In this bulletin:
1. PACIFIC — NZ PM Luxon calls Sāmoa ‘family’ but defends visa rules for Pacific travellers
2. PACIFIC — NZ, Samoa vow to combat flow of drugs through Pacific ‘super highway’
3. FIJI — Tikoduadua proposes stronger Fiji military role in fight against crime
4. PNG — More than 121,000 visas issued: PNG Immigration Minister
5. SAMOA — Manawanui compensation still in flux, as Samoa and NZ leaders talk
6. FIJI — Leung: Fiji Coups tested resilience as he recounts experiences before TRC
7. VANUATU — Emergency health supplies send to Ambae
8. PACIFIC — U.S Coast Guard cutter returns to Honolulu after Oceania patrol
9. PACNEWS BIZ — Fiji Fuel retailers urge calm amid concerns over panic buying
10. PACNEWS BIZ — Cook Islands closely monitors global oil prices
11. PACNEWS BIZ — “Public transportation is another answer”: Palau adds buses to offset rising fuel costs
12. PACNEWS BIZ — PNG Economic outlook cautious: Official
13. PACNEWS BIZ — Tuvalu worker hails skills and opportunity from Niutao Harbour Project
14. PACNEWS IN FOCUS — Pacific visitors to New Zealand: the push for visa-free entry
15. PACNEWS DIGEST — Across classrooms and communities, schools in Vanuatu are promoting health and preventing violence
PAC – DIPLOMACY/VISA: PMN PACNEWS 2: Tue 17 Mar 2026
NZ PM Luxon calls Sāmoa ‘family’ but defends visa rules for Pacific travellers
APIA, 17 MARCH 2026 (PMN) — New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has defended visa requirements for Pacific travellers, even as he described Sāmoa and New Zealand as “family” during his first official visit to Apia.
Luxon made the comments on Monday shortly after he was bestowed the chiefly matai title Tuisinavemaulumotoʻotua by the villages of Apia, a traditional honour that reflects leadership, service, and belonging within the wider Pacific family.
But the moment also raised a political question. Sāmoan media asked whether the relationship “family” should mean visa-free travel between Pacific countries and Aotearoa.
Pacific leaders, community groups, and advocacy organisations have repeatedly called for visa-free travel, arguing that deep historical ties, labour links, and family connections across the region should allow easier movement.
Asked directly about the issue, Luxon pointed to changes his government says have already made travel easier.
“As a new government in New Zealand over the last two years, we’ve done several things to try and make it easier to facilitate visas and travel to New Zealand,” Luxon says.
“The challenge that we have is you know as any leader does is to make sure that you’ve got legal migration and that you’ve actually got good risk management around your immigration system because otherwise what happens is you get an anti-immigrant feeling that builds up inside a country.”
Last year, the New Zealand Government introduced a number of changes affecting Pacific travellers.
Visitor visas for Pacific Islands Forum nationals were extended from the standard one-year visa to a 24-month multi-entry visa, allowing travellers to visit New Zealand multiple times within that period while still observing normal visitor stay limits.
New Zealand also started recognising valid Australian visitor visas for entry, making travel easier for Pacific visitors already transiting through Australia.
Visa application fees for Pacific travellers were also temporarily reduced for a 12-month period.
Luxon says a petition calling for visa-free travel for Pacific countries will go through New Zealand’s parliamentary select committee process before any decision is made.
The issue comes as New Zealand seeks to strengthen ties across the Pacific, where closer cooperation and the movement of people are increasingly tied to broader political and economic partnerships.
Sāmoa’s Prime Minister Laʻauli Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt said regional cooperation remains vital as global pressures grow.
“New Zealand and Australia we look up to as big brothers and sisters,” Laʻauli told journalists.
“You see the changing nowadays in the world. Big countries bully, start to change things dynamically, tariff, pushing things, petroleum and all that taking over.
“Sāmoa’s focus is to make sure we look after ourselves… So that’s why it’s very, very important for Sāmoa, New Zealand and Australia and all Pacific regions to come back together again.”
Luxon is visiting Sāmoa with a large delegation of ministers, officials, business and community leaders.
He says the trip is focused on strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
He leaves for Tonga today, where discussions are expected to cover fuel security, economic pressures, and regional stability.
Luxon also warned that drug trafficking is becoming a growing threat in the Pacific, with criminal networks increasingly using the region as a transit route.
“We’re up against crime families in South America that are doing extraordinary things now to send drugs into our region and actually the border and the security is the Pacific,” he said.
