AGP Executive Report

Te Mire Ura Nui Spotlight: Three young Cook Islands dancers from small-town Aotearoa are set to take the “biggest stage” in Rarotonga at the Te Mire Ura Nui International Dancer of the Year competition (28–29 May), representing Team Waikato with dance, costume, drumming and storytelling rooted in family and community training. Regional Climate Leadership: PM Mark Brown used the UN ESCAP opening in Bangkok to push climate action that starts with protecting the most vulnerable, stressing finance as the key barrier. Trade & Connectivity: Cook Islands delegates joined PACER Plus budget and joint committee meetings in Tonga, shaping proposals on trade facilitation, customs, standards and biosecurity. Air Links for Islanders: Air New Zealand launches a seasonal direct Christchurch–Rarotonga service (up to three times weekly), adding easier winter travel. Sport & Youth Excellence: Cook Islands golfers Tane Wichman and Tahitoa Webb head to the AAC Academy in New Zealand, while Team Cook Islands continues medal and record momentum at the Oceania Athletics Championships in Darwin. Women in Maritime: Amy Ngatamaine becomes the first Cook Islander to chair PACWIMA, highlighting leadership pathways for Pacific women at sea. Culture on the Move: Cook Islands artists feature at the Aotearoa Art Fair in Auckland, with the fair positioning Indigenous contemporary art as a growing Pacific platform. Domestic Shipping Milestone: PM Brown will travel to China for the official launch of the MV Tuitui Moana, a new inter-island vessel built to strengthen links with the Pa Enua.

Climate diplomacy: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown used the UN ESCAP opening in Bangkok to push leaders on one hard point: climate action is blocked by finance, and the “Blue Pacific” must start with the wellbeing of the most vulnerable. Sport tonight: The State of Origin series kicks off in Sydney with NSW vs Queensland, with Cook Islands fans tuning in at 12:05am. Travel boost: Christchurch gets a non-stop seasonal Air New Zealand link to Rarotonga (up to three times weekly through October), making winter escapes easier. Youth wellbeing: WHO’s Pacific chief links youth mental health strain to climate stress and online harms, urging exercise to sit inside mental health policy. Regional security: New Zealand’s Customs Minister says the Pacific can’t “arrest” its way out of organised crime—responses need better laws, supports, and stronger borders. Culture & community: Cook Islands artists are set to feature at New Zealand’s biggest Aotearoa Art Fair, while local sport keeps stacking up—bowling teams named for the Commonwealth Games and Cook Islands athletics continues to rack up records in Darwin.

New Air Link: Air New Zealand has launched a non-stop Christchurch–Rarotonga seasonal service, up to three times a week through late October, giving South Islanders a smoother winter escape with afternoon departures and same-evening island arrivals. Youth & Sport Momentum: The Lae Football Association backed PNG’s Under-19 squad with K3,000, while across the region Oceania athletes are stacking records and medals, including Cook Islands relay and sprint breakthroughs in Darwin. Governance Under the Spotlight: Athletes at the Oceania Athletes Forum in Auckland pressed IOC and ONOC leaders on funding, leadership, and the future of sport governance. Crime & Borders Debate: New Zealand’s Customs Minister says the Pacific can’t “arrest” its way out of organised crime—solutions need legislation, supports, and stronger border coordination. Health & Climate Pressure: WHO’s Pacific chief links youth mental health strain to climate stress and online harms, urging exercise to be built into mental health policy. Cook Islands Connections: Meanwhile, Cook Islands is also pushing regional ties—plus a reminder that visa fee changes in NZ could reshape Pacific travel flows.

