Aviation & Tourism Lifelines: New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says the Cook Islands’ airline turnaround shows what’s possible in tough Pacific conditions, citing earlier NZ support that helped lift the route to about 175,000 passengers a year. Deep-Sea Minerals & Policy Leverage: A new U.S. defense supply-chain push is raising pressure on critical minerals; American Samoa argues its “No” stance on potential BOEM lease sales can steer investment and partnerships toward other U.S. options. Defence Procurement & Air Links: Australia’s Treaties Committee will hold hearings on NATO support access and air services agreements covering Cambodia, Kiribati and Naoero (formerly Nauru), with focus on safety, security, customs and competition. Ocean Economy & Fisheries Protection: Pacific foreign ministers in Suva urged stronger fisheries safeguards, backing the Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy 2026–2035 and calling for member-led ocean governance and maritime boundary security. Nauru in the Deep-Sea Mining Debate: The ISA extended a deep-sea exploration contract tied to The Metals Company’s Nauru Ocean Resources Inc., drawing criticism over rule-of-law concerns and the regulator’s ability to enforce compliance. Regional Trade & Tourism Push: The Solomon Islands used Australia’s Treasures of the South Pacific roadshow to signal business demand across the region, with Nauru listed among participating destinations. Governance & Identity: A report notes Nauru’s shift to the Republic of Naoero and “dei-Naoero” naming as a bid for renewed visibility and soft-power relevance.