“It’s not just the New Zealand border alone as well. So, it’s very important that we work together,” he said…. PACNEWS
PAC – DRUGS FIGHT: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS 2: Tue 17 Mar 2026
NZ, Samoa vow to combat flow of drugs through Pacific ‘super highway’
APIA, 17 MARCH 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) — New Zealand and Samoa have vowed to do more to combat the flow of drugs through the Pacific, which prime minister Christopher Luxon says has become a “super highway”.
Luxon and his Samoan counterpart La’aulialemalietoa Polataivao Leuatea Fosi Schmidt have signed memorandums of understanding for Police and Customs to work together and share more information.
The agreement would see dedicated New Zealand Police officers embedded in Samoa.
Both Luxon and La’auli were under no illusions as to the challenges the Pacific faced.
“We have recognised that border risk … the fast-paced problem of illegal drugs crossing our borders is on the rise,” La’aulialemalietoa said.
“We’re up against it. We’re up against crime families in South America that are doing extraordinary things now to send drugs into our region,” Luxon said.
“And actually, the border and the security is the Pacific. It’s not just the New Zealand border alone as well. So, it’s very important that we work together.”
Later, Luxon watched a demonstration of a drug seizure by two detector dogs donated by New Zealand, as part of the Pacific Drug Detector Dog Programme.
A combined effort to combat transnational crime is something Luxon would be bringing with him to Tonga on Tuesday afternoon, as he flew in for a meeting with prime minister Lord Fatefehi Fakafanua.
But Luxon said he was also keen to talk energy security and was preparing to discuss how officials could work together in that space as well.
It was likely the calls for visa waivers will follow Luxon to Nuku’alofa.
La’aulialemalietoa, community leaders, and Samoan media had all lobbied for Pacific visitors to be treated the same as those from 60 other countries and be given visas on arrival.
But Luxon appeared unlikely to budge, for now.
“You see what happens around the world when immigration gets out of control, and it’s not legal and it’s not managed. We have, very much, a risk-based approach to it all. We’re trying to liberalise what we can do in the Pacific, and we’ll continue to look at it.”
Luxon would also be keen to put the matter of his matai title behind him as he left Samoa, after the Samoan government admitted neither Luxon nor any of his representatives had requested it.
Luxon said it was a” miscommunication”, and he had moved on, but would not say if Samoa’s government had apologised.
At a gala dinner on Monday evening, La’aulialemalietoa said the controversy was “
nonsense” and advised Luxon to ignore it.
“Do not worry about the nonsense on Facebook. Let the village of Apia sort it out, and handle it with respect,” he said.
“It is normal for us here.” he said…. PACNEWS
FIJI – DRUGS FIGHT: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 2: Tue 17 Mar 2026
Tikoduadua proposes stronger Fiji military role in fight against crime
SUVA, 17 MARCH 2026 (FIJI SUN) — Fiji’s military could take on a stronger frontline role in national security operations under a proposed “hybrid” model being considered by Government.
Minister for Defence and Veteran affairs Pio Tikoduadua revealed the idea during an interview at Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua.
Tikoduadua said the concept was being discussed as Fiji looked at ways to strengthen its response to growing security concerns, particularly the fight against drugs and transnational crime.
He said under current laws the Republic of Fiji Military Forces mainly operates in a supporting role to civilian authorities such as the Police, except in naval operations where it already carries out maritime patrols.
However, the proposed hybrid approach would allow the military to deploy alongside law enforcement agencies in a more direct capacity when needed.
“The idea of a hybrid came about as a response to the call for the military to respond to the drug situation,” Tikoduadua said.
He said changes to legal frameworks would be needed to enable the military to operate more effectively in such roles without overstepping existing boundaries.
The aim, he said, was to create legislation that would allow the military to support Police, Customs and other enforcement agencies in a practical way while maintaining clear safeguards.
Tikoduadua said several countries already operated under similar models where defence forces could carry out frontline security tasks when required.
He cited the example of northern defence forces in Australia, which work to protect the country’s northern regions while supporting civilian authorities.
Tikoduadua said Fiji was still considering the approach and that any move toward a hybrid model would require proper legal structures to ensure the Republic of Fiji Military Forces could operate effectively and responsibly.
He said the proposal formed part of broader discussions on how Fiji’s security institutions should evolve to address emerging threats and strengthen national security…. PACNEWS
PNG – IMMIGRATION: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS 2: Tue 17 Mar 2026
More than 121,000 visas issued: PNG Immigration Minister
PORT MORESBY, 17 MARCH 2026 (THE NATIONAL) — The Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Services Authority (ICSA) processed and issued 121,422 visas across various categories, a 27.38 percent increase from 93,315 visas issued in 2022.
Minister responsible John Rosso said this growth was driven by key factors, including the reintroduction of the visa auto grant feature, the revival of the visa on arrival service, and the reactivation of the short-term multiple entry business visa introduction of an artificial intelligence (AI) based analysis engine, among other initiatives.
