US–Pacific Minerals Diplomacy: Newly appointed US Ambassador to New Zealand and several Pacific island nations Jared Novelly says securing Cook Islands critical seabed minerals is now a top priority, placing it “1A or 1B” on his agenda as Washington seeks to reduce China-dominated supply chains and manage national security and clean-energy needs. China Influence Warning: Novelly also flagged risks for small island states, warning against potential “debt traps” tied to China’s growing regional push. Niue Climate & Ocean Funding: Niue secured a major US$9m package (about NZ$11m) to boost climate resilience, protect its ocean space, and strengthen community infrastructure through the Niue IECI project with UNDP and Conservation International, including long-term support via the Niue and Ocean Wide (NOW) Trust. Regional Fisheries Governance: The 25th Forum Fisheries Committee ministerial meeting wrapped up in Wellington, with Niue’s outgoing chair Mona Ainu’u thanked and New Zealand’s Shane Jones set to lead 2026–2027. Health Tech in the Pacific: Vanuatu launched the HeartCare app, training community health workers and partners to screen for heart disease earlier and link people to care. Tourism Data Capacity: The Pacific Tourism Organisation completed a workshop in Nadi to strengthen tourism research and statistics skills across Niue and other Pacific countries.