AGP Executive Report

Climate Watch: El Niño conditions are now officially established across the Pacific, with SPREP urging Western Pacific countries to prepare for drier-than-usual conditions and higher drought risk, while the Northern Cook Islands may see above-normal rainfall—prompting calls for proactive water planning. Regional Peace & Security: Pacific Islands Forum leaders, including Cook Islands, issued a global appeal for peace grounded in the Ocean of Peace Declaration, urging world leaders to uphold the UN Charter and choose dialogue as tensions rise. Plastic Pollution Action (Cook Islands): The National Environment Service is supporting a National Action Plan to tackle plastic waste under the Pacific Ocean Litter Project, aiming to cut landfill and marine litter while boosting behaviour change and practical alternatives. Water Governance (Cook Islands): Henry Puna has been appointed chair of Rarotonga’s water authority, To Tatou Vai, as the utility continues work toward safe, reliable, sustainable services. Health & Environment Link: A rare marine-bacteria infection (Shewanella) in a Cook Islands traveller in New Zealand highlights how contaminated seafood can lead to serious bloodstream infections. Seabed Mining Debate: Indigenous voices across the Pacific are pushing back on deep-sea mining, framing it as sovereignty and ecosystem protection, with Cook Islands-linked regional discussions continuing.

Ocean Peace Call: Pacific Islands Forum leaders, including Cook Islands, issued a 13 June message urging world leaders to uphold the UN Charter and protect the rights and dignity of all peoples as wars and tensions continue, warning small island states are hit hard by climate impacts and supply-chain shocks. Plastic Cut in Schools: Te Ipukarea Society, CIFWA and RedPack ran a menstrual health session at Tereora College for 300+ students, pushing reusable pads, menstrual cups and period underwear to cut single-use plastic waste and lower long-term costs. National Plastic Plan: The National Environment Service is developing a Cook Islands National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution under the Pacific Ocean Litter Project, aiming to reduce landfill and marine litter while improving recycling, recovery and practical alternatives. Seabed Mining Debate: Indigenous voices across the Pacific are shaping the fight over deep-sea mining, with New Caledonia’s 50-year commercial seabed mining ban highlighted as a major Indigenous-backed win. Fuel Shock Lesson: Rising global oil prices after the US-Iran conflict exposed Pacific vulnerability, renewing calls to speed up renewable energy delivery to reduce dependence on imported diesel. Border Enforcement Boost: Cook Islands Customs received US Homeland Security Investigations training and drug test kits to strengthen intelligence and enforcement against transnational crime. Health Alert from the Sea: A rare marine-bacterium infection (Shewanella) was linked to a Cook Islands trip, with doctors suspecting contaminated seafood as the likely entry route. Sea Level Research in Rarotonga: International scientists shared sea-level-rise findings with the community, using the islands’ geological history to better anticipate future climate impacts.

Plastic pollution action in Cook Islands: The National Environment Service is helping develop a National Action Plan under the Pacific Ocean Litter Project, aiming to cut plastic entering landfill and the lagoon/ocean through coordinated work with government, businesses, schools and communities, plus better recycling and practical alternatives. Menstrual health and waste reduction: Te Ipukarea Society, CIFWA and RedPack ran a Tereora College session for 300+ young women on menstrual wellbeing and sustainable reusable options like pads, cups and period underwear—framing the shift as both an environmental and cost-saving move. Border enforcement support: Cook Islands Customs received US Homeland Security Investigations training and drug test kits, with officials stressing vigilance as transnational crime targets the “weakest link.” Seabed mining debate and Indigenous voices: A new report highlights Indigenous leadership across the Pacific shaping the fight over deep-sea mining, including New Caledonia’s 50-year commercial seabed mining ban. Health alert after Cook Islands trip: A rare marine-bacteria bloodstream infection case in New Zealand was linked to a Cook Islands visit, with doctors suspecting contaminated seafood as the likely entry point. Sea level rise research locally: International scientists shared sea-level-rise findings with Rarotonga residents, using the islands’ geological history to better anticipate future climate impacts. Regional energy shock pressure: Coverage notes how fuel price spikes exposed Pacific vulnerability from imported oil, underscoring the need to accelerate renewable energy delivery.

