AGP Executive Report

Deep-sea research in the Cook Islands: NOAA’s 26-day Okeanos Explorer mission has returned to Rarotonga after 14 remotely operated vehicle dives in the western Cook Islands EEZ, gathering 400+ samples and 23+ biological specimens, some possibly new to science—while the findings feed into wider debates over deep seabed minerals and the need for baselines before any resource decisions. Deep-seabed mining governance push: Te Ipukarea Society has taken Cook Islands concerns to the International Seabed Authority, opposing a US company’s bid for an exploration licence in the South Penrhyn Basin, an international-waters area surrounded by Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. US ambassador flags “sustainable” seabed mining: Jared Novelly says transparent discussions are needed as the US seeks partnerships with the Cook Islands, including cultural collaboration and sports diplomacy. Regional environment leadership: SPREP’s 5th Executive Board meeting in Apia advanced work to build a resilient Pacific environment, approving the 2027 supplementary programme and budget. Wildlife health watch: Pacific governments are seeking New Zealand advice on preparing for H5 bird flu, with seabirds seen as a key risk for endemic species. Community resilience via sport: The Ruckstars junior rugby programme, backed by the Australian High Commission and BSP, is using sport to support youth pathways, health and confidence in Cook Islands communities.

Deep-Sea Research: NOAA’s 26-day Okeanos Explorer expedition returned to Rarotonga after 14 remotely operated dives, collecting 400+ samples and 23+ biological specimens in the western Cook Islands EEZ—new data that could shape local decisions as deep seabed minerals draw growing interest. Deep-Sea Governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns to the International Seabed Authority, opposing a US company’s exploration push in the South Penrhyn Basin and highlighting the tricky “high seas pocket” surrounded by Cook Islands waters. Regional Environment Leadership: SPREP’s Fifth Executive Board meeting in Apia backed the 2027 supplementary work programme and budget, with members stressing shared Pacific challenges that no country can tackle alone. Wildlife Health Watch: Pacific governments are seeking New Zealand advice on preparing for H5 bird flu after detections in Australia and New Zealand, with seabirds flagged as a key risk for endemic species. Policy & Planning: New Zealand’s Natural Environment Bill advanced through a second reading, aiming to protect nature while reducing unnecessary compliance costs. Community & Sport: CIFA and FIFA convened a workshop to finalise the FIFA Amateur Football Eco Analysis for the Cook Islands, while the Ruckstars junior rugby programme received Australian High Commission community grants to support youth activity and wellbeing.

Deep-Sea Biodiversity & Minerals: NOAA’s 26-day Okeanos Explorer expedition returned to Rarotonga after 14 remotely operated dives in the western Cook Islands, collecting 400+ samples and 23+ biological specimens that may include new species—while the findings feed into ongoing debate over deep seabed minerals and the need for ocean baselines for local decision-making. Deep-Sea Mining Governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) took Cook Islands concerns to the International Seabed Authority’s 31st Assembly, opposing a US company’s exploration push in the South Penrhyn Basin and highlighting the mismatch between ISA rules and applications routed via NOAA. Regional Environment Leadership: The 5th SPREP Executive Board Meeting in Apia (12–13 Aug) advanced work toward a more resilient Pacific environment, with Wallis-et-Futuna chairing and board members approving the 2027 supplementary programme and budget. Humanitarian Law at Home: Cook Islands reaffirmed its commitment to international humanitarian law at a Pacific roundtable in Brisbane, pledging to strengthen domestic policies and revive its national coordination committee. Youth & Community Health Through Sport: The Ruckstars junior rugby initiative received support via the Australian High Commission’s Community Grants Program, aiming to keep young people active and build safer, more resilient communities. Policy Watch: A legislative statement and second reading in New Zealand on the Natural Environment Bill signals a shift toward practical environmental management reforms.

SPREP Regional Resilience: The Fifth SPREP Executive Board Meeting in Apia (12–13 Aug) approved SPREP’s 2027 supplementary work programme and budget, with leaders stressing that Pacific environmental challenges can’t be solved alone and need shared dialogue and partnerships. Deep-Sea Life and Mining: A 26-day NOAA expedition in the Cook Islands EEZ used 14 remotely operated dives to gather 400+ samples and 23+ biological specimens, adding new baseline knowledge as seabed minerals and “sustainable” mining debates intensify. Deep-Sea Governance Pushback: Te Ipukarea Society took Cook Islands concerns to the International Seabed Authority assembly, opposing a US company’s bid for an exploration licence in the South Penrhyn Basin, an international-waters enclave around the Cook Islands. Bird Flu Preparedness: Pacific governments asked New Zealand for guidance on H5 avian influenza as it spreads in Australia and New Zealand, with warnings that seabirds and small endemic populations could face major risks. Future Generations Law: A Pacific youth advocate backed a Future Generations Act but said it must be written with young Pacific voices at the centre, including long-term health and opportunity. Natural Environment Bill (NZ): New Zealand’s Natural Environment Bill advanced to second reading, with lawmakers citing moves to reduce compliance costs while strengthening environmental protection.

