Dialysis and access to care: A Tongan man needing dialysis three times a week is among overseas patients whose cases have spotlighted who pays for life-saving treatment in New Zealand, while a Cook Islands Māori and Sāmoan social worker described years on dialysis before a 2025 transplant. Gender data and safety gaps: The CEDAW Committee heard that Cook Islands gender data remains inadequate, including sexual health and gender-based violence, with calls for a more coordinated national response and sustainable support such as secure short-term accommodation. Men’s mental health support: Te POM counsellors urged men to seek help, challenging stigma and framing counselling as a brave, non-judgemental step toward wellbeing. Suicide prevention: The Ministry of Health reiterated suicide prevention as a year-round priority, noting seven suicide-related callouts since 2025 and five recorded deaths to date. Community wellbeing through culture: Cook Islands women are using traditional tamure dance fitness to build safer social connection and healthier routines. Mental health awareness via sport: Limitless Sports and Wellbeing Academy announced a five-island 122km run to spark conversations and support mental health. Ocean protection funding: The Bezos Earth Fund pledged $25m for Pacific ocean conservation, including support for the Cook Islands’ Marae Moana ocean park. Regional health-climate links: Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga urged leaders to look to Pacific solutions for climate and health equity ahead of pre-COP31 talks. Local health infrastructure support: NZDF’s Exercise Tropic Twilight on Penrhyn is delivering water, school, hospital repairs plus dental and medical care. Deep-sea mining debate: Youth voices are weighing the promise of jobs and development against environmental and cultural risks from proposed deep-sea mining.