In this bulletin:
1. B/VILLE — Bougainville MP calls for managed transition toward self-government and Independence
2. FIJI — NZ PM Luxon, PM Rabuka discuss fuel crisis and drug threats
3. PACIFIC — No Rain, No Relief: Palau and Western Micronesia brace for dry stretch before El Niño arrives
4. SAMOA — Samoa seeks additional $NZD 4.2m for Manawanui disaster
5. PACIFIC — Why has Vanuatu been dropped from the Pacific visa scheme?
6. TIMOR — Timor-Leste declares week of mourning for ex-president Guterres
7. FIJI — Fiji, Waitt Institute discuss next phase of ocean partnership
8. PALAU — Pacific Voices, local stories: Palau Media completes hands-on Disaster reporting training
9. PNG — NZDF supports successful operation to remove WWII-era explosives in Papua New Guinea
10. PACNEWS BIZ — Saipan resumes international flights after a two-month hiatus due to Sinlaku
11. PACNEWS BIZ — From Island Roots to Ocean Guardian
12. PACNEWS IN FOCUS — Climate crisis: UN chief lays out solutions blueprint for clean energy transition
13. PACNEWS DIGEST — Pacific Youth Talanoa 2 Opens for Registration
14. PACNEWS DIGEST — Samoa advances maritime sovereignty through national workshop on maritime boundaries
15. PACNEWS DIGEST — What WTO Ministerial Conference means for Commonwealth small and least developed states
16. PACNEWS SPORT — Moana Pasifika licence decision
B/VILLE – INDEPENDENCE STRUGGLE: PACNEWS PACNEWS 3: Wed 24 Jun 2026
Bougainville MP calls for managed transition toward self-government and Independence
BUKA/PORT MORESBY, 24 JUNE 2026 (PACNEWS)— Bougainville Regional Member Peter Tsiamalili Jr has called for a carefully managed transition toward greater self-government and eventual independence for Bougainville, arguing that the future relationship between Bougainville and Papua New Guinea should be guided by Melanesian values and built on mutual respect, peace and stability.
In remarks titled “A Melanesian Vision for Bougainville’s Future,” Tsiamalili said the discussion on Bougainville’s political future should move beyond immediate debates and focus on the long-term relationship between the two peoples.
“As our Nation continues its important discussions on the future political status of Bougainville, I believe it is equally important that we lift our eyes beyond the immediate debates of today and begin to imagine the relationship we wish to build for future generations,” he said.
Tsiamalili said the Bougainville Peace Agreement, constitutional provisions, recent consensus among Bougainville leaders and the referendum result had already established a pathway forward.
“The challenge before us now is not simply a legal or political one. It is a question of vision,” he said.
He noted that discussions had often been framed as a choice between maintaining the status quo and complete separation, but said Melanesian traditions offered a different perspective.
“For many years, discussions have often been framed as a choice between remaining as we are or pursuing complete separation. Yet as Melanesian people, our history teaches us that relationships are rarely defined in such absolute terms.”
He said Melanesian societies had historically balanced self-governance with strong cultural, family, trading and spiritual connections across communities.
“For thousands of years, our communities governed themselves while maintaining deep cultural, family, trading and spiritual ties across islands, regions and language groups. We understood that identity and relationship could coexist. Self-government and unity were not contradictions
“The recent Bougainville leadership consultations reaffirmed our collective commitment to a peaceful and lawful pathway toward self-government and eventual independence, while recognising the importance of preserving peace, stability and respectful engagement with Papua New Guinea,” he stressed.
He said Bougainville should continue exploring arrangements that respect both the referendum outcome and the relationship with PNG.
“As Bougainville advances toward greater political responsibility, we must continue to explore solutions that honour both the democratic aspirations of our people and the enduring bonds that connect us to Papua New Guinea.”
Tsiamalili said his preferred approach was a gradual transition tied to progress in governance, economic development and institutional capacity.
“In my personal view, the future should be guided by a carefully managed and measured transition, where increasing levels of self-government are matched by demonstrated progress in governance, economic development, fiscal capacity, institution building, law and justice, revenue generation and public service readiness.”
“Such an approach would allow Bougainville and Papua New Guinea to continue building trust while creating the conditions necessary for a durable and peaceful settlement,” he said.
Tsiamalili said the objective should be a settlement that benefits both parties rather than creating winners and losers.
“The ultimate goal should not be victory for one side and defeat for the other.
Rather, it should be the creation of a new relationship founded on mutual respect, shared history and recognition of the aspirations of both peoples,” He explained.
He outlined the principles that should underpin any future settlement.
“A settlement that preserves peace. A settlement that respects the referendum mandate. A settlement that safeguards regional stability.
A settlement that strengthens the bonds between Bougainville and Papua New Guinea rather than weakens them,” he stressed.
Tsiamalili also highlighted support for what he described as a Melanesian-style political understanding between Bougainville and Papua New Guinea.
“The recent leadership discussions also recognised the importance of a Melanesian-style political understanding between Bougainville and Papua New Guinea — one that reflects our unique history, our shared sacrifices, and our common desire to see both peoples prosper in peace and dignity.”
“The future relationship between Bougainville and Papua New Guinea should therefore be shaped not only by constitutional provisions, but also by the values that have sustained Melanesian societies for generations: respect, consensus, reciprocity, kinship and unity,” he said.
Tsiamalili said future generations would judge leaders on how they managed the relationship between Bougainville and Papua New Guinea.
“History may ultimately judge us not by how firmly we held our positions, but by how wisely we transformed our relationship.”
“The task before us is therefore not simply to determine a political destination.
It is to build a future that allows both Bougainville and Papua New Guinea to walk forward together with dignity, confidence and peace,” he said.
Tsiamalili also called for a future based on partnership rather than division.
“If we succeed, future generations may look back and say that this was the moment when Bougainville and Papua New Guinea chose not division, but transformation; not uncertainty, but partnership; not conflict, but a new Melanesian covenant founded on mutual respect, peace and shared destiny,” he said….PACNEWS
FIJI – DIPLOMACY: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS 3: Wed 24 Jun 2026
NZ PM Luxon, PM Rabuka discuss fuel crisis and drug threats
SUVA/WELLINGTON, 24 JUNE 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has reaffirmed Fiji’s importance as a key regional partner following a phone conversation with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka yesterday.
In a post on X, Luxon said the two leaders discussed a range of issues affecting both countries, including the ongoing fuel crisis and efforts to combat the flow of illicit drugs across the Pacific.
