AGP Executive Report

Deep-Sea Mining & Ports: The US and New Zealand announced a combined US$60m upgrade for the Cook Islands’ Penrhyn (Tongareva) port, with the US putting in US$50m and NZ US$10m, framed as better shipping for outer islands but also tied to future deep-sea mineral mining plans. Marine Conservation: Pacific countries are being urged to protect “blue corridors” or “whale highways” that connect whales, tuna, turtles and other species across borders, with WWF calling for coordinated action ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum. Forum Politics & Health Workforce: The Pacific Islands Forum in Palau opened with major leader pullouts, including health-related absences, while Smaller Island States leaders pushed for stronger regional support on transport, fisheries, health workforce mechanisms and climate finance access. Energy Security: The US says it will announce more than US$150m in Pacific support, including a proposed US$60m regional fuel security initiative aimed at boosting fuel storage and grid stability. Cook Islands NCD Focus: The Cook Islands health ministry launched a 2026–2030 NCD Action Plan with 129 strategic actions to tackle non-communicable diseases through community and regional partnerships. Menopause Awareness: Cook Islands women are urging more open conversation about menopause, citing limited local support and cultural silence. Tuna Sustainability: The Cook Islands Ministry of Marine Resources returned from WCPFC scientific meetings, backing the push to use robust science for sustainable tuna management. Ports Authority Medical Response: A Ports Authority rescue helped a crew member with a crushed hand reach Rarotonga Hospital for surgery.

Cook Islands NCD push: The health ministry has launched a 2026–2030 NCD Action Plan with 129 strategic actions to tackle rising non-communicable diseases across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, backed by community and regional partnerships. Menopause support grows: Cook Islands women are urging more open conversation about menopause after a Rarotonga awareness event highlighted limited local support and the need for culturally safe guidance. Spinal pain research focus: A new Asia-Pacific review spotlights spinal pain (neck and low back) as a major disability driver and points to rehabilitation approaches that can improve function. Ports Authority rescue: Cook Islands Ports Authority helped respond to a cargo vessel incident near Nikao, with an injured engineer taken to Rarotonga Hospital for surgery. Tuna sustainability at WCPFC: MMR staff returned from WCPFC SC22 in Samoa, supporting Cook Islands’ science-led tuna management agenda ahead of the December commission session. Seabed mining caution: PM Mark Brown says the Cook Islands will stick to science and avoid moving from exploration to extraction until risks are understood, amid warnings about costly investor-state legal action if rules tighten. Pacific forum health diplomacy: The Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in Palau is underway with some key absences, while smaller island states leaders coordinate shared priorities. Reef stewardship by youth: Students in Mauke and Atiu completed early field pilots of a citizen science marine programme blending traditional knowledge with practical reef monitoring tools.

Seabed mining caution: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says the government will stick to science and won’t move from exploration to extraction until risks are fully understood, as a new Pacific report warns investor-state rules could trigger costly legal action if environmental protections tighten. Regional health focus: The Cook Islands health ministry has launched a 2026–2030 NCD Action Plan with 129 strategic actions to tackle rising non-communicable diseases across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. Menopause conversation: Cook Islands women are pushing to break the silence on menopause, citing limited local support and culturally sensitive barriers to care. Cancer research boost: The University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center’s Body Composition Shared Resource Laboratory has been designated an IAEA Collaborating Centre, supporting standardized body composition assessment linked to cancer and nutrition. Ocean stewardship: Students on Mauke and Atiu completed early field pilots of a citizen science marine programme that blends traditional knowledge with reef monitoring tools. Ports safety: The Ports Authority coordinated a rescue after a crewmember suffered a crushed hand aboard a cargo vessel near Nikao, with surgery planned at Rarotonga Hospital. Pacific summit politics: Leaders’ absences at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau raise unity concerns, while smaller island states meet to align priorities.

Menopause Awareness: Cook Islands women are urging more open talk about menopause after a Rarotonga event highlighted it as a normal life stage but one many feel they can’t discuss, with limited local support and access to care including HRT. NCD Action Plan: The Cook Islands health ministry has launched a 2026–2030 plan with 129 strategic actions to tackle non-communicable diseases across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, focusing on community and regional partnerships. Cancer & Nutrition Research: The University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center’s Body Composition Shared Resource Laboratory has been designated an IAEA Collaborating Centre, supporting standardised body-composition assessment and training, with obesity linked to a major share of cancers. Global Syndemic in the Pacific: A Pacific-focused piece warns that climate change, undernutrition and obesity are driving a “syndemic” that worsens child nutrition and raises NCD risk, calling for coordinated health priorities. Spinal Pain Burden: A new Asia-Pacific analysis spotlights spinal pain as a major cause of disability, reinforcing the need for effective rehabilitation approaches.