Commonwealth Games spotlight: Cook Islands Bowls Inc. has named six bowlers for Glasgow—Teokotai Jim, Emily Jim and Vasie Poila (women), plus Royden Aperau, Jason Lindsay and Epii Poila (men)—after competitive “Squad Games” trials in Rarotonga. Arts & culture export: Cook Islands artists are featured at the biggest-ever Aotearoa Art Fair in Auckland, with 65 galleries and 200+ artists drawing international attention to Māori and Pacific contemporary work. Travel links get a boost: Air New Zealand’s direct Christchurch–Rarotonga service starts tonight, up to three times weekly through October, adding another easy route for South Island visitors. Visa policy shockwaves: New Zealand’s Pacific visa fee cuts and longer default visas could cost $1–2 million a year in revenue, with officials warning about pressure on the immigration funding system. Tourism reality check: Viral “hidden gem” beach trips are catching people out—blown tires, damaged rentals, and no cell coverage on rough access roads. Sports momentum: Team Cook Islands continues to rack up medals and national records at Oceania Athletics in Darwin.

Tower Leadership: Tower has appointed Michael Skeens as its newly created Chief Operations Officer, effective immediately, with the role overseeing operational hubs and systems after he previously led customer service and scaled Fiji operations. Tourism Safety: A viral “hidden gem” beach story is a warning sign for travellers—people are getting stranded on rough, remote routes with no cell coverage, leading to blown tires and damaged rentals. Pacific Policy: New Zealand is looking at “Pacific preference” in immigration, while Australia has announced NZD 2.3m in budget support for Cook Islands health, cyber cooperation, essential services and NGOs. Local Development: Cook Islands is set to launch its new MV Tuitui Moana in China next week, aimed at strengthening links between Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. Sport & Pride: Team Cook Islands continues to rack up records and medals at the Oceania Athletics Championships, including fresh national marks by young athletes.

Leadership Move: Tower has appointed Michael Skeens as its new Chief Operations Officer, promoting from within after he helped expand the Suva service hub and roll out an AI-enabled contact centre that cut average call times by more than two and a half minutes. Pacific Connectivity: The Cook Islands’ aviation momentum keeps building, with Jetstar launching the first direct Brisbane–Rarotonga flight and a Cook Islands first officer, Robert Woonton, piloting the inaugural service. Regional Policy: New Zealand is also looking at a “Pacific preference” in immigration, while the Cook Islands marks a year of PACER Plus with fresh attention on how trade and seasonal work schemes shape recovery. Sport & Youth: Cook Islands athletes are stacking medals and records at the Oceania Athletics Championships, including Vern Toaolamai-Holden’s national-record sprint and relay success. Health & Consent: A New Zealand health watchdog found failures in informed consent and culturally appropriate care in a bone graft case, with apologies ordered. Community Spirit: Puaikura Volunteer Fire Brigade has raised $41,100 for the Sky Tower Firefighter Challenge for Blood Cancer NZ.

Health & Food Futures: A major global study finds the obesity “epidemic” isn’t moving the same way everywhere—childhood rates in many rich countries have largely flattened, while poorer nations are still climbing fast. Middle East Diplomacy: Trump says the U.S. won’t “rush into a deal” with Iran, keeping pressure on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz while talks continue. Sport Spotlight: The Hurricanes locked in top seeding for Super Rugby playoffs with a big win, and in Cook Islands sport, Team Cook Islands piled up medals and national records at the Oceania Athletics Championships in Darwin. Connectivity & Tourism: Jetstar launched the first direct Brisbane–Rarotonga flight, with a Cook Islander first officer on the flight deck—while the government also flagged more flight growth as island economics depend on aviation. Community & Culture: Puaikura Volunteer Fire Brigade raised $41,100 for the Sky Tower Firefighter Challenge, and the Arorangi Lady Bears won the women’s rugby league title after a second-half comeback.

Super Rugby Buzz: The Wellington Hurricanes have locked in top seeding with a 45-28 win over the Highlanders, setting up a playoff “second chance” as the regular season heads to its final round. Cook Islands Sports & Records: Team Cook Islands keeps stacking medals at the Oceania Athletics Championships in Darwin, including a 15-year-old Vern Toaolamai-Holden smashing national records and a strong relay push. Health & Tech Funding: Australia has pledged NZD 2.3m in direct budget support for Cook Islands priorities, from health services to cyber cooperation and a Centre of Excellence in IT for coding and robotics. Maritime Leadership: Amy Ngatamaine becomes the first Cook Islander to chair PACWIMA, spotlighting Pacific women’s roles in maritime security. Local Life & Infrastructure: Prime Minister Mark Brown is set to travel to China for the launch of the MV Tuitui Moana, a new inter-island vessel aimed at strengthening links to the Pa Enua. Culture & Community: Puaikura Volunteer Fire Brigade raised $41,100 for the Sky Tower Firefighter Challenge for Blood Cancer New Zealand.

