Flu surge: Health authorities say under-fives are at highest risk as flu-like illnesses spread, urging families to get vaccinations and take preventive steps. Health access: Health New Zealand and Te Marae Ora have renewed their partnership to streamline Cook Islands residents’ referrals for specialist care in New Zealand, using a centralised process to assess and coordinate patients. Regional health systems: Pacific Heads of Health wrapped up in Rarotonga, reinforcing priorities like resilient health financing, non-communicable diseases, reproductive health, workforce support, health data and climate resilience. Port & health links: A US–NZ co-funded Penrhyn/Tongareva port upgrade is drawing sharp criticism from Greenpeace Aotearoa, which warns it could open the door to deep-sea mining—an issue Cook Islands leaders say they’ll handle cautiously and based on science. Cancer & nutrition: A University of Hawaiʻi lab focused on body composition assessment has been named an IAEA Collaborating Centre, highlighting links between nutrition, obesity and cancer risk. Women’s health: Cook Islands women are pushing to talk more openly about menopause, saying limited local support and cultural silence leave many navigating symptoms alone. Community health incident: Ports Authority reports a rescue mission after a crew member suffered a crushed hand and was taken to Rarotonga Hospital for surgery. Sports & wellbeing: Five Cook Islands triathletes raced in Mo’orea to build experience ahead of next year’s Pacific Games.