Pacific Peace Call: Pacific Islands Forum leaders, including Cook Islands, renewed a push for global peace under the Ocean of Peace Declaration, warning rising fuel and freight costs are hitting end-of-supply-chain nations hardest. Plastic Pollution Push (Cook Islands): Te Ipukarea Society and partners ran a menstrual health session at Tereora College, promoting reusable pads, cups and period underwear as a way to cut plastic waste and household costs. National Plastic Plan: The National Environment Service is supporting a Cook Islands National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution under the Pacific Ocean Litter Project, aiming to reduce landfill and marine litter while improving recycling and practical alternatives. Border Enforcement Support: Cook Islands Customs received US Homeland Security Investigations training and drug test kits, boosting intelligence and enforcement capacity for transnational crime risks. Seabed Mining Debate: Indigenous peoples across the Pacific are shaping the fight over deep seabed mining, with sovereignty and ecosystem protection at the centre of the argument. Health Alert After Travel: A rare marine-bacteria infection (Shewanella) was linked to a Cook Islands trip, with doctors suspecting contaminated seafood as the likely entry route. Sea Level Research: International scientists shared sea level rise findings with Rarotonga residents, using the islands’ geology to help forecast future impacts.

Pacific Peace Call: Pacific Islands Forum leaders renewed calls for global peace and respect for the UN Charter, warning rising fuel and freight costs are hitting small economies hardest. Seabed Mining Debate: Indigenous voices are pushing back on deep-sea mining across the Pacific, with New Caledonia’s long ban cited as a major Indigenous-backed win and sovereignty concerns raised over irreversible ecosystem risks. Cook Islands Marine Health: A rare marine bacterium (Shewanella) was linked to a serious infection in a Cook Islands traveller, with doctors suggesting contaminated seafood as the likely entry route. Plastic Pollution Plan: 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 ocean through coordinated action and practical alternatives. World Ocean Day Shipping: IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez urged countries to move from ocean policies to real-world practice to reduce pollution and protect marine life, filmed in the Cook Islands. Deep-Sea Governance: SBMA took part in an International Seabed Authority workshop in Suva on state responsibilities, regional environmental governance, and future capacity-building. Energy Shock Lesson: Pacific fuel crisis coverage highlights how imported oil dependence leaves islands exposed, strengthening the case for faster renewable rollout.

Seabed mining debate: Indigenous leaders across the Pacific are pushing back on deep-sea mining, framing it as a sovereignty issue and warning that mining could cause irreversible harm to poorly understood ocean ecosystems. Public health (marine bacteria): A rare bloodstream infection in a Cook Islands Māori man was traced to a marine bacterium after he returned from a coastal stay and ate raw fish, highlighting how seafood can carry serious risks. Plastic pollution plan: The National Environment Service is developing a Cook Islands National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution under the Pacific Ocean Litter Project, aiming to cut waste entering landfill and the lagoon through coordinated action and practical alternatives. Deep-sea governance capacity: Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority staff attended a Suva workshop on deep seabed sustainable blue growth, focusing on state responsibilities, environmental governance, data management and future capacity-building. Energy resilience: Pacific fuel crisis coverage underscores how imported oil shocks expose the gap between renewable targets and delivery—an urgent lesson for islands including the Cook Islands. Border enforcement: Cook Islands Customs received US Homeland Security Investigations training and drug test kits to strengthen intelligence and enforcement as transnational crime exploits weak links.

