In this bulletin:
1. B/VILLE — President Toroama announces final position on Bougainville independence
2. PACIFIC — Australia withholds Pacific climate fund reports over risk of diplomatic ‘damage’ with Tuvalu
3. PAC — Indigenous journalists are more than crisis contacts, PMN reporter tells global media forum
4. FIJI — Ballot paper amendment expected before next Fiji election
5. PACIFIC — NZ First targets Pacific vote with Māngere candidate Vicky Hau
6. TUVALU — Australian navy to survey Tuvalu lagoon
7. PACNEWS BIZ — El-Nino likely to affect Tuna migration: PNG Fisheries Minister Wong
8. PACNEWS BIZ — Pacific Island parties and U.S reaffirmed their long-standing partnership at 2026 Treaty consultation in NZ
9. PACNEWS BIZ — Parties to the Nauru Agreement Ministers Meet for the 21st PNA Ministerial Meeting
10. PACNEWS BIZ — FFA Members meet to advance sustainable management of South Pacific albacore
11. PACNEWS BIZ — Low dam levels, fuel risks put pressure on Fiji’s power supply
12. PACNEWS BIZ — Women break through at airport: Fiji Airports CEO
13. PACNEWS DIGEST — Countries shaping the next chapter of immunisation in the Western Pacific
14. PACNEWS DIGEST — PPIN launches new tools to advance Vanuatu nature-based solutions and Climate adaptation
B/VILLE – INDEPENDENCE STRUGGLE: ABG GOVT PACNEWS 1: Wed 24 Jun 2026
President Toroama announces final position on Bougainville independence
BUKA, 24 JUNE 2026 (ABG GOVT)—The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has formally outlined its final position on Bougainville’s political future, proposing a clear and peaceful pathway towards self-government and eventual independence.
President Ishmael Toroama presented the position Tuesday to the Independent Facilitator overseeing the Joint Technical consultations between ABG and the National Government, reaffirming that Bougainville’s aspirations are grounded in the Bougainville Peace Agreement, the Constitution of Papua New Guinea and the commitments that have guided the peace process over the past two decades.
“Today, I stand before you to present the final position of the Autonomous Bougainville Government regarding Self-government and Independence for Bougainville,” President Toroama said.
The final position proposes a three-stage pathway.
Under the proposal, Bougainville will continue preparations for self-government until 01 September 2027, focusing on strengthening institutions, governance systems, peace and security, and economic readiness.
From 01 September 2027, Bougainville would enter a period of self-government, exercising the fullest practical and constitutional authority available under the existing legal framework, including additional powers provided under Section 289 of the Constitution.
The proposal further envisages Bougainville attaining independence in 2030 as defined during the referendum process as an independent nation-state recognised under international law and separate from the State of Papua New Guinea.
President Toroama said the pathway provides certainty, preserves peace and honours the democratic choice expressed by the people of Bougainville.
He said Bougainville has consistently honoured both the letter and spirit of the Peace Agreement through dialogue, consultation and constitutional processes.
“This position is not founded on emotion or convenience. It is founded on the Bougainville Peace Agreement, on Part XIV of the Constitution of Papua New Guinea, and on the solemn commitments and agreements that have guided our journey and preserved peace to date,” Toroama said.
The President noted that the 2019 Referendum delivered a clear mandate from the people of Bougainville in favour of independence and that subsequent consultations between the ABG and the National Government had produced several important agreements, including the Joint Communique of 11 January 2021, the Kokopo Joint Statement, Wabag Joint Statement, APEC Joint Statement, Era Kone Covenant and the Melanesian Agreement.
The President emphasised that Bougainville remains committed to dialogue, consultation and constructive engagement with the Government of Papua New Guinea.
“Our objective has never been confrontation. Our objective has always been reconciliation, partnership and a peaceful transition founded on law and mutual respect.”
He reaffirmed the importance of maintaining a strong and cooperative relationship between Bougainville and Papua New Guinea regardless of future political arrangements.
President Toroama also called on the people of Bougainville to remain united, patient and committed to protecting the peace achieved through years of reconciliation and dialogue.
The ABG maintains that the proposed pathway represents a practical and peaceful framework for advancing Bougainville’s political future while safeguarding stability, democracy and the gains made through the peace process.
Following the presentation of the final position, President Toroama formally handed the Bougainville Final Position Paper to the Independent Facilitator and the Chief Secretary to the Government of Papua New Guinea, marking the formal submission of Bougainville’s final position….PACNEWS
PAC – CLIMATE CHANGE/DIPLOMACY: AFP PACNEWS 1: Wed 24 Jun 2026
Australia withholds Pacific climate fund reports over risk of diplomatic ‘damage’ with Tuvalu
CANBERRA, 24 JUNE 2026 (AFP)— Australia has refused to release internal papers about a trust fund for a climate-vulnerable Pacific nation, telling AFP the documents could inflict diplomatic “damage”.
Gravely threatened by rising seas, low-lying island nation Tuvalu relies on a $200 million (US$138 million) trust fund to help foot the ballooning costs of climate change.
The trust has been invested on Tuvalu’s behalf in funds exposed to coal mining, gas exploration and the world’s largest crude oil refinery, an AFP investigation revealed.
