AGP Executive Report

Cook Islands Māori Language Week: As the week winds down, Ātea editor Liam Rātana reflects on how reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani felt “free” in everyday Rarotonga life, while community leaders and linguists warn the language is at a critical point and urge families to reconnect without shame if they weren’t raised speaking it. Mangaian dialect revival: Educator Linda Zoll ran workshops highlighting Mangaian speech as a key thread in keeping Cook Islands Māori rich and alive for future generations. Diaspora push: In Aotearoa, Dr Ake Nicholas and others say only a small share of New Zealand-born Cook Islanders know the heritage language, so institutions and communities must make learning and speaking easier. Culture and youth debate: Te Maeva Nui 2026’s closing nights sparked both celebration and concern, with one writer questioning whether intense “boot camp” training is cultural pride or harm to young performers. Deep-sea discovery: NOAA’s Cook Islands ROV survey found large megalodon shark teeth on the seafloor, linking science, remote exploration, and education. Health through culture: A University of Otago PhD study explores whether warm lagoon bathing could support heart health for Cook Islands Māori, rooted in community knowledge. Sports—volleyball in Guam: Palau started strong at the Oceania Championships, beating the Cook Islands in women’s play, while Guam and Marshall Islands battled in tight matches.

Cook Islands Māori Language Week: A new push to reconnect families with te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani is gaining momentum in Aotearoa, with linguist Dr Ake Nicholas warning language loss is at a critical point and urging communities, governments and institutions to step up. Youth & Politics: Cook Islands Party candidate Nooroa Baker returns to the political spotlight with a focus on youth and mentorship. Health & Community Fundraising: The Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation’s inaugural Beehive Ball in Wellington on Saturday, Aug 8, spotlights life-saving screening through performances and speakers including Dame Lynda Topp. Deep-Sea Discovery: NOAA’s Cook Islands ROV survey reportedly recovered large megalodon shark teeth from the seafloor, linking ocean exploration with future science and education. Sports—Afghan Women United: FIFA recognition is allowing the refugee-based Afghan Women United squad to represent Afghanistan in future official matches, with friendlies against the Cook Islands in New Zealand. Sports—Oceania Volleyball: Guam’s women opened with a win over the Cook Islands, while Guam’s men and women both faced tough losses to Marshall Islands and New Caledonia in the Oceania Volleyball Championships. Culture—Te Maeva Nui: Te Maeva Nui 2026 continues to spark debate and pride, from standout performances to questions about the intense training culture. Environment & Heritage: Aitutaki’s Lagoon Management Plan consultation is centring ra’ui, co-management and stronger enforcement to protect the lagoon.

Cook Islands Māori Language Week: In Aotearoa, Cook Islanders are rallying to protect and pass on te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani, with community launches in Tokoroa and Wellington and reminders that language loss isn’t anyone’s “fault” — it’s tied to history and structural forces. Indigenous Culture & Youth: Te Kiwa Nui 2026 returns as a “living classroom” for tamariki and rangatahi across northern Wellington, spotlighting waiata, kapa haka, Pacific dance, storytelling and leadership. Te Maeva Nui Debate: After TMV’s cultural showcase, writers and families are asking hard questions about whether intense training is culture or abuse, as young performers face exhaustion and injuries. Deep-Sea Discovery & Education: NOAA’s Cook Islands ROV exploration reports megalodon-sized shark teeth on the seafloor, while a Sony-powered underwater imaging push aims to bring UHD science and outreach to the next generation. Aitutaki Lagoon Governance: Residents weigh in on the Lagoon Management Plan, with ra’ui-led co-management, stronger enforcement and refreshed bylaws shaping how the lagoon is protected. Sport & Identity in Exile: Afghan Women United reunite in New Zealand for FIFA-recognised matches, including friendlies against the Cook Islands, turning football into a statement of resilience for women’s rights.

