AGP Executive Report

Aviation & Connectivity: Jetstar launched its first Brisbane–Rarotonga flight, landing in Rarotonga after just over six hours and giving Queenslanders a direct new link to island life—made extra special with Cook Islander First Officer Rob Woonton on the flight deck. Pacific Youth & Tech: A South Auckland tech showcase is spotlighting Pacific creators moving into gaming and digital design, pushing back on the idea that phones only distract—while calling for more representation. Health & Care: The Health and Disability Commissioner found a teen’s bone graft consent process fell short, citing weak communication and culturally appropriate care, and ordered apologies. Sports & Pride: Cook Islands swimmers turned heads at the Oceania Championships in Suva, with Jacob Story taking gold and setting a new Oceania record. Culture & Protocol: A new TVNZ documentary, “400 Weddings and a Funeral,” aims to make Pacific ceremony rules easier to navigate across islands.

Health & Rights: The Health and Disability Commissioner says a girl was given a bone graft without an effective, culturally appropriate informed-consent process, ordering a doctor and hospital to apologise after poor record-keeping left key discussions undocumented. Pacific Youth & Tech: A Cook Islands digital trailblazer is backing a push to open doors for Pacific creators in gaming, with South Auckland’s Tech World 2 showcase running 19–20 May as young developers argue representation is finally starting to grow. Global Health Watch: A major Nature study finds obesity is not one single “global epidemic” — rates are rising fast in many lower-income countries while stabilising in much of Western Europe. Culture & Community: In the wider region, a new TVNZ documentary aims to demystify Pacific wedding and funeral protocols, while Cook Islands swimmers and other Pacific athletes keep turning up the heat at Oceania events. Oceans & Policy: Cook Islands leaders continue linking marine protection and seabed-minerals decisions to science-based governance and cultural stewardship.

Sustainable Tourism, Vanuatu: Havannah Boat House in Efate is being pitched as “a living organism” for travellers—no glass, no air-con, rooms on slim piers, and timbers sourced from Cyclone Pam, with the whole place designed to “sit lightly on the land.” Public Health: The US CDC says dengue is surging, with a 359% jump in average annual cases in 2024 and most cases linked to travel—another reminder that Pacific holidays need mosquito-proof habits. Cook Islands–PNG Ties: Central Province and Rarotonga have renewed their relationship with a Sister Province Partnership Arrangement, aiming at cultural exchange, youth and women’s empowerment, tourism, climate work, and trade. Ocean Protection vs Mining: Cook Islands leaders are reaffirming “sacred ocean” protection and science-based seabed mineral decisions as activists keep pushing back. Culture & Community: A new TVNZ guide, “400 Weddings and a Funeral,” spotlights Pacific protocols, while Cook Islands dance and inclusive education programs keep building confidence through movement.

Sustainable Tourism Spotlight: Vanuatu’s Havannah Boat House is being held up as a model for “sit lightly on the land” travel—no glass, no air-conditioning, rooms breathing through shutters, and materials sourced from trees felled by Cyclone Pam, with local craftwork built onsite. Public Health Watch: In the US, dengue cases linked to travel jumped sharply—CDC reports a 359% rise in average annual cases in 2024 versus the 2010–2023 average, with most cases tied to overseas trips. Cook Islands Connections: Central Province (PNG) and the Cook Islands have renewed ties through a Sister Province Partnership Arrangement, aiming at cultural exchange, education, youth and women’s empowerment, plus tourism and climate work. Culture & Skills: Cook Islands swimmers turned up at the Oceania Championships in Suva, with Jacob Story taking gold in the men’s 100m breaststroke and silver in the 50m. Gender in Aviation: Isabel Drollet Macdonald has graduated as a qualified pilot and is in talks with Air Rarotonga—set to become the airline’s first female pilot.

