AGP Executive Report

Health & Community Action: A letter urges Cook Islands leaders to tackle NCDs with practical steps—easy healthy choices, limits on sponsorship of unhealthy products, and school/church/village community gardens to strengthen food security. Sports & Identity: Warriors winger Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad’s four-try NRL debut win over the Cowboys comes with a concern after forward Jackson Ford leaves injured. Regional Culture & Learning: USP marks what’s expected to be King Tupou VI’s final chancellor graduation in Rarotonga, with Cook Islands tradition and tivaevae values woven through the ceremony. Environment & Youth: Te Ipukarea Society turns 30, taking students from Apii Takitumu to the landfill and Takitumu Conservation Area to connect waste sorting with biodiversity protection. Cyber Safety for Youth: Cook Islands Police Cybercrime Unit and NZ specialists run an online safety roadshow for Tereora College Year 10 students. Language Revival: Māori poetry and short story competition for Te Ipukarea o te Reo Māori Kuki Airani expands themes to boost entries, with submissions due June 22. Drug Trafficking Response: Health Secretary Bob Williams calls for a tougher, coordinated Pacific approach that treats health, peace, and security as one shared challenge.

Health & Policy: A letter urges urgent action on Cook Islands’ high NCD burden, calling for easy healthy choices (free water refill stations, healthier event catering), a rethink of how sugary/processed products sponsor youth sport, and school/church/village community gardens to link health with food security. Culture & Identity: Two editorials spotlight cultural authenticity—one questions whether Cook Islands traditional attire used in high-profile welcomes and coronation coverage truly reflects local materials and symbols; another reflects on tivaivai as “many hands” love, tying education and counselling to the craft’s values. Environment & Youth: Te Ipukarea Society marks 30 years with student visits to the landfill and Takitumu Conservation Area, while Aitutaki’s Water Guardians Project blends marine science with heritage to protect the lagoon. Education & Regional Ties: USP’s Cook Islands graduation honours King Tupou VI as Chancellor, with the ceremony framed through Pacific values of service and community. Digital Safety: Cook Islands Police Cybercrime Unit and NZ specialists run a cyber safety roadshow for Year 10 students at Tereora College. Sports & Community: CISNOC Sports Awards celebrate Aquatics Cook Islands’ swimmers and other sporting excellence, while Cook Islands’ presence is noted in regional beach handball growth and youth pathways. Regional Security: Secretary of Health Bob Williams calls for a tougher, coordinated Pacific response to drug trafficking, stressing prevention and community early warning. Travel Rules: Government says future tourists aged 12+ must be fully vaccinated for Covid-19, with border reopening tied to low transmission risk.

NRL Spotlight: Cook Islands winger Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad powered the Warriors to a 30-28 win over the Cowboys in Christchurch, scoring four tries—though an injury to forward Jackson Ford has cast a shadow. Cultural Memory: A Porirua exhibition, Marama Malama: Te Manavā Moana Women, brings Pasifika women “sheroes” into the spotlight through portraits and recorded voices tied to P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. Inc and Cook Islands community links. USP & Royal Ties: Tonga’s King Tupou VI was welcomed in Rarotonga with a pa’ata ceremony and honoured at the USP Cook Islands graduation, with tivaevae values echoed in the speeches. Language & Youth: Cook Islands Māori Language Week kicks off June 29–July 5, with a poetry and short story competition now open on any theme that supports Reo Māori revitalisation. Environment in Action: Te Ipukarea Society marks 30 years by taking Grade 5–6 students from Apii Takitumu to the landfill and Takitumu Conservation Area, pushing waste sorting and stewardship. Online Safety: Cook Islands Police Cybercrime Unit and NZ specialists ran a cyber safety roadshow for Tereora College Year 10 students. Health & Community Security: Secretary of Health Bob Williams urged a tougher, coordinated Pacific response to drug trafficking, saying families and communities see the first warning signs. Sports Awards: Aquatics Cook Islands dominated the CISNOC Sports Awards, with swimmers Jacob Story, Alicia Story and Lanihei Connolly taking top honours.

