AGP Executive Report

Deep-Sea Mapping: NOAA will lead a 28-day expedition this July–August to map and study deep waters around the Cook Islands, using remotely operated vehicles, advanced mapping, and in-situ sensors, with live streaming for shore-based researchers and the public and publicly released data to support local stewardship. Seabird Protection: Local researchers are spotlighting Rarotonga’s cloud-forest seabirds, including the Kōputu petrel, as new records show feral cats preying on ground-nesting species that act as early indicators of ocean health. Food Safety Rules: EU officials’ new freezer-vessel requirements are rolling out after concerns about brine temperatures, and a regional training in Suva aims to help Pacific Island authorities and exporters keep access to the EU seafood market—potentially affecting about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels. Ocean Plastic Education: Waihī Beach School pupils are turning discarded waste into fish sculptures for a community mobile installation, using materials still washing ashore after the MV Rena grounding to raise awareness of marine plastic pollution. Ocean Governance at Summit: Pacific leaders at a Tokyo summit are pushing for better access to finance, technology, scientific data, and capacity-building to manage oceans amid climate, biodiversity loss, and pollution pressures. Tourism vs Waste: A new Jetstar Brisbane service and seasonal Christchurch flights could lift visitor numbers beyond 200,000, but commentators warn growth must not outpace waste management for a small island population. High Seas Voyaging: Cook Islands-linked voyaging leaders and ocean experts gathered on Rapa Nui to strengthen ancestral ties and coordinate high-seas marine conservation efforts.

Deep-Sea Mapping: NOAA will lead a 28-day expedition this July–August to map and study deep waters around the Cook Islands, using remotely operated vehicles, advanced mapping and in-situ sensors, with live streaming for shore-based researchers and the public and open sharing of data and samples with local authorities. Food Safety & Trade: EU officials’ new freezer-vessel rules are rolling out across Pacific Island states; a Suva training for Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu targets compliance after EU auditors found brine temperatures often missed -18°C, with the change expected to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific-flagged vessels. Ocean Health & Community: Waihī pupils turned discarded plastic into fish sculptures, using waste including pellets still washing ashore after the MV Rena grounding, aiming for a mobile installation to spark local discussion on marine plastic pollution. Biodiversity Under Threat: Local researchers are spotlighting Rarotonga’s cloud-forest seabirds, including the Kōputu petrel, as new records show feral cats preying on ground-nesting species. Ocean Governance: Pacific leaders at a Tokyo summit urged better access to finance, technology and scientific data for sustainable ocean planning, with Cook Islands PM Mark Brown among attendees.

Biodiversity Under Threat: Te Ipukarea Society reports feral cats are preying on Rarotonga’s ground-nesting seabirds, including the Kōputu petrel, raising alarms for species that act as early ocean-health indicators. Deep-Sea Mapping: NOAA will lead a 28-day expedition this July–August to map and study deep waters around the Cook Islands, using remotely operated vehicles, advanced mapping and in-situ sensors, with live streaming and public release of data and samples. Ocean Food Safety: EU officials’ new freezer-vessel requirements are rolling out after auditors found brine temperatures falling short of -18°C; a regional training in Suva aims to keep Pacific Island exporters—covering about 97% of EU-listed vessels—compliant. Marine Plastic Education: Waihī pupils turned discarded waste into fish sculptures, using materials still washing ashore after the MV Rena grounding, to build a community installation highlighting ocean plastic pollution. Ocean Governance Push: Pacific leaders at a Tokyo summit—including Cook Islands PM Mark Brown—are calling for better access to finance, technology and scientific data to strengthen sustainable ocean planning and management. Tourism vs Waste: A local analysis warns that rising visitor numbers from new air links could push waste burdens beyond what the Cook Islands can manage, with plastics dominating beach litter.