Cook Islands Māori Language Week in Aotearoa: Cook Islands communities across New Zealand kick off Epetoma o te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani, with events in Tokoroa and Wellington urging families to keep te reo alive as a foundation for future generations. Language & identity in practice: Whakaata Māori educator Jolyn Iro reflects on growing up with barriers to reo, while senior lecturer Dr Ake Nicholas tackles shame and reminds people it’s “not your fault” if you didn’t grow up speaking the language. Te Maeva Nui 2026 culture spotlight: The festival closes with dramatic cultural tributes, including Mangaia’s ura pau and Atiu’s kapa rima, but one writer also questions whether the “boot camp” intensity is cultural devotion or abuse. Aitutaki lagoon protection: Residents weigh in on the Lagoon Management Plan, aiming to strengthen ra’ui-based stewardship, enforcement, and co-management for the lagoon’s long-term health. Deep-sea mining debate: A Pacific-wide conversation keeps heating up as the Cook Islands weighs economic potential against calls for a moratorium, with “do no harm” and science-led governance at the centre. Sport with cultural resonance: Afghan Women United reunites in New Zealand for training after FIFA recognition, and Cook Islands athletes continue Commonwealth Games campaigns as the diaspora and youth pathways stay in focus.

Public Health: A new report argues scabies isn’t “just an itchy rash” in the Pacific—linking it to skin infections and serious outcomes like kidney disease and rheumatic fever, with researchers pointing to high rates in South Auckland preschools. Sport & Community Pride: Cook Islands’ Emily Jim wrapped up her Commonwealth Games singles campaign in Glasgow with a hard-fought run, while the men’s pairs team of Epii Poila and Jason Lindsay pushed England and Namibia in tight matches. Culture Under Pressure: Te Maeva Nui 2026 closed with standout performances, but one writer questions the “boot camp” intensity for youth dancers—asking whether tradition is being turned into harm. Language Revitalisation: Cook Islands Māori Language Week is underway across Aotearoa, with calls to reclaim te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani as a foundation for future generations, including reflections from Cook Islanders who missed out on learning reo growing up. Health Through Culture: A Cook Islands Māori PhD researcher is exploring whether warm lagoon bathing could support heart health—grounded in community knowledge and elder-led connections to water. Environment & Stewardship: Aitutaki’s Lagoon Management Plan consultation highlights ra’ui, stronger enforcement, and community-led governance to protect the lagoon. Voyaging Update: The Moananuiākea Voyage has been extended by a year as climate risks rise, reshaping stops across the Western North Pacific.

Te Maeva Nui 2026 (Culture): The festival closed with standout kapa rima and ura pau performances, including Atiu’s kapa rima tribute and Mangaia’s ura pau finale, as Cook Islands performing arts kept raising the bar. Te Reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani (Language): Cook Islands Māori Language Week kicked off with a diaspora-focused message to reclaim te reo as a foundation for future generations, alongside calls to tackle shame and language loss. Health & Culture (Research): A Cook Islands Māori PhD researcher at Otago is exploring whether warm lagoon bathing could support heart health, linking science with elders’ knowledge and everyday cultural practice. Aitutaki Lagoon Plan (Local Governance): Aitutaki residents are pushing for stronger protection through the Lagoon Management Plan, with ra’ui at the centre and renewed enforcement and bylaws on the table. Youth & Leadership (Community): A young Cook Islands leader urged traditional leaders to engage more directly with youth, arguing culture survives only when the next generation understands its role. Sports—Cook Islands in the spotlight (Commonwealth Games): Emily Jim’s Commonwealth Games run ended with a tough singles finish, while the men’s pairs nearly shocked England in bowls; Guam also opened Oceania volleyball with a win over the Cook Islands. Pacific Voyaging (Climate & Tradition): The Moananuiākea Voyage sail plan has been extended by a year due to elevated dangerous-weather risks, keeping traditional voyaging on the move despite changing conditions. Deep-sea minerals debate (Environment): Pacific leaders are shifting from simple “for or against” talk toward “follow the science, protect the environment,” with the Cook Islands stressing high environmental standards for any future development.

