In this bulletin:
1. VAN — Vanuatu Government turns to independence pioneers after Matthew-Hunter talks stall
2. PALAU — Palau ramps up security, lodging plans as 55th PIFLM nears
3. PACIFIC — Peace alliance hits China’s missile test, nixes U.S-led war games in Indo-Pacific
4. FIJI — Fiji to launch Israel parliamentary group
5. SOL — Solomon Islands Foreign Minister begins first official visit to China in Jiangsu Province
6. NZ — Pacific candidate says communities need a seat at the policy table
7. FIJI — Fiji boosts drug fight, Digital services in 2026-27 budget
8. KIRIBATI — Kiribati civil society pushes stronger Ocean Governance as trade unions build workers’ voice
9. AUST — ‘Losing battle’: racism surge in Australia since voice vote defeat
10. FIJI — Fiji government strengthens communications to tackle AI – driven misinformation
11. FIJI — Submissions close for Fiji Constitution Review
12. PACNEWS BIZ — Fiji Opposition leader Seruiratu calls for review of civil service size
13. PACNEWS BIZ — Solomon Airlines signs deal with Philippines carrier
14. PACNEWS BIZ — Financial lifeline for island community
15. PACNEWS DIGEST — Tonga Met Service considers use of Traditional Knowledge Indicators in TV weather bulletins
16. PACNEWS DIGEST — Despite hurdles, don’t give up on Sustainable Development Goals, UN urges
VAN – DIPLOMACY/POLITICS: VBTC PACNEWS 3: Tue 14 Jul 2026
Vanuatu Government turns to independence pioneers after Matthew-Hunter talks stall
PORT VILA, 14 JULY 2026 (VBTC) — The Vanuatu Government will meet with surviving Independence pioneers and former national leaders tomorrow to help determine Vanuatu’s next course of action on the Matthew and Hunter Islands sovereignty dispute.
The consultation follows recent bilateral negotiations with France that ended without agreement on the return of Umaenupne (Matthew) and Umaeneg/Leka (Hunter) Islands to Vanuatu sovereignty.
Prime Minister Jotham Napat said the Government wants to hear directly from the leaders who helped secure Vanuatu’s independence before deciding its next steps.
“Umaenupne and Umaeneg/Leka Islands are not just rocks in the ocean. They are part of our story, our land, and our future. We fought for independence, and we will fight to complete it,” said PM Napat.
The Prime Minister said the experience and guidance of the country’s surviving Independence pioneers would be important in shaping the Government’s response.
“The pioneers who raised our flag in 1980 understand what is at stake. Their wisdom and counsel will guide our next steps.”
Following the consultations, the Prime Minister is expected to announce the outcome of the meeting and outline the Government’s way forward.
Napat said while Vanuatu has remained committed to dialogue, the Government is now considering its next move after negotiations reached a deadlock.
“We have been patient at the table. Patience has its limits. We are finally deciding how Vanuatu moves from talk to action,” he stressed.
The meeting marks the latest development in Vanuatu’s long-standing claim over the two islands, which are located in Tafea Province and remain at the centre of the sovereignty dispute with France…. PACNEWS
PALAU – PIFS LEADERS MEET: ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 3: Tue 14 Jul 2026
Palau ramps up security, lodging plans as 55th PIFLM nears
KOROR, 14 JULY 2026 (ISLAND TIMES) — Palau is gearing up to host the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, with government officials outlining preparations for what could be one of the largest gatherings in the Forum’s history.
The Forum, themed “BELAU: Building Economies. Life. Action. Unity,” is expected to draw about 2,000 guests, including delegations from member states and partner countries, according to the Office of the President.
President Surangel Whipps Jr addressed accommodation concerns at a press conference last week, saying hotel rooms have been secured for heads of state but that lodging citywide is filling up quickly.
He urged residents with available rooms to list them on Airbnb, noting that similar public accommodation-sharing arrangements have supported past forums hosted elsewhere in the Pacific.
On security, Justice Minister Jennifer Olegeriil said a “progressive” security plan is in place and continuing to be built out with support from international partners. Leaders attending the forum will receive 24-hour close personal protection, she said.
The Ministry of Justice is coordinating with the Australian Federal Police and will bring in officers through the Pacific Police Support Group, a training programme based in Brisbane, Australia, Olgeriil said.
Two Palauan officers have already completed training at the centre, and two more are currently enrolled, she said. At least 100 regional officers are expected to deploy to Palau during the Forum to support local police.