Natural Environment Bill: New Zealand’s Minister for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop, moved the Natural Environment Bill to second reading, saying the Environment Committee has tightened the plan to boost certainty and cut unnecessary compliance costs while keeping the new planning system’s core structure. Deep-sea science for policy: A 26-day NOAA expedition in the Cook Islands EEZ used 14 remotely operated dives to gather 400+ samples and 23+ biological specimens, aiming to build a baseline for community decisions as deep-seabed mineral interest grows. Local pushback on mining governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) took Cook Islands concerns to the International Seabed Authority, opposing a U.S. company’s exploration push in the South Penrhyn Basin and highlighting the governance gap where applications go through NOAA rather than the ISA. Regional bird flu watch: Pacific governments sought New Zealand advice on H5 avian influenza as it spreads in Australia and New Zealand, with warnings that endemic seabirds could face severe impacts if the virus reaches island populations. SPREP leadership in focus: Wallis-et-Futuna chairs the SPREP Executive Board meeting in Apia, with Cook Islands among the Polynesian representatives, as the region tackles climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Cook Islands politics: Preliminary election results suggest Prime Minister Mark Brown’s party is likely to retain parliament control, with voting delayed on the remote atoll of Nassau due to bad weather.

Deep-Sea Research: A 26-day NOAA expedition (Okeanos Explorer) returned to Rarotonga after 14 remotely operated vehicle dives in the western Cook Islands, collecting 400+ samples and 23+ biological specimens, including possible new species, as the region weighs seabed mineral development. Deep-Sea Mining Governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns to the International Seabed Authority, opposing a US company’s push for an exploration licence in the South Penrhyn Basin—an international-waters area surrounded by Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Regional Environment Leadership: Wallis and Futuna is chairing the SPREP Executive Board meeting in Apia, with Cook Islands holding the Polynesia seat, as members focus on climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Policy Watch: New Zealand’s Natural Environment Bill advanced to second reading, with an Environment Committee push to cut compliance costs while strengthening environmental protection. Biosecurity: Pacific governments are seeking advice on H5 bird flu as it spreads in Australia and New Zealand, with wildlife—especially vulnerable seabirds—flagged as the biggest risk. Local Politics: Preliminary election results suggest PM Mark Brown’s Cook Islands Party may retain parliament control, pending voting on the remote atoll of Nassau.

Deep-sea science for the Cook Islands: NOAA’s 26-day Okeanos Explorer mission has returned to Rarotonga after 14 remotely operated dives in the western Cook Islands EEZ, collecting 400+ samples and 23+ biological specimens, some possibly new to science, while mapping seamounts, abyssal plains and the Manihiki Plateau—work that could shape future seabed resource decisions. Seabed mining governance debate: Te Ipukarea Society has taken Cook Islands concerns to the International Seabed Authority, opposing a US company’s push for exploration in the South Penrhyn Basin, and the US ambassador is calling for transparent talks on “sustainable” seabed mining. Regional environment priorities in Samoa: SPREP’s 5th Executive Board Meeting is underway, with leaders stressing the “triple planetary crises” of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, and setting the next work programme and budget. Bird flu watch for Pacific wildlife: New Zealand says Pacific governments need to prepare for H5 avian influenza as it spreads in Australia and New Zealand, with seabirds flagged as a key risk to endemic species. Cook Islands election backdrop: With voters heading to the polls, deep-sea mining and ties with New Zealand sit alongside cost-of-living and water charges as major campaign issues.

Deep-Sea Discovery: A 26-day NOAA expedition in the Cook Islands EEZ has returned to Rarotonga with results from 14 deep dives, including 400+ samples and 23+ biological specimens that may be new to science, adding fresh detail on marine life and seabed minerals in poorly studied western areas. Seabed-Mining Debate: The findings arrive as Cook Islands and wider Pacific governments weigh “baseline” science against growing pressure to develop polymetallic nodules, with local groups like Te Ipukarea Society also taking concerns to the International Seabed Authority. Regional Environment Leadership: SPREP’s 5th Executive Board meeting in Samoa is focusing on the triple planetary crises—climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution—while Forum ministers back stronger climate action ahead of COP31. Wildlife Health Watch: Pacific governments are seeking guidance on H5 bird flu as it spreads in Australia and New Zealand, with seabirds flagged as a key risk for endemic species. Policy & Politics: Cook Islands election coverage highlights ongoing public sensitivity around deep-sea mining and ties with New Zealand.