“A total of 123,967 visas were issued in 2024 marking a modest 2.10 percent rise compared to 2023.”
Rosso, while presenting the annual ICSA report for 2023 and 2024 said 17,112 different work permit types were issued in 2023 and 12,939 in 2024 – which represented a 24.38 percent decrease compared to 2023.
He said the decrease was due to factors such as a positive increased in local workforce and expertise and other challenges.
“In 2023, 46,660 passports were issued and 46,128 in 2024,” he said.
Rosso also said a passport printing machine installed in Lae, Morobe, allowed people from the Mamose, Highlands regions, and nearby provinces to apply for travel documents.
“ICSA is also looking at extending similar services to other parts of the country in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation standards,” he said.
He added that the total migration service fee revenue collected in 2023 was K163.5 million(US$37.96 million) but Finance Department remitted 40 percent hence they received K123.1 million (US$28.61 million) and K186.5 million (US$3.34 million) in 2024.
“One hundred and fifteen non-citizens removed from the country in the past two years linked to various factors including violations to migration and national laws, resettlement pathways, and other migration processes,” he said.
“Some of these removals were due to serious criminal offences such as drug trafficking,” he said.
Rosso said 105 foreign nationals had been removed from PNG by deportation or administrative| process.
He explained that the AI-based platform was designed to automate document verification, streamline application processing and objectively assess the suitability of visa submissions.
ICSA has also established their housing policy, the Citizenship Advisory Committee, which is now in operation and has been able to review and expedite the backlog of pending citizenship applications.
“I have granted more than 200 citizenship applications,” Rosso said.
“These are for PNG citizens seeking dual citizenship with a prescribed country, naturalisation and other dual citizenship pathways such as resumption, marriage and sportsperson.
“We have granted citizenship to close to 150 West Papuans.
“Many have lived in the country for more than 50 years.”
Rosso added that reviews into the Migration Act of 1978, Passport Act of 1982 and Citizenship Act of 1975 had reached advanced stages…. PACNEWS
SAMOA – SANK NAVAL SHIP: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS 2: Tue 17 Mar 2026
Manawanui compensation still in flux, as Samoa and NZ leaders talk
APIA, 17 MARCH 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) — There’s uncertainty about whether New Zealand has finished paying compensation to Samoa for the Manawanui disaster, following a series of press conference by prime ministers of both countries Monday.
The New Zealand Navy ship sank in late 2024 off the south coast of Upolu after hitting a reef, spilling hundreds of thousands of litres of diesel and oil into the ocean. Affected communities have complained about both the amount and the distribution of compensation.
Last year New Zealand announced a payment of NZ$ 6 million (US$3.51 million) to Samoa which was described as final.
But when asked about the matter at a joint press conference in Apia today with New Zealand’s Christopher Luxon, his Samoan counterpart La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt said they were still in the middle of finalising the first portion of the payment and that consultations were ongoing.
“We appreciate New Zealand (sic) decision to have the first portion of compensation coming along, and we are in the middle of discussions with the people in the village area,” La’aulialemalietoa said.
“We need to have time, better time with New Zealand to consider what is good for us here, and protective, and also preserve of what’s going to be effective in the future, that’s where the discussions should be. Be fair to New Zealand and also be fair to us, in the long run.”
But at a later media stand-up in the Samoan capital, Luxon said the compensation had been paid in full.
“We negotiated in good faith with the Samoan government and paid full and final settlement, which was the NZD$ 6 million (US$3.51 million). What the Prime Minister was alluding to was actually the dispersal of that $6 million (US$3.51 million) out to the community,” he said.
However, Luxon said there was a second issue, regarding an independent shipwreck assessment commissioned by New Zealand, which he said they’d given to the Samoan government, who were now digesting it.
“They will take their time and with our officials work that through. And if there’s more for us to do together, as I said right from the beginning, we’ll always do the right thing.
“And so those are questions that they will need to digest, that independent report, and then we’ll pick those conversations further up,” Luxon said…. PACNEWS
FIJI – TRC: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS 2: Tue 17 Mar 2026
Leung: Fiji Coups tested resilience as he recounts experiences before TRC
SUVA, 17 MARCH 2026 (FIJI TIMES) — Senior lawyer Graham Leung has told the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that Fiji’s coups tested his personal resilience in ways he could never have imagined.
Appearing before the Commission, Leung described the past three decades as a “rollercoaster” shaped by political upheaval and uncertainty.
“The coups tested my resilience in a way that I could never have imagined,” he said.
Reflecting on the years following the coups, Leung said he remained amazed by the strength shown by ordinary Fijians.
