AGP Executive Report

Fuel Relief: Fiji motorists and households get a break as the FCCC cuts fuel and LPG prices next month, with diesel down $1.19–$1.25 per litre and motor spirit and kerosene also falling, easing pressure after months of hikes. Election Watch: Fiji’s electoral field is expanding fast, with 10 registered political parties now confirmed—giving voters the widest choice since 2014. Maritime Security Boost: Japan hands Fiji three new patrol boats worth about $6m to strengthen Navy surveillance, law enforcement at sea, and search-and-rescue. Climate Adaptation Funding: The GEF approves four Pacific climate resilience projects, including Fiji, to help communities and infrastructure withstand flooding, sea-level rise and coastal erosion. Environment on the Ground: Students in Lautoka are turning recycling into rewards through Return & Earn Fiji, while One Beach Fiji launches its first Natadola clean-up to build ongoing community action. Inclusive Forces: Fiji’s Defence Minister backs a Gender Barrier Assessment Report aimed at making disciplined forces fairer and more effective. Energy for Remote Islands: Off-grid solar and battery systems are cutting diesel use for three Yasawa resorts, targeting major energy-cost savings.

Regional Diplomacy: Fiji’s Prime Minister Matthew Wale will travel to Suva for the Pacific Islands Forum Troika Meeting, with official welcomes and bilateral talks with Sitiveni Rabuka. Pacific Security: Australia and Vanuatu have signed the watered-down Nakamal Agreement worth $500m, with Vanuatu pledging no foreign military bases or militarisation of critical infrastructure, while agreeing to consult Australia on third-party projects. Fiji Governance & Accountability: The Fiji Law Society is pushing for an independent Ombudsman and wants FICAC abolished or stripped of prosecutorial powers, arguing Fiji lacks a clear way to challenge unfair government decisions. Maritime Safety: Japan has handed Fiji three patrol boats to boost naval surveillance, search and rescue, and enforcement at sea. Budget Fallout: The RFMF has hit back at a 9% cut to its 2026–27 allocation, saying it plays a key role in fighting drugs and corruption. Energy & Cost of Living: Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu backs a faster renewable transition as fuel pressures continue. Local Economy: Nadi businesses are urging faster action on the delayed Nadi River Flood Alleviation Project after a $3m budget allocation.

Electoral Reform Push: The Fiji Law Society has told the Constitutional Review Commission that Fiji’s current single national constituency weakens MP accountability, urging proportional representation with regional/multi-member seats and an independent boundaries commission. Anti-Corruption Shake-Up: The same submission calls for abolishing FICAC or stripping it of prosecutorial powers, arguing prosecutions should sit with the Director of Public Prosecutions to protect independence. Budget Fallout and Defence: Fiji’s military says it will not be sidelined after a 9% cut to its 2026-27 budget, arguing it plays a key role in tackling drugs and corruption. Cost of Living Pressure: Fuel costs remain a major burden, with officials pointing to tripartite talks and price monitoring as households struggle. Nadi Flood Urgency: Nadi businesses want the $3m Nadi River Flood Alleviation Project moved from planning to construction, citing decades of repeated flooding. Health Funding Watch: Doctors welcome higher health allocations but warn of gaps in senior specialist positions and preventive services. Rural Power Gains: Rural electrification is accelerating, with new renewable mini-grid approvals including Koro Island and Vio Island upgrades. Sugar Season Tensions: Sugar mills are set to start crushing July 1, but cane farmers threaten a no-harvest protest over the guaranteed $85/tonne price.

