AGP Executive Report

Social Protection for Resilience: A new UN DESA policy brief says Pacific SIDS, including the Cook Islands, need stronger social protection to cut poverty and help households cope with climate disasters and price shocks, noting coverage is above 90% in Cook Islands and Palau but below 30% in several other islands. Chemicals Convention: The Cook Islands joined an OPCW regional meeting in Seoul to strengthen Chemical Weapons Convention implementation, focusing on national legislation, inspections, and capacity for very small administrations. Penrhyn Port and Security: The US says a military presence linked to a planned Penrhyn port upgrade is “all being negotiated” as the NZ$101m project (NZ and US funding) moves forward, raising questions about how infrastructure may be used. Deep-Sea Governance and Biodiversity: Cook Islanders returned from China training on deep-sea resource management, while SBMA also backed a joint project to improve deep-sea biodiversity data. Plastics Action Plan: The National Environment Service has started internal consultations for a National Action Plan on Plastics, aiming to tackle plastic pollution across the full lifecycle. Weather Readiness: Regional progress on early warning systems continues, but Cook Islands meteorology still faces workforce and technical gaps.

Asset Protection & Finance: A new Cook Islands Government report says US demand for offshore asset protection is driving record trust growth, with registrations up almost 90% in two years (433 in the past year), and most trustee revenue tied to US clients. Fisheries Governance: Pacific countries used COFI37 in Rome to push for stronger recognition and support for Pacific-led, science-based tuna management and regional cooperation. Maritime & Community Support: New Zealand’s NZDF has deployed more than 50 personnel to Penrhyn for construction, health, solar water stills and hydrography under Exercise Tropic Twilight. US Port Plans Under Discussion: The US says a future military presence linked to a Penrhyn port upgrade is “all being negotiated,” while the project itself is framed as non-base infrastructure. Deep-Sea Capacity Building: Cook Islanders returned from China after training on deep-sea resource management, with SBMA linking the programme to seabed governance and environmental protection. Plastics Action: The National Environment Service has started internal consultations for a National Action Plan on Plastics, aiming to cut plastic pollution across the full lifecycle. Climate Early Warnings: Cook Islands Met Service highlighted El Niño-driven weather differences and renewed calls for early warning systems that reach every community. Marine Life: Te Ipukarea Society reports humpback whales are returning to Cook Islands waters, with education sessions for students on whale ecology and migration.

Sustainable Fisheries Diplomacy: Pacific countries, including the Cook Islands, used COFI37 in Rome to push for stronger recognition and support for Pacific-led, science-based tuna management and monitoring, with FFA honoured for long-running regional cooperation. Penrhyn Port & Security Talks: The US says its planned Penrhyn port upgrade is “being negotiated” for any future military presence, while the NZ$101m project (US and NZ funding) targets Omoka port works near a WWII airfield. NZDF Humanitarian Work in the North: More than 50 NZ Defence Force personnel have deployed to Penrhyn for Exercise Tropic Twilight, delivering school upgrades, solar water stills, repairs, health services, and updated hydrographic surveys. Weather & Early Warnings: Cook Islands Met Service highlighted El Niño-driven north/south weather splits at PMC-8, urging early warning systems that reach every community despite workforce and technical gaps. Plastics Action Plan Starts: The National Environment Service began internal consultations for a National Action Plan on Plastics, aiming to cut plastic pollution across the full lifecycle. Deep-Sea Governance Capacity: Cook Islanders returned from China training on deep-sea resource management, while SBMA also supported deep-sea biodiversity science with Chinese researchers. Climate Financing Pressure: PM Mark Brown urged the Asian Development Bank to make climate resilience funding easier to access and more lenient on debt servicing for frontline micro-economies.

