AGP Executive Report

Football & Pathways: Cook Islands Football Association celebrates referee development as OFC badge holders Marcus Gibbens (referee) and Andrew Teena (assistant referee) earn appointments for the 2026 OFC U-15 Boys Development Tournament in Auckland. Women’s Sport: Kaiyah Atai, a Cook Islander with the New Zealand Warriors in the NRLW, is named club Player of the Year, marking a fast rise to the top level. Faith & Youth: Columnist Thomas Tarurongo Wynne asks what the Cook Islands Christian Church must change to keep young people engaged as religion declines among Cook Islands Māori in New Zealand. Ocean Stewardship: The Bezos Earth Fund announces $25 million for ocean conservation that includes support for the Cook Islands’ Marae Moana vision, alongside work across the Blue Pacific. Tourism & Youth: Te Mato Manava Tūroto opens Expressions of Interest for the 2027 Te Arata’a pathway to tourism scholarship intake, aiming to build the next generation of industry talent. Mental Health in Focus: Limitless Sports and Wellbeing Academy launches “Limitless Run the 5 Islands with Us,” a 122km challenge across five islands to raise awareness for mental health and wellbeing. Basketball: Cook Islands women’s team heads to Tahiti for the FIBA Women’s Polynesian Cup, with veteran Kayla Kiriau returning to help a new group write the next chapter.

Football Pathway: Cook Islands Football Association celebrates referee development as OFC badge holders Marcus Gibbens (referee) and Andrew Teena (assistant referee) earn first appointments to the 2026 OFC U-15 Boys Development Tournament in Auckland. Women’s Sport & Leadership: Kaiyah Atai is named New Zealand Warriors NRLW Player of the Year, marking a fast rise for the Cook Islander from casual play to top honours. Faith & Youth: Columnist Thomas Tarurongo Wynne asks what faith can change to keep young people engaged, pointing to a sharp rise in “no religion” among Cook Islands Māori in New Zealand. International Eligibility & Identity: Dane Gagai is cleared to switch rugby league eligibility from Australia to New Zealand, opening the door for a Cook Islands–linked Māori All Stars pathway to the World Cup. Ocean Stewardship: Bezos Earth Fund announces $25m for ocean conservation including support for the Cook Islands’ Marae Moana vision. Tourism Futures: Te Mato Manava Tūroto opens Expressions of Interest for the 2027 Te Arata’a youth tourism scholarship pathway. Mental Health Through Community: Limitless Run the 5 Islands with Us aims to raise mental health awareness across Rarotonga, Mauke, Atiu, Mangaia and Aitutaki. Culture in Motion: CC Tamure Fitness uses tamure dance as women’s wellbeing and a safe cultural space. Basketball Homecoming: Cook Islands women’s team heads to Tahiti for the FIBA Women’s Polynesian Cup, with Kayla Kiriau returning to the tournament that first brought her gold.

Rugby League & Identity: Dane Gagai has been cleared to switch Tier 1 eligibility from Australia to New Zealand, opening the door for a potential Kiwis World Cup clash after his earlier appeal overturned a rejection. Diplomacy & Sovereignty: A letter questions whether Cook Islands leaders consulted with China ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum, while the Cook Islands also marked the farewell of outgoing Chinese Ambassador Dr Wang Xiaolong. Climate & Ocean Stewardship: PM Mark Brown heads to Pacific Pre-COP31 to push for faster, accessible climate finance and stronger ocean protection, and the Bezos Earth Fund announced $25m in grants supporting Cook Islands’ Marae Moana vision and wider Blue Pacific conservation. Women, Youth & Culture: Cook Islands women gear up for the FIBA Women’s Polynesian Cup with Kayla Kiriau returning to a tournament that first brought her the jersey; CC Tamure Fitness is using tamure dance to help women stay active; and Te Mato Manava Tūroto opens Te Arata’a youth pathways for the 2027 tourism scholarship intake. Mental Health & Community: Te Marae Ora reiterates suicide prevention as year-round, urging people to ask for help. Local Development: The Cook Islands adopted a geospatial information framework to improve decision-making across infrastructure, climate resilience and ocean governance.

