AGP Executive Report

Volleyball Spotlight: FIVB Volleyball Empowerment-backed teams swept medals across regional and zonal competitions, with the Dominican Republic, Colombia and Puerto Rico taking the full women’s podium in Santo Domingo. Community & Culture: The Indian community marked India’s Independence Day with flag-hoisting ceremonies across New Zealand, while “Khadi Beyond Borders” brought the historic textile onto an Auckland runway. Environment & Governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) took Cook Islands concerns about deep-seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, challenging a US company’s push for an exploration licence in the South Penrhyn Basin. Football Leadership: Rhys Ruka was appointed Cook Islands men’s head coach on a long-term deal through 2028, aiming for strong runs in OFC Nations Cup and World Cup qualifiers. Election Watch: Independent overseas observers monitored the 2026 election process in Rarotonga, supporting transparency and confidence as results came in. Health & Rights: Te Marū o te Vaine launched its first menopause awareness event for women, while Cook Islands LGBTQ+ groups urged leaders to protect equality, dignity and safety. Sport & Youth: Michelle Paiti was named chef de mission for Team Cook Islands at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

Indian Community & Independence Day: Khadi “Beyond Borders” put India’s 15 August independence in a new spotlight, with Indian diaspora celebrations across New Zealand and a contemporary runway showcase linking historic textile craft to modern fashion. Deep-Sea Mining & Local Voice: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) took Cook Islands concerns about seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, challenging a US push for exploration in waters tied to the South Penrhyn Basin. Cultural Exchange in Woodcarving: Visiting Aotearoa Māori carvers are blending ancestral carving traditions with Cook Islands designs, turning timber into shared genealogy pieces. Sport Leadership & Community Pride: Rhys Ruka was appointed Cook Islands men’s national head coach on a long-term deal through 2028, while Michelle Paiti was named chef de mission for Team Cook Islands at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. Election Watch & Youth Priorities: With polling underway and preliminary results starting to land, Cook Islands youth are pushing hard on cost of living, water charges, and public services as the campaign tightens. Women’s Health & Rights: Te Marū o te Vaine launched Cook Islands’ first menopause awareness event, and LGBTQ+ groups urged leaders to protect equality, dignity, and safety. Community Skills: CITTI is running sewing courses for beginners and full garment making, tackling the rising cost of clothing and services.

Cook Islands election: Preliminary results are starting to land after polling opened for the 2026 general election, with caretaker PM Mark Brown and the Cook Islands Party leading early and Brown retaining Takuvaine–Tutakimoa; the race is still fluid across 24 constituencies, with 13 seats needed for a majority and independents potentially holding the balance. Deep-sea mining governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns to the International Seabed Authority, challenging a US company’s push for exploration in an enclave of international waters surrounded by the Cook Islands and neighbours. Women’s health and leadership: The Cook Islands launched its first menopause awareness event, Te Marū o te Vaine, aiming to bring trusted information and support to women across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. Sport and youth pathways: Rhys Ruka is appointed Cook Islands men’s head coach on a long-term deal through 2028, while Michelle Paiti becomes chef de mission for Team Cook Islands at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. Community skills: CITTI is running sewing courses to help people manage rising clothing costs, from beginner machine basics to making a full dress. LGBTQ+ advocacy: LGBTQ+ groups are urging political leaders to protect equality, dignity and safety as the election approaches.

Deep-sea mining debate: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns about seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, challenging a US company’s push for an exploration licence tied to the South Penrhyn Basin. Culture & craft: Visiting Aotearoa Māori carvers are working with Cook Islands designs, turning timber into a shared genealogy symbol in Tupapa. Football leadership: Rhys Ruka is appointed Cook Islands men’s head coach on a long-term deal through 2028, with goals for OFC Nations Cup and FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Election watch: Overseas observers are monitoring the Cook Islands general election process, while preliminary results show the Cook Islands Party on track for a fifth term. Women’s health: The Cook Islands launches its first menopause awareness event, Te Marū o te Vaine, aiming for better education and support for women. LGBTQ+ rights: Pride Cook Islands and partner groups urge political leaders to protect equality, dignity and safety as voting gets underway. Community skills: CITTI is running sewing courses to help people repair and make clothing despite rising costs. Sport spotlight: Rugby Super 15s kicks off with Tupapa Panthers hosting Avatiu Eels in a headline clash.