Australia is the largest contributor to the Tuvalu Trust Fund and plays a key role overseeing how it is spent, filling one of three seats on its board of directors.
Using freedom of information laws, AFP asked the Australian government to release a series of internal reports shedding light on trust fund investment decisions.
Australia’s foreign affairs department delivered some publicly available documents but declined to release the internal papers, citing exemptions to protect diplomacy.
The department said the documents should be withheld because they could “cause damage to the international relations” of Australia.
Climate finance expert Ivan Diaz-Rainey criticised the lack of transparency surrounding the Tuvalu Trust Fund.
“My greatest concern is that, unlike countries such as Australia, the Pacific islands are unlikely to have strong regulators or robust legal protections to guard against potential greenwashing,” he told AFP.
Few countries are more exposed to climate change than Tuvalu, a chain of coral atolls reckoning with acidifying oceans, tropical disease and rising seas.
Climate policy expert Wes Morgan said the trust fund’s fossil fuel investments were totally out of sync with Tuvalu’s dire predicament.
“It is utterly incongruous that the Tuvalu Trust Fund, which counts Australia as a board member, would be investing in the means of Tuvalu’s destruction,” he said.
One of the world’s largest exporters of coal and gas, Australia has an awkward relationship with Tuvalu on matters of climate policy.
Australia is eager to show its Pacific island neighbours it is serious about the threat they face.
It helped to secure an upcoming leaders summit in Tuvalu ahead of this year’s top United Nations COP climate conference.
But Tuvalu remains highly critical of Australia’s reliance on fossil fuels.
Tuvalu Climate Minister Maina Talia in 2024 condemned Australia’s “immoral” decision to approve coal mining expansions.
The Tuvalu Trust Fund was established in 1987 with help from Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, providing crucial revenue to a nation reliant on foreign aid.
In 2013, the United Nations Development Program highlighted the Tuvalu Trust Fund as a leading example of a “national climate fund”.
Investment advisory firm Mercer took over management of the fund in 2022.
Mercer has since invested in funds that included Indian energy giant Reliance Industries, which owns the largest oil refinery in the world, and The Southern Company, the second-biggest greenhouse gas emitter in the United States.
Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo told AFP he was personally disappointed to learn of these investments.
But he said Tuvalu would need Australia and New Zealand’s support to change the fund’s investment strategy.
“It’s not solely under Tuvalu’s control,” Teo said.
“Tuvalu can’t take a unilateral decision on where funds are invested.”
Australia said it would use its position on the Tuvalu Trust Fund to minimise its “exposure to fossil fuel investments”.
Mercer said it managed the Tuvalu Trust Fund in “accordance with its established investment guidelines”. ….PACNEWS
PAC – MEDIA: PMN PACNEWS 1: Wed 24 Jun 2026
Indigenous journalists are more than crisis contacts, PMN reporter tells global media forum
BERLIN, 24 JUNE 2026 (PMN)—International media organisations need to stop treating Indigenous journalists as emergency contacts and start working with them as genuine partners, a Pacific media representative has told one of the world’s leading journalism forums.
The message came from Pacific Media Network’s senior reporter Christine Rovoi during a panel discussion at the Global Media Forum in Bonn, Germany, on Tuesday.
More than 1500 journalists, editors, academics, policymakers and civil society leaders from over 100 countries have gathered to discuss the future of journalism.
Rovoi, who was invited to speak at the Deutsche Welle event, said too much international reporting still turns to Indigenous journalists only when disaster strikes.
“Too often, the relationship begins when a crisis happens,” the Fiji-born Rotuman journalist said.
“A cyclone strikes. Political tensions rise. A major international story breaks.
“Suddenly, local journalists receive calls asking for contacts, translation, context and access. Then the story moves on.”
Her comments struck at a long-running frustration among many Indigenous journalists who say their communities are often seen through the lens of crisis rather than as places with knowledge, expertise and solutions of their own.
“The strongest journalism happens when international and local newsrooms work together, each bringing different strengths to the story,” Rovoi said.
The discussion formed part of the Global Media Forum’s theme, “Journalism Out Loud!”, which focuses on the challenges facing the industry in an era of misinformation, declining trust in institutions and rapid technological change.
Rovoi said one of the biggest issues is how the Pacific continues to be framed by outsiders.
“For too long, much of the world’s coverage of the Pacific has been shaped by people looking in from the outside.
“Too often, our islands are framed as places of crisis, vulnerability or strategic competition. But that’s not how we see ourselves.”
Drawing on her reporting on climate change, natural disasters and environmental issues, Rovoi said Pacific journalists often bring a different perspective because they understand the lived reality behind technical policy discussions.
She pointed to comments made by Dr Sindra Sharma, International Policy Lead for the Pacific Islands Climate Action Network (PICAN), during last week’s climate negotiations.
“For us, overshoot is not a pathway; it is a harm event,” Sharma told a press conference.
Rovoi said Sharma’s comments resonated because they translated a technical climate term into something Pacific communities immediately understand.
“When climate negotiators talk about ‘overshoot’, they are usually referring to a scenario where the world temporarily exceeds the 1.5°C warming limit before bringing temperatures back down later,” she told the forum.
“But for Pacific communities, it means homes flooding from higher seas, coral reefs dying, stronger cyclones, crops failing, families being displaced and cultural connections to land being lost.”