Port Upgrade & Security Talks: The US says its role in a planned Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade is “being negotiated,” with the project jointly funded by the US (US$50m) and New Zealand (NZ$17.5m) under a NZ$101m plan near a former WWII airfield—while the US ambassador stresses it’s not meant to be a US military base. Deep-Sea Minerals & Governance: Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority work continues to build deep-sea science and capacity, including a China–Cook Islands training programme that brought 23 Cook Islanders back from deep-sea resource management training, plus a separate SBMA collaboration advancing deep-sea biodiversity data. Regional Weather Readiness: At the Pacific Meteorological Council, Cook Islands highlighted El Niño-driven “weather split” conditions and pushed for sustainable early warning systems that reach every community, even as workforce and technical gaps remain. Plastics Action Planning: The National Environment Service has started internal consultations for a National Action Plan on Plastics, aiming to tackle plastic pollution across the full lifecycle. Marine Life Spotlight: Te Ipukarea Society reports humpback whales are returning to Cook Islands waters, pairing education with long-running whale research.

Deep-sea minerals governance: Kiribati’s fisheries minister visited Rarotonga to study the Cook Islands’ seabed minerals governance, focusing on institutional rules, scientific research and environmental protection, and exploring future cooperation. Plastics pollution: The National Environment Service has started internal consultations for a National Action Plan on Plastics, aiming to cut plastic pollution across the full lifecycle and align with the country’s Zero Waste vision. Weather and climate resilience: At the Pacific Meteorological Council, Cook Islands highlighted an El Niño-driven weather split (drier south, wetter north) and stressed early warnings that reach every resident, while reporting progress alongside workforce and technical gaps. Sea-level science: Pacific climate experts warned that some regional sea-level risk planning may be based on flawed land-elevation data, and noted UN overshoot pathways mean adaptation is urgent. Deep-sea biodiversity research: SBMA joined a China-led project to synthesise and analyse deep-sea biodiversity data, strengthening the scientific basis for sustainable ocean management. Climate financing: PM Mark Brown urged the Asian Development Bank to make climate resilience funding easier to access and be lenient on debt servicing for small, disaster-exposed economies. Marine life: Te Ipukarea Society says humpback whales are returning to Cook Islands waters, with education sessions for local students on migration and ecosystem roles. Energy governance: Cook Islands Investment Corporation announced leadership and director changes for Te Aponga Uira to support reliable electricity services.

Deep-sea governance training: Twenty-three Cook Islanders returned from a 10-day China–Cook Islands programme in Hangzhou and Changsha, aimed at strengthening local knowledge for deep-sea resource management, delivered by China’s Second Institute of Oceanography with SBMA coordination. Seabed science links: SBMA also supported a joint deep-sea biodiversity project with China’s Second Institute of Oceanography, helping compile and assess biodiversity data to improve the science behind sustainable ocean management. Meteorology capacity: The Cook Islands Meteorological Service says it’s made progress on weather, climate and ocean monitoring, but still faces workforce and technical gaps, as it pushes for early warnings that reach every community. El Niño split: At the Pacific Meteorological Council, Cook Islands highlighted El Niño-driven differences—drier, hotter conditions in the south and wetter weather in the north—using this to argue for sustainable, last-mile warning systems. Plastics action plan: NES began internal consultations for a National Action Plan on Plastics, focusing on gaps and practical actions across the full plastics lifecycle. Climate finance push: PM Mark Brown urged the Asian Development Bank to make climate resilience funding easier to access and be lenient on debt servicing for small, disaster-exposed economies like the Cook Islands.

Climate resilience funding: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown urged the Asian Development Bank to make climate-resilience finance easier to access and be lenient on debt servicing, warning micro-economies are hit hardest as disasters intensify. Weather warnings capacity: The Cook Islands Meteorological Service says it has made progress strengthening weather, climate and ocean monitoring, but still faces major workforce and technical gaps as it pushes for early warnings that reach every community. El Niño impacts: At the Pacific Meteorological Council, Cook Islands highlighted an El Niño-driven split—drier, hotter conditions in the south and wetter weather in the north—using the moment to argue for sustainable, last-mile warning systems. Sea-level science challenge: Pacific experts warned that some rising-sea plans may rely on flawed land-elevation data, with satellite readings sometimes measuring treetops rather than ground—raising the stakes for accurate risk mapping. Plastics action planning: The National Environment Service began internal consultations for a National Action Plan on Plastics, focusing on gaps and targets to cut plastic pollution across the full lifecycle and align with a Zero Waste vision. Marine life education: Te Ipukarea Society says humpback whales are returning to Cook Islands waters, and it ran school sessions to boost awareness of whale ecology and migration. Seabed governance and research: Kiribati’s fisheries minister visited Rarotonga to learn how the Cook Islands set up seabed minerals governance, while SBMA also backed deep-sea biodiversity science with a Chinese research partner. Deep-sea mining debate: A letter raised concerns about leadership, consultation and environmental risks tied to deep-sea mining. Regional governance and infrastructure: US and NZ investment plans for Penrhyn port upgrades drew fresh discussion, including calls for open, honest debate about environmental and social consequences. Electricity governance: CIIC announced leadership changes for Te Aponga Uira to support reliable, sustainable electricity services. Marine tourism enrichment: Ponant Explorations revealed Australian guests for enrichment programs on Cook Islands & Society Islands voyages, including a coral biologist and ocean advocate.