Visa Shock for Egyptians: The US has suspended immigrant visa processing for nationals from 75 countries, including Egypt, triggering a rush for visa-free or visa-on-arrival alternatives—about 65 destinations are now being promoted as easier entry options. Regional Security Talk: In Fiji, Cook Islands PM Mark Brown pushed for Pacific-led, prevention-first approaches to transnational crime and drug harm at the Pacific Police Ministers Meeting. Cook Islands Connectivity: Jetstar’s first Brisbane–Rarotonga flight is already a milestone for tourism links, with local pilot Robert Woonton marking a homecoming moment on the flight deck. Sports & Community Pride: Team Cook Islands kept stacking medals at the Oceania Athletics Championships in Darwin, while Arorangi Lady Bears stormed back to win the Women’s Rugby League Premiership. Culture in Motion: A Pasifika music compilation celebrating the “New Dunedin Sound” and a dance showcase uniting Jolt, Autism Cook Islands and Nukutere College both highlight creativity with real community heart.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Iran’s plan to impose tolls on the Strait is “not acceptable,” while diplomacy continues and the US weighs a “Plan B.” Media Spotlight: TVNZ’s Q+A won major honours at the NZ Media Awards for its patient-safety and accountability reporting, including the Jevon McSkimming fallout. Cook Islands Sports Surge: Team Cook Islands keeps stacking medals at the Oceania Athletics Championships in Darwin, with Emma Papali’i taking gold and new national records from debutant Leyon Caffery. Community Fundraising: Puaikura Volunteer Fire Brigade has raised $41,100 for the Sky Tower Firefighter Challenge for Blood Cancer New Zealand, with the team climbing 51 floors today. Culture & Language: A Reo Māori poetry and short-story workshop is set to boost Kuki Airani writing ahead of Epetoma o te Reo Māori Kuki Airani 2026. Connectivity Boost: Jetstar’s first Brisbane–Rarotonga flight lands as Cook Islands expands flight links and tourism access.

Immigration Fix: MFAI says it will accept late Cook Islands permanent residency applications after a website glitch left the Expression of Interest page unavailable. Domestic Shipping Milestone: PM Mark Brown heads to China for the launch of the MV Tuitui Moana, “stitching the ocean,” built to strengthen links between Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. Aviation Boost for Tourism: Jetstar’s first Brisbane–Rarotonga flight has landed, with Cook Islander Rob Woonton piloting the inaugural service—another step in expanding flight connectivity. Sport—Athletics: Leyon Caffery set two new national records at the Oceania Athletics Championships in Darwin as Cook Islands starts strongly. Sport—Rugby League Women: Arorangi Lady Bears stormed back to beat Tupapa Lady Panthers 22–16 for the women’s premiership title. Culture & Learning: A Reo Māori poetry and short-story workshop is set to help keep Cook Islands language vibrant through storytelling.

Immigration Fix: MFAI says it will accept late Cook Islands permanent residency applications after a website glitch left the EOI page unavailable, easing a stressful admin snag for affected applicants. New Vessel, New Links: Prime Minister Mark Brown heads to China next week to launch the MV Tuitui Moana—“stitching the ocean”—a youth-chosen name meant to strengthen shipping between Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. Sports Momentum: Athletics Cook Islands is off to a strong start at the Oceania Championships in Darwin, with Leyon Caffery setting two under-18 national records and Rochelle Ellison-Lupena winning masters gold. Community & Culture: Arorangi’s Lady Bears stormed back to win the women’s rugby league premiership 22–16, while a new “400 Weddings and a Funeral” documentary is spotlighting Pacific protocols through real voices. Regional Security Talk: PM Mark Brown pushed Pacific-led, prevention-focused approaches at a police ministers meeting in Fiji.

