AGP Executive Report

Gender-based violence support: Fiji has launched a revised National Service Delivery Protocol in Suva, promising faster, safer and better-coordinated help for survivors, including stronger responses to online abuse and clearer guidance for rural and maritime communities. Jobs and skills: ILO education and training head Naren Prasad says Fiji’s growth must create productive jobs and keep people from seeking opportunities overseas, urging a job-centred approach and skills systems that match labour market needs. Pacific security: Australia and Fiji’s Ocean of Peace defence pact is drawing New Zealand interest, with analysts warning smaller states’ concerns may be overlooked. Drugs and the military: Opposition leader Inia Seruiratu wants a bigger RFMF role in the drug fight, while Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua reiterates military authority must stay under civilian control. Budget and services: Parliament debates include justice tech upgrades and digitisation funding, plus moves to fix teacher pay and clarify that teacher registration doesn’t automatically mean a government job. Health and infrastructure: A $2m True Fitness gym opens in Laqere, while the government defends major roads, bridges and water spending in the 2026/27 Budget. Trade and tourism: Trade ministers gather in Auckland for a major Future of Investment and Trade meeting, and Fiji Airways’ tourism role is highlighted as key to a tourism rebound.

Drug Crackdown: Fiji stepped up maritime enforcement after dozens of cocaine packages washed up on remote shores, with Fiji Navy boarding 98 vessels in two weeks and Fiji Police working with the AFP to trace the source. Constitution Review: President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu urged the Constitution Review Commission to focus on lasting economic opportunities for iTaukei communities, including extending iqoliqoli into Fiji’s EEZ to unlock sustainable income. Food Security Push: Professor Palatasa Havea challenged Fiji’s reliance on imported vegetables, calling for FNU-led research and innovation to strengthen local food production and cut diet-related disease risks. Water Crisis in Taveuni: Residents in parts of Taveuni say inconsistent water carting is keeping children out of school, with families waiting days for deliveries and alleging uneven distribution. Budget & Services: Parliament heard updates on policing funding and teacher salary delays, while the Foreign Affairs Ministry says overseas missions will be judged by measurable economic results. UN & Diplomacy: India launched its SHANTI campaign for a UNSC seat, while China rejected claims it seeks a “sphere of influence” in the Pacific after a missile test.

Pacific Security & Diplomacy: China’s submarine-launched ballistic missile test in the South Pacific has sparked fresh alarm, with Australia calling it “destabilising” and Pacific leaders urging tighter regional cooperation as Fiji and others deepen security ties. Ocean of Peace Alliance: Australia and Fiji’s new pact is now being watched closely as New Zealand weighs joining amid wider Indo-Pacific security moves. Fiji Budget Fight: Opposition MPs hit the 2026-2027 National Budget as fiscally irresponsible, warning it won’t ease cost-of-living pressure or stop brain drain, while the Government says it balances growth and discipline. Health & Social Protection: The Budget boosts health recruitment and hospital services, and funds two specialised rehabilitation centres for vulnerable boys amid the drug crisis. Power & Climate: Energy Fiji’s $2b renewable push targets 60% clean power by 2030 and 90% by 2035, aiming to cut reliance on imported fuel. Water Crisis: A $1m desalination plant in Taveuni remains idle, leaving thousands still dependent on rainwater. Customs Support: Japan will back Fiji Revenue and Customs with a dedicated liaison officer for capacity building. Sports & Rugby: Fiji Rugby says surplus from the England match will help fund the Saweni stadium project, while PM Rabuka defends interim coach Senirusi Seruvakula after two Tests.

Budget Boosts Border Security: Fiji’s 2026–2027 Budget backs a $14.8m immigration push, including work starting in August on an API-PNR passenger risk system, a new Australia-supported border management platform, and $5m for 100,000 blank passport books. Health Crisis Targets: The same Budget flags rising HIV and cancer pressures, citing over 2,000 new HIV diagnoses last year and funding to expand prevention and treatment, plus plans for Fiji’s first radiotherapy to cut the need for overseas care. Climate Disaster Readiness: Pacific leaders are urged to strengthen disaster financing as climate-linked recovery costs are estimated at about 5% of regional GDP, with PCRIC expanding tools and support from its new Fiji headquarters. Pacific Security Tensions: China’s recent nuclear-capable missile test continues to ripple through the region, with New Zealand exploring the Ocean of Peace alliance and officials warning against normalising such launches. Rugby League Investment: Tonga says it’s “daring to dream” after securing a major share of the A$250m Pacific Rugby League Partnership, including stadium upgrades and youth pathways across Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and PNG. Local Business Spotlight: A British veteran has launched what’s believed to be Taveuni’s first Northern Division food truck, using family farm produce and creating local jobs.