NCD Action Plan: The Cook Islands health ministry has launched a 2026–2030 plan with 129 strategic actions to tackle rising non-communicable diseases across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, focused on community and regional partnerships. Cancer & Nutrition Research: The University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center’s Body Composition Shared Resource Laboratory has been designated an IAEA Collaborating Centre, supporting standardized nuclear and radiological body composition assessments and training for member states, with obesity linked to about 20% of cancers. Reef Health & Youth Learning: Mauke and Atiu students have completed the first field pilots of a citizen science programme that blends traditional knowledge with hands-on reef monitoring tools to strengthen ocean stewardship. Spinal Pain Data: A new Asia-Pacific analysis highlights spinal pain as a major cause of disability and points to the need for better prevention and rehabilitation access. Policy & Health Risks: A report warns Pacific countries, including the Cook Islands, could face costly investor-state disputes if deep-sea mining rules or environmental protections change. Regional Health Context: Commentary flags a “global syndemic” in the Pacific—climate change meeting undernutrition and obesity—urging Pacific health leaders to align priorities. Pacific Summit Politics: The Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in Palau is underway with major absences, raising concerns about unity and regional stability.

Pacific Health Diplomacy: Pacific Islands Forum leaders in Palau face empty seats, with some pullouts blamed on health and others reportedly linked to outside pressure—an uncertainty that can spill into regional health cooperation. NCD Action in the Cook Islands: The health ministry has launched a 2026–2030 plan with 129 strategic actions to tackle non-communicable diseases across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, built around community and regional partnerships. Reef Health & Youth Learning: Students on Mauke and Atiu completed the first pilots of a citizen science programme that blends traditional knowledge with practical reef monitoring to support ocean stewardship and healthier local environments. Spinal Pain Research: A new Asia-Pacific analysis highlights spinal pain as a major driver of disability and long-term health burden—reinforcing the need for effective prevention and rehabilitation approaches. Global Syndemic Warning: Pacific-focused commentary flags a “syndemic” where climate change, undernutrition, and obesity feed into rising NCDs, urging leaders to align health priorities. Deep-Sea Mining & Health Policy Risk: A report warns investor-state disputes could limit Pacific governments’ ability to strengthen environmental protections, including in places like the Cook Islands—raising long-term health and wellbeing concerns. Local Cost Pressures: Pacific MPs debate a proposed 4% council rates cap as cost-of-living pressure grows, with potential knock-on effects for community services.

Reef Health & Youth Learning: Thirty-two students from Years 7 to 11 on Mauke and Atiu completed the first field pilots of the Te Reinga Aorangi Marine Citizen Science Programme, using culture-based education and practical reef monitoring tools to document biodiversity and support ocean stewardship. NCD Prevention: The Cook Islands health ministry launched its NCD Action Plan 2026–2030 with 129 strategic actions to tackle rising non-communicable diseases across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua through community and regional partnerships. Pacific Health Priorities: A new regional focus highlights the “global syndemic” in the Pacific—climate change meeting undernutrition and obesity—urging leaders meeting in the Cook Islands to reshape health priorities around interconnected risks. Policy & Health System Links: An opinion piece argues Cook Islands government structures should better connect education, health, culture, sport and food security, calling for stronger coordination and shared expertise to improve wellbeing outcomes. Deep-Sea Mining Risks: A report warns Cook Islands and other Pacific countries could face costly investor-state disputes if deep-sea mining rules change, raising concerns about protections that affect long-term health and environments. Road Safety Tragedy: A coroner published findings after Kyle O’Brien died in a Christchurch drink-driving crash, citing extremely high blood alcohol and diazepam-related respiratory compromise as key factors.

NCD Action Plan: The Cook Islands Ministry of Health has launched a 2026–2030 plan with 129 strategic actions to tackle non-communicable diseases across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, focusing on community and regional partnerships. Reef Health & Youth Learning: Students from Years 7–11 on Mauke and Atiu completed the first field pilots of the Te Reinga Aorangi Marine Citizen Science Programme, blending culture-based education and traditional ecological knowledge with practical reef monitoring skills. Regional Health Capacity: The Cook Islands also showcased its hosting capability at a regional health meeting, highlighting growing local involvement in Pacific health priorities. Pacific Health Challenge: A new discussion on the “global syndemic” in the Pacific links climate change with undernutrition and obesity, warning how shifting food systems and climate impacts are driving higher NCD risk. Policy & Safety Watch: A coroner’s findings in New Zealand highlighted the deadly consequences of drink-driving combined with diazepam, while another coroner case urged more vigilance at motorcycle events. Governance & Costs: Pacific MPs are split over a proposed four per cent council rates cap, as cost-of-living pressure grows—an issue that can affect community services and health supports. Deep-Sea Mining Risks: A report warns Cook Islands and other Pacific governments could face investor-state disputes if they tighten environmental or regulatory rules around deep-sea mining.