Domestic Shipping Milestone: Prime Minister Mark Brown is set to travel to China next week for the official launch of the MV Tuitui Moana, a newly built inter-island vessel chosen through a youth competition and funded jointly by Cook Islands and China to strengthen safer, more reliable links between Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. Regional Security Push: Brown also backed Pacific-led, prevention-based approaches to transnational crime and drug harm at the inaugural Pacific Police Ministers Meeting in Fiji, aligning regional cooperation with upcoming domestic legislative updates. Sports Spotlight: Arorangi Lady Bears stormed back to win the 2026 Women’s Rugby League Premiership, beating Tupapa Lady Panthers 22–16 in a dramatic second half. Culture & Learning: A new TVNZ documentary, 400 Weddings and a Funeral, offers a practical guide to Pacific wedding and funeral protocols, while CIFA selected Susan Williams and Tyson Tekeu for an OFC coach educator course in Noumea.

Pop Culture: Survivor 50 wrapped with Christopher Kuhagen taking the win, while Cirie Fields grabbed the $100,000 Sia Fan Favorite. Jeff Probst also teased Survivor 51—filming has wrapped in Fiji, it’ll air in the fall, and he’s calling it the “Open Era” with twists from every season. Football Development: CIFA has selected Susan Williams and Tyson Tekeu for the OFC Coach Educator Certificate Course in Noumea next month, pushing coaching capacity across the region. Women’s Rugby League: Arorangi Lady Bears stormed back in the second half to beat Tupapa Lady Panthers 22–16 and claim the 2026 premiership title. Pacific Security: PM Mark Brown backed Pacific-led, prevention-focused approaches at the Pacific Police Ministers Meeting in Fiji, tied to upcoming domestic legislative updates. Arts & Film: The Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival spotlighted Pacific storytelling, with coverage highlighting how local voices are reshaping screen images. Sports: Pacific athletes keep stacking momentum, from league finals to Oceania swimming and athletics build-ups.

Survivor in the Lecture Hall: A Cook Islands-linked “Survivor” class is drawing fresh attention after Max Dawson’s long-running academic obsession with the show’s most controversial format—tribes split by race—keeps resurfacing in today’s media debates. Aitutaki & Inclusion: Jolt, Autism Cook Islands and Nukutere College’s Inclusive Education unit turned a school hall into a celebration of confidence and community through dance. Firefighting Fundraising: Firefighters are gearing up for Auckland’s Sky Tower climb for Blood Cancer NZ, with a Cook Islands team among the thousands tackling the stairs in full gear. Connectivity Boost: Cook Islands leaders are pointing to new routes—like Jetstar’s Brisbane–Rarotonga service—as proof the destination is adding flights, not losing them. Ocean Governance: Cook Islands participation in Pacific 2050 Strategy monitoring in Suva underscores the push for shared roles, reporting and accountability. Sports Momentum: Cook Islands athletes keep stacking results across Oceania events, from swimming medal runs to athletics preparations in Darwin.

Firefighting Fundraising: More than 1,100 firefighters are gearing up for Blood Cancer NZ’s Sky Tower Challenge on Saturday 23 May, with a big Cook Islands contingent climbing 1,103 steps in full kit and breathing apparatus as the total races past $1.7m toward a $2m target. Aviation & Tourism: Cook Islands leaders are pushing back against “weeding out flights,” pointing to Jetstar’s first Brisbane–Rarotonga service and more connectivity ahead, including a direct South Island route—vital for island livelihoods. Pacific Voices in Policy: Civil society is criticising exclusion from ISA ocean-mining dialogue, while Cook Islands continues to frame ocean protection and seabed governance as culture-led, science-based stewardship. Culture & Inclusion: Jolt, Autism Cook Islands and Nukutere College delivered a feel-good inclusive dance showcase, and Reo Māori is getting a boost through poetry and storytelling workshops. Sports Momentum: Cook Islands athletes keep turning up across the region, from aquatics medal runs to Oceania athletics preparations, with rugby league finals also heating up.