Public Health Alert: The CDC says dengue is surging in the US—average annual cases jumped 359% in 2024 versus the 2010–2023 average—mostly travel-linked, with 36% of patients hospitalized and six deaths, prompting a travel notice for 12 countries. Cook Islands Leadership & Faith: Elder Hutch U. Fale, newly called a General Authority Seventy, credits mentors and family faith across the globe for shaping his service. Pacific Culture on Screen: TVNZ’s “400 Weddings and a Funeral” offers a quick, insider guide to Pacific wedding and funeral protocols, with Cook Islands voices included. Regional Ties: Central Province (PNG) and the Cook Islands renewed historic bonds through a Sister Province Partnership, aiming at cultural exchange, education, youth, women’s empowerment, tourism, and climate action. Sport & Pride: At the Oceania Swimming Championships in Suva, Cook Islands swimmers won medals and set personal bests, led by Jacob Story’s Oceania record gold in the 100m breaststroke. Ocean Stewardship vs Mining: Cook Islands leaders reiterated “science-based” seabed mineral caution as new long-term risk findings strengthen the case for restraint. Aviation Milestone: Isabel Drollet Macdonald has graduated as a qualified pilot and is in talks with Air Rarotonga to become the airline’s first female pilot.

Pacific Protocols on Screen: TVNZ’s new documentary 400 Weddings and a Funeral is a 40-minute insider guide to how Pacific communities do weddings and farewells—dos, don’ts, and real stories from Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, Fiji and Niue. Regional Ties, Real Deals: Central Province (PNG) and the Cook Islands have renewed their friendship with a Sister Province Partnership Arrangement signed at APEC Haus, aiming at cultural exchange, youth and women’s empowerment, tourism, climate work, education and trade. Ocean Protection vs. Deep-Sea Pressure: Cook Islands leaders are doubling down on “sacred ocean” stewardship—while officials point to long-term risks from deep-sea mining and keep pushing science-based decisions. Sport Momentum: At the Oceania Swimming Championships in Suva, Cook Islands swimmers won medals and set personal bests, including Jacob Story’s gold in the men’s 100m breaststroke. Women Breaking Barriers: Isabel Drollet Macdonald has graduated as a qualified pilot and is set to become Air Rarotonga’s first female pilot. Culture in Motion: Jolt dance sessions in Rarotonga are helping students—especially those with autism—find confidence through rhythm and movement.

Pacific Culture on Screen: TVNZ’s new documentary “400 Weddings and a Funeral” is a quick, respectful guide to Pacific wedding and funeral protocols, with cultural experts and knowledge holders from Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, Fiji and Niue. Regional Ties, Real Deals: Central Province (PNG) and the Cook Islands have renewed their long friendship by signing a Sister Province Partnership Arrangement at APEC Haus, aiming for cultural exchange, education, youth and women’s empowerment, plus trade and climate cooperation. Sport with Momentum: At the Oceania Swimming Championships in Suva, Cook Islands swimmers added medals and personal bests, including Jacob Story’s Oceania record gold in the men’s 100m breaststroke. Deep-Sea Debate: Ongoing concern over seabed mining risks keeps pushing Cook Islands leaders toward science-based, cautious decisions. Local Spotlight: A new Women’s Parliament and Youth Parliament sessions are putting leadership, equality and education amendments under the microscope—this time with women and young people in the room.

Pacific ties, made official: Central Province and the Cook Islands have renewed their long-running friendship by signing a Sister Province Partnership Arrangement at APEC Haus, with Central Governor Rufina Peter and Prime Minister Mark Brown putting pen to paper during the Melanesian Oceans Summit. The deal is built for cultural exchange, youth and women’s empowerment, tourism, climate action, agriculture, sports, trade and investment, and it nods to a shared history dating back more than 150 years to London Missionary Society missionaries. Aviation inspiration: Isabel Drollet Macdonald is set to become Air Rarotonga’s first female pilot after graduating from Massey University, and she’s already talking with the airline about joining its ranks. Sport momentum: At the Oceania Swimming Championships in Suva, Cook Islands swimmers added medals and personal bests, including Jacob Story’s Oceania Championship record in the men’s 100m breaststroke. Ocean debate stays loud: Cook Islands voices continue to press for caution on seabed minerals as new reviews warn of long-lasting ecosystem harm.