EU Food Safety Compliance: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials trained in Suva for new EU freezer-vessel requirements under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, expected to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged freezer vessels exporting to the EU. Ocean Tech & Data Needs: Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine told a Tokyo ocean summit that island states need more access to finance, technology, scientific data and capacity-building to manage oceans sustainably. Marine Pollution in Schools: Waihī Beach School pupils made fish sculptures from discarded waste, including plastic pellets washing ashore after the MV Rena grounding, as part of an ocean conservation art project. Food Security Push: A Cook Islands agriculture commentary argues the country can cut import dependence by strengthening grower associations, boosting local production and improving market coordination. Tourism Waste Warning: An opinion piece flags that rising visitor numbers from new air links could worsen plastic and landfill pressures in Rarotonga and Aitutaki, urging regenerative tourism that matches waste capacity. Regional Ocean Protection via Voyaging: Leaders and experts gathered on Rapa Nui to share voyaging knowledge and collaborate on high-seas ocean conservation initiatives.

Ocean Tech & Policy: Pacific leaders at the Island States Ocean Summit in Tokyo, including Cook Islands PM Mark Brown, pushed for better access to finance, technology, scientific data and capacity-building to manage oceans amid climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Local Waste Innovation: Waihī Beach School pupils (with cultural creative leader Stan Wolfgramm) turned discarded plastic bottles and recovered marine waste into fish sculptures, feeding into a community mobile installation to tackle plastic pollution. Food Security Angle: A Cook Islands-focused opinion argues the country should boost local agriculture to cut import dependence and strengthen resilience, pointing to grower associations and potential across Rarotonga and the Southern Group islands. Sustainable Tourism Pressure: Te Ipukarea Society warns that visitor growth driven by new air links risks outpacing waste management, citing Rarotonga beach litter findings dominated by plastics. Regional Tech/Travel Tools: South Pacific Pocket Guide launched a Wallis and Futuna Pocket Guide with local tourism partners, aiming to support independent travellers and digital discovery.

Ocean Tech & Education: Waihī Beach School pupils (with cultural leader Stan Wolfgramm) turned discarded plastic bottles, recovered waste and even persistent pellets into fish sculptures, aiming to assemble them into a community mobile installation to tackle marine plastic pollution. Regional Ocean Governance: Pacific leaders at a Tokyo summit—including Cook Islands PM Mark Brown—told island states need better access to finance, technology, scientific data and capacity-building to manage oceans amid climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Food Security & Local Farming: A Cook Islands-focused opinion argues the country should boost local production to cut import dependence, strengthen growers’ associations, and improve coordination and market access across Rarotonga and the Southern Group. Tourism vs Waste Pressure: Another Cook Islands piece warns that rising visitor numbers from new air links could outpace waste systems, citing beach litter findings dominated by plastics and calling for regenerative tourism that matches infrastructure capacity. Pacific Media Resilience: SPREP-backed training will build Pacific media skills to report weather and climate, with selected journalists also covering key meteorology meetings in Tonga. High Seas Conservation via Voyaging: Leaders and scientists gathered on Rapa Nui to share voyaging knowledge and collaborate on high seas ocean conservation, including indigenous stewardship approaches.

Tourism & Tech Infrastructure: Fiji again proved it can host big regional events, with SPTE 2026 at Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay—featuring a purpose-built convention centre, advanced AV, and Fiji Airways’ role as a key connector for Pacific buyers and sellers. Digital Travel Guides: South Pacific Pocket Guide launched an online Wallis and Futuna Pocket Guide with Wallis and Futuna Tourisme, built from on-the-ground research and backed by a 200+ photo image library to support independent travellers and tourism partners. AI in the Pacific Workforce: A Cook Islands–Tahitian executive, Michael Skeens, is helping Tower Insurance roll out AI tools in customer service across Aotearoa and the Pacific, stressing change management for staff buy-in. Ocean Protection & Voyaging: Leaders and experts gathered on Rapa Nui for Te Piri mā’ohi o Te Moana Nui a Hiva to strengthen voyaging ties and collaborate on high-seas marine conservation. Climate Media Capacity: SPREP is running a Pacific media workshop (17–18 Sept) to boost weather and climate reporting skills, with selected journalists also covering PMC8 and ministers’ meetings in Tonga. Local Waste Pressure from Tourism Growth: Cook Islands tourism growth is colliding with waste realities, as new air links and visitor targets risk adding more plastics and litter that the islands must manage.

