Visa Access for Families: Labour says it would expand visa-waiver travel for citizens of Pacific Islands Forum nations to make it cheaper and easier for Pacific whānau—including Cook Islands families—to visit Aotearoa for weddings, funerals and other cultural occasions. HIV Emergency Response: Fiji has declared a national HIV emergency after testing showed a sharp rise in infections, with the government moving to expand testing, free treatment and access to pre-exposure prophylaxis. NCD Pressure in the Cook Islands: Even as overall new non-communicable disease cases slow, cardiovascular cases have risen, underlining the need to keep pushing prevention and care. Health Leadership at Home: A letter argues Pacific health and climate leadership must start in the Cook Islands, citing high obesity and diabetes rates, oral health concerns, suicide attempts among adolescents, and uneven staffing between Rarotonga and Pa Enua. On-the-Ground Health & Infrastructure: NZDF’s Exercise Tropic Twilight is underway on Penrhyn, with upgrades to schools and market facilities, solar water stills, health personnel working with local staff, and navy hydrography support. Regional Health & Climate Action: Te Marae Ora’s Bob Williams backs a Pacific Network for Health and Climate Change Action Plan 2026–2028, calling for collective action to protect health across the Pacific. Public Health Careers: A Cook Islands field epidemiology spotlight explains how surveillance work on water, food safety, sanitation, vector control and border control turns data into action.