Pacific Memories Pou in Tokoroa: Cook Islands sculptor Tui Hobson has replaced the original “Talking Poles” pou, carving the new Wairaka cousin from macrocarpa and linking Tokoroa’s Pacific community story to Cook Islands Māori ancestry. Women’s sport, big firsts: After 22 years, Cook Islands women’s handball returns to international indoor competition, with the team departing for Wellington for Sept 10–14. Badminton coaching pathway: Danny Simpson becomes the first Cook Islands coach to complete the BWF Level 2 course in Auckland, strengthening local coaching development. Mauke freight upgrade: Construction begins on a $300,000 purpose-built cargo shed for Mauke, due for completion in early November. OFC U-16 Women’s Championship: Fiji’s Mini and Junior Kulas start with an 11–0 demolition of the Cook Islands, while New Zealand’s Young Football Ferns open with a 5–0 win over Solomon Islands. Miss World spotlight: Cook Islander Tiare Henry-Anguna wins Miss Oceania for the second time at Miss World 2026 in Vietnam. Deep-sea mining debate: Greenpeace criticises a US–NZ co-funded Tongareva port upgrade as a potential gateway to deep-sea mining, urging Indigenous knowledge to be treated as equal to science. El Niño warning: ChildFund flags a potentially strong El Niño as a new threat to water, food and children’s health across Pacific communities. Koroneihana ties: Cook Islands High Commission joins diaspora at Koroneihana 2026, marking the second anniversary of Māori Queen Te Arikinui Ngā Wai Hono i Te Pō. Culture & youth next year: Te Maeva Nui 2027 theme puts young people at the centre of custodianship for Cook Islands culture.