In this bulletin:
1. PACIFIC — Verified news must survive the AI age, say PNG media chief
2. JAPAN — Yokohama to host Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting in 2027
3. PACIFIC — China says the Pacific should not be an arena for geopolitical rivalry
4. FIJI — Fiji Government steps up monitoring as El Niño threat develops
5. COOKS — Cook Islands welcomes His Majesty King Tupou VI of Tonga to Rarotonga
6. NZ — NZ Opposition says Pacific ministry is being ‘run down’ despite PM’s pledge
7. PACIFIC — Fiji’s rejection of incinerator sends strong message on Pacific development
8. FIJI — China signals Fiji support as fuel crisis and drug concerns grow
9. PACNEWS BIZ — PNG tariff policy alone cannot drive competitiveness, UNCTAD review finds
10. PACNEWS BIZ — PNG farmers warned to prepare for El Nino, Frost threatens food security in Tambul-Nebilyer
11. PACNEWS BIZ — Vanuatu moves to address seafarer shortage
12. PACNEWS BIZ — Panguna Landowners express strong support for new redevelopment framework
13. PACNEWS BIZ — Homebuying language guides recognise the Pacific way of owning a home
14. PACNEWS IN FOCUS — Walking to the polling booth in Noumea
15. PACNEWS DIGEST — United States, Australia, Pacific Island partners complete Operation Irensia 2026 in Guam
PAC – MEDIA: ISLANDS BUSINESS PACNEWS 2: Thu 18 Jun 2026
Verified news must survive the AI age, say PNG media chief
SUVA, 18 JUNE 2026 (ISLANDS BUSINESS)—Papua New Guinea’s media sector is pushing back against a new era in which social media, misinformation and artificial intelligence are reshaping the country’s information landscape, according to Media Council president Neville Choi.
At the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue, Choi said the government’s move to treat social media as equivalent to mainstream journalism triggered calls for regulation and forced the media industry into sustained talks with officials over a draft Media Development Bill and a new AI framework.
“In 2023, our national leadership started to take notice of social media,” Choi said.
“What happened next was our national leadership started positioning social media as the same as mainstream media.”
That shift, he said, set off a wider policy debate.
“There were calls for regulation. There were calls for no standards in news and media,” he said, adding that the industry initially saw itself “being pushed into a corner with social media, totally unregulated.”
Choi said the dispute has since moved into a more constructive phase.
The Media Council has spent two years lobbying government on the draft policy, which he said has gone through five versions and now includes industry recommendations before being approved by the National Executive Council.
“That was a win on our part,” he said.
The government has also changed its own communication habits.
“Ministries now increasingly publish directly on their social media pages instead of relying on media releases to mainstream outlets, a shift he described as revealing both the scale and the risk of an “unregulated media” environment.”
He added the policy response was broadening beyond media regulation to artificial intelligence.
PNG has published an AI framework for government systems, but Choi said the process was difficult because no frontier template could simply be imported into a country with “over 800 plus languages and different cultures.
A special parliamentary committee, he said, has also been examining whether mainstream media is doing enough to counter misinformation and disinformation and has recommended stronger legal protections for journalists, including amendments to criminal law to make assaults on journalists prosecutable as criminal offences.
“It hasn’t been an easy ride working with government,” Choi said.
“But both government and media, we both now recognise that the focus should be on our people and how they engage and how they use social media.”
He argued that the answer was not to reject technology but to pressure-test it.
“Stress test everything. Every AI programme, if you’re incorporating it, stress test it.”
The media sector, he added, is trying to do just that through training and public education.
At the second PNG Media Summit, held on World Press Freedom Day, the main goal was to build skill sets and understanding of AI within Papua New Guinea’s mainstream media.
Choi said the broader message for the public is that technology should be a tool, not the destination.
“Look at the problem and choose the AI to solve the problem rather than seeing AI as the endgame,” he said.
For PNG’s media and government, the challenge now is whether the country can build a durable system for verified information in an environment where social media is growing faster than the rules that govern it.
“We are still learning as we go. We are working as hard as we can in the industry to ensure that we are up to the job of informing our audiences,” he said…..PACNEWS
JAPAN – DIPLOMACY: JIJI PRESS PACNEWS 2: Thu 18 Jun 2026
Yokohama to host Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting in 2027
TOKYO, 18 JUNE 2026 (JIJI PRESS)—-The next session of the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting will be held in Yokohama, south of Tokyo, around summer next year, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said Wednesday.
At the gathering, the Japanese government aims to exchange views on major regional issues facing island countries, including maritime security and climate change.
The island summit has been held every three years since 1997 at the initiative of the Japanese government, and the next session will be the 11th.
China’s expanding maritime presence has been a major topic at recent meetings. Pacific island countries are becoming “increasingly important as a cornerstone of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Kihara said…..PACNEWS
PAC – DIPLOMACY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 2: Thu 18 Jun 2026
China says the Pacific should not be an arena for geopolitical rivalry
SUVA, 18 JUNE 2026 (FIJI SUN) — China has no interest in competing for influence in the Pacific and wants the region to remain a platform for international cooperation rather than geopolitical rivalry, China’s Chargé d’Affaires to Fiji Wang Yuan says.
Speaking during a press conference Wednesday, Wang responded to questions from this masthead about the recent announcement by the Quadrilateral (India, United States, Australia and Japan) Foreign Ministers to support the development of a port facility in Fiji.
International political analysts labelled the announcement by Quad member countries ‘a move to counter China’s influence in the region’.
Wang said China respected Fiji’s sovereign decisions and maintained that infrastructure partnerships should promote regional development rather than strategic competition.
“China has no interest in competing for influence pursuing so-called geopolitical presence.”
He said China respected the role of other countries in the Pacific and remained open to broader cooperation.
“We respect the traditional role of other nations in the region and remain open and inclusive toward trilateral cooperation.”
“We firmly believe that the collective efforts of our countries can create synergy.”
