AGP Executive Report

Suicide Prevention: Te Marae Ora (TMO) says suicide prevention stays a year-round priority, urging people to “ask for help” as Cook Islands Police report seven suicide-related callouts since 2025 and five recorded deaths to date, with risk often linked to multiple factors like relationship stress, alcohol/substance use, trauma and isolation. Mental Health & Community Fitness: CC Tamure Fitness is helping women stay active through traditional dance-based workouts, while Limitless Sports and Wellbeing Academy’s “Run the 5 Islands” (122km across Rarotonga, Mauke, Atiu, Mangaia and Aitutaki) aims to spark open conversations about mental health. Health Services on Pa Enua: NZDF’s Exercise Tropic Twilight on Penrhyn is supporting health and wellbeing alongside repairs—more than 75 patients seen by a dental team and medical officer, plus hospital plumbing/electrical upgrades and new school water tanks. Ocean Health Funding: The Bezos Earth Fund announced $25m in grants for ocean conservation, including support for the Cook Islands’ Marae Moana ocean park, as part of a push to protect at least 30% of Pacific waters by 2030. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: A Cook Islands youth voice highlights concerns over polymetallic nodule mining and the trade-offs between jobs, culture and environmental stewardship.

Suicide Prevention: Te Marae Ora (TMO) says suicide prevention stays a year-round priority, with Cook Islands Police reporting seven suicide-related callouts since 2025 and five deaths to date; Health Secretary Bob Williams stresses early identification, mental health assessment, crisis support, and stronger links between health services and community groups. Northern Cook Islands Health & Infrastructure: New Zealand Defence Force teams are progressing on Penrhyn with hospital plumbing/electrical upgrades, dental and medical care for 75+ patients, new school water tanks, and major hydrographic surveying after outdated charts were found. Community Fitness & Wellbeing: CC Tamure Fitness is using traditional dance to help women stay active and connected, while Limitless Sports and Wellbeing Academy’s “Run the 5 Islands” aims to spark mental health conversations across Rarotonga, Mauke, Atiu, Mangaia and Aitutaki. Ocean Health Funding: The Bezos Earth Fund has added $25m for Pacific ocean conservation, including support for Cook Islands Marae Moana, as part of a push to protect 30% of regional waters by 2030. Plastic Pollution Action: Te Ipukarea Society convened Pa Enua and sector partners to tackle plastic pollution with practical steps for the National Action Plan and better waste-management coordination.

Mental Health & Community Support: Te Marae Ora (TMO) says suicide prevention stays a year-round priority, urging people to ask for help as Cook Islands Police report seven suicide-related callouts since 2025 and five recorded deaths to date. Women’s Health Through Culture: CC Tamure Fitness is helping Cook Islands women get active through tamure dance-based workouts, blending cardio with cultural connection and building a supportive space to stay healthier. Exercise With a Purpose: Limitless Sports and Wellbeing Academy’s “Run the 5 Islands” plans a 122km challenge across Rarotonga, Mauke, Atiu, Mangaia and Aitutaki to raise awareness and spark conversations on mental health and wellbeing. Ocean Conservation Funding: The Bezos Earth Fund announced $25m in new grants for Pacific ocean protection, including support for Cook Islands’ Marae Moana, with a goal to protect at least 30% of regional waters by 2030. Local Health & Readiness: NZDF teams on Penrhyn in the northern Cook Islands completed school and hospital upgrades and saw more than 75 patients, alongside hydrographic survey work to improve local chart accuracy. Policy & Affordability: Green Party MP Teanau Tuiono is campaigning on affordable living, “healthy nature” and democracy, including freshwater protections and renewable energy plans. Health & Safety Infrastructure: A proposed paperless NZ–Australia travel system could speed border crossings, but experts warn rollout details matter to avoid delays and tech failures.