“Looking back over the last 30 years I am amazed that I survived the rollercoaster. Even more surprising for me was the people of Fiji, who did their best to carry on and to pick up the pieces.”
Leung said his decision to testify before the Commission was driven by a sense of responsibility to ensure the country’s history is properly recorded.
“It’s important for the future, for posterity, for Fiji to keep an historical record of the coups so that the next generation learn what happened, what we did wrong, so they don’t repeat the mistakes we made,” he said.
“I came forward to share my story so that it’s not lost forever. It will be for future historians to try and make sense of what happened during this dark chapter in our recent past.”
He told the Commission that reconciliation must be viewed as a deeply personal journey rather than a legal or political process.
“For me reconciliation is a deeply personal process. It is not only about looking back and forgiving someone who has hurt or wronged you,” Leung said.
He warned that reconciliation cannot simply be legislated or imposed by the state.
“Reconciliation is not something that can be forced or imposed on anyone by Parliament passing a law. It must come from the heart and be volunteered.”
Leung added that forgiveness was a key part of genuine reconciliation.
“My own view is that forgiveness is an integral part of reconciliation. How can you reconcile with someone if you still hate them and have unforgiveness in your heart?” he said…. PACNEWS
VAN – EMERGENCY SUPPLIES: VANUATU DAILY POST PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 17 Mar 2026
Emergency health supplies send to Ambae
PORT VILA, 17 MARCH 2026 (VANUATU DAILY POST) — Vanuatu’s Ministry of Health (MOH) has sent emergency health and nutrition supplies to Ambae to support communities affected by the increased volcanic activity.
The supplies were transported with two officers who will support the provincial health response. They are Edina Tavoa, midwife from Vanuatu National Hospital, and Yann Johnny, Environmental Health Officer.
The emergency supplies, provided with support from UNICEF and funding from the Government of New Zealand, include essential items to support maternal, newborn and child health as well as critical nutrition interventions.
Among the items delivered are newborn care kits for premature and underweight babies, zinc tablets for diarrheal management, nutrition screening tools such as mid-upper arm circumference tapes, rehydration solutions for severely malnourished children with diarrhea, ready-to-use therapeutic food, and Vitamin A supplements for young children. A neonatal newborn simulation training kit was also provided to strengthen clinical skills for maternal and newborn care.
These supplies will help health workers continue delivering lifesaving services to mothers, babies and vulnerable children as communities face difficult conditions following the volcanic activity.
Director of Policy, Planning and Corporate Services at the MOH, Samuel Posikai Tapo, said: “Following the eruptions of Manaro Voui, the Ministry of Health has mobilised quickly to ensure essential health services continue for the people of Ambae.
“Our priority is to support frontline health workers and ensure that mothers, newborns and children continue to receive critical care despite the challenges. We are grateful for the strong support of our partners, particularly UNICEF, in helping us respond effectively during this emergency.”
Midwife Tavoa highlighted the urgent health needs in affected communities.
“During emergencies like this, pregnant women, newborn babies and young children are among the most vulnerable. Access to safe deliveries, newborn care, and treatment for illnesses such as diarrhea becomes more challenging when communities are disrupted by volcanic activity. These supplies will help health workers on the island continue providing essential care and support to families during a very difficult time,” she said.
Chief of the Vanuatu Field Office for UNICEF Pacific, Eric Durpaire, reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the Government of Vanuatu during emergencies.
“UNICEF has worked alongside the Government of Vanuatu for many years to strengthen health and nutrition services for children and families. In times of crisis, such as the eruptions on Ambae, this long-standing partnership allows us to respond quickly with life-saving supplies and technical support. Our experience responding to emergencies across the Pacific enables us to work hand-in-hand with the Ministry of Health to ensure that children and mothers continue to receive the care they need,” he said.
Communities on Ambae continue to face significant challenges as a result of the volcanic activity, including limited access to safe water and food supplies. MOH assured it is working closely with national and international partners to monitor the situation and ensure continued support for affected populations.
Communities are encouraged to continue following health and safety advice issued by local authorities while response efforts remain ongoing…. PACNEWS
PAC – MARITIME SURVEILLENCE: US COASTGUARD PACNEWS 2: Tue 17 Mar 2026
U.S Coast Guard cutter returns to Honolulu after Oceania patrol
HONOLULU, 17 MARCH 2026 (U.S COASTGUARD) — The crew of the U.S Coast Guard Cutter William Hart returned to its home port in Honolulu on 15 March following a 48-day patrol. Traversing more than 7,000 nautical miles (12,964 kilometres), the vessel operated in support of a multi-mission programme known as Operation Blue Pacific.
