AGP Executive Report

Food & Culture: Te Tapora Kai at Punanga Nui Market hosted a “Taste of the Cook Islands” pop-up, with vendors like Jax Farm showcasing fresh chilled nu and local favourites such as varaoa karo, mitiore, ika mata, poke and rukau, plus live music and cultural demos. Language & Identity: Columnist Thomas Tarurongo Wynne reflects on the urgent need to nurture Te Reo Māori early, pointing to gaps in policy reach for tamariki and the generational impact of colonisation and assimilation. Governance & Capability: A Legal Policy Development Course brought government officials and private lawyers together in Rarotonga to strengthen skills in legislative design and policy advice. Sports & Community Recognition: A letter urges CISNOC to add a Masters Sportswoman Award, citing Cook Islands women excelling across sport and leadership. Youth, Environment & Creativity: Waihī Beach School pupils created fish sculptures from discarded waste in an ocean-focused art project tackling plastic pollution. Regional Spotlight: Cook Islands paddlers head to Tahiti for Te Aito Tahiti, while Afghan women’s footballers in Auckland prepare to play the Cook Islands after FIFA eligibility in April. Arts & Heritage: A new book traces the rise and decline of Cook Islands cinema culture, from early theatres to today’s single operating Empire Theatre.

Language & Identity: A new reo-focused push at Te Pū’ara Api’i Pōtiki in Turangi is framed as more than childcare—it’s about giving tamariki their identity through language, with the writer pointing to a big policy gap for birth-to-three learning on Rarotonga and Aitutaki. Community & Food Culture: Taste of the Cook Islands returns to Te Tapora Kai at Punanga Nui Market, bringing local dishes, live music, cultural demos, and new vendors for a 9am–12 noon pop-up. Governance & Skills: A Legal Policy Development Course in Rarotonga brings government officials and private lawyers together to strengthen how laws and policies are designed and advised. Sports & Coaching Pathways: CIFA celebrates coach Jarves Aperau’s OFC C Licence approval, with more local coaches applying and an OFC A Licence course set for July. Va’a & Regional Sport: Cook Islands paddlers head to Tahiti for Te Aito Tahiti, including a 22km open-category ocean race. Women’s Sport & Global Solidarity: Afghan Women United players in Auckland are set to play matches against the Cook Islands, after FIFA eligibility in April. Obituary: Sir Kenneth Keith is remembered for major legal contributions, including work on the Official Information Act and the Bill of Rights.

Va’a Racing: Cook Islands paddlers have flown to Tahiti for the Te Aito Tahiti singles races, with seven athletes contesting the June 5–6 event and youth races kicking off the action. Food & Culture: Taste of the Cook Islands returns to Te Tapora Kai at Punanga Nui Market, bringing local dishes, live music, and cultural demos alongside new vendors. Governance & Law: A Legal Policy Development Course in Rarotonga is building skills across Cook Islands Government and private lawyers, focused on designing better laws and policy. Sports Awards Letter: A reader calls out the absence of a Masters Sportswoman Award, arguing Cook Islands women athletes deserve recognition. Community & Inclusion: Apii Te Uki Ou marks the blessing of a new decking and accessibility ramp funded by the New Zealand High Commission, improving access to learning spaces. Ocean Stewardship: Waihī Beach School pupils turn discarded plastic into fish sculptures in an environmental art project aimed at marine protection. International Women’s Football: Afghan Women United players in Auckland are set to play the Cook Islands, marking a major step back onto the international stage after Taliban bans. Culture & Voyaging: Pacific voyaging and ocean leaders gather at Rapa Nui to share wayfinding knowledge and push high-seas marine conservation. Cook Islands in World Sport: Valentine Holmes is set to make himself available for the Rugby League World Cup, reconnecting with his Cook Islands heritage. Local Football Coaching: CIFA celebrates Jarves Aperau’s approval for an OFC C Licence and notes more coaches applying through the pathway.