Most forum meetings will be held at the Ngarachamayong Cultural Centre and the National Gym, said Communications Director Oyaol Ngirairikl of the President’s Office…. PACNEWS
PAC – DIPLOMACY: PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 3: Tue 14 Jul 2026
Peace alliance hits China’s missile test, nixes U.S-led war games in Indo-Pacific
SUVA/HAGATNA, 14 JULY 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — An alliance of peace organisations has called on Pacific Island leaders to oppose missile tests and military exercises in the region, which is increasingly becoming a theater for geopolitical competition among the world’s superpowers.
“The Pacific Ocean is far more than a strategic waterway; it is the foundation of our cultures, identities, livelihoods and futures,” the Pacific Regional Non-Governmental Organisations Alliance said in a statement. “It sustains our communities, connects our islands, and underpins our sovereignty and self-determination.”
The alliance issued the call on the heels of China’s missile test launched into the South Pacific last week, at the height of the U.S-led Rim of the Pacific Exercise, a 31-nation combat drill that tests new tools and tactics to enhance the Indo-Pacific region’s integrated fighting force.
The organisation’s condemnation of military activity in the region applies across the board.
“We cannot condemn missile tests, military build-ups and strategic military expansion undertaken by one power, while remaining silent when comparable actions are undertaken by another,” the PRNGO alliance said.
The peace organisation also opposes large-scale military exercises, including RIMPAC, Valiant Shield and Talisman Saber. Missile tests in the Pacific have become increasingly commonplace in recent years.
China’s missile tests this year was preceded by a test launch of its new DF-26D missile into the Pacific Ocean on 03 September 2025. Two months later, the U.S military test-launched a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, which flew over the Marshall Islands.
“We equally oppose the recent Chinese ICBM test, and the continued testing of Minuteman III ICBMs by the United States over the Pacific, alongside the expansion of military alliances and strategic military partnerships,” PRNGO said, referring to groups such as AUKUS and Quad.
The Pacific Island region has been caught in a tug-of-war between Washington and Beijing, both trying to woo the island states with aid and investment.
For fiscal 2027, the U.S government is proposing US$384.5 million for the repair of Palau’s port facilities and US$169 million for the rehabilitation of Yap’s airport runway.
These proposed projects are only a fraction of the more than US$2 billion in defence investment the U.S plans to pour into Palau and Yap, both of which are part of the Pentagon’s agile combat employment, or ACE, map. ACE is an operational concept that disperses forces across multiple locations to complicate enemy targeting and maintain combat power in contested environments.
China has been boosting its cash diplomacy as well, targeting not just individual island nations but also the influential Pacific Islands Forum.
Earlier this month, Beijing donated US$1.08 million to the Forum to support the organisation’s priorities under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
While individual leaders have raised concerns over China’s missile test last week, the Forum has not issued a formal position on the issue.
Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr and Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo denounced China’s missile test.
“When China acts in very opaque or secretive launches like this, it raises anxiety, fear and causes great concern for all of us that live on these islands that want to live in peace and harmony,” Whipps said in an interview with RNZ Pacific.
Teo noted that China’s missile launch ran counter to the Pacific island countries’ bid for a nuclear-free Blue Pacific Continent, in line with the South Pacific Nuclear-Free Zone Treaty, to which Tuvalu is a party.
“The launch comes at a time when Pacific Island countries are reaffirming their collective vision of the Pacific as a region of peace, security, and cooperation as espoused in the Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration adopted by Pacific Leaders only last year in Honiara, Solomon Islands in September 2025,” Teo said.
The Marshall Islands government earlier called on China “to explain its intentions in language as clear as the harm such tests can cause and to recognise that a region asking for peace is not a region inviting a demonstration of force.”
Palau, Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands are among Taiwan’s 12 remaining allies.
In American Samoa, Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula said China’s advanced technology and power projection in the region underscored the need for the U.S government to boost the territory’s defence capabilities.
“For 126 years, we have been an integral part of the United States,” Pula said. “There is no more logical or effective location for America to demonstrate credible power, presence and partnership in this part of the world than right here.”
In Guam, the Pentagon plans to install an US$1.8 billion missile defence system touted as a deterrent against China’s threats.
The PRNGO alliance, however, rejects the notion that military deterrence delivers peace.
“Escalating military competition is fundamentally inconsistent with the Pacific’s aspiration for an Ocean of Peace,” it said. “As the Treaty of Rarotonga approaches its 40th anniversary, Pacific governments should reaffirm and strengthen one of the region’s most enduring commitments to peace and security, said the PRNGO statement…. PACNEWS
FIJI – DIPLOMACY: JERUSALEM NEWS SYNDICATE PACNEWS 3: Tue 14 Jul 2026
Fiji to launch Israel parliamentary group
SUVA, 14 JULY 2026 (JERUSALEM NEWS SYNDICATE) — Fiji will launch an Israeli parliamentary group on Tuesday, amid growing ties between the two nations.
