AGP Executive Report

Cook Islands Sports & Youth: Athletics Cook Islands is set to host the 2026 National Championships at Tereora National Stadium, debuting inclusive Para events and introducing live online registration and results tracking, with youth races kicking off from 8.30am. Cook Islands Women’s Football: Puaikura FC, making its OFC Women’s Champions League debut, is acclimatising in Honiara and opens against Auckland United, aiming to qualify for the semis despite a tough group. Regional Women’s Football: The OFC Women’s Champions League is already reshaping the standings after Auckland United’s huge start and other early results, with multiple Pacific clubs chasing knockout spots. Culture & Community: A new exhibition at Pataka Art and Museum, Marama Malama: Te Manava Moana Women, spotlights Pacific women who helped shape Porirua, timed with Matariki and celebrating leadership that spans generations. Indigenous-Led Conservation: Pacific leaders and traditional governance voices are meeting for a learning exchange on Indigenous-led conservation and climate resilience, with the Cook Islands among participants. Global Spotlight on Pacific Cuisine: Samoan chef Henry Onesemo’s restaurant TALA has earned a Michelin star, putting Pacific-centred storytelling through food on the world stage. Cook Islands in Global Sport: Maxime Crocombe becomes the first Cook Islander to play at the FIFA World Cup while featuring for the New Zealand All Whites. Sovereignty & Identity: Nauru plans a referendum to formally adopt “Naoero,” reviving its indigenous name as a statement of self-definition.

Cook Islands election watch: Campaigning is heating up ahead of the Aug 12 general election, with debate over the “snap” timing and what it means for voters and accountability. Education & inclusion: Athletics Cook Islands is set to host the 2026 National Championships at Tereora National Stadium, debuting Para events and adding live online registration and results tracking. Women in sport: Netball’s local premier final is set for today, while Puaikura FC is preparing for its OFC Women’s Champions League debut in Honiara after a tough start. Regional culture & identity: A new exhibition at Pataka Art and Museum spotlights Pacific women’s leadership in Porirua, timed with Matariki. Pacific ocean knowledge: Three Pasifika students spent 26 days on the RV Tangaroa “Floating University” trip, mapping and studying the sea to help communities manage resources and hazards. Global Pacific pride: Michelin history lands for Samoan cuisine with TALA earning a Michelin star, celebrating culture through food. Sovereignty in language: Nauru plans a referendum to formally adopt “Naoero,” framing it as a return to indigenous identity.

Cook Islands Basketball Milestone: The Cook Islands U18 Women’s National Team heads to the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup – Division B for the first time, with players like forward Aphrodite Piri calling it a chance to inspire young athletes at home. OFC Women’s Champions League (Cook Islands): Puaikura FC, making their debut in Honiara, suffered a 0-7 opening loss to defending champions Auckland United but still has a path to the semi-finals, needing a result in their final group match. Local Sports Finals Day: Arorangi Flames and Avatiu Dragonflies meet in the netball premier division final after tight semi-finals, with clubs also winning in other grades. Pacific Food & Identity: Samoan chef Henry Onesemo celebrated after Tala became the first Sāmoan restaurant to earn a Michelin star, spotlighting Pacific-centred cuisine on the global stage. Education & Culture: Minister Vaine ‘Mac’Mokoroa says Cook Islands is fully involved in major education reforms with a new curriculum replacing NCEA. Community Leadership: Hundreds gathered to farewell “Aunty Mau” Munokoa, the Cook Islands’ first female deputy prime minister, remembered for decades of service.