Seabed mining governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns about deep-seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, challenging a U.S. company’s push for an exploration licence in the South Penrhyn Basin—an enclave of international waters surrounded by the Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Regional environment leadership: SPREP’s fifth Executive Board meeting in Samoa is focused on the “triple planetary crises” of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, with the DG warning Pacific communities “bear the brunt” despite tiny global emissions. Cook Islands election pressures: As the Cook Islands heads to the polls, voters are weighing cost of living, water tariffs and the country’s deep-sea mining and diplomatic rifts—while preliminary results suggest the Cook Islands Party may retain parliament. Pacific wildlife preparedness: New Zealand says Pacific governments are seeking advice on H5 bird flu as it spreads in Australia and New Zealand, with seabirds flagged as a key risk for endemic species. NOAA deep-ocean findings: A NOAA expedition reports megalodon teeth recovered from Cook Islands nodule fields—teeth that may act as nuclei for nodule growth—adding fuel to the debate over what’s at stake in the deep sea. Pacific diplomacy: The U.S. hosted Pacific leaders for a second summit, including recognition of the Cook Islands, alongside promises for climate-resilient infrastructure and connectivity.

Aviation and resilience: New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters pointed to the Cook Islands’ airline experience as a Pacific model, saying NZ previously funded flights to help the route grow to about 175,000 passengers a year—highlighting how tourism-linked connectivity depends on keeping carriers viable. Deep-sea mining governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) took Cook Islands concerns to the International Seabed Authority, opposing a US company’s push for an exploration licence tied to the South Penrhyn Basin, while a separate letter challenges seabed-mining poll claims over how representative the sample really is. Wildlife disease watch: Pacific governments asked NZ for advice on H5 bird flu as it spreads in Australia and New Zealand, with warnings that seabirds and small endemic populations could face the biggest risk. Regional environment leadership: SPREP’s Executive Board meeting in Samoa reaffirmed the “triple planetary crises” focus—climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution—while Wallis and Futuna chairs the board for the first time. US diplomacy and “sustainable” seabed mining: The new US ambassador to the Cook Islands, Jared Novelly, returned to Rarotonga to discuss cultural collaboration, trade partnerships and transparent talks on seabed mining.

Deep-sea mining governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns about seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, opposing a U.S. company’s push for an exploration licence in the South Penrhyn Basin—an enclave of international waters surrounded by the Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Regional environment leadership: SPREP’s 5th Executive Board meeting is underway in Samoa, with Director General Sefanaia Nawadra warning Pacific communities face the “triple planetary crises” of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Bird flu preparedness: Pacific governments have asked New Zealand for guidance on H5 avian influenza as it spreads in Australia and New Zealand, with seabirds flagged as a key risk for endemic species. Cook Islands election pressures: With Cook Islands heading to a general election, voters are weighing cost of living, water tariffs and mining, while preliminary results suggest PM Mark Brown’s party may retain parliament. Climate capacity building: A Samoan student is among University of Waikato recipients of Tower’s climate scholarships, planning to return home to tackle Pacific climate impacts. Critical minerals geopolitics: A U.S. executive order on critical minerals supply chains is intensifying pressure for domestic and allied sources, raising new questions for the region’s seabed-mining debate.

Seabed mining governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns about deep-seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, opposing a US company’s push for an exploration licence tied to the South Penrhyn Basin—an international-waters enclave surrounded by Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Triple planetary crisis: SPREP’s fifth Executive Board meeting in Samoa is focused on climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, with the Director General warning Pacific communities are “bearing the brunt” despite contributing just 0.01% of global emissions. Climate diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional push for climate action ahead of COP31, calling for more climate finance, renewable investment and louder Pacific leadership. Cook Islands election & environment: Preliminary results suggest PM Mark Brown’s party may retain parliament, while voters weigh cost of living, water tariffs and seabed mining—amid debate over how public polling is framed. Bird flu preparedness: Pacific governments have sought New Zealand advice on H5 avian influenza as it spreads in Australia and New Zealand, with seabirds flagged as a key risk to endemic wildlife. Deep-ocean science: NOAA’s expedition reports megalodon teeth recovered from Cook Islands nodule fields appear to be growth “nuclei,” adding new detail to how these deep-sea ecosystems form. Regional leadership: Wallis-et-Futuna is chairing SPREP’s Executive Board for the first time, with Cook Islands represented in the Troika.