Regional Education & Culture: USP’s Cook Islands Campus graduation honoured Chancellor King Tupou VI of Tonga in what’s expected to be his final ceremony, with tributes linking Pacific values to tivaevae craftsmanship and community effort. Diplomacy & Tradition: King Tupou VI arrived in Rarotonga with a ceremonial pa’ata welcome at Atupare Marae, underscoring shared Polynesian ties ahead of the graduation. Environmental Stewardship: Te Ipukarea Society marked 30 years of conservation by taking Grade 5–6 students from Apii Takitumu to the landfill and Takitumu Conservation Area, spotlighting waste sorting and biodiversity. Youth & Safety: Cook Islands Police Cybercrime Unit and NZ specialists ran a cyber safety roadshow for Year 10 students at Tereora College. Language & Identity: Reo Māori Kuki Airani Week launches with a poetry and short story competition, now broadened to boost entries and keep the language vibrant. Sports Spotlight: CISNOC Sports Awards celebrated Aquatics Cook Islands’ big night, while Cook Islands’ beach handball team qualified for the world championships in Croatia. Health & Community Response: Health Secretary Bob Williams urged a tougher, coordinated Pacific approach to drug trafficking that starts with families and villages, not just police. Tourism Rules: The government says future Cook Islands tourists aged 12+ must be fully vaccinated, with limited medical exemptions.

Tivaivai & Education: USP Pro-Chancellor Siosiua Utoikamanu told 36 graduates that the “finest tivaivai” is built by many hands—linking the Tivaivai Methodology to a shared future of counselling, learning, and community responsibility. Environmental Stewardship: Te Ipukarea Society marked 30 years by taking Grade 5 and 6 students from Apii Takitumu to the landfill and the Takitumu Conservation Area, showing how waste sorting at home and in tourism directly protects biodiversity. Cyber Safety for Youth: Cook Islands Police Cybercrime Unit and NZ specialists ran a roadshow for Year 10 students at Tereora College, focusing on practical ways to stay safe online. Regional Security & Drugs: Secretary of Health Bob Williams urged a tougher, coordinated Pacific response to drug trafficking—arguing health, prevention, harm reduction, and community support must sit alongside policing. Cultural Ties & Authenticity: Tonga’s King Tupou VI received a traditional Cook Islands welcome at Atupare Marae ahead of USP graduation, while a letter raised concerns about how “traditional” attire is represented across the Pacific. Sports Spotlight: Cook Islands Sports Awards celebrated Aquatics’ big night and honoured mentors and pioneers, as the nation marks sporting excellence. Tourism Rules: Government says vaccinated tourists aged 12+ will be required when travel bubbles resume, with medical exemptions only.

Tivaivai & Education: USP Cook Islands graduation themes of “service, resilience, family, culture and community” were stitched into a heartfelt column linking the Tivaivai Methodology to generations of counselling and learning. Environment & Youth: Te Ipukarea Society marked its 30th year by taking Apii Takitumu Grade 5–6 students to the landfill and Takitumu Conservation Area, showing how waste sorting at home and in tourism matters. Cyber Safety for Teens: Cook Islands Police Cybercrime Unit and NZ specialists ran a cyber security roadshow for Year 10 students at Tereora College. Borders & Health Policy: Government says future Cook Islands tourists aged 12+ must be fully vaccinated, with limited medical exemptions, and outlines conditions for resuming quarantine-free travel. Cultural Exchange: Tonga’s King Tupou VI received a traditional Cook Islands welcome at Atupare Marae in Puaikura ahead of presiding over USP graduation. Sport & Community Pride: CISNOC Sports Awards celebrated Aquatics standouts and mentors, while Cook Islands youth ocean guardians on Aitutaki blend marine science with heritage to protect the lagoon.