“Fiji is an indispensable partner to New Zealand in the Pacific. So, I enjoyed speaking by phone last night with my friend, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka,” Luxon said.
The New Zealand Prime Minister said the discussion focused on shared challenges and opportunities facing the two countries.
“We discussed the issues that matter for both of us, from navigating the fuel crisis to preventing the flow of drugs.”
The comments come as Pacific nations continue to grapple with disruptions to fuel supply chains and increasing concerns over transnational drug trafficking routes in the region.
Luxon also highlighted opportunities for deeper cooperation between Fiji and New Zealand, particularly in trade and security.
“There’s more Fiji and New Zealand can do together, whether that’s achieving our ambition for two-way trade or growing our security partnership.”
The remarks signal New Zealand’s continued commitment to strengthening ties with Fiji, one of its closest partners in the Pacific, as both countries work to address regional economic and security challenges….PACNEWS
PAC – WEATHER WATCH: ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 3: Wed 24 Jun 2026
No Rain, No Relief: Palau and Western Micronesia brace for dry stretch before El Niño arrives
KOROR, 24 JUNE 2026 (ISLAND TIMES)—Palau and nearby Yap State are in for a stretch of drier-than-normal weather in the coming weeks, and residents are being urged to watch their water supplies closely — even as forecasters say wetter conditions are likely to return later this year when El Niño develops.
The warning comes from the National Weather Service in Guam, which issued a Drought Information Statement covering Micronesia. The report paints a mixed picture for the region: while some islands are recovering from recent flooding, Palau sits on the drier end of that divide.
The split stems from Super Typhoon Sinlaku, which tore through the region in recent weeks. The storm dumped heavy rain and caused flooding across Chuuk State, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands. But as Sinlaku moved through, it pulled dry air in behind it — and that dry air settled over Palau, Yap State, and the equatorial belt.
The result: while much of Micronesia got soaked, Palau and Yap have seen well below-normal rainfall over the past month.
On Yap’s main island, grass is already turning brown, according to local reports cited in the statement. Communities near the outer island of Woleai are reporting similar browning vegetation and early signs of water shortages.
The weather pattern that dried out Palau is expected to hang around in the near term. Forecasters say the normal trade-wind season — essentially a period of more stable, drier weather — has settled across the region now that Sinlaku has moved on and dissipated.
Computer weather models for the next two to three weeks point to a continued drying trend pushing from the Philippines southward into Palau and Yap. Scattered showers are expected to pop up across the rest of Micronesia, but areas near the equator, including Palau, will likely stay on the dry side.
The longer-range forecast offers more hope. Weather scientists say the Pacific Ocean is currently in a neutral state — meaning neither the warming El Niño nor the cooling La Niña pattern is dominant right now. That’s expected to hold through May or June.
After that, an El Niño is likely to develop sometime between May and July and persist through the end of 2026. El Niño typically brings above-normal rainfall to most of Micronesia, which would eventually ease dry conditions across Palau and the wider region.
“These trends are typical, but not guaranteed,” the National Weather Service cautioned in the statement.
Officials are asking Palauans and residents of affected islands to take the dry stretch seriously — especially on small, low-lying islands and atolls where the only freshwater supply sits just below the surface of the ground or collects in rooftop catchment tanks. Those water sources can dry up faster than people expect during a drought.
The Weather Service advises residents to monitor their water levels now and follow any conservation measures recommended by local authorities. If there’s less rain than usual, use less water — before it becomes critical.
People are also being asked to report any visible signs of water stress — wilting crops, dying vegetation, low cisterns — to local disaster control officers and weather station offices. Those on-the-ground reports help officials decide when a drought has reached the level requiring a formal government response.
There is an additional, less obvious hazard to keep in mind: the debris left behind by Sinlaku. Fallen branches, dried vegetation, and storm litter become potential fire fuel once they dry out. A prolonged dry spell could increase the risk of brush fires spreading rapidly in affected areas.
The drought situation across Micronesia has actually improved in recent weeks for some islands farther east. The Marshall Islands atolls of Utirik and Wotje, which had been under severe and moderate drought watches, have both been cleared as of April 7. That means the National Weather Service will not issue further drought statements for those locations unless conditions worsen again.
For Palau, the road ahead looks temporarily dry — but with relief potentially on the way by mid-year….PACNEWS
SAMOA – COMPENSATION: ISLANDS BUSINESS PACNEWS 3: Wed 24 Jun 2026
Samoa seeks additional $NZD 4.2m for Manawanui disaster
APIA, 24 JUNE 2026 (ISLANDS BUSINESS) —Samoa will seek an additional NZD$4.2 million (US$2.38 million) in compensation for communities in Siumu affected by the HMNZS Manawanui sinking.
Payments adding up to NZD$10 million have been paid to Safata residents.
Minister for Environment Ale Vena Ale confirmed in Parliament that the NZD$10 million (US$5.66 million) compensation package for Safata had been settled and paid directly into beneficiaries’ accounts.
However, he said updated environmental and socio-economic assessments found that the impact of the 2024 vessel sinking extended beyond Safata, affecting parts of neighbouring Siumu.
“The inspections confirmed that areas of Siumu were also impacted, and discussions are now underway for an additional compensation package,” Ale said.
He said approximately 4200 people in Siumu had been identified as eligible beneficiaries under the proposed NZD$4.2 million (US$2.38 million package, which remains subject to final agreement between the Samoan and New Zealand governments.
“We ask the people of Siumu to remain patient. The process may be taking time, but the compensation will come,” he said.
The Manawanui sank off Samoa in October 2024, triggering environmental damage and widespread disruption to coastal livelihoods in Safata, where the initial compensation package was directed.
However, questions have emerged in affected communities over the distribution process and eligibility criteria, particularly in Safata, where residents say uncertainty continues despite confirmation that funds have been disbursed.
Tafitoala resident Puleaga said villagers had repeatedly sought clarity on the allocation of funds, with discussions within the district now largely paused.
“We have been asking where the money has gone. The district has waited a full year for this compensation,” he said.
He also noted confusion over the reported increase in beneficiary numbers, questioning how the total expanded and whether awareness of compensation attracted additional claimants.
Similar concerns are now being echoed in Siumu, as residents await confirmation of when the new package will be finalised.
A Safata No. 2 by-election candidate, Leleua Suataga, said the prolonged delay had fuelled speculation and uncertainty across the district….PACNEWS
PAC – VISA SCHEME: PMN PACNEWS 3: Wed 24 Jun 2026
Why has Vanuatu been dropped from the Pacific visa scheme?