National Budget Watch: Fiji’s 2026–2027 Budget backs a big push on water security with $291m for water and wastewater upgrades, including Kinoya capacity doubling and a non-revenue water plan to cut leakage. Transport & Roads: Another $820.8m targets roads, bridges and rural connectivity, plus $20m to ease congestion on key routes. Energy Transition: Fiji will accelerate renewable energy with a major investment plan of about $2b for hydropower, solar with battery storage, and grid upgrades. Fisheries & Agriculture: Fisheries gets $28.4m for better storage and support; agriculture funding includes $102m for non-sugar farming and tighter monitoring of programme use. Social Protection & Early Learning: A $211m social protection package continues for 130,000+ vulnerable people, while early childhood education funding rises to $34.176m. Governance & Security: Constitution review moves ahead with international drafting experts; the RFMF budget is cut to $152.6m as peacekeeping duties scale back. Culture & Community: A charity concert in Auckland will raise funds for early education in rural Fiji, and Fiji filmmakers gear up for the PoP48 48-hour film challenge.

Budget 2026–2027 Infrastructure Push: Fiji’s Coalition Government backs a $820.8m transport and public works package, including $369.8m for the Fiji Roads Authority, plus $20m to cut congestion on major roads. Water Security Upgrade: A $291m water and wastewater boost will help over 520,000 people, doubling Kinoya capacity, expanding Viria, and tackling near-50% leakage with a non-revenue water plan. Forestry & Maritime Pine Shift: Forestry gets $25.7m, with more focus on maritime pine, jetty and downstream processing, plus a five-year tax holiday for big mahogany processors. Renewables & Energy Security: Energy Fiji’s plan targets about $2b for hydropower and solar with battery storage, aiming for 60% renewables mid-term and 90% by 2035. Agriculture Monitoring: The Agriculture Ministry’s $221m includes tighter monitoring of farm funding, plus support for non-sugar farmers and market access. Justice & Accountability Funding: Judiciary, Parliament, Legal Aid and anti-corruption bodies receive increased allocations to strengthen oversight and access to justice. Constitution Review Support: International constitutional experts will assist Fiji’s constitutional drafting phase. RFMF Budget Cut: The RFMF allocation drops to $152.6m as peacekeeping commitments are scaled back. Indigenous Rights at UN Forum: Indigenous leaders marked the 25th UN Permanent Forum, stressing rights-based participation and health priorities.

Defence Budget: PM Rabuka says Fiji’s peacekeeping pullback is behind a cut to the RFMF budget, with $152.6m allocated for 2026-2027 (down from $167.8m), while funding shifts toward maritime surveillance and border protection to tackle transnational crime. Climate Capacity: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya says her ministry must manage about $200m in climate finance opportunities without extra staff after a request was rejected, relying on existing teams to prepare projects faster. Roads and Water: The Budget sets aside $20m to ease congestion on major roads, while Lands and Mineral Resources plans groundwater drilling and land reforms, and the Water Authority gets $291m to boost water security. Immigration and Energy: Immigration will procure 100,000 passport books to tackle shortages, and Fiji accelerates renewables with a major $2b investment plan including hydropower, solar with battery storage, and grid upgrades. Maritime Continuity: Government moves to safeguard shipping services after operators threatened to suspend routes, calling for expressions of interest for commercial and subsidised routes. Politics and Services: SODELPA unveils its first batch of election candidates; unions warn workers were left behind in the Budget, while health funding targets faster overtime payments.

Health Care & Community: A 64-year-old Samoan father, Aki Ah Dar, received successful off-pump triple-vessel heart surgery in Fiji and was moved out of ICU within a day, then discharged five days later, returning home to Samoa recovering well. Budget Fallout: Fiji’s 2026–2027 National Budget is drawing sharp reactions: bus operators say there are no major surprises and welcome extended diesel duty concessions and fare subsidies, while unions and teachers’ groups warn workers and educators are still left behind. Education & Health Staffing: Education gets the biggest allocation ($883m), but the Teachers Association says teacher pay rises were not delivered, risking retention; meanwhile the Health Ministry says overtime payment delays for doctors and nurses will be eased with new funding. Tourism Tax Row: The Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association rejects the proposed 5% tourism services tax, saying it wasn’t properly consulted and could hurt competitiveness, while the Finance Ministry insists the levy will be absorbed by industry to avoid higher visitor costs. Transport Security: Government is seeking new ship owners and operators to safeguard maritime services after threats to suspend routes, and Fiji Airports tested night crash response plans at Nausori. Regional Moves: PNG and Solomon Islands signed a new five-year cooperation framework, and Vanuatu is set to unveil its tourism strategy for 2026–2028.