Cook Islands Māori Language Week: In Aotearoa, Cook Islands communities are launching Epetoma o te reo Māori Kūki ’Āirani (2–8 August), with a theme urging people to use ancestral language as a foundation for the future—while Waipapa Taumata Rau lecturer Dr Ake Nicholas reminds families that not growing up speaking reo isn’t anyone’s “fault.” Te Maeva Nui 2026: The festival closed with dramatic cultural showcases, but columnist Ruta Mave is asking hard questions about whether youth “boot camp” training is cultural devotion or cultural abuse. Health & culture: A Cook Islands Māori researcher at the University of Otago is exploring whether bathing in naturally warm lagoon waters can support heart health, framing the work as reconnecting with elders’ knowledge. Aitutaki lagoon plan: Residents are weighing the next steps in the Lagoon Management Plan, with ra’ui, co-management and stronger enforcement at the centre of the consultation. Pacific youth culture: Te Kiwa Nui 2026 returns in Porirua (4–5 and 7 August) as a “living classroom” for tamariki and rangatahi to perform, speak, and learn. Music honour: Trailblazing Cook Islands musician Will Crummer is set to receive the 2026 Ministry for Pacific Peoples Lifetime Achievement Award. Sport (Cook Islands at CWG): Lawn bowls singles and pairs campaigns wrapped up in Glasgow, with Emily Jim finishing 17th overall and the men’s pairs narrowly missing a tiebreak. Voyaging update: The Moananuiākea Voyage sail plan has been extended a year as climate-driven weather risks reshape routes for Hokūle‘a and Hikianalia.

Te Maeva Nui 2026: The festival closed with dramatic cultural showcases, but a new opinion piece questions whether the “boot camp” training culture is protecting tradition or tipping into abuse. Māori language revival in Aotearoa: Cook Islands Māori Language Week runs 2–8 August with a diaspora-focused push to reclaim te reo Māori Kūki ’Āirani, alongside personal reflections from a minister who says she “dreads” the week because she’s from the generation that lost reo. Health through culture: A Cook Islands Māori researcher at the University of Otago is exploring warm lagoon bathing as a heart-health support rooted in Pacific knowledge and healing. Youth and leadership: A young Cook Islander urges traditional leaders to reconnect with rangatahi, while Te Kiwa Nui 2026 returns as a “living classroom” for Māori and Pacific performance and language. Aitutaki lagoon co-management: Residents weigh in on the Lagoon Management Plan, centring ra’ui, enforcement, and community-led governance. Sports—Cook Islands on the world stage: Commonwealth Games updates include Emily Jim’s singles campaign and men’s pairs results, plus Cook Islands athletes featuring in the wider Pacific medal push. Voyaging and climate: Moananuiākea Voyage sail plans add a year due to elevated El Niño weather risks, affecting Hokule‘a and Hikianalia routes. Culture in motion: Will Crummer is set to receive a 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award for shaping Pacific music and Te Reo Kūki ’Āirani in New Zealand.

Pacific Health & Culture: A University of Otago PhD researcher, Mary-Ann Rongo Moller, is testing whether naturally warm lagoon bathing could support heart health for Cook Islands Māori—framing the study as reconnecting with elders’ knowledge, not just measuring outcomes. Language Week in Aotearoa: Cook Islands Māori Language Week (2–8 Aug) is underway with a push to reclaim te reo Māori Kūki ’Āirani for future generations, including messages that language loss isn’t anyone’s fault and that diaspora communities are vital. Te Maeva Nui on Stage: Te Maeva Nui’s cultural tributes keep landing hard—drumming, choreography and ariki heritage drawing crowds across the week’s performances. Aitutaki Lagoon Plan: Aitutaki residents are weighing in on the Lagoon Management Plan, with ra’ui, stronger enforcement and refreshed island bylaws at the centre of the co-management push. Youth & Traditional Leadership: A young Cook Islands leader is urging uri ariki and aronga mana to engage more directly with youth so culture stays lived, not just remembered. Voyaging & Climate: The Moananuiākea Voyage sail plan is extended by a year as El Niño and rising weather risks reshape routes for Hokule‘a and Hikianalia. Sport, with Cook Islands moments: Cook Islands lawn bowls and Commonwealth Games coverage continues, including Emily Jim’s ranking boost and match results involving Cook Islands athletes.