Departing in January, the cutter made port calls in Apia, Samoa, and Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. The crew also visited Pago Pago in American Samoa, Nuku’alofa in Tonga, and Kiritimati in Kiribati.
During the deployment, the William Hart crew worked alongside Pacific Island partners to conduct eight boardings of fishing vessels. One additional boarding of a foreign fishing vessel was conducted on the high seas to support the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission.
While operating near Pago Pago, the crew carried out six boardings of various vessels including a cargo ship and three passenger boats. These actions were intended to secure the U.S maritime border and its approaches in American Samoa.
In Tonga, the U.S and the Kingdom of Tonga signed a new annex to a 2009 bilateral maritime law enforcement agreement.
Lieutenant CommanderJason Helsabeck, Commanding Officer of the William Hart, noted that the patrol advanced partnerships with Pacific Island nations.
The 154-foot (46.9 metres) Sentinel-class fast response cutter is the third vessel of its type to be homeported in Honolulu….PACNEWS
FIJI – FUEL SHORTAGE/IRAN CRISIS: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 17 Mar 2026
Fiji Fuel retailers urge calm amid concerns over panic buying
SUVA, 17 MARCH 2026 (FIJI TIMES) — The Fiji Fuel Retailers Association (FFRA) is urging motorists to remain calm and avoid panic buying, warning that unnecessary stockpiling of fuel could create shortages and disrupt essential services.
In a statement, the association said speculative buying could turn a manageable situation into a crisis by placing pressure on fuel supply chains.
“The Fiji Fuel Retailers Association is asking all customers to remain calm and avoid speculative buying,” the FFRA said.
“Stockpiling will lead to an artificial crisis, potentially turning a manageable situation into a real shortage.”
The association said a sudden surge in demand would overwhelm the logistical capacity required to transport and replenish fuel at service stations across the country.
The FFRA also warned that fuel hoarding could prevent critical sectors from accessing the fuel they require for essential operations.
In addition to supply concerns, the FFRA cautioned that improper storage of fuel poses serious safety risks.
“Improper storage of fuel can significantly increase the risk of fire and explosion, creating safety risks for households and communities,” the statement said.
The association is encouraging motorists to only purchase fuel as needed.
“Please only take what you normally need, as this will extend our collective supply and better position us to handle any potential disruptions,” the FFRA said…. PACNEWS
COOKS – IRAN CRISIS: COOK ISLANDS NEWS PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 17 Mar 2026
Cook Islands closely monitors global oil prices
RAROTONGA, 17 MARCH 2026 (COOK ISLAND NEWS) — Due to the escalating tensions in the Middle East, Cook Islands Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) is closely monitoring developments in global oil markets.
In a statement, MFEM said it is closely assessing potential impacts and policy options.
Its current priorities include closely monitoring fuel supply across the country, protecting essential services and vulnerable communities if required and encouraging energy efficiency and responsible energy use.
MFEM states that it is closely monitoring developments in global oil markets following escalating tensions in the Middle East.
“Global oil prices have increased due to concerns about potential disruptions to supply routes, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping corridors.
“Although these events are occurring far from the Pacific, global oil markets are interconnected and movements in oil prices eventually affect small island economies such as the Cook Islands.
“Because the Cook Islands imports all of its petroleum products, increases in global oil prices can translate into higher costs for fuel, electricity generation, transport, and freight.
“These costs can also flow through to the broader economy, affecting the prices of imported goods and services.”
MFEM said, current international price levels suggest that if oil remains around US$80 per barrel, fuel prices could increase by approximately 20–30 cents per litre compared with earlier levels. Higher global prices would lead to larger increases.
“Energy will always be relatively expensive for a remote island economy that relies on imported fuel. Improving energy efficiency and reducing unnecessary energy consumption are therefore important tools to help manage pressure on households and businesses.”
MFEM will continue monitoring developments in global energy markets and will provide updates to the public as needed…. PACNEWS
PALAU – IRAN CRISIS: ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 17 Mar 2026
“Public transportation is another answer”: Palau adds buses to offset rising fuel costs
KOROR, 17 MARCH 2026 (ISLAND TIMES) — Palau is expanding its national public transportation programme, adding buses and increasing passenger capacity to help residents cope with rising fuel prices linked to the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran.
Public buses are currently operating on several routes, including Koror to Melekeok, Melekeok to Koror, and Ngarchelong to Koror and back.
Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development Ngirai Tmetuchel said the government recently replaced a 12-seat van that had been servicing the Ngarchelong-Koror route with a full-size bus to accommodate more passengers.
The smaller van frequently reached capacity before completing its route, he said.
“Public transportation is another answer to address the fuel price hikes,” Tmetuchel said.