Ocean Conservation Funding: The Bezos Earth Fund has announced over $25 million in new grants for ocean conservation across the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, backing Pacific-led plans to sustainably manage waters and protect at least 30% by 2030, including support for the Cook Islands’ Marae Moana vision and new marine protected area proposals. Mental Health & Community Support: Limitless Sports and Wellbeing Academy is launching “Run the 5 Islands with Us,” a 122km challenge across Rarotonga, Mauke, Atiu, Mangaia and Aitutaki, aimed at boosting mental health conversations and reminding people they’re not alone. Women’s Fitness Through Culture: CC Tamure Fitness is helping Cook Islands women stay active by blending tamure dance with cardio workouts, creating a supportive, culturally grounded space for wellbeing. Suicide Prevention Focus: Te Marae Ora says suicide prevention stays a year-round priority, urging people to ask for help, with Cook Islands Police reporting seven suicide-related callouts since 2025 and five recorded deaths to date. Health & Safety Services on Penrhyn: NZDF personnel completed repairs and upgrades at Omoka and Te Tautua Schools and the local hospital on Penrhyn, including plumbing/electrical work and dental care for more than 75 patients. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Cook Islands communities are weighing deep-sea mining prospects, with young voices raising concerns about environmental and cultural risks alongside potential economic gains.

Deep-Sea Mining & Health Risks: Cook Islands youth are speaking out as the deep-sea mining debate intensifies, with concerns about protecting marine life and cultural ties while weighing possible economic gains from polymetallic nodules. Mental Health Support: Limitless Sports and Wellbeing Academy is launching “Run the 5 Islands with Us” to raise mental health awareness across Rarotonga, Mauke, Atiu, Mangaia and Aitutaki, aiming to spark community conversations and connection. Suicide Prevention: Te Marae Ora says suicide prevention stays a year-round priority, urging people to ask for help; Cook Islands Police report seven suicide-related callouts since 2025 and five deaths to date. Women’s Wellness Through Culture: CC Tamure Fitness is helping women stay active through traditional tamure dance plus cardio, creating a supportive, culturally grounded space for healthier routines. Pacific Ocean Conservation Funding: Bezos Earth Fund announced $25+ million in new grants for ocean protection across the Cook Islands and other Pacific nations, targeting long-term marine management. Disaster Readiness at Penrhyn: NZDF milestones on Penrhyn include upgrades to the local hospital, water tanks and school repairs, with a dental team seeing 75+ patients.

Mental Health & Community: Limitless Sports and Wellbeing Academy is launching “Limitless Run the 5 Islands with Us,” a 122km challenge across Rarotonga, Mauke, Atiu, Mangaia and Aitutaki, aimed at sparking open conversations about mental health and reminding people they’re not alone. Suicide Prevention: Te Marae Ora says suicide prevention stays a year-round priority, urging people to “ask for help” after Cook Islands Police reported seven suicide-related callouts since 2025 and five recorded deaths to date. Ocean & Health Risks: A Cook Islands youth voice is pushing back on deep-sea mining, warning that the country’s future depends on protecting the ocean that communities rely on. Climate Funding for the Pacific: Bezos Earth Fund grants over $25m are supporting ocean protection across the Cook Islands and other Pacific nations, part of a wider push to safeguard at least 30% of ocean by 2030. Plastic Pollution Action: Te Ipukarea Society convened Pa Enua and sector leaders to tackle plastic pollution, focusing on implementation, waste-management limits and reducing single-use plastics. Life Expectancy Watch: New analysis highlights uneven Pacific progress, with Naoero falling furthest behind while Cook Islands is noted as leading in the region.

