Waste & Health: Te Ipukarea Society argues incineration is usually a poor fit for Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, citing scale, cost, and the need for complex pollution controls that small communities can’t reliably sustain. Lagoon Protection: Aitutaki residents push for stronger action in the Lagoon Management Plan, with co-management built around ra’ui, refreshed island bylaws, and renewed compliance involving Environment, Public Health, Police, Tourism and other partners. Infectious Disease Alerts: The CDC updated its chikungunya and dengue travel notices, including a revised dengue destination list for U.S. travellers—risk remains even where countries drop off lists. Travel Rules (Covid): Cook Islands travel settings are easing: RATs replace PCR for travellers from New Zealand, MIQ is described as redundant, and quarantine/isolation rules for positives and close contacts are aligned with New Zealand. Hepatitis B Awareness: A reminder that most people with hepatitis B don’t know they’re infected, with testing via blood test and a focus on prevention and support. Community Health & Equity: Australian High Commissioner visits highlight community projects (including sports facilities) in Pukapuka and Nassau, supporting wellbeing through local access to sport and services. Public Health Governance: Aitutaki’s plan also flags Public Health as a key implementation partner, linking cultural stewardship with enforcement and long-term financing.