Pacific Climate Diplomacy: PM Mark Brown heads to Tuvalu and Fiji for Pacific Pre-COP31, pushing for faster, simpler climate finance for small islands, plus stronger ocean protection and resilience projects for Rarotonga and Pa Enua. Tourism Pathways: Te Mato Manava Tūroto opens Expressions of Interest for the 2027 Te Arata’a o te Pae Tūroto youth tourism scholarship pathway, linking school, industry experience and study options. Ocean Conservation: The Bezos Earth Fund announces $25m in grants for ocean protection across the Blue Pacific, including support for Cook Islands’ Marae Moana vision. Women’s Sport & Leadership: Cook Islands women’s basketball captain Kayla Kiriau returns to the FIBA Women’s Polynesian Cup in Tahiti, aiming to guide a new generation. Community Wellbeing Through Culture: CC Tamure Fitness is using tamure dance as women’s health and connection—turning exercise into a safe, culture-led space. Mental Health in Motion: Limitless Run the 5 Islands spans Rarotonga, Mauke, Atiu, Mangaia and Aitutaki to raise awareness and spark conversations on mental health. Governance & Data: Cook Islands adopts a UN-IGIF geospatial framework to strengthen decision-making for infrastructure, climate resilience and ocean governance. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Youth voices weigh in on whether deep-sea mining can deliver an economic future without harming cultural and environmental stewardship.

Basketball & Identity: Cook Islands point guard Kayla Kiriau returns to Tahiti for the FIBA Women’s Polynesian Cup 2026, where her first-ever Cook Islands jersey appearance brought gold—now she’s helping a new generation carry the responsibility forward. Mental Health & Community Sports: Limitless Sports and Wellbeing Academy launches “Limitless Run the 5 Islands with Us,” a 122km challenge across Rarotonga, Mauke, Atiu, Mangaia and Aitutaki to spark open conversations and support for mental health. Women’s Health Through Culture: CC Tamure Fitness is keeping women moving with tamure-based workouts, turning traditional dance into a supportive, culture-led fitness space. Tourism Pathways: Te Mato Manava Tūroto opens Expressions of Interest for the 2027 Te Arata’a youth tourism scholarship pathway, linking school, industry experience and future study. Ocean Stewardship: Bezos Earth Fund announces $25m for ocean conservation in the Cook Islands and across the Blue Pacific, backing Marae Moana and other habitat protection. Sports Spotlight: Samoa’s women’s golf team takes 3rd at the Pacific Cup in Tahiti, with Cook Islands heritage player Olive Tapu winning individual silver. Youth & Skills: Ngakau Toa Vaka paddlers prepare for the Trans-Tasman Gubbi Gubbi Waka Ama Regatta, aiming to build confidence and international connections. Local Governance & Data: Cook Islands adopts a geospatial information framework to improve decision-making for infrastructure, climate resilience and ocean governance.

Ocean Conservation Funding: The Bezos Earth Fund announced $25 million in grants for ocean protection across the Pacific, including support for the Cook Islands’ Marae Moana vision under the Blue Pacific Prosperity push. Women’s Health Through Culture: CC Tamure Fitness is helping Cook Islands women stay active by blending tamure dance with cardio, creating a supportive, culture-led space for wellbeing. Mental Health Awareness Run: Limitless Sports and Wellbeing Academy is launching “Run the 5 Islands with Us,” a 122km challenge across Rarotonga, Mauke, Atiu, Mangaia and Aitutaki to spark community conversations on mental health. Tourism Pathways for Youth: Te Mato Manava Tūroto has opened Expressions of Interest for the 2027 Te Arata’a o te Pae Tūroto tourism scholarship pathway, linking school, industry experience and training. UN Rights Advocacy: Punanga Turuturu Vaine (PTI) is heading to Geneva to present a shadow report on gender-based violence for the Cook Islands’ CEDAW review. Suicide Prevention Focus: Te Marae Ora says suicide prevention stays a year-round priority, urging people to ask for help and strengthening early support and follow-up. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: A youth perspective highlights the cultural and economic stakes as the Cook Islands weighs deep-sea mining prospects. Geospatial Planning: The Cook Islands will action all nine UN-IGIF pathways, strengthening geospatial information for better decisions on infrastructure, climate resilience and ocean governance.

