust peer-reviewed science and emerging tools should translate into better tuna management decisions. Reef Science: A new study reports damselfish can speed coral wound healing, suggesting fish habitat protection could strengthen conservation plans. Health & Data: UH Cancer Center’s Body Composition Shared Resource Laboratory received IAEA Collaborating Centre status, supporting standardized nuclear and radiological body composition assessment. Local STEM: Students on Mauke and Atiu completed early field pilots of a citizen science reef monitoring programme blending traditional knowledge with tools like photogrammetry.

Pacific Funding Push: Australia and the US announced a combined US$580m for Pacific Island nations at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, with the US highlighting energy security, illegal fishing, infrastructure, digital technology, and law enforcement as key targets. Cook Islands Port & Deep-Sea Mining Tensions: Greenpeace Aotearoa calls the US–NZ plan to co-fund a new Penrhyn/Tongareva port a “colonial” move tied to deep-sea mining, while Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says the country will stick to science-first caution and won’t move from exploration to extraction without answers. Tuna Science at WCPFC: The Cook Islands’ marine team returned from WCPFC SC22, stressing that stronger peer-reviewed science and emerging tools should translate into better tuna management decisions. Local Tech for Reef Care: Students on Mauke and Atiu completed early pilots of a marine citizen science programme blending traditional knowledge with monitoring tools like photogrammetry. Health Tech Recognition: UH’s body composition lab was named an IAEA Collaborating Centre, aiming to standardize nuclear and radiological assessment methods through 2030.

Deep-Sea Mining Crossroads: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is mapping American Samoa’s deep seafloor with ROV dives and sonar as a US lease auction for seabed mineral rights is set for Nov 19, 2026—while lawsuits challenge whether mining can proceed without harming protected species. Tiny Ocean Discovery: NOAA also shared a “outrageously tiny” deep-sea fish find (as small as 5mm to 1cm) from an earlier Cook Islands ROV exploration, highlighting how much remains unknown in the Pacific. Cook Islands Seabed Mining Policy: Prime Minister Mark Brown says the Cook Islands will stick to science and caution, warning that stronger environmental rules could trigger costly investor-state disputes. Port Upgrade Boost: The US and New Zealand are funding over NZ$100m to upgrade Penrhyn/Tongareva port, with New Zealand coordinating delivery. Regional Tech & Health Capacity: UH’s Body Composition Laboratory earned an IAEA Collaborating Centre designation, supporting standardized nuclear and radiological body composition work through 2030. Reef Monitoring With Culture: Students on Mauke and Atiu completed citizen-science reef monitoring pilots that blend traditional knowledge with marine survey tools.

Pacific Islands Forum Diplomacy: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says his government will stick to science and caution on seabed mining, warning that stronger environmental rules could trigger costly investor legal action under investor-state dispute rules. Port Tech & Infrastructure: The US and New Zealand are funding a major Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade—over NZ$100 million total—with the US contributing about NZ$84m and NZ about NZ$17.5m, aiming to boost connectivity for the northern Cook Islands. Geopolitics at the Seafloor: A separate US-led plan would develop a deep-sea port on Penrhyn’s former WWII military base, with NZ managing the build; the move is framed as strategic amid rising Pacific power competition. Health Tech & Community: Cook Islands women are pushing to break the silence on menopause, citing limited local support and a need for more culturally open health conversations. Research & Nuclear Skills: The UH Cancer Center’s Body Composition Shared Resource Laboratory has been designated an IAEA Collaborating Centre, supporting standardized body-composition assessment methods and training through 2030. Citizen Science for Reefs: Students in Mauke and Atiu completed early pilots of a marine citizen science programme that blends traditional knowledge with reef monitoring tools like photogrammetry. Regional Leadership: 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.