National Budget Relief: Fiji’s 2026-2027 budget keeps VAT at 12.5% and zero-rates 22 essentials, with targeted help for households facing fuel and cost-of-living pressure, while promising no salary cuts for civil servants and no major tax hikes. Health Overhaul: A $647m health allocation backs a $500m transformation, including Fiji’s first radiotherapy and cancer treatment centre at CWM Hospital, plus upgrades to primary care and plans for a new tertiary hospital. Education Push: Education takes the biggest slice at $883m, including $708.3m for the Ministry of Education, teacher salaries, scholarships, and continued back-to-school support—while teacher retention remains a concern. Energy & Water: Energy Fiji is progressing a $2b renewable push with hydropower, solar and battery storage, and the Water Authority gets $291m to cut leakage and expand water and wastewater capacity. Drug Fight & Security: Police funding drops slightly but the government says operations won’t be affected; the budget also boosts counter-narcotics work, border security and maritime surveillance. FNPF Returns: The FNPF interest crediting rate is set at 9.5% for 2026, with officials warning it won’t be guaranteed every year. Election Timing: PM Rabuka says the next election is expected between 24 Dec 2026 and early Feb 2027.

National Budget Focus: Fiji’s 2026-2027 Budget puts education first with $883m (18% of total spend), including $708.3m for the Ministry of Education and $434m for 13,000+ teachers, while keeping support like free education grants, transport help and back-to-school assistance. Health Upgrade: Government backs a $647m health package and the $500m PHIT project, including Fiji’s first radiotherapy and cancer treatment centre at CWM Hospital to treat up to 60 patients a day. Fuel Relief & Cost of Living: With global oil easing, major fuel price reductions are expected from July, alongside continued fuel relief and no major tax hikes. Security & Drugs: Police get $226.5m (down slightly) but say operations won’t be affected; the Budget also funds narcotics work, border security and maritime surveillance, with the RFMF receiving $152.6m and a push for transnational crime response. FNPF Returns: FNPF members will share about $866m with a 9.5% interest payout. Energy & Ports: EFL’s $2b renewable push targets more hydropower, solar with battery storage and grid upgrades, while Suva Port is set for a $1.5b redevelopment to strengthen trans-shipment capacity. Tourism & Sports: A new temporary tourism services tax will ring-fence funds for Fiji Airways; Bula FC gains the same sponsorship tax deduction as Drua, and the Drua adjusts costs after World Rugby funding ends. Governance & Timing: PM Rabuka says the next election is due between Dec 24, 2026 and early Feb 2027.

Budget Pressure & Fuel Fallout: Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel signals tough spending cuts in the 2026-2027 National Budget as the fuel crisis squeezes revenue, while the welfare top-up for vulnerable Fijians may be extended only if fuel conditions improve. Health & Diabetes Supplies: Diabetes Fiji says diabetic consumables are in short supply across health facilities and is urging budget support; the Health Ministry also plans to recruit doctors via a hiring-freeze exemption. Women, Safety & Silence: FWCC and the Women’s Minister say domestic violence in leadership circles is often hidden by stigma, and they’re calling for stronger, people-centred funding. Sugar Industry Standoff: Cane farmers demand the guaranteed price jump from $85 to $110 a tonne after higher harvesting and cartage costs. Transport Costs: Taxi fares rise from July 1 after FCCC approves a temporary distance-based increase tied to fuel costs. Economy & Business Strain: Retailers warn rising operating costs and weaker consumer confidence are hitting margins, while shipping operators like Goundar Shipping call for VAT and duty relief in the budget. Community & Environment: Natabua students launch a waste management programme, and Fiji’s Great Council of Chiefs urges coastal vigilance against drugs.