The new bus has significantly increased seating capacity on the route, where at least 18 passengers are now riding daily between Ngarchelong and Koror.
To support the expanded service, the ministry has also hired two additional bus drivers after previously facing a shortage of drivers.
Tmetuchel said the government is also considering expanding services further, particularly to Ngerulmud in Melekeok State.
He said multiple buses may begin operating on that route as early as next month to meet transportation needs for both residents and tourists visiting a hotel in the area.
Currently, four buses are operating within the national transportation program.
Bus schedules and designated stops remain unchanged for now, according to the ministry.
Tmetuchel added that additional buses could be added in the future, particularly as Palau prepares to host the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum…. PACNEWS
PNG – ECONOMY: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 17 Mar 2026
PNG Economic outlook cautious: Official
PORT MORESBY, 17 MARCH 2026 (THE NATIONAL) — The short-medium term outlook for the economy remains cautious, but a consistent growth of an average of four percent a year in the non-resource sector is helping it, an official says.
National Superannuation Fund (Nasfund) chief executive officer Rajeev Sharma said they were “carefully monitoring” what was happening.
“Ultimately, everything we do at Nasfund comes back to one purpose: protecting and growing the retirement savings of our members,” he said.
“Behind every account is a worker, a family, and a future that depends on the decisions we make today.
“As we move forward, we will continue to focus on disciplined investment, responsible cost management, stronger partnerships, and innovation that improves the experience for our members and employers.”
Sharma added that the progress the fund made in 2025 showed what was possible when strong governance, strategic thinking, and commitment to members came together.
“At Nasfund, we remain focused on one goal ensuring that every member is ready for tomorrow,” he said.
Sharma said that the fund continued to see improved outcomes when resource projects were fully operational, benefiting its property portfolio, rental income, and overall contribution flows.
However, while the fund has seen positive result from overseas investments and depreciation of the Kina in 2025, international events such as the conflict in the Middle East, grey-listing and change in foreign exchange rates against the Kina could have adverse impact on valuations and profitability in the future, although it would not directly compact members’ savings.
Sharma said that the grey-listing did not change Nasfund’s financial reporting requirements.
But it influences how international institutions view the country’s overall risk profile.
Sharma said that any impact on Nasfund would only arise if global credit rating agencies or correspondent banking partners revised their assessments of PNG – which could lead to higher compliance obligations, slower cross border transactions, or increased transaction costs…. PACNEWS
TUVALU – HARBOUR PRJECT: AUST HIGH COMMISSION PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 17 Mar 2026
Tuvalu worker hails skills and opportunity from Niutao Harbour Project
NIUTAO, 17 MARCH 2026 (AUST HIGH COMMISSION) — For the last two years, David Faigaa has been a skilled operator for Hall Pacific on the Niutao harbour works in Tuvalu.
Working with Tuvaluan companies and hiring local workers is a priority for the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP), who co-financed the Niutao and Nui boat harbours.
“The biggest challenge for these islands is the rock… [it is] very, very hard,” David said, describing the gruelling work of dredging the channel to the island.
The result of that persistence is a piece of infrastructure that David views with immense personal pride. He sees the scale of the new harbour as a historic achievement for Tuvalu.
For David, the project’s value is increased by the skills he developed. Working as a multi-skilled operator, David learned to handle the dredging, processing and heavy machinery required to keep the harbour functional.
“[They have] a lot of training conducted here… it’s about how we use the wharf, even the crane, everything, so we can look after [it],” David said.
“Once a company leaves the islands… they [communities] can ask me,” David explained, confident in his ability to maintain the new facility. “[If] they don’t understand how to use the crane… I can help.”
He is determined to ensure that the operational know-how doesn’t disappear. He plans to pass everything he has learned on to his community.
“There’s a lot of ideas, so I can share all this to my people, so the knowledge stays on the island,” David said.
Niutao’s new boat harbour was delivered in partnership with the Government of Tuvalu and jointly funded by the Australian Government, through the AIFFP, and the Asian Development Bank.
Together with a second new harbour on Niu island, the project is providing safe, climate-resilient maritime access that supports economic growth and strengthens the vital links between Tuvalu’s outer islands and the world…. PACNEWS
Pacific visitors to New Zealand: the push for visa-free entry
By Charlotte Bedford
WELLINGTON, 17 MARCH 2026 (DEVPOLICY.ORG) — Pacific advocates fighting for visa restrictions to be eased for Pacific nationals visiting New Zealand have recently taken their demands to parliament.
A petition requesting visa-free entry for visitors who are citizens of Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) countries was presented to parliament on 11 February by Anae Arthur Anae, a former National MP and strong advocate for the rights of Pacific peoples in New Zealand.
