AGP Executive Report

Pacific health priorities: As Cook Islands hosts Pacific Heads of Health, a new push is emerging to tackle the “global syndemic” linking climate change with undernutrition, obesity and rising non-communicable diseases—especially the way climate impacts child nutrition and shifts diets toward imported ultra-processed foods. Breast screening update: The Cook Islands Breast Screening Programme reached its target of 400 despite technical problems with the mammogram machine at Rarotonga Hospital. Safety after a fatal crash: A coroner has urged greater vigilance at motorcycle events after Leonard Tomasi died following a collision at the “Sound of Thunder” race, recommending organisers watch for signs of trouble and strengthen event procedures. Community sport for health: The Ruckstars junior rugby programme is funded through the Australian High Commission’s Community Grants Program and supported by BSP, aiming to keep young people active while building leadership and health-promoting community connections. Local health incident: Cook Islands Police are investigating the death of a 68-year-old tourist after a kayaking incident near Arorangi; a medical report is expected and the case will go to the coroner. Policy for long-term wellbeing: A Pacific youth advocate is backing a Future Generations Act, arguing it must be written with young Pacific voices—particularly on health and long-term system planning.

Pacific Health & Climate: A new push is urged for Pacific leaders meeting in the Cook Islands to tackle the “global syndemic” linking climate change with undernutrition, obesity and rising non-communicable diseases, warning that warming is already disrupting child nutrition through food and water system shocks. Breast Screening Update: The Cook Islands Breast Screening Programme reached its target of 400 despite technical problems with the Rarotonga mammogram machine, with the NSW BreastScreen Australia team helping deliver the free service. Hospital Care & Safety: A coroner has urged greater vigilance after a motorcycle race death, recommending organisers watch for signs of trouble at events; separately, another coroner finding points to shortcomings in hospital treatment in a separate death case. Community Sport & Health: The Ruckstars junior rugby programme is expanding with Australian High Commission community grant support and BSP sponsorship, aiming to build healthier, more resilient youth through safe sport, leadership and health promotion. Local Health Incident: Police are investigating the death of a 68-year-old tourist after a kayaking capsizing incident off Arorangi; a medical report is expected and the case will go to the coroner. Youth Voice in Health Policy: A Pacific youth advocate backs a Future Generations Act but says it must be written with young Pacific people, including on long-term health system needs.

Breast Health: The Cook Islands Breast Screening Programme reached its target even with technical problems at Rarotonga Hospital’s mammogram machine, with the free service running with the NSW BreastScreen Australia team from July 2026. Water Safety: Cook Islands Police are investigating the death of a 68-year-old tourist after she capsized while kayaking near Arorangi; resuscitation was attempted and a medical report is expected before the matter goes to the Coroner. Motorcycle Safety: A coroner has urged greater vigilance after Leonard Tomasi died following a crash at the Sound of Thunder motorcycle race, recommending officials better spot trouble signs at events. Youth Sport & Wellness: The Ruckstars junior rugby programme is building healthier, more resilient communities through safe, inclusive sport, supported by the Australian High Commission and BSP, feeding into a wider youth active lifestyles push. Future Health Planning: A Pacific youth advocate backs a Future Generations Act but says it must be written with young Pacific voices, including on long-term health decisions. Community Health Culture: A local church message highlighted faith and life as a gift, reinforcing wellbeing themes in community life.

Cook Islands Democracy & Civic Health: With preliminary election figures showing only 5,678 votes cast out of about 9,600 on the Rarotonga roll, at least 3,922 voters (around 40.9%) were not represented—raising questions about the “health of our democracy” and whether non-voting is a political signal, not just apathy. Maternal & Cancer Care: The Cook Islands Breast Screening Programme reached its target despite technical problems with the mammogram machine at Rarotonga Hospital, with the NSW BreastScreen Australia team helping deliver free screening. Road Safety & Injury Prevention: A coroner urged greater vigilance after Leonard Tomasi died following a motorcycle race crash, recommending stronger event checks for signs of trouble. Youth Sport & Wellbeing: The Ruckstars junior rugby programme is building confidence and active lifestyles through safe, inclusive sport, supported by the Australian High Commission and BSP. Public Health Planning (Bird Flu): Pacific governments are seeking New Zealand advice on preparing for H5 avian influenza as it spreads in Australia and New Zealand, with human risk still considered low but wildlife impacts a major concern. Community Safety (Tourist Death): Police are investigating the death of a 68-year-old tourist after a kayaking incident near Arorangi; resuscitation was attempted and the case will go to the coroner.