Wang said China opposed exclusive blocs and confrontational approaches in the region.
“We oppose forming exclusive groups and engaging in bloc confrontation.”
“Together we can transform the South Pacific into a ground state for international cooperation, not an arena for geopolitical rivalry.”
He noted that during Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s visit to China in 2024, discussions included cooperation in port development and maritime infrastructure.
“Both sides will continue to build a better synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the development strategy of Fiji.”
Wang said China had also taken note of Fiji’s plans to develop a new port facility and reiterated that cooperation on infrastructure should contribute to regional peace, stability and prosperity….PACNEWS
FIJI – WEATHER WATCH: FBC NEWS PACNEWS 2: Thu 18 Jun 2026
Fiji Government steps up monitoring as El Niño threat develops
NADI/SUVA, 18 JUNE 20226 (FBC NEWS) —The Government is stepping up monitoring and public awareness efforts as Fiji prepares for the possible development of El Niño conditions.
The Fiji Meteorological Service has activated an El Niño Watch, prompting authorities to begin early preparedness measures and ensure communities receive timely information as the situation develops.
Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Sivendra Michael, said the focus at this stage is on closely monitoring conditions and keeping the public informed.
“The Fiji Meteorological Service has activated El Niño Watch and alerted citizens through social media. As the situation develops, further preparatory measures will be taken. The objective is to ensure early and accurate warnings reach every community.”
Dr Michael said the National Disaster Management Office(NDMO) will provide further details on Fiji’s El Niño Preparedness Plan when necessary.
He is urging households to rely on official information from Government agencies, radio broadcasts, and verified social media platforms as forecasts become clearer.
El Niño is a naturally occurring climate pattern that can influence weather conditions across the Pacific, often bringing below-average rainfall and increasing the risk of prolonged dry periods.
Dr Michael says while El Niño can contribute to drought conditions, its impacts depend on other climate factors, including the ongoing effects of climate change.
“While El Niño can increase the risk of prolonged dry conditions and potential drought, it is important to remember that it interacts with various other climate factors and is developing against the background of climate change.”
He said Fiji continues to strengthen its resilience through climate-proof infrastructure, improved water security, relocation of vulnerable communities, and stronger disaster management systems.
Dr Michael said that climate science indicates stronger El Niño events could become more frequent as global temperatures continue to rise.
Government agencies, including the Fiji Meteorological Service and the National Disaster Management Office, will continue monitoring developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Meanwhile, Fiji is already prepared for any potential El Niño event in the coming months.
Minister for Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau says the necessary preparations are already embedded within ongoing national planning, including long-term investments in water infrastructure and coordination among key government agencies.
El Niño is a climate pattern that can bring prolonged dry conditions, reduced rainfall and drought to parts of the Pacific, affecting water supplies, agriculture and hydroelectric power generation.
Tuisawau says existing water security and disaster mitigation measures will help Fiji respond to the impacts of a potential El Niño event.
His comments follow warnings issued across the Pacific about the possible development of El Niño in the coming months.
While the Minister did not outline any new El Niño-specific measures or identify a dedicated budget for the event, he pointed to the Water Authority of Fiji’s 50-year water plan, which includes upgrades to water sources, reservoirs, treatment plants and pipeline networks.
“That’s already part of the Water Authority of Fiji’s mitigation plans. As you recall, we already have a 50-year water plan, and part of that is the enhancement of our water sources and facilities, while also exploring other water sources, especially near the main urban areas.”
Tuisawau highlighted ongoing developments, including reservoir and pipeline projects, as well as the installation of a new water treatment plant expected to become operational early next year.
The Minister noted that these broader measures will help the nation respond to any potential impacts of El Niño.
He also highlighted that discussions on the possible effects of prolonged dry weather are already taking place among the National Disaster Risk Management Office, the National Security Council and relevant ministries.
The Minister acknowledged that extended dry conditions could also affect energy security, noting that around 58% of Fiji’s electricity generation comes from renewable sources, much of it dependent on hydroelectric power.
He said contingency measures, including greater reliance on generators, would be considered should water levels decline significantly.
“At the moment, there are various mitigation measures that have been budgeted for, and these will assist in addressing potential impacts as we move forward.”
Tuisawau also encouraged households to continue investing in water storage, saying the Government has for years promoted the use of water tanks to help address water disruptions.
He said agencies continue to monitor water levels and weather conditions through collaboration with the Fiji Meteorological Service and international partners, including the use of satellite technology for hydrological monitoring.
Tuisawau said a whole-of-government approach remains in place, involving the Water Authority of Fiji, Energy Fiji Limited, the Ministry of Rural Development, the National Disaster Risk Management Office and other stakeholders as authorities continue to monitor the situation….PACNEWS
COOKS – DIPLOMACY: COOK ISLANDS NEWS PACNEWS 2: Thu 18 Jun 2026
Cook Islands welcomes His Majesty King Tupou VI of Tonga to Rarotonga
RAROTONGA, 18 JUNE 2026 (COOK ISLANDS NEWS) —Cook Islands was honoured to welcome His Majesty King Tupou VI of the Kingdom of Tonga to Rarotonga Tuesday.
His Majesty was received by The King’s Representative, Sir Tom Marsters, and Lady Tuaine Marsters, together with Tou Ariki, President of the House of Ariki, Tinomana Ariki, Vice President of the House of Ariki, Vaine “Mac” Mokoroa, Minister of Education, members of the Tongan community, officials and welcoming performers.
On arrival, the King was elevated on the traditional pa’ata by Tongan warriors as part of the ceremonial welcome to the Cook Islands.
As the lead agency coordinating the visit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration worked alongside partner agencies, traditional leaders and the local Tongan community to welcome the Tongan King to the Cook Islands.
