AGP Executive Report

Hotel Investment: Warwick Hotels and Resorts plans a $200m expansion and renovation across Fiji and Vanuatu, including new rooms at Naviti and Tokatoka near Nadi, plus upgrades at Warwick Fiji, Naviti and Tambua Sands, with a goal to double revenue within five years. Tourism & Skills: Pacific Polytech has opened its Melrose Hotel training facility in Sigatoka to give tourism students hands-on experience with real guests and industry standards, filling a skills gap after technical colleges closed. Climate & Farming: Fiji’s Agriculture Ministry warns El Niño could trigger a major water crisis for farmers, threatening crop yields and livestock as water transport capacity is limited. Regional Politics: Pacific Islands Forum leaders head to Palau amid rising tensions, with Fiji and others pushing for unity on security issues after China’s missile test and debate over regional missile testing. Local Governance: Navua has been declared a town, with a special administrator set for the town council and plans to relocate the Navua Market and bus stand to Thompson Park. Health & Community: New care model homes at Koroipita Model Town are now ready to support vulnerable elderly residents, while Sigatoka Hospital received community-funded upgrades including a renovated mortuary and advanced X-ray equipment. Cybercrime Watch: Fiji is being targeted by AI-enabled phishing and ransomware groups, with experts urging businesses to tighten access privileges beyond basic password protection.

Hibiscus Festival 70th Anniversary: Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka opened the FMF Hibiscus Festival’s 70th celebrations at Albert Park, saying the event belongs to the people of Suva and Fiji—not sponsors or government—and urging Fijians to celebrate the living history of early contestants. North Festival Fundraising: The Vodafone Friendly North Festival kicks off in Labasa with seven queens and three kings, aiming to raise about $340,000–$350,000 for health projects including an ENT centre and key medical equipment. Aged Care Support: Two new care model homes at Koroipita Model Town have been furnished and are ready to welcome vulnerable elderly residents, as Government pushes community-based aged care amid full HPL occupancy. El Niño Water Warnings: Agriculture Minister Tomasi Tunabuna warns severe El Niño could hit farmers hard, with limited capacity to move water and a likely knock-on effect on livestock feed and yields. Tourism Skills Boost: Pacific Polytech opened its Melrose Hotel training facility in Sigatoka, giving students hands-on experience with real guests as Fiji’s tourism workforce needs grow. Navua Town Changes: Navua has been declared a town, with a special administrator planned and the Navua Market and bus stand set to relocate to Thompson Park under the 2026–2027 budget. Regional Security Tensions: Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General Baron Waqa says leaders oppose missile testing across the region, while analysis highlights growing fractures ahead of the Palau summit.

Women’s Safety: Fiji has opened a new Women’s Safe Shelter in Lautoka, offering emergency accommodation, trauma-informed counselling and case management for women and girls escaping gender-based violence, with the shelter’s location kept confidential. Water Security: Fiji will expand solar-powered water pumps under a new $2m funding push to protect remote communities as El Niño drought risk grows. Pacific Diplomacy: Pacific leaders are heading to Palau for the pre-COP31 and Forum summit run-up, with most expected to attend Fiji’s pre-COP meetings despite other commitments. Regional Climate Finance: Pacific islands are seeking backing for a new regional fund ahead of COP31 to channel money into renewable energy, community resilience and ocean protection via the Pacific Resilience Facility. Security & China Tensions: A new report highlights how China’s growing military moves in the Pacific are driving closer alignment with Australia, while Japan expands defense support to multiple Indo-Pacific countries including plans involving Fiji. Sports: Delon Shankar has been named Fiji captain for the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship in Samoa, with Fiji drawn against Vanuatu, New Zealand and Tahiti in Group B.

