AGP Executive Report

Masters Rugby League: Rarotonga is preparing to host the tournament again in 2027, with overseas teams, women’s competition and two international tests planned. Cook Islands Sport: Tennis Cook Islands president Davina Hosking-Ashford has joined a Pacific leadership programme focused on strengthening sports governance. The Cook Islands’ Rugby League World Cup squad includes Valentine Holmes, with the Aitu opening against Fiji on October 18; the Vaine Moana meet Tonga in Sydney on October 10 as both teams build toward the 2030 World Cup. Music: Rarotonga remembers rock musician Taupukea “Boogie” Pita, who died aged 63 and was celebrated for bringing music and laughter to generations. Football: The Cook Islands beat Tahiti 3–2 in Rarotonga, their first senior international win at home since 1998. Sailing: The 2026 Cook Islands National Sailing Championships will bring competitors together at Muri Lagoon.

Rugby League: The Cook Islands have named their World Cup squad, with Valentine Holmes set to debut for the Aitu. They open against Fiji on October 18, then face New Zealand and Australia. The Vaine Moana meet Tonga on October 10 in a senior international, keeping their 2030 World Cup pathway moving. Football: The Cook Islands beat Tahiti 3–2 in Rarotonga, their first senior international win at home since 1998. Benjamin Mata scored twice. Sailing: The 2026 Cook Islands National Sailing Championships will bring competitors together at Muri Lagoon. Music: Rarotonga is remembering rock musician Taupukea “Boogie” Pita, who has died aged 63. He was celebrated as an entertainer whose music and humour reached generations. Culture and Fitness: CC Tamure Fitness blends traditional dance with high-energy exercise, creating a space for women to stay active and connect with Cook Islands culture.

Rugby League World Cup: The Cook Islands have named their squad, with Valentine Holmes set to debut alongside co-captains KL Iro and Marata Niukore. The Aitu open against Fiji on October 18 before facing New Zealand and Australia. Women’s Rugby League: The Vaine Moana meet Tonga in Sydney on October 10, keeping international competition alive after both teams missed the 2026 World Cup. Football: The Cook Islands beat Tahiti 3-2 in their second friendly, earning their first senior home win since 1998. Benjamin Mata scored twice. Music: Rarotonga is remembering rock musician Taupukea “Boogie” Pita, who has died aged 63. He was celebrated for bringing music and laughter to generations. Culture and Fitness: CC Tamure Fitness blends traditional dance with exercise, offering women in the Cook Islands and abroad a way to stay active and connect with their culture.

Rugby League World Cup: Valentine Holmes is set to debut for the Cook Islands as the Aitu prepare to face Fiji on October 18, then New Zealand and Australia in Group A. The Vaine Moana will meet Tonga in Sydney on October 10, keeping their international campaign moving after missing out on the 2026 tournament. Music: Rarotonga is remembering rock musician Taupukea “Boogie” Pita, who has died aged 63. Friends and fans recall a much-loved entertainer whose music and humour touched generations. Dance & Wellbeing: CC Tamure Fitness is bringing women together through traditional dance and cardio, with regular classes and online programmes helping participants stay active and connected to Cook Islands culture.

Rugby League World Cup Focus: Valentine Holmes is set to debut for the Cook Islands as they chase an upset in Group A against Fiji, New Zealand and Australia, with the full squad now listed and Brendan Piakura ruled out due to concussion concerns. Women’s International: Cook Islands and Tonga women will still play for momentum with a standalone match in Sydney on Oct 10 after missing RLWC26 qualification, with both sides aiming to keep pathways alive toward 2030. Local Rugby Boost: The Cooks notched a historic 3-2 home win over Tahiti in a second friendly, with Benjamin Mata scoring twice under new coach Rhys Ruka. Community & Wellbeing: CISNOC is running safeguarding training in Rarotonga, while Te POM counsellors urge men to “reach out” and break mental health stigma. Arts & Culture: Rarotonga rock musician Taupukea “Boogie” Pita has died, remembered for music, laughter and community spirit. Sport for Health: CC Tamure Fitness is helping women get active through tamure dance, and Limitless Run the 5 Islands with Us is set to raise mental health awareness.