His Majesty is visiting in his capacity as Chancellor of the University of the South Pacific and will preside over the USP Graduation Ceremony, where 73 graduands will be recognised at the National Auditorium on Thursday….PACNEWS
NZ – POLITICS: PMN PACNEWS 2: Thu 18 Jun 2026
NZ Opposition says Pacific ministry is being ‘run down’ despite PM’s pledge
WELLINGTON, 18 JUNE 2026 (PMN)—New Zealand Opposition MPs are warning the Ministry for Pacific Peoples is being steadily weakened despite Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s earlier promise that the agency would not be merged during the current parliamentary term.
The concerns follow Parliament’s Scrutiny Week where Pacific Peoples Minister Paul Goldsmith confirmed the ministry would move away from delivering community programmes and focus instead on policy advice and coordination across government agencies.
The ministry’s workforce has already fallen from a peak of 138 staff to 84 while several programmes have been shifted to other government departments.
Labour MP and Pacific Caucus Chair Jenny Salesa says the changes point to a deliberate effort to reduce the ministry’s role.
“They are running down the Ministry for Pacific Peoples and we think that they are running it down deliberately so that they will be justified in closing it down and disestablishing it,” Salesa told Pacific Mornings.
Salesa said programmes designed specifically for Pacific communities are being absorbed into larger government agencies.
She says this raises concerns that Pacific needs could lose visibility.
“It’s clear to us that even programmes that are shown to work in placing young people into jobs, they’ve taken it to other government agencies, and it’s not clear that that particular focus is still focused on Pacific people,” Salesa said.
“In terms of our young people who are Pacific, who are unemployed, it’s more than double the average unemployment rate for everyone else.”
She also questioned whether Pacific communities would continue to have a strong voice within government, saying there are no Pacific MPs in any of the coalition parties.
“There’s not one Pacific MP in National, not one in New Zealand First, and not one Pacific MP in ACT,” Salesa said.
She argued a standalone ministry remains important because it can advocate for Pacific communities, monitor government performance, and make independent funding bids.
“At a time when our population has grown so much, this is not the time to be getting rid of our ministry.”
Green Party Pacific Peoples spokesperson Teanau Tuiono shared similar concerns, saying ministers had failed to clearly explain what services could be affected by the changes.
“He couldn’t say who, what, where, or when, or just sort of mumbled on about outcomes, et cetera, et cetera,” Tuiono told PMN.
“But we do know that those cuts will lead to loss of quality and loss of focus as well.”
Tuiono also raised concerns about suggestions that artificial intelligence could help fill workforce gaps as the ministry shrinks.
“I worry about them relying on, saying that they’re going to rely on AI, a technology which is not tested, which is not personable at this point in time, and the impact that that will have.
“In terms of Pacific policy, [I prefer] Pacific peoples with the lived experience of our communities.”
Both MPs acknowledged concerns about past spending decisions at the ministry including the widely criticised $40,000 (US$23,093) farewell event in 2023.
But they warned that reducing the ministry’s role could have long-term consequences for Pacific communities particularly as Pacific youth unemployment remains significantly higher than the national average.
A final blueprint outlining the Ministry for Pacific Peoples’ future role is due to be presented to Treasury on 29 July before being considered by Cabinet….PACNEWS
PAC – INCENRATOR PROJECT: PMN PACNEWS 2: Thu 18 Jun 2026
Fiji’s rejection of incinerator sends strong message on Pacific development
CANTERBURY/SUVA, 18 JUNE 2026 (PMN)—Fiji’s decision to reject a proposed waste-to-energy incinerator is being seen as a landmark moment for Pacific communities pushing for a stronger voice in major development projects, a Pacific academic says.
Dr Suliasi Vunibola, senior lecturer at the Lincoln University in Canterbury, says the public campaign against the project showed that communities are no longer willing to accept decisions made without their involvement.
Vunibola says Fiji’s response could influence how other Pacific nations approach foreign-backed developments in the future.
“There is a clear indication that the communities, citizens of Fiji are already on the journey of sovereignty and well-being and local control of economic development in the country,” he told PMN News.
“And this is significant for the Pacific region as well, because the opposition reflected not only environmental concern, but also cultural significance of the land and the coastal environment where the proposed project had been targeted.”
The proposed NZ$1.3 million (US$750,000) facility in Vuda, western Fiji, sparked widespread criticism from landowners, environmental groups and political leaders.
A brainchild of Australian billionaire Ian Malouf, the facility would have the capability to generate up to 80 megawatts of power each year or up to 45 percent of Fiji’s electricity grid needs. It would sit on an 85-hectare site next to popular tourism and residential locations.
“You have this competing narrative of sustainable development, that it’s good for energy consumption, good for the grid, it reduces landfills – but we have had that problem before and we still have the problem now,’ Vunibola argues.
“It dials down or waters down to the question of the social costs, the question of cultural costs and the question of people with very less power who will bear the brunt of these externalities.”
In order to run, the incinerator would need to burn 900,000 tonnes of waste annually and with Fiji having only 200,000 tonnes of non recycled wet waste about 700,000 tonnes of waste will have to be imported.
A petition against the project gathered support across Fiji while landowners accused developers of failing to properly consult communities. Many labelled the proposal as ‘veibeci’ or disrespectful to the vanua, land.
Landowner Apimeleki Nasalo says did not want any waste to destroy their livelihoods.
“Our land is not a dumping ground,” he says.“Our chief had outright rejected it and so did we. We do not want any waste on our shores.”
Opposition MP Premila Kumar told the Fijian Parliament in April that the project had been rejected by Australia and questioned why Fiji should accept a project she claimed has been rejected and deemed too dangerous for a Western Sydney suburb.
“We are not being offered an energy solution but a contract to become the Pacific’s rubbish bin.”
Advocacy group, Protect the Heritage Coast – Vuda, Saweni had collected signatures to petition against the set up of the project.
“Not here, not next to our beaches, not in our backyards,” the group had stated. “This is a residential and tourism zone, not an industrial dumping ground.”
Opponents of the waste-to-energy proposal argued that the project reflected a form of “waste colonialism”, a concept rooted in the Pacific’s historical experience of colonial exploitation.
