AGP Executive Report

Super Rugby Pacific Shock: The Western Force beat the Fijian Drua 19-15 in Perth, but the big talking point is a late try that Waisale Serevi says came from a forward pass that should have been reviewed—leaving Drua “robbed” and Force coach Simon Cron proud despite another finals miss. Finals Fallout: Queensland’s late win over Moana Pasifika means the Force are out with one round left, while the Reds’ Jock Campbell sealed a 33-31 escape with a last-gasp try. Maritime Security: Fiji and partners keep pushing back on illegal fishing—ADF support under Operation SOLANIA and Operation Tui Moana continues across Pacific waters, including Te Kukupa II boarding 13 vessels. Governance & Services: Cabinet backs the Fiji Police Bill 2026 and endorses a $47.8m Australian grant; Fiji also launches a national housing database to improve policy decisions. Environment & Culture: World Turtle Day celebrations urge stronger marine protection, while Charan Jeath Singh defends mynah-bird Girmit signage.

Super Rugby Pacific: The Hurricanes have locked up top spot and playoff top seeding after a 45-28 win over the Highlanders, while the Reds kept their finals hopes alive with a 33-31 escape against Moana Pasifika, scoring late through Jock Campbell. Fijian Drua Playoff Pressure: The Western Force beat Drua 19-15 in Perth, but a late TMO call denied a try that could’ve swung the bonus point—Drua’s season now hangs by a thread. Cost-of-Living Relief: Fiji’s Government is absorbing a 22.5% bus fare increase for 350,000 commuters, even as minibus and taxi operators push for similar fuel support and fare reviews. Aviation Training Boost: FNU has launched the Pacific Centre for Aviation Studies in Nadi, upgrading courses to meet growing regional demand. Water & Climate Resilience: A $207k borehole project has brought safer piped water to 450+ villagers in Gusuisavu, as Fiji continues tackling climate-hit infrastructure needs.

Transport & Cost of Living: Minibus and taxi drivers are pushing for fare changes and fuel support after bus fare rises, saying diesel costs have doubled and they’re being left out of relief. Welfare & Budget Pressure: FCOSS warns that any mini-budget must protect social welfare “floors” for the elderly and vulnerable as Government weighs tighter spending. Energy & Wages: The minimum wage increase remains uncertain while electricity surcharges and bus fares bite households and small businesses. Water & Resettlement: A $207,000 borehole has restored safer piped water for Gusuisavu villagers, while Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya says Cogea villagers are willing to relocate after cyclone damage. Sports & Community Pride: Team Fiji added seven golds in Darwin, and Super Rugby Pacific’s Drua and Western Force set up a midfield battle tonight. Regional Security: PNG backs Pacific policing unity while stressing sovereignty as leaders warn syndicates are turning the region into a destination for drugs and trafficking.

Deep-Sea Mining Clash: The UN’s International Seabed Authority says Trump-backed deep-sea mining plans could be “unlawful,” warning companies face a “blizzard of litigation” if they bypass the regulator’s rules. Fiji Health Push: Cabinet has approved an extra $8.53m to keep HIV, STI, TB and hepatitis medicines and diagnostics flowing, with the procurement deal extended to July 2030. Biodiversity Drive: Fiji is aiming to protect 30% of marine and land ecosystems by 2030, with new plans for sharks and turtles and a review of endangered-species laws. Pacific Security: Pacific leaders and police chiefs meeting in Fiji are calling for stronger regional action as drug trafficking and organised crime networks increasingly target island nations. Regional Fisheries: Operation Tui Moana wrapped up after three weeks of surveillance, with dozens of vessel checks and hundreds of detections across multiple Pacific zones. Local Governance: Fiji will defer municipal elections until after the next general election, citing cost pressures and “voter burnout” risk.