Women’s Rugby League: The Cook Islands Vaine Moana and Tonga women will meet in a stand-alone senior international in Sydney on Saturday, Oct 10 (4pm AEST) after both missed IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026 qualification, with the Moana aiming to keep momentum following their Fiji loss and Tonga’s Samoa defeat. World Cup squads (Cook Islands): The Cook Islands men’s World Cup campaign gets a major boost with Valentine Holmes set to debut, while Brendan Piakura is ruled out due to concussion issues; the Aitu open against Fiji (Oct 18, Newcastle) before games vs New Zealand (Christchurch) and Australia (Townsville). World Cup squads (wider Pacific): Fiji confirmed its squad with key exclusions including Viliame Kikau, and Tonga and Samoa also unveiled their lists as captaincy changes loom for Fiji after Kikau’s injury. Community sport & wellbeing: CISNOC is running safeguarding training in Rarotonga, and Te POM counsellors are urging men to seek mental health support—“reaching out… is brave.” Arts & culture: Rarotonga rock entertainer Taupukea “Boogie” Pita has died, remembered for music, laughter and community spirit.

Rugby League World Cup (Kiwis): Phoenix Crossland has been banned for four matches after a hip-drop tackle broke Nathan Cleary’s leg, ruling him out of the NRL grand final and the Kiwis’ pool games—leaving dummy-half duties to Kodi Nikorima, Te Maire Martin or Erin Clark as selections tighten. Rugby League World Cup (Cook Islands): The Kiwis’ squad shake-up comes as Fiji, Samoa and Tonga confirm their World Cup line-ups, with Fiji set to open against the Cook Islands on October 18. Local sport (Rugby league): The Gold Coast Kukis will play the Cook Islands Residents in exhibition matches during the Mantis-Hoff Series return to Rarotonga, giving local players a chance to test themselves against Queensland Cup-level opposition. Football (Friendlies): The Cook Islands secured a historic home win over Tahiti, bouncing back after an earlier loss to win 3-2, with Benjamin Mata scoring twice. Community wellbeing (Sport + culture): CISNOC is running safeguarding training in Rarotonga, while CC Tamure Fitness is keeping women moving through traditional dance-based workouts. Arts & entertainment: Rarotonga rock musician Taupukea “Boogie” Pita has died, remembered for music, laughter and community spirit. Film: Pasifika TV’s POP48 48-hour film challenge is underway, with five Cook Islands teams creating shorts around the theme “Culture.”

Rugby League World Cup squads (Men): Australia has named its final 23-man squad for the 2026 tournament, with coach Kevin Walters keeping fullback and halfback options open as selection questions loom. Cook Islands in the spotlight: Fiji’s 23-man World Cup squad is locked in, but the Bati face major setbacks including injuries to Viliame Kikau and Jahream Bula, plus the Fainu brothers ruled ineligible—Fiji opens against the Cook Islands on October 18 in Newcastle. Tournament guide: The Rugby League World Cup runs October 15 to November 15 across Australia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand, with 33 matches and group-stage matchups that include Australia vs New Zealand and Fiji vs Cook Islands. Local sport & community: Rarotonga hosts the Mantis-Hoff Series homecoming with Cook Islands Residents taking on the Gold Coast Kukis in exhibition matches. Sailing: The Rarotonga Sailing Club and Sailing Cook Islands announce the 2026 National Sailing Championships at Muri Lagoon. Arts & culture: Rarotonga rock entertainer Taupukea “Boogie” Pita has died, remembered for music, laughter and community spirit. Film: Five Cook Islands teams are inviting public votes for POP48, a 48-hour People of Pasifika film challenge themed around “Culture.”

Rugby League World Cup 2026: Australia coach Kevin Walters has named his 23-man Kangaroos squad, with plenty of debate still swirling around the fullback and halfback spots ahead of the tournament’s Oct 15-Nov 15 run across Australia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand. Team News: Walters hinted at his fullback choice after the NRL Grand Final, while England is set for a selection shock when its squad drops this week. Cook Islands in the Draw: The men’s World Cup schedule includes Cook Islands matches in Group A, with Fiji v Cook Islands on Oct 18 and New Zealand v Cook Islands on Oct 25. Local Rugby League: The Mantis-Hoff Series returns to Rarotonga with exhibition games as the Cook Islands Residents take on the Gold Coast Kukis (4:30pm Wed at Ngatangiia), giving local players a benchmark against Queensland Cup standard. Sport & Wellbeing: Cook Islands women are using traditional dance to stay active through CC Tamure Fitness, while Limitless Run the 5 Islands with Us is set to raise mental health awareness across Rarotonga, Mauke, Atiu, Mangaia and Aitutaki. Arts & Community: POP48 is calling for public votes for Cook Islands entries in a 48-hour People of Pasifika film challenge themed “Culture.” Music Loss: Rarotonga rock musician Taupukea “Boogie” Pita has died aged 63, remembered for bringing laughter, music and community spirit.