The move comes a year after Fiji opened an embassy in Jerusalem and Israel subsequently inaugurated its own embassy in the archipelago, two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand, marking a strengthening Israeli presence in the Pacific region.
“As a nation that values faith, democracy and friendship, we stand firmly with Israel,” said Fiji Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka.
“This caucus will strengthen our bilateral ties and allow us to work together on issues that matter for our shared future.”
Israel and Fiji, which established diplomatic relations in 1970, have rapidly expanding ties, with the Jewish state sharing technological, cyber and agricultural know-how and the Pacific Ocean nation long offering faith-based diplomatic support.
“As a Fijian Christian, this historic launch of the Fiji Israel Allies Caucus is a deeply spiritual moment,” said Fine Ditoka, head of diplomacy and protocol at the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, an evangelical organisation.
“By embracing this calling, Fiji is not only strengthening its political ties but also stepping into its spiritual destiny.”
The launch of the 65th Israel Allies Caucus at Fiji’s Parliament will be led by Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, highlighting the importance the Pacific Ocean nation places on its ties with Israel.
“This marks a defining moment for the Pacific,” said Josh Reinstein, president of the Washington, D.C. based- Israel Allies Foundation.
“It is faith-based diplomacy in action, building alliances rooted in truth, security, and shared values for a better future across the region,” he said…. PACNEWS
SOL – DIPLOMACY: SIBC PACNEWS 3: Tue 14 Jul 2026
Solomon Islands Foreign Minister begins first official visit to China in Jiangsu Province
JIANGSU/HONIARA, 14 JULY 2026 (SIBC) — Solomon Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Rick Houenipwela commenced his inaugural official visit to China last Friday.
The first stop of the visit was in Jiangsu Province, a sister-province of Malaita Province.
In Jiangsu, the Foreign Minister met with the Vice Governor hao Yan and Foreign Affairs officials of Jiangsu and exchanged dialogue on enhancing cooperation on agriculture, education, technology and skills development.
Foreign Minister also met with representatives of the Jiangsu Fenghai New Energy Seawater Desalination Development Co. Ltd (FHNED) and discussed the potential to explore cooperation on renewable energy-powered seawater desalination projects in Solomon Islands.
The visit will continue in Beijing, where Minister Houenipwela will meet his counterpart Wang Yi, and the Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao, to discuss the bilateral relations and future cooperation between Solomon Islands and China.
China continues to remain an important cooperation partner of the Solomon Islands. Advancing dialogue and cooperation in an open and practical spirit serves the common interests of both countries and its people.
The visit shows that amid a complex global economic and political environment, Solomon Islands still attaches great importance to maintaining and strengthening economic and development cooperation with China, the largest trading partner of Solomon Islands….PACNEWS
NZ – ELECTION/POLITICS: PMN PACNEWS 3: Tue 14 Jul 2026
Pacific candidate says communities need a seat at the policy table
WELLINGTON, 14 JULY 2026 (PMN) — A Pacific woman challenging one of Labour’s safest seats says more Pacific people need to step inside the political system if they want their communities’ voices heard.
Dr Zabeen Lateef is preparing to contest the Remutaka electorate, currently held by Labour leader Chris Hipkins, and says her second attempt to enter Parliament is about encouraging Pacific communities to have a stronger say in decision-making.
Speaking on Pacific Mornings, the National Party candidate said Pacific people need to be involved in politics and policy-making to influence real change.
“For Pacific people to actually affect real change, we have to be involved in politics and in policy-making and make sure that our voices are always heard around the table,” Lateef says.
“So, if there are improvements to be made, those suggestions can be written into policy and that would actually make its way into Parliament,” she says.
“National policies are all developed at the grassroots level and the pathway is very clear-cut. That’s how I became involved in the National Party, through policies.”
Lateef acknowledges she faces a major challenge in Remutaka, which has been held by Labour since 1996.
She says her own family background reflects the strong Labour connection among many Pacific and migrant communities.
“So, I’ve come from that migrant Labour voting population. National always talks about the economy, GDP and infrastructure.
“There’s a misunderstanding that all that means is that National doesn’t care about people. But the reason National wants to improve the economy and improve healthcare, the infrastructure, and improve GDP, is because ultimately it benefits people.
“As a party, and I suppose as Pacific people, we need to have that message resonate with us. So, we always need to bring it back to our people and how it benefits us.”
Data from the latest census profile reveals Remutaka has one of the larger populations among New Zealand electorates with Pacific people making up 11.4 per cent of the population, above the national average.
