Workforce Boost: University of Auckland’s School of Nursing delivered intensive clinical training in Rarotonga for 15 Cook Islands nurses, building practical skills and strengthening Pacific partnerships to grow the local health workforce. Referral Access Update: Te Marae Ora’s Patient Referral Policy 2026 expands eligibility for permanent returning Cook Islanders (no 12-month stand-down), contract expatriate workers after six months, and Permanent Resident certificate holders. Regional Health Support: Te Marae Ora also broadened health support for PRs and expatriate workers, aiming to reduce gaps in care access. Election & Health-Adjacent Policy: Te Ipukarea Society urged open public discussion on deep-seabed mining during the election period, framing it as a community, ocean, and future-health issue—not just an environmental one. Health System Capacity in Practice: Cook Islands fisheries officer Saiasi Sarau returned from regional maritime operations that included humanitarian disaster response training, highlighting preparedness that can protect community health during emergencies. International Comms: Southpac Group appointed Impact PR to manage international communications, including media relations and reputation work across markets where Cook Islands teams operate.