Earthquake Watch: A 5.4-magnitude quake jolted the Fiji Islands region, with the epicentre reported at 20.42°S, 177.59°W and a depth of about 510km. Regional Mobility & Media Access: A Vanuatu journalist remains stranded in Manila after being removed from Palau, where new visa pre-clearance rules took effect in March—raising concerns about transit plans via Fiji Airways. Local Environment Accountability: Fisheries Minister Alitia Bainivalu says the Qawa River pollution probe must identify the real source before blaming Fiji Sugar Corporation, with water samples already collected in Labasa. Women’s Safety: A new women and girls’ safe shelter opens in the Western Division on Monday, offering emergency accommodation and counselling for survivors of gender-based violence, with the location kept confidential. Economy Beyond Tourism: Deputy PM Manoa Kamikamica tells business leaders Fiji needs “better investment” that creates jobs and builds local capability, not just more capital inflows. Innovation Boost: Fiji Development Bank pledges $50,000 to support the Fiji Innovation Hub’s second year, backing programmes from hackathons to incubation and fintech events. Sports Leadership: Delon Shankar named Fiji captain for the OFC U19 Men’s Championship in Samoa, with Fiji drawn against New Zealand, Tahiti and Vanuatu in pool play. Town Milestone: Navua is officially declared Fiji’s 14th municipality, expected to strengthen local services and planning as the town grows. Trade & Imports: Fiji’s June imports jumped, with fuel driving much of the rise, alongside higher shipments from Singapore, China and Australia.

Waste crackdown: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya has hit back at Wailea residents after a “trash boom” in Suva’s Vatuwaqa creek reportedly trapped rubbish for weeks, warning that littering will be met with a $200 fine from next week. Competition law review: Deputy PM Manoa Kamikamica says Fiji’s Competition and Consumer Commission Bill 2026—already approved by Cabinet—still needs further consultation, after stakeholders questioned the short eight-day process and enforcement details. Crime focus: Women’s Minister Sashi Kiran says arrests alone won’t stop crime as robberies and burglaries increasingly target vulnerable people, urging Neighbourhood Watch action and closer checks on older residents. Tourism tax clarity: The Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association welcomes Government’s move to apply the 5% Tourism Services Tax only to bookings from 1 September, reducing “surprise” charges for travellers. Tourism investment: Warwick Hotels and Resorts announced a $200m expansion and renovation plan in Fiji, including new rooms, upgrades and a ballroom, aiming to double revenue over five years. Business ties: Kamikamica told the Australia–Fiji business forum that the relationship must shift from dialogue to real projects and investment. Pacific skills boost: USP opened a Sustainable Energy Training Centre to build renewable energy skills for Fiji and the wider Pacific.

Tourism Tax Clarity: Fiji’s tourism sector says it welcomes the government’s move to apply the 5% Tourism Services Tax only to new bookings from 1 September, removing earlier fears of retroactive charges and giving operators time to prepare. Hotel Expansion: Warwick Hotels and Resorts plans a $200m expansion and renovation across Fiji, including new rooms at Naviti and Tokatoka, plus upgrades at Warwick Fiji, Tambua Sands and more. Renewables Skills Boost: A new Sustainable Energy Training Centre at USP will train technicians and entrepreneurs in solar and other renewable technologies to support Fiji’s cleaner energy transition. Digital Economy Push: Deputy PM Manoa Kamikamica says digital trust and cybersecurity are now essential for doing business as Fiji strengthens its digital strategies. Governance in Court: Fiji’s Court of Appeal allows the President to be added as a second respondent in Rabuka’s FICAC-related stay case, with the matter returning to court on 5 October. Crime Against Vulnerable: Women’s Minister Sashi Kiran condemns a rise in robberies and burglaries targeting vulnerable people, urging families to talk to youth about honesty and work. Sports & Youth: Lautoka appoints Batram Suri as head coach ahead of the Extra Battle of the Giants; school volleyball returns after 11 years; and 70 teams compete in the Secondary Schools Basketball Championship. Kava Trade Rules: The proposed Yaqona (Kava) Bill 2026 would fine or jail sellers who falsely label kava as Fijian-grown, with a licensing system run by the Fiji Yaqona Council.

