In this bulletin:
1. COOKS —NZ security declaration with Cook Islands puts ‘massive limitations’ on China pacts, foreign minister says
2.PACIFIC — China pushes back after Cook Islands – NZ deal, calls for respect in the Pacific
3. TONGA– Lord Fakafanua warns of ‘unknown territory’ as he steers Tonga’s during a global crisis
4. FIJI — Fiji’s HIV strategies outdated, says Balak
5. FIJI/COOKS — Cook Islands deepens bilateral partnership with Fiji through high level Meetings
6. PALAU — Palau Senate urges action on fuel costs, Calls for oil reserve study
7. COOKS — Cook Islands and European Union reaffirm partnership during Suva talks
8. PACNEWS BIZ — Crisis a threat to Fiji businesses, workers: Apted
9. PACNEWS BIZ — FFA Seminar Strengthens Regional Maritime Safety Cooperation
10. PACNEWS DIGEST — Supporting Weather-Ready, Inclusive Communities in Niue: Communications and GEDSI Training
COOKS – SECURITY PACT: ABC PACIFIC PACNEWS 1: Fri 03 Apr 2026
New Zealand security declaration with Cook Islands puts ‘massive limitations’ on China pacts, foreign minister says
RAROTONGA, 03 APRIL 2026 (ABC PACIFIC) — New Zealand and the Cook Islands have signed a major new security declaration, ending a sometimes bitter political stand-off that sparked a war of words and saw Wellington freeze millions of dollars in financial assistance to the Pacific nation.
The agreement could also curb Beijing’s ambitions in the Pacific Island nation, with New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters declaring it will put “massive limitations” on contentious agreements signed by China and the Cook Islands last year.
Peters and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown signed the pact in Rarotonga Thursday, with both countries saying it would provide a new foundation for the decades-old relationship of free association.
The relationship broke down early last year after the Cook Islands signed a series of agreements with China, including on infrastructure investment, which drew a furious response from Wellington, which said Brown had ignored constitutional obligations to consult with the NZ government
New Zealand already has constitutional responsibility for the defence of Cook Islands, but the new pact affirms it as the Pacific nation’s security “partner of choice” and says the Cook Islands will come to it first with any “requests for support” on security issues, including those related to “critical infrastructure” such as ports and telecommunications.
The Cook Islands will also provide “early and comprehensive notification” to New Zealand on security issues, while Wellington seems to have secured effective veto power over any agreements with “Third parties” which could undermine the declaration.
The Cook Islands has always insisted its agreements with China have no security elements and Prime minister Mark Brown said he did not think the joint declaration with New Zealand would have any impact on Cook Islands pacts with any” other countries”.
Wellington is at odds with the Cook Islands over a looming new agreement with China and the former Pacific colony’s plan to have its own passport.
But Peters told New Zealand media outlet 1News that the Chinese pacts with the Cook Islands now had “massive limitations” placed around them that would protect the national security of both nations.
“It also is a message to the Chinese government, who we’re on good relations with, that there’s a special relationship here between Tokelau, Niue and the Cook Islands, and we’re part of it,” he said.
“That’s the key part that they [China] did not acknowledge at the time.”
Peters said the security declaration would provide clarity on “key aspects of our special constitutional relationship” and help both sides to reset ties.
“It’s no secret that our two governments have had a series of serious disagreements since late 2024,” he said.
“As we debated how to get past these disagreements, it became clear that one of their root causes was the lack of a shared understanding about the requirements of our special constitutional relationship — especially as it pertained to defence and security matters and the extent of the consultation required between us.
“This declaration resolves this former ambiguity and provides clarity to both governments so that we can move forward focused on the future, not the past.”
Peters also confirmed that financial support worth some NZ$30 million (US$17 million) would be restored to Cook Islands.
“”Now that we have come to a mutually satisfactory understanding of the underpinnings of our partnership, we are pleased to normalise all aspects of our relationship — including New Zealand’s financial support,” he said.