NRLW & Pacific pride: Cook Islands heritage Warriors captain Apii Nicholls was among Pacific stars honoured at the 2026 Dally M Awards in Sydney, as the awards spotlighted women’s rugby league talent and culture. Youth sport on the move: Cook Islands, Fiji and others are finalising teams for the Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, with Cook Islands beach handball set to make history. Women’s wellbeing through culture: CC Tamure Fitness is helping Cook Islands women stay active by pairing tamure dance with cardio, building a supportive, culturally grounded space. Mental health, island-wide: Limitless Academy’s “Run the 5 Islands” will link Rarotonga, Mauke, Atiu, Mangaia and Aitutaki over 122km to spark mental health conversations. Tourism pathways: Te Mato Manava Tūroto is opening Expressions of Interest for the 2027 Te Arata’a youth tourism scholarship intake. CEDAW advocacy: Punanga Turuturu Vaine (PTI) is heading to Geneva with a shadow report on gender-based violence for the Cook Islands CEDAW review. Suicide prevention: Te Marae Ora and Police stress help-seeking as an ongoing priority after recorded suicide-related callouts and deaths since 2025. Deep-sea mining debate: Youth voices are weighing economic hopes against cultural and environmental risks as Cook Islands considers deep-sea mining prospects. Geospatial governance: Cook Islands will action all nine UN-IGIF strategic pathways to strengthen geospatial information for better decisions on infrastructure, climate resilience and ocean governance. Basketball spotlight: The Cook Islands women’s team heads to Tahiti for the FIBA Women’s Polynesian Cup 2026, with players framing it as both personal and national pride. Plastic pollution action: Te Ipukarea Society convened Pa Enua and sector partners to push practical, coordinated steps to cut plastic pollution.

Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Youth in Rarotonga are speaking out as the Cook Islands weighs polymetallic nodule extraction in its deep EEZ, raising fears about cultural identity and environmental risk. CEDAW & Gender Justice: Punanga Turuturu Vaine (PTI) is heading to Geneva to present a shadow report on gender-based violence for the Cook Islands’ CEDAW review. Suicide Prevention: Te Marae Ora and police stress that suicide prevention is year-round, sharing callout and death figures and urging people to ask for help. Geospatial for Better Decisions: The Cook Islands will action all nine UN-IGIF pathways after a national workshop, aiming to strengthen governance, data sharing, and ocean and climate resilience planning. Pacific Journalism & AI: Pasifika AI creator Kevyn Wahuzue argues Pacific newsrooms should use AI behind the scenes only, keeping relationships and editorial judgement human. Tourism Spotlight: The Cook Islands wins Oceania’s Leading Island Destination 2026 at the World Travel Awards, highlighting people-first hospitality. Sports & Culture: Cook Islands women gear up for the FIBA Women’s Polynesian Cup in Tahiti, while local film teams launch POP48, a 48-hour “Culture” challenge.

Fiji Law & Governance: Former Attorney-General Graham Everett Leung has been elected President of the Fiji Law Society, pledging an apolitical, rule-of-law approach as Fiji faces a constitutional review and an election season. AI & Media Ethics: Pasifika AI creator Wahuzue says Pacific newsrooms should use AI for behind-the-scenes tasks, but keep relationships, editorial judgement, and verification firmly human—warning that AI can’t replace trust built in communities. Gender Rights at the UN: Punanga Turuturu Vaine (PTI) is heading to Geneva with a shadow report on gender-based violence for the Cook Islands’ CEDAW review. Mental Health: Te Marae Ora (TMO) reiterates that suicide prevention is year-round, urging people to ask for help as Cook Islands records ongoing callouts and deaths. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Cook Islands faces tough choices on deep-sea mining, with youth voices weighing cultural identity, environmental risk, and economic hopes. Geospatial for Better Decisions: The Cook Islands will action all nine UN-IGIF pathways after a national geospatial workshop, aiming to strengthen governance, data sharing, and ocean resilience. Tourism & Culture: The Cook Islands is named Oceania’s Leading Island Destination 2026 at the World Travel Awards, while local film teams push stories in the POP48 48-hour People of Pasifika challenge.