Cook Islands Māori Language Week: Communities in Aotearoa are rallying to protect and pass on te reo Māori Kūki ’Āirani, with a theme urging people to treat ancestral language as a foundation for the future; senior Māori Studies lecturer Dr Ake Nicholas says shame over not speaking reo isn’t anyone’s “fault,” and points to colonial and structural forces behind language loss. Local Culture on Stage: Te Maeva Nui kept audiences spellbound with thunderous drumming, choreography, and ariki tributes across the week’s cultural shows. Aitutaki Lagoon Plan: Residents are pushing for stronger protection of the lagoon as the co-management approach develops, centring ra’ui, enforcement, and refreshed island bylaws through the Aitutaki Island Council and traditional leadership. Youth & Tradition: A young Cook Islands leader is urging uri ariki to engage more directly with youth, arguing culture survives only when the next generation understands its role. Voyaging Update: The Moananuiākea Voyage has been extended by a year as El Niño and climate change raise weather and sailing risks, reshaping stops across the Pacific. Sport (Cook Islands): At Glasgow 2026, lawn bowls and swimming stories continue to build momentum, including Emily Jim’s ranking boost and Cook Islands swimmer Jacob Story making the men’s 200m breaststroke final.

Cook Islands Māori Language Week (2–8 Aug): Communities across Aotearoa are rallying to protect and pass on te reo Māori Kūki ’Āirani, with events in Tokoroa and Wellington and a message that the diaspora is key to keeping language and culture alive for future generations. Te Maeva Nui Culture: The festival’s cultural tributes kept landing with thunderous drumming, choreography, and heartfelt performances honouring ariki heritage. Aitutaki Lagoon Plan: Residents are pushing for stronger protection of the lagoon through co-management, ra’ui-led values, refreshed bylaws, and tougher compliance as the consultation continues. Racism Call-Out: An op-ed argues New Zealand must name racism when it happens, after a high-profile racial insult in Parliament was met with silence. Cook Islands Māori Language Week Reflection: A writer shares why she dreaded the week—highlighting how many Cook Islanders in Aotearoa can’t speak their reo. Moananuiākea Voyage Update: The Polynesian Voyaging Society is extending the voyage by a year as El Niño raises risks for traditional voyaging routes. Commonwealth Games (Cook Islands sport): Lawn bowls coverage highlights Cook Islands players facing tough opponents in Glasgow, including close matches against England and ranking boosts for Emily Jim.

Commonwealth Games (Cook Islands): Young lawn bowler Emily Jim’s loss to England (3–8, 1–9) still leaves her well placed in her pool, with matches against Canada and Australia next. Commonwealth Games (Cook Islands bowls): Men’s pairs Jason Lindsay and Epii Poila pushed England hard, winning a second set and nearly taking a tiebreak, before turning to Botswana and then Namibia. Te Maeva Nui (Culture): Thursday night’s Te Maeva Nui cultural show drew crowds with thunderous drumming, choreography, and tributes to ariki heritage. Aitutaki Lagoon Plan (Local governance): Residents are pressing for stronger protection of the lagoon through ra’ui-led co-management, refreshed bylaws, and renewed enforcement. Cook Islands Māori language (Identity): A reflective piece for Māori Language Week highlights how many in Aotearoa can’t speak reo, and why that can feel heavy. Māori in everyday life (Lifestyle): A Trade Days spotlight on babywear brands uses Cook Islands Māori words and phrases to bring language into daily routines. Voyaging (Climate & culture): Moananuiākea Voyage planning adds a year as El Niño raises weather and sailing risks for Hokule‘a and Hikianalia. Youth & leadership (Culture): A young Cook Islands leader urges traditional leaders to connect more directly with youth so culture stays carried forward.