The message was reinforced by fellow panellist Shaldon Ferris, a South African broadcaster with Cultural Survival, who argued that Indigenous communities are often the first to see environmental changes because of their close relationship with the natural world.
“Who better to report on climate change, who else is out there every day?” Ferris told the forum.
He said Indigenous knowledge built over generations should be recognised alongside scientific evidence when reporting on climate change.
Ferris said Indigenous communities often observe changes in nature long before they become part of scientific reports or political debates.
“It is only frontline indigenous journalists who will feed mainstream media with the latest on what is happening in the world of fauna and flora.
“Sometimes we as an indigenous peoples hear reports from our relatives who behave a certain way when disaster is about to strike.
“We pay attention to animals, and we pay attention to the earth, in a non scientific way, this is just the way it has always been,” Ferris said.
His comments resonated strongly with Pacific experiences where traditional knowledge has long played a role in understanding weather patterns, ocean conditions and environmental change.
Rovoi said Indigenous journalism is not about seeking special treatment but about producing more accurate and complete reporting.
She said Pacific journalists play an important role in connecting communities across the islands and the diaspora while providing the cultural and historical context often missing from international coverage.
The discussion also touched on editorial independence in publicly funded media.
Rovoi said public funding allows organisations such as PMN to serve communities that are often overlooked by commercial media but does not influence editorial decisions.
She said the goal for Indigenous journalists was simple.
“Our audience expects accurate, fair and independent reporting. If we lose their trust, we’ve failed in our mission regardless of who funds us.
“When Indigenous voices are included early, when local knowledge is valued and when relationships are built over time, coverage becomes more accurate, more nuanced and ultimately more useful for audiences.
“That benefits everyone,” Rovoi said.
The two-day Global Media Forum 2026 ends on Wednesday….PACNEWS
FIJI – ELECTION/POLITICS: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 1: Wed 24 Jun 2026
Ballot paper amendment expected before next Fiji election
SUVA, 24 JUNE 2026 (FIJI SUN)–An amendment to Fiji general election ballot papers is expected to be introduced during the next sitting of Parliament.
Electoral Commission (EC) chairperson Justice Usaia Ratuvili said the proposed changes reflect feedback gathered during recent public consultations.
Dewan Chand, 71, of Batiri, Macuata, suggested that including candidates’ names and photographs on ballot papers would make voting easier for older people.
“It is easier to recognise people by their faces and names. Numbers are hard to remember for older people like me who are going to vote,” he said.
Seaqaqa cane farmer Faiyaz Khan urged the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) to consider the needs of older voters.
“Some of us find it difficult to read small numbers, and at this age some people cannot afford reading glasses. If the FEO really wants people to vote, it should consider making ballot papers more readable and easier to understand. I am suggesting that candidates’ photos be printed on the ballot paper so we can see them and cast our vote,” he said.
Karalaini Damudamu, who lives in Valelevu, Nasinu, shared similar views.
“I think it is a good idea to have the names and pictures of the candidates on the ballot paper. Voting is an important exercise, and we need to make sure we are voting for the right person to lead our country over the next four years,” she said.
Ba farmer Olivia Likusiga said she preferred having candidates’ photographs on the ballot paper.
“That way it feels more user-friendly,” she said.
Tucibi Matavesi of Taveuni said both the party emblem and the candidate’s photograph should be included.
“It would help people in rural areas identify who they are voting for.”
Eshriya Jeshi said photographs and names would make the process easier, particularly for young voters and people with special needs.
“Both should be included. As a youth, we want the ballot paper to be clear and easy for people, including those with special needs, to identify,” she said.
Justice Ratuvili said that of the three major issues raised by Fijians, the ballot paper layout was the only one the Commission could realistically address before the next election.
“We are trying to accommodate this request within our existing infrastructure. If we factor in our currently registered parties, new parties and others that may join, fitting everyone on the ballot becomes highly complex.
“If we end up with 11 parties, each fielding 55 candidates, managing that on a single ballot paper will be a massive undertaking.”
Despite the logistical challenges and associated costs, Justice Ratuvili said the Commission had the resources needed to implement the change…..PACNEWS
PAC – ELECTION/POLITICS: PMN PACNEWS 1: Wed 24 Jun 2026
NZ First targets Pacific vote with Māngere candidate Vicky Hau
AUCKLAND, 24 JUNE 2026 (PMN)—New Zealand First candidate Vicky Hau says Pacific voters in Māngere should not feel locked into voting for Labour, as the party ramps up its bid to win support in South Auckland.
Hau was unveiled at Fale o Sāmoa in Māngere on the weekend alongside fellow Pacific candidates Elliot Ikelei for Takānini and Esther Tofilau-Tevaga for Manurewa.
Hau says Pacific voters should feel empowered to consider other parties.
“People need to understand there are other parties and other policies that may align better with us as Pasifika,” she tells Pacific Mornings.
“Pacific people are also CEOs, we’re business owners, doctors, lawyers. We need to reward hardworking New Zealanders and ensure equal opportunity, while making sure those at the bottom get the help they need.”
Born and raised in Māngere, Hau spent nearly 12 years at the Ministry of Social Development before becoming manager of Māngere Town Centre in 2024, overseeing community safety and economic development.