Hospital & Safety: The coroner has urged greater vigilance after Leonard Tomasi died from blunt force head and neck injuries following a motorcycle race crash in Christchurch, with officials recommending organisers watch closely for signs of trouble at events. Mental Health & Care Gaps: A coroner’s findings into Blake Williams’ death point to shortcomings in hospital treatment, highlighting the risks faced by people managing anxiety, depression and panic attacks alongside medication. Cancer Screening: Cook Islands’ free mammogram programme reached its target of 400 despite technical breakdowns at Rarotonga Hospital, with the screening team continuing despite equipment issues. Public Health & Risk: Police are investigating the death of a 68-year-old tourist after a kayaking incident near Arorangi; resuscitation was attempted and a medical report will be referred to the coroner. Youth Wellness Through Sport: The Ruckstars junior rugby initiative received community grant funding to support safe, inclusive sport and build healthier, more resilient young people. Future-Proofing Health Systems: A Pacific youth advocate backs a Future Generations Act, arguing Pacific voices must shape long-term health and infrastructure decisions. Infectious Disease Watch: Pacific governments are seeking New Zealand advice on preparing for H5 bird flu as it spreads in Australia and New Zealand, with wildlife seen as the biggest threat.

Breast Screening Update: Cook Islands’ free mammogram programme reached its target of 400 despite technical problems with the Rarotonga Hospital mammogram machine, with the NSW BreastScreen Australia team helping get services back on track. Hospital Accountability: A coroner has found shortcomings in hospital treatment in the case of Blake Williams’ death, raising questions about care and follow-up. Water Safety Tragedy: Police are investigating the death of a 68-year-old tourist after she was found about 50 metres off the reef in Arorangi following a kayaking incident; a medical report is expected and the case will go to the Coroner. Youth Sport & Health: The Ruckstars junior rugby initiative is being supported through an Australian High Commission community grant, aiming to build confidence, leadership and active lifestyles in a safe, inclusive setting. Future-Proof Health Policy: A Pacific youth advocate says any Future Generations law must be written with young Pacific voices, with health and long-term system needs at the centre. Bird Flu Watch: Pacific governments have asked New Zealand for guidance on preparing for H5 bird flu as it spreads in Australia and New Zealand, with wildlife seen as the biggest risk. Environment & Health Link: New Zealand’s Natural Environment Bill is moving through a second reading, with changes aimed at reducing compliance burden while strengthening environmental protection.

Future Generations Act push: Former Youth MP Tyler Oroanu says Pacific young people need more than promises—health systems, infrastructure and real opportunities must be built to last, and Pacific voices should help write any Future Generations law. Breast screening update: Cook Islands’ free mammogram programme hit its 400 target even though Rarotonga Hospital’s mammogram machine had technical issues, with the service delivered by the NSW BreastScreen Australia team. Hospital care scrutiny: A coroner has found shortcomings in hospital treatment in the case of Blake Williams, who died in 2022 after drug toxicity amid a history of mental health issues and medication challenges. Safety at sea: Police are investigating the death of a 68-year-old tourist after a kayaking incident near Arorangi; resuscitation was attempted and a medical report is expected before the matter goes to the Coroner. Bird flu planning: Pacific governments have asked New Zealand for guidance on H5 bird flu as it spreads in Australia and New Zealand, with concern focused on protecting vulnerable seabirds and endemic wildlife. Regional health diplomacy: At a US Pacific summit, the Cook Islands received mention alongside new US support for regional infrastructure, including internet connectivity—aimed at broader prosperity and resilience.

Tourist safety: Cook Islands Police are investigating the death of a 68-year-old tourist after a kayaking incident near Arorangi; she was found about 50 metres off the reef, resuscitation was attempted, and she was later pronounced deceased, with a medical report expected and the case referred to the Coroner. Breast screening: Despite technical problems with Rarotonga Hospital’s mammogram machine, the Cook Islands free mammogram programme still reached its target, with the screening underway with the NSW BreastScreen Australia team. Environment law: New Zealand’s Natural Environment Bill moved to second reading, with the Environment Committee recommending changes aimed at clearer rules and lower compliance costs while keeping the planning system’s core structure. Deep-sea mining concerns: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) took Cook Islands concerns about seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority assembly, opposing a US company’s exploration licence application in the South Penrhyn Basin. Bird flu watch: Pacific governments have asked New Zealand for guidance on H5 avian influenza as it spreads in Australia and New Zealand, with officials urging preparedness for impacts on wildlife. Regional diplomacy: US President Joe Biden met Pacific leaders at a second summit, including announcing US recognition of the Cook Islands and Niue and new infrastructure support for the region. Local politics: Aitutaki MP candidate Tereapii Maki Kavana says he retained his seat while hospitalised in Rarotonga. Wellness lifestyle feature: A visit to the Perfumes of Rarotonga factory in Panama, Nikao highlights locally made island-inspired beauty and coconut oil products.