Food Security & Imports: Fiji says data gaps are delaying targets to cut its $1.1b food import bill, as the Agriculture Ministry works to map what’s imported, consumed locally, processed, and re-exported. Agriculture & Jobs: Government is pushing hydroponics and protected agriculture to boost year-round vegetables and reduce import reliance, while also backing cooperatives to help farmers keep more value. Tourism Tax: The Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association welcomes confirmation the 5% Tourism Services Tax will apply only to new bookings from 1 September, easing fears of surprise charges for travellers. Rural Development: A draft National Rural Development Policy is being validated in Labasa, with officials stressing rural and maritime voices and linking resilience to infrastructure planning. Public Safety & Crime: The NFP is calling for more visible Police patrols and checkpoints amid concerns over robberies, burglaries and attacks on taxi drivers. Church Health Push: Methodist Church leaders back moves for ministers to abstain from smoking and cut kava consumption. Regional Resilience: Pacific Island nations met in Honiara to strengthen earthquake and tsunami early warning systems, focusing on better data sharing and monitoring capacity. Aviation: Fiji Airways will suspend Canberra–Nadi flights from 5 February 2027. Elections: Fiji’s election register tops 723,000 registered voters after a data-cleaning exercise.

Tourism Tax Clarity: Fiji’s 5% Tourism Services Tax will apply only to new bookings from 1 September to 31 August 2027, with existing reservations exempt—Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka urged travellers not to cancel amid industry backlash. Aviation Update: Fiji Airways will suspend its Canberra–Nadi flights from 5 February 2027, while Nadi’s jet fuel shortage is expected to ease by end of August after a new shipment. Elections Roll: Fiji’s voter register has topped 723,000, with 723,771 registered after a two-month data-cleaning exercise. Crime and Safety: NFP leaders are calling for more police patrols and checkpoints as concerns grow over robberies, burglaries and attacks on taxi drivers; Transport Minister Ro Filipe condemned a Nadi taxi attack. Climate at COP31: Fiji says COP31 must put the ocean at the centre of climate action, pushing for implementation and funding beyond promises. Food and Farming: Hydroponics and protected agriculture are being promoted to cut vegetable imports, while farmers look to cooperatives for better returns and Fiji exports fresh produce to Naoero. Church Health Push: Methodist Church leaders back moves to curb smoking and reduce kava among ministers and lay preachers. Sports & Culture: Fiji Pro wildcard surfers Kurop and Degei fly the flag at Cloudbreak; Fiji’s former footballer Karuna Gopalan has died in Lautoka.

Tourism Tax Transition: Fiji’s 5% Tourism Services Tax will apply only to new bookings made on or after 1 September, with pre-1 Sept bookings protected even if travel happens later—TAANZ says this gives Kiwi travellers certainty after industry backlash. Aviation Funding Fight: Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka defended the tax as support for Fiji Airways amid rising costs, while the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association warned the rollout could hurt bookings and Fiji’s destination reputation. Youth and Drugs in Schools: The Fiji Teachers Union flagged 3,143 drug-related student cases in 2025, including 1,508 primary pupils, calling for stronger national action, training, counselling support and tighter supply-side efforts. Church Leadership: Reverend Dr Jolami Lasawa was elected President-elect of the Methodist Church in Fiji for 2027. Health and Ageing: Government says Fiji has more than 90,000 people aged 60-plus and is drafting a new National Ageing Policy (2026–2035). Regional Security: Fiji and Japan reaffirmed cooperation on maritime surveillance, energy resilience and public health, including support to tackle drugs and HIV.

