Deep-Sea Mining Protest: Greenpeace activists occupied New Zealand’s state-owned research vessel Tangaroa in Wellington, warning it could help fast-track deep sea mining in the Pacific from 2027 and put Pacific peoples’ oceans, livelihoods and cultural heritage at risk. Public Service & Education Legacy: Cook Islands Police honoured former Commissioner Tevai Vaka Matapo (“Pastor Bobby”), remembering his community work, church leadership and long-running support for education and the University of the South Pacific. Climate Justice at the ICJ: Attorney Generals from 16 Pacific countries, including Cook Islands, are in Nadi for a writeshop preparing Pacific submissions to the International Court of Justice on climate change. Media & Language: The 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu wrapped with a clear message: AI must support journalism, not replace human judgement—while Cook Islands Māori-language training and bulletins are already being shaped by new tools. Women’s Rights & Digital Safety: Cook Islands National Council of Women will take women’s experiences to UN CEDAW in October, and Paruru’anga Online will launch new Cook Islands Māori cyber safety courses next month. Tourism Leadership: CITIC re-elected Liana Scott as president, with priorities including workforce and immigration pressures and destination sustainability. Sports & Community: Cook Islands men’s football returns to international friendlies vs Tahiti (26 Sept and 30 Sept), while local youth rugby and Round Rarotonga Road Race momentum continues across the islands. Conservation Funding: Bezos Earth Fund announced US$25m in grants for tropical Pacific marine protection, including projects in the Cook Islands.