OFC Women’s Champions League: Cook Islands champions Puaikura FC are in Honiara for their debut, after a tough start—0-7 to Auckland United—but still in the hunt for semi-finals with a must-get result against Drehu Athletico Club. Local Sports (Netball): Arorangi Flames face Avatiu’s Dragonflies in today’s Rarotonga premier division final after tense semis, with finals day also featuring Open 1 and Open 2 winners. Food & Identity: Samoan chef Henry Onesemo celebrates a historic Michelin star for Auckland’s TALA, putting contemporary Samoan cuisine on the global fine-dining map. Education Reform: Education minister Vaine ‘Mac’ Mokoroa says the Cook Islands is fully aligned with major reforms alongside New Zealand, including the shift away from NCEA and a new curriculum. Culture & Learning: Te Hiku Avaiki Nui opens with language, tivaevae, craft, youth mentoring, elder support and community wellbeing—aimed at passing cultural knowledge forward. Indigenous Conservation: Pacific leaders and traditional governance voices meet for an Indigenous-led conservation exchange, linking stewardship, climate resilience and customary authority. Global Spotlight (Cook Islands): Maxime Teremoana Crocombe becomes the first Cook Islander to play at the FIFA World Cup for the New Zealand All Whites as goalkeeper.

Pacific Culture & Identity: A new Te Hiku Avaiki Nui hub in Awanui is set to bring Cook Islands language, ei katu, tivaevae, craft, ukulele, youth mentoring, kaumātua support and community wellbeing under one roof, with leaders linking today’s programmes to the voyages of Tamatea and the vaka Takitumu. Indigenous-Led Conservation: Traditional leaders and Indigenous advocates from across the Pacific are meeting in a regional learning exchange on Indigenous-led conservation, customary governance and climate resilience, with the Cook Islands among participants. Cook Islands Leadership & Service: Hundreds farewelled “Aunty Mau” Ngamau Mere Munokoa, the Cook Islands’ first female deputy prime minister, remembered for faith, service and breaking barriers for women in leadership. Sport & Community Pride: Cook Islands women’s beach handball made a world-stage debut in Croatia, while local netball heads into Finals Day with Arorangi Flames vs Avatiu Dragonflies. Regional Football Pathways: Puaikura FC is preparing for its OFC Women’s Champions League debut in Honiara, and the tournament is already reshaping the standings after Auckland United’s big early wins. Health & Equity: Pacific experts say cervical cancer elimination is achievable within a generation, pointing to HPV vaccination and screening momentum, including strong uptake of HPV self-testing.

Michelin Moment for Pacific Cuisine: Auckland’s TALA has become the first Sāmoan restaurant worldwide to earn a Michelin star, with chef Henry Onesemo calling it a win for culture and storytelling through food. Cultural Learning Hub: A new Te Hiku Avaiki Nui hub in Awanui will run Cook Islands language, ei katu, tivaevae, sewing, music, youth mentoring, wellbeing and elder support—built to pass identity to the next generation. Indigenous Naming, Sovereignty: Nauru has voted to hold a referendum to formally adopt “Naoero,” framing it as a return to an indigenous name carried through language and oral tradition. Indigenous-Led Conservation: Pacific traditional leaders, youth and conservation groups meet for a regional exchange on customary governance, climate resilience and sustainable financing, alongside celebrations for the Are Ariki. Education Focus: Minister Vaine ‘Mac’ Mokoroa says the Cook Islands is fully engaged in major education reforms with a new curriculum replacing NCEA. Women’s Sport Spotlight: The OFC Women’s Champions League is underway in Honiara, with Cook Islands debutants Puaikura FC facing Auckland United and Drehu Athletico Club. Health & Equity: Regional experts say cervical cancer elimination in the Pacific is achievable within a generation, driven by HPV vaccination and strong screening like self-testing. Cook Islands on the World Stage: Nikao-born goalkeeper Maxime Teremoana Crocombe becomes the first Cook Islander to play at the FIFA World Cup for the New Zealand All Whites. Remembering Aunty Mau: Hundreds gathered to farewell former deputy prime minister Ngamau “Aunty Mau” Munokoa, the Cook Islands’ first female deputy PM and a lifelong servant of her community.