Seabed minerals governance: Kiribati’s Fisheries Minister Ribanataake Tiwau visited Rarotonga to learn how the Cook Islands set up seabed minerals rules, focusing on institutions, regulation, scientific research and environmental protection, with both sides flagging future cooperation and capacity-building. Weather readiness gaps: The Cook Islands Meteorological Service says it has made progress on weather, climate and ocean monitoring, but warns major workforce and technical gaps remain as Pacific leaders push for early warnings for all. El Niño split: At the Pacific Meteorological Council in Tonga, Cook Islands officials highlighted an El Niño-driven weather split—drier, hotter conditions in the south and wetter conditions in the north—urging early warning systems that reach every resident. Climate finance push: PM Mark Brown urged the Asian Development Bank to make climate resilience funding easier to access and be lenient on debt servicing, arguing small states are forced to borrow for protection as disasters intensify. Plastics plan starts: The National Environment Service began internal consultations for a National Action Plan on Plastics, aiming to cut plastic pollution across the full lifecycle and align with the “Zero Waste” vision. Deep-sea biodiversity science: The Seabed Minerals Authority backed a joint deep-sea biodiversity project with China to strengthen knowledge of deep-sea habitats and data for sustainable ocean management. Humpback whales return: Te Ipukarea Society and Cook Islands Whale Research ran whale education for students, as humpback whales migrate back to Cook Islands waters. Penrhyn port upgrade debate: US and New Zealand funding for a Penrhyn harbour upgrade sparked calls for community involvement and open discussion of environmental and social impacts, with Greenpeace also warning it could enable deep-sea mining.

Weather Ready Pacific & PMC-8: A Pacific-owned early warning push is progressing, with PIMS 2017–2026 and Weather Ready Pacific reporting “Amber” status—strong foundations in 2025, but key work on warning communication and integrated forecasting still ahead; Cook Islands highlighted El Niño-driven north–south weather splits and the need for alerts reaching “the last person.” Climate finance for resilience: PM Mark Brown urged the Asian Development Bank to make climate adaptation funding easier to access and be lenient on debt servicing, warning small economies are forced to borrow for protection. Plastics action: The National Environment Service has started internal consultations for a National Action Plan on Plastics, aiming to cut plastic pollution across the full lifecycle under a “Zero Waste” vision. Marine life education: Te Ipukarea Society and Cook Islands Whale Research welcomed humpback whales back with a school programme on migration and ecosystem roles. Deep-sea biodiversity science: SBMA backed a joint deep-sea biodiversity project with China to standardise and assess habitat data for more sustainable ocean management. Penrhyn port debate: US/NZ plans to upgrade Tongareva’s port drew fresh scrutiny from Greenpeace over links to deep-sea mining concerns.