Cultural Craft: Visiting Aotearoa Māori carvers are blending ancestral carving traditions with Cook Islands designs in Tupapa, turning timber into a shared genealogy symbol. Football Leadership: Rhys Ruka has been appointed Cook Islands men’s national head coach on a long-term deal through 2028, with targets for OFC Nations Cup Qualifiers and FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Rugby Super 15s: The Tupapa Panthers host the Avatiu Eels in a feature match as the season heats up, with other teams chasing early wins. Election Watch: Independent overseas observers are in Rarotonga to monitor the 2026 general election, with preliminary results pointing to a strong start for the Cook Islands Party. Sport & Youth Pathways: Michelle Paiti has been named chef de mission for Team Cook Islands at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, highlighting youth and community sport leadership. Women’s Health: Te Marū o te Vaine launches the first menopause awareness event, bringing evidence-based education and support to women across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. LGBTQ+ Advocacy: Pride Cook Islands and partner groups are urging political leaders to protect equality, dignity and safety as the election approaches. Community Skills: CITTI is running sewing courses to help people repair and make clothing, supporting families and practical life skills.

Cook Islands Election Watch: Independent overseas observers from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat monitored the 2026 general election process in Rarotonga, meeting MFAI officials and the Chamber of Commerce as final counts wrapped up after weather delayed voting on Nassau. Election Results: Preliminary figures show the Cook Islands Party on track for a fifth straight term, leading with 12 seats; Mark Brown held Takuvaine–Tutakimoa, while Tina Browne narrowly lost Rakahanga by three votes. Women’s Health & Community: Te Marū o te Vaine launched the Cook Islands’ first menopause awareness event, aiming for open, evidence-based support for women in perimenopause and menopause. LGBTQ+ Rights in Politics: Pride Cook Islands and partner groups urged leaders to protect equality, dignity and safety as the election nears. Skills for Everyday Life: CITTI is running sewing courses—Sewing for Beginners and Sew a Dress—to help families save on clothing costs and build practical skills. Sport & Youth: Michelle Paiti was appointed chef de mission for Team Cook Islands at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, highlighting youth and community leadership through sport.

Cook Islands Election Update: Preliminary results show Cook Islands Party leader Mark Brown leading and poised for a fifth consecutive term, with early seat wins including Takuvaine–Tutakimoa and Murienua, while one Rakahanga result flips by just three votes—final numbers still pending. Voting & Youth Priorities: Polling is open for 11,000 registered voters, with cost of living and inflation topping concerns, alongside water charges and public services—young voters are pushing for more say in the country’s direction. Women’s Health & Community Support: The inaugural Te Marū o te Vaine event launches menopause awareness with expert-led education and support, livestreamed to the Pa Enua. LGBTQ+ Rights in the Campaign: Pride Cook Islands and partner groups urge political leaders to protect equality, dignity and safety as the election nears. Regional Climate Push: Forum foreign ministers back stronger climate action ahead of COP31, endorsing Pacific-led priorities and climate finance momentum. Football Politics in Oceania: OFC backs FIFA president Gianni Infantino, but New Zealand breaks ranks—highlighting a widening split across the region. Sport—Pacific Games Pathway: Palau men’s volleyball qualify for Tahiti 2027 Pacific Games after Oceania zonal action in Guam. Rugby League—Cook Islands Talent Moves: Toulouse confirms immediate release of Cook Islands international Reubenn Rennie, making him available on the open market. Sewing Courses: CITTI runs beginner and dress-making classes to help people save on clothing and build practical skills.

Cook Islands Election 2026: Preliminary results are starting to land as the Cook Islands heads to the polls, with Cook Islands Party leader Mark Brown leading early and retaining Takuvaine–Tutakimoa; other early wins include United Party leader Teariki Heather in Murienua and a tight Rakahanga result where Democratic leader Tina Browne narrowly loses to CIP’s Levi Hitarahera Teinaki. Women’s Health & Menopause: Te Marū o te Vaine launches the first Women’s Midlife Health & Menopause Awareness event, bringing evidence-based support and education to women across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. LGBTQ+ Rights in Politics: Pride Cook Islands, Te Tiare Association and Te Anuanua O Aitutaki urge leaders to protect legal progress on equality, dignity and safety ahead of the vote. Community Skills: CITTI is running sewing courses—Sewing for Beginners and Sew a Dress—aimed at helping people build practical life skills and save on costly repairs and clothing. Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers back a stronger regional climate push ahead of COP31, prioritising climate finance, renewable energy and Pacific leadership. Sport & Culture: Cook Islands netball and wider Pacific sport mourn Ana Noovao, while local football and regional volleyball coverage highlights ongoing Pacific talent and community pride.