Pacific Sports Momentum: Cook Islands swimmers and the wider Pacific are showing a real shift at the Oceania Swimming Championships in Suva, with the gap to Australia and New Zealand “beginning to close” as more nations win medals. Local Aquatics Spotlight: The Cook Islands team delivered standout results, including Jacob Story’s Oceania Championship record in the men’s 100m breaststroke and medals for Lanihei Connolly and Alicia Story. Regional Partnership: A major new Sister Province Partnership Arrangement links PNG’s Central Province with the Cook Islands, aiming to deepen cooperation across tourism, culture, trade, education, climate action, and youth and women’s empowerment. Care & Pathways: International Nurses Day coverage highlights growing support for nursing ākonga, including Southern Cross Nursing Scholarships and practical help like uniforms and footwear. Aviation Milestone: Isabel Drollet Macdonald is set to become Air Rarotonga’s first female pilot after graduating from Massey University. Ocean Governance Debate: Deep-sea mining concerns continue to surface, with renewed calls for science-based decisions and stronger public discussion.

Nursing support gets a boost: Whitireia and WelTec are backing future nurses for International Nurses Day, strengthening pastoral and cultural care with a new partnership with the Southern Cross Health Trust. Nine 2026 nursing scholarships are on offer, and first-year students will have clinical uniforms and footwear covered—helping ākonga like Teresa Buddle, a single parent of three, stay on track. Swimming momentum: Cook Islands swimmers turned up at the Oceania Championships in Suva, with Jacob Story taking gold in the men’s 100m breaststroke and Lanihei Connolly winning women’s 50m breaststroke, as the region signals a closing gap beyond traditional powerhouses. Ocean-first policy: Prime Minister Mark Brown reiterated Cook Islands’ “sacred ocean” approach—protecting huge marine areas and insisting any seabed minerals decision must be science-based. Aviation trailblazing: Isabel Drollet Macdonald is set to become Air Rarotonga’s first female pilot after graduating from Massey University.

Sporting Breakthrough: Cook Islands swimmers lit up the Oceania Championships in Suva, with Jacob Story taking gold in the men’s 100m breaststroke and silver in the 50m, while Lanihei Connolly added gold in the women’s 50m breaststroke and bronze in the 100m; Alicia Story grabbed bronze in the 200m butterfly with a new personal best. Regional Partnerships: Prime Minister Mark Brown and PNG’s Central Province Governor Rufina Peter signed a Provincial Partnership Arrangement, formalising cooperation across youth, sport, health, culture, fisheries and tourism—rooted in the shared missionary history. Ocean Protection vs. Deep-Sea Pressure: At the Melanesian Ocean Summit, Brown reiterated Cook Islands’ “sacred ocean” approach—science-based decisions on seabed minerals, with the Marae moana marine park and protected zones doing the heavy lifting. Leadership & Culture in Motion: Erin Rush’s historic rise in New Zealand rugby is matched by Cook Islands community momentum—from inclusive education students embracing dance to a new generation stepping into leadership through youth and women’s parliament debates. Aviation Firsts: Isabel Drollet Macdonald is set to become Air Rarotonga’s first female pilot after graduating from Massey University and entering talks with the airline.

Ocean Protection & Minerals: Prime Minister Mark Brown told the Melanesian Ocean Summit the Cook Islands is backing “Marae moana” sacred-ocean protection—nearly two million sq km of marine park, with protected zones where big fishing and seabed mining are banned—while insisting any future minerals decision must be science-based, since mapping is still incomplete. Women in Sport: Ronald Griffiths, a two-time NRLW premiership-winning coach, has joined the Kiwi Ferns as assistant coach ahead of the 2026 World Cup push. Local Enterprise: Sisters Pagan Rimene and Charis Morrell have launched Morrell Crutching Services, turning decades of shearing-family know-how into a new crutching business. Aviation Milestone: Air Rarotonga’s first female pilot, Isabel Drollet Macdonald, is on track after graduating from Massey University and says she’s aiming to start her career back home. Culture & Learning: Jolt Dance brought inclusive movement sessions to Education (IE) and Autism Cook Islands students in Rarotonga, helping shy kids find confidence through rhythm. Deep-Sea Debate: A new 50-year review warns deep-sea mining could cause dire, long-lasting harm—fueling the region’s ongoing split over whether the Moana can afford the “gold rush.”