Border Policy: The Cook Islands says all future tourists aged 12+ must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, with only medical certificates exempt, and it won’t reopen quarantine-free travel from New Zealand until it’s confident there’s no community transmission. Sports Spotlight: Manusina Sevens have named their squad for a key Olympic qualifier at the Oceania Sevens in Fiji, with a berth on the line for the best-placed team outside Australia and New Zealand. Language & Youth Culture: The Māori poetry and short story competition for Te Ipukarea Society’s Reo Māori Kuki Airani Language Week has had its closing date extended, with the theme broadened to boost entries and keep Reo Māori vibrant. Environment Milestone: Te Ipukarea Society turns 30, celebrating three decades of conservation advocacy, education, and watchdog work. Community & Health: Cook Islands Secretary of Health Bob Williams calls for a tougher, coordinated Pacific response to drug trafficking, arguing prevention must start in families and villages. Cultural Exchange: Tonga’s King Tupou VI received a traditional Cook Islands welcome in Rarotonga ahead of his USP graduation role. Local Learning on Aitutaki: Aitutaki students blend tradition and marine science to protect the lagoon, including work targeting crown-of-thorns starfish.

Cook Islands Sports Awards: Aquatics shone at CISNOC’s Sports Awards in Rarotonga, with swimmers Jacob Story (Sportsman of the Year), Alicia Story (Junior Sportswoman), and Lanihei Connolly (Sportswoman) taking top honours, alongside tributes to mentors and leaders who’ve built sport for the next generation. Drug trafficking & public health: Health Secretary Bob Williams urged a tougher, coordinated Pacific response to drugs, saying the harm often starts in families and communities long before police see cases—so prevention, harm reduction and community support must sit alongside enforcement. Regional security cooperation: At the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue in Fiji, officials including Cook Islands health leaders warned transnational crime is now established and coordinated across borders, with digital crime and maritime surveillance stretching police capacity. Te Ipukarea Society turns 30: The environmental NGO marked three decades of conservation advocacy and education, rooted in a 1990s push for independent action to protect land, sea and air. Reo Māori writing competition: Cook Islands Māori Language Week plans a poetry and short story competition, with the theme broadened after low entries—submissions close Monday, June 22. Aitutaki youth & lagoon science: Araura College students joined marine researchers and local partners to protect the lagoon, blending Operation Taramea reef work with cultural reflection. Tonga royal welcome: His Majesty King Tupou VI arrived for USP graduation, received in a traditional Cook Islands welcome carried by pa’ata and warriors. Men’s beach handball debut: Cook Islands qualified for the world championships in Croatia, marking a major milestone for the sport’s growth at home. Women’s sport under pressure (Afghanistan): A refugee women’s football team’s push for international recognition highlights how sport can become a lifeline when rights are stripped away.

Sports Awards: Aquatics Cook Islands dominated the Cook Islands Sports Awards in Rarotonga, with swimmers Jacob Story (Sportsman of the Year), Alicia Story (Junior Sportswoman of the Year) and Lanihei Connolly (Sportswoman of the Year) taking top honours, alongside tributes to lawn bowls mentor Tereapi’i “Toots” Urlich and the posthumous recognition of Aquatics leader Romani Katoa. Health & Safety: Cook Islands Secretary of Health Bob Williams urged a tougher, more coordinated Pacific response to drug trafficking, saying the damage often starts in villages long before police see a case, and calling for prevention, harm reduction and community support alongside interdiction. Regional Security & Energy: At the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue in Suva, leaders including PNG’s Thomas Opa warned the fuel crisis is now an economic security threat, with PNG exploring smaller refineries to support fuel resilience across the Pacific. Culture & Diplomacy: Tonga’s King Tupou VI received a traditional Cook Islands welcome at Atupare Marae in Puaikura ahead of his USP graduation role, with the visit spotlighting close Polynesian ties. Youth & Environment: Aitutaki students are blending tradition and marine science through the Te Taunga o te Moana project, training to protect the lagoon by targeting invasive crown-of-thorns starfish. Community Health (Women): CIFWA and the Ministry of Health ran cervical screening outreach in Rarotonga, with free pap smears for women aged 25–65 and clinics scheduled across the island.

