AGP Executive Report

Menstrual health & waste reduction: Te Ipukarea Society, CIFWA and RedPack brought menstrual wellbeing sessions to Tereora College, teaching students about the menstrual cycle and reusable options like pads, cups and period underwear—framed as both a health choice and a way to cut landfill waste from thousands of single-use products over a lifetime. NCD prevention push: At Te Kainga Primary Care Workshop, Cook Islands’ high non-communicable disease rates (ranked third globally in presented data) sparked renewed focus on prevention, especially on Mitiaro. Cervical screening outreach: Free pap smear screening continues with a clinic at Kavera today (4.30pm–7pm), with further dates across Rarotonga listed for June and July; bookings encouraged. Blood donation spotlight: Cook Islands Red Cross and Te Marae Ora marked World Blood Donor Day at Constitution Park, thanking lifesaving donors. Mental health training: Te Kainga O Pa Taunga’s weeklong primary care psychiatry course aims to help communities spot early signs of emotional and psychological distress, including a focus on alcohol and drug use. Infection after travel: A Cook Islands holiday-linked case in New Zealand hospitalised a man with a rare bloodstream infection from a marine bacterium (Shewanella), raising awareness of serious skin and soft tissue risks after seafood exposure. Plastic policy planning: The National Environment Service is developing a National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution, targeting behaviour change, waste management and practical alternatives to single-use plastics. Community safety: Separate coverage notes evacuations and a state of emergency in Wellington ahead of huge waves—reminding residents to prepare medications and essential documents.

NCD Prevention Push: Cook Islands has been flagged as ranking third globally for non-communicable disease rates, after data shared at a Te Kainga Primary Care workshop sparked calls for stronger prevention in communities, including on Mitiaro. Cervical Screening Access: Free cervical screening continues in Rarotonga with Kavera clinic today (4:30pm–7pm), then Tepiri (June 18), Matavera (June 25), Avatiu (July 2) and Inave (July 9), with bookings encouraged. Blood Donation Drive: Cook Islands Red Cross and Te Marae Ora marked World Blood Donor Day at Constitution Park, celebrating lifesaving blood donors. Rare Infection Case: A New Zealand Medical Journal report describes a man hospitalised after returning from the Cook Islands with sepsis and a rare marine-bacterium bloodstream infection linked to raw fish exposure. Mental Health Awareness: Te Kainga O Pa Taunga is running a weeklong course teaching people to spot early signs of emotional or psychological distress. Plastic Pollution Plan: The National Environment Service is supporting a National Action Plan to cut plastic pollution and marine litter, with coordinated actions across government, business, schools and communities. Community Safety Note: A letter urges Rarotonga to consider formal street names and house numbering to improve emergency response.

NCD Prevention Push: Cook Islands has been ranked third globally for non-communicable disease rates, after data shared at a Te Kainga Primary Care workshop sparked calls for urgent, preventative action—especially in communities like Mitiaro. Cervical Screening Access: Free cervical screening continues in Rarotonga with a clinic at Kavera today, then Tepiri (June 18), Matavera (June 25), Avatiu (July 2) and Inave (July 9), targeting women aged 25–65. Blood Donation Drive: The Cook Islands Red Cross and Te Marae Ora marked World Blood Donor Day at Constitution Park, celebrating lifesaving blood donors. Mental Health Awareness: A week-long Te Kainga O Pa Taunga course is training people to spot early signs of emotional and psychological distress, while a separate workshop focuses on alcohol and drug use. Public Health Alert (Case Study): A Kiwi man hospitalised after a Cook Islands trip was diagnosed with a rare bloodstream infection linked to a marine bacterium, with doctors noting raw fish may have played a role. Environment & Health Link: A National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution is being developed, aiming to reduce marine litter and support practical alternatives to single-use plastics. Community Nutrition: Marsters returns home with a tray-by-tray nutrition mission to improve diet across the country.

NCD Prevention Push: Cook Islands has been ranked third globally for non-communicable disease rates, after sports presentation data at a Te Kainga Primary Care workshop sparked calls for faster, preventative action—especially on Mitiaro. Cervical Screening Access: Free cervical screening continues in Rarotonga with a clinic at Kavera today (4.30pm–7pm), then Tepiri (June 18), Matavera (June 25), Avatiu (July 2) and Inave (July 9), targeting women aged 25–65. Blood Donor Spotlight: Cook Islands Red Cross and Te Marae Ora marked World Blood Donor Day at Constitution Park, thanking lifesaving donors and highlighting the need for ongoing support. Mental Health Training: Te Kainga O Pa Taunga runs a weeklong community mental health awareness course, teaching people to spot early signs of emotional distress and connect to help. Rare Infection Case: A New Zealand Medical Journal report links a severe, rare bloodstream infection (Shewanella) to a Cook Islands trip, with doctors noting raw fish may have played a role. Alcohol Risk Focus: A mental health workshop highlighted that about 30% of Cook Islands adults drink at hazardous levels, pointing to alcohol as a major national risk factor. Plastic Pollution Plan: The National Environment Service is developing a National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution, aiming for practical behaviour change and stronger waste systems.