Rarotonga Sailing: Sailing Cook Islands has announced the 2026 Cook Islands National Sailing Championships, with the Rarotonga Sailing Club also electing a new executive focused on boosting participation across the islands. Local Music Loss: Rock entertainer Taupukea “Boogie” Pita has died at 63, remembered for bringing laughter, music and community spirit to Rarotonga. Women’s Health Through Culture: CC Tamure Fitness is helping Cook Islands women get active by blending tamure dance with cardio, building a supportive space that keeps culture and wellbeing moving together. Community Run for Mental Health: Limitless Sports and Wellbeing Academy is launching “Limitless Run the 5 Islands with Us,” a 122km challenge across Rarotonga, Mauke, Atiu, Mangaia and Aitutaki to raise awareness for mental health. Film & Creativity: POP48’s inaugural 48-hour People of Pasifika film challenge is calling for public voting on Cook Islands entries, made fast around the theme “Culture.” Sports Spotlight: Cook Islands Residents take on the Gold Coast Kukis in exhibition rugby league, while Tahiti edged the Cook Islands 3-1 in a men’s friendly.

Rarotonga Arts & Community: Beloved Cook Islands rock musician Taupukea “Boogie” Pita has died aged 63, remembered for bringing music, laughter and life to generations. Sailing: The Rarotonga Sailing Club has elected a new executive, with Sailing Cook Islands announcing the 2026 Cook Islands National Sailing Championships to boost participation and national honours. Sports (Youth): Pacific Island teams are finalising for the Summer Youth Olympics in Dakar, with the Cook Islands set to send 13 athletes across three sports, including a historic beach handball team. Fitness & Culture: CC Tamure Fitness is helping Cook Islands women get healthier through tamure dance-based workouts, blending community support with cultural connection. Mental Health Through Sport: Limitless Run the 5 Islands with Us will link Rarotonga, Mauke, Atiu, Mangaia and Aitutaki over 122km to raise awareness for mental health and wellbeing. Film: Five Cook Islands teams are inviting the public to watch and vote for entries in POP48, a 48-hour People of Pasifika film challenge themed “Culture.” Football: Tahiti opened with a 3-1 win over the Cook Islands in an international men’s friendly. Rugby League: Phoenix Crossland has been banned for the NRL grand final and three World Cup pool games after a hip-drop tackle on Nathan Cleary.

Rugby League & Local Sport: Cook Islands Residents take on the Gold Coast Kukis in an exhibition double-header tied to the Mantis-Hoff Series returning to Rarotonga, with kick-off at 4.30pm at Ngatangiia and a second match on Saturday. Women’s Dance Fitness: CC Tamure Fitness is keeping Cook Islands women moving through traditional tamure—blending culture and cardio in weekly in-person classes plus online sessions. Mental Health Through Running: Limitless Sports and Wellbeing Academy is launching “Limitless Run the 5 Islands with Us,” a 122km multi-island challenge across Rarotonga, Mauke, Atiu, Mangaia and Aitutaki to spark mental health conversations. Youth Olympics Spotlight: Pacific teams are finalising for the Summer Youth Olympics in Dakar, with the Cook Islands set to send 13 athletes across three sports, including a historic first for the Cook Islands beach handball team. Film & Community Creativity: Five Cook Islands teams are inviting the public to watch and vote for entries in the POP48 48-Hour Film Challenge, built around the theme “Culture.” Pacific Media & Climate Loss: Pacific editors have adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, calling for better access to climate loss and damage information and stronger government accountability.

Rugby League & World Cup: New Zealand hooker Phoenix Crossland has been banned for four matches after a hip-drop tackle broke Nathan Cleary’s leg, ruling him out of the NRL grand final and three Kiwis Rugby League World Cup pool games—while the Cook Islands face the Kiwis in Christchurch on Oct 25. Local Rugby League: The Cook Islands Residents take on the Gold Coast Kukis in a pair of exhibition matches as the Mantis-Hoff Series returns to Rarotonga, with games at Ngatangiia on Wed (4.30pm) and Sat (3pm). Women’s Health Through Culture: CC Tamure Fitness is helping Cook Islands women get active through traditional tamure dance fused with cardio, turning exercise into a supportive cultural space. Mental Health Run: Limitless Sports and Wellbeing Academy is launching “Limitless Run the 5 Islands with Us,” a 122km challenge across Rarotonga, Mauke, Atiu, Mangaia and Aitutaki to spark mental health conversations. Youth Olympics: Pacific teams are finalising for the Summer Youth Olympics in Dakar, with the Cook Islands set to send 13 athletes across three sports, including a historic beach handball team. Film & Community: Five Cook Islands teams are inviting the public to watch and vote for their entries in the POP48 48-hour film challenge themed “Culture.” Arts & Media: Pacific media leaders adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, demanding better access to climate loss and damage information. Sports & Culture in Motion: Tahiti beat the Cook Islands 3-1 in an international men’s friendly, while Cook Islands football talent continues to build momentum.