Health Funding Boost: Fiji’s Cabinet has approved an $8.53m health injection to keep HIV, STI, TB and hepatitis medicines flowing, plus diagnostics and lab supplies—backed by a UNDP procurement deal extended to July 2030. Language Tech Push: A Tongan innovator has launched Talanoa AI, letting Pacific communities teach AI their languages directly, aiming to stop them being “invisible” online. Women’s Rugby: McDonald’s Fiji Drua Women will host Super W back-to-back in Lautoka and Ba, with tickets starting at $5. Cost-of-Living Pressure: Fijians are bracing for higher electricity charges and bus fares from May 26, with the FCCC citing fuel-related increases. Municipal Elections Delay: Women community leaders say the postponed municipal polls are sidelining local voices just when families need help most. Police Racagi Case: Police say they’ll comment once the file returns from the ODPP after charges in the Peniasi Racagi matter were discontinued. Climate-Resilient Housing: Government says it’s moving toward stronger, greener building standards, including targets for new homes by 2030.

Local Elections Delayed: Fiji’s PM Sitiveni Rabuka has deferred municipal elections, saying the country can’t afford the cost and pressure of another vote while economic strain and global fuel shocks bite—$18m earmarked for local polls will be redirected to ease wider social costs, with voter registration for the next general election continuing uninterrupted. Cost of Living Pressure: The Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission has approved interim increases tied to volatile fuel—an electricity fuel surcharge from 26 May and a 22.5% bus fare rise per stage—aimed at keeping essential services running. Labour Shortages: A new National Skills Gap Assessment flags employers struggling to fill 95 job categories, pointing to coordination gaps between training and what businesses need. Women’s Safety Barriers: The Ministry of Women says rural and remote women face tougher hurdles to safety, finance and support services, with women’s labour participation still below 40%. Sports Spotlight: Fiji men’s netball stay unbeaten after crushing Tonga 74-26 in Suva. UN Climate Move: A UN General Assembly resolution backed by Fiji and others passed despite US opposition, backing climate obligations tied to an ICJ advisory ruling.

Local Elections Delayed: Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka has put the brakes on long-awaited municipal elections, deferring them until after the coming general elections, citing “global headwinds” and “voter fatigue” after more than two decades without local polls. Pacific Security Crackdown: Fiji and partners are pushing harder against transnational crime as Australia, New Zealand and Colombia launch a joint drug task force aimed at stopping shipments before they hit Pacific shores, with police warning traffickers are adapting fast. Blue Economy Deal: Fiji and Kiribati signed a landmark MOU to boost sandfish (dairo) aquaculture, tying livelihoods to environmental safeguards. Tourism Watch: April visitor arrivals dipped slightly year-on-year to 79,724, though numbers rose compared with March. Rugby League Pathway: Kaiviti Silktails in Fiji says its focus is developing local talent, backed by a new Westpac partnership. Super Rugby Drama: Waratahs are keeping Suaalii out of a must-win clash, while the Reds face a do-or-die finals fight.

Fiji Crime & Security: Fiji is hosting a Pacific Transnational Crime Summit as police chiefs warn organised networks are turning the region into a storage and trafficking corridor, with 17 tonnes of illicit drugs seized since January—and officials say the scale is far beyond 2025 levels. Local Governance: Fiji’s Elections Office says the Local Government Elections registration drive will continue despite Cabinet deferring its decision for two weeks. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Fiji says it will stay cautious on deep-sea mining, insisting on more science before any mining code is operationalised, while civil society groups protest being shut out of ISA discussions. Economy & Cost of Living: Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel warns global fuel shocks are eroding business confidence and household purchasing power. Sports: South Melbourne booked the OFC Pro League final after a 4-0 win over Vanuatu United, ending Vanuatu’s run.