Transport & Cost of Living: The FCCC has approved a temporary taxi fare rise from July 1, lifting the drop charge for general taxis from 10 cents to 14 cents per 100 metres to help operators absorb higher fuel costs. Budget Pressure on Key Sectors: Shipping firm Goundar Shipping is urging relief in the 2026-2027 National Budget, warning fuel and operating expenses are squeezing maritime services; Opposition MP Jone Usamate also wants VAT and duties on fuel removed for three months. Health Workforce & Facilities: The Health Ministry will recruit newly qualified medical interns as Medical Officers after a government exemption from the civil service hiring freeze, while the Ministry flags hospital upgrades as its top budget priority. Education Costs: FNU students are calling for stronger education funding, more assistance, and lower tertiary costs ahead of the budget. Drugs & Public Safety: FWCC alleges a police culture that protects officers accused of domestic violence, while a former coup convict warns Fiji will stay unstable if iTaukei remain economically sidelined; GCC chair Ratu Wiliame urges communities to guard shores against drug threats. Energy & Environment: FCCC analysis warns Fiji’s slow renewable transition leaves the power sector exposed to global fuel shocks, and Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya warns Fiji’s waste problem is “slow suicide.” Sports & Community: Fiji Sports Council governance has shifted to a board executive committee after leadership changes; and Fiji-linked regional sports news includes record entries for the AIMS Games in Tauranga.

Waste Emergency: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya warns Fiji’s pollution and waste failures are a “slow suicide,” saying the country can’t claim to protect nature while rivers choke and reefs suffer. Energy & Cost Pressure: The Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission says Fiji’s slow renewable rollout leaves power vulnerable to global fuel shocks, urging faster clean-energy investment; separate data shows conversion losses of over 40% in 2025. Economy Downgrade: Fiji’s 2026 growth forecast is cut from 3% to 1.5% as fuel prices, inflation (about 3.9%), and Middle East tensions squeeze households, despite tourism and remittances offering some support. Renewables Call: The watchdog pushes for quicker renewable investment to stabilise electricity prices and reduce emergency diesel reliance. Sugar Support: FCCC approves higher cane harvesting and cartage rates, plus a fuel subsidy cushion for growers. Women’s Safety & Budget: FWCC calls for a people-centred budget as domestic violence dominates its cases. Rugby Update: Moana Pasifika is ruled out of 2027 Super Rugby; Fiji Drua sign Ben Volavola and confirm World Rugby funding ends June 30.

Pacific Rugby Shock: NZ Rugby has ruled Moana Pasifika out of Super Rugby Pacific next year, rejecting licence transfers after liquidation left the club owing $8.2m; the door stays open beyond 2027. Sugar Sector Support: Government-backed measures are drawing new farmers into sugar, while the FCCC approved higher cane harvesting and cartage rates to offset fuel spikes, and warnings grow as flowering cane threatens crop quality amid a delayed crushing start. Cost of Living & Budgets: Economists warn Fiji’s growth outlook has been downgraded to 1.5% amid fuel, inflation and geopolitical pressures, while the FWCC calls for a people-centred budget that prioritises healthcare and gender-based violence services. Health Overhaul: The Ministry of Health launched a new five-year strategic plan to shift Fiji from reactive hospital care to proactive prevention and stronger primary healthcare. Safety & Justice: The Online Safety Commission says Fiji’s Online Safety Act may need updating as TikTok livestream harms raise calls for stronger enforcement. Community Recovery: A 12-week residential recovery programme for adolescent boys battling alcohol and drug abuse has launched in Lautoka. Women in Engineering: A minister challenged the industry after noting women are 12% of membership but none are professionally registered on Engineers Fiji’s list.

