AGP Executive Report

Pacific Islands Forum Diplomacy: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says his government will stick to science and caution on seabed mining, warning that stronger environmental rules could trigger costly investor legal action under investor-state dispute rules. Port Tech & Infrastructure: The US and New Zealand are funding a major Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade—over NZ$100 million total—with the US contributing about NZ$84m and NZ about NZ$17.5m, aiming to boost connectivity for the northern Cook Islands. Geopolitics at the Seafloor: A separate US-led plan would develop a deep-sea port on Penrhyn’s former WWII military base, with NZ managing the build; the move is framed as strategic amid rising Pacific power competition. Health Tech & Community: Cook Islands women are pushing to break the silence on menopause, citing limited local support and a need for more culturally open health conversations. Research & Nuclear Skills: The UH Cancer Center’s Body Composition Shared Resource Laboratory has been designated an IAEA Collaborating Centre, supporting standardized body-composition assessment methods and training through 2030. Citizen Science for Reefs: Students in Mauke and Atiu completed early pilots of a marine citizen science programme that blends traditional knowledge with reef monitoring tools like photogrammetry. Regional Leadership: Pamela Maru becomes the first Cook Islander appointed to an executive role at the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, starting as Deputy Director-General in January 2027.

Menopause Awareness Push: Cook Islands women, led by Te Marū o te Vaine, are breaking the silence on menopause after a Rarotonga event on 14 August highlighted cultural taboo and limited local support. Cancer Research & Health Tech: The University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center’s Body Composition Shared Resource Laboratory has been designated an IAEA Collaborating Centre, aiming to standardize nuclear and radiological body composition assessments (including DXA and deuterium methods) through work plans running to 2030. Reef Monitoring, With Culture: Students on Mauke and Atiu completed the first field pilots of a citizen science programme that blends traditional ecological knowledge with practical reef monitoring tools like photogrammetry. Deep-Sea Science vs Mining: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is running a 29-day expedition near American Samoa with robot dives and live telepresence, as a lease auction for potential commercial mining is set for 19 November 2026. Regional Leadership & Delivery: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says Pacific leaders must shift from promises to deliverables as security, climate and ocean issues take centre stage. Marine Careers: Pamela Maru will become the first Cook Islander appointed to an executive role at the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, starting January 2027.

IAEA & Health Research: The University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center’s Body Composition Shared Resource Laboratory has been named an IAEA Collaborating Centre, with a work plan through 2030 to standardize nuclear and radiological body composition testing and train IAEA Member States. Reef Science & Citizen Data: Students on Mauke and Atiu completed the first field pilots of a culture-led marine citizen science programme, mixing traditional knowledge with monitoring tools like photogrammetry to track reef health. Pacific Security & Ocean Resources: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says Pacific leaders must shift from promises to deliverables as major powers compete for influence and access to ocean minerals at upcoming regional meetings. Deep-Sea Mapping & Policy Tension: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is running ROV dives near American Samoa to map deep habitats and assess critical minerals, while a lease auction is set for November—raising concerns about when public data will reach decision-makers. Fisheries Science: Cook Islands representatives joined the WCPFC Scientific Committee session in Apia, contributing tuna and bycatch science inputs that feed into regional management decisions. Regional Leadership: Pamela Maru has resigned as Cook Islands Marine Resources head to become Deputy Director-General at the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency in January 2027. Governance Appointments: Three Permanent Secretaries were sworn in to lead key ministries, including Finance and Treasury and Police, National Security and Correctional Services.