Suicide prevention: Te Marae Ora (TMO) says September’s focus is ending, but support must stay year-round, pointing to 7 suicide-related callouts since 2025 and 5 recorded deaths so far, with risk often linked to a mix of stressors like mental health, alcohol/substance use, isolation, and relationship or financial pressures. Breast cancer screening: TMO’s 2026 mammogram programme (with the Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation and NSW BreastScreen Australia) screened 398 women across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, flagging 52 needing repeat mammograms, 39 ultrasounds, and 7 biopsies—highlighting the value of early detection. Deep-sea mining debate: A Rarotonga youth voice is pushing for careful consideration of polymetallic nodule mining in the EEZ, weighing potential economic gains against cultural identity and environmental stewardship. Pacific life expectancy: New analysis shows Pacific life expectancy rose to 68.8 years since 1960, but progress is uneven, with Naoero falling furthest behind while Cook Islands now leads the region. Plastic pollution action: Te Ipukarea Society convened government, private sector and community groups to tackle plastic pollution through a coordinated National Action Plan and practical waste-management solutions.

Breast Health in Focus: Te Marae Ora’s 2026 mammogram screening (with the Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation and BreastScreen Australia) screened 398 women across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, with 52 needing repeat mammograms, 39 ultrasounds and 7 biopsies—highlighting the value of early detection and follow-up. Pacific Life Expectancy Watch: A new analysis says average life expectancy across Pacific Island countries rose to 68.8 years since 1960, but progress is slower than elsewhere; it flags Naoero’s sharp decline to the lowest in 2023 and notes Cook Islands’ rise to the highest in the region. Local Health Access & Choice: A letter urges the Cook Islands to commission a feasibility study for a small national crematorium on Rarotonga, arguing some families already pay to send loved ones to New Zealand for cremation. Community & Environment: Te Ipukarea Society brought Pa Enua and stakeholders together to tackle plastic pollution, focusing on practical steps, waste-management constraints and reducing single-use plastics. Health & Safety Governance: The Cook Islands Police Service honoured former Commissioner Tevai Vaka Matapo, remembered for community service despite failing health.

Breast Health Update: The Te Marae Ora mammogram programme (with the Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation and NSW BreastScreen Australia) screened 398 women on Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, and flagged follow-up needs—52 for repeat mammograms, 39 for ultrasound, and seven for biopsies—highlighting why regular screening matters for early detection. Pacific Health Watch: A new Devpolicy Blog analysis says average life expectancy across the Pacific has risen to 68.8 years since 1960, but progress is uneven, with Naoero falling farthest behind and several countries slipping below regional averages. Local Health Policy (Cremation): A letter urges the Cook Islands to commission a feasibility study for a small national crematorium on Rarotonga, arguing families already travel to New Zealand for cremation and should have a local choice. Community & Environment: Te Ipukarea Society brought Pa Enua and stakeholders together to push practical, coordinated solutions to plastic pollution, including better implementation of legislation and waste-management support. Health System & Compliance: A Tenancy Tribunal case found NZ renters TV star Prudence Morrall’s property management company breached rules across 20 tenancies, including Healthy Homes and insulation compliance gaps.

Breast Cancer Care: Te Marae Ora’s 2026 mammogram programme screened 398 women on Rarotonga and flagged follow-up needs—52 for repeat mammograms, 39 for ultrasound, and additional biopsies—highlighting the value of early detection and specialist support. Non-Communicable Disease Focus: A WHO visit to Rarotonga Hospital spotlighted NCD risk and safe care, citing Cook Islands STEPwise results: 44.3% hypertension, 49.8% current alcohol use, 34.5% smoking, and only 22.6% meeting physical activity guidance. Pa Enua Resilience & Health Access: NZDF Exercise Tropic Twilight is supporting Penrhyn/Tongareva with repairs to school and hospital facilities, water storage improvements, and dental work—aimed at keeping essential services running in remote conditions. Plastic Pollution Action: Te Ipukarea Society convened Pa Enua and sector stakeholders to push practical, coordinated steps to cut single-use plastics and strengthen the National Action Plan for Plastics. Pacific Health Trends: New analysis shows Pacific life expectancy rising to 68.8 years, with Cook Islands now highest in the region—while some countries’ gains have stalled. Community Safety & Infrastructure: Commentary on Tongareva’s wharf and El Niño warnings ties transport and water security to health outcomes for outer islands.

