AGP Executive Report

World Cup Weekend: Christchurch’s Rugby League World Cup double-header on October 25 will feature the Kiwi Ferns against France, followed by the Kiwis and Cook Islands. Five players are set to make New Zealand debuts, including Christchurch-born Jacob Laban and Tanner Stowers-Smith. Aitu’s Next Test: Cook Islands lost their opener 40–12 to Fiji, with Maui Winitana-Patelesio and Davvy Moale scoring. The team now faces the Kiwis in Christchurch. Pacific Pride: Cook Islands Māori lecturer Caleb Panapa Marsters says Pacific flags across Auckland are a powerful show of diaspora ties and support for homelands during the tournament. On the Water: Ngakau Toa Vaka’s junior paddlers won seven medals at Australia’s Gubbi Gubbi regatta, while Cook Islands pickleball reports record league participation, following the team’s first international medals at the Pickleball World Cup.

World Cup Watch: Fiji prop Mitch Prest faces a high-tackle charge from the 40-12 win over the Cook Islands; an unsuccessful challenge could cost him a match. The Aitu now head to Christchurch to face New Zealand, where Christchurch-born Kiwis Jacob Laban and Tanner Stowers-Smith are set to debut. For winger Jamayne Isaako, the match is a homecoming to the Aranui Eagles club where his league journey began. Pacific Pride: Cook Islands Māori academic Caleb Panapa Marsters says World Cup flags across Auckland celebrate the deep ties diaspora communities maintain with their homelands. On the Water: Ngakau Toa Vaka’s junior paddlers returned from Australia’s Gubbi Gubbi regatta with seven medals and valuable racing experience. Growing Game: Pickleball Cook Islands’ latest league has drawn a record 18 teams, building on the country’s first international medals at the Pickleball World Cup. Pasifika Honours: Cook Islands-connected rower Arie Rasmussen Magasiva received the University of Auckland’s Major Pasifika Award, recognising sporting achievement, study and leadership.

World Cup Build-up: New Zealand has reshuffled its line-up for the Rugby League World Cup clash with the Cook Islands in Christchurch, bringing in Casey McLean Nicoll-Klokstad and Scott Sorensen among several changes after its narrow loss to Australia. Pacific Pride: Cook Islands Māori lecturer Caleb Panapa Marsters says Pacific flags flying across Auckland are a powerful celebration of diaspora ties and identity during the tournament. Waka Ama: Ngakau Toa Vaka’s junior paddlers brought home seven medals from Australia’s Gubbi Gubbi regatta, including four on the opening day. Pickleball: The sport is growing at home, with more than 60 players and 18 teams entering the latest Trader Jacks league after Team Cook Islands won its first international medals at the Pickleball World Cup.

Pacific League: Samoa opened the Rugby League World Cup with a 78–4 demolition of France, underlining the island nations’ growing force in the tournament. Cook Islands Aitu: Fiji beat the Aitu 40–12 after racing to a 28–0 half-time lead. Maui Winitana-Patelesio and Davvy Moale scored in the second half; the Cook Islands now face New Zealand in Christchurch. Pasifika Sporting Honour: Cook Islands-linked rower Arie Rasmussen Magasiva, 23, has won the University of Auckland’s Major Pasifika Award, recognising sporting achievement alongside academic commitment and leadership. He represented New Zealand at two 2026 Rowing World Cups. Netball: The Cook Islands will join Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Papua New Guinea at the inaugural PacificAus Sports Netball Challenge in Brisbane, November 23–28, ahead of next year’s World Cup.

Rugby League World Cup: Cook Islands fell 40–12 to Fiji in their opener, after conceding five first-half tries. Fiji prop Mitchell Prest received a warning for a high tackle; the Aitu now face New Zealand in Christchurch. Island Fashion: “Island style for every size” puts Cook Islands fashion in the spotlight. Netball: The Cook Islands Pearls are among five Pacific teams set for the inaugural PacificAus Sports Netball Challenge in Brisbane, November 23–28. Beach Volleyball: Cook Islands women’s pair Twina Tangirere and Tuaanaore Mitchell reached the Oceania championship playoffs, while a back injury ended the men’s campaign.

Cyclone Wati: The Category 2 system is tracking southeast near the Cook Islands, bringing warnings of heavy rain, squally thunderstorms and dangerous swells. Aitutaki has activated emergency preparations, with its response headquarters set to operate around the clock. World Cup: The Cook Islands Aitu opened their campaign with a 40–12 loss to Fiji. They face New Zealand in Christchurch next week. Pacific Netball: The Cook Islands Pearls will join Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Papua New Guinea at the inaugural PacificAus Sports Netball Challenge in Brisbane, November 23–28. Island Style: Avarua’s Identity Cook Islands stocks local shoppers with muʻumuʻu, beachwear, casual clothing and souvenir apparel, including selected dresses discounted by 20 per cent.

Cyclone Wati: The Category 2 system is tracking south of the Cook Islands and may strengthen further. Aitutaki has activated round-the-clock emergency operations as officials warn of heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas. World Cup: The Cook Islands Aitu opened their campaign with a 40–12 loss to Fiji, after trailing 28–0 at halftime. Netball: The Cook Islands join Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Papua New Guinea at the inaugural PacificAus Sports Netball Challenge in Brisbane, November 23–28. Island Fashion: Avarua’s Identity Cook Islands is showcasing mu‘umu‘u, beachwear and souvenir styles, with women’s dresses available up to size 3XL. Arts in Education: A recent opinion piece argues that making art helps children build creative skills that technology cannot replace.