Pacific Media & Language: PMN Fiji’s Pacific Mornings won Best Pacific Language Programme at the 2026 New Zealand Radio and Podcast Awards, celebrating more than 20 years of sharing Fijian stories and news with communities across Aotearoa. Sport & Identity: Cook Islands Rugby League World Cup hopes get a boost with Valentine Holmes set to honour his mother Lucy Holmes’ heritage and join the Aitu squad after a rotator cuff injury. Football & Women’s Rights: Afghan Women United players are back on the international stage, with 23 in Auckland for matches against the Cook Islands after FIFA approved their eligibility following years of Taliban bans on women’s sport. Youth, Learning & Access: Apii Te Uki Ou marked the blessing of a New Zealand-funded accessible deck and ramp, improving safe access to its library, sensory room and learning spaces. Environment & Creative Education: Waihī Beach School pupils made fish sculptures from discarded waste in an ocean-plastic awareness project led by Stan Wolfgramm. Culture & Community: Te Puke Festival of Cultures returns tomorrow with music, dance, food and storytelling across venues, celebrating tangata whenua and visiting cultures.

Cook Islands Sports & Identity: Valentine Holmes is set to make himself available for the Cook Islands at the Rugby League World Cup, after a rotator cuff injury kept him out of key qualifying matches—his return also includes a cultural reconnection trip to Rarotonga for the squad. Football Pathways: The Cook Islands Football Association celebrates Jarves Aperau’s approval for an OFC C Licence, with more local coaches applying and an OFC A Licence course planned—showing momentum in coaching education. Women’s Sport in Exile: Afghanistan’s Afghan Women United team is preparing for international matches in Auckland, including a game against the Cook Islands—an important step after Taliban restrictions and FIFA eligibility approval in April. Culture & Learning: Apii Te Uki Ou marks a New Zealand-funded accessible deck and ramp blessing, improving safe access to its library and learning spaces for students. Ocean Stewardship: Waihī Beach School pupils turn discarded plastic into fish sculptures, part of a project aimed at raising awareness of marine pollution and ocean protection. Regional Connections: Cook Islands hosts ASPA81 aviation leaders in Rarotonga, focusing on aviation–tourism partnerships and Pacific connectivity. Arts & Heritage: A new book revisits the Cook Islands’ “golden age of cinema,” when Rarotonga once had seven theatres and films shaped community life.

Cook Islands Rugby League: Valentine Holmes says he’ll make himself available for the Aitu at the Rugby League World Cup, honouring his mother Lucy Holmes and joining the squad after injury kept him out of key qualifying matches. Football Coaching Pathways: Cook Islands Football Association coach Jarves Aperau earns his OFC C Licence, with three more local coaches applying and CIFA continuing higher-level pathway training. Afghan Women’s Football vs Cook Islands: After years in exile following the Taliban’s 2021 crackdown, the Afghan Women United squad is in Auckland for friendly matches against the Cook Islands, with FIFA eligibility approved in April despite non-recognition by the Afghan federation. Regional Aviation & Tourism: Cook Islands hosted ASPA81 in Rarotonga, bringing Pacific airline and tourism leaders together on “Island Economies in Flight” and strengthening connectivity across the region. Accessible Education: Apii Te Uki Ou in the Cook Islands celebrated a New Zealand High Commission-funded decking and accessibility ramp project, improving safe access to its library and learning spaces. Cinema History: A new book revisits the Cook Islands’ golden age of movie-going, when Rarotonga had seven theatres, and tracks how that culture faded to today’s single remaining cinema.

Rugby & Identity: Valentine Holmes says he’ll make himself available for the Cook Islands at the Rugby League World Cup, honouring his mother Lucy Holmes and reconnecting with culture after injury sidelined him from key qualifying matches. Football Coaching Pathways: Cook Islands Football Association coach Jarves Aperau earns his OFC C Licence, with three more local coaches applying and more education momentum building toward higher-level pathways. Women’s Sport & Exile Stories: Afghanistan’s women’s team, now eligible for international play after years of Taliban bans, is set to face the Cook Islands in Auckland as 23 players from the Afghan Women United program rebuild their careers and national dreams. Tourism & Regional Links: Fiji hosts SPTE 2026 for the third time, bringing Pacific businesses and cultures together at Crowne Plaza Nadi Bay, with Fiji Airways backing the event. Aviation & Tourism Industry: Cook Islands welcomed ASPA81 aviation leaders and partners in Rarotonga, focusing on strategic aviation–tourism partnerships and regional connectivity. Accessibility in Education: Apii Te Uki Ou celebrates a New Zealand-funded accessible deck and ramp, improving safe access to key learning spaces for all students.