Tourism & Regional Tech/Trade: Fiji hosted SPTE 2026 for the third time, using the Crowne Plaza Nadi Bay Resort’s pillarless Crown Convention Centre (up to 900 delegates, advanced AV and LED) to bring Pacific tourism businesses and partners together, with Fiji Airways backing as Platinum Sponsor. Travel Content for the Pacific: South Pacific Pocket Guide launched a Wallis and Futuna Pocket Guide with Wallis and Futuna Tourisme, built from on-the-ground research and paired with an image library of 200+ photos to support independent travellers and digital discovery. Sports & Community Links: Afghan Women United’s team is training in Auckland and will play matches against a Cook Islands team, highlighting how sport can reopen international pathways after Taliban-era restrictions. Ocean Science & Policy: A deep-sea mining fleet investigation says China’s oceanographic ships spent only about 6% of time in seabed mining areas over five years, raising concerns about environmental risk and military dual-use implications. Nuclear Waste Debate: Fukushima’s treated water release continues to spark scientific and political pushback, with critics challenging the ALPS treatment plan. Climate Media Capacity: SPREP is running a Pacific media workshop (17–18 Sept) to boost weather and climate reporting skills, with selected journalists also covering PMC8 and ministers’ meetings in Tonga. Ocean Conservation via Voyaging: Leaders and experts gathered on Rapa Nui to strengthen voyaging ties and collaborate on high-seas ocean protection, with Cook Islands participation noted. Local Tech/AI in Services: Tower Insurance’s rollout of AI customer-service tools is being led by Cook Islands–Tahitian executive Michael Skeens, focusing on how people adapt, not just the tech itself. Tourism vs Waste in the Cook Islands: Te Ipukarea Society warns that arrival-focused tourism growth (new Jetstar Brisbane service and Christchurch–Rarotonga flights) could push visitor numbers past 200,000 while increasing plastic and landfill burdens on small islands.

Deep-Sea Mining & Geopolitics: A new look at China’s deep-sea mining fleet says several ocean research ships spent only a small share of their time in seabed mining areas, raising concerns about environmental risk and possible military “dual use.” Fukushima Water Debate: Scientists and a Pacific Islands Forum-linked expert panel member again challenged Japan’s ALPS wastewater treatment plan, arguing there are serious scientific problems with the approach. Tourism Waste Pressure: Cook Islands tourism growth is colliding with waste capacity, with Jetstar and Air New Zealand services potentially pushing visitor numbers past 200,000—while plastics and beach litter remain a major concern. AI in the Pacific Workforce: Tower Insurance’s Cook Islands–Tahitian executive is leading an AI rollout in customer service, focusing on how people adapt, not just the tech. Ocean Protection via Voyaging: Pacific leaders and ocean experts gathered at Rapa Nui to strengthen voyaging ties and coordinate high-seas marine conservation. Climate Reporting Skills: SPREP is backing a Pacific media workshop to boost weather and climate coverage ahead of key regional meteorology meetings in Tonga. Agri Innovation for SIDS: The Global AgriInno Challenge 2026 is open for innovators tackling agrifood problems in small island states, with Cook Islands teams eligible for reserved finalist spots.

AI in Insurance: Tower Insurance’s Pacific operations leader, Cook Islands–Tahitian executive Michael Skeens, says the company’s AI rollout is as much about change management for staff as it is about new tools in customer service. Tourism + Waste Pressure: Te Ipukarea Society warns that visitor growth is outpacing waste handling capacity, pointing to Rarotonga beach plastic litter levels and arguing for regenerative tourism that matches infrastructure. Deep-Sea Mining + Geopolitics: A major investigation into China’s deep-sea mining fleet says mining-linked research ships spent only a small share of time in seabed mining areas, raising concerns about environmental risk and possible military dual use. Fukushima Water Debate: Scientists and a Pacific Islands Forum expert panel member renew criticism of Japan’s ALPS wastewater plan, keeping politics and science tightly tangled. Ocean Conservation via Voyaging: Rapa Nui hosted a Pacific leaders’ convening focused on high seas protection, sharing voyaging knowledge and marine conservation practices across the region. Education Tech Pathways: Open Polytechnic graduation coverage highlights online learning outcomes, including a Cook Islands–born graduate now working in social services support. Agrifood Innovation for SIDS: The FAO-backed Global AgriInno Challenge 2026 is open for solutions in small island contexts, with Cook Islands among eligible teams. Sports + Community Links: An Afghan women’s football team training in Auckland is set to play matches against a Cook Islands team, spotlighting resilience through sport.