Brown said both countries were now determined to “move forward” from the dispute with a new “spirit”.
“Good relationships, like good navigation, require periodic reckoning and an honest reading of where we are,” he said.
“We signed this declaration as a new foundation built on clarity, on mutual acknowledgement and on the shared belief that two nations, different in size but equal in dignity, can build something genuinely worth investing in.”
Anna Powles from Massey University said the declaration” certainly clarifies any ambiguities that arose from the Joint Centenary Declaration 2001 and confirms both parties’ expectations around Cook Islands’ obligations across a broad range of defence and security matters”
“It clearly positions NZ as Cook Islands’ primary defence and security partner and ensures consultation on issues which impact national security including but not limited to critical infrastructure,” she said.
“‘It also includes important wording on Cook Islands’ evolving identity, which would have been key for Prime Minister Mark Brown,” she said……PACNEWS
PAC – DIPLOMACY: PACNEWS PACNEWS 1: Fri 03 Apr 2026
China pushes back after Cook Islands–NZ deal, calls for respect in Pacific
BEIJING, 03 APRIL 2026 (PACNEWS)—China has responded to a new defence and security agreement between New Zealand and the Cook Islands, stressing its ongoing partnership with the Pacific nation and warning against outside interference.
Speaking at a regular press conference in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing remains committed to strengthening ties with the Cook Islands.
“The Cook Islands is China’s important cooperation partner in the South Pacific. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two countries have always respected each other, treated each other as equals and pursued shared development.
China will continue to deepen pragmatic cooperation with the Cook Islands and deliver more benefits to the two peoples,” she said.
Her comments come after the new agreement between New Zealand and the Cook Islands, which observers say could shift existing security arrangements in the region.
Mao rejected suggestions that China’s relationship with the Cook Islands targets other countries.
“The China-Cook Islands relationship doesn’t target any third party, nor should it be disrupted or constrained by any third party.”
She also called for broader respect for Pacific nations’ independence and priorities.
“In developing the relations with the Pacific Island countries, all parties should respect the independence of island countries, put development first, and uphold openness and inclusiveness.”
The remarks highlight growing geopolitical competition in the Pacific, where major powers are increasing engagement with island nations through security, economic and development partnerships.
China has expanded its presence in the region in recent years, while countries like New Zealand and Australia continue to strengthen traditional ties with Pacific partners.
The latest exchange signals that competition for influence in the Pacific remains active, with major players emphasising partnership, sovereignty and development as key pillars of their engagement…. PACNEWS
PAC – DIPLOMACY: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS 1: Fri 03 Apr 2026
Lord Fakafanua warns of ‘unknown territory’ as he steers Tonga’s during a global crisis
NUKU’ALOFA, 03 APRIL 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) —Tonga’s Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua is only a few months into the role, but he has a lot to keep him busy.
Among the list of his priorities are to work on softening the impact of the United States’ decision to put travel restrictions on Tongan nationals and steering his country to navigate the global fuel crisis caused by war in the Middle East.
Speaking to Pacific Waves covering a wide range of issues, Lord Fakafanua, said if the Middle East conflict continues, the kingdom will be entering “unknown territory” given the disruption to global fuel supplies, shipping routes and supply chains.
But he said Tonga is in a good place for the next two months with power and fuel.
“As a government we’re prepared to implement policies to help ease the pressure on supply and demand, whether it’s a four-day week for the government or work from home Covid-like scenarios, we’re prepared to do what we will to extend the current supply as far as we can,’ he said.
On mitigating the impact of travel restrictions imposed by the U.S Lord Fakafanua said progress was ‘expectedly slow”, noting that while there are frustrations, steps were being taken to try and reverse the restrictions.
“We’re currently in the phase of educating the people, something that the United States Embassy in Tonga has already started to do. I think that’s the first step in restoring or projecting a pathway towards getting some normalcy within our visa restrictions with the United States.”
