AGP Executive Report

Pacific Championships Rugby League: The ARLC has unveiled a new Pacific Championships set to kick off with World Cup final rematches: Australia’s Kangaroos host Toa Samoa, while the Jillaroos play the Kiwi Ferns, with double-headers in Townsville (Oct 14) and Melbourne (two weeks later) as men’s and women’s teams from seven nations take part. Cook Islands Basketball: Cook Islands U18 Women made a historic Division B debut at the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup in Bangkok, going down 51-54 to Lebanon in their opener before facing Kazakhstan and Samoa. Cook Islands Fashion: Manini Wear has secured a USD 130,000 ADB Frontier Seed growth investment—ADB’s first non-sovereign deal in the Cook Islands—to cut supply-chain emissions and expand retail into Aitutaki. Pacific Rugby Storytelling: Cook Islands Rugby Union vice president Harriet Tuara has joined Oceania Rugby as regional communications and visibility lead, aiming to amplify Pacific voices ahead of Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029. Rugby League World Cup Backing: Bank South Pacific (BSP) has signed on as a major sponsor and official exclusive banking partner for RLWC26, with the tournament starting Oct 15 and featuring Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and PNG.

Commonwealth Games Bowls buzz: Bowls and Para Bowls kick off Glasgow 2026 with a new indoor format, four games running at once, and music at the SEC Centre, after “unprecedented demand” added a “Day 0” session on 23 July (free for ticket holders) and released back-seat tickets from £10. U18 Asia Cup heartbreak (Cook Islands): Cook Islands U18 women opened their Division B campaign in Bangkok with a 51-54 loss to Lebanon, rallying late but falling short at the free-throw line; they then face Kazakhstan and Samoa to close the group. Cook Islands basketball milestone: The Cook Islands U18 Women’s debut at the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup – Division B (13–19 July) is framed as a breakthrough built on the 2025 U17 bronze at the Oceania Cup. Pacific fashion investment: ADB Frontier Seed backs Cook Islands brand Manini Wear with USD 130,000 to cut supply-chain emissions via lower-carbon ocean freight and expand retail into Aitutaki. Regional rugby storytelling: Harriet Tuara joins Oceania Rugby as communications and visibility lead, aiming to amplify Pacific voices ahead of Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029. Rugby League World Cup support: BSP is named a major sponsor and official exclusive banking partner for RLWC26, with the tournament starting 15 October and featuring Cook Islands among participating nations.

Commonwealth Games Preview: Glasgow’s men’s 50m breaststroke looks stacked, with Adam Peaty chasing a first major title since 2021 and a tight race for medals from swimmers chasing sub-27 swims. NRL-to-Union Spotlight: Mark Nawaqanitawase is set for an unprecedented Nawaqanitawase deal that could let him play in the 2026 Rugby League World Cup before returning to rugby union—sparking fresh code-war talk. Cook Islands Basketball Milestone: The Cook Islands U18 Women are preparing for a historic debut at the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup Division B in Bangkok (July 13–19), after youth breakthroughs that raised expectations across the islands. Pacific Fashion Investment: Manini Wear has secured USD 130,000 from the Asian Development Bank to grow with lower-carbon shipping and expand retail into Aitutaki. Pacific Rugby Storytelling: Harriet Tuara has joined Oceania Rugby as regional communications and visibility lead, aiming to amplify Pacific voices ahead of Rugby World Cup 2027. Regional Sport Countdown: BSP has signed on as a major sponsor for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, with Cook Islands among the participating Pacific nations. Cook Islands Seabed Minerals: A new US ambassador says critical minerals in the Cook Islands are now top priorities, with Washington warning small states about China’s growing influence.

Commonwealth Games Preview: Glasgow’s pool swimming meet is shaping up as a stacked men’s 50m breaststroke showdown, with Adam Peaty chasing a first major title since Tokyo-era glory, while younger swimmers and African contenders look ready to upset the script. Cook Islands Basketball: The Cook Islands U18 Women are set for a historic debut at the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup Division B in Bangkok (July 13–19), after a breakthrough run that began with a medal-winning U17 campaign. Pacific Fashion & Funding: ADB’s Frontier Seed has backed Cook Islands brand Manini Wear with USD 130,000 to cut supply-chain emissions and expand retail into Aitutaki. Pacific Rugby Storytelling: Harriet Tuara has joined Oceania Rugby as regional communications and visibility lead, aiming to amplify Pacific voices ahead of Rugby World Cup 2027. Rugby League World Cup Build-Up: BSP has signed on as a major sponsor for RLWC26, with the tournament’s “100 days to go” push highlighting Cook Islands participation and South Pacific match momentum. US–Cook Islands Minerals: A new U.S. ambassador says Cook Islands seabed critical minerals are now top priorities, with Washington flagging China’s growing influence in the Pacific.