Deep-sea mining push to ISA: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns about seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, opposing a US move by American Deep-Sea Minerals to seek an exploration licence for the South Penrhyn Basin—an area surrounded by Cook Islands waters and other regional borders. Regional bird flu watch: Pacific governments, including the Cook Islands, have asked New Zealand for guidance on H5 avian influenza as it spreads in Australia and New Zealand, with seabirds flagged as the biggest risk to vulnerable endemic wildlife. SPREP leadership on “triple planetary crises”: SPREP’s fifth Executive Board meeting in Samoa is underway, with Wallis-et-Futuna chairing for the first time and SPREP Director General Sefanaia Nawadra stressing climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution as overlapping pressures on Pacific communities. NOAA expedition links to Cook Islands nodules: A NOAA Okeanos Explorer mission has recovered megalodon teeth from Cook Islands nodule fields, suggesting the teeth acted as growth nuclei for polymetallic nodules—new clues for how deep-ocean circulation has shifted over millions of years. Cook Islands election backdrop: Preliminary results suggest PM Mark Brown’s party is likely to retain parliament, while voters weigh cost of living, water tariffs and seabed mining concerns. Climate scholarships for Pacific leaders: A Samoan student is among Tower Climate Change Scholarship recipients at the University of Waikato, with plans to return home to tackle climate impacts across Pacific islands including the Cook Islands.

Deep-sea mining governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns about seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, opposing a US company’s bid for an exploration licence in the South Penrhyn Basin—an enclave of international waters surrounded by the Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Regional environment leadership: SPREP’s 5th Executive Board Meeting is underway in Samoa, with SPREP DG Sefanaia Nawadra warning Pacific communities are bearing the brunt of the “triple planetary crises” of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, while Forum foreign ministers back stronger climate action ahead of COP31. Bird flu preparedness: Pacific governments have asked New Zealand for advice on H5 avian influenza as it spreads in Australia and New Zealand, with a focus on protecting threatened seabirds and endemic wildlife. Cook Islands election & environment politics: Preliminary election results suggest PM Mark Brown’s party is likely to retain parliament, with voters also weighing cost of living, water tariffs and seabed mining—amid calls for careful interpretation of a poll on public opposition. NOAA expedition findings: A NOAA expedition has reported megalodon teeth seeded around Cook Islands nodule fields, linking deep-water circulation history to the growth of polymetallic nodules. SPREP chairing: Wallis and Futuna is chairing the SPREP Executive Board for the first time, aiming to ensure smaller territories’ environmental challenges are heard.

Avian Influenza Watch: New Zealand has detected H5 bird flu in wild birds, and Pacific governments are now seeking advice on how to prepare as the virus spreads across Australia and NZ—SPREP-linked seabird experts warn the biggest risk is to Pacific wildlife, especially small endemic populations that could be wiped out. Regional Environment Leadership: Wallis and Futuna is chairing the SPREP Executive Board meeting in Samoa for the first time, with members reviewing priorities tied to the “triple planetary crises” of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Climate Push Ahead of COP31: Forum foreign ministers backed stronger regional climate action ahead of COP31, calling for more climate finance, renewable energy investment, and Pacific-led momentum through Pre-COP31 meetings. Cook Islands Election & Environment Politics: As the Cook Islands heads to a general election, voters are weighing cost of living, water tariffs and deep-sea mining—polling and debate continue, with leaders stressing current work is focused on exploration and research. Deep-Sea Mining Scrutiny: New reporting highlights ongoing controversy around Cook Islands seabed mining, including concerns about how exploration licence holders and proposed mergers could shape who effectively controls activity in the Marae Moana area.

Biosecurity Alert: New Zealand has confirmed H5 avian influenza in wild birds, and Pacific governments are now seeking advice on how to prepare—especially to protect seabirds and small, endemic island populations that could be wiped out if the virus spreads. Regional Environment Leadership: SPREP’s fifth Executive Board Meeting is underway in Samoa, with SPREP Director General Sefanaia Nawadra warning Pacific communities are facing the “triple planetary crises” of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, while Forum foreign ministers back stronger climate action ahead of COP31. Deep-Sea Mining Pressure: Cook Islands election coverage keeps circling seabed mining—polling suggests majority opposition, while letters and commentary question how poll results are framed and warn about the growing push for critical minerals. Cook Islands Election Watch: Preliminary results indicate PM Mark Brown’s party is likely to retain parliament, but bad weather delayed voting on the remote atoll of Nassau. Geopolitics and Climate Funding: A US summit with Pacific leaders included promises for secure, sustainable infrastructure and climate-resilient development, as climate competes with wider security concerns.