OFC Women’s Champions League: Cook Islands champions Puaikura FC are in Honiara for their debut, pooled with Auckland United and Drehu Athletico Club, with their first matches set against Auckland United and then Drehu. Local Football Spotlight: Auckland United’s early dominance in the tournament continues to turn heads after an 11-1 win over Drehu Athletico Club, while Hekari Women and Tafea Women open their Group A campaign with a tense draw. Netball Finals Day: Arorangi Flames and Avatiu Dragonflies meet in the premier division final after hard-fought semis, with Netball Cook Islands pointing to strong local talent ahead of upcoming Pacific campaigns. Education & Youth: Education Minister Vaine ‘Mac’Mokoroa says the Cook Islands is fully aligned with major NZ education reforms, including the move away from NCEA and a new curriculum. Community Leadership: Hundreds gathered to farewell “Aunty Mau” Ngamau Mere Munokoa, the Cook Islands’ first female deputy prime minister, remembered for decades of service and faith. Health & Culture: Regional experts say cervical cancer elimination in the Pacific is achievable, highlighting HPV vaccination and screening momentum, including self-testing uptake. Sports Pride: Cook Islander Maxime Teremoana Crocombe makes World Cup history as the first Cook Islander to play for the New Zealand All Whites.

Education Reform: Minister Vaine ‘Mac’ Mokoroa says the Cook Islands is fully involved with New Zealand on major schooling changes, including replacing NCEA and rolling out a new curriculum. Elections & Civic Questions: Ruta Mave compares “snap” elections to the card game Snap, while a letter urges voters to ask if promises are real needs or election-time theatre, and whether past commitments actually stuck. Women’s Sport Spotlight: Arorangi Flames and Avatiu’s Dragonflies set up a tense netball premier final, with both clubs also winning in other grades ahead of Finals Day. Football on the Regional Stage: Puaikura FC prepares for its historic OFC Women’s Champions League debut in Honiara, pooled with Auckland United and Drehu Athletico, while Auckland United and other clubs frame the tournament as a sign the Pacific gap is closing. Health & Community: Regional experts point to global progress on cervical cancer elimination, highlighting Pacific momentum through HPV self-testing and stronger screening. Leadership & Legacy: Hundreds gathered to farewell “Aunty Mau” Munokoa, the Cook Islands’ first female deputy prime minister, remembered for decades of service and barrier-breaking leadership. Global Culture Connection: Cook Islander Maxime Teremoana Crocombe makes World Cup history as the first Cook Islander to play for the New Zealand All Whites.

OFC Women’s Champions League: Cook Islands debutants Puaikura FC are in Honiara for the 2026 tournament, pooled with Auckland United and Drehu Athletico, with their first matches set against Auckland United and then Drehu. Local Netball: Arorangi Flames and Avatiu’s Dragonflies set up the 2026 Netball Cook Islands premier final after tense semis, with Flames aiming to defend their domestic title. Football Spotlight: Auckland United’s title defence roared to life in a huge 11-1 win over Drehu Athletico in the regional club competition. Beach Handball Milestone: The Cook Islands women’s beach handball team Tiare Kaute made its world-championship debut in Croatia, marking a major step onto the global stage. Community & Health: ProCare backed top Māori and Pacific medical students into general practice, including a Cook Islands recipient, as workforce pressure grows. Sporting Pride: Cook Islander Max Teremoana Crocombe made World Cup history as the first Cook Islander to play for the New Zealand All Whites, with another group match looming. Leadership in Memory: Hundreds gathered to farewell “Aunty Mau” Ngamau Mere Munokoa, the Cook Islands’ first female deputy prime minister. Public Life: A letter urges voters to question campaign promises and follow-through, not just short-term community clean-ups.

OFC Women’s Champions League: Cook Islands champions Puaikura FC are set for a historic debut in Honiara, pooled with Auckland United and Drehu Athletico, with their first matches coming up this week as the seven-team tournament gets underway. Local Sport Spotlight: Arorangi Flames and Avatiu’s Dragonflies meet in the Netball Cook Islands premier final after tense semis, with clubs also wrapping up finals across other grades. World Stage for Cook Islanders: Goalkeeper Maxime Teremoana Crocombe becomes the first Cook Islander to play at the FIFA World Cup for the New Zealand All Whites, carrying deep family ties to Rarotonga into the tournament spotlight. Community & Leadership: Hundreds gathered to farewell former deputy prime minister Ngamau “Aunty Mau” Munokoa, the Cook Islands’ first female deputy PM, remembered for faith, service, and breaking barriers. Health & Culture: Pacific experts say cervical cancer elimination is achievable within a generation, pointing to HPV vaccination and strong screening, including momentum from HPV self-testing. Education & Heritage: A new exhibition at Pātaka Art + Museum lifts Pasifika women’s voices from the Dawn Raids era, including Cook Islands women, through portraits and recorded stories.