Cervical Health Access: A free cervical screening clinic is running at Kavera today as Rarotonga outreach begins, with screenings for women aged 25–65 (4.30pm–7pm) and more dates lined up across the island; bookings are encouraged. Blood Donation Drive: The Cook Islands Red Cross and Te Marae Ora marked World Blood Donor Day at Constitution Park, spotlighting lifesaving blood donors and hospital lab staff. Rare Infection Alert: A Kiwi man hospitalised after a Cook Islands trip developed a rare bloodstream infection linked to a marine bacterium (Shewanella), with doctors noting he had consumed raw fish while staying in a coastal area. Mental Health Support: Te Kainga O Pa Taunga is hosting a week-long workshop to help communities spot early signs of emotional or psychological distress, including links to alcohol and drug use. Prevention & Safety Basics: A letter urges Rarotonga to adopt clearer street naming and house numbering to improve emergency response and public safety. Environment & Health Link: A National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution is being developed, aiming to reduce marine litter and protect community health. Deep-Sea Curiosity: New footage captured goblin sharks in Pacific waters near Jarvis Island and the Tonga Trench, adding to rare sightings that include the Cook Islands region.

Rare infection alert: A man was hospitalised in New Zealand after a rare Shewanella infection linked to a Cook Islands holiday, with doctors noting the exact source is unclear but raising key hygiene lessons for people who eat raw fish and spend time in coastal areas. Plastic pollution action: The Cook Islands National Environment Service is developing a National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution, aiming to cut waste entering landfill and the lagoon through behaviour change, better recycling, and practical alternatives to single-use plastics. Mental health support: Te Kainga O Pa Taunga is running a week-long primary care psychiatry workshop to help communities spot early signs of emotional and psychological distress, with a focus on alcohol and drug use. Nutrition push: Cook Islander Barbara Marsters has returned home with a plan to improve nutrition “one tray at a time,” targeting healthier eating habits locally. Biodiversity protection: Te Ipukarea Society highlights feral cats threatening Rarotonga’s rare seabirds, calling for stronger protection of nesting habitats. Food safety for seafood exports: EU-backed training for Pacific authorities targets new EU freezer-vessel food safety rules that could affect most Pacific Island vessels exporting seafood to the EU. Health-linked climate risk (regional): A Pacific news brief also flags major swell warnings and evacuations in Wellington and Wairarapa, reminding households to prepare medications and essentials.

Mental Health & Alcohol/Drugs: Te Kainga O Pa Taunga is running a week-long psychiatry course and community workshop to help people spot early signs of emotional or psychological distress, with a focus on alcohol and drug use as major risk factors. Plastic Pollution Action: The Cook Islands National Environment Service is developing a National Action Plan under the Pacific Ocean Litter Project, aiming to cut plastic entering landfill and the lagoon/ocean, strengthen recycling and recovery, shift behaviour, and promote practical alternatives to single-use plastics. Nutrition & Local Food: Cook Islander Barbara Marsters has returned home with a “one tray at a time” nutrition push, hoping to lift nutrition intake across the islands. Food Security & Resilience: An opinion piece argues the Cook Islands should boost local agriculture to reduce reliance on imported food, support growers and cooperatives, and strengthen jobs and economic resilience. Public Health in Emergencies: A major swell warning in Wellington, New Zealand, has triggered evacuations and a state of emergency, with residents told to prepare medication and essential documents—an important reminder for disaster readiness. Climate Risk: Papua New Guinea’s Highlands provinces are placed under an “El Niño Watch,” with drought risk flagged for coming months.

Offshore finance demand: Wealth Web says interest in Cook Islands trusts and offshore asset protection is rising, citing higher litigation risk and public visibility of wealth, with Cook Islands Finance reporting 1,023 registrations and renewals in the latest quarter (up 13.2% vs 2025). Mental health awareness training: Te Kainga O Pa Taunga is running a week-long Primary Care Psychiatry course focused on helping communities spot early signs of emotional and psychological distress. Pa Enua healthcare pressure: Despite a new budget boosting healthcare and referral funding, outer-island residents are urging faster, fairer action over medicine shortages. Nutrition push: Barbara Marsters returns home with a plan to improve nutrition “one tray at a time,” aiming to lift everyday intake across the country. Wildlife and health link: Te Ipukarea Society highlights feral cats threatening Rarotonga’s rare seabirds, with seabirds also viewed as indicators of ocean health. Food safety for trade: EU-backed training supports Pacific Island authorities to meet new EU freezer-vessel requirements, protecting access to the seafood market. Chiropractic checks return: New Zealand College of Chiropractic interns are back for free spinal health checks and holistic adjustments at Te Atukura Grounds. Food security debate: An opinion piece argues for stronger local agriculture to reduce reliance on imported food and build resilience.