Pacific Security: New Zealand is “exploring” joining the Ocean of Peace alliance after Australia and Fiji signed it following China’s long-range ballistic missile test in the South Pacific, with Associate Professor Anna Powles urging Pacific voices stay central as Winston Peters warns the region isn’t a “testing gallery” for outside powers. Fiji Politics & Economy: Deputy Opposition Leader Parveen Bala says political division is hurting investor confidence ahead of Fiji’s Budget response, while PM Sitiveni Rabuka pushes back on debt criticism and calls for a wider look at what borrowing has funded. Budget Debate: Business leaders at a post-Budget forum questioned whether spending is creating jobs and improving tourism towns, arguing people need access to funding to turn plans into growth. Drugs & Community: Rabuka says Fiji’s drug fight can’t rely on raids alone, calling for families, churches, schools and traditional leaders to drive prevention and rehabilitation. Fiji Sport (Youth): Fiji and PNG start strong at the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship in Port Moresby, with Fiji beating New Caledonia 2-0. Fiji Sport (Handball): Fiji’s first-ever women’s U18 handball World Championship squad heads to Romania, but faces a funding gap. Transport Costs: Fiji taxi operators say they’ll keep pushing for another fare review if costs keep rising after the latest increase.

Tourism Tax Row: Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel hit back at Fiji Hotels and Tourism Association boss Fantasha Lockington, saying tourism sector reps met in Suva and agreed to the 5% tourism services tax, after FHTA said it was never consulted and unfairly shifts costs to one industry. Cabinet Cost Debate: Immanuel said there are no plans to cut Cabinet size, but warned deeper minister salary cuts could come if the fuel crisis worsens, while critics pushed for cutting vehicle use and costs. Fiji Navy Crackdown: The Republic of Fiji Military Forces Navy is stepping up maritime patrols under Operation Yadra Matua, boarding and inspecting 98 vessels and using air surveillance to deter illegal activity. Ocean of Peace Move: Fiji welcomed New Zealand’s interest in joining the Ocean of Peace Alliance, saying it will be up to NZ to decide if it fits its national interests. Fiji Airways Pressure: Business leaders urged Fiji Airways to review spending and investments as rising fuel and operating costs mount, including questions over its Sofitel investment and flight routes. Rugby Shockwaves: England thrashed Fiji 73-8 in the Nations Championship, while world rankings shifted with England climbing into the top five. Pacific Security Tensions: Australia continued raising concerns over China’s missile test in the South Pacific, calling it provocative and linking it to the push for stronger regional security.

Government Cost Cuts Debate: A consultant has urged Fiji to cut transport costs by putting ministers into one minibus instead of multiple vehicles, arguing taxpayers are paying for extra drivers, allowances and fuel; Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel pushed back, saying Fiji’s driving habits make it hard to reduce cars, as the government also faces scrutiny after 826 vehicle crashes cost $7.39m in repairs and write-offs. Pacific Security Shock: Australia says China’s long-range, nuclear-capable missile test was “provocative” and has raised concerns with Beijing at multiple levels, coming soon after Australia and Fiji signed a defence pact—while China insists the launch was routine. Fiji–NZ Defence Talks: Fiji welcomed New Zealand’s interest in joining the Ocean of Peace Alliance, saying NZ can decide based on its national interests and foreign policy priorities. Trade Focus: Fiji–Australia business leaders are set to push agriculture as the next big bilateral trade opportunity at a joint forum in Suva. Climate Pressure on Communities: Ekubu village on Vatulele says rising seas and stronger currents are eroding shorelines, shrinking cassava harvests and making fishing harder. Sports: England thrashed Fiji 73-8 in the Nations Championship in Liverpool, ending a losing run.

Nations Championship Rugby: England roared back in style, ending a five-Test losing run with an 11-try 73-8 demolition of Fiji at Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool, with Benhard Janse van Rensburg and Noah Caluori making try-scoring debuts and Henry Pollock bagging a hat-trick as Fiji were reduced after Simione Kuruvoli’s red card. Heat Protocol: Organisers extended half-time to 20 minutes for Fiji v England at Liverpool under World Rugby’s extreme weather measures, adding hydration breaks to protect players. Pacific Disaster Finance: Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company (PCRIC) opened a new Suva regional base, boosting faster payouts for cyclone and flood-hit countries as climate-linked disasters strain budgets. Cyclone Season Warning: SPREP urged Pacific communities to stay vigilant through the remaining cyclone months and follow daily updates from national meteorological offices. Environment & Tourism: Natadola Beach saw a major cleanup with 300+ people removing rubbish, while Tokoriki Island Resort celebrated another Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards milestone. Local Power Issue: Southern Taveuni families say they’ve waited years for electricity network extension, leaving students and households struggling without reliable power. Sport Beyond Rugby: India announced a historic first-ever men’s football tour of New Zealand with two friendlies on Nov 12 (Auckland) and Nov 15 (Christchurch).