CANBERRA/PORT VILA, 24 JUNE 2026 (PMN)—Thousands of ni-Vanuatu hoping to apply for permanent residency in Australia next month are seeking answers after Vanuatu was excluded from the latest Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) ballot.
Australia’s Department of Home Affairs has confirmed registrations for the 2026-27 programme will open on 1 July and offers up to 3000 permanent residency places to people from 11 Pacific countries and Timor-Leste.
But Vanuatu, which has been part of the scheme for the past two years, is no longer on the list.
What makes the move unusual is that neither the Australian government nor the Vanuatu government has publicly explained the change.
The lack of an official reason has fuelled speculation in Port Vila particularly as Australia and Vanuatu continue discussions over a proposed long-term security agreement.
Canberra has been seeking support for the proposed Nakamal Agreement, a security and development partnership reportedly linked to a AUD$500 million (NZ$610.87m) package of assistance.
Vanuatu has maintained discussions with a range of international partners, including China, as it pursues its long-standing non-aligned foreign policy.
While no official connection has been made between the visa decision and the ongoing negotiations, the timing has drawn attention from regional observers.
Australia said it remains committed to finalising the Nakamal Agreement to strengthen its partnership with Vanuatu.
The Pacific Engagement Visa scheme has provided a pathway to permanent residency in Australia for eligible Pacific and Timor-Leste applicants, but Vanuatu’s removal this year has raised questions across the region. Photo/Facebook/Seasonal Workers Australia/file
A spokesperson at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said Australia is approaching the process as equal partners and has been patient and respectful of Vanuatu’s domestic processes.
The spokesperson told PMN News Australia would continue to respond to Vanuatu’s priorities and seek to match its ambition through the Nakamal Agreement, including on mobility arrangements.
The Vanuatu government says it has not been formally informed of the decision.
Director of Foreign Affairs, Ivon Basil, told local media the government had received no notification regarding Vanuatu’s exclusion from the scheme.
But Vanuatu government adviser Glen Craig is among those questioning the move.
In a public social media post, Craig wrote: “Vanuatu [is] holding firm on the priorities it has stated plainly from the outset – climate and mobility.”
“It is difficult to read the removal as anything other than leverage: a signal that access to opportunity for ni-Vanuatu depends on agreement to terms set elsewhere.”
Craig also warned the decision could be noticed across the wider Pacific. “The Pacific region reads this clearly.”
The Pacific Engagement Visa was introduced by Australia to strengthen people-to-people links with the region by providing a pathway to permanent residency, employment and study opportunities.
For many ni-Vanuatu families, the scheme represented a chance to build long-term futures in Australia.
Regional analysis of Pacific labour mobility programmes has highlighted long-standing concerns among Pacific governments about workforce impacts, and calls for greater transparency and predictability in migration arrangements.
Vanuatu’s removal now leaves a significant gap especially for those who had planned to enter the ballot when registrations open next month.
With no official explanation yet provided, attention is likely to remain on both governments in the coming weeks as questions continue over why Vanuatu has been excluded and whether the decision could affect broader relations between Port Vila and Canberra….PACNEWS
TIMOR – OBITUARY: AFP PACNEWS 3: Wed 24 Jun 2026
Timor-Leste declares week of mourning for ex-president Guterres
DILI, 24 JUNE 2026 (AFP)— Timor-Leste declared a week of mourning for former president Francisco “Lu-Olo” Guterres on June 22 after the former guerrilla leader died in a Malaysian hospital at the weekend.
The 71-year-old served as president from 2017 to 2022, capping decades of involvement in the political and armed struggle that led to the independence of the small South-east Asian nation.
Dili ordered flags to be flown at half-mast in public buildings, including at embassies and consulates, the government said in a statement.
Guterres’ body was expected to arrive back in Timor-Leste’s capital on 23 June, his brother Domingos Guterres told reporters, adding that funeral arrangements are still being organised.
Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta, who defeated Guterres in the 2022 presidential election, said in a statement that his former rival was a “great patriot”, adding that his passing was “a great loss for the nation”.
The government also extended its “deepest condolences” to Guterres’ family, the Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor (Fretilin) party he formerly led and to the people of Timor-Leste.
Guterres’ family asked for privacy as supporters paid tribute to the beloved former leader.
“We ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy at this difficult time, as we join in prayer and pay tribute to his memory, his legacy and his dedication to the Timorese people,” his family said.
Guterres had humble beginnings, fighting for Timor-Leste’s independence from Indonesia, which was achieved in 2002 after a brutal 24-year occupation.
He won the 2017 presidential election to become the nation’s sixth president after securing more than 57 percent of the votes.
Guterres ran for re-election in 2022 but was defeated in a run-off by Nobel laureate Ramos-Horta.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he was “saddened” by Guterres’ passing and extended his condolences to his family and the people of Timor-Leste.
“Malaysia mourns his passing alongside the Timorese people. He will be remembered here with respect and affection,” Anwar said….PACNEWS
FIJI – OCEAN PARTNERSHIP: FIJI GOVT PACNEWS 3: Wed 24 Jun 2026
Fiji, Waitt Institute discuss next phase of ocean partnership
SUVA, 24 JUNE 2026 (FIJI GOVT)—Strong partnerships are essential to effective ocean governance, particularly for island nations like Fiji where the ocean sustains livelihoods.
This was highlighted during discussions between the Minister for Information, Environment and Climate Change, Lynda Tabuya, and Waitt Institute President, Mike Goldman,Tuesday.
The meeting explored the next phase of Fiji’s partnership with the Waitt Institute through the Blue Prosperity Fiji programme, including efforts to accelerate implementation of the Marine Spatial Planning process, Fiji’s 30 percent marine protection commitment, 100 percent sustainable ocean management, ocean finance, implementation funding, and regional ocean diplomacy.
Minister Tabuya acknowledged the ongoing partnership with the Waitt Institute through Blue Prosperity Fiji and reaffirmed Government’s commitment to advancing Marine Spatial Planning, noting it remains central to both Fiji’s conservation goals and a blue economy that benefits coastal and maritime communities.
Goldman reaffirmed the Waitt Institute’s commitment to supporting Fiji’s ocean priorities and sustainable blue economy ambitions.