The online petition, signed by nearly 50,000 people, many of whom are residents of PIF countries, was presented to the current foreign minister and leader of NZ First, Winston Peters. The submission followed a sustained awareness-raising campaign, including writing letters to the heads of government in several Pacific countries requesting their support and local media advertisements in national newspapers.
NZ First supports the visa-free travel proposition and Peters said he will seek to implement it within his current term (which finishes on 01 October ahead of a general election in early November). Other political parties, such as ACT and Labour, have withheld their support until they have been able to review the proposal in detail.
The petition asks that citizens of PIF countries be afforded the same entry rights as nationals of 60 visa-waiver countries who are eligible to apply online for a NZ Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) granted on arrival. The NZeTA, which grants entry for up to three months, is cheaper and more straightforward to apply for than a visitor visa, with fewer documentation requirements and a shorter processing time (up to three days versus up to three weeks for a visitor visa).
The petition comes at a time of increasing high-level discussions about enhancing regional mobility through the freer movement of people. At the national level, the proposal forms part of a continued effort for more equal treatment of visitors from the Pacific and follows changes to immigration settings in 2025 that make it easier for Pacific nationals to visit the country. These include:
* a two-year multi-entry visitor visa for nationals from PIF countries enabling them to visit multiple times within a 24-month period.
*a total stay of up to six months in any 12-month period (within the total 24 months); and
*a 12-month trial of visa-free (NZeTA) entry for PIF country passport holders who hold a valid Australian visa and are travelling to New Zealand from Australia.
Effectively, the latest petition is asking for the 12-month NZeTA trial to be extended to citizens of all PIF countries, not just for those travelling on a valid Australian visa from across the Tasman.
There are 18 PIF member countries including Australia and New Zealand. Of the 16 remaining members, Cook Islands and Niue already have visa-free entry to New Zealand as Realm countries. Citizens of French Polynesia and New Caledonia, who hold French passports, can enter France without a visa. Federated States of Micronesia, Palau and Republic of the Marshall Islands have free movement to live, work and study in the United States under Compacts of Free Association (CFA). Movements from the French Territories and the Micronesian CFA countries, all members of the PIF, are not included in the analysis below.
That leaves nine PIF countries: Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
Pre-Covid, 50,000-60,000 visitor visa applications were lodged annually by citizens of the nine PIF countries. By 2025, the number had reached just over 66,000, equivalent to a very small fraction (0.019 percent) of the 3.5 million visitor arrivals in New Zealand during the year, the great majority of whom came from visa-waiver countries.
Numbers applying for visitor visas from the nine PIF countries vary significantly by country. Fiji (42 percent) had the highest percentage share of PIF-country visitor visa applications in 2025, followed by Tonga (29 percent) and Samoa (22 percent). The other six countries were all below 2.5 percent.
Large numbers of visitor visa applications from Fiji, Samoa and Tonga make sense in the context of their sizeable diaspora populations — people want to come and visit their family members residing in New Zealand. Samoa has New Zealand’s largest Pacific diaspora, with a resident population of 213,069 in the 2023 Census. Tonga is the second largest with a population of 97,894 in 2023. Fiji’s resident population in New Zealand is growing and is estimated to now be somewhere between 95,000-100,000.
Visa-waiver entry for Pacific citizens is not a new idea. New Zealand had visa-waiver arrangements with several Pacific countries 40 years ago. In December 1986, a visa waiver was introduced for Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Samoa, Tonga and Tuvalu — all countries with which New Zealand had special work permit schemes or long-established economic, education, religious or medical links.
Numbers of Pacific visitors to New Zealand grew rapidly under visa-free entry. Many who visited chose to remain in the country, contributing to significant net migration gains to New Zealand’s population — from Fiji, Tonga and Samoa especially — in the subsequent year.
The visa-free “experiment” for Fijians, Tongans and Samoans was short-lived. It lasted only two months. In February 1987, the visa waiver arrangements were terminated, largely because of fear of non-compliance with the three-month time limit on the visitor visa. For Kiribati, Nauru and Tuvalu, the visa-waiver arrangements remained in place until December 2003 when they were cancelled “to provide a consistent visa policy for all Pacific countries”, according to the immigration minister at the time.
While the latest visa-free petition is supported by NZ First, the New Zealand government will be cautious about easing restrictions in light of this history. The temporary introduction, from 01 June of lower visa fees for Pacific visitors will make it less expensive for Pacific visitors travelling to New Zealand. However, the government has not signalled any new commitments on visa-free entry, with the current Prime Minister Christopher Luxon saying it is not a government priority. Pacific advocates must now wait and see what, if anything, Peters can achieve in the months remaining before November’s general election…. PACNEWS
Across classrooms and communities, schools in Vanuatu are promoting health and preventing violence
PORT VILA, 17 MARCH 2026 (WHO) — At Natawa School and Tata School, nestled in a rural coastal community of East Santo and South Santo, respectively, in Vanuatu’s Sanma province, for its combined 1422 students from kindergarten to year nine, education is not only a pathway to knowledge, but also a critical social determinant of health.