Pacific Security: Fiji and Australia signed the Ocean of Peace Alliance in Suva, a mutual defence pact that also leaves the door open for other Pacific states to join—New Zealand says it will explore partnering, as regional leaders weigh growing pressure after China’s missile tests. Local Governance & Rights: The National Federation Party says Fiji’s constitutional review process should not be rushed, warning new rules need time and supporting legislation before the next election. Disaster Readiness: PCRIC opened a new Suva base to speed up disaster payouts for Pacific countries, aiming to reduce recovery delays as cyclones and floods intensify. Health Crisis: A new look at Fiji’s HIV outbreak argues it’s driven largely by syringe sharing, with pharmacies often refusing sterile equipment without prescriptions. Business & Jobs: Fiji-Australia business talks are set for late August, with leaders pushing agriculture as the next trade focus and warning skilled labour shortages are slowing projects. Environment: One Beach Fiji led a major Natadola Beach cleanup with 300+ people, targeting plastic waste and calling for lasting behaviour change. Sports & Economy: Fiji’s Nations Championship “home” run in the UK is drawing attention, but reports suggest sponsor gaps and the loss of a lead sponsor could blunt the financial upside.

Pacific Security: Australia and Fiji have signed the Ocean of Peace Alliance, with New Zealand now saying it will explore joining—an explicit move to strengthen regional defence as China’s nuclear-capable missile test sparks condemnation across the Pacific. Fiji Politics & Governance: Fiji is registering citizens in Papua New Guinea for the upcoming election and issuing voter ID cards, while Rabuka backs a government-supported voluntary resettlement push for people returning to ancestral villages. Economy & Debt: A World Bank report warns Fiji must take decisive action to bring debt back toward pre-pandemic levels, linking fiscal discipline to recovery and sugar-sector viability. Health: Fiji has launched a new digital HIV module in PATIS Plus to replace paper records and improve patient tracking and surveillance. Climate & Weather: Fiji recorded some of its coldest nights on record in early July, and advocates warn more than 50 communities may face relocation within five years due to sea-level rise and erosion. Sports & Community: Tonga says it’s “daring to dream” after a $250m Pacific rugby league partnership, with grassroots school programs and violence-prevention funding.

Pacific Defence: Australia and Fiji have signed the Ocean of Peace Alliance, with New Zealand’s foreign minister saying NZ could join once it enters into force, as the pact aims to bolster regional peace and security amid China-linked missile concerns. HIV Care Upgrade: Fiji launched a new digital HIV module within PATIS Plus to replace manual records, improving secure patient monitoring, follow-ups, and national disease surveillance. Constitution Review Push: Dialogue Fiji and other voices are weighing in on constitutional reform, including calls for a two-term PM limit, tighter Cabinet caps, stronger judicial and oversight protections, and keeping Fiji’s democratic foundations of the 2013 Constitution. Health & Safety at Home: Police and communications minister Ioane Naivalurua urged villages to declare themselves drug-free, while vendors in Naqara, Taveuni renewed calls for a public restroom. Weather Watch: Fiji recorded some of its coldest July nights on record, with multiple stations setting new minimum temperature records. Tourism Recognition: Two resorts—Likuri and Malolo—were inducted into the Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards Hall of Fame.

Environment Education: Environment and Climate Change Minister Lynda Tabuya says Fiji’s cleaner future starts with children, rolling out composting, recycling and gardening tools at Naikawaga Kindergarten in Tailevu to build daily habits. Peacekeeping Rights: A gender assessment urges Fiji’s military to review UN peacekeeper pregnancy rules after finding women are removed from deployment if they become pregnant, while men face no similar consequence. Regional Security: Australia and Fiji’s “Ocean of Peace Alliance” is driving wider Pacific defence talk, with New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon saying NZ is considering joining after China’s nuclear-capable missile test in the region. China Missile Fallout: Pacific leaders including Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Palau condemned China’s test, warning it undermines the Pacific’s nuclear-free and peace commitments. Sugar Industry Pressure: Sugarcane farmers want clarity on the minimum guaranteed cane price and longer land leases as production declines and costs rise. Rural Development: Rabuka has opened a refurbished district office in Nadarivatu, Ba, to push services and development into rural and maritime areas. Climate Displacement: After nearly six years in tents following TC Ana, 37 families in Nabavatu, Macuata, are preparing to move into permanent homes.