Vunibola said many Pacific nations, including Fiji, were once subjected to colonial systems that extracted local resources for the benefit of powerful foreign states.
He said the proposed importation of waste for energy generation echoed similar power imbalances, with developing nations being encouraged to absorb the environmental burdens of wealthier countries.
“We use our resources in Fiji, we plant commodities that were to benefit the colonial state and colonial authority back in Britain. But for waste colonialism, we are sold that we need to use the waste of these industrialised states or Global North countries,” Vunibola says.
“It’s an old phenomenon of core and periphery relations. The powerful countries, the Global North, use us because our rules and systems are not really in place to protect us, to protect our environment and so forth.”
In rejecting the proposal, Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Environment Dr Suvendra Michael says key concerns had not been properly addressed during the environmental assessment process.
“As a result, the Department was not satisfied that the potential impacts and risks of the project could be adequately assessed or managed.”
Meanwhile, Vunibola says for other Pacific island countries Fiji’s response serves as a powerful lesson in community autonomy and self-determination.
“It is a good case scenario for all of the Pacific Island countries of how we are now becoming so absolutely focused and aware of what’s happening around us, what kind of development has been foreign-induced, the kind of development planned overseas and was thought to work and to do good for us.” he says.
Vunibola says communities should have the right to question projects that affect them, as those with the least power are often the ones most exposed to the consequences, while elites have greater resources to protect their interests….PACNEWS
FIJI – DIPLOMACY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 2: Thu 18 Jun 2026
China signals Fiji support as fuel crisis and drug concerns grow
SUVA, 18 JUNE 2026 (FIJI SUN)—China has signalled its willingness to support Fiji through the global fuel crisis while pledging to strengthen cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking, describing both issues as significant challenges affecting people’s daily lives.
Speaking at a press conference Wednesday, China’s Chargé d’Affaires to Fiji, Wang Yuan, said China was prepared to work with Fiji on energy-related support measures as international fuel prices continue to impact economies across the Pacific.
“As a long-time friend of Pacific Island countries, China is prepared to offer support in this crucial moment.”
Wang said discussions had already taken place with Fiji’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on possible areas of cooperation.
“We’re glad to discuss further how to implement energy support and lessen the hardship of the people in Fiji during the fuel crisis.”
He said both countries would continue working together to identify practical ways to assist affected communities.
Wang also addressed Fiji’s growing concerns over drug trafficking, describing it as a complex issue with far-reaching consequences.
“The drug issue is not a simple one. It will affect the government and also affect the daily life of the people.”
He said China was already working closely with Fiji at various levels, including cooperation with the Fiji Police Force, and remained committed to strengthening that partnership.
‘We bring our commitment into reality, with equipment to fight against drugs, and we hope this relationship can be strengthened.”
Wang said stronger collaboration and people-to-people engagement would help both countries tackle the challenges posed by illicit drugs and other transnational crimes….PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
PNG – TARRIF: PACNEWS PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 18 Jun 2026
PNG tariff policy alone cannot drive competitiveness, UNCTAD review finds
PORT MORESBY, 18 JUNE 206 (PACNEWS)—A review by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has found that tariff reductions alone are not enough to make Papua New Guinea’s economy more competitive, pointing instead to high transport costs, expensive energy, regulatory complexity and policy uncertainty as major barriers facing businesses.
The report, which examined Papua New Guinea’s Tariff Reduction Programme (TRP) from its implementation through to its suspension and partial reversal after 2018, concluded that while tariff policy plays an important role in economic development, it cannot by itself address deeper structural challenges in the economy.
“The report reviews Papua New Guinea’s tariff reduction programme, known as the TRP, from its liberalisation phase to its suspension and partial reversal after 2018.”
“Its central message is clear: tariff policy matters, but tariffs alone cannot build competitiveness. Businesses also face structural barriers, including high transport costs, energy expenses and regulatory complexity.”
The review found that Papua New Guinea used the TRP to lower tariffs and open its economy, reducing average tariff levels to around 3.2 percent by 2015 and making the country one of the most open economies in the Pacific region.
However, the final phase of tariff reductions was suspended in 2018, with the government subsequently increasing tariffs on selected products to protect infant industries and generate revenue.
According to the report, the policy shift reduced certainty for businesses.
“The policy shift created uncertainty. 61 percent of surveyed firms said ad hoc tariff revisions from 2018 to 2020 affected their investment decisions. The report says future tariff policy should be gradual, predictable and evidence-based.”
UNCTAD found that economic growth was stronger during the active TRP period, with Papua New Guinea recording average annual growth of 6.3 percent, compared with 2.0 percent following the programme’s suspension.
However, the report cautioned against attributing that difference solely to tariff policy.
“Commodity cycles, major resource projects and the COVID-19 pandemic also shaped the results.”
The review noted that imports declined from a peak of about US$8 billion in 2012 despite ongoing tariff reductions, while exports expanded, largely driven by the mining, oil and gas sectors.
Modelling conducted for the report showed that a one percent increase in tariffs was associated with an average 2.1 percent decline in import values. However, tariff changes had only limited effects on trade with major partners, indicating broader economic factors played a larger role.
Business responses to the tariff programme were mixed.
“During the TRP period, 36 percent of firms said they benefited from tariff reductions, mainly through lower input costs. But 55 percent said they saw no benefit.”
Following tariff increases after 2018, 53 percent of surveyed firms reported negative impacts.
The report said firms identified deeper challenges including high transport and logistics costs, expensive imported inputs, unpredictable policy settings and regulatory burdens.
“The report says Papua New Guinea should focus less on shielding firms and more on helping them compete. This means improving infrastructure, power supply and customs processes, while lowering costs for key imported inputs.”
The review also found that tariff liberalisation had only a limited impact on government revenue.
“Simulations show tariff cuts during the TRP reduced revenue by about US$7.8 million a year, or just over 1 percent of tariff revenue.”
Although higher tariffs introduced after 2018 were expected to boost collections, actual revenue was estimated to be about US$15.6 million lower than it would have been under 2018 baseline tariff rates.
