Critical Minerals Diplomacy: New US ambassador to New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue and Samoa Jared Novelly says securing Cook Islands seabed minerals is now a top priority, warning that China’s growing influence in the Pacific brings real risks for small island states; Washington is pushing diversification away from China-dominated supply chains, with the Cooks holding cobalt-rich polymetallic nodules sought for batteries and advanced tech. Fisheries Governance: The 25th Forum Fisheries Committee Ministerial Meeting wrapped in Wellington, with Niue’s outgoing chair Mona Ainu’u thanked and Shane Jones taking over for 2026–2027, as ministers set priorities for regional cooperation. Tourism Skills for Niue: The Pacific Tourism Organisation finished a five-day Pacific Tourism Data Initiative workshop in Nadi, training tourism officers from Niue and nine other countries in data analysis and reporting to strengthen evidence-based tourism planning. Niue Climate & Ocean Investment: Niue secured a US$9m (NZ$11m) package for the Niue IECI project with UNDP and Conservation International, aiming to protect the Niue Nukutuluea Multiple-Use Marine Park and boost long-term conservation funding via the Niue and Ocean Wide (NOW) Trust. Regional Climate Outlook: SPREP highlights that El Niño can bring both risks and opportunities across the western Pacific, with guidance for communities on expected ocean and rainfall shifts. Tokelau Administration: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters appointed Andre van der Walt as the next Administrator of Tokelau, with a focus on resilience, governance, and sectors including renewable energy and transport.