Marine Citizen Science: Mauke and Atiu students and community members have completed the first field pilots of the Te Reinga Aorangi Marine Citizen Science Programme, pairing traditional knowledge with hands-on reef monitoring tools like photogrammetry to track biodiversity and reef health. Regional Security & Resources: Pacific leaders head to Palau for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, with the big question being whether island nations can keep a common voice as China, the US and partners compete over security and ocean resources. Deep-Sea Mining Scrutiny: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is mapping deep waters near American Samoa with live-streamed robot dives, even as a lease auction for potential mining is set for November—raising concerns about when public data reaches decision-makers. Cook Islands Fisheries Leadership: Pamela Maru will leave Cook Islands Marine Resources in December to become Deputy Director-General at the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency in January 2027, after representing the Cook Islands at WCPFC science talks. Governance Appointments: Three Permanent Secretaries were sworn in to key ministries, including Finance and Treasury, Police/National Security, and Culture and Tourism. Pacific Climate Action Push: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says the Pacific needs deliverables, not more promises, as leaders meet on security, climate and economic challenges.

Marine Science & Culture: Mauke and Atiu students and community members have finished the first field pilots of the Te Reinga Aorangi Marine Citizen Science Programme, pairing traditional knowledge with hands-on reef monitoring tools like photogrammetry to track biodiversity and support ocean stewardship. Regional Security & Resources: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says Pacific leaders must shift from promises to deliverables as Realm talks in Auckland feed into wider debates over security, climate resilience, and control of ocean resources. Deep-Sea Data vs Mining Politics: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is running ROV dives near American Samoa with live telepresence, but critics warn a major gap remains between what scientists collect and what the public can access before commercial mining decisions. Fisheries Leadership: Pamela Maru will leave her Cook Islands Marine Resources role in December to become Deputy Director-General at the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency in January 2027. Ocean Governance Research: ISA–China joint training has opened a call for deep-sea data research proposals, including work involving Cook Islands seabed minerals science partners. Government Appointments: Three Permanent Secretaries were sworn in to lead key ministries, including Finance and Treasury and Police, National Security and Correctional Services.

Marine Science & Culture: Mauke and Atiu students (Years 7–11) have completed the first field pilots of the Te Reinga Aorangi Marine Citizen Science Programme, using culture-based education and tools like photogrammetry to monitor reef health and biodiversity while pairing scientific methods with traditional ecological knowledge. Regional Security & Resources: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says Pacific leaders must shift from pledges to deliverables as Realm talks in Auckland feed into wider pressure over security, climate and ocean resources ahead of the Palau summit. Deep-Sea Governance: The Cook Islands’ Seabed Minerals Authority is set to host a US scientist attachment, drawing criticism from a local environmental group over potential conflicts with Washington’s commercial push for critical ocean minerals. Fisheries Leadership: Pamela Maru will resign as Cook Islands Marine Resources head in December to become Deputy Director-General at the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency in January 2027. Ocean Data to Policy Gap: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is mapping deep waters near American Samoa with ROV dives and telepresence, but a lease auction for mining is scheduled before dive data reaches the public archive. Public Sector Tech/Operations: Cook Islands-linked regional governance updates include the swearing-in of new Permanent Secretaries in key ministries, including Finance and Treasury and Police/National Security.

Cook Islands Governance: Mark Brown is set to return as Prime Minister after the 2026 election, with the Cook Islands Party winning 13 of 24 seats and gaining a stronger 19-seat parliamentary caucus through support from six independents. Marine Science & Policy: Cook Islands researchers and partners are involved in ISA–China deep-sea data work, including biodiversity analysis tied to the ISA DeepData database. Fisheries Tech & Data: Cook Islands representatives attended the Pacific Tuna Commission science session in Apia, covering tuna stock assessments, bycatch management, and electronic monitoring. Ocean Exploration: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is running ROV dives near American Samoa and the Cook Islands region, with live telepresence for public guidance—while a mining lease auction looms before dive data is released. Traditional Knowledge & Marine Planning: Workshops in Rarotonga and Mangaia explored how Traditional Knowledge can shape marine spatial planning alongside government and scientific tools. Regional Security & Delivery: Brown urged Pacific leaders to shift from pledges to deliverables on climate resilience, cooperation, and security at the Realm leaders’ meeting in Auckland.

