Flu surge: Cook Islands health authorities say under-fives are at highest risk as flu-like illnesses spread, urging families to get vaccinations and use preventive care now. Health access: Health New Zealand and Te Marae Ora have re-signed a partnership to strengthen specialist referrals to NZ, using a more centralised process to assess and coordinate care. Pacific health systems: Pacific Heads of Health met in Rarotonga to push resilient, equitable health systems, focusing on Healthy Islands Vision 2050, workforce, data, climate resilience and health security. Climate and health risk: ChildFund warns a powerful El Niño is likely to strain water, food and children’s health, with preparations needed immediately—especially for safe drinking water. Menopause support: Cook Islands women are calling for more open conversation and better local support for menopause, citing cultural silence and limited services. Sport and wellbeing: Five Cook Islands triathletes gained international racing experience ahead of next year’s Pacific Games, building fitness and confidence for future competition. Local health news in the wider region: A US-NZ port upgrade at Penrhyn is drawing Greenpeace criticism, but the health angle for Cook Islands remains indirect through wider climate and infrastructure pressures.