Deep-Sea Mining Scrutiny: A new look at China’s deep-sea mining fleet says its research ships spent only about 6% of their time in seabed mining areas over five years, with much of their activity elsewhere—raising fresh questions about environmental risk and possible military dual use. Nuclear Waste Debate: Fukushima’s treated wastewater release continues to spark pushback, with scientists and a Pacific Islands Forum-linked expert panel member arguing the ALPS treatment plan has serious scientific problems. Critical Minerals Race: A major global push for lithium, rare earths and other “essential” minerals is accelerating, with governments and firms leaning on AI exploration and advanced drilling—while market forecasts point to big growth through 2040. Pacific Climate Reporting Boost: SPREP is backing a regional media workshop to strengthen how Pacific journalists cover weather and climate, including coverage tied to upcoming meteorology meetings in Tonga. Ocean Conservation & Voyaging: Leaders and experts gathered at Rapa Nui to share voyaging knowledge and coordinate high-seas marine protection efforts, with Cook Islands participation among many Pacific communities. Cook Islands Connectivity: China delivered a new 43-metre inter-island vessel, MV Tuitui Moana, aimed at improving transport across the Pa Enua. Tourism vs Waste: A local critique warns that rising visitor numbers from new air links could outpace waste management, citing high plastic litter levels on Rarotonga beaches. AI in Service Work: A Cook Islands–Tahitian executive at Tower Insurance says AI rollout success depends as much on people adapting as on the technology itself. Agrifood Innovation Call: The Global AgriInno Challenge 2026 is open for SIDS-focused agrifood innovators, with Cook Islands among eligible countries. Digital Harm Warning: A commentary argues digital tools are enabling increasingly severe child sexual abuse imagery, calling for urgent action.

Deep-Sea Mining & Geopolitics: A new investigation into China’s deep-sea mining fleet says eight mining-linked ships spent only about 6% of their time in seabed mining areas over five years, with the rest elsewhere—including spots Western experts flag as strategically important—raising both environmental and military dual-use concerns. Fukushima Water Debate: Scientists and a nuclear radiation advocate have renewed criticism of Japan’s ALPS wastewater treatment plan, arguing the approach has serious scientific problems and remains politically charged. Critical Minerals Rush: A global market update highlights accelerating investment in minerals for clean energy and tech, pointing to growing use of AI-driven exploration and advanced drilling, alongside projections of a major expansion in the critical minerals market by 2040. Cook Islands Connectivity: China-built MV Tuitui Moana was inaugurated in Guangxi, with the vessel set to support inter-island transport under the Cook Islands’ shipping roadmap. Ocean Protection & Voyaging: Pacific leaders and ocean experts gathered on Rapa Nui to strengthen voyaging ties and collaborate on high-seas marine conservation. Tourism vs Waste: Te Ipukarea Society-linked commentary warns that visitor growth—boosted by new air links—risks outpacing the Cook Islands’ ability to manage plastic and other waste. AI in Pacific Workplaces: A Cook Islands–Tahitian executive at Tower Insurance says AI rollout success depends as much on people adapting as on the technology itself. Agrifood Innovation for SIDS: The Global AgriInno Challenge 2026 is open for solutions targeting agrifood problems in small island developing states, with Cook Islands teams eligible. Digital Harm Alert: A local op-ed argues digital tools are enabling increasingly explicit child exploitation, calling it a real and growing harm.