Royal Visit & Education: His Majesty King Tupou VI of Tonga arrived in Rarotonga for a traditional welcome at Atupare Marae, then moved into his role as USP Chancellor ahead of the graduation ceremony for 73 graduands. Cultural Authenticity: A letter raises concerns about how “traditional” attire is represented in high-profile Pacific welcomes, urging more research and respect for Cook Islands-specific materials and symbols. Women’s Health & Sustainability: Te Ipukarea Society and partners ran a large menstrual wellbeing session at Tereora College, promoting reusable options to cut waste and household costs. Youth & Ocean Stewardship: On Aitutaki, Araura College students are blending heritage with marine science—training to protect the lagoon by targeting invasive crown-of-thorns starfish. Regional Security & Drugs: Cook Islands Health Secretary Bob Williams calls for a coordinated Pacific response to drug trafficking that treats health, prevention and community support as central, not afterthoughts. Sport & Identity: Cook Islands beach handball qualifies for its first senior world championship debut in Croatia, while Aquatics Cook Islands dominates the Sports Awards. LGBTQIA+ Rights: Pride Cook Islands renews calls for stronger protections and respectful dialogue for the Anuanua family. Governance & Culture: SBMA shares its seabed minerals vision at a New Zealand wānanga focused on regenerative development and future collaboration.

Cook Islands Health & Wellbeing: A free cervical screening clinic is set to run in Rarotonga, with outreach continuing at Kavera today and then moving through Tepiri, Matavera, Avatiu and Inave in the coming weeks, aiming to boost early detection for women aged 25–65. Youth & Environment: On Aitutaki, years 7–8 students are blending Cook Islands heritage with marine science through the Te Taunga o te Moana “Water Guardians” programme, including reef work to remove invasive crown-of-thorns starfish. Regional Security & Community Health: Cook Islands Secretary of Health Bob Williams urges a tougher, coordinated Pacific response to drug trafficking, saying families, teachers and pastors often see the first warning signs long before police. LGBTQIA+ Rights: Pride Cook Islands calls for stronger protections and more respectful dialogue for the Anuanua family. Sports & Pride: Aquatics Cook Islands shines at the Sports Awards, with swimmers Jacob Story (Sportsman of the Year), Alicia Story (Junior Sportswoman of the Year) and Lanihei Connolly (Sportswoman of the Year) taking top honours. Culture & Leadership: Tonga’s King Tupou VI arrives in Rarotonga for a ceremonial welcome and will preside over the USP graduation ceremony. Environment & Waste: Te Ipukarea Society continues its push on reducing plastic waste, including community-led initiatives focused on practical change.

Health & Security: Cook Islands Secretary of Health Bob Williams urged a tougher, more coordinated Pacific response to drug trafficking, saying the damage often starts in villages long before police get involved, and calling for a single approach that links health, prevention, harm reduction and community support. Royal & Education Links: Rarotonga welcomed His Majesty King Tupou VI of Tonga for a traditional pa’ata ceremony and a University of the South Pacific role, presiding over a graduation ceremony for 73 graduands. Youth & Ocean Stewardship: Aitutaki youth from Araura College are blending tradition with marine science through the Te Taunga o te Moana project, including reef work targeting invasive crown-of-thorns starfish. Women’s Health: CIFWA and partners ran a cervical screening outreach, with free services continuing in Rarotonga at Kavera and other clinics across coming weeks. Environment & Waste: Te Ipukarea Society highlighted menstrual wellbeing and reusable options, while the National Environment Service is developing a National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution. Sport & Community Pride: Aquatics Cook Islands dominated the Sports Awards, and paddler Reuben Dearlove won Masters Men 50 at Te Aito in Tahiti. LGBTQIA+ Rights: Pride Cook Islands renewed calls for stronger protections and respectful dialogue for the Anuanua family.