Afghan Women’s Football: A refugee-built Afghan women’s team is set for its first international match in five years, with 23 players in an Auckland training camp facing the Cook Islands—after FIFA approved their eligibility in April, even as the Taliban-linked federation still doesn’t recognise them. Youth Sport (PNG vs Cook Islands): Papua New Guinea’s U-19 men’s team has departed for Oceania qualifiers in the Cook Islands, chasing the region’s sole spot for Samoa later this year. Education & Inclusion (Cook Islands): Apii Te Uki Ou celebrated a New Zealand-funded accessible deck and ramp, improving safe access to the school’s library, sensory room and learning support spaces. Culture & Memory (Cook Islands cinema): A new book revisits the Cook Islands’ “golden age” of cinema, when Rarotonga once had seven theatres, and tracks how movie-going culture faded to today’s single operating Empire Theatre. Voyaging & Ocean Care: Pacific leaders and cultural practitioners gathered on Rapa Nui to strengthen voyaging ties and push marine conservation, including high-seas protection. Sporting Pride (Sailing): Rarotonga Sailing Club young sailors are competing in Tahiti’s Optimist Oceania Championship, tackling open-ocean conditions beyond Muri lagoon.

Afghan Women’s Football Comeback: After escaping the Taliban and years in exile, 23 players from the Afghan Women United program are training in Auckland and will play matches against a Cook Islands team—an international return made possible after FIFA granted eligibility, with players like Fatima Yousufi and Mona Amini sharing how hard-won it feels to represent their flag again. OFC Qualifiers in Rarotonga: Papua New Guinea’s U-19 men’s team has departed for the Cook Islands for the Oceania Football Confederation qualifying stage (June 6–12), chasing the sole spot for Samoa later this year. Cook Islands Accessibility Upgrade: Apii Te Uki Ou marked the blessing of a New Zealand High Commission–funded deck and accessibility ramp, improving safe access to the school’s library, sensory room, and learning support spaces. Regional Aviation Spotlight: The Cook Islands hosted ASPA81 in Rarotonga, bringing Pacific airline and tourism leaders together to push “island economies in flight” and strengthen connectivity. Ocean Protection & Voyaging Links: Leaders and cultural practitioners gathered on Rapa Nui for Te Piri mā’ohi o Te Moana Nui a Hiva to share voyaging knowledge and collaborate on high-seas marine conservation, with Cook Islands participation noted. Bougainville Independence Debate: PNG MPs debate whether to ratify Bougainville’s 2019 independence referendum, with Minister Belden Namah arguing the autonomy government hasn’t met peace agreement commitments.

Sport & Resilience: After escaping the Taliban, Afghanistan’s women’s soccer team is back on the international stage, with 23 players training in Auckland and set to play a team from the Cook Islands—an eligibility win that turns years of hiding into a chance to represent their flag again. Culture & Heritage: A new book revisits the Cook Islands’ “golden age” of cinema, from once-common village screenings to today’s single operating theatre, tracing how “the pictures” shaped island life and sparked moral debate. Accessibility & Education: Apii Te Uki Ou in the Cook Islands marks the blessing of a New Zealand-funded deck and accessibility ramp, improving safe access to its library, sensory room and learning support spaces. Regional Connections: PM Mark Brown’s historic visit to Wuzhou, China, highlights new cooperation and connectivity through the launch of the MV Tuitui Moana. Youth & Community Sport: Rising Stars expands to Aitutaki, bringing netball, rugby and volleyball to Pa Enua schools with a focus on discipline, healthy habits and smoke- and alcohol-free fun. Travel & Lifestyle: Air New Zealand adds a seasonal direct Christchurch–Rarotonga service, making winter escapes easier for South Islanders.