The report attributed this largely to reductions in tobacco duties, declining import volumes and possible incentives for tariff evasion.
UNCTAD also identified trade-offs for consumers.
“Simulations show a net welfare loss of around US$5.9 million during 2010–2018, driven mainly by sustained high tariffs on beverages and tobacco.”
The report recommends that Papua New Guinea adopt a predictable and evidence-based tariff framework supported by broader reforms aimed at improving competitiveness.
Recommendations include gradual tariff rationalisation, targeted support for infant industries, measures to protect consumer welfare and food security, stronger regional integration, enhanced trade defence capacity and regular policy reviews.
“The broader lesson is that Papua New Guinea needs an open but strategic trade policy. Tariffs can support development goals, but only if they are stable, targeted and backed by action to reduce the real cost of doing business.”….PACNEWS
PNG – AGRICULTURE: TVWAN/NBC PNG PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 18 Jun 2026
PNG farmers warned to prepare for El Nino , Frost threatens food security in Tambul-Nebilyer
PORT MORESBY, 18 JUNE 2026 (TVWAN/NBC PNG) —Smallholder farmers and growers have been urged to implement essential measures to protect their agricultural commodities and livestock in anticipation of the impending super El Niño.
Farmers and Settlers Association President Wilson Thompson encouraged farmers and growers to focus on their food crops and small livestock by clearing weeds, enhancing drainage, and implementing effective shade management.
“Put efforts into your food crops and small livestock and ensure weeds are cleared, drainage is improved, and shade control. Similarly, work on securing your water wells and drinking water and keep the area covered and kept free from pollution,” he said.
He urged them to heed the PNG Weather Service warning that PNG is at the crossroads of being hard hit by El Niño-induced drought this year, and to start taking precautionary measures to protect their farms.
“It is our own food and income security to take simple steps to mitigate against the impacts. We must do our bit to secure ourselves, in terms of water and food and income security,” said Thompson.
FSA is a major agricultural advocacy organisation in the country. It represents the concerns of commercial farmers, plantation proprietors, and rural agribusiness enterprises.
Founded in 1953, it strongly advocates for enhanced governmental assistance, secure land tenure, and agricultural education.
According to the PNG National Weather Services, the provinces that are on drought alert with mild to severe exposure and vulnerability levels are:
• Central,
• Gulf,
• Manus,
• National Capital District, and
• Highlands region
Meanwhile, Wednesday frost damaged food gardens in parts of Tambul-Nebilyer District, Western Highlands.
It raises fresh concerns about food security as the anticipated El Niño weather pattern begins to affect Papua New Guinea.
Locals from several communities report that frost has destroyed or severely damaged sweet potato crops, vegetables, and other staple foods grown in local gardens.
These crops are the primary source of food and nutrition for most families in the district, making any loss is a serious concern for household food supplies.
Many people view the frost as an early warning sign of the challenges that could come with El Niño.
Weather experts and government authorities have already warned that El Niño may bring prolonged dry conditions, reduced rainfall, and lower agricultural production in many parts of the country over the coming months.
The situation has revived memories of the devastating 1997 drought, one of the most severe natural disasters in Papua New Guinea’s history.
During that period, drought and frost combined to destroy food gardens throughout the Highlands region, leaving thousands of people struggling to access enough food and clean water.
As crops failed and food shortages worsened, many affected communities depended on relief assistance from churches, particularly the Catholic Church, as well as non-government organisations and government agencies. Emergency food supplies and support programmes helped many families survive the crisis.
Local leaders say the current frost has caused anxiety among residents who remember the hardships experienced during the 1997 event. They are urging provincial and national authorities to closely monitor weather conditions and assess the impact on food production before the situation worsens.
Agricultural and climate experts expect El Niño conditions to strengthen in the coming months. If dry weather persists, more food gardens could be affected, increasing the risk of food shortages and placing additional pressure on vulnerable households.
Communities are now calling on the government, aid agencies, churches, and development partners to prepare early response measures, strengthen monitoring efforts, and provide support to families who may be affected if conditions continue to deteriorate….PACNEWS
VAN – SEAFEARERS: VBTC/IB PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 18 Jun 2026
Vanuatu moves to address seafarer shortage
PORT VILA, 18 JUNE 2026 (VBTC/IB)—Vanuatu’s maritime authorities are launching a major push to address the critical shortage of qualified Ni-Vanuatu seafarers by upgrading training and creating new career pathways for young people.
The Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority (VMSA) and Vanuatu Maritime College (VMC), in partnership with key stakeholders, are moving to appoint a new Chief Executive Officer for the College to drive reforms and support long-term workforce development.
Acting Maritime Commissioner Hickson Siba said that upgrading maritime training to meet international standards is a top priority.
“VMSA, VMC and the Vanuatu Qualifications Authority are working together to upgrade the maritime college curriculum,” he said.
“With these upgrades, our seafarers will be able to meet the requirements to work on international vessels, domestic ships, and foreign vessels operating under the Vanuatu flag.”
A small number of Ni-Vanuatu work in the sector. To change this, the Government is now supporting scholarships for training in Vietnam, with students already there and the programme set to continue—a shift from past reliance on foreign scholarships.
VMSA will continue advocating at the highest levels of government to secure funding and encourage more youth to pursue careers at sea. Solving the shortage requires close collaboration between VMSA, the College, government agencies, and industry stakeholders.
Building the capacity of local seafarers is seen as essential to meeting industry demands and reducing future dependence on foreign workers. The expected appointment of a new CEO for the Maritime College will be a crucial part of the next phase of training and workforce development for Vanuatu’s maritime future….PACNEWS
B/VILLE – MINING: ABG GOVT PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 18 Jun 2026
Panguna Landowners express strong support for new redevelopment framework
BUKA, 18 JUNE 2026 (ABG GOVT)—the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) Wednesday successfully completed stakeholder awareness and engagement meetings with Panguna landowners regarding the Bougainville Mining (Amendment) Act 2026 and the recent grant of Large-Scale Mining Lease No. 01 (LSML-01).
