AGP Executive Report

OFC U-16 Women’s Football: Cook Islands’ Mini Kulas and Junior Kulas are in high-stakes pool action in Honiara, with the Junior Kulas chasing a semi-final spot against Solomon Islands after earlier wins and a narrow loss to New Zealand, while the Mini Kulas were edged 1-0 by New Zealand on a late goal. Sports Pathways: Rotorua has been named host for the 2026 Oceania Rugby 7s Cup next month, featuring Cook Islands in both men’s and women’s competitions and offering SVNS qualification stakes. Community & Inclusion: Autism Cook Islands has expanded youth support with a new weekly Six Bricks programme for children aged three to eight, aiming to build comfort and learning at the Autism Hub. Culture & Fashion: Pacific Fusion Fashion Show marked its 10-year milestone at New Zealand Fashion Week, spotlighting Pasifika designers and the push for Pacific people to stay at the centre of mainstream runways. Heritage Under Threat: War veterans’ graves at Rarotonga’s historic Nikao Cemetery were vandalised, prompting calls for prosecution and renewed protection of the site. Women’s Safety: Cook Islands officials took part in a regional symposium focused on preventing violence against women, stressing action before harm occurs.

OFC U-16 Women’s Championship: The Junior Kulas are one win from the semi-finals after a 0–0 draw with hosts Solomon Islands, with goalkeeper Leah Schuster starring as both sides failed to break the deadlock; Fiji and New Zealand’s results set up a decisive final pool match. Education & Youth: Educators back NCEA tweaks over a full overhaul, with a Ministry of Education submissions analysis showing broad support for improving the senior secondary system while many teachers, students and families want refinement rather than replacement. Disability Support: Autism Cook Islands expands youth options with the new Six Bricks weekly programme for children aged three to eight at the Autism Hub, aiming to build comfort and a real learning environment. Culture & Fashion: Pacific Fusion Fashion Show marks a 10-year milestone at NZ Fashion Week, celebrating Pasifika artistry and keeping Pacific people at the centre of mainstream runway space. Community & Heritage: Rarotonga’s historic Nikao Cemetery has been vandalised, with volunteers and families calling for those responsible to be prosecuted. Women’s Safety: Cook Islands officials return from a regional symposium focused on preventing violence against women, not just responding after it happens. Sports Pathways: Cook Islands women’s handball continues its rise with senior indoor competition in Wellington after recent beach success, while local coaching grows too—Danny Simpson becomes the first Cook Islands coach to complete BWF Level 2.

Waitangi Tribunal & Pacific Māori identity: A new discussion asks what happens when Pacific people in Aotearoa also whakapapa to Māori, as ACT pushes to wind down the Waitangi Tribunal—raising Treaty stakes beyond iwi and hapū. Rarotonga cemetery vandalism: Headstones at historic Nikao Cemetery were knocked over, including the grave of researcher Cate Walker’s mother; the community is calling for prosecution, with the site tied to Cook Islands First World War soldiers. Penrhyn port upgrade debate: The US and New Zealand plan major investment in Tongareva’s Penrhyn harbour, with supporters pointing to safer supply routes and critics urging an open conversation about environmental and social impacts. Women’s sport in the spotlight: Cook Islands women’s teams are making waves—handball heads to Wellington for continental indoor competition, while paddlers return from Hawaiʻi with medals at the Queen Liliʻuokalani Canoe Race. Football results & momentum: Cook Islands U-16 women bounced back with a 0–0 draw against Solomon Islands after an 11–0 opener loss, keeping semi-final hopes alive. Community & culture events: Jehovah’s Witnesses return to Rarotonga for the “Eternal Happiness” convention, inviting the public to a free three-day programme.