The region is also facing economic pressures, with unemployment sitting at 7.1 percent compared with the national average of 5.8 per cent.
Lateef says her goal is to have more Pacific voices represented in political conversations.
Born in Fiji to a family of sugarcane farmers, Lateef moved to New Zealand after the first military coups and grew up in South Auckland before studying at the University of Otago.
She has spent more than a decade at the university, starting her career as a biomedical scientist before moving into governance.
Although she does not hail from the Wellington region, Lateef sees that as an advantage because she can listen to the community without assumptions.
She plans to campaign through door-knocking and community meetings as she works to connect with Remutaka voters.
The 2026 general election will be held on Saturday, 07 November, with advance voting opening on Monday, 26 October…. PACNEWS
FIJI – DRUGS FIGHT/DIGITAL SERVICES: PACNEWS PACNEWS 3: Tue 14 Jul 2026
Fiji boosts drug fight, Digital services in 2026-27 budget
SUVA, 14 JULY 2026 (PACNEWS) — Fiji’s 2026-27 National Budget has allocated new funding to strengthen the fight against illicit drugs and organised crime while investing in digital transformation to improve government services, connectivity and cybersecurity.
Speaking in Parliament, Minister for Policing and Communications Ioane Naivalurua said the country had seen more than $4 billion (US$2 billion) worth of illicit drugs circulated within local communities over the past three years, with more than 2,400 drug-related cases recorded last year.
To strengthen enforcement, the Budget provides $1.6 million (US$800,000) to boost Fiji’s counter-narcotics capability.
The funding will support the continued establishment of the Counter Narcotics Bureau, the recruitment of specialised personnel and the development of the Counter Narcotics Bill to provide the bureau with a legal framework.
Naivalurua said Government has also endorsed the General Policy Direction on the National Coordination of Transnational Serious and Organised Crime and Illicit Drug Enforcement, with operations to be coordinated through the National Joint Enforcement Centre (NJEC).
He said joint operations between the Fiji Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces had contributed to a 30 percent reduction in illicit drug cases and an 18 percent decline in overall crime during the first quarter of the 2025-2026 period.
Naivalurua said enforcement alone would not solve the problem.
He said long-term success would depend on prevention, rehabilitation and coordinated action across government and communities.
The Budget also allocates $17 million (US$8.5 million) to the Digital Transformation Office and Communications portfolio to modernise government services, strengthen connectivity and support Fiji’s digital economy.
Naivalurua said the Whole of Government Service Mapping Exercise had identified 788 critical government services, with 385to be digitised by 2030.
He said the rollout of the Government chatbot, Unified Services Portal and Government Data Exchange Platform would reduce paperwork, shorten waiting times and make services more accessible.
Naivalurua also confirmed that consultations on the National ID Programme had been completed and that the National ID Bill would soon be tabled in Parliament. Work is also continuing on the National Artificial Intelligence Framework and National Cloud Policy.
To improve internet access, he said 50 Satellite Broadband Community Wi-Fi sites are already operational, with Phase Two expected to connect more than 300 additional sites and communities.
The continued rollout of 5G services, alongside expanded 4G coverage, is also expected to improve nationwide connectivity.
Naivalurua said the investments would make government services more accessible, efficient and secure while creating greater opportunities for Fijians to participate in the digital economy…. PACNEWS
KIRIBATI – NGOS/OCEAN GOVERNANCE: PACNEWS PACNEWS 3: Tue 14 Jul 2026
Kiribati civil society pushes stronger Ocean Governance as trade unions build workers’ voice
TARAWA, 14 JULY 2026 (PACNEWS) — Civil society organisations in Kiribati have held a national consultation on ocean governance while trade union leaders completed training aimed at strengthening workers’ rights and preparing unions for changing labour market conditions.
According to CIVICUS, the Kiribati Climate Action Network convened a two-day National Civil Society Consultation on Tarawa on 30 June and 1 July, bringing together representatives from government, churches, civil society organisations, community leaders, fishers, women, youth, Indigenous knowledge holders and regional partners.
The consultation examined the links between climate change, fisheries, ocean stewardship, traditional knowledge, biodiversity and the collective responsibility to protect the country’s ocean resources.
CIVICUS said the discussions highlighted the importance of inclusive, community-informed dialogue to help shape Kiribati’s ocean future and strengthen national ocean governance.
Separately, more than 25 trade union leaders from across Kiribati participated in an International Labour Organisation (ILO)-supported training programme on 9 June aimed at strengthening workers’ voices and preparing unions to respond to social, economic, technological, environmental and demographic changes.
The participants, representing sectors including education, healthcare, banking, maritime transport, public utilities, migrant workers and government ministries, met under the umbrella of the Kiribati Trades Union Congress (KTUC).