Mental Health Training: Te Kainga O Pa Taunga is running a week-long Primary Care Psychiatry course to boost community mental health awareness, helping people spot early signs of emotional or psychological distress. Outer-Island Health Access: Pa Enua residents say medicine shortages are still hitting the outer islands, calling for immediate, fair action even as the new Cook Islands budget increases healthcare and referral funding. Nutrition Push: Barbara Marsters has returned home with a practical plan to improve nutrition across the Cook Islands “one tray at a time,” aiming to lift everyday nutrition intake. Free Spinal Care: New Zealand College of Chiropractic interns are back in Rarotonga for free spinal health checks and holistic adjustments, with sessions at Te Atukura Grounds starting June 6. Food Security & Local Farming: A local opinion piece argues the Cook Islands should renew focus on agriculture to reduce reliance on imported food and strengthen jobs and resilience. Biodiversity Under Threat: Te Ipukarea Society highlights feral cats threatening Rarotonga’s rare seabirds, with local researchers tracking nesting behaviour. Pest Control Concern: A letter praises Reuben Tylor’s work on the new ant pest and questions how proactive the Ministry of Agriculture has been in guiding the public. Health & Wellness Community: A letter congratulates CISNOC for sports awards, while urging a missing Masters Sportswoman category to better recognise women’s health and achievements through sport. Regional Food Safety: EU-backed training for Pacific fisheries authorities targets new EU food safety rules that could affect most Pacific Island freezer vessels exporting seafood to the EU.

Coastal Safety & Emergency Response: Wellington’s southern coast residents have hours to evacuate as MetService warns of huge swells up to 9m in the capital and 10.5m along the South Wairarapa coastline; Civil Defence ordered waterfront evacuations (Ōwhiro Bay, Island Bay, Houghton Bay, Breaker Bay) by 9am, with ferry sailings cancelled and road closures expected, and people told to prepare essentials including medications and documents. Nutrition & Local Health: Cook Islander Barbara Marsters has returned home with a mission to improve nutrition “one tray at a time,” aiming to boost healthy intake across the country. Spinal Health Access: New Zealand College of Chiropractic senior interns are back in Rarotonga for free spinal health checks and holistic adjustments, with clinics starting Saturday at Te Atukura Grounds. Outer-Island Medicines: Pa Enua leaders say the new Cook Islands budget’s higher healthcare and referral funding isn’t enough while medicine shortages continue, calling for immediate, fair action for outer islands. Wildlife & Ecosystem Health: Te Ipukarea Society reports feral cats threatening Rarotonga’s rare seabirds, highlighting the link between healthy ecosystems and long-term community wellbeing.

Coastal Emergency: Wellington’s southern coast residents were ordered to evacuate by 9am as MetService warns of monster swells up to 9m (and 10.5m along the coast), with ferry cancellations, road closures, and advice to pack medications and essential documents. Public Health Access: Free spinal health checks and holistic adjustments are returning to Rarotonga, with New Zealand College of Chiropractic interns based at Te Atukura Grounds from June 6. Nutrition & Local Food: A Cook Islander returning home is pushing better nutrition “one tray at a time,” while an opinion piece argues for stronger local agriculture to cut reliance on imported food and improve food security. Outer Islands Health Equity: Pa Enua residents say the new budget’s healthcare and referral funding is not enough while medicine shortages continue, calling for faster, fairer supply. Biodiversity & Health Links: Te Ipukarea Society reports feral cats threatening Rarotonga’s rare seabirds, with seabirds highlighted as indicators of ocean health. Food Safety for Trade: EU-backed training in Suva updates Pacific authorities on new EU freezer vessel food safety rules that could affect most Pacific Island vessels exporting seafood to the EU.

