Election & Community Debate: Waatea’s Ata Tū wraps major interviews as Election 2026 gathers pace, with early childhood education, pay equity, and calls to protect Aotearoa heritage landmarks all landing in the spotlight. Pacific Defence & Health Support: Exercise Tropic Twilight brings NZDF personnel to Penrhyn in the northern Cook Islands for repairs, healthcare and maritime surveying. Football Pathways: Cook Islands OFC badge holders Marcus Gibbens and Andrew Teena earn development tournament appointments in Auckland. Sporting Identity on the Move: Dane Gagai is cleared to switch rugby league eligibility from Australia to New Zealand, opening a World Cup pathway tied to his Cook Islands-linked heritage. Ocean Conservation Funding: Bezos Earth Fund announces $25m in grants for ocean protection, including support for the Cook Islands’ Marae Moana vision. Tourism & Youth Pathways: Te Mato Manava Tūroto opens Expressions of Interest for the 2027 Te Arata’a tourism scholarship pathway. Women’s Culture Through Sport: CC Tamure Fitness blends tamure dance with exercise, building a women-led, culture-first wellbeing space. Mental Health in Motion: Limitless Run the 5 Islands with Us aims to raise awareness for mental health across Rarotonga, Mauke, Atiu, Mangaia and Aitutaki. CEDAW & Gender-Based Violence: Punanga Turuturu Vaine heads to Geneva with a shadow report for the Cook Islands’ CEDAW review. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Youth voices push for clarity on whether deep-sea mining can deliver a future without eroding cultural and environmental stewardship.