Tourism Tax Fight: Fiji’s Tourism Services Tax is back in the spotlight as Minister Viliame Gavoka defends the 5% levy to support Fiji Airways, while the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association warns the rollout is hitting already-booked travellers; the Government says the tax will apply only to new bookings made from 1 September, not earlier paid bookings. Public Service Appointments: Three Permanent Secretaries were sworn in in Fiji—David Teika Dennis (Finance and Treasury), Trevor Unusu (Police, National Security and Correctional Services) and Bunyan Sivoro (Culture and Tourism)—as Acting Governor-General Sir Albert Rocky Palmer urged stronger leadership and delivery. Health Response Pressure: Health Minister Dr Atonio Lalabalavu ordered faster response times and cleared backlogs after complaints about delays to parliamentary questions, media requests and public assistance. Ageing Concerns: Fiji is now home to more than 90,000 people aged 60-plus, prompting a new National Ageing Policy push and a whole-of-government approach. Methodist Leadership: Reverend Dr Jolami Lasawa was elected President-elect of the Methodist Church in Fiji for 2027, as the church also moves toward reforms including proposals around smoking and giving. Crime Investigation Update: Police still have not charged suspects in the Jone Vakarise death case, with more people questioned and the Minister for Policing seeking an update. Youth and Drugs: The Fiji Teachers Union says 3,143 drug-related school cases in 2025 are a warning, calling for stronger national strategy, training and supplier-focused action. Economy and Investment: A Fiji 100 CEO survey finds most firms met or beat profit expectations and plan to invest more in 2026/27, signalling cautious optimism. Sports: Fiji’s Kadavu Rugby Union has moved remaining home games to Viti Levu due to safety concerns from wet weather and rough seas.

Tourism & Aviation: Fiji’s Tourism Services Tax (5%) to support Fiji Airways kicks in from 1 September, with the government defending it as necessary while travel groups warn it could hit already-booked Aussie and Kiwi holidays. HIV Update: Health Minister says Fiji is now in a generalized HIV epidemic, with estimates up to 12,000 people living with HIV and no “turning point” yet. Climate Resilience: A $9.2m programme targets vulnerable informal settlements in Lami, Sigatoka, Nadi and Lautoka to cut flooding, erosion and sanitation risks. Church & Community: The Methodist Church is ramping up commercial investment (including a new service station and a major 10-storey complex) and pushing to move away from compulsory levies; leaders also urge discipline around yaqona use. Public Safety: Road users are urged to take extra care during school holidays as police step up enforcement. Sports & Talent: Na Soko franchise competition launches for Under-16 and Under-18 boys and girls, while Fiji Pro continues to spotlight local surfing and community benefits. Justice Watch: Police still have not charged suspects in the Vakarise probe, 130 days after his death in military custody.

Tourism Tax Backlash: Fiji’s new 5% Tourism Services Tax is drawing fire from travel groups, with warnings it could hit already-booked Aussie holidays and be passed on to customers from 1 September. Maritime Security & Food Supply: Fisheries Minister Alitia Bainivalu says Fiji is tightening the fight on illegal fishing with satellite monitoring, vessel tracking, 100% port checks and patrols. Drugs Seizure in the Region: Cook Islands police are investigating 19 packages of suspected cocaine, about 26.49kg, washed ashore on Mitiaro reef. Church Leadership Shift: The Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma elects Rev Dr Jolami Lasawa president-elect for 2027, as the church moves away from compulsory levies toward voluntary “heart and faith” giving. Public Finance Court Ruling: Fiji’s High Court finds the National Hosting Authority’s spending on the 2023 Pacific Games unlawful and unprocedural. Sports Moment: Fiji’s 17-year-old Maori Pomeroy-Farrell wins bronze in the 3-metre springboard at World Aquatics, the country’s first medal at the event. Community Support: Government street outreach reports more than 80 people assisted across Lautoka, Nadi, Labasa and Raiwaqa.

Festival of Praise: About 126 students and teachers from Fiji’s special and inclusive schools will make history with their first-ever participation in the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma’s Festival of Praise, with Education Minister Aseri Radrodro saying it will build confidence and community inclusion. HIV & nightlife: Nightclub operators in Nadi reject claims linking venues to HIV spread, arguing early closures could push people into less regulated settings and calling for stronger education and community support. Elections & politics: Fiji Labour leader Mahendra Chaudhry says there’s no pre-election coalition deal, insisting Labour’s goal is an outright majority. Backbench after acquittal: Former Fisheries and Forestry Minister Kalaveti Ravu remains on the backbench months after being acquitted, saying any Cabinet return depends on his party. Tourism tax fight: Government says some tourism players are using “delay tactics” and negative publicity over the 5% Tourism Services Tax, while the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association warns businesses are still unclear on how the levy will apply to bookings and deposits. Solar push: FNU’s new Solar Hub (STAR-C) aims to close Fiji’s skills gap and help attract up to $100m in solar investment as Fiji targets 100% renewables within five years. Education gains: Dropouts are down, with primary and secondary retention improving after government support including free education and transport assistance. Weather: Strong winds, rough seas and showers are forecast across parts of Fiji, with warnings in effect until midnight tomorrow.

