AGP Executive Report

Maternal Health: Te Marae Ora has strengthened midwifery care with a new cohort of intern midwives completing a six-month Midwifery Internship Programme at Rarotonga Hospital. Flu Watch: Health authorities say under-fives are at highest risk as flu-like illnesses surge, urging quick vaccination and preventive care. Food Safety Recall: Woolworths New Zealand recalled its Multi Grain Cereal (500g) due to possible blue plastic pieces; the product was also exported to the Cook Islands and other Pacific markets—customers should not eat it and should return it for a refund. Port, Health & Environment: Greenpeace Aotearoa is criticising the US–NZ plan to upgrade Penrhyn (Tongareva) port, warning it could open the door to deep-sea mining; meanwhile, community letters highlight hopes for safer supply routes and concerns about social and environmental impacts. Pacific Health Partnerships: Cook Islands and New Zealand renewed a health partnership to support overseas patient referrals. Injury & Recovery (Sport): Cook Islands international Esan Marsters’ return from an Achilles injury is “touch and go,” with medical clearance still pending.

Cook Islands Health Access: Health New Zealand and Te Marae Ora have re-signed a partnership to streamline specialist referrals to New Zealand, using a centralised process to assess, prioritise and coordinate care for services not available locally. Maternal Care Boost: Te Marae Ora’s intern midwives have completed a six-month Midwifery Internship Programme, adding strength to Cook Islands maternity services. Flu Warning for Families: Health authorities say under-fives are at highest risk as flu-like illnesses surge, urging quick vaccination and preventive care. Food Support Accountability: A Labour MP says the Social Development Minister must apologise after more than 8,000 emergency food support applications were declined using an incorrect code, raising concerns for people facing urgent hardship. Food Safety Recall: Woolworths recalls its Multi Grain Cereal in 500g boxes after reports it may contain blue plastic pieces; it was also exported to the Cook Islands. Climate & Water Pressure: ChildFund warns a strong El Niño is likely to strain drinking water, food supplies and children’s health, on top of the ongoing fuel crisis. Pacific Health Leadership: Pacific Heads of Health meeting in Rarotonga focused on resilient health systems for a digital age, including NCDs, reproductive health, workforce and climate resilience. Penrhyn Port Debate: A US–NZ co-funded Penrhyn/Tongareva port upgrade is being criticised by Greenpeace as a potential gateway to deep-sea mining, even as supporters say it will improve safety and access to essentials. Triathlon Pathway: Five Cook Islands triathletes gained international experience at the World Triathlon Regional Cup in Mo’orea, targeting next year’s Pacific Games.

Food Support Accountability: Labour MP Tangi Utikere says Social Development Minister Louise Upston must apologise after more than 8,000 emergency food support applications were declined using the wrong code, with the Ministry of Social Development calling it an administrative error. Maternal Health Workforce: Te Marae Ora reports intern midwives have completed a six-month Midwifery Internship Programme, adding strength to Cook Islands maternity services. Flu Surge Protection: Health authorities warn young children under five are at highest risk as flu-like illnesses surge, urging quick vaccination and preventive care. Specialist Care Access: Health New Zealand and Te Marae Ora re-sign a partnership arrangement to coordinate referrals for specialist services in New Zealand, using a centralised process to improve planning and follow-up. Climate & Water Risks: ChildFund New Zealand warns a strong El Niño could bring drought, heavier rain, and rising pressure on drinking water, food supplies and children’s health—calling for preparations now. Health System Planning: Pacific Health leaders wrap up the 17th Pacific Heads of Health Meeting in Rarotonga, focusing on resilient health systems, Healthy Islands Vision 2050, workforce, reproductive health, and climate resilience. Food Safety Recall: Woolworths recalls its Multi Grain Cereal in 500g boxes over possible blue plastic pieces; the recall also reached the Cook Islands, with advice not to eat and to seek medical help if concerned. Port Upgrade Debate: Greenpeace Aotearoa condemns the US–NZ co-funded Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade as a “trojan horse” for deep-sea mining, while supporters say it will improve lifeline access for the northern islands.