Rarotonga Heritage Under Attack: War veterans’ graves at the historic Nikao Cemetery were vandalised, with headstones knocked over—including the mother of long-time restoration researcher Cate Walker—prompting calls for prosecution. Women’s Safety Focus: Cook Islands officials returned from a regional symposium on ending violence against women, stressing prevention over waiting for harm to occur. Youth Football (OFC U-16): After a tough 0–11 opener loss to Fiji, the Cook Islands women’s U-16 side bounced back to a 0–0 draw with Solomon Islands, with goalkeeper Leah Schuster starring as chances went begging. Handball Pathways: Cook Islands women’s senior handball is in Wellington for the inaugural Oceania IHF Nations Trophy, while the country also marks a return to international indoor competition after 22 years. Sporting Calendar (Rugby 7s): Rotorua will host the 2026 Oceania Rugby 7s Cup next month, with Cook Islands among the men’s and women’s teams chasing SVNS qualification spots. Community & Culture: A free Jehovah’s Witnesses convention, “Eternal Happiness,” returns to Rarotonga this weekend, bringing Bible-based talks and baptisms. Local Development: Construction is underway on Mauke’s new purpose-built cargo shed to improve freight handling and storage for the island community. Pageantry Spotlight: Tiare Henry-Anguna won Miss World Oceania 2026, bringing another Cook Islands win to the international stage.

Immigration & Identity: New Zealand First says it will substantially reduce non-essential immigration, arguing population growth must not outpace housing and services, and that citizenship should be treated as a privilege tied to social cohesion. Violence Against Women: Cook Islands officials returned from a regional symposium focused on prevention, pushing for stronger action before violence happens. Community Respect & War Memory: Vandalism at Rarotonga’s historic Nikao Cemetery has damaged headstones, including the mother of long-time restoration researcher Cate Walker, with calls for prosecution. Food Support Accountability: A Labour MP of Cook Islands descent demands an apology after more than 8,000 emergency food support applications were declined using the wrong code, linking the blunder to rushed “urgency” lawmaking. Sporting Pathways: Cook Islands women’s paddlers won medals at Hawaiʻi’s Queen Liliʻuokalani Canoe Race, while football news from Honiara includes the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship—Cook Islands drew 0-0 with Solomon Islands and suffered an 11-0 loss to Fiji. Youth & Culture Exchange: Gisborne Intermediate students spent a week in Rarotonga mixing lagoon time with weaving, umu cooking, and school exchanges. Infrastructure for the Pa Enua: Construction is underway on Mauke’s new purpose-built cargo shed, aiming to improve freight protection and storage.

Food Support Fallout: Labour MP Tangi Utikere says Social Development Minister Louise Upston must apologise after more than 8,000 emergency food grant applications were declined using the wrong code, with questions now aimed at Prime Minister Christopher Luxon over how the error happened. Youth Football in Honiara: The OFC U-16 Women’s Championship continues to swing on late moments—New Zealand edged Fiji 1-0 via a stoppage-time goal, while Cook Islands’ Mini Kulas were held 0-0 by Solomon Islands after earlier suffering an 11-0 opener defeat to Fiji. Sport Pathways & Community: Pickleball’s Pacific boom is growing through Pacific-led clubs in New Zealand, while Rotorua prepares to host the 2026 Oceania Rugby 7s Cup featuring Cook Islands teams and SVNS 3 qualification spots. Women’s Achievement & Identity: Cook Islands–Hawaiʻi ‘Avanui’ paddlers won medals at the Queen Liliʻuokalani Canoe Race, and Cook Islands model Tiare Henry-Anguna took Miss World Oceania 2026—both spotlighting culture on international stages. Local Development: Construction is underway on Mauke’s new purpose-built cargo shed to improve freight handling and storage for island life. Culture & Faith Events: Jehovah’s Witnesses return to Rarotonga for a free “Eternal Happiness” convention (Sept 11–13).