Aviation Milestone: Air Rarotonga’s first female pilot, Isabel Drollet Macdonald (23), is turning a childhood dream into reality—she credits a tough entry-interview moment about women being only ~5% of aviation, and says the highlight is “kick-starting” her career in the Cooks, inspiring other Cook Islands girls to follow. Inclusive Education Through Dance: In Rarotonga, Christchurch’s Jolt dance crew is helping Education (IE) and Autism Cook Islands students find confidence through movement—shyness fades fast once the music takes over. Culture on Stage: Ridge Ponini, the first Cook Islands-born and raised professional tenor, is taking his opera journey to London after early resistance at home. Ocean Debate, Again: Deep-sea mining pressure continues as a major 50-year review warns of dire, long-lasting harm—while local voices push for slower, clearer decision-making. Youth in the Spotlight: The Youth Parliament is debating the Education Amendment Bill, keeping young voices in the room.

Opera on the world stage: Ridge Ponini, a Cook Islands-born tenor from Nikao, is taking his voice from a classroom smartphone moment to London—after years of pushing back when locals said opera “isn’t normal” in Raro. Culture in community: Hōkūpa`a’s 30th annual lūʻau at Dartmouth’s Baker-Berry lawn drew about 1,000 people for performances, lei-making and Hawaiian food, with the “Paniolo Country” theme tying culture to place. Deep-sea mining debate heats up: A major 50-year review warns deep-sea mining could cause “dire and long-lasting” damage, reinforcing the Cook Islands’ cautious stance as activists keep showing up at the port with “Don’t Mine The Moana” banners. Youth leadership in motion: The Fourth Youth Parliament is wrapping up with education reform talks, while the Women’s Parliament continues debating the Commission Bill—both putting new voices in the room.

Deep-Sea Mining Alarm: A major 50-year review is back in the spotlight, warning deep-sea mining could cause “dire and long-lasting” damage—possibly wiping out species before they’re even discovered—pushing the Cook Islands to keep a cautious line on seabed minerals. Local Governance: In the wider Pacific, American Samoa’s governor has moved to set up a Deep-Sea Minerals Steering Committee, while a call for outreach to include different viewpoints is getting louder. Community & Culture: Mothers’ Day reflections from Ruta Mave blend family memory with science and a sharp critique of how women’s history gets erased. Leadership Pipeline: Cook Islands Women’s Parliament and Youth Parliament sessions are putting equality and education reform on the agenda, with young voices debating the Education Amendment Bill. Sports & Pride: Fiji swimmers start fast at the Oceania Championships, and Cook Islands cricket is in Japan for the T20 qualifier. Aviation Milestone: Isabel Drollet Macdonald is on track to become Air Rarotonga’s first female pilot after graduating from Massey.

Aquatics Spotlight: Fiji’s swimmers have burst out of the blocks at the Oceania Championships in Suva, racking up early podiums and setting the tone for the six-day meet—highlighted by Anahira McCutcheon’s two golds (50m butterfly and 100m freestyle) and a mixed 4x50m relay win in a new Oceania record. Regional Digital Safety: Samoa is rolling out a Cyber Safety Outreach Program across 11 Pacific countries, targeting scams, fake pages and privacy harms—while Australia is also set to embed a cybersecurity adviser inside Samoa’s communications ministry. Cook Islands Leadership & Learning: Back home, the Women’s Parliament is debating the Women Commission Bill, and the Youth Parliament is pushing the Education Amendment Bill—both putting more voices into the decision-making room. Sport Pathways: Cook Islands cricket is in Japan for the T20 World Cup qualifier, and local cycling delivered Tour de Raro drama with Roland Neururer taking the men’s title. Moana Under Pressure: A major review warns deep-sea mining could be “dire and long-lasting,” with risks to life that may never be discovered.