US–Pacific minerals push: Newly appointed US ambassador Jared Novelly says securing Cook Islands seabed critical minerals is now a top priority (ranked “1A or 1B”), as Washington seeks to cut China-dominated supply chains and reduce “debt trap” risks for small island states. Regional fisheries governance: The 25th Forum Fisheries Committee Ministerial Meeting in Wellington wrapped up with a ministerial retreat, with Niue’s outgoing chair Mona Ainu’u thanked and New Zealand’s Shane Jones set to lead 2026–2027. Niue climate finance: Niue secured about US$9m (NZ$11m) for climate resilience and ocean protection under the Niue IECI project, including long-term conservation funding via the Niue and Ocean Wide (NOW) Trust. Tourism data capability: The Pacific Tourism Organisation finished a five-day workshop in Nadi to boost tourism research and statistics skills across nine Pacific countries, supporting evidence-based planning. Culture & business-adjacent media: A short documentary on Cook Islands artist Ta’i Paitai, tracing weaving, identity and contemporary culture, was selected for the New Zealand International Film Festival.