The meeting also touched on opportunities to elevate ocean issues through collaboration at the upcoming Pre-COP meeting in Nadi….PACNEWS
PAC – MEDIA TRAINNING: ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 3: Wed 24 Jun 2026
Pacific Voices, local stories: Palau Media completes hands-on Disaster reporting training
KOROR, 24 JUNE 2026 (ISLAND TIMES)—Palauan journalists aren’t waiting for the next disaster to start the conversation.
A week-long hands-on training hosted by ABC International Development equipped local media professionals with the skills, contacts and tools to report on emergencies before, during and after they strike — because when disaster hits, informed communities respond better.
“If we’re constantly ignoring them, it will come back around to bite us,” said Daigo Taima, a broadcaster with TMC Broadcast, reflecting on the risks Palau faces from extreme weather events — and the critical role journalists play in communicating those risks to the public.
Taima was among a group of Palauan media professionals who completed a week-long Disaster Reporting Training on Friday, 19 June , gaining hands-on skills in emergency coverage, audio production and disaster preparedness storytelling. The workshop was hosted by ABC International Development, an arm of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation with a regional mandate to strengthen Pacific media capacity.
The training blended classroom instruction with field-based reporting exercises at sites across Palau, giving participants direct experience interviewing emergency management officials, scientists and cultural institution leaders.
On Tuesday, participants traveled to the Ngatpang Cultural Centre, where they interviewed representatives from the Palau Red Cross Society and Community Public Health staff. The Palau Red Cross Disaster Action Team conducted a live emergency preparedness exercise during the visit, covering response coordination and community support protocols.
Participants attended a weather balloon launch the following day at Palau’s Weather Service Office, gaining a firsthand look at how meteorologists gather atmospheric data used in forecasting and disaster risk assessment. The group used newly issued recording kits to conduct interviews and collect audio on-site.
Thursday’s session brought participants to the First Joint Regional Seminar on Capacity Building for Asset Management, hosted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency. The seminar convened representatives from Palau and other Pacific island nations to address infrastructure resilience.
The week concluded at the Belau National Museum, where journalists produced audio content while learning about challenges facing the institution — a visit that Taima said left a lasting impression.
“The interview actually opened my eyes to some of the problems and challenges facing that museum,” Taima said. “That made me wonder how many other places were similar.”
The training is part of ABC International Development’s Pacific Prepared programme, now in its fifth year, which produces disaster and climate preparedness content for audiences across the Pacific region.
Kate Seymour, project director of ABC International Development, said the programme is built on the principle that Pacific stories must be told by Pacific journalists.
“We don’t want stories to be told from an Australian-only perspective,” Seymour said. “We aim for the programme to be an ongoing conversation with Pacific journalists and content makers taking the lead on sharing stories from their own communities.”
Seymour said a key outcome of the workshop is helping journalists forge relationships with local disaster agencies before a crisis strikes.
“We hope that telling these stories will encourage journalists to get to know their local disaster management services so that when an emergency arrives, they’re already talking regularly,” she said.
Pacific Prepared is funded by the Australian Government and is one of several Australian Aid programmes delivered by the ABC in the Pacific. Seymour said she hopes the Koror workshop leads to more Palauan voices contributing to the programme — and potentially a Palauan-language series, similar to existing editions produced in Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.
For Taima, the training reinforced the stakes of the work.
“The community must be able to receive proper disaster reports in order to prepare and respond properly to these threats,” he said. “Palau may not face extreme threatening weather conditions as often, but if we’re constantly ignoring those risks, it could come back around to affect us,” she said….PACNEWS
PNG – DEFENCE: NZDF PACNEWS 3: Tue 16 Jun 2026
NZDF supports successful operation to remove WWII-era explosives in Papua New Guinea
PORT MORESBY/AUCKLAND, 24 JUNE 2026 (NZDF)—Six New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel have this month been part of a multinational effort in Papua New Guinea to destroy about 2200 explosive remnants left over from the Second World War.
Delivered under Australian Defence Force (ADF) leadership, Operation Render Safe brought together military personnel from Papua New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, France, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States to locate and safely dispose of about 7550kg of the explosives.
The operation focused on explosive remnants of war – or ERW – identified during previous missions in the Gazelle, Kokopo and Rabaul districts of East New Britain province. They have continued to pose a serious risk to local communities for more than 80 years.
The munitions were moved to pits that had been dug so charges could be placed on them to destroy them.
The smaller and more stable bombs were moved via vehicle and the larger ones carried by several people with slings.
New Zealand Army Captain ‘C’*, Senior National Officer of the Kiwi contingent, said the six-person NZDF Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was embedded within the ADF-led task force, working alongside Papua New Guinea Defence Force and international counterparts.
“It’s a challenging task, in a hot and humid jungle environment and with seriously degraded munitions that have spent 80 years exposed to the weather and sea salt,” Captain C said.
“But it’s an important task to ensure the safety of communities in these areas.”
The NZDF maintains a highly capable EOD service, drawing personnel from the Royal New Zealand Navy, New Zealand Army and Royal New Zealand Air Force.
EOD teams provide regular domestic support to New Zealand Police, including the assessment and disposal of improvised explosive devices and unexploded ordnance.
NZDF personnel are also very experienced in ERW clearance operations across the Pacific, having undertaken similar work in Bougainville, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Nauru in recent years.
The Force Integration Training conducted in Australia prior to deployment ensured the multinational team could operate effectively together in the challenging Papua New Guinea conditions.
“The training ensured we were not only a strong, cohesive team, but also allowed us to build enduring relationships that will support future operations,” Captain ‘C’ said.
“Every time we work with the ADF and our partner nations, it’s a valuable opportunity to understand each other’s procedures—ensuring we remain interoperable and ready to deploy together when needed.”
Render Safe is a long-standing multinational initiative, running for more than 20 years, aimed at reducing the threat posed by ERW across the Pacific and strengthening regional security through cooperation.
The NZDF contribution reflects New Zealand’s ongoing commitment to regional security and its close defence relationships with Papua New Guinea, Australia and other international partners…..PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
CNMI – AIRLINE FLIGHTS: PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 24 Jun 2026
Saipan resumes international flights after a two-month hiatus due to Sinlaku
SAIPAN, 24 JUNE 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES)—The Francisco C. Ada Saipan International Airport in CNMI has reopened for international flights, welcoming the first group of passengers after a two- month pause following the devastating Super Typhoon Sinlaku that hit the islands in mid-April.
Jeju Air’s first direct flight from Seoul Incheon arrived at Francisco C. Ada Saipan International Airport on Sunday, thawing travel freeze that halted the CNMI’s tourism.