Breast Cancer Care: Te Marae Ora’s 2026 mammogram programme has screened 398 women across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, flagging 52 needing repeat mammograms, 39 for ultrasound and 7 for biopsies—highlighting the push for early detection and specialist follow-up. NCD Safe Care: WHO met Te Marae Ora’s Dr Koko Lwin to focus on safer treatment for non-communicable diseases; Cook Islands data shows high rates of hypertension (44.3%), alcohol use (49.8%), smoking (34.5%) and low physical activity (22.6%). Pa Enua Resilience & Health Access: NZDF personnel are supporting Penrhyn/Tongareva with repairs to school and hospital facilities, water storage and lagoon surveying, plus dental work—aimed at keeping essential services running during tough conditions. Plastic Pollution Action: Te Ipukarea Society convened Pa Enua and sector stakeholders to tackle plastic pollution with practical, coordinated steps, including waste-management constraints and reducing single-use plastics. Health System Context: Pacific life expectancy gains are uneven; Cook Islands stands out as the highest in the region, while others have slipped—an important reminder that progress isn’t automatic. Housing Compliance: A tenancy tribunal ordered a NZ renters TV star’s property management company to pay $5,877 after breaches across 20 tenancies, including missing Healthy Homes compliance statements and maintenance failures affecting tenants.

NCD Care Focus: The Cook Islands Ministry of Health and WHO highlighted “safe care” for non-communicable diseases, pointing to high rates of hypertension (44.3%), smoking (34.5%), alcohol use (49.8%) and low physical activity (22.6%) from 2022 STEPS data, as part of World Patient Safety Day. Breast Screening Follow-up: Te Marae Ora’s 2026 mammogram programme screened 398 women across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, with 52 needing repeat mammograms, 39 ultrasounds and some progressing to biopsy for early breast cancer detection. Pacific Life Expectancy Shifts: A new regional analysis says Pacific life expectancy rose to 68.8 years from 52.7 in 1960, but progress is uneven—Cook Islands has moved to the highest in the Pacific while Naoero’s gains are described as modest. Pa Enua Resilience & Water Security: Commentary ahead of El Niño warns Pa Enua communities may face drought and heavier rain impacts, stressing wharfs, runways and especially water storage for health and daily survival. Tongareva Infrastructure Support: NZDF personnel are working with the Penrhyn/Tongareva community on repairs and services including school and hospital upgrades, water storage improvements and dental support. HIV Response Update (Fiji): Fiji’s HIV surge response is under the spotlight, with UNAIDS/WHO noting low testing awareness and treatment access, while partners push testing, early diagnosis, treatment and stigma reduction. Public Health Threats from Climate: A New Zealand report warns Auckland’s warming and wetter conditions could help mosquitoes spread malaria and dengue in future. Community & Youth Wellbeing: Rising Stars Rippa Rugby wrapped up with strong youth participation across schools, reinforcing healthy activity and community connection.

Breast Cancer Care: The Cook Islands mammogram programme Te Marae Ora (with the Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation and NSW BreastScreen Australia) screened 398 women on Rarotonga and flagged follow-up needs—52 for repeat mammograms, 39 for ultrasound, and 7 for biopsies—highlighting the push for earlier detection across the Pa Enua. NCD Safe Care: WHO met Te Marae Ora’s Chief Medical Officer to focus on safer treatment for non-communicable diseases, citing Cook Islands risk data from STEPS 2022 (notably hypertension at 44.3%, alcohol use at 49.8%, smoking at 34.5%, and low physical activity at 22.6%). HIV Response: Fiji’s HIV emergency remains a major concern, with UNAIDS estimating 9,100 people living with HIV in 2025 and low testing and treatment uptake; WHO points to proven actions like testing, early diagnosis, treatment access, needle-syringe programmes, and tackling stigma. Climate & Health Risk: A report warns Auckland’s warming, wetter conditions could help mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue “thrive,” raising public health stakes as extreme weather increases. Community Resilience: NZDF crews are supporting Penrhyn/Tongareva with practical health and infrastructure work—repairs to school and hospital facilities, water storage improvements, and dental treatments—aimed at strengthening local resilience.