Geospatial Governance: The Cook Islands will action all nine UN-IGIF pathways after a Rarotonga workshop, setting priorities for stronger geospatial data sharing to support infrastructure, climate resilience and ocean governance. Public Service & Culture: A letter urges the Cook Islands to commission a feasibility study for a small national crematorium on Rarotonga, arguing families already travel to New Zealand for cremation. Tourism Spotlight: The Cook Islands was named Oceania’s Leading Island Destination 2026 at the World Travel Awards, celebrating the people behind its hospitality. Women in Sport: The Cook Islands women’s team heads to Tahiti for the FIBA Women’s Polynesian Cup 2026 with renewed purpose, led by Kayla Kiriau. Youth & Community: Ngakau Toa Vaka youth paddlers (ages 12–17) prepare for the Sunshine Coast’s Gubbi Gubbi Waka Ama Regatta as part of a multi-year development programme. Media & AI Ethics: Pacific media leaders stress AI must support journalism without replacing human judgement, verification and community relationships. Environment & Heritage: Te Ipukarea Society convenes stakeholders to tackle plastic pollution, focusing on practical solutions and a national action plan. Sports Round-Up: Cook Islands men’s football names a 21-player squad for friendlies against Tahiti, marking a return to international play.

Geospatial Governance: The Cook Islands will action all nine UN-IGIF pathways after a Rarotonga workshop (14–18 Sept) brought together government, private sector, academia and Pa Enua communities, setting priorities around governance, legal frameworks, data sharing and climate/ocean decision-making. Tourism & Recognition: The country was named Oceania’s Leading Island Destination 2026 for a fourth straight year at the World Travel Awards, with Te Mato Manava Tūroto highlighting the people behind the hospitality. Women in Sport: Cook Islands women’s basketball head to Tahiti for the FIBA Women’s Polynesian Cup 2026, with veteran Kayla Kiriau returning to a tournament that first brought her gold. Culture on Screen: Five Cook Islands teams are inviting public votes for POP48, a 48-hour Pasifika film challenge built around the theme “Culture.” Community & Faith: Former Police Commissioner Tevai Vaka Matapo (“Pastor Bobby”) was farewelled, remembered for education and service. Digital Safety: Paruru’anga Online cyber safety courses in Cook Islands Māori are set to launch in October. Health: Te Marae Ora’s 2026 mammogram programme screened 398 women and flagged follow-up needs for repeat scans, ultrasounds and biopsies.

Women’s Sport: The Cook Islands women’s national team heads to Tahiti for the FIBA Women’s Polynesian Cup 2026 with Kayla Kiriau looking to repeat the gold moment from her first-ever appearance—now with experience and a new generation. Youth & Community Sport: Ngakau Toa Vaka’s 12–17-year-old paddlers gear up for the Trans-Tasman Gubbi Gubbi Waka Ama Regatta on Australia’s Sunshine Coast, aiming for both higher-level racing and new connections. Health & Women: Te Marae Ora’s 2026 mammogram programme screened 398 women and flagged follow-up needs for repeat scans, ultrasounds and biopsies—another push for early detection. Environment & Heritage: Te Ipukarea Society brings Pa Enua and partners together to tackle plastic pollution through practical, coordinated steps and a national action plan. Media & Culture: Pacific journalists at the PINA summit stress AI must support work behind the story—never replace human judgement, verification, and community relationships. Governance & Rights: Cook Islands prepares for its October CEDAW appearance, spotlighting women’s experiences from across the islands.

AI & Journalism: Pacific media leaders say AI must support, not replace, journalists—use it for routine tasks like transcription and translation drafts, but keep verification, context, and community relationships in human hands. Media & Culture: The 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu wrapped with a focus on reaching remote communities, digital innovation, and gender equity in leadership. Climate Justice: A Fiji attorney-general opened an ICJ writeshop for Pacific submissions, underscoring that global inaction will hit Small Island states hardest. Environment & Oceans: Greenpeace activists occupied a New Zealand state research vessel tied to deep-sea mining plans, warning of irreversible damage to Pacific cultural heritage and livelihoods. Cook Islands Sports: Avatiu Eels host Arorangi Bears in today’s Rarotonga Club 15s Premier Men’s final; young Ngakau Toa Vaka paddlers prepare for the Sunshine Coast regatta. Local Football & Community: The Cook Islands men’s national team returns to home soil for friendlies against Tahiti under new coach Rhys Ruka. Health & Women: Mammogram screening found women needing follow-up, while new cyber safety courses in Cook Islands Māori launch in October. Tourism & Leadership: CITIC re-elected Liana Scott as president, with workforce, immigration, and sustainability top priorities.