Critical Minerals & AI-Driven Mining: A new push to secure lithium, nickel, cobalt, copper, graphite and rare earths is accelerating worldwide, with governments and firms using advanced geological modelling, AI exploration and “greener” extraction methods—an expansion that could lift the energy-transition minerals market from $325B to about $770B by 2040. Climate Media Training: SPREP is backing a Pacific media workshop (17–18 Sept) to help journalists report on weather and climate, with selected participants covering PMC8 and ministers’ meetings in Tonga. Ocean Protection via Voyaging: Leaders and scientists gathered at Rapa Nui for Te Piri mā’ohi o Te Moana Nui a Hiva, focusing on high-seas stewardship and marine conservation. Tourism vs Waste: Te Ipukarea Society warns that visitor growth—boosted by new air links—risks outpacing waste management, citing Rarotonga beach plastic litter findings. AI in the Pacific Workplace: Tower’s Cook Islands–Tahitian executive Michael Skeens becomes COO, overseeing an AI-enabled contact centre. Regional Tech & Security: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up, with Cook Islands among partners targeting IUU fishing across Pacific waters.

Ocean Protection & Voyaging: Rapa Nui’s ocean council, with the Polynesian Voyaging Society and Pacific Pwo Navigators, hosted Te Piri mā’ohi o Te Moana Nui a Hiva, bringing together voyaging leaders, scientists and government reps across the Pacific to strengthen ancestral ties and coordinate high-seas marine conservation. Tourism vs Waste: Te Ipukarea Society warns that visitor growth is outpacing waste capacity, citing Rarotonga beach plastic litter levels (up to 57.7 items per 100 metres) and arguing regenerative tourism must include better waste management. AI in Local Services: Tower Insurance appointed Cook Islands–Tahitian executive Michael Skeens as Chief Operations Officer, tasked with leading operations and rolling out AI-enabled customer service, including a Suva service hub and faster call handling. Fisheries Surveillance: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up after three weeks of regional patrols and monitoring to deter IUU fishing, with Cook Islands among participating countries. Digital Harm Alert: Ruta Mave highlights growing child exploitation risks tied to AI-enabled image manipulation and online abuse. Education Access: Open Polytechnic celebrated graduates, including Cook Islands-born Susan Aretere, reflecting growing pathways for social work and community-focused careers.

Tourism & Waste Pressure: Te Ipukarea Society warns that visitor growth is outpacing waste capacity, citing beach plastic pollution on Rarotonga and Aitutaki and arguing the Cook Islands must manage rubbish as new air links push arrivals higher. AI in Pacific Business: Tower Insurance appoints Cook Islands–Tahitian executive Michael Skeens as Chief Operations Officer, highlighting an AI-enabled contact centre and a people-first approach to workplace change across Aotearoa and the Pacific. Regional Fisheries Security: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wraps up after three weeks of coordinated surveillance to deter IUU fishing and other maritime crimes, with Cook Islands among participating nations. Connectivity by Sea: China-based construction delivers the MV Tuitui Moana inter-island vessel, backed as a key step in the Cook Islands’ domestic shipping roadmap. Youth Mental Health & Tech: WHO flags rising youth mental health pressures across the Pacific tied to climate stress, online harms, misinformation, and accelerating AI influence. SIDS Agrifood Innovation Call: Global AgriInno Challenge 2026 opens applications for solutions in small island developing states, with Cook Islands eligible for reserved finalist spots. Education & Online Learning: Open Polytechnic graduation coverage spotlights a Cook Islands–born student’s Bachelor of Social Work journey, reflecting growing pathways through distance learning.

AI in the Pacific workplace: Tower Insurance has appointed Cook Islands–Tahitian executive Michael Skeens as Chief Operations Officer, with a focus on scaling AI-enabled customer service and improving customer metrics. Regional tech & connectivity: China’s Guangxi has built and formally launched the MV Tuitui Moana, a new 43-metre inter-island vessel for Cook Islands connectivity under the Pa Enua shipping roadmap. Fisheries surveillance: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up after three weeks of coordinated patrols and monitoring across multiple Pacific EEZs, including Cook Islands, targeting IUU fishing and other maritime crime. Deep-sea mining debate: A letter raises concerns that seabed mining company merger filings point to “accelerated” production timelines, while government says decisions aren’t made and baseline science is still underway. Education & skills: CITTI graduation saw 103 students complete programmes, including a standout Aitutaki family trio earning a Level 3 automotive engineering certificate. Youth online safety: Ruta Mave warns that AI-powered digital tools are being used to create exploitative child imagery, calling it a growing local harm. Health & policy: WHO’s Pacific chief links youth mental health pressures to climate stress and online harms, urging governments to treat physical activity and mental wellbeing together.