Men’s Mental Health Push: Te POM counsellors in Rarotonga are urging men across the Cook Islands to break the stigma around counselling, calling reaching out “brave” and reminding people that support is safe, non-judgemental and available. Suicide Prevention Focus: As Suicide Prevention Month ends, the Ministry of Health and TMO say prevention stays a year-round priority, pointing to risk factors like isolation, stress, substance use and trauma, and noting Cook Islands Police recorded seven suicide-related callouts since 2025 and five deaths to date. Community Wellbeing Through Movement: CC Tamure Fitness is using traditional dance plus cardio to help women stay active and connected, while Limitless Sports and Wellbeing Academy’s “Run the 5 Islands with Us” aims to spark mental health conversations by linking five islands through a 122km challenge. Pacific Ocean Protection Funding: The Bezos Earth Fund has announced $25m in new grants to support ocean conservation in the Cook Islands and other Pacific nations, backing efforts like Marae Moana and expanding protected areas with a goal of protecting 30% of waters by 2030. Health Services on Penrhyn: NZDF’s Exercise Tropic Twilight is progressing on Penrhyn with new water tanks, school and hospital repairs, and dental/medical care for more than 75 patients, alongside updated maritime surveying.