Hau says her upbringing shaped her decision to enter politics.
“I grew up in a very traditional, conservative Tongan family. Our beliefs were faith, family and personal responsibility,” she says.
“We didn’t have that safety net once our parents landed here. It was straight into working hard to take care of your family.”
Hau says the biggest issue facing Pacific families in Māngere is the cost of living, highlighting New Zealand First policies aimed at lowering power and grocery costs, including reforms to electricity pricing and supermarket competition.
“For us in Māngere at the moment, especially in winter, you will be choosing between two things, heating your home or putting food on the table.”
Speaking at Saturday’s launch, NZ First MP Casey Costello described Hau as a candidate with “strong local knowledge and practical leadership” who understands poverty and the solutions needed to address it.
The launch forms part of a wider New Zealand First push into Pacific communities, with former National MP Alfred Ngaro also joining the party earlier this year.
Labour has comfortably led Māngere since its creation in 1969, but its electorate vote fell by more than 5800 votes, or roughly a quarter, between 2020 and 2023.
Hau believes that shift creates an opening, with her role focused on building visibility for the party and sparking discussion around policy.
“Under MMP, the more votes we get, the more MPs we can get into Parliament. There’s potentially a gap, and that’s where I come through with New Zealand First.”
While NZ First remains a long shot in Māngere, analysts say the party may not need to win the seat outright for its Pacific strategy to pay off.
Sione Tekiteki, AUT law lecturer, says Pacific communities remain an underutilised political force under New Zealand’s MMP system, with tens of thousands of new voters coming of age each election cycle.
“It’s not inconceivable that a Pacific bloc could one day hold the balance of power in New Zealand politics,” he writes in E-Tangata.
“Even a small share of the vote, if strategically organised, would be enough to reach the 5 percent threshold needed for parliamentary representation.”
Tekiteki says political influence can include strengthening the party vote and increasing leverage during coalition negotiations.
With less than five months until election day, New Zealand First is betting that a message centred on faith, social conservatism and cost-of-living relief can carve out a new political lane among Pacific voters in South Auckland…..PACNEWS
TUVALU – DEFENCE: ISLANDS BUSINESS PACNEWS 1: Wed 24 Jun 2026
Australian navy to survey Tuvalu lagoon
FUNAFUTI, 24 JUNE 2206 (ISLANDS BUSINESS) —Two Australian minesweepers have been deployed to Tuvalu to determine the extent of explosives from World War II in Nanumea lagoon.
The HMAS Yarra and Diamantina, with the support vessel ADV Reliant, will conduct the survey operation as part of Operation Render Safe using clearance divers.
After the survey, Tuvalu will receive information about the extent of explosive remnants, mostly dumped in the lagoon by United States forces after World War II.
Nanumea in northwest Tuvalu was a US bomber base with a 1.5km long airstrip used for reconnaissance and early bombing campaigns against Japanese bases in the Gilbert and Marshall Islands.
At the height of operations in 1943, Nanumea was home to 2300 Americans. The locals were moved to nearby Lakena Atoll.
Lieutenant Commander Andrew Penfold said his crew were eager to help make Nanumea Lagoon a safer place for people of Tuvalu.
“This is a significant deployment for the crew,” Penfold said.
“Australia has been working with Pacific partners for over 20 years under Operation Render Safe, and we are proud to be the latest to contribute to the safety of the Pacific region,” he said …PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
PNG – TUNA INDUSTRY/CLIMATE CHANGE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 24 Jun 2026
El-Nino likely to affect Tuna migration: PNG Fisheries Minister Wong
PORT MORESBY, 24 JUNE 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—EL-Nino may affect tuna migration patterns, impacting local fish farming and export opportunities, and the economy, according to Papua New Guinea Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister Jelta Wong.
Wong said that the phenomena would also disrupt nutrient surges, affecting the overall marine ecosystem and potentially leading to reduced tuna catches that were critical for the economy and food security.
He warned the industry to expect potential drought across the country, affecting river and lake levels which were essential for fish farming.
He said this would result in lower fish stocks and increased operational costs.
Wong also urged that the suppliers align with global sustainability standards in order to keep export levels up.
“El-Nino significantly affect marine resources, particularly the tuna industry and inland fish farming activities,” he said.
“While El-Nino poses challenges to our tuna industry and inland fish farming, it underscores the need for adaptive management.
“Stricter European Union (EU) standards on tuna trade presented both challenges and opportunities for Papua New Guinea and the Pacific region.
“The EU standards provide an opportunity for our suppliers to align with global sustainability goals, ensuring that our fisheries remain productive for future generations.
“Suppliers will need to invest in meeting these stringent standards, which could lead to higher operational costs, especially for smaller suppliers.”
Wong added that compliance may also open doors to lucrative markets, increasing exports and benefiting PNG’s economy as these standards encourage sustainable fishing practices, essential for the long-term viability of tuna resources.
He added that the fluctuations in climate could impact the agriculture sector, affecting the availability of fish feed and raising production costs for farmers.
Tuna industry is one of the country’s economic cornerstone, accounting for 12 to 27 percent of the global percent.
