Health Workforce Boost: University of Auckland’s School of Nursing delivered advanced clinical training in Rarotonga for 15 Cook Islands nurses, building on six months of collaboration to strengthen the local nursing workforce. Referral Rules Expanded: Te Marae Ora’s Patient Referral Policy 2026 widens eligibility for referrals, including permanent returning Cook Islanders (no stand-down), contract expatriate workers after six months, and Permanent Resident certificate holders. Eye Health Partnership: Christian Blind Mission NZ and Te Marae Ora signed a Health Collaboration Agreement to expand inclusive eye health and rehabilitation, including a dedicated refractive error vision centre at Rarotonga Hospital and stronger disability support and workforce capacity. Tourism + Health Systems Funding: The Asian Development Bank signed a US$2 million grant with the Cook Islands to support safe recovery of travel and tourism, including upgrades to airport and health services and improvements to COVID-19 screening and medical waste treatment. Regional Fisheries Enforcement: Cook Islands fisheries officer Saiasi Sarau joined back-to-back regional maritime operations, inspecting licensed vessels and supporting surveillance aimed at cracking down on illegal or non-compliant fishing. Election-Linked Public Debate: Te Ipukarea Society is calling for open, informed discussion on deep-seabed mining during the election period, saying voters deserve clear positions and that the issue reaches far beyond the environment. International Comms for Local Teams: Southpac Group appointed Impact PR to manage international communications and media relations, with teams operating in the Cook Islands and other markets.