Health & Inequality: A new Pacific life expectancy analysis shows the region rising to 68.8 years, but with uneven progress—Naoero’s gains are “modest” and Cook Islands now ranks highest in the Pacific. Sports & Community: Avatiu Eels and Arorangi Bears clash in today’s Rarotonga Club 15s Premier Men’s final, with both teams’ contrasting styles set for a tight finish. Youth & Culture in Motion: Ngakau Toa Vaka’s 12–17-year-old paddlers are heading to Australia’s Sunshine Coast for the Trans-Tasman Gubbi Gubbi Waka Ama Regatta, their first overseas event under a multi-year development programme. Environment & Marine Protection: Te Ipukarea Society brings Pa Enua and industry stakeholders together to push practical solutions to plastic pollution, including implementation of a national action plan. Remembering a Leader: Pastor Tevai “Bobby” Matapo OBE is farewelled after a life of faith, education advocacy, and service as a former police commissioner. Media & Skills: Cook Islands Māori cyber safety courses are set to launch in October, building safer habits for a more digital everyday. Tourism & Women in Leadership: Atiu Villas GM Jackey Tanga is named Tourism Woman of the Month, spotlighting “unsung heroines” across the industry. Regional Spotlight: Cook Islands joins Pacific media leaders in Fiji, where AI is urged to support journalism—not replace human judgement.

Rugby & Community: Avatiu Eels host Arorangi Bears in today’s Rarotonga Club 15s Premier Men’s final at Aretere Park, after a 32-19 Eels win and a 22-all draw earlier this year, with the Bears’ big forward pack set against the Eels’ pacey backline. Youth Sport: Twenty-four Ngakau Toa Vaka paddlers aged 12–17 are heading to Australia’s Sunshine Coast for the Trans-Tasman Gubbi Gubbi Waka Ama Regatta, part of a three-year junior development pathway. Faith & Education: Former Police Commissioner Tevai Vaka Matapo (“Pastor Bobby”) was farewelled after his September 20 passing, remembered for leadership across church, policing and education. Environment & Waste: Te Ipukarea Society brought government, business and civil society together to push practical, coordinated solutions to plastic pollution, including implementation of a National Action Plan. Media & Culture: Cook Islands News publisher John Woods was honoured at the Pacific Islands News Association summit in Fiji for 55 years in media, while regional journalists stressed that AI must support—not replace—human judgement. Tourism & Women in Leadership: CITIC re-elected Liana Scott as president, and Atiu Villas GM Jackey Tanga was named Tourism Woman of the Month, spotlighting “unsung heroines” across the industry. Health: The Te Marae Ora mammogram programme found women needing repeat tests, ultrasound and specialist follow-up, reinforcing the value of early detection.

Deep-Sea Mining Protest: Greenpeace activists occupied New Zealand’s state-owned research vessel Tangaroa in Wellington, warning it could help fast-track deep sea mining in the Pacific from 2027 and put Pacific peoples’ oceans, livelihoods and cultural heritage at risk. Public Service & Education Legacy: Cook Islands Police honoured former Commissioner Tevai Vaka Matapo (“Pastor Bobby”), remembering his community work, church leadership and long-running support for education and the University of the South Pacific. Climate Justice at the ICJ: Attorney Generals from 16 Pacific countries, including Cook Islands, are in Nadi for a writeshop preparing Pacific submissions to the International Court of Justice on climate change. Media & Language: The 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu wrapped with a clear message: AI must support journalism, not replace human judgement—while Cook Islands Māori-language training and bulletins are already being shaped by new tools. Women’s Rights & Digital Safety: Cook Islands National Council of Women will take women’s experiences to UN CEDAW in October, and Paruru’anga Online will launch new Cook Islands Māori cyber safety courses next month. Tourism Leadership: CITIC re-elected Liana Scott as president, with priorities including workforce and immigration pressures and destination sustainability. Sports & Community: Cook Islands men’s football returns to international friendlies vs Tahiti (26 Sept and 30 Sept), while local youth rugby and Round Rarotonga Road Race momentum continues across the islands. Conservation Funding: Bezos Earth Fund announced US$25m in grants for tropical Pacific marine protection, including projects in the Cook Islands.