AGP Executive Report

Port Upgrade Debate: Greenpeace Aotearoa is condemning the US–NZ co-funded Penrhyn (Tongareva) harbour upgrade as “resource grabbing” and a “Trojan horse” for deep-sea mining, after the project was announced at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau; Cook Islands leaders call it a lifeline for Tongareva and point to critical minerals cooperation, while campaigners warn about transparency and environmental risk. Climate Resilience Funding: The Green Climate Fund says reforms are speeding approvals and accreditation, aiming to cut delays and boost direct access for Pacific countries, with resilience a key focus. El Niño Pressure on Food and Water: Pacific communities facing fuel stress are also bracing for a strong El Niño, with warnings of drought in some areas and heavier rain in others—raising risks for drinking water, food and children’s health. Local Conservation Wins: A new partnership between Waihī Beach and Te Ipukarea Society is installing automated predator traps in Rarotonga’s cloud forest to protect native wildlife threatened by rats and feral cats. Youth and Sport: CIFA named its TDS U14 girls squad for New Zealand’s McCartney Tournament, and the OFC U16 Women’s Championship kicks off in Solomon Islands with Cook Islands among the contenders.

Deep-sea mining fight heats up in the Cook Islands: Greenpeace Aotearoa and a Cook Islands-descended spokesperson hit back at Winston Peters after a US–NZ-funded Penrhyn/Tongareva port upgrade was announced at the Pacific Islands Forum, calling it a “Trojan horse” for seabed mining and urging transparency and public oversight. Port upgrade and environmental concerns: Cook Islands leaders say the Penrhyn port is a “lifeline” for Tongareva, but critics warn the project could open the door to deep-sea mining and raise environmental and governance questions. Climate resilience in focus: A Cook Islands Pa Enua mayors and executive officers workshop in Rarotonga wrapped with organisers saying it’s a first step toward implementing the country’s major climate resilience programme. El Niño pressure builds: Pacific communities facing fuel and cost stress are being warned to prepare for a potentially strong El Niño, with drought risks in some areas and heavier rainfall elsewhere, threatening water, food and children’s health. Biodiversity and conservation wins: Te Ipukarea Society and Waihī Beach launched high-altitude automated predator control in the Takuvaine cloud forest to protect native wildlife and seabirds from rats and feral cats. Climate finance reform: The Green Climate Fund says reforms are targeting faster approvals and more direct access for Pacific institutions, aiming to cut delays that have slowed climate action.

Deep-sea mining fight heats up: Greenpeace Aotearoa has hit back at Winston Peters after he accused the group of “pure racism” over opposition to a US–NZ-funded port at Tongareva/Penrhyn, warning the upgrade is a “Trojan horse” for seabed mining and calling for Indigenous knowledge to be treated as equal to other science. Cook Islands port upgrade under scrutiny: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, the US pledged US$50m and New Zealand NZ$10m for the Penrhyn port, with the Cook Islands saying it’s a “lifeline” for Tongareva—while critics raise transparency and environmental concerns. Climate resilience push: A Pa Enua Mayors and Executive Officers workshop in Rarotonga marked a step toward implementing the Cook Islands’ climate resilience programme. El Niño pressure on food and water: ChildFund New Zealand warns a strengthening El Niño could bring drought in some areas and heavier rain in others, stressing safe drinking water, food supplies and children’s health. Faster climate finance access: Green Climate Fund reforms aim to cut approvals and accreditation delays, targeting nine months for Pacific countries to reach funding. Biodiversity win: A new study finds damselfish may speed coral healing, strengthening the case for protecting fish habitats alongside reefs.

Deep-Sea Mining & Ports: Greenpeace Aotearoa is pushing back hard on a US–New Zealand co-funded Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade, calling it “resource grabbing” and a “Trojan horse” for deep-sea mining—after the project was announced at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau. Climate Resilience Delivery: Cook Islands officials wrapped a Pa Enua Mayors and Executive Officers Climate Change Workshop in Rarotonga, described as a first step toward implementing the country’s resilience programme. El Niño Pressure on Food and Water: ChildFund New Zealand warns a strengthening El Niño could trigger drought in some islands and heavier rain in others, raising risks for drinking water, food and children’s health amid ongoing fuel stress. Faster Climate Finance: Green Climate Fund reforms aim to cut approval delays and expand direct access for Pacific institutions, targeting nine-month timelines. Biodiversity & Conservation Tech: A new cloud-forest partnership is using automated predator traps over 400 metres above sea level to protect native wildlife and seabirds in the Takuvaine Valley. Health Partnership: Health New Zealand and Te Marae Ora Cook Islands re-signed a health partnership to improve specialist referral pathways to New Zealand. Local Action on Plastics: The Tere Apii‘anga school competition in the Cooks is driving youth-led alternatives to single-use plastics, with winners receiving sustainability-focused prize packs.