On the sport front, Tonga boasts a strong rugby league culture and as well as being the prime minister Lord Fakafanua is the chairman of Tonga’s National Rugby League board, he said there are many lessons the team learned from their performance in last year’s NRL Pacific Championship competition.
In the lead-up to the tournament, the Tongan rugby league team travelled to the Kingdom to engage with their supporters, family, leaders and met with King Tupou VI.
However, Lord Fakafanua said the team will not be visiting the kingdom ahead of the Rugby League World Cup kicking off in October.
“Look, as much as that was welcomed last year and everyone was very excited to have the boys here – we’re not doing that again,” he said.
“We think it’s more important that we focus on the game … I think there was benefit to bring them last year but it probably detracted their attention from the game and we’ve learned from that.”
“This year we’re going to focus on achieving results,” he said……PACNEWS
FIJI – HIV/AIDS/HEALTH: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS 1: Fri 03 Apr 2026
Fiji’s HIV strategies outdated, says Balak
SUVA, 03 APRIL 2026 (FIJI TIMES) —A senior Fiji health official has called for an urgent overhaul of HIV prevention strategies in Fiji, warning that current approaches are failing to address a growing public health crisis.
Principal medical officer for Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV at the Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Dashika Balak, made the remarks during a cultural dialogue hosted by Fiji National University’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences in Tamavua on Monday.
“We have to understand and we have to acknowledge that the response that we have currently, the response that we have for decades, are not suited for the current crisis we are facing,” Dr Balak said.
She highlighted that traditional prevention strategies were no longer effective.
“When I talk about response, especially the prevention strategies that we have been using in the past, it’s not fit at all for this current situation.
“When I talk about prevention, I know about ABC’s, we talk about abstinence, we talk about being faithful, using condoms. This does not work in this day and year.”
She said behavioural approaches alone were insufficient, noting low condom usage despite availability.
“The last figures show us that out of the general population, less than 20 per cent use condoms, despite condoms being available free of charge.”
She stressed the need to adopt science-based interventions.
“And these are mainly pre-exposure prophylaxis, post-exposure prophylaxis and harm reduction strategies that include needle-syringe program.”
Dr Balak added that stigma remained a major barrier…. PACNEWS
FIJI/COOKS – DIPLOMACY: COOK ISLANDS GOVT PACNEWS 1: Fri 03 Apr 2026
Cook Islands deepens bilateral partnership With Fiji through high level meetings
SUVA, 03 APRIL 2026 (COOK ISLANDS GOVT) — Cook Islands Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Elizabeth Wright‑Koteka, has held a series of meetings with the Fiji Government to strengthen the Fiji-Cook Islands relationship and advance delivery under the countries’ Memorandum of Understanding on Development Cooperation.
Secretary Wright‑Koteka’s first engagement on arrival in Suva was a courtesy call on Fiji’s Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Lenora Qereqeretabua.
The meeting provided an early opportunity to connect with Fiji’s political leadership and to reaffirm the importance the Cook Islands places on Fiji as a close Pacific neighbour and natural partner.
Secretary Wright‑Koteka thanked Assistant Minister Qereqeretabua for representing Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka at the Cook Islands’ 60th Anniversary celebrations in Rarotonga last year, and acknowledged the more than 3,000 Fijian nationals who now call the Cook Islands home as an important part of the Cook Islands economy, culture and family.
Discussions took stock of progress under the Fiji-Cook Islands MOU, signed in 2023 and now at its midpoint.
Secretary Wright‑Koteka emphasised the need to focus on a small number of clear priorities for the remaining term of the MOU, including trade and investment, connectivity and skills.
She also welcomed Fiji’s growing presence in the Cook Islands through the appointment of an Honorary Consul in Rarotonga, and congratulated Fiji on its upcoming hosting of the Pre‑COP meeting ahead of COP31 in Türkiye and the confirmation of a Green Climate Fund regional office in Fiji, noting the benefits these would bring for the wider Pacific.