Tourist death investigation: Cook Islands Police are investigating the death of a 68-year-old tourist after her body was recovered from the sea off Arorangi following a kayaking incident; resuscitation was attempted and she was later pronounced deceased by a doctor, with a medical report expected and the case referred to the Coroner. Breast screening update: The Cook Islands Breast Screening Programme reached its target of 400 despite technical problems with the mammogram machine at Rarotonga Hospital, with the service delivered by the New South Wales BreastScreen Australia team from July 2026. Environment law in focus: New Zealand’s Natural Environment Bill moved to second reading, with the Environment Committee recommending changes aimed at clearer rules and lower compliance costs while keeping the planning system’s core structure. Regional health security: Pacific governments have asked New Zealand for guidance on H5 avian influenza (bird flu) as it’s detected in both Australia and New Zealand, with officials warning the biggest risk for the Pacific may be impacts on wildlife and vulnerable seabird populations. Local health-adjacent politics: Caretaker Associate Minister Tereapii Maki Kavana says he retained his Aitutaki seat while hospitalised in Rarotonga, highlighting how health and public service can collide during election periods. Wellness lifestyle feature: A visit to the Perfumes of Rarotonga factory in Panama, Nikao, spotlights locally made island-inspired fragrances and coconut oil products, including “healing” oils and skincare.

Breast Screening Update: The Cook Islands’ free mammogram programme reached its target even though Rarotonga Hospital’s mammogram machine had technical problems, with the NSW BreastScreen Australia team helping deliver services from July 2026. Hospital Care & Mental Health: A coroner’s findings into Blake Williams’ death say there were shortcomings in hospital treatment, after years of anxiety, depression and panic attacks that ended in drug toxicity at age 26. Deep-Sea Health & Environment: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has raised Cook Islands concerns about deep-seabed mining at the International Seabed Authority, opposing a US company’s exploration push in the South Penrhyn Basin. Bird Flu Watch: Pacific governments have asked New Zealand for guidance on H5 avian influenza as it spreads in Australia and New Zealand, with the main risk flagged as impacts on threatened seabirds. Policy & Environment Reform: New Zealand’s Natural Environment Bill moved to second reading, with committee changes aimed at clearer rules and lower compliance costs while keeping the planning system’s core structure. Public Health & Governance Context: A Cook Islands election analysis highlights low voter turnout as a wider “health of democracy” concern, which can affect how health and welfare priorities get delivered.

Breast Health: The Cook Islands Breast Screening Programme hit its 400-person target at Rarotonga Hospital even after technical problems with the mammogram machine, with the NSW BreastScreen Australia team starting the service in July 2026. Hospital Accountability: A coroner’s findings into Blake Williams’ death says there were shortcomings in hospital treatment, highlighting the need for safer, better-connected care. Women’s Health: Te Marū o te Vaine is launching a Women’s Midlife Health & Menopause Awareness event on 14 August at Muri Beach Club Hotel, aiming to boost education, support, and evidence-based menopause care across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. Infectious Disease Preparedness: Pacific governments have asked New Zealand for guidance on H5 bird flu as it spreads in Australia and New Zealand, with officials stressing the risk to vulnerable seabirds and endemic wildlife. Deep-Sea Health & Environment: Te Ipukarea Society took Cook Islands concerns about seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority meeting in Kingston, opposing a US company’s exploration push in the South Penrhyn Basin. Community Safety: Police report a domestic threatening-to-kill case involving a bush knife, plus a Matavera crash where alcohol is believed to be a key factor.

Mental Health & Safety: A coroner’s findings into Blake Williams’ death, aged 26, point to shortcomings in hospital treatment, with the case describing anxiety, depression, panic attacks, high-risk psychiatric medication, and a final death attributed to drug toxicity. Women’s Health: The Cook Islands launches Te Marū o te Vaine, a Women’s Midlife Health & Menopause Awareness event (Aug 14) focused on perimenopause, menopause and healthy ageing, with evidence-based education and support. Bird Flu Preparedness: Pacific governments have asked New Zealand for guidance on H5 avian influenza as it spreads in Australia and New Zealand, with officials warning the biggest risk is to vulnerable seabirds and endemic wildlife. Deep-Sea Mining Governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) brings Cook Islands concerns to the International Seabed Authority, opposing a US company’s push for seabed mining exploration in the South Penrhyn Basin. Local Health & Community: Police report a domestic threatening-to-kill case involving a bush knife, plus a Matavera crash where a 17-year-old motorcyclist was taken to hospital and blood testing was requested, with alcohol suspected.