Cook Islands Election Update: Polling is open for the 2026 general election with 11,000 registered voters choosing leaders across 24 constituencies, and preliminary results already showing Mark Brown (Takuvaine–Tutakimoa) leading strongly while other seats tighten, including a three-vote Rakahanga result. Election Issues & Youth Voices: Voters are focused on cost of living and inflation, and young people are pushing for action on water charges, public services and infrastructure ahead of tomorrow’s vote. Women’s Health & Menopause: Te Marū o te Vaine launches the first Women’s Midlife Health & Menopause Awareness event, bringing trusted Pacific and Australasian experts to support perimenopause and menopause education. LGBTQ+ Rights in Politics: Pride Cook Islands, Te Tiare Association and Te Anuanua O Aitutaki urge leaders to protect equality, dignity and safety as the election approaches. Language & Identity: Cook Islands Māori Language Week continues with renewed calls to reconnect families with te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani, including a spotlight on Mangaian dialect and community workshops. Regional Climate Push: Forum foreign ministers back stronger climate action ahead of COP31, prioritising climate finance, renewable energy and Pacific leadership. Community Skills: CITTI runs sewing courses to help people repair and make clothing, keeping a practical cultural life skill alive. Sport & Culture Links: Tributes continue for former Silver Fern captain Ana Noovao, remembered for her Cook Islands heritage and leadership.

Cook Islands Election 2026: Polling is open with 11,000 registered voters choosing leaders for the next four years, across 24 constituencies; 63 candidates are in the race (49 men, 14 women), with cost of living and inflation topping voter concerns. Women’s Health & Community Support: Te Marū o te Vaine launches the first Women’s Midlife Health & Menopause Awareness event, aiming to bring trusted education and support to perimenopause and menopause across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. LGBTQ+ Rights in Politics: Pride Cook Islands, Te Tiare Association and Te Anuanua O Aitutaki urge political leaders to protect equality, dignity and safety as the election approaches. Language & Identity: Cook Islands Māori Language Week highlights a push to reconnect families with te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani, including renewed attention to the Mangaian dialect and the need for urgent community support. Regional Climate Push: Cook Islands officials back a stronger Pacific climate push ahead of COP31, calling for more climate finance, renewable energy investment and Pacific leadership. Sewing Skills for Everyday Life: CITTI runs community sewing courses to help people repair and make clothing, building practical skills and confidence. Sport & Culture Links: Tributes continue for former Silver Fern captain Ana Noovao, proudly connected to Cook Islands netball heritage.

Elections in focus: Polling is open in the Cook Islands as 110,000 registered voters choose leaders for the next four years, with voting stations running 9am to 6pm and 24 constituencies across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua; 63 candidates are in the race (49 men, 14 women), independents make up about 20 per cent, and one seat has already been won uncontested in Mangaia after weather delayed polling in the Northern Cooks. Women’s health and community support: Te Marū o te Vaine launches the first Women’s Midlife Health & Menopause Awareness event, bringing evidence-based education and support for perimenopause and menopause on August 14, with livestreaming to the Pa Enua. LGBTQ+ rights and leadership: Pride Cook Islands, Te Tiare Association and Te Anuanua O Aitutaki urge political leaders to protect equality, dignity and safety as the election approaches. Language and identity: Cook Islands Māori Language Week coverage highlights a push to reconnect families with te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani, including renewed attention to the Mangaian dialect and warnings that language loss has reached a critical point. Sports and culture links: Tributes continue for former Silver Fern captain Ana Noovao, proud of her Cook Islands heritage, while local sport news includes Cook Islands champions Tupapa Maraerenga facing Lae City FC in the OFC Champions League.

Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional climate push ahead of COP31, urging more climate finance, renewable investment and Pacific-led momentum through Pre-COP31 meetings. National Recognition: Financial Secretary Garth Henderson dedicated the Taiki Pāeru o Te-Atukura leadership mace to the people who supported the COVID-19 response, spotlighting public service teamwork. Women’s Health & Midlife Care: Cook Islands launched Te Marū o te Vaine, a menopause awareness and support event set for Aug 14, aiming to open conversations and share trusted health information. LGBTQ+ Rights in Politics: Pride Cook Islands, Te Tiare Association and Te Anuanua O Aitutaki urged leaders to protect equality, dignity and safety as the election approaches. Te Reo Māori Revival: Cook Islands Language Week coverage highlighted efforts to reconnect families with te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani, including workshops focused on preserving the Mangaian dialect. Sports & Community: Tributes and mourning followed the death of former Silver Fern captain Ana Noovao, while local and regional sport stories ranged from Cook Islands netball legacy to Oceania volleyball results and the OFC Champions League draw.

Cook Islands Youth & Election Concerns: As the 2026 general election nears, Cook Islands youth are speaking up on cost of living, public services, infrastructure and water charges, pushing for a clearer direction for the islands. Te Reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani Revival: Cook Islands Māori Language Week is spotlighting a growing reconnection movement, with educators and linguists warning that only a small share of Cook Islanders in Aotearoa know the heritage language—so families, communities and institutions need to act now. Sports & Community Pride: Tupapa Maraerenga’s OFC Champions League campaign begins with a tough opening, while local sport shines too—Kris Goodwin wins the Oceania Electron title in Muri and the BSP 100K cycle race sets a new record for riders. International Ties: Cook Islands receives Letters of Credence from India and the first US ambassador accredited to the country, underlining expanding diplomatic links. Remembering Ana Noovao: Netball New Zealand mourns former Silver Fern captain Ana Noovao, celebrated for her leadership, Cook Islands heritage and impact on players and coaches.

Election Pulse: Cook Islands youth are urging voters to focus on cost of living, public services, infrastructure and water charges ahead of the 2026 election. Sports & Community: Tributes are pouring in for former Silver Ferns captain Ana Noovao, who died aged 58, remembered as a loyal leader and “beautiful to play with,” while Netball New Zealand and Cook Islands netball figures highlight her Cook Islands heritage and coaching impact. Digital Inclusion: Maureen Hilyard argues digital inclusion is a human issue, shaped by education, health and family connections—less about tech, more about who gets left behind. Language Revival: Cook Islands Māori Language Week stories spotlight the urgency of te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani, with workshops supporting Mangaian dialect and calls to reconnect families and learners. Local Culture in Motion: A Cook Islands Language Week reflection asks what living in the islands taught one writer about reo Māori and why it thrives in everyday spaces. Regional Diplomacy: Cook Islands received credentials from India’s High Commissioner and the US Ambassador, underscoring growing ties.

Election Watch: Cook Islands youth are speaking up ahead of the general election, flagging cost of living pressures, public services and infrastructure gaps, and water charges as key issues. Language & Identity: Cook Islands Māori Language Week coverage highlights a push to bring te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani back into everyday family life, with workshops focused on preserving the Mangaian dialect and warnings that only a small share of Cook Islanders in Aotearoa know the language. Sports (Regional): In the Oceania Volleyball Championships in Guam, Guam’s women bounced back to win bronze against the Marshall Islands after an earlier loss, while Australia swept both men’s and women’s titles; the Cook Islands also featured in matches. Culture in Motion (Rugby): Former All Black Joe Rokocoko reflects on coaching in France, underscoring Pacific talent and pathways overseas. Diplomacy: Cook Islands formally received India’s High Commissioner and the US Ambassador with credentials, marking a new step in US-Cook Islands relations. Environment & Future Economy: Deep-sea mining debate continues, with Cook Islands exploration framed alongside calls for “do no harm” safeguards across the Pacific.

Cook Islands Māori Language Week: Workshops and community stories are spotlighting te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani, with educators urging families and institutions to reconnect with the language and protect dialects like Mangaian as speakers in Aotearoa continue to decline. Pacific Identity & Politics: A Cook Islands columnist frames the election as “two roads” leading to one destination, while candidates argue for youth, mentorship, and steadier governance. OFC Football: Lae City FC opened the OFC Men’s Champions League campaign with a 4-1 win over Tupapa Maraerenga, setting the tone for the group stage. Rugby League: Cook Islands international Reubenn Rennie has been released from Toulouse and enters the open market, after representing the Kuki’s at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup. Ocean & Discovery: Sony-backed underwater imaging tech is helping live-stream UHD exploration from Cook Islands waters, alongside new deep-sea findings like possible megalodon teeth. Health & Culture: The Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation’s Beehive Ball in Wellington brings Cook Islands performers together for awareness and support.