Workplace health policy: The Cook Islands public sector has rolled out a “healthy workplace” approach aimed at easing the burden of non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and mental health. Patient access update: Te Marae Ora’s Patient Referral Policy 2026 widens who can be referred, including permanent returning Cook Islanders (no 12-month stand-down), contract expatriate workers after six months, and Permanent Resident certificate holders. Nursing workforce boost: The University of Auckland’s School of Nursing delivered advanced clinical training to 15 Cook Islands nurses in Rarotonga, building on six months of collaboration with the Chief Nursing Officer. Public service movement push: Public servants are being encouraged to “move more” at work under the new health policy. Community and health links: A Tereora College Class of 1965 reunion in Rarotonga ties into the Cook Islands’ 60th anniversary of self-government, with former medical officer Dr Teremoana Tupa Puni welcoming the gathering. Health and society context: A global look at why some countries have far more men than women highlights how migration and longevity can drive long-term imbalances. Health-adjacent environment: Te Ipukarea Society is calling for open public discussion on deep-seabed mining during the election period, saying voters deserve clear positions on impacts to ocean and future generations.