Education & Community: Fiji Muslim League officially opened a rebuilt Islamic Education and Vocational Training Centre in Sabeto, Nadi, replacing a 2019 fire-destroyed facility and aiming to combine Quran learning with trades training for youth. School Retention: Education Minister Aseri Radrodro says dropouts are down, with primary fall from 1,200 (2024) to 740 last year and secondary from 869 to 400, backed by free education, transport help and back-to-school support. Tourism Tax Fight: Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel says Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association and some operators are using “delay tactics” and negative publicity over the 5% Tourism Services Tax, while FHTA warns confusion over how the levy applies to existing bookings and deposits. HIV Response: Women, Children and Social Protection Minister Sashi Kiran met UNAIDS to push stigma reduction and better access to support, including culturally simple HIV messages. Energy Push: Fiji could attract up to $100m in private solar investment as work advances on a solar training and resource centre at FNU. Weather Alert: Strong winds, rough seas and showers are expected across parts of Fiji until midnight tomorrow. Money Laundering Test: Government says Fiji’s upcoming mutual evaluation next month could affect the outlook, as agencies move to close gaps ahead of assessment. US Court Ruling (Global): A US judge struck down Trump’s immigrant visa suspension affecting 75 countries, including Fiji.

Tourism Tax Backlash: The Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association says confusion over the new 5% Tourism Services Tax could have been avoided, warning that late, changing guidelines leave operators and travel agents scrambling ahead of the September 1 start. Anti-Money Laundering Pressure: Fiji prepares for its 2026 Mutual Evaluation next month as Justice Minister Siromi Turaga flags about $11m in active forfeiture cases and warns the outcome could affect Fiji’s standing with international partners. Money-Laundering Risk: Local reporting says Fiji faces a high risk of money laundering, with threats including drugs, organised crime, illegal fishing and corruption, and a grey-listing risk if the assessment goes badly. Immigration Court Ruling: A US judge struck down a Trump administration immigrant visa suspension covering 75 countries, including Fiji, saying the policy was “patently unlawful.” Fuel Supply Disruption: Nadi Airport continues operating under jet fuel supply restrictions after a contamination issue, with airlines forced to refuel elsewhere and Virgin cancelling some services. FICAC Update: Parliament hears FICAC spent about $19,022 on the Christopher Pryde case and that 160 matters remain before the courts. Community & Inclusion: Women’s Minister Sashi Kiran and the Fiji Association of the Deaf condemn a video mocking sign language, calling for education and respect. Sports Spotlight: Auckland City win a 14th OFC Men’s Champions League title, beating Central Coast FC 2-0 in Ba.

OFC Champions League: Auckland City made it five straight titles, beating Central Coast FC 2-0 in Ba with goals from Ryan De Vries and Matt Ellis. Education Accountability: 42 schools missed Fiji’s Free Education Grant in 2025 after failing financial management checks, with disbursements withheld from 35 primary and 7 secondary schools. Disability Respect: Women’s Minister Sashi Kiran condemned a video mocking sign language, calling it harmful and urging education and accountability. Anti-Corruption Watch: Parliament revealed FICAC spent about $19,022 on the Christopher Pryde case, and 160 matters were still before the courts as of June 30. Street Outreach: The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection is ramping up multi-agency operations to help people sleeping or begging on streets, including support and placements for youths and seniors. High Court Ruling: The High Court said the National Hosting Authority acted unlawfully in spending public funds for the 2023 Pacific Games. Tourism Pressure: Fiji’s new 5% tourism services tax from Sept 1 has drawn backlash from Australian industry groups over retrospective billing. Immigration Access: Nakasi and Rakiraki immigration offices are set to open next month, with citizenship applications moving online. Nadi Fuel Strain: Nadi Airport remains operational but under jet fuel supply restrictions, with 1.3 million litres released to ease shortages.