Pacific Drug Crackdown: Police chiefs meeting in Suva are pushing a tougher regional response after Australian-led figures showed 17 tonnes of illicit drugs seized across the Pacific in the first five months of 2026—far above all of 2025—while ministers warn organised crime is spreading fast. Regional Policing Mandate: Fiji says a new Pacific Police Ministers Summit has produced a concrete mandate for coordinated action, with another meeting planned next year. Fuel Pressure on Families: The Consumer Council says “hidden” inflation is rising as supermarket discounts shrink or disappear, even when shelf prices look stable—adding to the squeeze from the fuel crisis. Education Contingency: With fuel disruption fears growing, Fiji’s Education Ministry is preparing a remote learning plan, including possible Moodle trials, to keep classes going. Ocean Governance Row: Pacific civil society groups are condemning their exclusion from a deep-sea mining workshop in Fiji, arguing decisions are being shaped without Pacific communities in the room. Tourism & Community: Ocean Swim Fiji is bringing about 220 visitors and pairing the event with donations to vulnerable communities.

England Selection Row: England’s Nations Championship squad is sparking backlash after Bristol centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg was called up, with critics saying it “doesn’t sit right” and raising questions about fairness to English-based players. Fiji Airways Wellness: Fiji Airways has launched FlyWell, adding red light therapy in its Premier Lounge at Nadi and on select long-haul flights from June 1. Pacific Crime Alarm: Pacific leaders meeting in Fiji warn organised crime is outpacing any one country’s response, pointing to a sharp rise in drug trafficking and wider criminal activity. Power Pressure: Energy Fiji says Fiji could face controlled load shedding or rationing next month unless fuel cost recovery support is secured. Sugar Warnings: The sugar ministry warns farmers that supplying unapproved cane varieties is illegal and says this is the final season for those types. Local Sports & Culture: Fiji powerlifting is set for a comeback after 20 years, while a new Methodist youth boot camp plan is being discussed with the RFMF.

Athletics Glory: Fiji’s Ebenezer Saukuru and para-athlete Iosefo Rakesa struck gold for the country with silver medals at the Oceania Championships in Darwin—both also set personal bests. Municipal Elections in Limbo: The Fiji Elections Office says it has received no order to stop municipal polls, even as the Prime Minister signals the government is reconsidering timing amid economic pressure. Power and Fuel Pressure: Energy Fiji warns of possible load shedding or rationing next month unless fuel cost recovery support is secured, while the FCCC defends April fuel pricing changes as necessary to protect consumers during global market shocks. Sugar Season Prep: Sugar mills have completed preparatory works to reduce breakdowns, but the ministry is also pushing farmers toward diversification as climate pressure mounts. Women’s Safety Push: Pacific partners launch a regional campaign calling for workplaces free from violence and harassment, urging stronger enforcement of ILO Convention 190. Crime and Drugs: Fiji and regional partners are stepping up transnational crime cooperation, as AFP flags escalating drug trafficking through the Pacific. Sports Spotlight: England’s Benhard Janse van Rensburg is called up for Tests, potentially including Fiji on July 11.

Pacific Drug Crackdown: AFP warns transnational drug trafficking is becoming a serious security threat, with 17 tonnes of illicit drugs seized across the Pacific in the first months of 2026—far above 2025’s total—much of it linked to routes aimed at Australia. Fiji Enforcement Push: Fiji’s Navy and Police have launched an intensified joint counter-narcotics task force, targeting “dark vessels” that switch off tracking, while the Police Commissioner admits traffickers still exploit gaps in enforcement. Courtroom Update: High Court rejects former Fiji deputy PM Biman Prasad’s bid to halt his FICAC case over alleged failures in political asset declarations—his matter will proceed. Elections Watch: Rabuka says municipal elections in September may be delayed as the government weighs costs and priorities ahead of the next general election. Education: Fiji’s Ministry confirms a circulating “school closure” notice is fake; Term 2 classes resume as normal. Rugby: England names a Nations Championship camp squad including Bristol centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg, with a possible debut against Fiji.