Cruise Culture: Norwegian Cruise Line has extended its 2026–27 South Pacific season, adding more eight- to 13-day “close-to-home” itineraries that let Australians experience multiple islands in one trip—fuelled by guests’ desire to meet local culture and unwind. Ocean Stewardship: Pacific voyaging and ocean leaders gathered on Rapa Nui for Te Piri mā’ohi o Te Moana Nui a Hiva, sharing wayfinding knowledge and pushing high-seas marine protection with Cook Islands participation among many Pacific communities. Accessibility & Learning: Apii Te Uki Ou marked a New Zealand-funded blessing for a new decking and accessibility ramp, improving safe access to the school’s library, sensory room and learning support spaces. Cook Islands–China Links: PM Mark Brown’s visit to Wuzhou highlighted the MV Tuitui Moana launch and new cooperation pathways aimed at better connectivity and shared cultural and economic ties. Cinema Memory: A new book revisits the Cook Islands’ “golden age” of cinema—from early pioneers and village halls to today’s single remaining theatre, the Empire Theatre. Sport & Youth: Rarotonga Sailing Club young sailors took on big-ocean conditions at the Optimist Oceania Championship in Tahiti, while Cook Islands’ rising golfers and other athletes keep building pathways close to home.

Ocean Protection & Voyaging: Leaders and cultural practitioners gathered on Rapa Nui for Te Piri mā’ohi o Te Moana Nui a Hiva, sharing wayfinding knowledge and marine conservation work with a strong focus on the high seas, with Cook Islands among the participating communities. Accessible Education: Apii Te Uki Ou marked the blessing of a New Zealand High Commission–funded decking and accessibility ramp, improving safe access to the school’s library, sensory room and learning support spaces. Cook Islands–China Links: PM Mark Brown visited Wuzhou, celebrating the launch of the MV Tuitui Moana and discussing deeper cooperation tied to maritime connectivity and cultural exchange. Cinema Heritage: A new book revisits the Cook Islands’ “golden age of cinema,” tracing how movie-going shaped island life before the number of theatres dwindled to just the Empire Theatre. Aviation & Tourism Connectivity: Cook Islands hosted ASPA81 in Rarotonga, bringing aviation and tourism leaders together to strengthen Pacific connectivity through strategic partnerships. Sports & Youth Pathways: Rarotonga Sailing Club young sailors competed in Tahiti’s Optimist Oceania Championship, while Cook Islands athletes also pushed forward in regional sport and development pathways.

Ocean Protection & Voyaging: Leaders and cultural practitioners from across Oceania gathered on Rapa Nui to strengthen ancestral ties, share voyaging knowledge, and push marine conservation—especially for high seas protection. Accessible Education: Apii Te Uki Ou marked the blessing of a New Zealand-funded decking and accessibility ramp, improving safe access to its library, sensory room and learning support spaces. Cook Islands–China Links: PM Mark Brown’s visit to Wuzhou highlighted the launch of the government vessel MV Tuitui Moana and opened new pathways for maritime connectivity and cooperation. Regional Aviation & Tourism: The Cook Islands hosted ASPA81, bringing Pacific aviation and tourism leaders together to discuss partnerships that keep island economies moving. Sport & Youth Pathways: Rarotonga Sailing Club young sailors competed in Tahiti’s Optimist Oceania Championship, while Cook Islands athletes also earned regional momentum through Oceania sport and upcoming Commonwealth Games selections. Culture & Learning: A new book revisits the Cook Islands’ golden age of cinema, and Open Polytechnic graduation stories spotlight education as a community voice.