Secretary Wright‑Koteka also met Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr Raijeli Taga.
The meeting reinforced the earlier messages and helped to establish a senior‑level working relationship between the two Ministries.
The Secretary underlined plans to grow the capacity of the Cook Islands High Commission in Suva so it can better follow up on agreed initiatives and prepare for key regional meetings.
Both sides discussed practical options for keeping political attention on the relationship, including regular high‑level dialogue to review progress and set priorities, building on understandings reached between the two Prime Ministers last year.
Secretary Wright‑Koteka and Dr Taga also exchanged views on the wider regional context, including climate change, economic pressures and the rise in transnational security challenges such as illicit drugs and organised crime.
Dr Taga briefed on Fiji’s Foreign Service Learning and Professionalisation Strategy (FLPS) and its diplomatic academy, and outlined aspirations for the academy to grow into a regional institution for diplomacy over time.
Secretary Wright‑Koteka welcomed this ambition, noting the importance of Pacific‑designed training and professional development to support the region’s leadership agenda.
Secretary Wright‑Koteka said the Cook Islands and Fiji now have a firm platform to focus on a manageable set of priorities, backed by consistent dialogue and follow‑through. She noted that the combination of Fiji’s diplomatic reach and the Cook Islands’ growing presence in Suva and Rarotonga provides a strong basis for the partnership to deliver visible benefits for people in both countries and to support Pacific‑led cooperation on issues of significant national and regional interest.
PALAU – IRAN CRISIS/FUEL PRICE: ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 1: Fri 03 Apr 2026
Palau Senate urges action on fuel costs, calls for oil reserve study
KOROR, 03 APRIL 2026 (ISLAND TIMES) —-Palau’s Senate is pushing for urgent action as fuel prices climb, approving a resolution that calls on President Surangel Whipps Jr to review procurement systems, explore oil reserves and strengthen long-term fuel resilience.
“We currently have large fuel tanks — perhaps it’s time to explore the possibility of having oil reserves,” President Surangel Whipps Jr said, as the Senate moved to press for a comprehensive response to rising fuel costs.
The Senate, during its 6th Special Session Thursday, passed Joint Resolution 12-18 urging Whipps to review Palau’s fuel procurement system and supply chain structure and develop strategies to manage escalating prices and strengthen long-term fuel resiliency.
The resolution calls on the president to explore regional cooperative fuel purchasing arrangements, assess the feasibility of establishing strategic oil reserves in Palau, and form a working group to study fuel pricing transparency and recommend policies to mitigate price volatility and supply disruptions.
Citing Palau’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels, lawmakers outlined seven areas for a comprehensive review: evaluating current procurement practices, including supply chains, contracts and import structures; exploring competitive procurement options that could allow multiple suppliers; examining alternative long-term supply arrangements and cooperative mechanisms; consulting neighbouring Pacific governments and utilities on a regional fuel purchasing framework; coordinating with the Palau Public Utilities Corporation on procurement reforms tied to electricity generation and energy policy; assessing the feasibility of establishing strategic oil reserves; and strengthening consumer protections through greater transparency in domestic fuel pricing and monitoring of potential excessive retail price increases.
The measure also calls for the creation of a working group composed of two representatives from each house of the Palau National Congress, one from the Office of the President and two from relevant executive agencies.
The group is tasked with consulting stakeholders and technical experts and producing a comprehensive study and policy review, including findings and recommendations, within six to nine months.
The resolution comes as Palau faces mounting public concern over rising fuel prices, driven in part by global increases linked to the Middle East conflict.
Speaking at a press conference last week, Whipps encouraged residents to reduce fuel consumption, pointing to the public bus system as an alternative.
He said that, over the long term, reducing dependence on fossil fuels is key to limiting exposure to global price volatility.
Whipps noted that solar battery storage systems funded by Australia are expected to arrive soon, which would allow Palau to expand its use of solar energy while reducing reliance on imported fuel.