Fuel Crisis & Security: Pacific leaders meeting in Suva say the fuel crunch is now an economic security threat, with rising prices hitting transport, business and jobs, and PNG exploring smaller refineries to support neighbours. Ocean Stewardship: Te Ipukarea Society represented Cook Islands voices at the inaugural State of the Pacific Ocean convening in Fiji, pushing indigenous knowledge and rejecting extractive thinking. Plastic & Menstrual Health: Te Ipukarea Society and partners ran a Tereora College session for 300+ students on menstrual wellbeing and switching to reusable options; meanwhile the National Environment Service is backing a National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution. Women’s Health Access: Free cervical screening outreach continues in Rarotonga, with clinics scheduled at Kavera, Tepiri, Matavera, Avatiu and Inave. Sport & Youth Pathways: Aquatics Cook Islands dominated the Sports Awards, and Cook Islands football is in focus as PNG and Cook Islands youth squads shape OFC qualification. LGBTQIA+ Rights: Pride Cook Islands is calling for stronger protections and respectful dialogue for the Anuanua family. Cook Islands in the World: A Cook Islander, Max Crocombe, is among Pacific-heritage players set to debut for New Zealand at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Fuel Crisis & Energy Security: Pacific leaders meeting in Suva say the region’s fuel crisis is now an economic security threat, with rising prices hitting transport, business and jobs, and ministers urging faster, more resilient energy transitions. Health & Community Care: A free cervical screening outreach is underway in Rarotonga, with clinics at Kavera and more dates across the island, while a New Zealand Medical Journal report traces a rare marine-bacterium bloodstream infection to a Cook Islands trip. Environment & Waste Reduction: The Cook Islands is developing a National Action Plan on plastic pollution, backed by the Pacific Ocean Litter Project, aiming for practical behaviour change and better waste systems. Women’s Health & Sustainability: Te Ipukarea Society and partners ran a menstrual health session for 300+ students, promoting reusable options to cut waste and costs. Sports & Youth Pathways: Aquatics Cook Islands dominated the Sports Awards, and Cook Islands football continues to shape regional youth tournaments after Tahiti withdrew from the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship, with PNG stepping in. Pride & LGBTQIA+ Rights: Pride Cook Islands calls for stronger protections and respectful dialogue for the Anuanua family. Culture & Heritage in the Spotlight: A Cook Islander, Dr Ailsa Wilson, makes history as New Zealand’s first Pacific female orthopaedic surgeon, highlighting mentorship and cultural identity.

Sport & Tourism: Palau is pushing deeper into the global sport fishing market after a San Diego trade-show appearance, pitching a mix of high-value angling, marine conservation and cultural heritage to attract new visitors and local income. Regional Sport: Fiji, Niue and Vanuatu have named teams for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, with Fiji leading so far with 58 athletes across eight sports. Cook Islands in the spotlight: Aquatics Cook Islands dominated the Cook Islands Sports Awards, with Jacob Story taking Sportsman of the Year and siblings Alicia Story and Lanihei Connolly also winning top honours. Football & Youth Pathways: PNG moved closer to the FIFA U20 World Cup dream with a 5-1 win over the Cook Islands in Rarotonga, while Tahiti’s withdrawal from the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship reshuffles groups with PNG stepping in. Health & Women’s Wellbeing: Te Ipukarea Society and partners ran a menstrual health session at Tereora College, promoting reusable options to cut waste and cost, and a free cervical screening outreach continues in Rarotonga at Kavera today. Environment & Culture: The Cook Islands National Environment Service is developing a National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution, backed by the Pacific Ocean Litter Project.

Commonwealth Games Build-Up: Fiji, Niue and Vanuatu have named teams for Glasgow, with Fiji leading so far with 58 athletes across eight sports. Education & Teachers: Samoa hosts the Pacific Education Leaders Conference, stressing teacher investment, training pathways and support for numeracy and literacy. Breaking Barriers in Medicine: Cook Islander Dr Ailsa Wilson becomes New Zealand’s first Pacific female orthopaedic surgeon, backed by mentorship and the Dr Joe Williams Scholarship. Women’s Health & Community Outreach: A free cervical screening clinic begins in Rarotonga at Kavera, with pap smears offered across the coming weeks. Plastic & Periods: Te Ipukarea Society highlights practical, youth-focused action on plastic waste, including menstrual wellbeing and reusable options. LGBTQIA+ Rights: Pride Cook Islands calls for stronger protections and respectful dialogue for the Anuanua family. Sport on the Move: Cook Islands women beat Afghanistan United 1-0 and 3-0 in Auckland, while PNG’s U19s edge closer to World Cup hopes after a 5-1 win over Cook Islands. Health Alert: A rare marine-bacterium infection in a Cook Islands visitor is traced to seafood exposure, reported in New Zealand’s medical journal. Travel Links: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti activate a codeshare that makes Rarotonga easier to reach via Tahiti.