Deep-sea science vs mining politics: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer left Rarotonga for a 29-day mission near American Samoa, using remotely operated dives and telepresence so the public can watch live—while a commercial lease auction is set for Nov 19, 2026, raising concerns about how fast data reaches decision-makers. Regional leadership push: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown told Realm leaders in Auckland that the Pacific needs deliverables, not more promises, linking security to climate resilience and regional cooperation. Cook Islands governance update: Mark Brown is set to return as Prime Minister after the 2026 election, with the Cook Islands Party winning 13 seats and support from six independents. Marine tech and policy capacity: Cook Islands Marine Resources staff attended the Pacific Tuna Commission science session in Apia, covering tuna stocks, bycatch, observer work and electronic monitoring. Traditional knowledge in marine planning: Workshops in Rarotonga and Mangaia explored how Traditional Knowledge can guide Marine Spatial Planning alongside legislation and research. Regional fisheries leadership: Pamela Maru resigned as Marine Resources head to become Deputy Director-General at the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency in Jan 2027. Ocean minerals research ties: ISA–China joint training opened new deep-sea data research proposals, including work with the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority on biodiversity assessments.

Pacific Security & Climate Action: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown told Realm leaders in Auckland that the Pacific needs deliverables, not more strategy—pushing climate resilience, regional cooperation, and stronger Pacific control over decisions. Cook Islands Politics: Mark Brown is set to return with a rare parliamentary majority after the 2026 election, boosted by six independent MPs joining the Cook Islands Party. Ocean Tech & Open Data Tension: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is running ROV dives and telepresence mapping near American Samoa, but a planned lease auction in November could let mining decisions happen before dive data is publicly archived. Deep-Sea Research Collaboration: The ISA–China Joint Training Center opened calls for deep-sea data research, including a Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority-led biodiversity workstream. Fisheries Science: Cook Islands representatives attended the WCPFC Scientific Committee session in Apia, focusing on tuna stock assessments and monitoring tech like electronic monitoring. Marine Governance & Traditional Knowledge: Workshops in Rarotonga and Mangaia explored how Traditional Knowledge can guide marine spatial planning alongside science and law. Regional Leadership in Fisheries: Pamela Maru resigned as Marine Resources head to become Deputy Director-General at the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency in January 2027. Diplomacy & Ocean Science: US Ambassador Jared Novelly met Brown to discuss ocean science, maritime security, and practical ways to deepen US–Cook Islands cooperation.

Regional Politics: Mark Brown is set to return as Cook Islands Prime Minister after the 2026 election, with the Cook Islands Party winning 13 of 24 seats and a potential 19-seat majority boosted by six independents. Ocean Science & Governance: The U.S. NOAA Ocean Exploration mission aboard Okeanos Explorer has begun a 29-day deep-sea mapping and ROV dive program near American Samoa and the Cook Islands, with scientists aiming to build baselines for deep-sea habitats and critical minerals—while a November 19 lease auction looms before data becomes public. Fisheries Leadership: Pamela Maru, Cook Islands Marine Resources Secretary, has been appointed as the first Cook Islander to an executive role at the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, resigning in December to start as Deputy Director-General in January 2027. Marine Protection & Knowledge: Cook Islands workshops are exploring how Traditional Knowledge can shape Marine Spatial Planning, with discussions on whether TK should lead alongside science and law. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: A local environmental group criticises an upcoming U.S. scientist attachment to the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority, raising concerns about Washington’s commercial push for ocean minerals. Wayfinding Culture: Hawaiian Pwo navigator Archie Kalepa was inducted, highlighting continued Polynesian navigation leadership without modern instruments.