Sugar Farming Win: Former teacher Munish Naicker has won Northern Division’s best innovative farmer award at the Prime Minister’s Sugarcane Farmer’s Mill Awards in Labasa, crediting mechanisation and imported equipment for beating labour shortages and lifting yields. Local Elections in Question: Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says September municipal elections may be delayed as the government weighs a tight budget, the fuel crisis, and the workload leading into the next general election and Constitution review. Maritime Safety Push: Fiji Navy says it spent over $500,000 searching for nine missing fishermen in March, pointing to sketchy location details and urging better preparation and accurate information before going to sea. Drug Crackdown: Australian Federal Police report 17 tonnes of illicit drugs seized in the Pacific so far in 2026, while Fiji’s police investigation into 11 officers linked to an Auckland drug network has moved to prosecutors. Ocean Governance: The International Seabed Authority’s chief urges Pacific nations to stay central in deep-sea mining rules, stressing science-based, environmentally responsible decisions. Drua Pressure: Super Rugby Pacific fallout continues after Drua’s poor run, with coach Glen Jackson taking blame for the latest heavy loss and Drua CEO Jeff Miller starting a search for a new head coach.

Politics & Trust: Unity Fiji Party leader Savenaca Narube says voters are losing confidence in Fiji’s Coalition, arguing key 2022 promises weren’t delivered and frustration is pushing support ahead of the 2026 election. Climate Accountability: Vanuatu is set to drive a UN vote on giving effect to the ICJ’s climate advisory opinion—aiming to shift climate responsibility from pledges to legal accountability. Sports Shockwaves: Bula FC’s OFC Pro League run ends in heartbreak, beaten 2-1 in extra time by 10-man Vanuatu United, who book a semifinal spot. Rugby Pacific: The NSW Waratahs keep finals hopes alive with a 50-35 win over the Fijian Drua in Suva; Drua co-captain Temo Mayanavanua admits they weren’t “urgent enough” in key moments. Health Focus: A new report highlights Fiji’s progress toward cervical cancer elimination, while separate coverage flags the need for earlier lupus diagnosis and better access to treatment. Media & Rights: Press freedom remains in the spotlight, alongside renewed calls for stronger protections for LGBTQIA+ people as Fiji marks IDAHOBIT Day. Travel Upgrade: Fiji Airways launches “FlyWell” to tackle jet lag for Business Class passengers on select long-haul routes.

Super Rugby Pacific Shock in Suva: The NSW Waratahs kept their finals hopes alive with a 50-35 win over the Fijian Drua, but the big talking point was how late the Waratahs finally gave youngsters a real run—now they get another crack against the Brumbies. Drua Accountability: Drua co-captain Temo Mayanavanua admitted they weren’t “urgent enough” in key moments after a slow start, while coach Glen Jackson said the first 20 minutes didn’t match their training. Corrections Upgrade: Fiji signed off on a long-delayed E-Tech cemetery expansion contract to create about 17,000 plots, and officials also discussed relocating the Suva Correctional Centre due to flooding and sewer spillage. Land Clarity: The iTaukei Land Trust Board moved to squash social media myths, stressing iTaukei and freehold owners keep rights to their land regardless of depth—while minerals remain State-owned. Fisheries & Diplomacy: Fiji ratified the 2024 US fisheries treaty amendments, and India reaffirmed a deeper long-term partnership with Fiji. Housing Pressure: Public Rental Board tenants in Nabua face an eviction push over unsafe buildings and alleged criminal activity.

Super Rugby Pacific: Fijian Drua’s co-captain Temo Mayanavanua admits they weren’t “urgent enough” after a 50-35 home loss to the NSW Waratahs, blaming execution and key moments in a first-half collapse that proved too costly. Sports Pressure: The Waratahs’ win keeps their finals hopes alive, even with injuries and late changes, while Drua now shift focus to learning from the setback with two games left. HIV Response: Calls are growing for New Zealand to prepare better for possible HIV transmission as Fiji’s outbreak worsens, with community testing and rapid tests highlighted as practical tools. Environment & Policy: Fiji has launched three biodiversity policy instruments for 2026–2030, aiming to protect ecosystems, tackle invasive species, and strengthen climate resilience. Local Governance: Councils may soon regain responsibility for footpaths and streetlights under a new arrangement with the Fiji Roads Authority, targeting frustration from ratepayers. Girmit Remembrance: PM Rabuka has issued a personal apology to Vanua o Noco after missing traditional leadership during his Girmit Day address.