According to the Marianas Visitors Bureau, Jeju Air has committed to operating four flights a week through 25 October, with daily flights during peak periods of 22 July – 03 August and 23 September-10 October.
“Every seat that arrives in the Marianas is hard‑won. Tourism recovery starts with flights, but its continued success depends on increasing visitor satisfaction when they are here,” said Andy Qin, MVA acting managing director.
“As more international flights resume, our collective focus should be on improving the visitor experience to help ensure that the airlines serving our islands see strong, consistent performance and healthy load factors,” he added.
To strengthen travel demand in the aftermath of Sinlaku, the MVA is rolling out targeted campaigns in its two largest source markets to support immediate bookings, while rebuilding long‑term destination awareness.
In Korea, Jeju Air supported its flight relaunch with a “Family Week” promotion offering discounted rates and special perks for families travelling to Saipan.
A combined 13 Marianas products are being sold by Hana Tour, Mode Tour, Yellow Balloon Tour, Verygood Tour, and Naeil Tour for accommodations and activities at Aqua Resort Club Saipan, Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, Pacific Islands Club Saipan, and LaoLao Bay Golf Resort. Tourism partners are also undertaking their own promotions, including IHG Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan & Guam’s recent “Micronesia Night” held in Seoul to boost summer demand and MBC Union Camp’s “Summer English Camp in Saipan.”
To prepare for the relaunch of Tokyo-Saipan flights by United Airlines on Aug. 2, Japan’s largest travel agency JTB and the MVA have launched an “Enjoy Saipan” campaign to connect visitors with local hotels, restaurants, activity providers, and souvenir shops through special offers.
Hong Kong Airlines will also resume direct flights from Hong Kong on 12 July.
With international flights returning, the MVA stressed that tourism recovery will also require government agencies, businesses, and individuals all working to provide a positive, meaningful visitor experience.
“While some factors – like rising fuel prices or unfavorable currency exchange are beyond our local control – there is still a lot of improvement we can make together in our destination,” said Qin.
“It is important that every sector—public, private, and community—moves in the same direction in allowing our visitors to experience the best of the Marianas and who we are. If your business, office, or organisation has experiences, products, and services that connect our visitors to our Far From Ordinary nature, history, culture, and adventure, the MVA can help share that info,” he added….PACNEWS
PAC – FISHERIES: FFA PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 24 Jun 2026
From Island Roots to Ocean Guardian
HONIARA, 24 JUNE 2026 (FFA)—For Akosita Cavora Samuela, protecting fisheries resources was never just an ordinary job, it was a responsibility shaped by her ancestral place of origin.
The 34-year-old fisheries officer, who hails from Narocivo on Nayau Island and has maternal links to Doi in Ono-i-Lau in Fiji’s Lau Group, grew up in Suva. Although she was raised in the capital, the ocean remained a big part of her life and helped shape who she is today.
“It provides food, employment, culture, identity and connection between communities,” she said.
That deep connection to the sea eventually inspired a career dedicated to protecting it.
Akosita’s journey into fisheries began after she completed a Diploma in Applied Fisheries Technology at the Fiji National University. She later joined the Offshore Division of the Fiji Ministry of Fisheries, where she gained firsthand experience of the vital role tuna fisheries played in the economy and well-being of Fiji and the wider Pacific region.
“What drew me to this line of work was the responsibility to help protect our oceans for future generations,” she said. “Fisheries work is not only about enforcement. It is about protecting livelihoods, ensuring resources are used sustainably and supporting communities that depend on the ocean every day.”
This sense of responsibility inspired her to join Operation Tui Moana, which took place on 4-22 May 2026, that involved fisheries, maritime and enforcement officers from across the Pacific, working side by side to strengthen regional fisheries monitoring, control and surveillance efforts.
Representing Fiji during the operation was a proud and humbling experience.
“It was a great honour,” she reflected. “It made me proud to stand alongside other fisheries officers working together to protect our shared ocean resources and strengthen regional cooperation.”
While much of the operation involved compliance checks, monitoring activities and making sense of information coming in from across the region, Akosita said the most rewarding part was the opportunity to learn from others.
“The most memorable part was learning from officers across the Pacific and sharing experiences on monitoring, control, surveillance and compliance operations.”
However, the operation had its own challenges.
“One of the biggest challenges was adapting to the demanding operational environment and maintaining attention to detail during compliance and monitoring activities,” she said. “Analyst work requires patience, discipline and professionalism at all times.”
Yet among the long hours and technical work, one moment stood out in her mind.
“A highlight for me was seeing fisheries, navy and maritime officers working together so effectively despite coming from different countries and backgrounds,” she recalled. “It showed the strength of Pacific unity and our shared commitment to protecting fisheries resources.”
For Akosita, the significance of the operation extended well beyond the operations room.
As a Pacific Islander, she understood that healthy tuna stocks supported economies, created jobs and strengthened food security across the region. Sustainable management today helped ensure those benefits would remain available for future generations.
“What kept me motivated was knowing that the work we did contributed to protecting fisheries resources, combating illegal fishing, supporting communities and safeguarding the future of our fisheries industry.”
For Akosita, the significance of the operation extended well beyond the operations room.
As a Pacific Islander, she understood that healthy tuna stocks supported economies, created jobs and strengthened food security across the region. Akosita and her fellow secondees after their certificate presentation at the end of the operation. Photo: FFA
As she returned home to Fiji, Akosita carried with her new knowledge, skills and experiences that had enriched her professional development, and this would help strengthen fisheries compliance and surveillance efforts. Perhaps the biggest lesson she took away was the fact that protection of Pacific’s fisheries was a shared regional responsibility. “No single country can protect the ocean alone,” she said. “Regional cooperation strengthens enforcement, information sharing and fisheries management across the Pacific.”
For a woman who grew up surrounded by the ocean, that message was both personal and professional. The waters that shaped her childhood were the same waters she now helped protect, helping to ensure future generations could continue to depend on them, just as her ancestors had done for generations.
About Operation Tui Moana 2026
Operation Tui Moana 2026, led by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), brought together fisheries, maritime and law enforcement personnel from across the Pacific to strengthen efforts against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and other transnational maritime crimes.
The three-week operation covered the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of 10 Pacific Island countries and adjacent high seas areas, combining maritime patrols, aerial surveillance, intelligence analysis and compliance monitoring. At its centre was the FFA Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre (RFSC) in Honiara, where 21 secondees from FFA Members, partner agencies and monitoring, control and surveillance organisations worked together to coordinate intelligence, planning and surveillance activities.
