AGP Executive Report

World Cup Watch: The Rugby League World Cup opens Thursday, with the Cook Islands men facing Fiji on October 18, New Zealand on October 25 and Australia on October 31. Vaine Moana recently lost 36–20 to Tonga in Sydney; both sides are seeking more international matches for their women players. Stranded in the Cook Islands: A 49-year-old woman who has been unable to leave since arriving in 2023 says she wants to return home. New Zealand declined her transit visa, saying it was not satisfied she genuinely intended to transit. Penrhyn Support: A six-week NZ-led mission on Tongareva upgraded school facilities, water systems and the cyclone centre, and provided healthcare and maritime surveying. Ocean Protection: More than US$25 million in Bezos Earth Fund grants will support conservation across five Pacific nations, including advancing the Cook Islands’ Marae Moana vision. Fijian Community: Cook Islands-based Fijians marked Fiji’s Independence Day at Tupapa with cultural performances, a flag-raising and kava ceremony.

Penrhyn Partnership: Nearly 50 New Zealand Defence Force personnel have completed six weeks of work on remote Tongareva, upgrading school facilities and water systems and providing health services alongside local residents. World Cup Watch: The Cook Islands are in the men’s Rugby League World Cup’s Pool A, opening against Fiji on October 18 before facing New Zealand on October 25. Women’s Rugby League: Vaine Moana led Tonga early but lost 36–20 in Sydney; both teams self-funded the match to keep international opportunities open after missing the World Cup. Ocean Protection: More than US$25 million in Bezos Earth Fund grants will support Pacific conservation, including advancing the Cook Islands’ Marae Moana vision. Culture & Community: Fijians in the Cook Islands marked Independence Day with cultural performances and a kava ceremony, while historian Howard Henry is remembered for preserving Cook Islands history and heritage through his books.

World Cup Countdown: The Cook Islands face Fiji on October 18, New Zealand on October 25 and Australia on October 31 in the Rugby League World Cup’s men’s Group A. Ocean Guardianship: More than US$25 million in Bezos Earth Fund grants will support conservation across five Pacific nations, including advancing the Cook Islands’ Marae Moana vision. Penrhyn Partnership: A six-week NZDF exercise has wrapped up after personnel worked with locals on infrastructure, health services and hydrographic surveys on remote Penrhyn. Community & Culture: Fijians in the Cook Islands marked Fiji’s Independence Day with cultural performances, a flag-raising and kava ceremony, and a call to celebrate the nation’s diversity. Women’s Rugby League: Cook Islands’ Vaine Moana led Tonga before losing their Sydney international; both teams are seeking more regular games after missing the World Cup. Stranded in the Islands: A foreign national has been unable to leave the Cook Islands since 2023, as transit visa applications to New Zealand and Australia remain unresolved.

Stranded in Rarotonga: A 49-year-old woman has been unable to leave the Cook Islands for three years because Australia and New Zealand have not approved transit visas. Cook Islands Immigration says it has explored options to help her return home. Community & Culture: Fijians in the Cook Islands marked Independence Day at Tupapa Sports Dome with cultural performances, a flag-raising and kava ceremony. Fiji’s honorary consul urged the community to celebrate the country’s diversity and serve as good ambassadors. Women’s Rugby League: Vaine Moana’s match against Tonga ended in defeat, but the teams’ self-funded fixture offered players valuable international experience and a pathway to higher-level competition. Ocean Protection: More than US$25 million in new Pacific conservation funding will support protected areas, including an expansion of the Cook Islands’ Marae Moana marine park. Living Heritage: Marumaru Atua’s latest training voyage brought new crew members home from Aitutaki, building hands-on sailing skills and strengthening Cook Islands voyaging traditions.

Women’s Rugby League: Cook Islands Vaine Moana lost 36–24 to Tonga in Sydney. Both teams self-funded the match, keeping international pathways open after missing the World Cup. Stranded in the Cook Islands: A foreign national has been unable to return home for three years because New Zealand and Australia have not approved transit visas, despite help from Cook Islands Immigration. Marine Protection: More than US$25 million in new Pacific conservation funding will help expand protection in the Cook Islands’ Marae Moana marine park. Culture and Heritage: Historian Howard Henry is remembered for preserving Cook Islands history through his books. Sport: Cook Islands hosts the Oceania Zonal Beach Volleyball Championship from October 13–16, while bowler Tiare Jim finished among the world’s top eight at the Champion of Champions. Education and Technology: CITTI trades students teamed up to build and wire a cabin, while a local commentary weighs AI’s convenience against its environmental costs. Climate and Development: Government and UN partners reviewed a US$15.4 million plan covering priorities including culture, gender equality, health and climate action.