And more than 500,000 metric tonnes are caught annually in PNG’s exclusive economic zone in which the National Fisheries Authority generates revenue for the State through licensing access fees for foreign fleets.
The country also has six canneries with the EU market being the largest importer of PNG’s tuna…..PACNEWS
PAC – FISHERIES/DIPLOMACY: FFA PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 24 Jun 2026
Pacific Island parties and U.S reaffirmed their long-standing partnership at 2026 Treaty consultation in NZ
WELLINGTON, 24 JUNE 2026 (FFA)–The Pacific Island Parties (PIPs) and the United States met Tuesday for the 2026 Consultation under the 1987 Treaty on Fisheries, reaffirming their commitment to one of the longest-standing and most successful fisheries partnerships in the Pacific.
The Consultation marked the first formal meeting since the successful conclusion of Treaty renegotiations in 2024 and provided an opportunity for both sides to focus on implementation and the future of the partnership.
FFA Director-General and Treaty Administrator, Noan David Pakop, highlighted the significance of the milestone year, noting that the Treaty has now been in force for 38 years.
“Over nearly four decades, the Treaty has stood as one of the most enduring and successful partnerships between the Pacific Island States and the United States of America,” Pakop said.
“It has delivered substantial economic benefits to Pacific Island countries while at the same time providing a framework for cooperation, mutual understanding and trust between the Parties.”
Pakop said the longevity of the Treaty reflected the commitment of successive generations of leaders to maintain and strengthen the relationship.
“Thirty-eight years of partnership is no small achievement. It speaks to the resilience of this relationship and to the shared commitment of successive generations of leaders to maintain and strengthen it. This is something of which all Parties can rightly be proud.”
He noted that the completion of the recent renegotiation process provided an opportunity for both sides to shift their focus from negotiations to implementation and to consider how the partnership can continue to evolve in the years ahead.
Discussions covered a range of matters of mutual interest, including discussion on timing for the 2026 payment, ongoing cooperation to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, the future direction of the partnership, and opportunities to strengthen fisheries management.
The U.S delegation was led by Dr Ruth Perry, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Ocean, Fisheries and Polar Affairs in the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs. PIPs is led by Forum Fisheries Committee TROIKA (Niue, New Zealand and Palau)…..PACNEWS
PACIFIC – FISHERIES: PNA PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 24 Jun 2026
Parties to the Nauru Agreement Ministers Meet for the 21st PNA Ministerial Meeting
MAJURO, 24 JUNE 2026 (PNA)—The 21st Annual Ministerial meeting of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement was held in Majuro, Marshall Islands from 10 to 12 June 2026.
The Ministers from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Palau, and Vanuatu attended with their key fisheries officials. Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Naoero were represented, respectively, by a Senior Official and Board Director.
The Ministers were joined for the opening ceremony by President Dr Hilda Heine, and welcomed byFarrend Zackious, Vice Chairman of the Council of Irooj (Chiefs), who was followed by a traditional Marshallese chant performed by Alson Kelen.
The outgoing Chair, Minister Ribanataake Tiwau from Kiribati, then handed over to Minister Anthony Muller of Marshall Islands to chair the PNAMIN21 meeting.
The key outcomes from the Ministers’ meeting included:
Positive Progress for PNA
Ministers welcomed the continuing progress of PNA in the management and development of their tuna fisheries reported in the PNAO Annual Report for 2025. These achievements were the outcome of PNA Members working together to achieve common goals in the management and development of their tuna resources and fisheries, supported by a well-organised and well-resourced PNA Office.
Economic Benefits from Tuna Value Chain Participation
Ministers endorsed the PNA Collective Pathway to Tuna Development Initiative framework, emphasizing the priority that they attached to promoting their domestic tuna development, through implementing the East New Britain initiative (ENBi) and other development Initiatives. The Pathway is designed to transition the evolution of PNA from resource control to value chain participation and value addition to market influence, while maximizing economic returns, ensuring sustainability, and delivering equitable benefits to all the PNA Parties and their people.
FSM Arrangement
Ministers confirmed the continuing importance of the Federated States of Micronesia Arrangement (FSMA) as a centrally important instrument for PNA Members for securing enhanced benefits from domestic tuna development. They looked forward to the completion of the review of the FSMA to strengthen the contribution of the FSMA to PNA domestic development aspirations, including aligning the FSMA with the ENBi and other related development initiatives.
Global Tuna Trading Issues
Ministers noted the changes taking place in global tuna trading conditions. PNA Members are potentially vulnerable to difficulties in global tuna trading, because PNA waters provide around 50 percent of the tuna for canning globally. Ministers appreciated that PNA fisheries and the VDS in particular had proven resilient so far, to changes in tariffs and the effects of conflict in the Middle East, but PNA Members need to be prepared to respond if necessary to any additional emerging adversity, noting the forecast of a strong El Nino…..PACNEWS
PAC – FISHERIES: FFA PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 24 Jun 2026
FFA Members meet to advance sustainable management of South Pacific albacore
WELLINGTON, 24 JUNE 2026 (FFA)—FFA Members are meeting in Wellington, New Zealand this week to build on a landmark year for South Pacific albacore management, following the adoption of the South Pacific Albacore Management Procedure at WCPFC22.
