AGP Executive Report

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.

World Cup Watch: Fiji’s Bati are building team unity ahead of their opening Rugby League World Cup match against the Cook Islands on Sunday, October 18. The Aitu will also face New Zealand and Australia in Pool A. Local Rugby: Avatiu Eels defended their Bula Swamp 7s title, giving coach Clive Nicholas a chance to test young players ahead of the Raro 7s. Tupapa hosts the next tournament this weekend. Vaine Moana: Cook Islands’ women lost 36–24 to Tonga in Sydney, but the international fixture gives both teams valuable game time after missing the World Cup. Island Culture: Fijians in the Cook Islands marked Fiji’s Independence Day at Tupapa Sports Dome with cultural performances, a flag-raising and a kava ceremony. Creative Debate: A Cook Islands commentary examines the hidden environmental costs of AI tools used to make posters, music and other creative work, while weighing their convenience for local groups and small businesses.

Rugby League World Cup: The tournament begins October 15, with the Cook Islands set to face Fiji on October 18, New Zealand on October 25 and Australia on October 31. Bula Swamp 7s: Avatiu Eels defended their title unbeaten, beating Kuki Bula Brothers in the final. Coach Clive Nicholas says the tournament gave four teenagers a valuable test ahead of the Raro 7s. Women’s Rugby League: Cook Islands Vaine Moana lost 36–24 to Tonga in Sydney. Both teams funded the match themselves, aiming to keep international opportunities open for players after missing this year’s World Cup. Fiji Day: Fijians in the Cook Islands gathered at Tupapa Sports Dome for a flag-raising, cultural performances and a traditional kava ceremony, with a call for unity and good community ties. AI and the Arts: A local commentary weighs the convenience of AI-generated posters, music and writing against the energy and water demands of the data centres behind these tools.

Rugby League World Cup: The Cook Islands Aitu open their campaign against Fiji on October 18, then face New Zealand and Australia. Their squad includes Valentine Holmes, as the team targets an upset in a tough pool. Football: The Cook Islands beat Tahiti 3–2 in a friendly, earning their first senior international home win since 1998. Benjamin Mata scored twice and Tremaine Rimene-Albrett added the winner. Tennis: Two top-ranked PNG juniors will compete for Pacific Oceania at an international under-12 tournament; the regional team also includes players from the Cook Islands. Creative Tools: A Cook Islands commentary highlights how AI helps local groups make posters, music and written material, while raising concerns about the energy and water used by data centres.

Creative Tech: A Cook Islands commentary warns that AI-generated posters, music and writing may help small businesses and cultural groups, but the data centres behind these tools consume huge amounts of power and water. Pacific Storytelling: A new scientific voyage aboard the RV Anuanua Moana is presented as carrying forward the Pacific exploration story begun by HMS Endeavour more than 250 years ago. Rugby League: The Aitu are preparing for the World Cup, with Valentine Holmes in the squad and a Group A opener against Fiji on October 18. Rarotonga is also set to host international Masters rugby league again in 2027. Football: The Cook Islands beat Tahiti 3–2 in Rarotonga, their first senior international win on home soil since 1998.

Rugby League World Cup: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is taking his game knowledge to the microphone, joining Sky Sport and Channel 7’s tournament coverage. The Cook Islands Aitu, with Valentine Holmes set for his debut, open against Fiji on October 18 before facing New Zealand and Australia. Creative Industries: A new Cook Islands commentary warns that AI tools used for posters, music and grant writing carry a hidden cost, including heavy demands on electricity and water. Pacific Film: Solomon Islands short Our Culture Matters won the inaugural POP48 48-hour film challenge, earning its team a place in a filmmaking masterclass in Hawai‘i.

Pacific Film: Solomon Islands’ BigEye team has won the inaugural POP48 film challenge with Our Culture Matters, earning a place in a Hawai‘i filmmaking masterclass. The short film stood out for its cultural storytelling and ancestral chant. Cook Islands Music: Rarotonga entertainer and rock musician Taupukea “Boogie” Pita has died aged 63. He is remembered for bringing music and laughter to generations. Rugby League: The Cook Islands have confirmed their World Cup squad, with Valentine Holmes set to make his debut for the Aitu. They open against Fiji on October 18. Island Football: The Cook Islands beat Tahiti 3–2 in Rarotonga, their first senior international win at home since 1998. Benjamin Mata scored twice.

Local Rugby: Avatiu Eels defend their title at Rarotonga’s Bula Swamp 7s, with Veiyasana aiming to avenge last year’s one-point final loss. World Cup: The Cook Islands have confirmed their Rugby League World Cup squad, including Valentine Holmes. The Aitu open against Fiji on October 18, with group matches against New Zealand and Australia to follow. Women’s League: Vaine Moana meet Tonga in Sydney today, keeping international competition alive after both missed the 2026 World Cup. Football: The Cook Islands beat Tahiti 3–2 in Rarotonga, their first senior international win at home since 1998. Remembering Boogie Pita: Rarotonga’s music community is mourning rock musician Taupukea “Boogie” Pita, remembered for bringing music and laughter to generations.

Pacific Circus Arts: A free community circus celebration in Tauranga on October 21 will showcase indigenous traditions, including Cook Islands juggling with large nuts or limes. Remembering Boogie Pita: Cook Islands rock musician Taupukea “Boogie” Pita, who brought music and laughter to generations on Rarotonga, has died aged 63.

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.