Marine Conservation: More than US$25 million in Bezos Earth Fund grants will support Pacific ocean protection, including expansion of the Cook Islands’ Marae Moana marine park. Culture and Heritage: Historian and author Howard Henry is remembered for preserving Cook Islands history and heritage in books for future generations. Digital Life: A Cook Islands commentary questions the hidden costs of AI tools, from heavy water and power use to impacts on nearby communities. UN Partnership: Government and UN representatives reviewed a US$15.4 million plan, with priorities including culture, health, gender equality, climate and biodiversity. Climate Action: At Pre-COP31, Prime Minister Mark Brown urged faster climate finance, saying Tuvalu’s challenges echo those facing families in the Pa Enua. Sport: Tiare Jim placed among the top eight at the World Bowls Champion of Champions, while Cook Islands teams prepare to host the Oceania Zonal Beach Volleyball Championship. Voyaging: Marumaru Atua’s latest Aitutaki voyage gave new crew members hands-on sailing experience.

Sport: Cook Islands beach volleyball teams are preparing to host the Oceania Zonal Championship, with seven local squads set to face competitors from across the region. Bowler Tiare Jim also finished among the world’s top eight at the Champion of Champions in Australia. Culture & Heritage: Historian and author Howard Henry is being remembered for preserving Cook Islands history and heritage through his books. A new Mauke recipe book is also turning ancestral food knowledge into a legacy for future generations. Voyaging: Marumaru Atua’s latest training voyage brought 13 crew members home from Aitutaki, giving newer sailors hands-on experience at sea. Women’s Rights: Cook Islands speakers told a UN committee that gaps remain in gender and violence data, alongside calls for better support and services for women. Digital Life: A Cook Islands commentary asks communities to weigh AI’s convenience against the electricity and water demands of data centres.

Vaine Moana: The Cook Islands women meet Tonga in Sydney today, keeping their international campaign moving after missing out on the 2026 World Cup. Pacific Rugby League: Former Kiwi Sia Soliola says the Pacific nations are closing the gap, with experienced players bringing skills and stronger community connections. Voyaging: Marumaru Atua’s 13-person crew, including seven women, returned from Aitutaki after a training voyage for newer sailors. Skills & Learning: CITTI electrical and construction students teamed up to build and fit out a cabin, gaining hands-on experience across trades. Women’s Rights: A Cook Islands briefing to the UN highlighted gaps in gender and violence data, alongside progress on new laws and raising the minimum marriage age to 18. Community Health: The Breast Cancer Foundation will honour four pioneers at its Pinktober Breakfast and remind families about screening and early detection.

Pacific Storytelling: Solomon Islands short film Our Culture Matters won the POP48 challenge, earning its makers a place in a Hawai‘i filmmaking masterclass. Community Sport: Auckland Cook Islands darts players spent 11 days competing and training in Rarotonga, praising local youth talent and strengthening ties with home-island players. Skills and Training: CITTI electrical and construction students teamed up to build and fit out a cabin, gaining hands-on experience working across trades. Voyaging Traditions: New crew members gained sea experience aboard Marumaru Atua on its training voyage from Aitutaki to Rarotonga. Women’s Health: The Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation will honour four pioneers at its Pinktober Breakfast, highlighting its work in awareness, screening and support. Living Heritage: The Mauke Recipe Book turns ancestral food knowledge into a legacy for future generations.

Rugby League: Fiji Bati player Caleb Navale says wearing the national jersey connects him to his culture, family and supporters. Fiji opens its World Cup campaign against the Cook Islands next Sunday. Cook Islands–NZ Partnership: The two countries agreed to renew their partnership framework, with education, vocational training and support for Pa Enua schools among the priorities. Vaka Voyaging: Marumaru Atua’s 13-person crew returned from Aitutaki after a training voyage that gave newer sailors hands-on experience, including seven women. Women in Sport: Tennis Cook Islands president Davina Hosking-Ashford will join a Pacific leadership programme to strengthen women’s leadership and sports governance. Mauke Heritage: A new community cookbook records elders’ recipes, proverbs, language and food traditions for future generations. Women’s Rights: Cook Islands representatives told a UN committee that gender and violence data remain limited, while noting progress on laws and raising the minimum marriage age to 18.

Voyaging: Marumaru Atua has returned to Rarotonga after a 220km training voyage to Aitutaki, giving new crew hands-on experience at sea. Education: Cook Islands and New Zealand officials agreed to renew their partnership, with school support in the Pa Enua and tertiary and vocational pathways among priorities. Women in Sport: Tennis Cook Islands president Davina Hosking-Ashford joins an Oceania leadership programme focused on strengthening sports governance. Rugby League: The Vaine Moana meet Tonga in Sydney today, while the Cook Islands men open their World Cup campaign against Fiji on October 18. Living Heritage: A new Mauke cookbook records elders’ recipes, proverbs, language and traditional food-preservation knowledge for future generations. Youth and Science: Nearly 2,000 Rarotonga students and 45 Pa Enua students took part in this year’s climate science expo, themed around the ocean that connects us. Women’s Rights: Cook Islands representatives told a UN committee that gaps remain in gender and violence data, alongside calls for stronger support and safe accommodation for women.