OFC U-16 Women’s Championship: New Zealand’s Young Football Ferns survived a tense Honiara moment as substitute Bonnie Rice scored a late 1-0 winner over Fiji, sending NZ into the semi-finals. Youth Football: Fiji’s Mini Kulas and Junior Kulas also made headlines with an 11-0 thrashing of the Cook Islands, with Adi Reva netting five in the rout. Pathways for young players: CIFA confirmed its U14 girls academy squad will travel to New Zealand in October for the McCartney Tournament in Taupō. Sports for women: Cook Islands women’s handball is back on the international indoor stage for the first time in 22 years, with a senior team heading to Wellington. Culture & community events: Jehovah’s Witnesses return to Rarotonga for the “Eternal Happiness” convention (Sept 11–13). Cultural policy: Cook Islands reaffirmed its role in international cultural discussions by participating in IFACCA’s board meeting in Sydney. Local development: Work is underway on Mauke’s new purpose-built cargo shed, a $300,000 boost for freight handling.

Pacific Fashion & Identity: Cook Islands model Meiya Lemafa and Sāmoan plus-size star Apaula Viliamu Tilialo walked New Zealand Fashion Week to push Pacific representation into mainstream runways. Women’s Sport: Oceania’s first Senior Women’s Handball Championship is underway in Wellington, with Cook Islands among the seven teams chasing qualification pathways. Football Pathways: In Honiara, Fiji’s Mini Kulas opened the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship with an 11-0 win over Cook Islands, while the Junior Kulas also suffered a heavy defeat—setting up a crucial next test for the Mini Kulas against New Zealand. Youth Development: CIFA confirmed its TDS U14 Girls Academy squad for New Zealand’s McCartney Tournament in Taupō, aiming to grow both football and personal confidence abroad. Culture & Faith: Jehovah’s Witnesses return to Rarotonga for the “Eternal Happiness” convention, with public talks and baptisms. Infrastructure & Debate: A US–NZ plan to upgrade Penrhyn/Tongareva port is drawing Greenpeace criticism over deep-sea mining fears. Community Learning: Gisborne Intermediate students spent a week in Rarotonga, taking part in lagoon time, weaving, umu cooking, and school exchanges. Coaching Milestone: Badminton Cook Islands celebrates Danny Simpson becoming the first local coach to complete BWF Level 2 training.

OFC U-16 Women’s Championship: The Cook Islands opened their campaign in Honiara with a tough 11-0 loss to Fiji, with Fiji’s Adi Reva firing in five goals as the young Kulas struggled to hold their defence together. Youth Football Pathways: CIFA has confirmed its TDS U14 Girls Academy squad for the McCartney Tournament in Taupō this October, aiming to build both football skills and personal growth through international exposure. Community & Culture Exchange: Gisborne Intermediate students spent a week in Rarotonga, taking part in cultural exchange at Te Uki Ou School, including umu preparation, weaving, and games with local students. Faith & Community Events: Jehovah’s Witnesses return to Rarotonga for the free “Eternal Happiness” convention at the National Auditorium, running September 11–13. Sport Development: Cook Islands women’s handball makes history again with a senior team heading to Wellington for an international indoor tournament after 22 years away. Infrastructure for Outer Islands: Work is underway on Mauke’s new purpose-built cargo shed, a $300,000 project expected to finish in early November. Culture in Motion: Cook Islands’ High Commission joined diaspora at Koroneihana 2026 in Aotearoa, strengthening Kiingitanga ties through shared heritage and leadership.

Pacific Memories Pou in Tokoroa: Cook Islands sculptor Tui Hobson has replaced the original “Talking Poles” pou, carving the new Wairaka cousin from macrocarpa and linking Tokoroa’s Pacific community story to Cook Islands Māori ancestry. Women’s sport, big firsts: After 22 years, Cook Islands women’s handball returns to international indoor competition, with the team departing for Wellington for Sept 10–14. Badminton coaching pathway: Danny Simpson becomes the first Cook Islands coach to complete the BWF Level 2 course in Auckland, strengthening local coaching development. Mauke freight upgrade: Construction begins on a $300,000 purpose-built cargo shed for Mauke, due for completion in early November. OFC U-16 Women’s Championship: Fiji’s Mini and Junior Kulas start with an 11–0 demolition of the Cook Islands, while New Zealand’s Young Football Ferns open with a 5–0 win over Solomon Islands. Miss World spotlight: Cook Islander Tiare Henry-Anguna wins Miss Oceania for the second time at Miss World 2026 in Vietnam. Deep-sea mining debate: Greenpeace criticises a US–NZ co-funded Tongareva port upgrade as a potential gateway to deep-sea mining, urging Indigenous knowledge to be treated as equal to science. El Niño warning: ChildFund flags a potentially strong El Niño as a new threat to water, food and children’s health across Pacific communities. Koroneihana ties: Cook Islands High Commission joins diaspora at Koroneihana 2026, marking the second anniversary of Māori Queen Te Arikinui Ngā Wai Hono i Te Pō. Culture & youth next year: Te Maeva Nui 2027 theme puts young people at the centre of custodianship for Cook Islands culture.