Voyaging & Climate Safety: The Polynesian Voyaging Society has extended the Moananuiākea Voyage by a year after NOAA-linked forecasts point to higher El Niño-driven weather risks across the Western North Pacific, reshaping the route for Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia. Cook Islands Youth & Culture: Ezekiel Tatuava-Enjoy is urging traditional leaders (Uri Ariki) to reconnect with youth, arguing culture survives only when young people understand their role in carrying it forward. Te Maeva Nui Arts & Performance: Tuesday night’s Te Maeva Nui shows at the National Auditorium delivered a standout celebration of Cook Islands culture, with teams performing under “Taku Ui Ariki – E papa ngaueuekore ia noku.” Local Trade & Language in Fashion: At BCI Trade Days, the business “Pepe E Au” drew shoppers with baby and toddler clothing featuring Cook Islands Māori words and phrases, turning everyday wear into cultural learning. Commonwealth Games Spotlight (Cook Islands): Cook Islands lawn bowls and athletes continue to draw attention, including a tough men’s pairs push that nearly upset England, plus Emily Jim’s singles match result in Glasgow.

Commonwealth Games Spotlight: Fiji’s Jasmine Daunakamakama and Tuvalu’s Tarona Khanum Badi Pasoni Taafaki both win boxing bronze in Glasgow after reaching the semifinals, with Daunakamakama vowing to “come back even stronger” and Taafaki saying the medal should inspire Tuvaluans to dream bigger. Cook Islands Sports: In lawn bowls men’s pairs, Jason Lindsay and Epii Poila push defending champions England to the limit, nearly pulling off a stunning result after a tough earlier match. Voyaging & Climate: The Moananuiākea Voyage sail plan is revised, adding one year as the Polynesian Voyaging Society responds to NOAA forecasts of a very strong El Niño and higher typhoon risk across the Western North Pacific. Culture & Youth Leadership: A young Cook Islands leader urges traditional ariki to connect more directly with youth, arguing culture survives only when the next generation understands its role. Te Maeva Nui Trade & Language: BCI Trade Days draws a record 111 vendors, including Pepe E Au selling baby and toddler clothing featuring Cook Islands Māori words and phrases. Regional Connections: Australia’s High Commissioner Susannah Hodson completes historic first visits to Pukapuka and Nassau, backing community projects and strengthening ties with island families and diaspora.

Commonwealth Games Spotlight: Cook Islands lawn bowlers Jason Lindsay and Epii Poila pushed defending champions England to the brink, bouncing back after a tough loss to the Falkland Islands and nearly stealing a win in men’s pairs. Youth & Culture: A young Cook Islander is urging traditional leaders to “come on our level,” arguing culture survives only when youth understand and see themselves in roles like aronga mana. Te Maeva Nui & Local Business: BCI Trade Days wrapped up with a record 111 vendors, including Pepe E Au selling baby and toddler clothing with Cook Islands Māori words and phrases. Voyaging & Climate: The Moananuiākea Voyage sail plan has been revised, adding a year as El Niño-driven weather risks rise, with Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia adjusting routes for safety. Language & Identity in the Making: A new update to New Zealand’s Ethnicity Standard Classification adds and reinstates categories, including Moriori and Norfolk Islander, reflecting growing recognition of Indigenous and emerging communities. Regional Sports Build-Up: Guam is set to host the inaugural Oceania Volleyball Championships, with the Cook Islands among the 16 national teams.

Youth & Leadership: Ezekiel Tatuava-Enjoy urged Cook Islands traditional leaders (Uri Ariki) to “come on our level,” arguing culture survives only when youth understand their role in carrying it forward. Cultural Spotlight: Te Maeva Nui performances at the National Auditorium delivered a high-energy celebration of Cook Islands culture under the theme “Taku Ui Ariki – E papa ngaueuekore ia noku.” Sporting Pride (Cook Islands at CWG): Cook Islands’ Samasoni Mose Hewitt reached the high jump final in Glasgow despite injury, while Max Teuruaa continued in the decathlon and Emily Jim faced Daphne Arthur-Almond in women’s bowls. Community & Business: Bank of the Cook Islands Trade Days opened with a record 111 vendors at Punanga Nui Market, marking 25 years of the locally owned bank and spotlighting local makers. Voyaging & Climate: The Polynesian Voyaging Society added one year to the Moananuiākea Voyage after NOAA-linked El Niño risks raised concerns over winds, typhoons, and storm conditions. Regional Sports: Guam hosts the inaugural Oceania Volleyball Championships Aug. 3–9, with the Cook Islands among the 16 national teams.