The engagement was led by President and Minister for Mining and Petroleum, Ishmael Toroama, with participation of members of the Central Parliamentary Committee led by Chairman Hon. Justin Borgia, Minister for Veterans Affairs Hon. Junior Dakei, and officials from the ABG Department of Mining and Petroleum.
Representatives of the Panguna Landowner Interim Council, Panguna landowners through the five clans, and veterans from the Panguna area participated in the engagement. Representatives of Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited (LMEL), the ABG’s preferred development partner, were also present.
The awareness sessions provided stakeholders with detailed briefings on the Bougainville Mining (Amendment) Act 2026 , the special redevelopment pathway established for previously operating large-scale mines, the grant of LSML-01 to Bougainville Minerals Limited (BML) and the next steps required under the new legislative framework.
Participants expressed unanimous support for the amendments and the special redevelopment pathway established under the legislation. Stakeholders welcomed the amendment Act as a practical and necessary framework for advancing the redevelopment of Panguna in an orderly, responsible and accelerated manner.
Participants noted that the legislation maintains key protections relating to compensation, royalties, environmental approvals, community consultation and benefit-sharing arrangements, while also strengthening landowner participation through provisions for increased non-dilutable equity ownership at no cost. Landowners acknowledged that the amendments preserve and strengthen landowner rights, protections and safeguards.
Stakeholders also expressed strong support for the decision of the Bougainville Executive Council (BEC) to grant LSML-01 to Bougainville Minerals Limited and welcomed the announced partnership between Bougainville Minerals Limited and Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited as the preferred development partner for the project.
A consistent message emerging from the consultations was the desire of landowners, veterans and community representatives to move beyond discussion and towards implementation. Participants noted that redevelopment of Panguna has been the subject of discussion for many years and expressed their support for accelerated progress under the new legislative framework.
President Toroama welcomed the positive response from stakeholders and thanked landowners, veterans, community leaders and members of the Panguna Landowner Interim Council for their participation and constructive engagement.
“The message from landowners and communities was clear. They support the new redevelopment framework, they support stronger landowner participation and they want to see responsible redevelopment move forward in a practical and timely manner,” President Toroama said.
The ABG reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all future redevelopment activities are undertaken in accordance with the law and in a manner that delivers long-term benefits for landowners, communities and the people of Bougainville….PACNEWS
NZ – HOME BUYING: PMN PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 18 Jun 2026
Homebuying language guides recognise the Pacific way of owning a home
AUCKLAND/WELINGTON, 18 JUNE 206 (PMN)—Buying a home is rarely a decision made by just one person in many Pacific households.
From pooled incomes to multi-generational living arrangements, Pacific families often approach home ownership differently.
Sāmoan and Tongan-language resources are being promoted to help people navigate a property market that does not always reflect those realities.
The Real Estate Authority’s (REA) guides, available through its Settled platform, explain the key steps involved in buying and selling property, including ownership structures, legal checks and common risks.
Belinda Moffat, REA chief executive, says the resources were developed to make information more accessible and better support communities where homebuying can involve wider family structures.
“We don’t want language to be a barrier,” Moffat told PM on Pacific Mornings.
“Sometimes the properties they’re looking for are for multi-generational family groups, and so their buying needs and the types of properties they’re looking for are going to be quite unique to them, and they’re also going to be thinking about different home ownership structures.”
This comes as Pacific home ownership remains below the national average.
Stats NZ data shows Pacific home ownership was 16.8 per cent in 2023, compared with a national average of 42.1 percent.
Officials hope better access to information will help families make informed decisions when entering the property market.
Joe Savieti, a mortgage adviser, says understanding the process remains a challenge for some families especially when dealing with banking and lending language.
“There’s a lot of them that don’t know they’re closer than they think to owning their property,” he says.
“I think it’s the wording. It’s the jargon they use. People fear the process and get scared.”
Savieti says many families have stable incomes and savings but can lose confidence when faced with unfamiliar lending requirements.
“It starts with a conversation, figuring out their goals, what they want to buy, and then understanding their borrowing power, and if that’s all good, we put a package together and send it to the bank.”
As more Pacific families explore home ownership, regulators are also warning people to be cautious of schemes promising quick ways to build a deposit.
Joseph Liava’a, Associate Commerce Commissioner, says scammers often exploit trust within close-knit communities, which makes Pacific families a target.
Housing advisers say the guides are about translation and an acknowledgement that Pacific families, most of the time, follow their own path into home ownership and need information that reflects that reality….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
Walking to the polling booth in Noumea
By Nic Maclellan
NOUMEA, 18 JUNE 2026 (ISLANDS BUSINESS)—“If I have to walk to the polling booth on election day, I’ll do it,” said Josiane. “But my mother is elderly and it’s too far for her to walk. Without public transport, how can she vote? It’s not fair.”
Josiane lives in Valée du Tir, a suburb on the outskirts of Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia. Like other residents of working-class suburbs in the north of the city, she’s concerned about the reduction of the number of polling booths across the municipality for this month’s provincial elections.
Election day 28 June is a Sunday – but on Sundays, the city’s Taneo bus service doesn’t operate. If you don’t have access to a car, it can be a long walk to a voting booth, after French authorities cut the number of polling stations in the municipality of Noumea by 84 per cent.
New Caledonia’s last provincial elections were held in May 2019, but the normal five-year term was extended beyond May 2024, at a time of violent clashes between Kanak protestors and more than 6,000 French gendarmes, police and anti-terror squads. Since then, the poll has been delayed three times, as the French State attempted – unsuccessfully – to finalise a new political statute for New Caledonia to replace the 1998 Noumea Accord.
However later this month, New Caledonian voters will elect 76 representatives for three provincial assemblies in the North, South and Loyalty Islands. A proportion of these provincial representatives then make up the 54-member Congress of New Caledonia, which in turn selects the 11-member government of the French Pacific dependency.