The 13th Meeting for the Management of South Pacific Albacore (SPA13) which got underway on Monday, brings Members together to discuss priorities for 2026 and prepare for the next phase of work on allocation and implementation arrangements for the fishery.
Last year marked the most significant progress to date in South Pacific albacore management. FFA Members agreed to set limits for those fishing albacore within their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainable fisheries management and regional cooperation. This achievement helped pave the way for the adoption of the Management Procedure by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission.
Discussions this week will help ensure Members remain aligned on key issues as work continues to strengthen the management of South Pacific albacore and prepare for the First WCPFC South Pacific Albacore Allocation Workshop, which will be held later in the week. Also this week, Members are pursuing closer cooperations with territories for securing fair and equitable rights on the SPA fishery as Coastal States.
The workshop is being held in the lead up to the Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC) Ministerial meeting in Wellington next week….PACNEWS
FIJI – ENERGY CRISIS: FIJI TIMES/FIJI SUN PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 24 Jun 2026
Low dam levels, fuel risks put pressure on Fiji’s power supply
SUVA, 24 JUNE 2026 (FIJI TIMES/FIJI SUN)—Energy Fiji Limited(EFL) Chief Executive Officer Fatiaki Gibson has warned that Fiji’s electricity system faces growing pressure from declining hydro dam levels, fuel supply uncertainties, and the possibility of a prolonged dry season linked to a developing super El Niño event.
Speaking before the parliamentary Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, Gibson said dam levels at the Monasavu Hydro Scheme are currently tracking below levels recorded at the same time last year.
“2026 is the red graph. It’s below the 2025 graph, which is the green graph,” Gibson told committee members while explaining EFL’s monitoring of water levels at the country’s largest hydroelectric facility.
He said Fiji’s electricity generation relies on a delicate balance between renewable hydro power and thermal generation.
“The way EFL runs the generation mix is that we need the hydrology, or the renewable energy, plus the thermal to work hand in hand. If one is affected, the nation becomes vulnerable because we cannot meet the demand.”
Gibson noted that the recent fuel supply challenges have highlighted the importance of maintaining that balance.
“When we have the fuel crisis, one end of the mix is also affected, so it’s a balancing act. For EFL to be able to ride this dry season, it needs to manage the dam level from now until the next rainy season, which is around November or December.”
He said overuse of hydro reserves could leave the country exposed later in the year.
“If we drain the water, then we will only meet 50 percent of the demand. If we run out of fuel because of the fuel crisis, we’ll also run out of the ability to meet the demand.”
Gibson also pointed to historical data from the severe 2003 drought, warning that EFL is preparing for the possibility of a prolonged dry period as climate specialists raise concerns about a super El Niño event.
“We are hearing from the specialists about a super El Niño. The science is saying that this region, the West Pacific, will undergo a prolonged dry season.”
While recent rainfall has provided some relief, Gibson cautioned that weather patterns could shift.
“We’ve had rain in June, but we are conscious that instead of the rain coming in November or December, it might be prolonged.”
He said lower electricity demand during the current cooler months is helping ease pressure on the system, but demand is expected to increase later in the year.
“The only thing that’s going for us at the moment is that the load demand is low because of the cold weather, but as we get towards the latter part of this year with the heat coming in, the demand starts to increase, so we must have the capability and capacity to meet that demand.”
Gibson said EFL continues to closely monitor both fuel supplies and hydro reserves to ensure reliable electricity generation throughout the remainder of the year.
Meanwhile, Standing Committee on Economic Affairs deputy chairperson Premila Kumar has called on the Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) to strengthen its oversight of Energy Fiji Limited’s (EFL) monopoly over electricity supply.
Her comments followed discussions on EFL’s financial performance and investment priorities.
Kumar said that in 2023, EFL reported a loss but paid a $40 million (US$20 million) dividend before applying to FCCC for a 31 percent tariff increase.
“EFL has been making profits over the years. However, its investment in renewable energy has been declining,” Kumar said.
“Any organisation with a healthy balance sheet can secure loans and invest in renewable energy projects, but we have not seen EFL move in that direction. That shows how a monopoly can operate.”
Kumar questioned why EFL had not accelerated investment in renewable energy despite the impact of rising fuel costs on electricity generation.
She urged FCCC to take a firmer approach when assessing tariff applications.
“It is time for FCCC to put its foot down, scrutinise how tariffs are determined and not simply agree to every request made by EFL,” she said.
FCCC manager regulations Avnit Singh told the committee that all tariff applications undergo rigorous assessment before decisions are made.
“When we reviewed EFL’s tariff increase application last year, there were extensive discussions on its plans to develop hydro projects, transmission lines and 65 megawatts of solar energy capacity,” Singh said.
“We carried out a thorough review and did not approve everything that was requested. One of the conditions was that EFL must deliver on the projects it committed to.”
Singh said FCCC remained committed to supporting Fiji’s transition to renewable energy by 2035.
He said rising fuel costs highlighted the need for greater investment in renewable energy and infrastructure to support the country’s future energy needs…PACNEWS
FIJI – AIRPORT: ISLANDS BUSINESS PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 24 Jun 2026
Women break through at airport: Fiji Airports CEO
NADI, 24 JUNE 2026 (ISLANDS BUSINESS)—Fiji Airports is celebrating the achievements of female engineers who are helping to shape the future of aviation infrastructure.
