US–Pacific Critical Minerals: New US Ambassador to New Zealand Jared Novelly says securing Cook Islands seabed critical minerals is “either 1A or 1B” of his priorities, linking it to supply-chain security and reduced reliance on China, while warning small island states about risks including “debt traps.” Pacific Fisheries Governance: The 25th Forum Fisheries Committee Ministerial Meeting wrapped in Wellington, with Niue’s outgoing chair Mona Ainu’u thanked and New Zealand’s Shane Jones set to lead 2026–27, as ministers backed regional cooperation on fisheries priorities. Niue Climate & Ocean Funding: Niue secured a US$9m package to boost climate resilience, protect its ocean space, and upgrade infrastructure under the Niue IECI project, anchored by the Niue Nukutuluea marine sanctuary and long-term support via the NOW Trust. Tourism Data Skills: The Pacific Tourism Organisation finished a New Zealand-funded workshop in Nadi, training tourism officers from Niue and other Pacific states to use stronger data for planning, including visitor surveys and business confidence tools. Sports & Youth Pathways: Strongman Samoa’s Pacific Strongest event in Samoa brought athletes including Niue together, aiming to create new competition pathways using Pasifika-style challenges on sand.