Deep-Sea Science & Policy: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer has left Rarotonga for a 29-day mission mapping deep waters near American Samoa, using ROV dives and telepresence so the public can watch live—while a November 19, 2026 lease auction looms before dive data is publicly archived. Seabed Mining Tensions: A local environmental group is questioning an upcoming U.S. scientist attachment to the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority, amid concerns about Washington’s commercial push for critical ocean minerals. Regional Fisheries Tech: Cook Islands representatives joined the Pacific Tuna Commission science committee in Apia, covering tuna stock assessments, bycatch management, and electronic monitoring—key inputs for sustainable management. Marine Planning with Traditional Knowledge: Cook Islands workshops in Rarotonga and Mangaia are exploring how Traditional Knowledge can guide marine spatial planning, including whether it should lead while science and law support. Regional Leadership Moves: Pamela Maru resigns as Marine Resources head to become Deputy Director-General at the FFA in January 2027, and three Permanent Secretaries were sworn in to lead major ministries. Diplomacy & Ocean Cooperation: The U.S. ambassador met Cook Islands PM Mark Brown to discuss ocean science and maritime security, signaling closer practical cooperation.

Deep-Sea Mining Race: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer has just wrapped a 26-day mapping mission in the Cook Islands’ EEZ, running 14 ROV dives, collecting 400+ samples and finding 23+ biological specimens that may be new to science—at a moment when the US is pushing ahead with deep-sea mineral ambitions. Governance & Public Access: A separate NOAA report highlights the policy gap: live dive streams are public, but key data may not land in public archives until after major leasing decisions. Regional Pressure on Costs: Pacific MPs are split over a proposed 4% council rates cap, with Labour open to caps but warning councils still need funding for roads, pipes, rubbish and community services. Marine Protection Pathways: A push for “Blue Corridors” argues that protecting connected migration routes across borders matters more than isolated marine parks. Local Leadership Moves: Three Permanent Secretaries were sworn in to key ministries, including Finance and Treasury, Police/National Security, and Culture and Tourism. Deep-Sea Data Collaboration: ISA–China training opened a new track for deep-sea biodiversity data analysis, including work involving Cook Islands seabed mineral research.

Council Rates Debate: Pacific opposition MPs are split over the Government’s proposed four per cent cap on annual council rates rises, with Labour open to caps but warning councils still need funding for roads, pipes, rubbish collection and community services, while the Greens fear the cap could squeeze basic services amid ongoing cost-of-living pressure. Deep-Sea Research vs Mining Pressure: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer has been mapping and exploring deep waters around the Pacific, including a 26-day Cook Islands expedition that completed 14 remotely operated vehicle dives, gathered 400+ samples, and collected 23+ biological specimens that may be new to science—raising fresh questions as deep-sea mineral interest and governance timelines lag behind public access to data. Regional Ocean Protection Push: Pacific leaders are gearing up for upcoming diplomacy (including the Pacific Islands Forum), with advocates urging connected marine protection “Blue Corridors” that safeguard migratory pathways across borders and the high seas. Government Appointments: Three Permanent Secretaries were sworn in to key Cook Islands ministries—Finance and Treasury, Police/National Security/Corrections, and Culture and Tourism—tasked with delivering national priorities and strengthening fiscal discipline and transparency. Cook Islands at Tuna Science Talks: Cook Islands representatives attended the WCPFC Scientific Committee session in Apia, feeding local and regional fisheries science into decisions ahead of December negotiations. SBMA Deep-Sea Data Collaboration: An ISA–China joint training centre opened, inviting research proposals, including work involving Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority researchers on deep-sea biodiversity data analysis. Marine Planning with Traditional Knowledge: Workshops in Rarotonga and Mangaia explored how Traditional Knowledge can shape Marine Spatial Planning, with discussion on whether TK should guide marine management alongside legislation and scientific research.