He also raised the possibility of containerised nuclear power sources, which he said could provide clean energy for up to 20 years, though such a move would require a constitutional referendum because nuclear energy is currently prohibited under the nation’s constitution.
He also signaled openness to policy measures under consideration, including the possibility of establishing oil reserves and supporting a Senate bill to restore power utility subsidies that were removed from the fiscal 2026 national budget.
Lawmakers say the resolution reflects growing urgency to cushion households and businesses from volatile fuel costs while building a more resilient and transparent energy system for the future…..PACNEWS
COOKS – DIPLOMACY: COOK ISLANDS GOVT PACNEWS 1: Fri 03 Apr 2026
Cook Islands and European Union reaffirm partnership during Suva talks
SUVA, 03 APRIL 2026 (COOK ISLANDS GOVT) —Cook Islands Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Elizabeth Wright‑Koteka, has met with Ambassador Barbara Plinkert, Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to the Pacific, as part of her programme of courtesy calls in Suva.
The meeting provided an opportunity to acknowledge the European Union (EU) as a long‑standing and valued partner for both the Cook Islands and the wider Pacific region.
Secretary Wright‑Koteka underscored the importance of the relationship that has grown since the establishment of formal diplomatic ties between the Cook Islands and the EU.
She thanked the EU for its targeted financial and technical support over many years, particularly in fisheries and oceans governance, where EU assistance has helped strengthen national systems and contribute to responsible, sustainable use of marine resources.
Both parties welcomed the recent conclusion of the new Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the Cook Islands and the EU, noting the benefits it provides for each side.
The EU noted that the Cook Islands is one of only two Pacific countries, alongside Kiribati, to have this type of agreement in place, underlining the level of confidence and cooperation between the EU and the Cook Islands in the fisheries sector.
Ambassador Plinkert also recalled the Cook Islands’ ongoing process to accede to the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (iEPA), and outlined the expected timelines and steps still to be completed. She acknowledged that the process can be detailed and demanding, but noted that, over time, full participation in the agreement is expected to deliver long‑term benefits for the Cook Islands economy.
Secretary Wright‑Koteka welcomed the opportunity to explore further cooperation through the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, including where Cook Islands and Pacific priorities may align with future EU investments.
The discussions also touched on the broader regional and global context, including the implications of the Iran conflict, developments in Pacific regional architecture and preparations for the new Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Partnership Mechanism and the upcoming Leaders Meeting in Palau. Secretary Wright‑Koteka welcomed the EU’s commitment to maintaining high‑level engagement with the region, including in Palau.
In closing, both sides recognised the value of maintaining regular dialogue and coordination in Suva to support cooperation between the Cook Islands, the EU and its Member States, including progressing formal diplomatic relations with individual Member States where these are not yet in place. Secretary Wright‑Koteka thanked Ambassador Plinkert and her team for their time and for the constructive exchange during her introductory visit……PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
FIJI – IRAN CRISIS/FUEL PRICE: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 03 Apr 2026
Crisis a threat to Fiji businesses,workers: Apted
SUVA, 03 APRIL 2024 (FIJI TIMES)—A looming fuel crisis could push Fiji businesses to the brink, leaving workers at risk, Munro Leys lawyer Jon Apted said.
He warned that without careful implementation, the combination of economic pressures and a stricter Employment Relations Bill could exacerbate unemployment rather than protect workers.
Speaking to the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, Apted said the combination of soaring costs and tougher labour laws could discourage hiring.
“We have the fuel crisis starting … businesses may not be able to provide work to everybody,” he said.
The Bill significantly expands labour inspectors’ powers, allowing them to enter workplaces without consent, seize documents, take samples, and issue penalty notices.
It also introduces stronger worker protections, including tougher unfair dismissal rules, higher redundancy payouts, and new criminal liabilities for employers.