Police Accountability: FCOSS is calling for an immediate Commission of Inquiry into the Fiji Police Force after a Beqa villager’s death allegedly linked to police brutality, saying piecemeal probes won’t fix a pattern of serious misconduct. Energy & Climate: Energy Fiji warns low Monasavu Dam levels, rising fuel costs and possible prolonged dry conditions could strain power supply, with preparations for a potential El Niño. Cybercrime: INTERPOL says cybercrime is rapidly growing across Fiji and the Pacific, targeting countries with weak cybersecurity capacity through scams, ransomware, phishing and AI deepfakes. Regional Economy: Pacific finance ministers meet in the Marshall Islands to tackle a “triple shock” of fuel insecurity, higher import costs and food vulnerability, with Fiji’s diesel price pressures highlighted. Drugs & Security: Cocaine bricks have washed up on Komo and Munia islands, raising fears cartels are exploiting maritime surveillance gaps. Youth & Online Safety: Fiji moves to introduce a minimum age of 16 for social media use, with a new law being drafted. Water Disputes: Lands and Water Authority payments tied to the Nasarava catchment lease are now in processing, while another water compensation dispute is sparking debate over who pays and why.

Energy & Accountability: Fiji’s parliamentary Economic Affairs committee has criticised Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) over years of large unspent budgets and what it says is thin reporting that doesn’t back tariff increase claims, with concerns raised about declining renewable investment and FCCC caution. Drugs & Security: Cocaine bricks have washed up on remote Lau and Komo/Munia islands, prompting calls for stronger national security and maritime surveillance, including urgent action at the National Security Council. Youth & Climate Voice: Registrations are open for Pacific Youth Talanoa 2 in Suva (15 July), pushing youth-led priorities into climate talks ahead of Pre-COP31 and COP31. Social Protection: A new Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection and Salvation Army partnership will expand care for vulnerable adolescent boys removed from the streets, including de-addiction support. Marine Governance: The Fiji Council of Social Services is urging a legally binding moratorium on deep-sea mining, saying Fiji’s laws still allow seabed exploration. Budget Pressure: Taxi drivers in Lautoka and the National Farmers Union both warn the cost-of-living squeeze is worsening, with farmers criticising a $5m fuel subsidy plan for cane harvesting and cartage. Water & Community Impact: A water cut in Tabia has left schools and homes without supply after a mataqali closed access to a mountain source over unpaid levies. Energy Risk: EFL says low Monasavu Dam levels and possible prolonged dry conditions under El Niño could threaten power supply, while it tightens fuel procurement and monitoring.

Online Safety: Fiji’s Social Media Age Deferment Taskforce has met again in Suva, with plans to take a bill to Parliament later this year to set a minimum social media access age of 16, backed by a whole-of-society approach involving government, parents, educators, communities and industry. Drug Crisis & Vanua Power: Tui Nayau Ratu Tevita Lutunauga Kapaiwai Uluilakeba Mara says drug trafficking can’t be fought with more bases alone, calling for restored village by-laws, legal backing, resources and drug-testing kits for coastal communities. Constitutional Reform: Fiji Constitutional Review Commission chair Sevuloni Valenitabua says repealing the 2013 Constitution’s immunity clause is a “big ask” given the Supreme Court’s position, though submissions will be reviewed over the next two months. Climate Diplomacy: Pacific leaders at Bonn warned that attempts to weaken climate science and the 1.5°C limit put Pasifika lives at risk, with Fiji’s environment chief stressing science is the backbone of climate justice. Regional Youth & Democracy: Deputy PM Viliame Gavoka urged Pacific youth to move from the sidelines into decision-making, warning democracy won’t survive on autopilot. Energy & Costs: The Consumer Council questioned why Energy Fiji Limited continues pushing tariff increases despite returning to profit, citing concerns over diesel generation spending and the lack of clear cost-containment steps.