Pacific Climate Action at PIF: Leaders in Palau backed “urgent and inclusive climate action” to keep global warming within 1.5°C, while the summit also highlighted how fast climate finance and resilience planning need to move. El Niño Pressure on Food and Water: ChildFund New Zealand warns a strengthening El Niño could trigger drought in parts of the Pacific and heavier rain elsewhere, raising risks for drinking water, food and children’s health. Faster Climate Funding: The Green Climate Fund says reforms should cut approvals and accreditation delays, aiming for direct access to money through Pacific national and regional institutions. Cook Islands Port Upgrade Sparks Mining Fears: The US and New Zealand’s NZ$101m Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade drew Greenpeace backlash, with claims it could become a “gateway” to deep-sea mining and faces transparency concerns. Ocean Life and Conservation Tech: Te Ipukarea Society and Waihī Beach introduced automated predator traps in Rarotonga’s cloud forest to protect native wildlife from rats and feral cats. Coral Recovery Boost: A new study reports damselfish can speed healing of wounded corals, pointing to fish habitat protection as part of reef management.

Port & seabed mining row: The US and New Zealand announced a US$60m upgrade of Penrhyn/Tongareva port in the northern Cook Islands, but Greenpeace Aotearoa calls it a “trojan horse” for deep-sea mining and warns of transparency and environmental risks tied to critical minerals plans. Climate resilience push: In Palau, Cook Islands PM Mark Brown backed the Pacific Resilience Facility as it moves from pledges to community projects, while the Green Climate Fund says reforms should speed approvals and expand direct access for Pacific institutions. El Niño threat to food and water: ChildFund New Zealand warns a strengthening El Niño could trigger drought in parts of the Pacific, raising pressure on drinking water, food supplies and children’s health. Local action on plastic: Te Ipukarea Society’s Tere Apii‘anga school competition is driving youth-led alternatives to single-use plastics, with winners receiving reusable and marine-focused learning packs. Biodiversity protection in the Cooks: Waihī Beach and Te Ipukarea Society have installed automated predator traps in Rarotonga’s Takuvaine cloud forest to protect native wildlife from rats and feral cats.

Plastic reduction in schools: Te Ipukarea Society’s “Tere Apii‘anga” competition is getting students to brainstorm alternatives to single-use plastics, with winners from Nukutere, Titikaveka and Apii Nikao taking home reusable and marine-themed sustainability packs. Climate resilience implementation: A three-day Pa Enua Mayors and Executive Officers workshop in Rarotonga wrapped as a first step toward putting the Cook Islands’ climate resilience programme into action. Faster climate finance access: Green Climate Fund reforms aim to cut approval and accreditation delays, targeting nine months and pushing more direct access for Pacific national and regional institutions. Penrhyn port upgrade sparks backlash: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, the US and New Zealand announced a US$60m upgrade to Penrhyn/Tongareva, but Greenpeace Aotearoa calls it a “trojan horse” for deep-sea mining and urges transparency and Indigenous input. Ocean conservation on the ground: A new partnership between Waihī Beach and Te Ipukarea Society is deploying automated predator traps in the Takuvaine cloud forest above 400m to protect native wildlife and seabirds. Coral recovery research: A study finds damselfish can speed healing of wounded corals, suggesting fish habitat protection could support reef resilience.

Deep-sea biodiversity: NOAA’s deep-ocean work off New England turned up an ultra-tiny, still-unidentified mystery fish (about 5mm–1cm), a reminder that much of marine life remains undocumented. Climate resilience planning: Pa Enua mayors and executive officers wrapped a three-day climate change workshop in Rarotonga, described as a first step toward implementing the Cook Islands’ major resilience programme. Deep-sea mining pressure around Penrhyn: Greenpeace Aotearoa is calling the US–NZ co-funded Penrhyn/Tongareva port upgrade a “trojan horse” for deep-sea mining, warning of transparency and environmental risks as critical-minerals links are raised. Local conservation tech: Waihī Beach and Rarotonga’s Te Ipukarea Society installed automated predator traps over 400m up in the Takuvaine cloud forest to protect native wildlife from rats and feral cats. Pacific climate finance access: The Green Climate Fund says reforms are cutting approval time to nine months, aiming to speed up funding for climate-vulnerable countries like the Cook Islands. Coral recovery help: New research suggests damselfish can speed healing of wounded corals, pointing to fish-habitat protection as part of reef management. Weather update: Strong wind warnings for the Southern Cooks were lifted, but swells remain at an alert level.

