Pacific Infrastructure & Shipping: The US has announced a US$60m deep-sea port at Penrhyn in the Cook Islands, a former World War II base, with New Zealand managing the build and covering US$10m of the cost—positioning the project as a major Pacific logistics and access play amid rising US-China competition. Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Watch: Leaders are heading to Palau for the 55th PIF Leaders Meeting (Aug 30–Sept 1) under “Building Economies: Life. Action. Unity,” with Niue, Cook Islands, and Tokelau among the key voices—while some leaders miss talks, including Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale leaving early over a no-confidence motion. Regional Security & Energy: Analysts flag energy security as a top agenda item, with Pacific states still heavily reliant on imported oil, alongside pressure from geopolitics, transnational crime, and the push for regional unity. Realm of NZ Coordination: Ahead of Palau, New Zealand’s PM Christopher Luxon met Niue PM Dalton Tagelagi, Cook Islands PM Mark Brown, and Tokelau’s Ulu Alapati Tavite in Auckland to align on priorities and strengthen ties with Realm partners. Environment & Resources Context: A separate global ranking highlights how a small number of countries dominate forest area—useful backdrop as Pacific leaders press for control over resources and climate-linked economic opportunities.