Anzac Day Reflection: A Cook Islands-focused remembrance piece ties Pacific service and sacrifice to the freedoms celebrated on 25 April, noting how many didn’t return and how descendants carry that legacy. Cook Islands Cinema History: A new book revisits the islands’ “golden age of cinema,” from early pioneers and the Royal Hall/Victory Theatre era to today’s shrinking movie-going scene, with the Empire Theatre as the last operating cinema. Accessibility in Education: Apii Te Uki Ou marks a New Zealand-funded blessing for a new accessible deck and ramp, improving safe access to its library, sensory room and learning support spaces. Cook Islands–China Links: PM Mark Brown’s visit to Wuzhou highlights new cooperation pathways, anchored by the launch of the MV Tuitui Moana and visits to cultural and economic sites. Youth Sport & Community: Rarotonga Sailing Club young sailors race in Tahiti’s Optimist Oceania Championship, while Aitutaki’s Rising Stars expands netball, rugby and volleyball to Pa Enua schools. Regional Governance & Trade: Cook Islands participation in PACER Plus meetings in Tonga feeds into proposals on trade facilitation, customs, standards and biosecurity. Tourism Connectivity: Air New Zealand’s new Christchurch–Rarotonga direct service boosts winter travel options for South Islanders. Culture & Arts: Cook Islands artists feature at the Aotearoa Art Fair, and a Pacific museum revamp spotlights Samoan artist Ana Teofilo’s carpet design of cultural connection. Health & Learning: Open Polytechnic graduation stories include a Cook Islander earning a Bachelor of Social Work, while wider coverage notes shifting diabetes dietitian wait times in Counties Manukau. Sport Pathways: Cook Islands golfers Tane Wichman and Tahitoa Webb head to the AAC Academy in New Zealand, and Cook Islands Bowls Inc. names its Commonwealth Games team.

Youth Sport & Ocean Skills: Nine young sailors from the Rarotonga Sailing Club are racing the Cook Islands flag at the Yacht Club de Tahiti Optimist Oceania Championship, facing strong winds, big swells and first-time reef sailing while coach Jacobo Miquel Lopez puts safety first. Education & Inclusion: Apii Te Uki Ou marked the blessing of a New Zealand-funded accessible deck and ramp, improving safe access to the school’s library, sensory room and learning support spaces for all students. Culture & Community Ties: PM Mark Brown’s visit to Wuzhou, China highlighted the launch of the MV Tuitui Moana and deeper maritime cooperation, alongside cultural and economic site visits. Regional Aviation & Tourism: ASPA81 brought Pacific aviation and tourism leaders to Rarotonga to discuss partnerships shaping “island economies in flight” and strengthening regional connectivity. Pa Enua Youth Sport: Aitutaki joined the Rising Stars Championship for netball, rugby and volleyball, with organisers stressing discipline, responsibility and smoke- and alcohol-free healthy habits. Cook Islands on the International Stage: Cook Islands athletes and teams also featured across the region, from Oceania sailing and athletics record-breaks to Commonwealth Games bowling selections. Pacific Mobility Policy: New Zealand’s visa fee reductions and longer multi-entry options for Pacific travellers may cost millions in revenue, but aim to deepen connections.

Sports & Youth: Nine young sailors from the Rarotonga Sailing Club are racing at the Yacht Club de Tahiti Optimist Oceania Championship, facing their first open-ocean challenge beyond Muri lagoon as coach Jacobo Miquel Lopez flags wind, swells and reef sailing as the big mental tests. Education & Inclusion: Apii Te Uki Ou marked the blessing of a New Zealand High Commission–funded decking and accessibility ramp, improving safe access to its library, sensory room and learning support spaces for all students. Diplomacy & Maritime Connectivity: PM Mark Brown’s visit to Wuzhou, Guangxi, highlighted the launch of the MV Tuitui Moana, with talks aimed at deepening Cook Islands–China cooperation and boosting connectivity. Aviation & Tourism Links: Cook Islands welcomed Pacific aviation leaders for ASPA81 in Rarotonga, while Air New Zealand’s new Christchurch–Rarotonga direct service adds another route for South Island travellers. Culture & Arts: Cook Islands artists and performers keep turning up on big stages, from Pacific music recognition at the Aotearoa Music Awards to Cook Islands works featured at the Aotearoa Art Fair in Auckland. Regional Policy: Cook Islands delegates met in Tonga for PACER Plus budget and joint committee discussions, shaping trade facilitation, customs, standards and biosecurity priorities. Health & Services: Diabetes wait times in Counties Manukau improved after staffing changes, but demand is rising again as capacity adjusts.