During the programme, participants examined the external trends affecting labour markets and employment relations while reviewing KTUC’s priorities, policies and activities.
Beiataake Aaron from the Staff Union of the University of the South Pacific said the training had strengthened participants’ understanding of their role.
“This training is very important to us. I now know more about what I have to do. Before, we were told what to do but now we have our own stand, we know more about our rights and what’s best for us.”
The programme also provided technical assistance to support the drafting and finalisation of the KTUC Constitution, which is expected to strengthen the organisation’s governance and improve services for its members.
CIVICUS rates Kiribati as “open” on its CIVICUS Monitor, saying the country is a multiparty democracy where non-governmental organisations, particularly those working on human rights and governance, are generally able to operate freely.
However, it said concerns remain over judicial independence, the continued criminalisation of defamation and the absence of a national human rights institution…. PACNEWS
AUST – RACISM: AAP PACNEWS 3: Tue 14 Jul 2026
‘Losing battle’: racism surge in Australia since voice vote defeat
CANBERRA, 14 JULY 2026 (AAP)—The Australian voice referendum triggered an avalanche of racism that continues more than two years after the ‘no’ vote won, an inquiry into hate against Indigenous people has been told.
Racist, abusive and threatening comments were left by people on National Indigenous Times platforms daily, managing director Reece Harley said.
“The lessons that people have taken from the referendum are that it’s OK to be racist in Australia,” he told a federal inquiry into racism in Australia on Monday.
“It’s OK to not care about Aboriginal Australia. It’s OK to say whatever you want.”
Social media companies such as Facebook were making the situation worse.
Harley said their business model was to maximise engagement and eyeballs to boost revenue.
“So, there is a commercial embedded incentive for these social media giants to not just allow, but actually to encourage people to say whatever they want, because people will fight back,” he said.
“Racism online is organised, and it is escalating. We see it first, and we deal with it daily.”
He said the racist comments were greatest when the media outlet reported on Australia Day, Stolen Generations and Indigenous languages, or when a person was interviewed and they were fair skinned.
“Commenters deny people’s Aboriginality,” Harley said.
“They demand to know percentages. They mock their families and question their right to speak.”
Harley said for some stories, racism outnumbered all other kinds of comments in a thread.
He said the abuse was silencing Indigenous Australians.
“Racism is shrinking the space in which Aboriginal people are willing to speak publicly,” he said.
Harley said there was no financial incentive to treat Indigenous people well in mainstream media because they were not seen as consumers.
“They are viewed by mainstream media as just kind of part of that story of what’s going wrong in the country,” he said.
Former Liberal Indigenous affairs minister Ken Wyatt said Australia appeared “to have slid back to an era that reminds me of some three decades ago”.
“Racism is not merely a social problem,” he said.
“It is a governance problem, it is a public policy problem, it is a human rights problem and ultimately, it is a question of national leadership.”
Wyatt said the true measure of a nation was not whether it acknowledged injustice, but whether it possessed the courage to correct it.
“It’s not about assigning collective guilt, nor is it about judging one generation for the actions of another,” he said.
“It is about whether Australia is prepared to examine the evidence honestly and determine whether every Indigenous Australian is afforded the same dignity, opportunity and protection under the institutions that serve us well.”
National Indigenous Times journalist Leanne Dolby told the inquiry there was a daily deluge of vile racist comments on the media outlet’s social media pages.
“I’m flooded with comments that tell us that Aboriginal people deserve to die, that racial discrimination is justified,” she said.
“As our technology advances, so do newer avenues of racial discrimination … and it feels like I am fighting a losing battle,” said Dolby…. PACNEWS
FIJI – MISINFORMATION: FIJI GOVT PACNEWS 3: Tue 14 Jul 2026
Fiji government strengthens communications to tackle AI – driven misinformation
SUVA, 14 JULY 2026 (FIJI GOVT) — Fiji Government communications officers from across the country are strengthening their skills to ensure the public receives accurate, timely and trusted information as artificial intelligence and misinformation reshape today’s information landscape.
Opening the two-day Government Communications Officers Training Workshop, Minister for Information, Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya said government communicators are the vital link between Government and the people.
Organised by the Ministry of Information with support from the UK Government Communication Service, the workshop equips officers with practical skills to counter misinformation, strengthen public engagement and enhance professional communications across Government.
Tabuya said the rise of AI makes credible, factual and timely communication more important than ever.
“You are the bridge between Government and the people. Your role is to ensure Fijians receive clear, accurate and timely information they can trust,” she said.