Climate Action Implementation: The Pa Enua Mayors and Executive Officers Climate Change Workshop in Rarotonga wrapped after three days, with organisers calling it a positive first step toward implementing the Cook Islands’ major climate resilience programme. Conservation & Biodiversity: A new conservation partnership between Waihī Beach and Rarotonga’s Te Ipukarea Society is deploying automated predator-control traps in the Takuvaine Valley cloud forest—over 400 metres up—to protect native wildlife like the Tahiti petrel from rats and feral cats. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Greenpeace says Indigenous knowledge must carry equal weight in deep-sea mining discussions, warning that communities’ ocean stewardship is often missing from decisions. Ports, Transparency & Mining Risks: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, the US and New Zealand announced a US$60m upgrade to Penrhyn (Tongareva) port, with Greenpeace Aotearoa calling it colonial “resource grabbing” tied to deep-sea mining; Te Ipukarea Society also urges transparency and public oversight as US involvement in exploration grows. Regional Climate Finance: The Green Climate Fund says reforms have cut approval and accreditation timelines to a target of nine months, aiming to speed access to climate funding for Pacific countries.

Pacific Islands Forum climate push: Leaders in Palau wrapped the 55th Pacific Islands Forum with the “Belau Declaration” calling for urgent, inclusive climate action to keep global warming within reach of 1.5°C, alongside new governance moves like an annual police ministers meeting and a renewable-energy funding prospectus. Penrhyn port upgrade sparks environmental debate: The US and New Zealand announced a US$60m co-funded “lifeline” port upgrade at Penrhyn/Tongareva, but Greenpeace and Te Ipukarea Society are warning about transparency and potential links to deep-sea mining in the Penrhyn Basin. Indigenous knowledge in deep-sea mining: Greenpeace says Pacific Indigenous knowledge must carry equal weight in the deep-sea mining debate, with communities controlling how their ocean knowledge is used. Conservation win for Cook Islands wildlife: A new partnership is bringing automated predator-control traps to the Takuvaine Valley cloud forest above 400m, targeting rats and feral cats that threaten native seabirds and wildlife. Health partnership strengthened: Health NZ and Te Marae Ora re-signed a partnership to improve Cook Islands access to specialist care in New Zealand via a more centralised referral process. Coral healing research: A study reports damselfish may speed recovery of wounded corals, suggesting fish habitat protection could support reef resilience. Weather update: Strong wind warnings for the Southern Cooks were lifted, but swells remain a risk for exposed coastlines.

Penrhyn Port Upgrade Sparks Environmental & Transparency Debate: The US and New Zealand announced a US$60m “lifeline” upgrade for Penrhyn (Tongareva) in the northern Cook Islands, but Greenpeace Aotearoa is calling it colonial “resource grabbing,” warning it could accelerate deep-sea mining and urging public oversight. Climate Finance Speed-Up: Green Climate Fund executive director Mafalda Duarte says reforms are cutting approval and accreditation timelines toward nine months, aiming to make climate money easier for Pacific countries to access. Health Partnership Strengthened: Health New Zealand and Te Marae Ora re-signed an updated referral partnership to improve access to specialist care in New Zealand for Cook Islands patients. Coral Repair Boost from Damselfish: A new study reports damselfish can speed healing of wounded corals, suggesting fish habitat protection may help conservation outcomes. Pacific Resilience Facility Moves to Communities: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says the PRF is shifting from planning to funding community projects, with water, food and coastal restoration among the supported priorities. Local Weather Update: Strong wind warnings for the Southern Cooks were lifted, but swells remain a concern for exposed coastlines. Culture & Tourism Spotlight: Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto Tourism Month 2026 runs Sept 1–30, celebrating people, women’s leadership and youth pathways in the sector.

Pacific Islands Forum Focus: New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon is in Palau for a short, behind-closed-doors Leaders’ Retreat, saying Pacific leaders are pressing on fuel costs, El Niño climate risks, and regional security. Health Partnership: Health New Zealand and Te Marae Ora Cook Islands have re-signed a partnership to speed access to specialist care in New Zealand via a more centralised referral process. Climate Finance Speed-Up: Green Climate Fund reforms aim to cut approval and accreditation timelines to nine months, responding to long complaints that climate money is too slow to reach Pacific countries. Penrhyn Port & Deep-Sea Mining Alarm: The US and New Zealand’s US$60m Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade is being called a “lifeline” by Cook Islands PM Mark Brown, but Greenpeace Aotearoa and Te Ipukarea Society are warning about transparency gaps and links to deep-sea minerals. Coral Recovery Research: A study finds damselfish can speed healing of wounded corals, suggesting fish habitat protection can support reef resilience. Ocean Protection Push: WWF and partners are urging Pacific countries to create protected “blue corridors” for whales and other marine species.