During the operation, authorities conducted 61 vessel inspections, verified more than 200 vessel detections, identified four vessels of interest and made two apprehensions linked to suspected fisheries-related offences.
Operation Tui Moana also strengthened regional cooperation under the Niue Treaty Subsidiary Agreement through joint surveillance activities, boarding exercises and intelligence sharing. As fisheries compliance challenges continue to evolve, operations such as Tui Moana play a vital role in protecting Pacific fisheries resources, supporting the sustainable management of tuna stocks and ensuring the benefits remain with Pacific people, in line with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent….PACNEWS
PACNEWS In Focus
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Climate crisis: UN chief lays out solutions blueprint for clean energy transition
LONDON, 24 JUNE 2026 (UN NEWS CENTRE) —As a deadly heatwave continued to grip Europe on Tuesday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued an impassioned appeal for more ambitious global action on climate change caused by fossil fuels, to prevent irreversible damage.
In a major keynote speech at London Climate Action Week, the UN chief called on AI firms to “come clean” on the full environmental impact of data centres in terms their carbon, water and land footprints.
The Secretary-General also highlighted how the world’s dependence on oil is driving both the climate crisis and an energy sovereignty crunch, the latter linked to massive shipping disruption in the Strait of Hormuz and the war involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
“These crises may seem separate but they share the same destructive origin: fossil fuels. And they demand the same answer: a fast, fair transition to clean energy and a surge in adaptation, resilience and climate justice for those already facing climate harm,” Guterres said, in a call for political leadership to push through global change akin to that required to phase out leaded gasoline and to ban chemicals that created a hole in the ozone layer.
Earth’s tipping points
It is more than a decade since world leaders agreed in Paris to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, a remarkable show of international unity, led by the UN. Today, although that Agreement stands – and despite the US officially withdrawing for a second time in January this year – UN-backed scientists warn that average annual temperatures are likely to exceed that threshold in coming years.
“Every fraction of a degree matters,” the Secretary-General insisted, as he forewarned of the irreversible damage to coral reefs unable to survive in too-warm waters, the melting ice sheets that threaten to reshape coastlines and displace millions, and the real possibility that some small island nations could disappear under the waves.
Faced with this existential scenario, “the task before us is to strictly limit the overshoot, shorten its duration and bring temperatures down below 1.5°C as fast as possible”, Guterres maintained.
‘Mother of all energy shocks’
And while he pointed out that “any peace agreement is welcome and would bring much needed relief”, in reference to a 60-day pause in hostilities to allow ongoing Iranian-US talks in Switzerland, the UN chief noted that the Middle East crisis had unleashed “the mother of all energy shocks” comparable to the oil disruption of the 1970s and the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine.
As damaging as the Middle East war has been for highly industrialized nations, the UN Secretary-General insisted that developing countries have been hit even harder:
“It is a debt shock, a food shock, a development shock”, he told the London audience.
A just future from renewables
“The good news is – unlike every past energy crisis – we now have a clear way out, a clean way out,” the Secretary-General continued.
He noted that since 2010, the cost of solar energy has plummeted by almost 90 percent, onshore wind by more than 70 percent, and battery storage by 95 percent.
Renewables avoided more than the annual carbon dioxide emissions of the U.S, the EU and Japan combined, Guterres said, adding that clean energy investment now attracts almost twice as much as fossil fuels.
“There are no embargoes on sunlight and no blockades on the wind,” he said.
A seven-point plan for energy independence
As part of the Secretary-General’s blueprint for a clean break with fossil fuels, he outlined seven key steps:
1: Emissions must peak immediately and fall steeply this decade, reaching net zero by 2050. The G20 group of wealthy nations “must lead” on this, as it is responsible for around 80 percent of global emissions, Guterres said. Ambitious measures include a global Call to Action on Methane to reduce emissions of the gas traps around 80 times more heat than carbon dioxide, but which breaks down in the atmosphere within just a decade or two.
“The world phased out leaded gasoline. We eliminated ozone-depleting chemicals. Methane pollution must be next,” the UN chief stressed.
2: Clean energy projects should be promoted and public subsidies ditched for new fossil fuel projects. “The eight largest fossil fuel companies reported pocketing an extra US$6.5 billion in the first quarter of this year alone…I urge governments to tax them” to help vulnerable families and communities and accelerate the shift to clean, affordable energy, Guterres said.
3: Every major AI company should “measure and publicly disclose the full environmental impact” of data centres: their carbon, water and land footprints – and commit to power every data centre with renewable energy by 2030. Today, AI data centres already consume more electricity than most nations; “it’s time to come clean”, the UN chief noted.
By 2030, AI data centres could use enough water to meet the basic needs of all 1.3 billion residents of sub‑Saharan Africa for an entire year, the UN chief said.
4: “No more extraction without development:” Guterres called for greater support for the move to clean energy in a way that benefits workers and communities everywhere and developing countries too, driven forward by the UN Climate Conference – COP31 – in Türkiye. “The transition itself is no longer in question,” he stressed, adding: “It will be either managed or chaotic, fair or unequal, a source of stability or of greater division; and these choices are still ours to make.”
5: Protect those most at risk from climate chaos by helping them adapt, because this “saves lives, safeguards homes and communities, helps economies absorb shocks and holds societies together”, the Secretary-General insisted. Contingency systems need to be put in place before shocks become humanitarian and economic catastrophes, Guterres added. At the same time, developed countries must deliver on their “long-standing commitment to double adaptation finance, with a clear trajectory toward tripling it”, he said.
6: Support fair finance to support phasing out fossil fuels and the green transition at scale and at speed: because many developing countries face borrowing costs that are two to three times higher than in wealthier economies.
“Countries rich in renewable potential are being locked out of the clean energy revolution,” the UN chief maintained, pointing to African countries which receive only two percent of global clean energy investment even though they possess 60 percent of the world’s best solar resources.
Guterres highlighted the US$600-US$800 billion in additional lending capacity of multilateral development banks, such as the World Bank. This should be used “aggressively” to finance the infrastructure of the future and climate adaptation, along with other investment measures such as taxing high-emitting sectors, he maintained.
Equally, “developed countries must keep their promises”, including support to the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage and the Green Climate Fund, the Secretary-General continued, noting that the US$300 billion pledged to developing countries must be delivered along with concrete steps to mobilise US$1.3 trillion a year by 2035.
