Deep-Sea Port Push: The US says it will develop a US$60m deep-sea port at Penrhyn in the Cook Islands, with New Zealand helping fund and manage the build—an atoll with WWII military links—raising the stakes for Pacific ocean access as great-power rivalry grows. Pacific Forum Focus: Smaller island states leaders opened the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau under B.E.L.A.U., stressing shared priorities and unity as some leaders’ absences leave “big questions” hanging over the summit’s direction. Climate Mobility for Communities: New Zealand-backed funding (NZ$17.9m) launched Fiji’s Regional Pacific Climate Mobility Partnerships Programme, aiming to keep people at the centre of relocation decisions, with communities already being moved through rights-based processes. Niue Remembers WWI Service: Thirty-nine memorial headstones were delivered to Niue to honour First World War servicemen, with installations planned across villages—marking the island’s small but significant contribution and the hardship faced. Realm Leaders Meet: Niue’s Prime Minister Dalton Tagelagi joined NZ and Pacific counterparts in Auckland ahead of Palau, with leaders urging action on climate resilience and security rather than more promises.