Women’s Beach Handball: The Cook Islands women’s beach handball team Tiare Kaute made a world-stage debut at the IHF Men’s and Women’s Beach Handball World Championships in Croatia, proving they belong among the best. Local Sport Spotlight: Arorangi Flames and Avatiu’s Dragonflies set up a tense Netball Cook Islands premier final after hard-fought semis, with Finals Day at the National Sports Arena in Nikao. Regional Football (OFC): Puaikura FC is in Honiara for the OFC Women’s Champions League 2026 debut, pooled with Auckland United and Drehu Athletico, while Henderson Eels host with pride and pressure on home soil. Health & Culture: Pacific experts say cervical cancer elimination is achievable within a generation, pointing to HPV vaccination and strong screening—plus growing momentum from HPV self-testing. Cook Islands Leadership & Legacy: Hundreds farewelled former deputy prime minister Ngamau “Aunty Mau” Munokoa, the Cook Islands’ first female deputy PM, remembered for faith, service, and breaking barriers. Cook Islands in the World: Cook Islander Maxime “Max” Teremoana Crocombe became the first Cook Islander to feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup while playing for the New Zealand All Whites. Community & Environment: Te Ipukarea Society marked 30 years of stewardship by taking Grade 5–6 students to the landfill and Takitumu Conservation Area to learn waste sorting and biodiversity protection.

Beach Handball on the world stage: Cook Islands women’s beach handball debutants are making history in Croatia, with the team’s next challenge coming after a straight-sets win for Uruguay over Cook Islands in the tournament’s fight for ninth to 12th. Local sport finals: Arorangi Flames and Avatiu’s Dragonflies meet in today’s Netball Cook Islands premier final after tight semi-finals, with clubs also battling for Open 1 and Open 2 titles. OFC Women’s Champions League build-up: Puaikura FC are acclimatising in Honiara ahead of their debut, pooled with Auckland United and Drehu Athletico, while Henderson Eels host with pride and pressure as the tournament kicks off. Cook Islands in international football: Goalkeeper Maxime (Max) Teremoana Crocombe becomes the first Cook Islander to feature at the FIFA World Cup with the New Zealand All Whites. Health and culture: Pacific cervical cancer elimination is framed as achievable through HPV vaccination and screening, while ProCare backs top Māori and Pacific GP trainees, including a Cook Islands recipient. Community leadership: Hundreds gathered to farewell trailblazing former deputy prime minister “Aunty Mau” Munokoa, the Cook Islands’ first female deputy PM. Environment education: Te Ipukarea Society marks 30 years of stewardship with Grade 5–6 students visiting the landfill and Takitumu Conservation Area to learn waste sorting and biodiversity.

OFC Women’s Champions League (Honiara): Cook Islands champions Puaikura FC are in hot, humid Solomon Islands conditions and ready for their debut, pooled with Auckland United FC and Drehu Athletico Club, with matches starting this week in Honiara. Regional Football (OFC Women’s): Hosts Henderson Eels FC are treating the tournament as both a privilege and a tough test, while Hekari Women open Group A against Vanuatu’s Tafea Women. Cook Islands in Global Sport: Cook Islander Maxime “Max” Teremoana Crocombe has made World Cup history as the first Cook Islander to play for the New Zealand All Whites, starting in early matches and set for another start vs Belgium. Health & Culture: Pacific experts say cervical cancer elimination is achievable within a generation, pointing to HPV vaccination and strong screening, including momentum from HPV self-testing. Community & Leadership: Hundreds gathered to farewell trailblazing former deputy prime minister Ngamau “Aunty Mau” Munokoa, remembered for breaking barriers for women and lifelong service. Youth & Safety: Cook Islands Police Cybercrime Unit and visiting specialists ran a cyber safety roadshow for Year 10 students at Tereora College. Environment: Te Ipukarea Society marked 30 years of stewardship by taking Grade 5 and 6 students from Apii Takitumu to the landfill and Takitumu Conservation Area to learn waste and biodiversity lessons.