Deep-Sea Research vs Mining Access: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer completed a 26-day ROV mission in the Cook Islands’ western EEZ, logging 14 dives, 400+ samples, and new biological finds—while US deep-sea mineral ambitions raise questions about how quickly seabed data will reach the public and inform decisions. Ocean Protection Diplomacy: Pacific leaders are lining up for major climate and ocean talks (Palau, then Fiji/Tuvalu ahead of COP31), with “Blue Corridors” pushing connected marine protection across borders and the high seas. Local Governance Appointments: Three Permanent Secretaries were sworn in to key ministries, including Finance and Treasury, Police/National Security, and Culture and Tourism—moves expected to shape policy delivery and accountability. Fisheries Science in the Region: Cook Islands representatives attended WCPFC/Pacific Tuna Commission science talks in Apia, feeding local and regional data into tuna management work. Marine Knowledge Planning: Workshops in Rarotonga and Mangaia explored how Traditional Knowledge can guide Marine Spatial Planning alongside legislation and science. SBMA US Attachment Backlash: A US scientist placement at the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority has sparked criticism from a local environmental group over potential conflicts with mineral interests. Leadership Change in Marine Resources: Pamela Maru resigned as Marine Resources head, effective Dec 11, 2026, to take a senior fisheries role with the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency.

Government Appointments: Acting Governor-General Sir Albert Rocky Palmer has sworn in three new Permanent Secretaries—David Teika Dennis to Finance and Treasury, Trevor Unusu to Police, National Security and Correctional Services, and Bunyan Sivoro reappointed to Culture and Tourism—urging strong leadership, public service values, and delivery on national priorities. Deep-Sea Research: NOAA’s 26-day Okeanos Explorer expedition in the Cook Islands EEZ used remotely operated dives to map seamounts and plains, collect 400+ samples, and confirm “vast, rich” polymetallic nodule fields, adding new marine life specimens and a baseline for future ocean decisions. Ocean Governance & Data: The ISA–China Joint Training Center is inviting research proposals focused on deep-sea biological data analysis and management, including work tied to the Cook Islands’ Seabed Minerals Authority and biodiversity assessment efforts. Marine Policy & Culture: Workshops in Rarotonga and Mangaia explored how Traditional Knowledge can shape Marine Spatial Planning, with discussion on whether TK should guide marine management alongside legislation and science. Regional Fisheries Science: Cook Islands representatives attended WCPFC Scientific Committee talks in Apia, covering tuna stock assessments and fisheries technology, including electronic monitoring and bycatch management.

Deep-Sea Research Push: The ISA–China Joint Training Center is inviting mixed research consortia (including Cook Islands institutions) to propose work on deep-sea biological data analysis, species identification tools, and habitat model validation using ISA’s DeepData and other public taxonomic sources. Tuna Science in Action: Cook Islands representatives joined the WCPFC (Pacific Tuna Commission) Scientific Committee session in Apia, feeding local fisheries data into regional decisions on tuna stocks, bycatch, observer programmes, and electronic monitoring. Ocean Minerals Debate: A local environmental group is questioning an upcoming U.S. scientist attachment to the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority, citing concerns about Washington’s commercial interest in critical ocean minerals. Marine Leadership Change: Pamela Maru has resigned as Ministry of Marine Resources Secretary to become Deputy Director-General at the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency. Traditional Knowledge & Planning: Workshops in Rarotonga and Mangaia explored how Traditional Knowledge can shape Marine Spatial Planning, with discussion on whether TK should lead while science and law support it. NOAA Expedition Results: A 26-day ROV expedition with NOAA returned with new seabed mapping, biological samples, and findings pointing to rich polymetallic nodule fields in the Cook Islands EEZ. Diplomacy & Ocean Science: U.S. Ambassador Jared Novelly met PM Mark Brown to discuss closer cooperation, including ocean science and maritime security. Regional Security Tech: Tonga and New Zealand’s anti-drug surveillance push in Vavaʻu still leaves suspected packages unexplained, with Tonga Police yet to disclose what was in recovered items. Undersea Cable Risk: A new Congressional Research Service report says Russian submarines have surveyed undersea infrastructure around the UK, framed by officials as hybrid warfare.