Participants are receiving training on Fiji’s SAUTU Counter-Disinformation Framework and the Government Communications Guidebook, while the Minister also announced new initiatives including Facebook Guidance for Government, an AI Policy for Government Communicators, a Government Communications website and the Fiji Government Communications Strategy.
Tabuya urged officers to continue building a communications network founded on professionalism, transparency and public trust…. PACNEWS
FIJI – CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW: FIJI GOVT PACNEWS 3: Tue 14 Jul 2026
Submissions close for Fiji Constitution Review
SUVA, 14 JULY 2026 (FIJI GOVT) — The Fiji Constitutional Review Commission has closed public submissions, ending the consultation phase of the country’s constitutional review process.
The Commission said submissions officially closed last Friday, with several key institutions and individuals lodging their views before the deadline.
Among the final submissions was a detailed document from former Chief Justice Daniel Fatiaki. The National Federation Party (NFP) also presented its submission, while the Great Council of Chiefs completed the process with its recommendations on behalf of the traditional leadership of the indigenous community.
The Commission said it received a broad range of submissions from members of the public and organisations throughout the consultation period.
It said the submissions will now be compiled and reviewed as part of its mandate to propose amendments to the Constitution.
With the consultation phase complete, the Commission will begin deliberating on the submissions before preparing its final recommendations as part of the constitutional review process…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
FIJI – CIVIL SERVICE: FIJI SUN ACNEWS BIZ: Tue 14 Jul 2026
Fiji Opposition leader Seruiratu calls for review of civil service size
SIVA, 14 JULY 2026 (FIJI SUN) — Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu has urged the Fiji Government to reduce the size of the civil service, saying its growing wage bill is contributing to the country’s rising public debt.
Rejecting the 2026-2027 National Budget in Parliament, Seruiratu compared Fiji’s public service with New Zealand. He claims Fiji employs significantly more public servants relative to her population.
He said New Zealand’s core public service workforce stood at 64,163 for a population of about 5.36 million and was expected to shrink further.
“This is against a population of approximately 5.36 million, meaning there are about 12 public servants for every 1000 New Zealanders, and they have committed to reducing their civil service by 8700, or no more than 1.0 per cent of their total population, by mid-2029,” he said.
Seruiratu said Fiji’s civil service comprised about 42,000 employees serving a population of about 937,000, equivalent to about 45 public servants for every 1000 people.
“With our current annual civil service wages bill of $1.5 billion (US$750 million), or $6 million (US$3 million) a day, and total operating costs of $800 million (US$400 million), or $3 million (US$1.5 million) a day, Government must seriously consider following the path taken by New Zealand,” he said.
In response, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said Government had announced a review of the civil service aimed at containing the public sector wage bill while tightening controls on travel, workshops, fuel and maintenance.
Rabuka said the review would strengthen value-for-money assessments, improve tax compliance, recover revenue arrears and modernise tax administration.
Seruiratu highlighted the potential of Fiji’s Blue Economy is generating significant income for Fiji.
“Our vast ocean resources provide significant opportunities for sustainable economic growth. Government should expand investment in sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, seafood processing, and marine biotechnology. Developing commercial opportunities in the fisheries sector will create employment and increase our export earnings,” he said.
Rabuka replied saying certain projects have been planned.
“A taskforce on investment approval process comprising ministries and agencies, headed by the Office of the Prime Minister, is facilitating projects to help them start. Significant investments are underway with consultations and preliminary feasibility studies being carried out to determine the economic viability, structural design and long-term benefit,” he said.
Rabuka said these plans included major port development, maritime and infrastructure aimed at supporting Fiji’s regional maritime hub status…. PACNEWS
SOL – AIRLINE: ISLANDS BUSINESS PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 14 Jul 2026
Solomon Airlines signs deal with Philippines carrier
HONIARA/MANILA, 14 JULY 2026 (ISLANDS BUSINESS) — Solomon Islands Airlines has signed an interline agreement with Philippine Airlines, allowing passengers to travel on single tickets and have baggage checked through to their final destinations.
The Interline Through Check-In (IATCI) facility means passengers can book seamless connections between Honiara and Manila via Port Moresby and Brisbane.
Passengers can travel on a single ticket once they check in at Honiara or Manila, enjoying the convenience of having their baggage checked through to their final destination.
This means that travellers no longer need to reclaim bags or re-check in at Port Moresby or Brisbane, reducing transit times and improving the overall passenger experience.
“This is an achievement for Solomon Airlines and a testament to our commitment to growing our footprint in Asia. By enabling IATCI technical integration, we are removing the friction from international travel and creating new pathways to and from the Pacific Islands.” said Matthew Findlay, CEO of Solomon Airlines.