Pacific Security: New Zealand says it will explore joining the Australia–Fiji “Ocean of Peace” defence alliance, with any decision to be made by Cabinet after treaty steps—moves sparked by China’s long-range nuclear-capable missile test in the Pacific. Regional Response: Pacific leaders including Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Palau have condemned the missile launch, warning it undermines the region’s nuclear-free and peace commitments. Fiji Politics & Society: After nearly six years in tents following TC Ana, 37 Nabavatu families in Macuata are finally preparing to move into permanent homes—though trauma from the disaster still lingers. Sports & Business: Bank South Pacific is confirmed as a major sponsor of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, backing Fiji and other South Pacific teams. Sugar Crisis: Farmers in Rakiraki are demanding clarity on the $85 minimum cane price and pushing for stronger support as consultations turn heated, with police called in after shouting. Tourism & Energy: Fiji Airways ends its FHTA partnership and shifts to direct hotel deals, while Nadi Airport breaks ground on Fiji’s largest solar farm to cut power costs and boost future capacity.

Pacific Security: China’s submarine-launched long-range, nuclear-capable missile test in the South Pacific has triggered sharp condemnation across the region, with Australia calling it “destabilising” and Pacific leaders weighing a “very strong” joint statement as Tuvalu warns superpowers against using the Pacific as a testing ground. Australia–Fiji Defence: The missile test landed days after Australia and Fiji signed the Ocean of Peace Alliance/Veitacini security pact, adding fresh pressure on Pacific governments to coordinate responses. Regional Sports & Youth: Australia has pledged $250m over 10 years to grow rugby league across Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and PNG, including school programs, violence prevention, and a promise to identify opportunities for NRL and NRLW matches in the Pacific. Local Economy & Food: Fiji’s Tourism Ministry urges farmers to diversify crops to cut the $200m import bill, while farmers warn the real hurdle is market access. Water Crisis: Government teams are working to restore supply for Vunivere families after weeks of intermittent shortages, with borehole scoping being considered. Environment & Land: Former Fijian President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere calls for stronger land restoration and protection of forests, rivers and farmland to secure Fiji’s long-term prosperity.

Pacific Security: China’s submarine-launched nuclear-capable missile test has sparked fresh alarm across the Pacific, with leaders including Tuvalu and Solomon Islands condemning the move and calling for stronger regional action. Fiji-Australia Links: The missile test came hours after Australia and Fiji signed a new defence alliance, as Australia pushes Pacific leaders to issue a “strong message” and coordinate more closely. Local Impact—Water: Government says it’s exploring a long-term fix for the Vunivere water crisis in Seaqaqa, including scoping a borehole while continuing emergency water carting. Tourism & Business: Fiji Airways has ended its MOU with the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association, shifting to direct partnerships with hotels and resorts. Workforce & Inclusion: A new Pacific Australia Skills Hub is framed as a Fiji-focused response to technical skills gaps, while Fiji also announced tax rebates to encourage inclusive hiring of people with disabilities. Constitution Debate: SODELPA renews calls for “Fiji Islander” as a common civic identity, while Professor Steven Ratuva challenges the colonial framing of “Fijian” over iTaukei. Sports: A $250m Pacific Rugby League Partnership opens the door for NRL and NRLW matches to be played in Pacific Island nations.

Sex & Trafficking Probe: Fiji’s Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua is calling for swift action after allegations involving three young women in Nadi, urging immediate reporting and saying police are investigating on two fronts, including a case file sent to the ODPP and a separate probe into alleged police involvement in the Western Division. Fiji-Australia Security Boost: In Suva, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Australia’s Anthony Albanese signed the Vuvale Union and the Ocean of Peace Alliance (Veitacini Treaty), with Rabuka stressing Fiji’s sovereignty is secure and built on dialogue and UN principles. China Missile Fallout: The same week’s diplomacy is shadowed by China’s submarine-launched long-range missile test in the Pacific, which Fiji says it was notified about in advance, while Australia, New Zealand and others condemned it as destabilising and raised concerns about transparency and regional security. Taveuni Fuel Crisis: On Taveuni, fuel shortages and shipping disruption are hitting tourism, farming and essential services, with the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association warning the problem is now spreading beyond hotels. Climate-Smart Farming: USP research is targeting climate-resilient taro production, upgrading models to better reflect Fiji’s taro varieties and help farmers adapt as soils and weather patterns worsen.