7: Finally, the UN Secretary-General urged support for science as the bedrock of truth and early warning systems – and to tackle climate falsehoods, since “disinformation is spreading deliberately to delay climate action, entrench vested interests, and erode trust”.
Human rights defenders and journalists reporting on the climate and the environment should be protected and trust in evidence and institutions bolstered, Guterres insisted, pointing to the Global Initiative for Information Integrity on Climate Change, led by the UN, UNESCO and Brazil in support of this goal….PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Pacific Youth Talanoa 2 Opens for Registration
SUVA, 24 JUNE 2026 (UNDP)— Pacific young people are building momentum to ensure their voices are heard in regional and global climate discussions, as registrations open for the second event in the Pacific Youth Talanoa Series.
Taking place in Suva on 15 July, as well as being open to participants from outside of Fiji who can join online, the Talanoa serves as another key engagement for Pacific youth ahead of Pre-COP31 in Fiji and Tuvalu, and COP31 in Türkiye later this year.
More than 100 young people from across the Pacific participated in the firstTalanoa earlier this month, sharing experiences from their communities and identifying priorities for climate action.
Discussions highlighted the need for stronger support for community-led solutions, greater youth participation in decision-making, and approaches that protect cultural identity and indigenous knowledge and recognise the interconnected nature of climate change, oceans, biodiversity, health, food security, livelihoods and sustainable development.
Participants also explored the Pacific’s agreed key priorities ahead of COP31, with the Pacific Youth Talanoa Series helping to ensure young people’s perspectives shape regional climate discussions ahead of Pre-COP31.
Talanoa 2, themed “Understanding Systems that Shape Decisions”, will help participants deepen their understanding of climate governance, policy processes and pathways for influence, from national advocacy to international negotiations. Participants will gain skills in communication, negotiation and climate advocacy while contributing to the development of a Pacific Youth Communiqué ahead of Pre-COP31 and COP31.
The dialogue will also feature direct engagement with the COP31 Presidency Youth Climate Champion, Sally Higgins, serving as an opportunity to connect with established global youth climate processes and leadership.
To maximise peer knowledge exchange, Talanoa 2 will be co-facilitated by Pacific alumni from the Youth Empowerment in Climate Action Platform, a UNDP-managed initiative in partnership with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and UNICEF.
The three-part Talanoa Series is co-designed and co-delivered by the Pacific Youth Council and the United Nations, in partnership with Pasifika Communities University and Pacific regional organisations. It aims to create meaningful opportunities for young people to engage in climate dialogue, strengthen leadership, and contribute to conversations that will shape the future of the Blue Pacific.
Young people aged 18 to 35 from across the Pacific, including diaspora, are invited to participate. Pacific youth residing outside of Fiji can join the Talanoa online, with those in Fiji encouraged to join in-person at the Pasifika Communities University on 15 July….PACNEWS
Interested youth can register by completing the online application form here. https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Xtvls0QpN0iZ9XSIrOVDGUO1ahoeZAFFq-4gz6K1yR9UREdJMThXUVFEVzlXS1FFREpBWFQzRklXQS4u
For more information please contact: Aquila Van Keuk, Policy, Innovation and Partnerships Analyst | (E) aquila.vankeuk@undp.org and Nacanieli Tavaga, Futures and Inclusions Engagement Officer | (E) nacanieli.tavaga@undp.org
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Samoa advances maritime sovereignty through national workshop on maritime boundaries
APIA, 24 JUNE 2026 (SPC)—The Government of Samoa, in collaboration with the Pacific Community (SPC) and the Attorney General’s Department of Australia has convened a national maritime boundary workshop in Apia to advance the country’s ongoing efforts to finalise its maritime boundaries.
This workshop aimed to strengthen Samoa’s legal and technical capacity in maritime boundaries, while reviewing outstanding tasks and identifying practical pathways towards the conclusion of maritime boundary treaties with neighbouring States.
The workshop brought together twenty-five officials from key government agencies including the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministry of Lands and Survey, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Police, Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure and Office of the Attorney Generals.
The event was officially opened by the Co-Chair for National Maritime Boundaries Committee and Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Peseta Noumea Simi who highlighted the importance and urgency of finalising Samoa’s maritime jurisdiction under international law.
“We represent different ministries and carry distinct mandates and bring unique professional strengths to this room. Yet we are united by one goal: to define, secure, and finalise Samoa’s maritime boundaries. The delimitation of our maritime boundaries is a significant issue and remains a national priority area, as it affects the livelihoods of future generations who largely depend on the ocean and its resources.”
Samoa has already taken significant steps under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), including the deposit of its territorial sea baselines, territorial sea limits, and contiguous zone limits. The country shares maritime boundaries with Kingdom of Tonga, France (Wallis and Futuna), New Zealand (Tokelau), and the United States (American Samoa).
The workshop covered UNCLOS fundamentals (UNCLOS 101), Maritime boundary delimitation and treaty negotiation, Treaty processes including entry into force, deposit, and publication, Geospatial applications and S-121 standards.
Maritime boundaries define the limits of a country’s ocean jurisdiction and are essential for safeguarding national sovereignty, managing marine resources, and supporting sustainable ocean governance.
Speaking on behalf of SPC and the Consortium of Partners, Tony Kabasi, Team Leader for Ocean Management and Literacy, highlighted the strategic importance of the workshop:
“Samoa is a priority country under the Pacific Maritime Boundaries Programme, and this workshop is particularly important as there remains outstanding maritime boundary delimitation work with neighbouring States. The focus now is on progressing remaining steps towards finalisation and legal certainty.”
This initiative supports Samoa’s commitment to the peaceful and cooperative settlement of maritime boundaries and the long-term stewardship of its ocean space for sustainable development.
The National Maritime Boundaries Workshop is supported through the Pacific Maritime Boundaries Programme, a multi-year initiative coordinated by SPC and funded by the Government of Australia, the United Kingdom and the European Union, in collaboration with a Consortium of Partners….PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
What WTO Ministerial Conference means for Commonwealth small and least developed states
Blog by Kim Kampel and Tanvi Sinha, Trade Advisers, Commonwealth Small States Office in Geneva, Commonwealth Secretariat
GENEVA, 24 JUNE 2026 (COMSEC)—A month after the World Trade Organisation’s 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Cameroon, we brought together representatives from Commonwealth small states and least developed countries (LDCs) for a debrief to reflect on what was achieved and what comes next.