Flu surge in Cook Islands: Health authorities say under-fives are at highest risk as flu-like illnesses rise, urging families to get children vaccinated and seek preventive care early. Health access for Cook Islanders: Health New Zealand and Te Marae Ora have re-signed a partnership to streamline specialist and secondary referrals in NZ, using a centralised process to better coordinate and track patient journeys. Port upgrade sparks health-and-safety debate: The US and New Zealand plan to co-fund a Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade, but Greenpeace Aotearoa warns it could open the door to deep-sea mining and resource grabbing. Food safety recall: Woolworths NZ recalled its Multi Grain Cereal (500g) after reports it may contain blue plastic pieces; the product was also exported to the Cook Islands. Pacific health systems meeting: Pacific Heads of Health wrapped up in Rarotonga, focusing on resilient health systems for a digital age, including non-communicable diseases, reproductive health, workforce support, and climate resilience. Triathlon prep for Pacific Games: Five Cook Islands triathletes raced in Mo’orea to build form for the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti.

Flu surge and child health: Cook Islands health authorities say flu-like illnesses are rising, with under-fives facing the highest risk of hospitalisation, urging families to get children vaccinated and seek early preventive care. Health system access: Health New Zealand and Te Marae Ora have re-signed a partnership to strengthen specialist referrals for Cook Islands patients needing care not available locally, using a more centralised referral process. Pacific health leadership: The 17th Pacific Heads of Health Meeting in Rarotonga focused on modernising health systems for a digital age, including workforce, health data, non-communicable diseases, reproductive health, and climate resilience. Cook Islands port politics: The US and New Zealand’s co-funding of a Penrhyn/Tongareva port upgrade is being condemned by Greenpeace Aotearoa as resource grabbing and a potential gateway to deep-sea mining, while supporters frame it as vital for safer supply routes to remote northern islands. Marine conservation: New research highlights how damselfish may speed coral healing, suggesting fish habitat protection could support reef recovery. Triathlon development: Five Cook Islands triathletes gained international race experience in Mo’orea ahead of the 2027 Pacific Games.

Flu Alert: Cook Islands health authorities say under-fives are at highest risk as flu-like illnesses surge, urging families to get vaccinations and take preventive steps. Health Access: Health New Zealand and Te Marae Ora have re-signed a partnership to streamline specialist referrals for Cook Islands patients needing care not available at home. Climate & Water: ChildFund warns a strong El Niño is likely to bring drought in some areas and heavier rain in others, putting drinking water, food and children’s health under pressure—especially with the ongoing fuel crisis. Pacific Health Systems: Pacific Heads of Health wrapped up in Rarotonga, focusing on resilient health systems for a digital age, including workforce, health data, non-communicable diseases and climate resilience. Port & Mining Debate: Greenpeace Aotearoa condemns the US–NZ co-funded Penrhyn/Tongareva port upgrade as a “Trojan horse” for deep-sea mining, while supporters frame it as improved transport and development. Food Safety Recall: Woolworths NZ recalled its Multi Grain Cereal in 500g boxes due to possible blue plastic pieces; it was also exported to the Cook Islands. Sport & Training: Cook Islands triathletes gained international race experience in Mo’orea ahead of the 2027 Pacific Games.

Food Safety: Woolworths New Zealand recalls its Woolworths brand Multi Grain Cereal (500g) over possible blue plastic pieces; the recall covers boxes with best before date 30/04/27 sold in NZ and exported to the Cook Islands, with shoppers urged not to eat it and to return for a full refund. Health Access: Health New Zealand and Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health Cook Islands re-sign a health partnership to strengthen specialist referrals to New Zealand, using a new centralised process to assess, prioritise and coordinate patient care. Flu Watch: Cook Islands health authorities warn young children under five are at highest risk as flu-like illnesses surge, urging vaccination and preventive care. Climate & Water Risk: Pacific communities face a potentially severe El Niño, with warnings that fuel shortages plus extreme weather could strain drinking water, food supplies and children’s health. Health Systems: Pacific health leaders conclude the 17th Pacific Heads of Health Meeting in Rarotonga, focusing on resilient health systems for a digital age, including non-communicable diseases, reproductive health, workforce and climate resilience. Local Health & Wellness: Cook Islands triathletes gain international experience ahead of next year’s Pacific Games, building fitness and performance for athletes.

