Critical Minerals & Geopolitics: New U.S. Ambassador Jared Novelly says securing Cook Islands seabed minerals is now a top priority, with Niue also in his remit, as Washington seeks to reduce China-linked supply risks and warns small island states about growing Chinese influence. Pacific Security & Sovereignty: Pacific Elders urge the region to keep security and regional institutions under Pacific control, stressing sovereignty, transparency, and equal decision-making as external competition reshapes the area. Regional Fisheries Governance: The 25th Forum Fisheries Committee ministerial meeting wrapped up in Wellington, with Niue’s outgoing chair Mona Ainu’u thanked and Shane Jones taking over, as ministers set priorities for cooperation on Pacific fisheries. Women’s Business & Markets: In Samoa, the M4C Life-Con Pacific Women’s Market Expo 2026 is backed by UN Women and EMD, aiming to improve market access and skills for women-led vendors across the Pacific. Tourism Data for Better Planning: The Pacific Tourism Organisation’s workshop in Nadi trained tourism officers from Niue and other islands to strengthen evidence-based tourism decisions using improved research and reporting tools.