Outer-Island Health Access: Pa Enua residents are calling for immediate, fair action after medicine shortages continue despite a Cook Islands budget that boosts healthcare and referral funding. Nutrition & Local Food: Marsters has returned home with a plan to improve nutrition “one tray at a time,” aiming to lift everyday dietary intake across the country. Wildlife & Community Health Link: Te Ipukarea Society reports feral cats are threatening Rarotonga’s rare seabirds, with seabirds also serving as key ocean-health indicators. Spinal Care in Rarotonga: New Zealand College of Chiropractic interns are back for free spinal health checks and holistic adjustments at Te Atukura Grounds (Avarua) starting 6 June. Food Security Policy: An opinion piece argues the Cook Islands should strengthen local agriculture to cut reliance on imported food and build resilience. Regional Food Safety: EU-backed training in Suva covers new EU freezer-vessel requirements, expected to affect about 97% of Pacific Island vessels exporting seafood to the EU. Forestry Capacity Building: FAO reports Samoa forestry officers completed training in sustainable teak and pine production to better handle climate and ecosystem pressures.

Nutrition & Local Health: Cook Islander Barbara Marsters has returned home with a mission to improve nutrition “one tray at a time,” aiming to boost what people eat and how they access healthier options. Outer-Island Medicines: Pa Enua residents are calling for immediate, fair action after medicine shortages continue despite a new Cook Islands budget that increases healthcare and referral funding. Community Care: New Zealand College of Chiropractic senior interns are returning to Rarotonga for free spinal health checks and holistic adjustments, with sessions starting 6 June at Te Atukura Grounds. Food Security & Resilience: A Cook Islands opinion piece argues for renewed focus on local agriculture to reduce reliance on imported food and strengthen jobs and resilience. Biodiversity & Health Links: Te Ipukarea Society reports feral cats are threatening Rarotonga’s rare seabirds, including ground-nesting species tied to healthy island ecosystems. Regional Food Safety: EU-backed training in Suva updates Pacific authorities on new EU freezer vessel requirements, expected to affect most Pacific Island vessels exporting seafood to the EU.

Wildlife & Environment: Te Ipukarea Society reports feral cats are preying on Rarotonga’s ground-nesting seabirds, including the Kōputu, raising alarms because seabirds act as early indicators of ocean health and also support island ecosystems through nesting nutrients. Nutrition & Local Health: Cook Islander Barbara Marsters has returned home with a plan to improve nutrition “one tray at a time,” aiming to boost healthy food intake locally. Spinal Care Access: New Zealand College of Chiropractic interns are back in Rarotonga for free spinal health checks and holistic adjustments at Te Atukura Grounds (Avarua) starting Saturday, June 6. Outer-Island Medicines: Pa Enua residents say medicine shortages persist even as the Cook Islands budget increases healthcare and referral funding, calling for faster, fairer supply. Food Security Focus: An opinion piece argues for stronger local agriculture to reduce reliance on imported food and build resilience. Regional Health Support: India says it has delivered a haemo-dialysis machine with a portable RO unit to Samoa, fulfilling a FIPIC-III commitment.

Wildlife & Environment: Te Ipukarea Society reports feral cats are threatening Rarotonga’s ground-nesting seabirds, including the Kōputu in the island’s small cloud-forest habitat—an early warning sign for wider ocean and ecosystem health. Nutrition & Local Food: Cook Islands nutrition advocate Barbara Marsters has returned home with a “one tray at a time” plan aimed at boosting nutrition intake. Community Health Access: New Zealand College of Chiropractic senior interns are back in Rarotonga for free spinal health checks and holistic adjustments at Te Atukura Grounds (Avarua) starting 6 June. Outer-Island Medicines: Pa Enua residents say a new Cook Islands budget increase for healthcare and referrals isn’t enough while medicine shortages persist, calling for faster, fairer supply. Food Safety for Trade: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu took part in EU training on new freezer-vessel food safety rules that could affect most Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU. Regional Resilience (Forestry): FAO-backed training in Suva built Samoa’s capacity in sustainable teak and pine production and management to better handle climate pressures.

Wildlife & Environment: Te Ipukarea Society reports feral cats are threatening Rarotonga’s rare seabirds, including ground-nesting species like the Kōputu, with local researchers calling for urgent protection of the cloud forest habitat that supports both birds and freshwater catchments. Nutrition & Community Health: Marsters has returned home with a plan to improve nutrition across the Cook Islands “one tray at a time,” aiming to boost healthier eating through practical, local delivery. Primary Care Access: The New Zealand College of Chiropractic is bringing final-year interns back to Rarotonga for free spinal health checks and holistic adjustments starting Saturday, 6 June, at Te Atukura Grounds. Outer-Island Medicines: Pa Enua residents say a new Cook Islands budget increase for healthcare and referrals isn’t enough while medicine shortages persist, urging fair, immediate action for outer islands. Food Security Focus: A local opinion piece argues the Cook Islands should expand domestic farming to cut reliance on imports and strengthen resilience. Regional Health Support: India marks Samoa’s Independence Day by delivering a haemo-dialysis machine with a portable RO unit, continuing FIPIC commitments to Pacific healthcare.