Solomon Airlines operated its first weekly flight from Honiara to Port Moresby on 07 July and operates four times weekly between Honiara and Brisbane.
This integration marks a pivotal step in Solomon Airlines’ strategy to develop network hubs outside Brisbane, now including Port Moresby as a key hub for travel to and from Asia.
By leveraging existing flight connections with airline partners such as Philippine Airlines, Solomon Airlines is offering a faster, more efficient alternative for those traveling between the Solomon Islands and Southeast Asia.
The Honiara-Port Moresby-Manila and Honiara-Brisbane-Manila routes are expected to serve as a vital link for business, tourism, and labour mobility, fostering stronger ties between the South Pacific and Asian markets…. PACNEWS
FIJI – FINANCIAL: ISLANDS BUSINESS PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 14 Jul 2026
Financial lifeline for island community
AHAU, 14 JULY 2026 (ISLANDS BUSINESS) — Close to 40 percent of Rotuma’s population turned out for the island’s first Financial Inclusion Maritime Expo.
For two days, 600 people gathered at the Ahau Government Station – Fiji’s northern-most outpost – with officials of the Reserve Bank and private sector partners.
It was a big step forward in the overall goal of providing financial services to the more remote maritime communities in Fiji.
Rotumans were able to have direct access to banks, insurance providers, unit trusts, microloan providers and other investment services. At least 160 new accounts were opened across multiple providers.
Around 80 formal and informal micro, small and medium entrepreneurs received business advice and established follow-up relationships with participating agencies.
With support from the Rotuma Council, 46 participants completed ANZ’s MoneyMinded financial literacy programme, strengthening money management skills.
A big highlight of the event was Rotuma’s first-ever Hackathon, delivered through the Fiji Innovation Hub. It featured six four member teams tasked with developing technology-driven solutions to local challenges.
The winning team, Rotuma Fresh Hub, created a direct producer-to-consumer platform connecting the island’s agricultural producers with mainland customers. Project Earmark secured second place with a livestock management geotagging solution, while third place went to Rotuma Entertainment Centre—a student team from Rotuma High School—for developing a web-based platform for booking homestays and island experiences.
Rotuma Council Chairman Gagaj Manav was full of praise for the initiative, encouraging youth to continue building entrepreneurial ambitions.
District Officer Luke Savu called the expo “a milestone for Rotuma” reflecting government commitment to rural development.
Head of Delegation Caroline Waqabaca stressed that financial inclusion works best when grounded in local knowledge and leadership.
The event was supported by the UN Pacific Insurance and Climate Adaptation Programme, the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development, the Ministry of Defence, and the Royal Australian Air Force through the Fiji-Australia Defence Pacific Air Programme…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Tonga Met Service considers use of Traditional Knowledge Indicators in TV weather bulletins
FUA’AMOTU, 14 JULY 2026 (SPREP) — The Tonga Meteorological Service (TMS) is set to enter a new frontier in its work to incorporate traditional environmental indicators in weather and climate forecasting and warning systems following a week-long training workshop held at the TMS headquarters in Fua’amotu.
The enhancement of Tonga’s pioneering Traditional Knowledge (TK) database as a unique and innovative resource to be used by TMS, including for its daily television weather bulletin, was the focus of the workshop organised by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) through the Climate and Oceans Support Program in the Pacific Phase 3 (COSPPac3) project.
Through training in traditional knowledge documentation, database management, and communications, the workshop looked to strengthen the TMS’ capacity to record and manage traditional knowledge that is relevant to weather, climate and natural hazards.
This work also supports the preservation and integration of generations of Tongan weather and climate knowledge, ensuring traditional knowledge continues to inform climate resilience and decision-making.
Director of the Tonga Meteorological Service, Laitia Fifita, said preserving traditional knowledge is essential to safeguarding an important part of Tonga’s heritage while strengthening the country’s resilience to future climate challenges.
“Documenting traditional knowledge is not simply about preserving our past, but also about using generations of lived experience to help protect our future,” Fifita said.
“By integrating traditional knowledge with climate science, we can develop public weather and climate services that are more meaningful, trusted and accessible to our communities, ultimately helping to build a safer and more resilient Tonga.”
Two of the TMS Forecasters, Lineni Latu and Vaiola Vainikolo, stated that by incorporating traditional knowledge indicators into their television weather bulletins, they are connecting the science and with the knowledge and observations that Tongan communities are used to and have used for years.
“For example, when people see clear skies at sunset, traditional knowledge tells us this can be an indicator to prepare for a cooler evening. Sharing these indicators alongside our weather information helps the public better understand what they are observing in their own environment and, importantly, how they can prepare for the conditions ahead.”
