Ocean Conservation & Research: National Geographic Pristine Seas is launching an expedition in Tokelau to produce the first comprehensive baseline look at nearshore reefs, offshore waters, and deep-sea environments—aimed at guiding future protection, including a National Ocean Policy and marine spatial plan. Ocean Funding & Resilience: Niue has been named a 2026 Earthshot Prize finalist (Revive our Oceans) alongside Barcelona, recognised for long-term financing of ocean protection through the Niue Ocean Wide Trust’s Ocean Conservation Commitments approach. Family Access & Wellbeing: Labour says it would expand visa-waiver travel for citizens of Pacific Islands Forum nations to make it easier and cheaper for Pacific families—including Niueans—to visit Aotearoa for weddings, funerals, and major cultural occasions. Regional Health Context (AI): A Pasifika AI creator argues Pacific-aligned AI should be designed for “refusal,” accepting it may be less fluent but better aligned with Pacific values. Security & Health Services: Pacific coverage notes recent military exercises near the Korean Peninsula included medical evacuations and replenishment at sea, underscoring how regional tensions can affect readiness and humanitarian response planning.