Port Funding vs. Deep-Sea Mining: The US and New Zealand announced a US$60m “lifeline” upgrade for Penrhyn (Tongareva) in the Cook Islands, with US$50m from Washington and NZ$10m, framed as improving shipping for the Pa Enua but criticised by Greenpeace as a Trojan horse for deep-sea mining. Climate Finance to Communities: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown backed the Pacific Resilience Facility, saying it’s moving from concept to funding community projects tackling water security, food production, coastal restoration, sanitation, renewable energy and resilience. Coral Repair Breakthrough: A new study reports damselfish can speed healing of wounded corals, with faster recovery when fish are present—pointing to conservation that protects fish habitats alongside reefs. Blue Corridors for Marine Life: WWF and partners are urging Pacific countries to protect “whale highways” and other migration routes through coordinated blue corridors to cut pressure from climate change, shipping, fishing and pollution. Weather Update: Strong wind warnings for the Southern Cooks were lifted, but swells remain a risk for exposed coasts and small craft. Tuna Sustainability: Cook Islands marine officials returned from WCPFC Scientific Committee work in Samoa, feeding into December decisions aimed at stronger, science-led tuna management.

US–NZ Port Push for Penrhyn: The US and New Zealand announced a US$60m upgrade to the Penrhyn (Tongareva) port in the Cook Islands, with US$50m from Washington and NZ$17.5m to improve shipping links for outer islands—while critics warn it could fast-track deep-sea mining. Deep-sea Mining Backlash & Legal Risks: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says the country will stick to science and won’t move from exploration to extraction without answers, as a new report warns stronger seabed rules could trigger costly investor-state disputes. Blue “Whale Highways” Call: Conservation groups and academics urged Pacific nations to protect migration routes with coordinated “blue corridors,” linking whales, tuna, turtles and other species across borders. Pacific Forum Energy & Security Funding: The US pledged over US$150m for Pacific priorities including energy security, illegal fishing enforcement, infrastructure and digital tech. Regional Unity Under Strain: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, several leaders’ absences raised concerns about whether the region can speak with one voice as geopolitical competition intensifies. Local Marine Stewardship: Students in Mauke and Atiu completed reef monitoring pilots blending traditional knowledge with citizen science tools to track biodiversity and support ocean care. Weather Update: Strong wind warnings for the Southern Cooks were lifted, but swells remain at alert level for exposed coasts.

Seabed mining and ports collide at Palau summit: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says his government will stick to science and caution on deep-sea mining, warning that moving from exploration to extraction without answers risks harm. Investor-state dispute risk: A new Pacific Network on Globalisation report warns countries including the Cook Islands could face costly legal action if they tighten environmental rules or change mining licences, creating a “chilling effect” on protection. Penrhyn “lifeline” infrastructure: The US and New Zealand will co-fund a major port upgrade on Penrhyn Atoll, with the US putting in about US$50m and NZ US$10m, framed as a connectivity boost for the Pa Enua but tied to Washington’s critical minerals push. Regional unity under strain: Pacific Islands Forum leaders in Palau are meeting with several key absences, while superpower competition over the ocean and security hangs over talks. Local reef stewardship: Students on Mauke and Atiu complete early citizen-science reef monitoring pilots that blend traditional knowledge with marine survey tools.

Deep-Sea Mining & Sovereignty: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says his government will stay with science and caution on seabed mining, warning that a new Pacific report highlights “chilling effects” from investor-state legal risks if environmental rules tighten. US–NZ–Cook Islands Port Push: The US and New Zealand will co-fund a “lifeline” port at Penrhyn atoll (former US military base), with Washington putting in US$50m and NZ US$10m, framed as critical minerals infrastructure tied to high environmental standards. Pacific Islands Forum Under Strain: Smaller island states leaders met in Palau to coordinate shared priorities, while multiple leaders’ absences raise questions about regional unity as superpower competition intensifies. Blue Pacific Ocean Protection: French Polynesia’s president urged stronger regional action to protect the “Blue Pacific,” citing deep-sea mining, plastic pollution and climate change. Reef Stewardship in the Pa Enua: Students in Mauke and Atiu completed early field pilots of a citizen science programme blending traditional knowledge with hands-on reef monitoring tools. Marine Science Ahead of Mining: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer began deep-water mapping near American Samoa and the Cook Islands, aiming to build baselines of deep-sea habitats and potential critical minerals. Regional Fisheries Leadership: Cook Islands marine resources secretary Pamela Maru was appointed Deputy Director-General at the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, starting January 2027.