Cook Islands fashion & sustainability: Manini Wear has landed a USD 130,000 growth investment from the Asian Development Bank’s Frontier Seed, ADB’s first non-sovereign deal in the Cook Islands, to cut supply-chain emissions via lower-carbon ocean freight and expand retail into Aitutaki. Basketball milestone: The Cook Islands U18 Women are set for a historic debut at the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup – Division B in Bangkok (July 13–19), after a breakthrough bronze at the FIBA U17 Women’s Oceania Cup. Pacific rugby storytelling: Harriet Tuara has joined Oceania Rugby as regional communications and visibility lead, aiming to amplify Pacific voices ahead of Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029. Regional sport build-up: BSP has been named a major sponsor of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, with 100 days to go until kick-off (Oct 15) featuring Cook Islands among the participating nations. US focus on minerals: A new US ambassador says Cook Islands seabed critical minerals are a top priority, with Jared Novelly flagging opportunities for US investment while noting he doesn’t set local laws. Community & culture: The Cook Islands United Party launched its August 12 election campaign with 15 candidates in Vaka Puaikura, backed by drums, dance and music.

Pacific Rugby Storytelling: Harriet Tuara has been named Oceania Rugby’s new regional communications and visibility lead, aiming to amplify Pacific voices ahead of Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029. Cook Islands Basketball Milestone: The Cook Islands U18 Women are set for a historic debut at the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup – Division B in Bangkok (July 13–19), after a breakthrough run that began with a bronze at the 2025 FIBA U17 Women’s Oceania Cup. Fashion & Climate Investment: Manini Wear has secured a USD 130,000 growth capital investment from the Asian Development Bank to cut supply-chain emissions via lower-carbon ocean freight and expand retail into Aitutaki. Regional Sports Momentum: BSP has announced major sponsorship of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, with Cook Islands among the participating Pacific nations. Politics & Culture: The Cook Islands United Party launched its campaign with 15 candidates in Aroa Nui Hall, backed by drums, dance and music. Community Note: A letter raises concerns about voter outreach ahead of the 12 August election, saying awareness of the 4pm 2 July electoral roll deadline was “quite weak.”

Cook Islands Basketball: The Cook Islands U18 Women are set for a historic FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup – Division B debut in Bangkok (July 13–19), with Samoa, Lebanon, Kazakhstan and hosts Thailand also in the mix. Pacific Fashion & Development: Manini Wear has won a USD 130,000 ADB Frontier Seed growth investment, aiming to cut supply-chain emissions via lower-carbon ocean freight and expand retail into Aitutaki. Pacific Rugby Storytelling: Harriet Tuara has joined Oceania Rugby as regional communications and visibility lead, tasked with amplifying Pacific voices ahead of Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029. Regional Sport Spotlight: Bank South Pacific backs the 2026 Rugby League World Cup as a major sponsor, with Cook Islands among the participating South Pacific nations. US–Cook Islands Minerals: New US Ambassador Jared Novelly says Cook Islands seabed critical minerals are a top priority, while warning small island states about China’s growing influence. RNZN in the Cooks: Four Royal New Zealand Navy personnel completed a seven-week deployment supporting Cook Islands maritime security and humanitarian work aboard Te Kukupa II.

Pacific Fashion & Investment: The Asian Development Bank has backed Cook Islands brand Manini Wear with a USD 130,000 Frontier Seed growth capital boost, aiming to cut supply-chain emissions via lower-carbon ocean freight and expand retail into Aitutaki. Basketball Milestone: Cook Islands U18 women are set for a historic FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup Division B debut in Bangkok (July 13–19), with Samoa, Lebanon, Kazakhstan and hosts Thailand also in the mix. Rugby Storytelling: Harriet Tuara has joined Oceania Rugby as regional communications and visibility lead, tasked with amplifying Pacific rugby voices ahead of Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029. Regional Sport Sponsorship: BSP has signed on as a major sponsor of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, backing the South Pacific teams and community events as the tournament hits its 100-days-to-go mark. US-Cook Islands Minerals Focus: A new US ambassador says Cook Islands seabed critical minerals are now a top priority, while warning small islands about China’s growing influence. Local Service & Culture: A Cook Islands-linked humanitarian and disaster-relief naval exercise saw RNZN personnel deploy through the Cooks and French Polynesia aboard Te Kukupa II.