Flu surge in Cook Islands: Health authorities say under-fives are facing the highest hospitalisation risk as flu-like illnesses spread, urging quick vaccination and preventive care. Health system link-up: Health New Zealand and Te Marae Ora have renewed their Cook Islands health partnership to strengthen specialist referrals in NZ, using a more centralised process to assess and coordinate patient care. Pacific health planning: Pacific Heads of Health met in Rarotonga to push resilient, equitable health systems for a digital age, with focus areas including non-communicable diseases, reproductive health, workforce support, health data and climate resilience. Climate pressure on health: ChildFund New Zealand warns that a strong El Niño could strain drinking water, food supplies and children’s health, on top of ongoing fuel crisis impacts. Sport & wellbeing: Five Cook Islands triathletes gained international racing experience in Mo’orea ahead of next year’s Pacific Games, including a personal-best performance from Maya Postrzygacz.

Cook Islands Health Access: Health New Zealand and Te Marae Ora have re-signed a partnership to streamline specialist referrals in New Zealand, using a new centralised process to assess, prioritise and coordinate care for Cook Islands patients. Flu Surge: Health authorities say under-fives are at highest risk as flu-like illnesses surge, urging quick vaccination and prevention. Climate + Water Threat: Pacific communities are bracing for a powerful El Niño, with warnings of drought in some islands, heavier rain in others, and rising pressure on safe drinking water, food and children’s health. Regional Health Systems: Pacific Heads of Health wrapped up talks in Rarotonga on modernising Healthy Islands, focusing on resilient health systems, non-communicable diseases, reproductive health, workforce support, health data and climate resilience. Port Upgrade Debate: A US–NZ co-funded Penrhyn/Tongareva port upgrade is drawing Greenpeace criticism as a potential gateway to deep-sea mining, while leaders frame it as improved transport for remote communities.

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.

Flu surge: Cook Islands health authorities say under-fives are facing the highest hospitalisation risk as flu-like illnesses spread, urging families to get children vaccinated and focus on prevention. Climate risk: ChildFund NZ warns El Niño is set to intensify drought in some areas and heavier rain in others, raising pressure on safe drinking water, food and children’s health—so preparations should start now. Health access: Health New Zealand and Te Marae Ora have re-signed a partnership to strengthen specialist referrals to NZ, using a new centralised process to assess, prioritise and coordinate care. Pacific health systems: Leaders wrapped up the 17th Pacific Heads of Health Meeting in Rarotonga, agreeing priorities for resilient health systems, financing, workforce support, data and climate resilience. Sport & wellbeing: Five Cook Islands triathletes gained key international race experience ahead of the 2027 Pacific Games after competing in Mo’orea. Menopause support: Cook Islands women are pushing to break the silence on menopause, calling for more local conversation and better support for women through this life stage.

Flu Alert: Health authorities say under-fives are at highest risk as flu-like illnesses surge across the Cook Islands, urging quick vaccination and preventive care. Cross-border Care: Health New Zealand and Te Marae Ora have re-signed a partnership to strengthen specialist referrals to New Zealand, using a new centralised process to assess and coordinate patients. Regional Health Systems: Pacific Heads of Health wrapped up in Rarotonga, focusing on resilient health systems for a digital age, including NCDs, reproductive health, workforce support, health data and climate resilience. Port & Mining Debate: Greenpeace Aotearoa condemned a US–NZ co-funded Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade, warning it could open the door to deep-sea mining and calling it resource grabbing. Pacific Sports & Health: Cook Islands triathletes gained key international race experience ahead of the Pacific Games, while Fiji’s Rugby League World Cup squad includes Cook Islands opponents in the group stage. Marine Health & Recovery: A new study highlights damselfish helping wounded corals heal faster, pointing to fish habitat protection as a conservation lever.

Flu Surge: Under-fives are facing the highest hospitalisation risk as flu-like illnesses spread across the Cook Islands, with health authorities urging quick vaccination and preventive care. Health Partnership: Health New Zealand and Te Marae Ora have re-signed their specialist referral partnership, adding a centralised process to assess, prioritise and coordinate overseas care for Cook Islands patients. Regional Health Systems: Pacific Heads of Health wrapped up in Rarotonga, focusing on resilient, equitable health systems for a digital age, including work on non-communicable diseases, reproductive health, workforce and health data. Menopause Support: Cook Islands women are pushing to break the silence on menopause, calling for more local conversation and better support for women navigating this life stage. Port & Health Context: A US–NZ co-funded Penrhyn/Tongareva port upgrade is drawing strong criticism from Greenpeace as a potential gateway to deep-sea mining, while leaders frame it as improved transport for remote communities.