“You could face compensation, civil penalties and criminal liability for the same conduct,” Apted warned.
“That creates fear around hiring and firing decisions.”
He stressed that small employers could be hit hardest, with laws applying to virtually everyone employing staff.
While the Bill includes progressive measures such as miscarriage leave and expanded parental support, Apted cautioned that the broad approach could deter investors.
“Why would investors come to Fiji if the risks are too high,” he said….PACNEWS
PAC – FISHERIES: FFA PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 03 Apr 2026
FFA Seminar Strengthens Regional Maritime Safety Cooperation
HONIARA, 03 APRIL 2026 (FFA)—The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) had concluded its 7th Maritime College Seminar in Honiara, Solomon Islands, bringing together maritime educators and regional stakeholders to strengthen cooperation in maritime safety and security across the Pacific.
The three-day seminar, held from 30 March to 01 April 2026 was convened under the theme “Maritime Safety and Security in the Pacific Islands Region.” The event brought together 16 participants (2 women and 14 men) representing maritime colleges, training institutions and regional organisations to discuss shared challenges and practical ways to strengthen maritime education and safety standards in the region.
In his opening remarks, FFA Director-General Noan David Pakop said regional collaboration remains critical as Pacific Island countries continue to navigate the realities of vast ocean spaces, remote maritime zones, limited capacity and growing environmental and security risks.
“Our ocean is not just a resource – it is our identity, our livelihood and our shared heritage,” Pakop said. “Maritime safety and security are fundamental to protecting our seafarers, ensuring safe operations at sea, and supporting the effective management of our fisheries resources.”
Pakop also highlighted the important role maritime training institutions play in preparing the next generation of maritime professionals, including seafarer, fisheries observers, compliance officers and other specialists who support the region’s maritime and fisheries sectors.
“The standards upheld by maritime colleges directly influence safety, professionalism and accountability across maritime operations in our region,” Pakop said.
“Strong training systems are critical not only for safety at sea, but also for maintaining the integrity and sustainability of our fisheries.”
Throughout the seminar, participants discussed a wide range of issues affecting maritime education and operations in the Pacific. These included international maritime safety frameworks, safety of life at sea, search and rescue coordination, maritime domain awareness, emerging maritime security challenges, cybersecurity in maritime training, labour standards and seafarer welfare, as well as the gender dimensions of safety at sea.
The seminar also provided an opportunity for participants to exchange experiences, share best practices, and explore ways to strengthen maritime training curricula and collaboration between maritime colleges and regional organisations.
A key outcome of the seminar was the establishment of the Pacific Colleges of Maritime Fisheries Association (PaCMFA). The new association is expected to strengthen coordination among maritime training institutions, promote consistent training standards and industry standards, and support knowledge sharing and innovation across the Pacific maritime education sector.
It will also provide a platform for maritime colleges and training institutions to work more closely together in developing programmes that respond to the region’s evolving maritime safety, fisheries management and security needs.
FFA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting its Members through stronger regional cooperation, policy development, and targeted capacity-building initiatives. The outcomes of the seminar contribute to the agency’s broader vision of sustainable fisheries and maximising economic returns for its Members through stronger institutional capacity and regional cooperation.
Participants represented maritime training institutions and colleges from the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, alongside regional training centres and partner organisations.
As the seminar closed, participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening maritime safety education and ensuring that those working across the Pacific Ocean are well-trained, protected and supported….PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Supporting Weather-Ready, Inclusive Communities in Niue: Communications and GEDSI Training
ALOFI, 03 ARIL 2024 (SPREP)—In a small island nation where a single passing storm can affect every household, the ability to communicate timely and clear weather information is more than a technical challenge: it is a matter of community safety.
On 25-26 March 2026, representatives from Niue Meteorological Services, government sectors, the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), communications companies, women’s groups, community elders, and local media came together for a two-day training facilitated by the Weather Ready Pacific (WRP) Programme, implemented by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).