COSPPac3 Traditional Knowledge Adviser, Siosinamele Lui, said community-led documentation, protection and application of traditional knowledge has enormous potential to strengthen resilience across the Pacific.
“This approach places traditional and indigenous knowledge holders at the centre as leaders and knowledge authorities, ensuring that data collection processes uphold cultural protocols, data sovereignty and intergenerational knowledge transfer,” Lui said.
The workshop has also provided an opportunity for the TMS to revisit traditional knowledge previously collected by Tonga Meteorological Services and partners over a number of years and begin systematically entering and safeguarding these records within its traditional knowledge database.
At the conclusion of the workshop, the TMS had significantly increased the number of TK records in its TK database, as well as incorporating TK indicators in their daily television weather bulletins and identifying which of their existing weather and climate products can have these TK indicators integrated into.
The workshop was organised as part of the COSPPac3 and Republic Of Korea-Pacific Islands Climate Prediction Services (ROK-PI CliPS) projects’ support to Pacific National Meteorological and Hydrological Services to strengthen climate services and preparedness for climate variability and extreme events by enhancing the use of both scientific and traditional knowledge systems, supported by improved data collection, management and climate information databases…. PACNEWS
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Despite hurdles, don’t give up on Sustainable Development Goals, UN urges
NEW YORK, 14 JULY 2026 (UN NEWS CENTRE) — In a world of “parallel realities” where stark inequalities seemingly divide people and challenge the promise of multilateralism, the vision of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is to bring people together and help them achieve a better reality.
President of key UN body ECOSOC, Lok Bahadur Thapa, reminded the international community on Monday that no country can achieve sustainable development on its own, and that political will and momentum is necessary to achieve the SDGs by 2030.
“Let us be judged by results,” Thapa said.
The speech marked the beginning of the top ministerial level meeting of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), the UN’s annual forum to assess progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which is convened by ECOSOC – the UN Economic and Social Council.
The High-Level Segment will conclude on Thursday with a negotiated declaration between government ministers and heads of State on concrete actions Member States will take to advance progress on the 17 Goals.
The latest draft of the 2026 ministerial declaration includes commitments to increase investment in the SDGs and develop international rules for transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence.
By the end of the HLPF, 36 countries will have presented so-called Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) on their progress in achieving the SDGs and shared best practices with other Member States.
As the HLPF kicked off last Tuesday in New York, the UN simultaneously released its annual SDG Progress Report, finding that coordinated action on the goals has succeeded but governments must urgently accelerate action if they are to be met by their 2030 deadline.
Goals need financing
Opening Monday’s session, Thapa, UN Secretary-General António Guterres and General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock, admitted that the SDGs were not on track.
At the same time, they emphasised that the UN and its Member States know what works to create sustainable development, but that financing remains the biggest obstacle to quick and effective action.
In fact, the principal finding of the SDG Progress Report – that only 36 percent of SDG indicators with trend data are on track or making moderate progress – reflects a lack of effective financing rather than a lack of goodwill, according to Guterres.
He noted that developing countries pay borrowing costs several times higher than rich countries, and that many spend more on debt service than national services, making them ill-equipped to implement the SDGs without assistance.
“We need to increase the voice and participation of developing countries, reforming the global financial architecture to ensure those countries receive the support they need,” Guterres said.
To increase SDG financing, Guterres stressed the need for reforms to the multilateral development banks to unlock private investment and ensure equitable access for developing countries.
Jaewon Choi, leader of the DMUN Foundation, a youth-led, non-governmental organisation that empowers young people to engage in multilateral processes, also weighed in, demanding that young people be included in initiatives to achieve the Goals.
“A revitalized UN must integrate meaningful youth engagement,” Choi told ministers.
Promise of multilateralism
The speakers urged Member States to prioritise SDG financing, debt relief, civil society partnerships and concrete collective action as they negotiate.
Guterres highlighted the Pact for the Future, Sevilla Commitment, Doha Political Declaration, High Seas Treaty and Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Development as evidence that multilateralism can still deliver.
“Development requires all hands-on deck – businesses, development banks, innovators, civil society, community leaders and young people,” Guterres said.
The very first words of Baerbock’s address to ECOSOC – “We are not on track” – set the stage for the UN’s call to Member States at the HLPF: despite immense challenges, giving up on achieving the SDGs by 2030 is not an option.
On target
As a noted football fan, Baerbock ended her speech with a timely comparison between the SDGs and this year’s gripping football World Cup competition.
“It has told us very clearly one thing: to never give up at minute 80,” Baerbock said.
“One goal at the right moment can change everything. And 17 goals at the same moment can change the world. It is up to us to play the last four years together,” she said…. PACNEWS