Just ahead of International Women in Engineering Day, Fiji Airports promoted Renee Duguivalu to the role of Senior Projects Manager, the first female to hold the position.
This highlights the contribution women make across the profession and recognises their role in delivering critical infrastructure projects that support Fiji’s aviation sector and economic development.
Fiji Airports Chief Executive Officer Mesake Nawari said Duguivalu’s promotion reflected the organisation’s commitment to recognising talent, investing in its people, and building a diverse workforce capable of delivering Fiji’s future aviation infrastructure.
“At Fiji Airports, we believe that developing our people is fundamental to delivering our long-term vision. Renee’s promotion is a testament to her professionalism, technical expertise, and leadership capabilities,” Nawari said.
“She has made a valuable contribution to our Projects team in a short period of time and we are proud to see her take on this expanded leadership role.
“As we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day, we also recognise the incredible contribution of women across our organisation who continue to break barriers and inspire the next generation of engineers.’’
Nawari said Fiji Airports was committed to creating an environment where women had opportunities to grow, lead, and help shape the future of aviation in Fiji.
Duguivalu joined Fiji Airports in July 2025 as Construction Manager, where she played a key role in delivering projects aligned with the implementation of the Nadi International Airport 25-Year Master Plan.
In her new role as Senior Projects Manager – Landside, she will provide strategic oversight of landside infrastructure projects that support the continued transformation of the airport and enhance the experience of passengers, airport users, and stakeholders.
A civil engineer by profession, Duguivalu brings extensive experience in civil and structural engineering, having previously worked with several engineering consultancy firms before moving into the public sector.
“This is my first opportunity to work in aviation, and it has been an exciting journey. The Projects team is incredibly dynamic and fast-paced, with a range of initiatives that contribute to the implementation of Nadi International Airport’s 25-Year Master Plan,” Duguivalu said.
“I have also joined a team with several young and aspiring female engineers and professionals, and I hope to be able to provide guidance and mentorship whenever the opportunity arises.
“I hope my journey encourages more young women to pursue careers in engineering and believe there is a place for them in industries like aviation,” he said……PACNEWS
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The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Countries shaping the next chapter of immunisation in the Western Pacific
MANILA, 24 JUNE 2026 (WHO)—When it comes to the lifesaving power of immunisation across the life-course, and childhood vaccination in particular, the Western Pacific Region has long shown what is possible when countries work together with the support of the World Health Organisation and other partners.
For 25 years, the Region has maintained its polio-free status. Twenty-nine countries and areas have achieved measles and rubella elimination, including all Pacific island countries and areas in 2025. Across the region, 35 countries have introduced HPV vaccine programmes, preventing cervical cancer and advancing efforts to protect women’s health.
These and other milestones demonstrate the impact of sustained commitment, strong immunization programmes and regional cooperation.
But there are also clear challenges to be tackled both now and going forward.
Key childhood immunization programmes have not fully recovered in all settings following setbacks encountered amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Around 1.7 million children in the Region still miss their first routine vaccine dose each year, and resurgent measles outbreaks are affecting communities in several Member States.
Consequently, the Region is currently off track to meet a number of its Immunisation Agenda 2030 targets, including reducing zero-dose children and achieving measles elimination by 2030.
In this context, representatives from Member States, National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs), various partners and WHO came together at the 35th Meeting of the Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation and Vaccine-Preventable Diseases in the Western Pacific Region to help shape the future of immunisation in the Region.
A strong message emerged from the discussions held at the WHO Regional Office campus in Manila and online: progress must accelerate, and countries and communities must be at the centre of the response.
Participants identified three priorities that will guide regional efforts through 2030:
*Reducing zero-dose and under-immunized populations by 50 percent;
*Achieving and sustaining measles and rubella elimination; and
*Expanding immunization across the life course.
These priorities are closely linked. Reaching children who miss routine vaccination services helps prevent outbreaks. Strong routine immunization supports measles elimination. Expanding vaccination beyond childhood helps protect adolescents, pregnant women, adults and older people, while strengthening preparedness for future health emergencies.
A recurring theme throughout the meeting was that reaching people requires more than vaccines alone.
Participants emphasised the importance of better understanding communities, listening to concerns, responding to misinformation and disinformation, and building trust. Social and behavioural science was highlighted as an increasingly important tool for understanding barriers to vaccination, improving vaccine confidence and ensuring programmes respond to the needs of the people they serve.
Countries also called for more practical solutions, stronger collaboration and greater opportunities to learn from one another. Many of the challenges facing immunisation programmes, from reaching remote communities to responding to misinformation and strengthening surveillance systems, are shared across the Region.
This spirit of collaboration was reflected in discussions on the future of regional technical cooperation. Participants supported the transformation of the Regional Technical Advisory Group into a more connected and country-driven platform that can strengthen collaboration among countries, support peer learning and help translate evidence into action.
National Immunisation Technical Advisory Groups were also recognised as playing an increasingly important role in guiding immunization policy and supporting evidence-informed decision-making at country level. Strengthening these groups will be essential to addressing increasingly complex immunization challenges and availing of opportunities.
Participants further highlighted the importance of strengthening the foundations that support immunisation programmes.