Climate Finance Push: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown urged the Asian Development Bank to make climate resilience funding easier to access and be lenient on debt servicing, warning micro-economies are hit hardest as cyclones intensify. Health & Climate Action: Te Marae Ora health secretary Bob Williams backed a Pacific Network for Health and Climate Change Action Plan 2026–2028, calling for strong Pacific leadership to protect health for more than 14 million people. Plastics & Zero Waste: The National Environment Service began internal consultations for a National Action Plan on Plastics, aiming to cut plastic pollution across the full lifecycle and align with the country’s “Zero Waste” vision. Deep-Sea Biodiversity Science: The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority joined a China-backed deep-sea biodiversity project to compile and standardise biodiversity data to strengthen sustainable ocean management. Humpback Whales Return: Te Ipukarea Society and Cook Islands Whale Research ran a two-day education programme for students ahead of the annual humpback whale migration through Cook Islands waters. El Niño Warnings: Cook Islands highlighted an El Niño-driven weather split—drier, hotter conditions in the south and wetter weather in the north—pushing for early warning systems that reach every community. Sea-Level Data Concern: Experts warned some Pacific sea-level risk plans may rely on flawed land-elevation data, with satellites sometimes measuring tree tops instead of ground. Penrhyn Port Debate: A US/NZ-funded Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade sparked renewed environmental concern and claims it could enable deep-sea mining, with Greenpeace responding to political criticism.

Climate Finance Push: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown urged the Asian Development Bank to make climate resilience funding easier to access and be lenient on debt servicing, saying small economies are paying for disasters and “global effects” while being forced to borrow for protection. Plastics Action Plan Starts: The National Environment Service began internal consultations for a National Action Plan on Plastics, focusing on gaps and targets across the full plastics lifecycle to support the “Zero Waste” vision. El Niño Warnings for All: Cook Islands highlighted an El Niño “weather split” at the Pacific Meteorological Council, with the south getting drier, hotter conditions and the north wetter, stressing early warning systems that reach every community. Sea-Level Planning Under Fire: Pacific experts warned some rising-sea plans may rely on flawed land-elevation data, risking underestimates of how exposed communities are to coastal flooding. Whales Return: Te Ipukarea Society says humpback whales are back in Cook Islands waters, sharing education efforts on migration and marine ecosystem roles. Deep-Sea Science, and Debate: SBMA backed a China-linked deep-sea biodiversity project to strengthen habitat data, while Greenpeace hit back on the Penrhyn port upgrade, warning it could enable deep-sea mining and permanent ecosystem damage. Humpback Education: Aitutaki’s “Te Taunga o te Moana” programme brought whale learning to Year 7–8 students, led by Cook Islands Whale Research director Dr Nan Hauser.

Climate & Resilience: Cook Islands used the Pacific Meteorological Council in Tonga to highlight an El Niño weather split—drier, hotter conditions in the Southern Cook Islands and wetter weather in the North—and pushed for early-warning systems that reach every community. Sea-Level Science: Pacific climate experts warned that international sea-level risk maps can be badly wrong because satellite data may reflect tree tops, not ground elevation—raising the stakes for adaptation planning as UN overshoot pathways leave higher seas “locked in.” Plastics & Waste: The National Environment Service has started internal consultations for a National Action Plan on Plastics, aiming to cut plastic pollution across the full lifecycle and align with the “Zero Waste” vision. Deep-Sea Biodiversity: The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority backed a joint deep-sea biodiversity project with China to compile and standardise biodiversity data for Northwest Pacific habitats, strengthening the science behind sustainable ocean management. Tongareva Port Debate: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, Cook Islands secured funding for a Penrhyn/Tongareva port upgrade, while Greenpeace hit back at political criticism and warned the project could be a pathway to deep-sea mining. Regional Climate Finance: The Green Climate Fund signalled faster approvals and more direct access for Pacific national and regional institutions to deliver resilience-focused climate projects.

Plastics & waste policy: The National Environment Service has started internal consultations for a National Action Plan on Plastics, aiming to cut plastic pollution across the full lifecycle and align actions with the “Zero Waste” vision. Deep-sea biodiversity science: The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority backed a joint deep-sea biodiversity project with China’s Second Institute of Oceanography, helping compile and standardise biodiversity data to strengthen the science behind sustainable ocean management. Climate risk & early warnings: Cook Islands highlighted an El Niño “weather split” at the Pacific Meteorological Council in Tonga, stressing the need for early warning systems that reach every community. Sea-level planning accuracy: Pacific climate experts warned that some international sea-level risk maps may be based on wrong land-elevation data, which could mislead planning for communities living only metres above sea level. Overshoot reality: A UN report says the world is on track to overshoot the 1.5°C warming limit, with the Pacific facing locked-in sea-level rise and a stronger need for adaptation. Regional funding for resilience: The Green Climate Fund says it will speed approvals and expand direct access for Pacific national and regional institutions to deliver more resilience-focused climate projects. Tongareva port controversy: Cook Islands secured major US/NZ funding announcements for a Penrhyn/Tongareva port upgrade, drawing Greenpeace criticism that the project could enable deep-sea mining.