Flu surge: Health authorities say under-fives are at highest risk as flu-like illnesses spread, urging families to get vaccinations and take preventive steps. Health access: Health New Zealand and Te Marae Ora have renewed their partnership to streamline Cook Islands residents’ referrals for specialist care in New Zealand, using a centralised process to assess and coordinate patients. Regional health systems: Pacific Heads of Health wrapped up in Rarotonga, reinforcing priorities like resilient health financing, non-communicable diseases, reproductive health, workforce support, health data and climate resilience. Port & health links: A US–NZ co-funded Penrhyn/Tongareva port upgrade is drawing sharp criticism from Greenpeace Aotearoa, which warns it could open the door to deep-sea mining—an issue Cook Islands leaders say they’ll handle cautiously and based on science. Cancer & nutrition: A University of Hawaiʻi lab focused on body composition assessment has been named an IAEA Collaborating Centre, highlighting links between nutrition, obesity and cancer risk. Women’s health: Cook Islands women are pushing to talk more openly about menopause, saying limited local support and cultural silence leave many navigating symptoms alone. Community health incident: Ports Authority reports a rescue mission after a crew member suffered a crushed hand and was taken to Rarotonga Hospital for surgery. Sports & wellbeing: Five Cook Islands triathletes raced in Mo’orea to build experience ahead of next year’s Pacific Games.

Pacific Health: Pacific Heads of Health wrapped up in Rarotonga, stressing resilient, equitable health systems for a “digital age,” with focus areas including non-communicable diseases, reproductive health, workforce support, health data and research, AI, climate resilience and health security. Cross-border Care: Health New Zealand and Te Marae Ora Cook Islands re-signed their health partnership to streamline specialist referrals to New Zealand, using a centralised process to assess, prioritise and coordinate patient care. NCD Action: Cook Islands’ health ministry launched a 2026–2030 NCD plan with 129 strategic actions to tackle rising chronic disease rates across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. Menopause Support: Cook Islands women are pushing to break the silence on menopause, citing limited local support and the need for more open community conversation. Port & Health Links: The US and New Zealand co-fund a Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade, while Greenpeace Aotearoa criticises it as tied to deep-sea mining plans—an issue that could affect long-term environmental health. Marine Health: A new study suggests damselfish may speed healing of wounded corals, pointing to stronger conservation efforts that protect fish habitats. Local Emergency Care: Ports Authority reports a rescue mission for an injured crew member, taken to Rarotonga Hospital for surgery.

Pacific drug security: Australia has pledged $600m for aerial and maritime surveillance across the Pacific to disrupt narco-submarines and small vessels, after AFP said Pacific seizures of illicit drugs (mostly cocaine) jumped to 17 tonnes since January. Cook Islands health access: Health New Zealand and Te Marae Ora have re-signed a partnership to streamline referrals for Cook Islanders needing specialist care not available locally, using a centralised process to assess and coordinate patient referrals. Healthy Islands health systems: Pacific health leaders wrapped the 17th Pacific Heads of Health Meeting in Rarotonga, focusing on NCDs, reproductive health, workforce, health data and research, climate resilience, and stronger regional partnerships. NCD action in the Cook Islands: The Cook Islands Ministry of Health launched a 2026–2030 NCD Action Plan with 129 strategic actions to tackle non-communicable diseases through community and regional partnerships. Deep-sea mining debate: Greenpeace says US–NZ funding to upgrade the Penrhyn (Tongareva) port is “resource grabbing,” while Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says the country will stay with science and caution before any extraction. Marine health & conservation: A study reports damselfish may speed healing of wounded corals, and WWF is urging Pacific countries to protect migration routes via “blue corridors” for whales, tuna and turtles. Menopause conversation: Cook Islands women are pushing to break the silence on menopause, citing limited local support and culturally sensitive barriers to care.