The debriefing session, organised by our Commonwealth Small States Office (CSSO) in Geneva, was an opportunity for ambassadors and officials based in Geneva and national capitals to examine MC14 outcomes and assess priorities for future negotiations.
Overall, the discussions reinforced the value of coordinated action and engagement to ensure that the interests of small states and least developed countries remain effectively represented in multilateral trade negotiations.
Examining progress
Delegates welcomed progress in several key areas, including fisheries subsidies and the Work Programme on Small Economies, however, they acknowledged that several issues remain unresolved, including WTO reform, digital trade and support for countries graduating from LDC status. They agreed continued engagement in Geneva will be essential to move these discussions forward ahead of future ministerial meetings.
Fisheries subsidies remain a priority for many small island and coastal states, where fishing supports jobs, food security and export earnings. Delegates agreed to continue negotiations towards a comprehensive agreement that addresses outstanding concerns, including subsidies contributing to overfishing and overcapacity.
They also welcomed an update from Ambassador Leslie Ramsammy of Guyana, Chair of the Negotiating Group on Rules, on a proposed roadmap for future negotiations.
Agriculture was another key area of focus. Delegates stressed the need for continued reform to address longstanding challenges affecting food security and rural livelihoods in small states and least developed countries.
The WTO’s development dimension also remained central to the discussions. Delegates highlighted the importance of fully implementing the special and differential treatment (SDT) provisions, which give developing and least developed countries greater flexibility and capacity in meeting their WTO commitments.
In this regard, they welcomed decisions taken at MC14 to strengthen SDT provisions under the WTO’s Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Agreements, which could improve transparency, regulatory cooperation and trade facilitation for developing economies.
Delegates also welcomed the Ministerial Decision on the Work Programme on Small Economies, particularly its focus on helping small economies integrate into the global trading system and benefit from emerging opportunities in digital trade.
E-commerce and WTO reform
Digital trade featured prominently in the discussions. Delegates discussed the role of the WTO’s 1998 E-Commerce Work Programme and E-Commerce Moratorium in supporting the development of digital and e-commerce ecosystems in small and least developed countries.
Ambassador Richard Brown of Jamaica, who is facilitating discussions on this issue at the WTO, provided an update on efforts before and since MC14 to help member countries reach agreement on the future of the E-Commerce Moratorium and Work Programme.
WTO reform remains at the centre of the WTO agenda. Delegates highlighted the importance of maintaining momentum in member-driven discussions in Geneva to preserve and strengthen a rules-based multilateral trading system that remains inclusive, fair, transparent and responsive to the needs of small developing economies and least developed countries. They noted that recent developments in the global trading landscape make these discussions particularly important and timely for smaller economies.
The way forward for inclusive global trade discussions
Throughout the discussions, delegates noted that ongoing economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and climate-related pressures have reinforced the importance of an open, inclusive and rules-based multilateral trading system.
For small states and least developed countries, a strong and effective WTO remains critical to ensuring their priorities are reflected in global trade discussions.
Delegates welcomed the support provided by the Commonwealth Small States Office before and during MC14, which helped ministerial delegations prepare for negotiations and articulate their priorities. They also valued the debriefing session, which helped clarify MC14 outcomes and address information gaps that emerged after the conference.
Delegates stressed the need for continued technical support from the CSSO trade advisers as members work to finalise the MC14 Yaoundé Package in Geneva and prepare for MC15 against a challenging global economic backdrop. Following the debriefing session, there was a clear sense that considerable work still lies ahead.
The Commonwealth Secretariat will continue supporting its small states and least developed countries as negotiations progress in their priority areas, helping them engage effectively in relevant trade fora and amplify their voices in decisions that affect their economic future….PACNEWS
PACNEWS SPORT
PAC – RUGBY: NZ RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 24 Jun 2026
Moana Pasifika licence decision
WELLINGTON, 24 JUNE 2026 (NZ RUGBY)—New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has today confirmed that it will not be approving the transfer of Moana Pasifika’s licence to participate in Super Rugby Pacific to any new party.
NZR explored every possibility for a long-term solution with several interested parties, including allowing multiple extensions to the 15 May deadline. None of the parties were able to satisfy both the capital and business plan requirements necessary to secure the licence.
This means that the competition will move to a 10-team format in 2027.
NZR Chief Financial Officer Chris Kinraid said the decision has been made in the best interests of the competition, and to provide certainty and stability to sponsors, suppliers, other teams, broadcasters and fans.
“We want to be clear, the door remains open beyond 2027. We firmly believe a team can be based in the Pacific Islands and that a sustainable long-term solution can be found in the future. We remain open and willing to engage with anyone who can meet the financial and commercial requirements.
“We also acknowledge the engagement of Minister Winston Peters and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for the recognition of the role rugby can play in the Pacific region.
“This has been a difficult time for the Moana Pasifika players, management and fans, and the communities that supported them. A lot of hard work has gone into looking at all possibilities for next season. Unfortunately, the long-term financial requirements to participate in the competition could not be met.”
Any party seeking to acquire the licence for Moana Pasifika to participate from 2027 was required to meet two minimum financial requirements:
1) Long-term business plan: A credible business plan demonstrating the capacity to generate commercial revenue to operate on a sustainable basis over the long term.
2) Committed and viable capital: Evidence of sufficient committed capital to meet establishment costs, support operations in the short-term, and provide resilience against financial risks.
Kinraid said NZR’s assessment was that, for a party to run a competitive team under the Moana Pasifika licence, minimum levels of commercial revenue, expenditure and capital were required.
“A competitive and sustainable team needs commercial revenue of more than NZ$10 million(US$5.66 million), in addition to broadcast revenue; and at least NZ$15 million (US$8.49 million) in committed capital to support its business plan and maintain appropriate cash reserves.”
Kinraid added that NZR also received interest in potential future expansion opportunities beyond 2027, which was an encouraging sign for the future of the competition.
“The licence available through this process was specifically for a team representing Moana Pasifika as a pathway for Tonga and Samoa from 2027. This was not a process to establish a new team or enter a new market.
“We are aware of credible interest in future participation and expansion in Super Rugby Pacific, including opportunities in new markets and the Pacific. We see that as a positive sign for current outlook and the long-term strength and attractiveness of the competition.
“Any future expansion of Super Rugby Pacific would need to be considered in partnership with Rugby Australia, Super Rugby Pacific and as part of a broader competition strategy.”
Super Rugby Pacific is set to confirm the 2027 competition format in the coming weeks….PACNEWS