Hospital & Mental Health: Coroner Ian Telford has found shortcomings in hospital treatment after 26-year-old Blake Williams died from drug toxicity in 2022, with the case highlighting persistent anxiety, depression and panic attacks, long-term high-risk psychiatric medication use, and family concerns about side effects and medication support. Public Health Threats: Pacific governments have asked New Zealand for guidance on preparing for H5 avian influenza (bird flu) after detections in Australia and New Zealand, with officials warning the biggest risk is to vulnerable seabirds and endemic wildlife. Women’s Health: Cook Islands women have launched Te Marū o te Vaine to improve education and support for perimenopause and menopause, with a Women’s Midlife Health & Menopause Awareness event set for Aug 14, featuring Pacific and Australasian experts and evidence-based care. Community Safety: Police report a domestic incident where a 33-year-old man was arrested and charged after allegedly threatening to kill with a bush knife, plus a separate crash involving a 17-year-old motorcyclist where alcohol is believed to be a key factor. Health & Politics (Local): Cook Islands election coverage continues, including discussion of cost of living pressures, welfare priorities, and water charges, as voters weigh stability and everyday health-related living costs.

Men’s Midlife Health & Menopause Awareness: The Cook Islands has launched Te Marū o te Vaine, a women’s midlife health and menopause event set for Aug 14 at Muri Beach Club Hotel (and livestreamed to Pa Enua), aiming to boost open, evidence-based support for perimenopause, menopause and healthy ageing. Election Health & Cost of Living: As the Cook Islands heads to the polls, voters are focused on stability—especially cost of living, welfare support and water charges—while parties debate removing residential and agricultural water use tariffs and reviewing the To Tatou Vai structure. COVID-Era Leadership Recognition: Financial Secretary Garth Henderson dedicated the Prime Minister’s Leadership Mace to the team behind Cook Islands COVID-19 response work, highlighting measures to protect jobs, incomes and businesses during border closures. Public Health Watch: Police report a 33-year-old remanded over an alleged bush-knife threat in a domestic incident, alongside a separate crash where alcohol is believed to be a key factor. Regional Health Security: Pacific governments have asked New Zealand for guidance on preparing for H5 bird flu as it spreads in Australia and New Zealand, with the biggest risk flagged as impacts on wildlife and endemic species. Deep-Sea Health Concerns: Te Ipukarea Society raised Cook Islands concerns about deep-seabed mining at the International Seabed Authority, opposing a US company’s exploration push in the South Penrhyn Basin.

Men’s Midlife & Menopause Awareness: Cook Islands women’s group Te Marū o te Vaine is launching a Women’s Midlife Health & Menopause Awareness event with evidence-based talks and support for perimenopause and menopause on Aug 14, livestreamed to the Pa Enua. Public Health & Safety: Police report a 33-year-old man remanded after an alleged domestic bush-knife threat, plus a Matavera crash where alcohol is believed to be a factor and a tourist incident with minor vehicle damage. Deep-Sea Mining & Health of the Ocean: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) raised Cook Islands concerns at the International Seabed Authority meeting, opposing a US company’s push for seabed exploration in the South Penrhyn Basin. Bird Flu Preparedness: Pacific governments are seeking New Zealand guidance on H5 avian influenza as it spreads in Australia and New Zealand, with a focus on protecting vulnerable seabirds and endemic species. Election & Community Wellbeing: A Cook Islands election analysis highlights low turnout—about 40.9% of the roll not voting—framing it as a wider health-of-democracy issue, alongside campaign debates on cost of living and water tariffs. Digital Inclusion: Internet governance expert Maureen Hilyard says digital inclusion is a human issue tied to education, health, and family connections—lessons drawn from Cook Islands connectivity work.

Voter turnout and health of democracy: A Cook Islands election analysis flags a major gap between the electoral roll and preliminary votes in Rarotonga—about 40.9% of registered voters not represented—arguing non-voting can be a political message, not just apathy. Deep-sea mining and public health concerns: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) took Cook Islands concerns to the International Seabed Authority meeting, opposing a US company’s push for exploration in the South Penrhyn Basin, raising questions for ocean stewardship. Bird flu preparedness: Pacific governments asked New Zealand for guidance on H5 avian influenza as it spreads in Australia and New Zealand; officials say human risk is low but warn Pacific wildlife could face serious impacts. Menopause support in the Cook Islands: Cook Islands women launched Te Marū o te Vaine, a Women’s Midlife Health & Menopause Awareness event with evidence-based education and support for perimenopause and menopause on Aug 14. Digital inclusion as a health issue: A Pacific internet governance interview stresses that digital inclusion is about people’s real needs—education, health, and family connections—especially for remote communities. COVID-era leadership recognition: Finance Secretary Garth Henderson dedicated the Prime Minister’s Leadership Mace to the people behind Cook Islands’ COVID-19 response, highlighting support for jobs, incomes, and businesses.