NCD Action Plan: The Cook Islands health ministry has launched a 2026–2030 plan with 129 strategic actions to tackle non-communicable diseases across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, leaning on community and regional partnerships. Spinal Pain Research: A new Asia-Pacific analysis highlights spinal pain—especially neck and low back pain—as a major driver of disability, repeat health problems, and pressure on services, reinforcing the need for effective rehab and prevention. Deep-Sea Mining Risks: Pacific governments are warned they could face costly investor-state disputes if they tighten environmental or regulatory rules around deep-sea mining, with the Cook Islands named among countries exposed to legal “chilling effects.” Cost-of-Living Politics: Pacific MPs are split over a proposed four per cent council rates cap, with Labour open to caps but saying councils still need funding for roads, pipes, rubbish, and community services. Global Syndemic: Commentary flags how climate change, undernutrition, and obesity are colliding in the Pacific, feeding higher NCD rates and stressing the need for joined-up health priorities. Community Resilience: A regional piece argues social protection systems should be rooted in local strengths and flexible support to help communities withstand shocks like health crises and rising costs.

NCD Action Plan Launch: Cook Islands’ health ministry has rolled out a 2026–2030 Non-Communicable Disease Action Plan with 129 strategic actions, aiming to curb rising NCD rates across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua through community and regional partnerships. Regional Health Challenge: A Pacific-focused piece highlights the “global syndemic” linking climate change with undernutrition and obesity, warning that shifting diets and disrupted food and water systems are driving the NCD burden as Pacific Heads of Health meet in the Cook Islands. Youth Sport & Health: The Ruckstars junior rugby programme is expanding active lifestyles and life skills for Cook Islands youth, using sport as a platform for health promotion and social connection, supported by the Australian High Commission and BSP. Deep-Sea Mining & Policy Risk: A report warns Pacific governments, including the Cook Islands, could face investor-state disputes if they tighten environmental or regulatory rules around deep-sea mining, creating a “chilling effect” on stronger protections. Road Safety After Fatal Crash: A coroner’s findings after a drink-driving crash in Christchurch stress the “terrible consequences” of driving under extreme alcohol levels and with sedatives, urging greater vigilance at events. Community Resilience: An opinion piece argues Pacific social protection should be rooted in local, flexible community systems—built to handle shocks like health crises and severe weather.

Fuel and imports: Fiji’s June import jump was driven largely by fuel, with diesel, residual fuel oil and aviation turbine fuel pushing higher shipments from Singapore, China and Korea, while exports were mixed (kava and mineral water up to the US; gold and provisions down to Australia). Pacific resilience and social protection: A regional piece argues Pacific communities already know how to care for each other, and calls for stronger government-led social protection systems as climate shocks, energy costs and health crises strain vulnerable households. Road safety and health impacts: A coroner’s findings after Kyle O’Brien’s Christchurch drink-driving crash highlight “terrible consequences,” noting an extremely high blood alcohol level and diazepam in his system. Deep-sea mining risk: A report warns Pacific governments, including the Cook Islands, could face investor-state disputes that may discourage stronger environmental protections. Cost-of-living politics: Pacific MPs are split over a proposed four per cent council rates cap, with concerns it could limit councils’ ability to fund roads, rubbish collection and community services. Nutrition and NCDs: A Pacific health commentary flags a “global syndemic” where climate change worsens undernutrition while diets shift toward ultra-processed foods, raising obesity and non-communicable disease burdens. Cook Islands youth sport: The Ruckstars junior rugby programme is expanding with Australian High Commission support, aiming to build healthier, more resilient young people through safe, inclusive sport and health promotion. Motorcycle event safety: Another coroner recommendation urges more vigilance at motorcycle events after a rider died following a crash at a Christchurch race.**

Pacific health resilience: A new regional push for stronger social protection systems is framed as “coconut-rooted” community care, aimed at helping families cope with climate shocks, energy costs and health crises. Deep-sea mining risk: A report warns Pacific governments, including the Cook Islands, could face costly investor-state disputes if they tighten environmental rules—raising fears of a “chilling effect” on health and protection policies. Cost-of-living and services: Pacific MPs are split over a proposed 4% council rates cap, with concerns it could strain funding for roads, pipes, rubbish collection and community facilities. Global syndemic focus: Coverage highlights how climate change, undernutrition and obesity are driving non-communicable diseases across the Pacific, with Heads of Health meeting in the Cook Islands this week. Community sport for health: The Ruckstars junior rugby programme in the Cook Islands is expanding youth activity, confidence and health promotion through safe, inclusive sport supported by Australian and BSP funding. Local safety and health: Cook Islands Police confirmed a 68-year-old tourist died after a kayaking incident near Arorangi; a medical report will go to the coroner.