Women’s Sport: Cook Islands’ senior women’s handball team is heading to Wellington for an International Indoor tournament (Sept 10–14), the first senior women’s side in 22 years, with 14 players and coaches Peter Tangimetua John and Paul-Luiz Van Eijk. Coaching Pathways: Badminton Cook Islands celebrates Danny Simpson as the first Cook Islands coach to complete the BWF Level 2 certification in Auckland. Island Infrastructure: Work is underway on Mauke’s new $300,000 purpose-built cargo shed, due for completion in early November. Youth Football: The OFC U-16 Women’s Championship is underway in Honiara, with Cook Islands facing a tough start after Fiji’s Mini Kulas and Junior Kulas thrashed them 11–0, while the tournament also offers a route to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Beauty & Representation: Tiare Henry-Anguna wins Miss World Oceania for the second time at Miss World in Vietnam, calling it a win for the whole Pacific. Culture & Leadership: Cook Islands strengthens its voice in international cultural policy via IFACCA board participation in Sydney, and Te Maeva Nui 2027 is set to spotlight youth as custodians of Cook Islands culture. Geopolitics & Heritage: Greenpeace condemns the US–NZ co-funding of the Tongareva (Penrhyn) port upgrade as a potential gateway to deep-sea mining. Memory & Respect: A renewed call to protect the Gaza War Cemetery highlights the final resting place of Māori and Pacific soldiers, including Rarotongan contingent members.

OFC U-16 Women’s Championship: The Cook Islands’ young teams were hit hard in Honiara as Fiji’s Mini Kulas and Junior Kulas both thrashed them 11-0, with Adi Reva firing five goals in each match—an early warning for Cook Islands as the tournament builds toward World Cup qualification. Oceania spotlight: New Zealand opened their title defence with a 5-0 win over hosts Solomon Islands, while the wider tournament kicks off with eight nations chasing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2027 spots. Miss World / Cook Islands pride: Tiare Henry-Anguna won Miss Oceania for the second time at Miss World in Vietnam, calling it a win for the whole Pacific and celebrating the “sisterhood” formed during the month-long pageant. Culture & leadership ties: The Cook Islands High Commission joined the diaspora at Koroneihana 2026—Te Paki o Matariki at Tūrangawaewae Marae, marking the second anniversary of Māori Queen Te Arikinui Kuini Ngā Wai Hono i Te Pō. Environment & heritage: Waihī Beach and Rarotonga’s Te Ipukarea Society launched high-altitude automated rat traps in the Takuvaine cloud forest to protect native wildlife and seabirds. Geopolitics / Tongareva port: Greenpeace condemned a US–NZ plan to upgrade the Tongareva (Penrhyn) port, warning it could open the door to deep-sea mining.

OFC U-16 Women’s Championship: Cook Islands’ group-stage campaign is set in Honiara, with Solomon Islands hosting and drawn alongside New Zealand and Fiji in Group A, while Cook Islands face the defending champions early as coaches and captains prepare for the media session ahead of kick-off. Fiji U16 results: Fiji’s Adi Reva fired a five-goal haul as the national side thrashed the Cook Islands 11-0, underlining the region’s fast-rising youth talent. Cook Islands sport abroad: Five Cook Islands triathletes raced in Mo’orea at the World Triathlon Regional Cup, using the test event for the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti; meanwhile the AirBadminton team returned from Australia with medals in their first international outing. Culture & community ties: Cook Islands strengthened Kiingitanga connections at Koroneihana 2026 in Aotearoa, with the diaspora and high commissioners marking the second anniversary of Te Arikinui Kuini Ngā Wai Hono i Te Pō’s reign. Environment & heritage: A new conservation partnership is bringing automated predator traps to Rarotonga’s cloud forest, while Greenpeace warns the US–NZ Tongareva port upgrade could open a pathway to deep-sea mining. Tourism spotlight: Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto (Tourism Month 2026) runs through September, celebrating people, women leaders and youth pathways in the industry.