The French High Commission in New Caledonia first made an administrative decision in June 2024 to reduce the number of polling stations in the capital Noumea from 57 to seven, for elections to the French National Assembly. Polling stations are normally located in town halls, high schools and other public buildings across each commune, but at the time, French police were hard pressed to control the streets, and some schools had been damaged, looted or burnt.
Since then, New Caledonia has returned to calm, but the reduction of polling sites has been maintained. In the lead up to recent municipal elections in March, a small pro-independence party MNIS sought to overturn the High Commission decision to maintain a reduced number of polling sites. However, their case before Noumea’s Administrative Tribunal was unsuccessful.
Access to the polls
Once again for this month’s provincial election, the French High Commission has decided that the number of voting sites in Noumea will again be reduced, although there are now nine rather than seven locations, after a northern booth at Ko We Kara was split in two last month.
High Commission officials have resisted calls to increase the number of polling stations in poorer suburbs, citing increased costs at a time of economic crisis. High Commission Secretary General Benoît Huber has also argued that “voter turnout in the neighbourhoods in question is still significantly lower than that seen across the city of Noumea as a whole. Even Noumea itself traditionally has a much lower turnout than the rest of New Caledonia. Voter turnout is always lower in working-class neighbourhoods. This is not unique to New Caledonia; it is the reality throughout France.”
This is hardly a ringing endorsement of civic rights, especially as the right to vote is hotly contested in these provincial elections.
Elections for the French presidency, National Assembly and municipal elections are open to all French nationals of voting age registered to vote in New Caledonia. In contrast, elections for the local political institutions – the three provincial assemblies and national Congress of New Caledonia – are held with a restricted electorate of New Caledonian citizens.
For the independence movement, and other parties that are supported by working-class voters, the issue is important in a city dominated by conservative anti-independence parties. Beyond this, the French National Assembly voted on 20 May to add another 10,575 locally born voters to the restricted electoral roll: of these 9,240 are resident in the Southern Province, including 4,185 in Noumea.
On 3 June, Senator Robert Xowie, one of two New Caledonians in the French Senate in Paris, questioned France’s Overseas Minister Naïma Moutchou about the policy. The pro-independence senator highlighted the issue of access to voting sites for poorer voters, many of whom are indigenous Kanak or islanders of Wallisian, Tahitian or ni-Vanuatu heritage.
Xowie criticised “the consolidation of 57 polling stations into nine centralised sites, far from the homes of Kanak and working-class voters.” Noting that this reduction took place during the 2024 state of emergency, he argued that “the emergency is over, the security situation has calmed down, the schools have been repaired, but the exceptional arrangement remains.”
This criticism is echoed by other political and community leaders, whose supporters in Noumea are affected by the lack of public transport on Sundays.
As the issue was debated in the Congress of New Caledonia, Milakulo Tukumuli – president of the Éveil océanien party – raised concern that a reduction of polling sites “across the municipalities of Greater Nouméa into a limited number of sites is grossly disproportionate to local circumstances and…likely to undermine the integrity of the election.”
Eveil océanien draws much of its support from the Wallisian, Futunan and Tahitian communities living in New Caledonia. Noting the lack of public bus services on Sundays, Tukumuli argued that High Commission’s decision affects poorer members of the islander community, as “the majority of residents in working-class neighbourhoods do not own a car.”
Census data shows that there are significant differences in car ownership across the city: 30-40 per cent of households in the northern suburbs do not own a car, more than double the rate for the wealthier southern suburbs.
Measuring disadvantage
The debate around turnout is a crucial issue for candidates in these elections – especially because an electoral list can only win a seat if it reaches the threshold of 5 per cent of registered voters (not those actually voting). In the Southern Province, with 11 competing electoral lists, this means a threshold of around 6,350 votes, no easy task for smaller parties or coalitions.
On top of this, voting is not compulsory in New Caledonia: at the last provincial elections in May 2019, only 67.23 per cent of voters turned out across the Southern Province.
High Commission data from the 2019 poll shows there was already a disparity in turnout between different parts of Noumea, even with more than 50 polling sites. For example, in the wealthy southern suburb of Anse Vata, polling booth number 8 at Fernande Leriche high school saw a voter turnout of 73.70 per cent, higher than the provincial average. In contrast, polling booth number 29 at the Gustave Mouchet school, near the public housing towers of Montravel, saw a turnout of just 47.99 per cent, nearly 20 per cent lower than the provincial average.
In a recent statistical study on the Contours blog, cartographer Jonas Brouillon has measured the effect of combining 57 polling booths into nine. Brouillon models the walking time to a polling station, reporting “the consolidation of polling stations has a tangible impact on access to voting at neighbourhood level.” In his data analysis, Brouillon finds that “the grouping of sites has the greatest impact on the tail of the distribution: in the nine-centre scenario, 17.2 per cent of the population is more than a 30-minute walk away, compared with 5.2 per cent in the baseline scenario” [i.e. with 57 booths].
Speaking to Islands Business, Brouillon explained that “what we’re seeing is that there’s a significant increase in journey times in my model. There are neighbourhoods where the proportion of households without a car is almost one in two; in these neighbourhoods, therefore, the issue of walking journey times is even more pressing.”
Based on his modelling, “the average walking time has gone from 13 minutes to about 22 minutes – give or take – which means a return trip takes nearly three-quarters of an hour. You’ve got to be pretty motivated to walk for three-quarters of an hour just to go and vote. What’s more, these are already areas where it’s not easy to get around without a car.”
This raw data just scratches a much more complex reality, in a city marked by enormous inequalities in social, cultural and economic life. As Brouillon stresses, “these indicators describe a situation; they do not claim to, nor are they sufficient to, identify a single cause for abstention.”