Pacific Geopolitics & Climate Funding: At the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, leaders pushed an “urgent and inclusive climate action” line while the US and allies backed major regional moves, including a Cook Islands-linked Penrhyn Port upgrade and broader climate finance reforms. Cook Islands Port & Seabed Mining Debate: The US (US$50m) and New Zealand (NZ$17.5m) co-fund a Penrhyn/Tongareva port project, framed as a lifeline for the northern Cook Islands; Greenpeace Aotearoa calls it a “Trojan horse” for deep-sea mining and warns of environmental and Indigenous knowledge risks. El Niño Preparedness: Cook Islands highlighted El Niño’s split impacts—drier, hotter conditions in the south and wetter weather in the north—using the Pacific Meteorological Council to argue for sustainable early warning systems reaching every community. Sea-Level Science Accuracy: Experts warned that some global sea-level risk maps may be wrong because satellite elevation readings can misread ground under vegetation, affecting how vulnerable low-lying Pacific communities are assessed. Local Conservation Action: A new partnership between Waihī Beach and Te Ipukarea Society is deploying automated predator traps high in the Takuvaine Valley cloud forest to protect native wildlife and seabirds from rats and feral cats.

Pacific climate resilience and early warnings: Cook Islands urged for sustainable, community-reaching early warning systems after El Niño split conditions across the north and south of the islands, as regional meteorology leaders met in Tonga to plan the next decade of weather and climate services. Sea-level rise data concerns: Pacific experts warned that international sea-level risk maps may be based on flawed land-height readings, with satellite measurements sometimes reflecting tree tops rather than ground—raising stakes for adaptation planning. UN overshoot warning: A new UN report says the world is set to overshoot the 1.5°C warming limit, meaning sea-level rise is “locked in” for centuries—making adaptation urgent for Pacific nations. Cook Islands port funding sparks deep-sea mining fears: The US and New Zealand’s co-funding of a Penrhyn/Tongareva port upgrade drew Greenpeace condemnation as a potential gateway to deep-sea mining, while a separate letter urged open discussion of environmental and social impacts on the fragile atoll. Conservation on the ground: Waihī Beach and Te Ipukarea Society launched automated predator-control traps in Rarotonga’s cloud forest to protect native wildlife and seabirds from rats and feral cats. Climate implementation in Pa Enua: A Pa Enua Mayors and Executive Officers workshop in Rarotonga wrapped with organisers calling it a positive first step toward implementing the Cook Islands’ climate resilience programme.

El Niño & Early Warnings: Cook Islands highlighted a split weather pattern at PMC-8 in Tonga, with the south getting drier, hotter conditions and the north wetter—pushing for early warning systems that reach every community, not just some. Sea-Level Rise Data Doubts: Climate experts warned that some Pacific sea-level risk plans may be based on flawed land-elevation mapping, since satellites can misread ground under dense vegetation—raising stakes for adaptation decisions. UN “Overshoot” Warning: A new UN report says the world is on track to overshoot the 1.5°C warming limit, meaning sea-level rise will continue for centuries; adaptation is now “no longer optional” for Pacific islands. Penrhyn Port vs Deep-Sea Mining Fears: Greenpeace condemned the US–NZ co-funded Penrhyn/Tongareva port upgrade as a “Trojan horse” for critical minerals and deep-sea mining, while letters and calls for open consultation stress environmental and social risks. Pa Enua Climate Implementation: A three-day workshop in Rarotonga with Pa Enua mayors and executives wrapped as a first step toward implementing the Cook Islands’ climate resilience programme. Conservation on the Ground: Waihī Beach and Te Ipukarea Society launched automated predator traps in a high-altitude cloud forest to protect native wildlife from rats and feral cats.