Basketball Milestone: Cook Islands U18 Women are set for a historic debut at the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup 2026 Division B in Bangkok (July 13–19), after a breakthrough run that began with a bronze at the 2025 FIBA U17 Women’s Oceania Cup; they’re drawn in Group B alongside Lebanon, Kazakhstan and Samoa. Fashion & Sustainability: Manini Wear has won a USD 130,000 growth investment from the Asian Development Bank’s Frontier Seed, backing lower-carbon ocean freight and a retail push into Aitutaki. Rugby Storytelling: Harriet Tuara has joined Oceania Rugby as regional communications and visibility lead, aiming to amplify Pacific voices ahead of Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029. Sport Sponsorship: Bank South Pacific is named a major sponsor of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, with Cook Islands among the participating South Pacific teams. Arts Film Recognition: A short documentary about Cook Islands artist Ta’i Paitai, “The Kete Informs You,” has been selected for the New Zealand International Film Festival. Politics & Culture: The United Party launched its 15 candidates for the August 12 general election with a cultural campaign event in Vaka Puaikura.

Cook Islands Basketball: The Cook Islands U18 Women make history with a debut at the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup – Division B in Bangkok (July 13–19), after a breakthrough bronze at the 2025 FIBA U17 Women’s Oceania Cup. Cook Islands Fashion: Manini Wear lands a USD 130,000 ADB Frontier Seed growth investment—ADB’s first in the Cook Islands and its first non-sovereign deal—aimed at lower-carbon shipping and expanding retail into Aitutaki. Pacific Rugby Storytelling: Harriet Tuara steps into a new regional role with Oceania Rugby as communications and visibility lead, focused on amplifying Pacific voices ahead of Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029. Cook Islands in US Focus: A new U.S. ambassador says Cook Islands seabed critical minerals are now “1A or 1B” priorities, while warning small islands about China’s growing influence. Rugby League Countdown: BSP is named a major sponsor of RLWC26, with the tournament kicking off Oct 15 and Cook Islands among the South Pacific teams involved. Cook Islands Arts Film: A short documentary on artist Ta’i Paitai, “The Kete Informs You,” has been selected for the New Zealand International Film Festival’s short film competition.

Cook Islands arts on screen: A short documentary, The Kete Informs You, about Cook Islands artist Ta’i Paitai has been selected for the New Zealand International Film Festival, competing in the short film category Ngā Whanaunga Aotearoa. It follows Paitai weaving a kete while reflecting on identity and contemporary culture, with the film directed and photographed by Andrew McGeorge. Pacific fashion with funding: The Asian Development Bank has made its first non-sovereign investment in Cook Islands brand Manini Wear, backing lower-carbon ocean freight and plans to expand retail into Aitutaki. Rugby storytelling gets a boost: Cook Islands Rugby Union vice president Harriet Tuara has joined Oceania Rugby as regional communications and visibility lead, aiming to amplify Pacific rugby stories ahead of Rugby World Cup 2027. Sport sponsorship spotlight: Bank South Pacific is a major sponsor of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, backing teams including Cook Islands as the tournament hits its 100-days-to-go mark. Local sport development: Athletics Cook Islands is set to host the 2026 National Championships at Tereora National Stadium, debuting inclusive Para events and introducing live online registration and results tracking. US-Cook Islands minerals focus: A new US ambassador says Cook Islands seabed critical minerals are a top priority, with Jared Novelly signalling increased attention to the region’s resources.

Pacific Rugby Storytelling: Cook Islands Rugby Union vice president Harriet Tuara has joined Oceania Rugby as regional communications and visibility lead, aiming to amplify Pacific voices ahead of Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029. Sustainable Fashion: The Asian Development Bank backed Manini Wear with a USD$130,000 growth capital investment—its first in the Cook Islands—supporting lower-carbon shipping and expansion to Aitutaki. Rugby League Countdown: Bank South Pacific announced it will be a major sponsor of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, with the tournament kicking off in 100 days and Cook Islands among the participating teams. Cook Islands Arts on Screen: Short documentary “The Kete Informs You” about Cook Islands artist Ta’i Paitai has been selected for the New Zealand International Film Festival short film competition. Inclusive Sport in the Cooks: Athletics Cook Islands hosts the 2026 National Championships at Tereora National Stadium, debuting Para athletics events and introducing live online registration and results tracking. US Priority Minerals: A new US ambassador says Cook Islands seabed minerals are now a top priority, framing critical minerals as central to US investment and supply-chain security. Election Watch: A letter raises concerns about voter outreach ahead of the 12 August General Election, arguing awareness of the 4pm 2 July electoral roll deadline was too weak.