Globally, it’s been proven that when girls attend and complete school, they are more likely to experience improved health outcomes, greater economic opportunities, and increased decision-making power throughout their lives.
Education is therefore essential to advancing gender equality and reducing health inequities, both across the life-course and across generations.
However, access alone is not enough. Schools must be safe, inclusive and health-promoting environments to ensure that all children, especially girls, are able to attend, meaningfully participate, and thrive.
Vanuatu has the fourth highest estimated prevalence of lifetime intimate partner violence against girls and women globally. It is also nearly twice the estimated global prevalence. This means creating safe school environments as a platform for violence prevention is a timely priority.
Because schools are important settings to promote health, well-being and safety, they must also play a central role in preventing and responding to violence against children, especially girls.
Schools are also part of the communities in which they are situated, which means they must partner with families, local leaders, civil society, and health services to ensure that both schools and their wider communities are safe and health-enabling.
To address this, the Ministry of Health is working with the Ministry of Education and Training to expand its Health Promoting Schools (HPS) programme to prioritize the prevention of violence against children, especially girls.
In 2025, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Training, worked closely with provincial partners in Sanma province to identify a school and community where expansion of the HPS programme could have meaningful impact. The selection was informed by available data indicating a high burden of violence, as well as insights from the Vanuatu Women’s Centre, a national civil society organisation with expertise in responding to violence against women and girls. Equally important were the presence of strong local leadership and an active Area Council, whose commitment and partnership are essential to strengthening safe, supportive and health-enabling school and community environments.
The Ministry of Health, with support from the World Health Organisation (WHO), facilitated community engagement workshops at Natawa and Tatas Schools. These sessions brought together health and education officials, teachers, students, and health providers to collaboratively identify local health and safety challenges and discuss how to develop solutions.
Students mapped safe and unsafe areas in and around the schools, and adults explored barriers to safety and wellbeing, and co-designed practical steps to prevent and respond to violence, particularly against girls.
Role plays and interactive sessions with students highlighted everyday risks and strengthened awareness of consent, abuse, and protective behaviours.
Through this participatory process, the Natawa and Tata School community identified context-specific solutions to strengthen child health, safety, and wellbeing.
A key outcome was the establishment of Area Council Health Promoting Schools committees that will also focus on school violence prevention within the Area Council, bringing together local leaders, teachers, health providers, child protection services, and civil society to coordinate multi-sectoral action.
Participants also progressed in planning referral pathways in schools, and integrating services from the Sanma Child Desk, Crime Prevention Unit, and local health providers into school services.
Practical planned initiatives included monthly health awareness sessions, school-based support for child protection, continuing support for water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programmes, and identification of HPS focal person in schools. These activities are designed not only to promote health but also to enable students and families with knowledge of protection mechanisms and ensure that protective actions extend beyond the school gates into the wider community.
“Schools can serve as vital safe spaces, offering physical and psychological refuge when students’ homes are unsafe,” says Dr Revite Kirition, WHO Country Liaison Officer for Vanuatu. “Beyond providing shelter, they are crucial in the early identification of abuse and ensuring prompt referrals. It was this insight that guided the newly formed committees’ council’s plans to formalize referral pathways, designate focal points for child protection and integrate community services including the Sanma Child Desk and Crime Prevention Unit into school-based prevention efforts.”
Local leaders and school staff emphasised the importance of collective ownership and follow-up. As the South Santo 2 Area Administrator, Terry Daniels, noted, “We need mutual support through identifying the strengths and capacities of each and every stakeholder, as all have specific roles to play and specific contributions to make. It truly is a group effort.”
While dedicated funding remains a challenge, the Area Councils have committed to integrating support for school health and safety into annual work plans, alongside developing simple mechanisms to monitor progress and evaluate outcomes.
By building local capacity and fostering collaboration, Tata and Natawa Schools and their community are establishing a sustainable model for safe HPS that prioritizes violence prevention and can be adapted across Vanuatu.
“There’s a saying, ‘It takes a village to raise a child,’” notes Dr Kirition. “We’re applying that principle to Vanuatu’s HPS programme, demonstrating the power of the collective in safeguarding our precious children, teaching them important life-lessons, and laying a stronger foundation for health and safety at all ages…. PACNEWS