OFC Women’s Champions League: Puaikura FC are set for a historic debut in Honiara, acclimatising to Solomon Islands heat as Cook Islands champions open Group B against Auckland United FC, then face Drehu Athletico Club. Regional Football: The tournament field is now complete with seven clubs settled in Honiara, including defending champions Auckland United and host Henderson Eels, as the competition runs through July 10. World Cup Milestone: Cook Islander Maxime “Max” Teremoana Crocombe becomes the first Cook Islander to feature at the FIFA World Cup while playing for the New Zealand All Whites, with a must-win group match against Belgium next. Health & Culture: Pacific leaders and clinicians say cervical cancer elimination is achievable, pointing to HPV vaccination and strong screening, with momentum driven by HPV self-testing. Civic Voice: A letter urges voters to judge election promises by follow-through, real need, and MPs’ core responsibilities. Leadership & Legacy: Hundreds bid farewell to trailblazing former deputy prime minister Ngamau “Aunty Mau” Munokoa, the Cook Islands’ first female deputy PM. Education & Community: USP honours King Tupou VI at the Cook Islands graduation ceremony, linking regional ties to tivaevae tradition. Sports Spotlight: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad’s four-try haul lifts the Warriors over the Cowboys, with an injury concern after the win.

OFC Women’s Champions League (Honiara): Papua New Guinea’s Hekari Women kick off their Group A campaign on Sunday against Vanuatu’s Tafea Women, with coach Ericson Komeng saying experience and a tough pool will decide their chances. Local Football (Cook Islands): The OFC tournament also brings Cook Islands club Puaikura FC into the seven-team field in Honiara, as Auckland United defend their title and hosts Henderson Eels chase Pacific glory. Health & Education (GP pipeline): ProCare’s scholarship backs top Māori and Pacific medical students in Auckland’s GP pathway, including Cook Islands graduate Claudia Bloy, aiming to strengthen community-focused primary care. Public Health (Cervical cancer): Pacific leaders and clinicians say cervical cancer elimination is achievable, pointing to HPV vaccination plus screening momentum and strong uptake of HPV self-testing. Community & Culture (Leadership): Hundreds gathered to farewell “Aunty Mau” Ngamau Mere Munokoa, the Cook Islands’ first female deputy prime minister, remembered for faith, service, and breaking barriers. Sports & Identity (World Cup): Cook Islander Max Teremoana Crocombe made World Cup history as the first Cook Islander to play for the New Zealand All Whites, with another start expected. Environment & Youth: Te Ipukarea Society marks 30 years with school visits to the landfill and conservation area, while a cyber safety roadshow supports Year 10 students at Tereora College. Language Week: Cook Islands Māori Language Week runs June 29–July 5, with a revised poetry and short story competition theme to boost entries.

Māori & Pacific Health Pathways: ProCare has awarded scholarships to top Māori and Pacific medical students in Auckland’s GP pathway, including Cook Islands graduate Claudia Bloy, backing more GPs for communities that need culturally grounded care. Regional Health: Pacific leaders and clinicians say cervical cancer elimination is achievable within a generation, pointing to HPV vaccination and strong screening—plus growing uptake of HPV self-testing. Sport & Identity: Cook Islander Maxime “Max” Teremoana Crocombe made World Cup history as the first Cook Islander to play for the New Zealand All Whites, with a must-win group match looming. Women’s Football: The OFC Women’s Champions League kicks off in Honiara with seven clubs, including Cook Islands’ Puaikura FC, as Auckland United defend their title. Public Service & Culture: Hundreds farewelled former deputy prime minister Ngamau “Aunty Mau” Munokoa, the Cook Islands’ first female deputy PM, remembered for faith, service and leadership. Environment Education: Te Ipukarea Society marks 30 years with school visits to the landfill and conservation area, pushing better waste sorting and stewardship. Youth Safety: Cook Islands Police Cybercrime Unit and NZ specialists ran a cyber safety roadshow for Tereora College students. Governance & Accountability: A letter urges voters to question election promises and check what was actually delivered after past campaigns.