Sustainable Fashion Boost: The Asian Development Bank has made its first Cook Islands investment—USD$130,000 growth capital in Manini Wear—backing lower-carbon shipping and expanding the brand to Aitutaki. Regional Sport Countdown: Bank South Pacific has signed on as a major sponsor and official exclusive banking partner for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, with the tournament kicking off 100 days from now and featuring Cook Islands among the participating nations. Netball Pathways: PNG’s Pepes campaign for a World Cup berth is building through the Spirit Series in Sydney, with Oceania qualifiers in Tonga also set to include teams like the Cook Islands. Cook Islands in the Spotlight: A new U.S. ambassador, Jared Novelly, says Cook Islands seabed minerals are a top priority, framing critical minerals as central to U.S. Pacific strategy. Athletics at Home: Athletics Cook Islands announces its 2026 National Championships at Tereora National Stadium, debuting Para events and introducing live online registration and results tracking. Arts & Identity: A short documentary on Cook Islands artist Ta’i Paitai, The Kete Informs You, has been selected for the New Zealand International Film Festival.

Maritime Security & Community Links: Four Royal New Zealand Navy personnel have finished a seven-week deployment aboard the Cook Islands Police patrol vessel Te Kukupa II, supporting maritime security and humanitarian work across the Cook Islands and French Polynesia, with crew praising the cultural welcome and the friendships built at sea. US–Cook Islands Minerals: Newly appointed U.S. Ambassador Jared Novelly says Cook Islands seabed critical minerals are now “1A or 1B” on Washington’s agenda, pointing to battery-related resources and warning small island states about the risks of China’s growing influence. Sport Countdown (RLWC 2026): Rugby League World Cup 2026 is 100 days out, kicking off Oct 15, with Cook Islands among the Pacific teams set to take part as BSP joins as an official banking partner. Rugby League (State of Origin): Game III is tonight in Brisbane, with Cook Islands listed among the kick-off times for fans following the decider. Athletics (Inclusive Nationals): Athletics Cook Islands announces the 2026 National Championships at Tereora National Stadium, debuting Para events and introducing live online registration and results tracking. Basketball (Historic FIBA Debut): Cook Islands U18 Women’s team prepares for the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup Division B for the first time, after a breakthrough climb through youth competitions. Arts & Identity (Film Selection): A short documentary on Cook Islands artist Ta’i Paitai, The Kete Informs You, has been selected for the New Zealand International Film Festival short film competition.

Maritime & Community Support: Four Royal New Zealand Navy personnel finished a seven-week deployment across the Cook Islands and French Polynesia aboard Te Kukupa II, boosting Cook Islands Police maritime security and humanitarian work while getting an up-close feel for local culture and island life. US–Pacific Critical Minerals: New U.S. Ambassador Jared Novelly says Cook Islands seabed minerals are now a top priority, warning small states about China’s growing influence while pointing to potential U.S. investment and research partnerships. Rugby League Countdown: Rugby League World Cup 2026 is 100 days out, with matches across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea and Cook Islands, Samoa and Tonga among the participating teams; BSP also signs on as a major sponsor. Sports on TV Tonight: State of Origin Game III is tonight, with kick-off times listed for Cook Islands viewers and broadcast details via Nine and 9Now. Inclusive Athletics: Athletics Cook Islands announces the 2026 National Championships at Tereora National Stadium, adding Para athletics events and live online registration/results tracking. Arts & Identity Film: A short documentary about Cook Islands artist Ta’i Paitai, The Kete Informs You, has been selected for the New Zealand International Film Festival. Local Culture in Motion: Avatiu Rugby Club kicks off week-long 50th anniversary celebrations for its 1976 Champion of Champions win, with meet-and-greets, village events and rugby-linked festivities.

Maritime & Community: Four Royal New Zealand Navy personnel completed a seven-week deployment aboard Cook Islands Police patrol vessel Te Kukupa II, supporting maritime security and humanitarian training while building friendships and deeper understanding of Cook Islands culture and its ties to the sea. Sport Countdown: Rugby League World Cup 2026 is now 100 days out, with the tournament kicking off Oct 15 and running across nine cities; Cook Islands, Samoa and other Pacific teams are set to feature. Regional Rugby League Finance: BSP has signed on as a major sponsor and exclusive banking partner for RLWC26, backing sport and regional pride across the South Pacific. Local Rugby League Viewing: State of Origin Game III is tonight with Queensland hosting New South Wales at Lang Park, winner-takes-all, and Cook Islands viewers listed for the late-night start. Diplomacy & Resources: US Ambassador Jared Novelly says Cook Islands seabed critical minerals are a top priority, framing the push as part of reducing reliance on China-linked supply chains. Arts & Film: A short documentary on Cook Islands artist Ta’i Paitai, The Kete Informs You, has been selected for the New Zealand International Film Festival. Culture in Motion: Exhibition Marama Malama: Te Manava Moana Women at Pataka highlights Pacific women’s leadership in Porirua, timed with Matariki. Athletics Inclusion: Athletics Cook Islands launches the 2026 National Championships with debut Para events and live online registration/results tracking.