Plastic Pollution Solutions: Te Ipukarea Society brought 30+ stakeholders together in Rarotonga to tackle single-use plastics, waste-management gaps, and the National Action Plan for Plastics, with partners including NES and Infrastructure Cook Islands. El Niño & Water Security: A Cook Islands News columnist argues Pa Enua communities must prioritise what they can’t live without as El Niño intensifies—especially reliable water—given past drought impacts and limited shipping and resources. Breast Screening Follow-up: Te Marae Ora’s mammogram programme screened 398 women (including Pa Enua travel support) and flagged 52 needing repeat mammograms, 39 ultrasounds, and additional biopsies—highlighting the value of regular early detection. Safe Care for NCDs: WHO met Cook Islands’ TMO CMO to spotlight safe, quality ongoing care for chronic conditions; local data shows high rates of hypertension, alcohol use, smoking, and low physical activity. Tongareva Wharf Funding: Cook Islands’ PM announced an intended NZ$101.5m funding package for a safe, reliable wharf at Penrhyn/Tongareva with US and New Zealand partners, to strengthen northern connectivity. Penrhyn Military Claims Denied: The US ambassador says Washington is not discussing a military base at Penrhyn, framing security talks around illegal fisheries and narco-terrorism. Youth Sports: Rising Stars Rippa Rugby wrapped up with strong school participation across grades, including standout results for Apii Nikao. HIV Response in the Region: Fiji declared HIV a national emergency after a sharp rise; WHO highlights expanded free testing, prevention (including PrEP), harm reduction, and treatment access.

Flight Costs & Access: Stats NZ says international airfares rose 21.5% year-on-year to August, driven by higher jet fuel and aviation system costs, though travel demand stays resilient. Breast Cancer Follow-up: Te Marae Ora’s mammogram programme screened 398 women in July–August and flagged 52 needing repeat mammograms, 39 ultrasounds, and 7 biopsies—highlighting the value of early detection. NCD Safe Care: WHO met Cook Islands’ Te Marae Ora leadership on strengthening safe care for non-communicable diseases, citing high local risk factors like hypertension, smoking, alcohol use, and low physical activity. Penrhyn/Tongareva Wharf: A major wharf funding intention (about NZ$101.5m) for Tongareva is being planned with the US and New Zealand, with feasibility and technical work ahead. HIV Response in the Region: Fiji declared HIV a national emergency after sharp rises, with WHO backing expanded free testing, prevention and treatment, including PrEP and harm reduction. Youth Sport: Rising Stars Rugby wrapped with strong school participation and standout results including Apii Nikao in U13 girls.

Breast Cancer Screening: Te Marae Ora’s 2026 mammogram programme (with the Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation and NSW BreastScreen Australia) screened 398 women and flagged 52 needing repeat mammograms, 39 for ultrasound and 7 for biopsies—highlighting the value of regular early detection. NCDs & Safe Care: WHO met Te Marae Ora’s CMO to focus on safe care for non-communicable diseases; Cook Islands data from STEPS 2022 points to high hypertension (44.3%), alcohol use (49.8%), smoking (34.5%) and low physical activity (22.6%). HIV Response in the Region: Fiji declared HIV a national emergency after a sharp rise in new infections; WHO says it will keep supporting expanded free testing, prevention and treatment, including PrEP and harm reduction. Penrhyn/Tongareva Wharf Debate: The US ambassador says Washington is not discussing a military base at Penrhyn/Tongareva, while a separate report notes NZDF crews are already working on local infrastructure during Exercise Tropic Twilight. Pacific Health & Climate Risk: A report warns Auckland’s warming climate could allow mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue to spread—an urgent reminder for Pacific health planning. Community & Youth: Rising Stars Rippa Rugby wrapped up with strong school participation, including Apii Nikao’s U13 girls win.