Rugby League (Local): The Cook Islands Residents face the Gold Coast Kukis in an exhibition match on Wednesday (4.30pm at Ngatangiia), with a return game Saturday (3pm). The Mantis-Hoff Series is back on island soil after Melbourne and NSW withdrew, giving local players a chance to gauge the Queensland Cup standard. Youth Sport (Cook Islands): Pacific teams are finalising for the Summer Youth Olympics in Dakar (31 Oct–13 Nov), with the Cook Islands set to send 13 athletes across three sports—highlighted by a historic first for the Cook Islands beach handball team. Dance & Fitness: CC Tamure Fitness is helping Cook Islands women get healthier through traditional tamure—turning dance into weekly classes and online sessions that also build community and confidence. Community Wellbeing (Sport): Limitless Sports and Wellbeing Academy’s “Run the 5 Islands with Us” will link Rarotonga, Mauke, Atiu, Mangaia and Aitutaki over 122km to raise mental health awareness. Arts & Media: Five Cook Islands teams are inviting the public to watch and vote for their entries in POP48, a 48-hour People of Pasifika film challenge built around the theme “Culture.” Climate & Journalism: Pacific media leaders adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, calling for better access to loss-and-damage information and stronger accountability from governments.

Rugby Spotlight: NZ Rugby’s $35m “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” return from South Africa is drawing huge audiences (380,000 tickets in SA, 2.1m Kiwis watching on Sky/Three) and could lock in future tours, including a likely 2030 reciprocal trip. Youth Sport: Pacific teams are finalising for the Summer Youth Olympics in Dakar (31 Oct–13 Nov), with the Cook Islands confirming 13 athletes across three sports and making history as the first Cook Islands beach handball team at the Games. Community Fitness: CC Tamure Fitness is using traditional tamure dance as cardio to help women reconnect with culture and stay active, turning classes into a supportive, safe space. Mental Health Through Sport: Limitless Run the 5 Islands with Us will link Rarotonga, Mauke, Atiu, Mangaia and Aitutaki across 122km to raise mental health awareness. Local Rugby League: The Cook Islands Residents take on the Gold Coast Kukis in Rarotonga (Ngatangiia, 4:30pm) as the Mantis-Hoff Series returns via exhibition matches. Arts & Film: POP48 – People of Pasifika 48-Hour Film Challenge is calling for public viewing and votes for five Cook Islands entries built around “Culture.” Media & Climate: Pacific media leaders adopt the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, demanding timely access to climate loss and damage information. Sports Leadership: CISNOC’s Geoffrey Halston completes an IOC-supported MEMOS executive programme session in Greece. Music Crossover: Disney Music Group releases a “Moana” artistic swimming performance video featuring “We Know the Way” by Dinah Jane and Stan Walker.

Undersea Security: A Cook Islands-registered tanker, the Eagle S, was linked to a suspected sabotage-style incident that damaged multiple undersea cables, threatening power and internet services across Finland and the Baltics. Youth Sport: Pacific teams are finalising for the Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, with the Cook Islands set to send 13 athletes across three sports, including a historic first for its beach handball team. Dance Fitness: CC Tamure Fitness is helping Cook Islands women get healthier through tamure-led workouts, blending culture and cardio in both in-person and online classes. Community Run: Limitless Sports and Wellbeing Academy is launching “Limitless Run the 5 Islands,” a 122km challenge across five islands to raise awareness for mental health. Film Challenge: Five Cook Islands teams are inviting the public to watch and vote for their entries in the POP48 48-hour People of Pasifika film challenge, themed “Culture.” Rugby League Showcase: The Cook Islands Residents will face the Gold Coast Kukis in exhibition matches as the Mantis-Hoff Series returns to Rarotonga. Pacific Arts Spotlight: Te Papa Tongarewa is featuring Pacific Arts, highlighting regional creativity and cross-cultural connections.