Climate Action: Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown urged investment in Pacific resilience as the Green Climate Fund prepares to consider another US$300 million for regional projects. A separate Pacific fund has received new pledges, but remains well short of its target. Creative Community: The Plastic2Paradise competition celebrated Rarotonga and Pa Enua artists turning plastic waste into sculpture, designs and sustainable alternatives. Women’s Rights: Cook Islands representatives told a UN committee that gaps remain in gender and violence data, support for survivors and women’s participation, despite new laws and policy progress. Sport & Safety: The Vaine Moana meet Tonga in Sydney on Saturday, keeping their international campaign moving; meanwhile, Cook Islands sports groups can take safeguarding courses to better protect athletes and volunteers. Youth & Learning: Nearly 2,000 students joined the Cook Islands Science Expo, including young people from the Pa Enua, to explore the ocean and climate change. Food & Heritage: A new Mauke cookbook records elders’ recipes, proverbs and food knowledge to help keep island language and traditions alive.

Creative Island Life: Plastic2Paradise 2026 celebrated practical ideas for cutting plastic waste, with entries from Rarotonga and the Pa Enua across art, video and sustainable alternatives. Sport: Gold Coast Kuki Airani claimed the Mantis-Hoff Cup, beating the Cook Islands Residents 24–12; the Residents improved after a heavy first-game defeat. Women’s Rugby League: Vaine Moana meet Tonga in Sydney on October 10, keeping international competition alive as the Cook Islands build toward 2030 World Cup qualification. Youth & Learning: Nearly 2,000 students joined the Cook Islands’ climate science expo, including young people from five Pa Enua, exploring the ocean’s ties to culture and environment. Safer Sport: CISNOC is offering safeguarding courses for sports groups and community organisations. Women’s Rights: Cook Islands representatives told a UN committee that gaps remain in gender and violence data, support services and women’s participation. Food Heritage: A new Mauke cookbook preserves elders’ recipes, proverbs, language and traditional food knowledge for future generations.

Climate Resilience: Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown urged greater investment as new pledges of about US$15 million lifted the Pacific Resilience Facility to just under US$200 million — still well short of its US$500 million target for after COP31. Women’s Rights: At a UN review, Cook Islands representatives reported gaps in gender and violence data, and called for better support for women, including safe short-term accommodation and a dedicated national body. Women’s Rugby League: Cook Islands’ Vaine Moana will meet Tonga in Sydney on October 10, keeping international competition alive after both teams missed the 2026 World Cup. Sport Safety: CISNOC is offering safeguarding courses to help sports groups protect athletes, coaches and volunteers. Youth & Science: Nearly 2,000 Rarotonga students and 45 from the Pa Enua took part in the Cook Islands climate science expo, exploring the ocean’s links to people, culture and the environment. Food Heritage: A new Mauke cookbook records elders’ recipes, proverbs and traditional food knowledge to pass on the island’s language and culinary heritage. Youth Development: Forty young people are taking part in a week-long police-led course in Aitutaki focused on teamwork, discipline and life skills.

Climate Finance Push: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown told pre-COP31 delegates that new Pacific resilience funding is still far below target, with the Pacific Resilience Facility sitting just under $200m against a $500m goal—leaders say they need money that reaches communities faster. Gender & Safety Data: At CEDAW, Cook Islands speakers flagged persistent gaps in gender, sexual health and gender-based violence data, while calling for a more coordinated national response and sustainable support for survivors. Health Access Costs: A Cook Islands Māori social worker in Wellington highlighted how Pacific people can face life-or-death dialysis delays and tough questions over who pays for overseas treatment in New Zealand. Sport & Pathways: Cook Islands sport gets a safeguarding boost with CISNOC training, while youth development continues in Aitutaki with a Police-led boot camp. Culture & Language Preservation: The Mauke Recipe Book turns elders’ food knowledge, language and proverbs into a lasting legacy. Ocean Protection Funding: Bezos Earth Fund announced over $25m for ocean conservation projects including the Cook Islands.

CEDAW & Women’s Rights: A Cook Islands speaker told the UN committee that gender data is still patchy, including on sexual health and gender-based violence, even as new laws and a violence unit are underway; calls included a coordinated national response, sustainable safe accommodation, and a stand-alone women’s commission. Climate Finance & Pre-COP31: Pacific leaders visiting Tuvalu before COP31 said adaptation money is too slow, too small, and comes with bad terms, pushing the focus from pledges to “time to impact” for communities. Cook Islands in Sport: Cook Islands and Tonga women’s teams meet in a senior international in Sydney as momentum continues after RLWC26 qualification misses. Rugby League World Cup Pathways: New Zealand’s squads were announced with Maori heritage eligibility changes in the spotlight, including Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai, while Fiji, Samoa and Tonga named men’s squads with notable injury and retirement absences. Safeguarding in Sport: CISNOC is running safeguarding training in Rarotonga to help clubs and community groups protect athletes and volunteers. Culture & Food Heritage: Mauke’s new recipe book preserves elders’ knowledge, language, and food traditions for future generations. Ocean Conservation: The Bezos Earth Fund pledged $25m for ocean protection across the Pacific, including Cook Islands’ Marae Moana vision.