Plastic Pollution Policy: The Cook Islands National Environment Service is supporting a National Action Plan under the Pacific Ocean Litter Project, aiming to cut plastic entering landfill and the lagoon through behaviour change, stronger recycling and recovery, and practical single-use alternatives. Marine Health & Biosecurity: A rare bloodstream infection in a New Zealand man returning from the Cook Islands was traced to a marine bacterium (Shewanella), with doctors pointing to contaminated seafood as the likely entry route. Deep-Sea Governance & Capacity: The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority took part in an International Seabed Authority workshop in Suva on deep seabed sustainable blue growth, focusing on state responsibilities, environmental governance, data management and future capacity-building. Seabed Minerals Watch: Deep Sea Minerals Corp says it has submitted a NOAA application and received a “substantial compliance” determination, advancing its U.S. regulatory pathway for offshore critical minerals. Energy Resilience: A regional fuel shock analysis highlights how Pacific economies are still highly exposed to imported oil, reinforcing the need to scale renewable energy fast to protect tourism and household costs. Sea Level Rise Research: International scientists shared sea level rise findings with Rarotonga residents, using the islands’ geological history to better anticipate future climate impacts. Biodiversity Under Threat: Local reporting flags feral cats as a threat to Rarotonga’s rare seabirds, adding urgency to conservation and predator control.

Rare infection linked to Cook Islands travel: A 68-year-old Cook Islands Māori man in New Zealand developed fever, sepsis and a rapidly spreading skin infection after a trip to a coastal outer island, with doctors tracing the cause to a rare marine bacterium (Shewanella) likely picked up via contaminated seafood. Plastic pollution push in the Cook Islands: The National Environment Service is supporting a National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution under the Pacific Ocean Litter Project, aiming to cut plastic entering landfill and the lagoon through waste management, behaviour change, recycling improvements and practical alternatives. Sea level rise research shared locally: International scientists briefed Rarotonga residents on sea level rise, using the islands’ geological history to help anticipate future climate impacts. Deep-sea governance capacity-building: Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority staff attended an International Seabed Authority workshop in Suva on deep seabed sustainable blue growth, focusing on state responsibilities, environmental governance and data management. Seabed mining and geopolitics: A report highlights how deep-sea minerals deals are increasingly tied to power competition, noting China’s agreements including with Kiribati and the Cook Islands. World Ocean Day call for action: IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez urged member states to move from ocean protection policies to real-world implementation, including tackling pollution from shipping. Rarotonga addresses navigation and safety: A letter argues Rarotonga needs clearer street naming and house numbering to improve public safety and emergency response as the island grows and more services rely on precise addresses. Biodiversity under threat: Local research and reporting point to feral cats preying on Rarotonga’s rare seabirds, adding urgency to protection efforts.

Plastic pollution push: 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 through behaviour change, better recycling, sustainable procurement, and practical single-use alternatives. Local waste drivers: A baseline study says Cook Islands beach plastic is driven mainly by tourism and community habits, prompting calls for targeted waste management and tighter collaboration. Seabird protection: Te Ipukarea Society warns feral cats threaten Rarotonga’s rare seabirds, while separate work highlights how seabirds act as ocean health indicators and how local researchers are studying nesting in the cloud forest. Community climate science: International scientists shared sea-level-rise research with Rarotonga residents, using the islands’ geological history to better anticipate future impacts. Ocean governance: Pacific leaders at a Tokyo summit urged stronger national ocean frameworks, plus more finance and technology for island states to manage biodiversity and pollution. Deep-sea mining watch: Deep Sea Minerals says it has achieved “substantial compliance” after submitting a NOAA application, as Pacific debate continues over seabed minerals and geopolitics. Marine safety & shipping: IMO’s World Ocean Day message from the Cook Islands calls for real-world implementation to reduce ship pollution, including marine plastic and underwater noise. Regional security: New Zealand’s Operation Kiwa included RNZAF maritime patrols in Fiji, Niue and Cook Islands waters to deter illegal activity and protect fisheries. Water services leadership: Henry Puna appointed chair of Rarotonga’s To Tatou Vai water authority, following a resignation, as the utility works toward safe, reliable, sustainable services.