Pacific Storytelling: Women from six Pacific countries, including the Cook Islands, are taking part in rugby commentary and mobile journalism training in Sydney, with workshops in digital storytelling and coverage of major matches. Arts in Education: Allan Alach argues schools should give art more room, saying drawing, painting and making help children develop creative skills that AI cannot replace. Island Style: Avarua’s Identity Cook Islands is showcasing mu’umu’u, beachwear and casual clothing, with styles and sizes for a range of occasions and customers.

Rugby League World Cup: Cook Islands face Fiji in their tournament opener on Sunday in Newcastle. Fiji will sing its hymn before the match and honour former coach Joe Rabele and former captain Tui Kamikamica. Australia has called up Ethan Strange to replace injured halfback Mitch Moses. Beach Volleyball: Cook Islands men Brendon Heath and Atatoa Herman have withdrawn from the Oceania championship after Heath suffered a back injury. Women’s pair Twina Tangirere and Tuaanaore Mitchell advanced to the playoffs against Australia. Island Style: Avarua’s Identity Cook Islands stocks mu‘umu‘u, crochet beachwear and souvenir tees, with selected items discounted.

Rugby League World Cup: Samoa opened with a big win over France, while Australia edged New Zealand 24–22 in a thrilling opener. The Cook Islands face Fiji on Sunday, with New Zealand due to meet the Cooks next week. Beach Volleyball: Cook Islands under-20 players gained valuable experience at the Oceania championships, taking on stronger regional teams at Nikao Beach Courts. Island Fashion: Avarua’s Identity Cook Islands is featuring mu‘umu‘u, crochet beachwear and souvenir tees, with selected dresses discounted.

Rugby League World Cup: New Zealand’s thrilling 24–22 loss to Australia has left star Kalyn Ponga facing surgery for a broken arm, though he remains with the Kiwis as they prepare to meet the Cook Islands next week. The Cook Islands face Fiji on Sunday, where seven Bati players are set to make their World Cup debuts. Island Style: Avarua’s Identity Cook Islands has new seasonal picks, from muʻumuʻu dresses and crochet beachwear to shirts and “Straight Outta Raro” tees. Beach Volleyball: Cook Islands U20 players took on Australia, New Zealand, Guam and Vanuatu at the Oceania championship in Nikao. Though they lost their matches, coach Tiare Karaponga praised their progress on the sand.

World Cup Spotlight: Australia edged New Zealand 24–22 in a thrilling Rugby League World Cup opener, setting up a tough Pool A campaign for the Cook Islands. The Moana side begins against Fiji on Sunday, then faces the Kangaroos and Kiwis. Local Rugby: Avatiu Eels retained the Bula Swamp 7s title, keeping the Cook Islands’ rugby league scene in focus as the international tournament gets underway.

World Cup Kick-off: The Cook Islands men begin their 2026 Rugby League World Cup campaign against Fiji on Sunday in Newcastle. They share Pool A with Australia and New Zealand, whose tournament opener is today; the pool’s top two teams reach the semi-finals. Women’s Rugby League: Tonga beat Cook Islands Vaine Moana 36–24 in Sydney. Both teams missed the World Cup, and the self-funded match highlighted the push to secure Pacific women more international games and development opportunities. Local 7s: Avatiu Eels defended their Bula Swamp 7s title, using the tournament to test young players ahead of the Raro 7s.

Rugby League World Cup: The men’s tournament starts tomorrow, with the Cook Islands in Pool A alongside Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. The Moana open against Fiji on Sunday, then face New Zealand on October 25 and Australia on October 31; only the pool’s top two advance. Women’s Rugby League: Cook Islands Vaine Moana lost 36–24 to Tonga in Sydney. Both nations missed this year’s World Cup, but the teams self-funded the match to keep international opportunities and player pathways alive. Local Sport: Avatiu Eels defended their Bula Swamp 7s title, giving four teenage players valuable experience as the club builds towards the Raro 7s. Pacific Culture: Fijians in the Cook Islands marked Independence Day at Tupapa with cultural performances, a flag-raising and a traditional kava ceremony. Arts and Technology: A Cook Islands commentary warns that AI-generated posters, writing and music have a physical cost, pointing to the heavy water and energy use of data centres.

Rugby League World Cup: The tournament opens Thursday with Australia and New Zealand facing off, as Pacific sides Samoa, Tonga and Fiji are tipped to challenge the traditional powers. The Cook Islands begin against Fiji on Sunday at 5.05pm. Women’s Rugby League: Tonga beat Cook Islands Vaine Moana 36–24 in Sydney, but both teams self-funded the match, highlighting the need for more international opportunities for Pacific players. Local 7s: Avatiu Eels defended their Bula Swamp title, giving four teenagers a chance to test themselves ahead of the Raro 7s. Pacific Film: Solomon Islands short film Our Culture Matters won the POP48 challenge and a place in a filmmaking masterclass in Hawai‘i. Arts and AI: A Cook Islands commentary examines the environmental costs of AI tools used to make posters, music and other creative work.

Rugby League World Cup: The Cook Islands Aitu open their campaign against Fiji on Sunday, with Valentine Holmes set to make his debut for the team. They then face New Zealand and Australia in Pool A. Local Sport: Avatiu Eels defended their Bula Swamp 7s title, using the tournament to test young players ahead of the Raro 7s. Women’s Rugby League: Tonga beat Cook Islands Vaine Moana 36–24 in Sydney. Both teams are seeking more international matches and pathways for players after missing this year’s World Cup. Creative Industries: A Cook Islands commentary piece examines the environmental costs of AI tools used to make posters, music and other creative work. Pacific Film: Solomon Islands team BigEye won the POP48 short-film challenge with Our Culture Matters, earning a place in a filmmaking masterclass in Hawai‘i.