These include stronger data and digital systems, reliable vaccine supply chains, sustainable financing, effective partnerships and a skilled workforce. Discussions also explored how digital innovation, including the responsible use of artificial intelligence, could help improve planning, identify missed populations and support programme decision-making.
Recommendations stemming from the meeting will help inform discussions at the seventy-seventh session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific in October of this year.
While challenges remain, the overarching message from the meeting was one of determination and shared responsibility. In an interconnected region, and world, progress in one country strengthens protection for all…..PACNEWS
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The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
PPIN launches new tools to advance Vanuatu nature-based solutions and Climate adaptation
PORT VILA, 24 JUNE 2026 (SPREP)—The Promoting Pacific Island Nature-based Solutions (PPIN) project, implemented by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) in partnership with the Government of Vanuatu, has reached an important milestone with the official launch and handover of two key policy outputs designed to strengthen the integration of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) into the country’s climate adaptation planning and decision-making processes.
Developed in close partnership with the Government of Vanuatu, the new resources mark a significant step forward in strengthening national efforts to build resilience to climate change while recognising the vital role that healthy ecosystems play in supporting communities, livelihoods, and sustainable development.
The three policy outputs formally handed over to the Government of Vanuatu during the special launch in Port Vila were:
•Guideline for Integrating Nature-based Solutions into Vanuatu’s National Adaptation Plan
• National Policy Framework Assessment on Nature-based Solutions for Coastal Resilience and Forestry Sectors in Vanuatu
•Policy Briefing Paper for the National Policy Framework Assessment on Nature-based Solutions for Coastal Resilience and Forestry Sectors in Vanuatu.
Together, these resources provide both practical guidance for implementation and strategic recommendations for strengthening the integration of Nature-based Solutions across national policies, planning systems, and climate adaptation processes.
Director of the Vanuatu Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation, Osborne Melenamu, described healthy ecosystems as more than environmental assets.
“These reports recognise something that communities across Vanuatu have understood for generations that healthy ecosystems are fundamental to resilience, livelihoods, culture, and wellbeing,” said Melenamu.
He added, “Forests regulate water systems, reduce erosion, protect biodiversity, and support food security and livelihoods. Mangroves, reefs, seagrasses, and coastal ecosystems protect our shorelines, reduce wave energy, sustain fisheries, and strengthen resilience against storms and sea level rise.”
The importance of this connection between healthy ecosystems and community resilience is evident across Vanuatu. When cyclones strike, communities rely on more than emergency supplies and infrastructure to stay safe. Mangrove forests help absorb wave energy before it reaches villages.
Healthy coral reefs act as natural barriers against storm surges. Forests help stabilise soils, reduce erosion, and protect water sources during extreme weather events.
These ecosystems quietly protect lives, livelihoods, and economies every day. Recognising their value, Vanuatu is continuing to strengthen the role of nature within national climate adaptation and development planning.
Representative from New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and First Secretary at the New Zealand High Commission in Vanuatu, Holly Peacock said, “Nature-positive solutions work because they are practical, proven, and rooted in place. They also build on something fundamental – generations of local knowledge and stewardship: our collective ‘kastom save’.”
She added, “Together we must embed these approaches into how we develop our infrastructure and industries, plan our settlements, and invest for the future. The policy tools we’re launching today represent an important step in doing exactly that.”
While the term Nature-based Solutions may be relatively new within policy discussions, the principles behind it are deeply familiar to many ni-Vanuatu communities. Traditional knowledge, customary management systems, and community stewardship have long played an important role in managing forests, coastal ecosystems, and natural resources across the country. The policy outputs developed under PPIN build on these existing strengths by providing practical guidance and strategic recommendations for integrating Nature-based Solutions into national adaptation planning and decision-making processes.
Speaking on behalf of SPREP, PPIN Project Coordinator Utulei Lui acknowledged the leadership demonstrated by the Government of Vanuatu throughout the policy mainstreaming process and reaffirmed SPREP’s commitment to supporting Pacific Island countries in advancing Nature-based Solutions.
“As the Pacific’s regional environment organisation, SPREP is committed to supporting our Members to strengthen climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development through approaches that are grounded in both science and Pacific knowledge systems,” she said.
“Nature-based Solutions are now recognised across the Pacific as a practical and effective approach for addressing climate, biodiversity, and sustainable development challenges, and Vanuatu has demonstrated strong leadership in advancing this agenda through its commitment to integrating NbS into national planning and adaptation processes.”
Lui also acknowledged the contributions of the Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation, the Department of Climate Change, the Department of Forestry, development partners, technical stakeholders, consultants, and community representatives who contributed throughout the PPIN process.
“The strength of these outputs reflects the collaborative efforts of many individuals and organisations who shared their expertise, experiences, and perspectives throughout this journey. SPREP sincerely thanks all partners and stakeholders who contributed to this work, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with Vanuatu as these policy tools move into implementation.”
The Promoting Pacific Island Nature-based Solutions (PPIN) project is funded by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). PPIN seeks to support the development of policy and legislation for Nature- based Solutions (NbS), build regional awareness and capacity, and strengthen regional cooperation amongst Pacific Island countries on NbS. PPIN is managed by IUCN in partnership with the Pacific Community (SPC), the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)….PACNEWS