Plastic Pollution Plan: The Cook Islands National Environment Service has hired Ma’anga Consultancy to help develop a National Action Plan under the Pacific Ocean Litter Project, funded by Australia and implemented with SPREP, aiming to cut plastic entering landfill and the lagoon through coordinated action across government, business, schools and communities. Water Governance: Former Prime Minister Henry Puna has been appointed chair of Rarotonga’s water authority, To Tatou Vai, taking over from Brian Mason as the utility pushes toward safe, reliable, sustainable water services. Sea Level Rise Research: International scientists briefed Rarotonga residents on sea level rise using the islands’ geological history to better anticipate future climate impacts. Marine Plastic at School Level: Waihī Beach pupils created fish sculptures from discarded waste, including plastic pellets still washing ashore, as part of an ocean conservation art project to spark local discussion on marine protection. Regional Ocean Security: New Zealand’s RNZAF carried out maritime surveillance patrols in Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands EEZs during May to support fisheries protection and Operation Kiwa.

Moana Pasifika rescue talk: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says the Super Rugby franchise still has a pathway to a sustainable future, ruling out a direct government bailout as the club faces liquidation after financial trouble. Sea level rise research: International scientists shared findings in Rarotonga on how the islands’ ancient geology can help forecast future sea level rise impacts. Beach plastic push: A new baseline study links Cook Islands beach plastic pollution to tourism and local habits, calling for more targeted waste management and better coordination. Wildlife protection: Te Ipukarea Society warns feral cats are threatening Rarotonga’s rare seabirds, highlighting urgent predator control needs. Ocean governance at IMO: The IMO’s secretary general urged member states to move from ocean policies to real-world action to cut shipping pollution ahead of World Ocean Day. Fisheries market pressure: EU food safety rules for freezer vessels are set to affect most Pacific Island-flagged exporters, with training in Suva supporting compliance for continued access to EU seafood markets. Community action on waste: Waihī pupils turned discarded plastic into fish sculptures to raise awareness of marine pollution and keep pressure on coastal cleanup. Regional security patrols: RNZAF surveillance missions targeted suspected illegal activity in Cook Islands, Fiji and Niue waters as part of Operation Kiwa. Seabed mining geopolitics: A report flags growing competition for deep-sea minerals, noting agreements involving the Cook Islands and wider Pacific as major powers expand interest.

Marine Climate Science: International scientists shared sea level rise research in Rarotonga, using the islands’ ancient geology to help communities understand what climate change could mean locally. Plastic Pollution & Community Action: A baseline study says Cook Islands beach plastic is driven by tourism and everyday habits, while Waihī Beach School pupils are turning discarded waste into fish sculptures to spark ocean-protection conversations. Wildlife Protection: Te Ipukarea Society warns feral cats are threatening Rarotonga’s rare seabirds, highlighting the need for stronger predator control. Ocean Governance & Shipping Pollution: The IMO marks World Ocean Day by urging countries to move from ocean-protection policies to real implementation, including cutting ship pollution. Fisheries & Food Safety: EU rules on freezer vessels are set to affect most Pacific Island-flagged exporters, with Pacific authorities trained to meet new temperature requirements. Regional Security & Maritime Surveillance: New Zealand’s RNZAF carried out patrols in Cook Islands, Fiji and Niue waters to deter illegal activity and support fisheries protection. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Deep Sea Minerals reports progress on its NOAA application, while Pacific leaders and experts continue debating seabed mining’s geopolitics and control.

Marine Protection Push: IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez urged member states to move from ocean policies to real-world action on World Ocean Day, highlighting pollution cuts and new threats like underwater noise. Pacific Ocean Governance: Australia and New Zealand backed Pacific-led regionalism and climate action ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum, while Pacific leaders at a Tokyo summit called for better finance and technology to manage oceans sustainably. Sea Level Rise Research: International scientists shared findings in Rarotonga on how the islands’ ancient geology can help forecast future sea level rise impacts. Beach Plastic Focus: A baseline study says Cook Islands beach plastic pollution is driven by tourism and local habits, with calls for targeted waste management and stronger collaboration. Wildlife Under Threat: Te Ipukarea Society warns feral cats are threatening Rarotonga’s rare seabirds, including ground-nesting species. Fisheries & Food Safety: EU rules on freezer vessels are set to affect most Pacific Island-flagged exporters, with training for national authorities to keep access to the EU seafood market. Maritime Security: RNZAF patrols targeted suspected illegal activity in Cook Islands, Fiji and Niue waters as part of Operation Kiwa. Education & Community Action: Waihī pupils turned discarded waste into fish sculptures to raise awareness of marine plastic pollution.