Pacific diplomacy under pressure: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, leaders and ministers faced fresh warnings as China targets Taiwan’s last allies, with Beijing’s “chequebook diplomacy” message landing hard on small states. Climate and water worries: Pacific communities are bracing for a strengthening El Niño, with fuel crisis pressures stacking risks for drinking water, food and children’s health. Tongareva port controversy: A US–NZ co-funded upgrade for Penrhyn/Tongareva is being condemned by Greenpeace as a “Trojan horse” that could open the door to deep-sea mining. Culture and leadership ties: Cook Islands officials joined Koroneihana 2026 for Kiingitanga celebrations, while Cook Islands strengthens its voice in global cultural policy through IFACCA. Youth and sport: Cook Islands athletes head into regional action—triathletes gained Pacific Games test-race experience in Mo’orea, and the Cook Islands U-16 women’s football campaign is set to begin in Honiara. Tourism with values: Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto (Tourism Month) runs through September, spotlighting people, women and youth pathways in the industry.

Miss World 2026: Cook Islands’ Tiare Henry-Anguna and Indian contestant Nikita Porwal both featured on the global stage this week, with Porwal concluding her run in the top 40 at the Vietnam finale on Sept 5. Youth sport & pathways: The OFC U-16 Women’s Championship kicks off in Solomon Islands on Sept 6, with Cook Islands drawn in Group A alongside New Zealand and Fiji, and coaches/captains set for a pre-tournament media session. Cook Islands sport wins: Pickleball Cook Islands made history in Da Nang, taking the nation’s first international gold medals, while AirBadminton returned with medals from its first overseas championships. Culture & leadership: Te Maeva Nui 2027’s theme puts young people at the centre of custodianship, and Cook Islands delegates joined Koroneihana 2026 to deepen Kiingitanga ties. Environment & heritage: A new Waihī Beach–Te Ipukarea Society partnership is installing automated predator traps in Rarotonga’s cloud forest to protect native wildlife. Pacific politics & resources: Greenpeace warns the US–NZ Tongareva port upgrade could open the door to deep-sea mining, urging Indigenous knowledge to carry equal weight in the debate. Tourism & community: Tourism Month 2026 launches in September with People’s Choice awards, a Tourism Woman of the Month programme, and a youth tourism pathway.

Sports Leigh-Out: The week’s sports wrap spotlights off-island action and local momentum, from CNMI’s big Labor Day softball tournament build-up to Cook Islands athletes sharpening up for major regional goals. Triathlon & Football Pathways: Five Cook Islands triathletes raced the World Triathlon Regional Cup in Mo’orea as a Pacific Games test event, while the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship in Solomon Islands kicks off with Cook Islands among the contenders chasing FIFA U-17 World Cup qualification. Culture & Leadership: Cook Islands voices and ties stay strong—from reaffirming its role in global cultural policy via IFACCA in Sydney to diaspora presence at Koroneihana 2026, and Te Maeva Nui 2027’s theme putting youth at the centre of cultural custodianship. Environment & Ocean Debate: Greenpeace warns the US–NZ Tongareva/Penrhyn port upgrade could open the door to deep-sea mining, while campaigners push for Indigenous knowledge to carry equal weight in seabed decisions. Tourism & Creative Life: Tourism marks Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto with Tourism Month 2026, celebrating people, women leaders, and youth pathways—plus a new POP48 Film Challenge bringing Cook Islands teams into a 48-hour storytelling sprint.