Pacific resilience & social protection: A new regional discussion highlights how community-led care and “coconut-rooted” approaches can strengthen government social protection as climate shocks and health crises hit the most vulnerable hardest. Deep-sea mining & health policy risk: A report warns Pacific governments, including the Cook Islands, could face costly investor-state disputes if they tighten environmental or regulatory rules for deep-sea mining—raising fears of a “chilling effect” on stronger protections. Cook Islands health priorities & coordination: A Cook Islands political analyst argues that wellbeing needs joined-up government across education, health, culture, sport and food security, calling for institutional strengthening and better coordination. Global syndemic focus: Coverage urges Pacific leaders meeting on health to tackle the combined threat of climate change, undernutrition and obesity, linking disrupted food systems to rising non-communicable diseases. Community sport for wellbeing: The Ruckstars junior rugby programme in the Cook Islands is expanding youth activity, confidence and health promotion through safe, inclusive sport supported by Australian and BSP funding. Local safety & deaths investigated: Cook Islands Police confirmed a 68-year-old tourist died after a kayaking incident near Arorangi; a medical report is expected and the case will go to the coroner.

Breast Screening Update: The Cook Islands’ free breast screening programme at Rarotonga Hospital (run by the NSW BreastScreen Australia team) met its target despite technical issues with the mammogram machine, keeping early detection on track. Public Safety & Health: Police confirmed the death of a 68-year-old tourist after a kayaking incident near Arorangi; resuscitation was attempted, a medical report is expected, and the case will go to the Coroner. Regional Health Priorities: A Pacific-wide “global syndemic” focus highlights how climate change is worsening child nutrition while undernutrition and obesity feed non-communicable disease burdens—timely as Pacific Heads of Health convene in the Cook Islands. Policy & Health Systems: A Cook Islands political analyst argues education, health, culture, sport and food security are linked, calling for stronger coordination and possible structural reform to improve wellbeing outcomes. Community Wellness Through Sport: The Ruckstars junior rugby programme is funded via the Australian High Commission’s Community Grants Program, aiming to build healthier, more resilient youth through safe, inclusive sport and health promotion. Deep-Sea Mining Risks: A report warns Cook Islands and other Pacific states could face investor-state disputes if they tighten environmental or regulatory protections around deep-sea mining.

Deep-Sea Mining & Sovereignty: A new Pacific report warns countries including the Cook Islands could face costly investor-state claims if they tighten environmental or regulatory rules for deep-sea mining, with legal threats potentially creating a “chilling effect” on stronger protections. Cost-of-Living & Local Services: Opposition Pacific MPs are split over the Government’s proposed 4% council rates cap, as Labour says caps may be possible but councils still need funding for roads, pipes, rubbish collection and community services, while the Greens warn basic services could suffer. Pacific Health Priorities: A major piece highlights a “global syndemic” in the Pacific—climate change meeting undernutrition and obesity—urging Pacific Heads of Health to reshape priorities to tackle stunting, wasting and rising overweight linked to imported ultra-processed foods. Cancer Screening Update: The Cook Islands’ free mammogram programme reached its 400-person target despite technical breakdowns at Rarotonga Hospital’s mammogram machine. Community Sport & Health: The Ruckstars junior rugby initiative is expanding active, safe youth participation in the Cook Islands, using sport to build life skills and support healthier communities. Safety & Investigation: Police are investigating the death of a 68-year-old tourist after a kayaking incident near Arorangi, with a medical report expected and the matter to be referred to the Coroner.

Health System Planning: A Cook Islands political analyst argues government should reorganise to better deliver outcomes across education, health, culture, sport and food security, including a push to bring Education, Culture and Sports under one umbrella to strengthen reo Māori and cultural learning. Regional Nutrition & Climate: A Pacific-focused piece warns of a “global syndemic” where climate change worsens child nutrition while shifts toward imported, ultra-processed foods drive obesity and non-communicable diseases—urging Pacific Heads of Health to reshape priorities. Breast Screening Update: The Cook Islands free mammogram programme reached its target despite technical problems with the Rarotonga Hospital machine. Youth Sport & Wellbeing: The Ruckstars junior rugby programme, backed by the Australian High Commission and BSP, is building healthier, more resilient communities by keeping young people active in safe, inclusive settings. Safety & Health in the Community: Police report a 68-year-old tourist died after a kayaking incident near Arorangi; a medical report is expected and the case will go to the coroner. Mental Health (Local Case): A coroner’s findings recap highlights how drug toxicity followed long-running anxiety, depression and panic attacks, with concerns raised about medication and side effects.