Moana Pasifika survival talks: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says the Super Rugby club may still be saved, with new potential backers showing interest as efforts continue after the franchise was put into liquidation. Sea level rise research: International scientists shared how the Cook Islands’ ancient geology can help forecast future sea level rise impacts for local communities. Marine protection push: The IMO’s World Ocean Day message, filmed in the Cook Islands, urged countries to move from ocean policies to real-world action to cut ship pollution and address issues like underwater noise. Deep-sea mining and geopolitics: A new report links seabed minerals to power plays by the US and China, noting existing agreements involving the Cook Islands and concerns over Pacific nations’ control. Beach plastic drivers: A baseline study points to tourism and community habits as key causes of Cook Islands beach plastic, calling for targeted waste management. Wildlife threat: Te Ipukarea Society warns feral cats are threatening Rarotonga’s rare seabirds. Regional enforcement: RNZAF maritime patrols targeted suspected illegal activity across Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands EEZs in support of Pacific fisheries and anti-crime operations. Community action: Waihī Beach School pupils turned discarded waste into fish sculptures to raise awareness of marine plastic pollution. Food security angle: Commentary argues the Cook Islands should boost local agriculture to reduce reliance on imports and strengthen resilience.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Deep Sea Minerals says it has submitted a NOAA application for seabed hard minerals and recently received a “substantial compliance” determination, a procedural step that could strengthen its priority rights while it continues regulatory, technical and environmental workstreams. Ocean Governance & Geopolitics: A new report frames deep-sea mining as a race tied to U.S. and China influence, noting agreements involving Nauru and Tonga and existing deals with Kiribati and the Cook Islands. Local Plastic Pollution: A baseline study links Cook Islands beach plastic to tourism and community habits, pushing for targeted waste management and better coordination. Wildlife Protection: Te Ipukarea Society highlights feral cats as a threat to Rarotonga’s rare seabirds, calling attention to predator pressure in sensitive habitats. Youth & Marine Waste: Waihī pupils turn discarded plastic into fish sculptures to raise awareness of ongoing marine pollution, including pellets still washing ashore after the MV Rena grounding. Regional Ocean Priorities: Pacific leaders at a Tokyo summit stress ocean management as survival, urging better access to finance, technology and scientific capacity. Food Security: Opinion argues for renewed focus on local agriculture to cut import dependence and build resilience. Maritime Security: RNZAF patrols targeted suspected illegal activity in Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands EEZ as part of Operation Kiwa.

Pacific Security & Climate Agenda: Australia and New Zealand reaffirmed Pacific-led regionalism, climate action and security cooperation ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau, with climate change a key focus. Beach Plastic Push (Cook Islands): A baseline study says Cook Islands beach plastic pollution is driven by tourism and local habits, prompting calls for targeted waste management and tighter collaboration. Seabirds Under Threat: Te Ipukarea Society warns feral cats are threatening Rarotonga’s rare seabirds, with conservation attention turning to predator control. Maritime Surveillance (Cook Islands EEZ): RNZAF patrols targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity across Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands EEZ as part of New Zealand’s Operation Kiwa, supporting fisheries protection and regional security. EU Seafood Compliance: New EU food safety rules are set to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific freezer vessels, with training for national authorities aimed at keeping market access. Ocean Governance Summit (Tokyo): Pacific leaders at a Tokyo summit urged better finance, technology and data access to manage oceans amid climate change, biodiversity loss and marine pollution. Local Youth Action: Waihī pupils turned discarded waste into fish sculptures to raise awareness of marine plastic pollution. Deep-Sea Mining Geopolitics: Coverage highlights how seabed minerals are entangled with Pacific geopolitics as global powers race for critical resources.