Menopause Awareness Push: Cook Islands women, led by Te Marū o te Vaine, are breaking the silence on menopause after a Rarotonga event on 14 August highlighted cultural taboo and limited local support. Cancer Research & Health Tech: The University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center’s Body Composition Shared Resource Laboratory has been designated an IAEA Collaborating Centre, aiming to standardize nuclear and radiological body composition assessments (including DXA and deuterium methods) through work plans running to 2030. Reef Monitoring, With Culture: Students on Mauke and Atiu completed the first field pilots of a citizen science programme that blends traditional ecological knowledge with practical reef monitoring tools like photogrammetry. Deep-Sea Science vs Mining: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is running a 29-day expedition near American Samoa with robot dives and live telepresence, as a lease auction for potential commercial mining is set for 19 November 2026. Regional Leadership & Delivery: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says Pacific leaders must shift from promises to deliverables as security, climate and ocean issues take centre stage. Marine Careers: Pamela Maru will become the first Cook Islander appointed to an executive role at the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, starting January 2027.

IAEA & Health Research: The University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center’s Body Composition Shared Resource Laboratory has been named an IAEA Collaborating Centre, with a work plan through 2030 to standardize nuclear and radiological body composition testing and train IAEA Member States. Reef Science & Citizen Data: Students on Mauke and Atiu completed the first field pilots of a culture-led marine citizen science programme, mixing traditional knowledge with monitoring tools like photogrammetry to track reef health. Pacific Security & Ocean Resources: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says Pacific leaders must shift from promises to deliverables as major powers compete for influence and access to ocean minerals at upcoming regional meetings. Deep-Sea Mapping & Policy Tension: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is running ROV dives near American Samoa to map deep habitats and assess critical minerals, while a lease auction is set for November—raising concerns about when public data will reach decision-makers. Fisheries Science: Cook Islands representatives joined the WCPFC Scientific Committee session in Apia, contributing tuna and bycatch science inputs that feed into regional management decisions. Regional Leadership: Pamela Maru has resigned as Cook Islands Marine Resources head to become Deputy Director-General at the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency in January 2027. Governance Appointments: Three Permanent Secretaries were sworn in to lead key ministries, including Finance and Treasury and Police, National Security and Correctional Services.

Marine Citizen Science: Mauke and Atiu students and community members have completed the first field pilots of the Te Reinga Aorangi Marine Citizen Science Programme, pairing traditional knowledge with hands-on reef monitoring tools like photogrammetry to track biodiversity and reef health. Regional Security & Resources: Pacific leaders head to Palau for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, with the big question being whether island nations can keep a common voice as China, the US and partners compete over security and ocean resources. Deep-Sea Mining Scrutiny: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is mapping deep waters near American Samoa with live-streamed robot dives, even as a lease auction for potential mining is set for November—raising concerns about when public data reaches decision-makers. Cook Islands Fisheries Leadership: Pamela Maru will leave Cook Islands Marine Resources in December to become Deputy Director-General at the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency in January 2027, after representing the Cook Islands at WCPFC science talks. Governance Appointments: Three Permanent Secretaries were sworn in to key ministries, including Finance and Treasury, Police/National Security, and Culture and Tourism. Pacific Climate Action Push: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says the Pacific needs deliverables, not more promises, as leaders meet on security, climate and economic challenges.

Marine Science & Culture: Mauke and Atiu students and community members have finished the first field pilots of the Te Reinga Aorangi Marine Citizen Science Programme, pairing traditional knowledge with hands-on reef monitoring tools like photogrammetry to track biodiversity and support ocean stewardship. Regional Security & Resources: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says Pacific leaders must shift from promises to deliverables as Realm talks in Auckland feed into wider debates over security, climate resilience, and control of ocean resources. Deep-Sea Data vs Mining Politics: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is running ROV dives near American Samoa with live telepresence, but critics warn a major gap remains between what scientists collect and what the public can access before commercial mining decisions. Fisheries Leadership: Pamela Maru will leave her Cook Islands Marine Resources role in December to become Deputy Director-General at the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency in January 2027. Ocean Governance Research: ISA–China joint training has opened a call for deep-sea data research proposals, including work involving Cook Islands seabed minerals science partners. Government Appointments: Three Permanent Secretaries were sworn in to lead key ministries, including Finance and Treasury and Police, National Security and Correctional Services.