The decision whether to turn out to vote involves people’s level of interest in politics, education levels, literacy, access to electoral information, or ability to organise a proxy vote. In New Caledonia, as across the globe, there is growing mistrust of the political class, especially amongst many young people (as highlighted by the young age of the rioters and protestors during the 2024 crisis). But the current policy seems to add yet another layer of disparity between business people, public servants, poorer workers and people living in squatter settlements, suggesting the distance to the nearest polling booth can be one element affecting the turnout.
“I would point out that, at the moment, there are no buses running on Sundays to take people to the polling stations,” Brouillon said. “So how are people supposed to get there, apart from walking or by carpooling? It’s important that people go and vote – or are we just making it even harder for them to do so? The reduction of voting sites is, after all, a rather unusual measure. In fact, I don’t think there are any other places in the French Republic where there has been such a reduction in the number of physical polling stations.”
Legal challenge
Earlier this month, the largest pro-independence party Union Calédonienne (UC) lodged a request for an injunction before Noumea’s Administrative Tribunal, seeking to overturn the reduction in polling locations. However, on Friday 12 June, the Tribunal rejected the application on form, without addressing the substance of detailed arguments.
While awaiting a final ruling on the case, which may not be made until after the 28 June election, UC has lodged an application for interim relief against the municipality of Noumea, the bus company Taneo and the French High Commissioner, “in order to secure the provision of a shuttle service on Sunday 28 June 2026.”
With less than two weeks to election day, UC and other parties are also organising on the ground, calling on voters in working-class neighbourhoods to self-organise transport to assist the vulnerable to exercise their right to vote.
In a statement, UC Secretary General Dominique Fochi said: “The public transport service provided by Taneo does not operate on Sundays. Some voters will have to travel up to 4 kilometres to reach their polling site. This will particularly affect the elderly, pregnant women and families without a car.”
“The transport issue remains unresolved for the municipality of Noumea,” Fochi said, “but it is also encountered in inland municipalities and in the islands at every election. In the current context of economic and social crisis, it is the most disadvantaged sections of the population who continue to be at a disadvantage when it comes to exercising their right to vote on an equal footing.”…PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
United States, Australia, Pacific Island partners complete Operation Irensia 2026 in Guam
SANTA RITA, 18 JUNE 2026 (PACOM)— Partners from the Freely Associated States of Micronesia, the U.S Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam, and Australian Maritime Security Advisers under the Pacific Maritime Security Programme, concluded Operation Irensia 2026 on 07 June.
Completing a 13-day multilateral maritime security exercise and law enforcement training programme that brought together patrol boat crews from the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands at Apra Harbour.
Partners from the Freely Associated States of Micronesia, the U.S Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam, and Australian Maritime Security Advisers under the Pacific Maritime Security Programme, conduct a joint sail during Operation Irensia 2026.
“Operation Irensia reflects what genuine partnership looks like in the Pacific. The crews who trained alongside us this week returned home with sharper skills and stronger relationships with their counterparts across the region. That is a direct investment in the security of Pacific waters — led jointly by Pacific maritime forces,” said Captain Jessica Worst, commander, U.S Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam.
Four Pacific Island patrol boat crews participated in the second annual operation:
*The Maritime Wing aboard FSS Bethwel Henry and FSS Tosiwo Nakayama from FSM,
*The Division of Marine Law aboard PSS President H.I. Remeliik II from Palau,
*The Sea Patrol aboard RMIS Jelmae from the Marshall Islands.
Across 13 days of shoreside instruction and underway exercises, crews advanced their maritime law enforcement capability, practiced counter-narcotics boarding procedures, competed in damage control events, and conducted formation operations in Guam’s coastal waters.
The operation’s law enforcement college formed the core of the curriculum, taking crews through pre-patrol planning, intelligence and maritime domain awareness, vessel identification, boarding procedures, evidence documentation, and case package preparation. Crews practiced drug testing and narcotics identification, trained on the various bilateral maritime law enforcement agreement frameworks, and completed mock counterdrug boardings at sea in Apra Harbor. Training rotated across ship pairs to maximize repetitions and ensure every crew completed the full sequence.
The damage control olympics, held at Victor Wharf, tested crew readiness in a competitive format. All four partner vessels and U.S Coast Guard members competed through five timed events before a formal awards ceremony — a format designed to build the muscle memory and crew cohesion that emergency response demands at sea.
“Operations such as Irensia, conducted with the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the United States Coast Guard, demonstrate our shared commitment to detecting illicit activity at sea. We are proud to partner with the United States Coast Guard to strengthen regional maritime law enforcement cooperation across Micronesia through the Pacific Maritime Security Programme” said Lisa Chadderton, Assistant Secretary of Australian Deference Pacific Maritime Branch.
The operation is named for the Chamorro word for heritage — a deliberate framing that situates the exercise within the shared maritime identity of Pacific Island peoples.
Drug trafficking, illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing, and maritime domain awareness gaps across Micronesia’s vast ocean spaces are threats that no single nation addresses effectively alone. Operation Irensia builds the interoperability, shared procedures, and personal relationships between crews that make coordinated responses possible.
The 2026 operation marks the second consecutive iteration for the exercise, which launched in June 2024 with 72 personnel from five nations. The 2026 iteration expanded to include more than 120 personnel from five nations, and the law enforcement curriculum was significantly expanded, adding the framework module, structured counterdrug boarding sequences, and rotational practical exercises that gave every participating crew underway experience.
“Every time we come together, these crews arrive better than the last time,” said Lieutenant Commander Derek Wallin, U.S Coast Guard maritime advisor.
“That’s not accidental; it’s the compounding effect of sustained partnership. What we built this week doesn’t stay in Apra Harbor. It goes home with every crew and shows up in their patrols, their boardings, their responses, and our future shared operations. That’s the whole point.”
Operation Irensia is conducted with the support of the Australian Pacific Maritime Security Programme and in alignment with U.S commitments under the Compacts of Free Association with the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
The operation is expected to continue biannually, with plans to deepen the law enforcement curriculum, introduce more enforcement training, expand the use of underway exercises in future iterations, and build on the ongoing year-round Operation Rematau….PACNEWS