Working closely with Niue Met Services Director Rossy Mitiepo, the WRP Programme team delivered a communications training on Day 1 and a Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) training on Day 2; two workshops that proved deeply and naturally connected.
Niue faces real constraints in reaching its population with weather and hazard information. Existing mediums of communication channels, both traditional and digital, currently provide timely and accurate information to the community. The training aimed to strengthen community understanding to build resilience.
Rossy Mitiepo, Director of Niue Meteorological Services, shared a valuable inside look at how Niue’s forecasting and disaster warning systems operate. Her insights reinforced a message that resonated strongly throughout the room: that effective disaster preparedness depends on a strong, well-coordinated relationship between the Met Office and the NDMO.
The active participation of the NDMO in the workshop was itself a positive step toward deepening that partnership, demonstrating that the commitment to coordinated action goes beyond policy and into practice.
“We would like to acknowledge our partners, Niue Disaster Management Office, Director Mr Robin Hekau and his team for joining us today, as well as all our sector partners, media and community members present. Good communication relies on having the trust of your community, and by building and taking care of those relationships is how we ensure we are doing our job and serving our people,” said Mitiepo.
A central theme of Day 1 was the importance of treating communications as a two-way channel. Information must not only flow outward, but flow back, allowing communities to ask questions, share observations, and confirm that messages are understood.
Participants also explored how a GEDSI lens should sit at the heart of communications planning: asking who is being reached, who might be missed, and how messages can be tailored to ensure no community member is left without life-saving information.
During the training, participants were introduced to the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a practical drafting tool, showing how AI can help simplify complex meteorological and scientific information into plain language that is accessible to general audiences. This was framed carefully and responsibly with participants equally introduced to the risks of AI use, including issues of data privacy and intellectual property, as well as understanding that AI is not always right.
On Day 2, elders, women’s leaders, and community stakeholders shared their past experiences living through some of the worst tropical cyclones to impact Niue, it became clear that the principles of GEDSI: gender equality, disability, and social inclusion; are not a foreign framework to Niueans. Rather, they are a way of life this close-knit island community has long practised, even if not always by that name.
GEDSI in the context of early warning systems means ensuring no one is left behind, and that, every person, particularly the marginalised, persons with disabilities and the under-represented, have equal access to life-saving information that is tailored to their specific group needs, and have recommended actions. The elderly and persons with disabilities often receive warnings later or face mobility barriers to acting on them. Meaningfully including them, and under-represented groups, in the decisions that affect their safety, ensures a GEDSI-responsive alert.
Participants reflected on the fabric of Niuean society: a community where everyone has a role, where neighbours look out for neighbours, and where no household is left to face hardship alone. The training helped participants recognise that this instinct, is itself the foundation of a truly inclusive early warning system.
The most powerful moments came through the sharing of personal stories. Elders and community members spoke candidly about past disasters; what information reached people and, crucially, what did not. Those most vulnerable: the elderly, persons with disabilities, those living alone, were often the last to receive warnings. These stories were not told with bitterness, but with the wisdom of those who want to ensure they are not repeated. The Niue Women’s Council offered valuable perspectives on how women and elders navigate risk and information; insights too often absent from formal planning.
Across both days, one message surfaced with striking consistency: technology must not overshadow the wisdom embedded in Niuean culture and community practices. Participants were clear that traditional knowledge: the environmental signs, intergenerational lessons, and community networks, must stand alongside modern systems, not beneath them. When technology fails, it is this knowledge and these relationships that carry communities through.
“Traditional knowledge that has been passed down through generations has long guided our Niuean communities in reading the environment and preparing for disasters. It’s important that we don’t forget that because when technology and modern communication channels fail, we can fall back on the traditional signs we have learned from our elders, and ensure we teach it to future generations too,” said Ms Felicia Pihigia Talagi, Director, Project Management & Coordination Unit, Ministry of Finance.
What the two days ultimately affirmed is that effective, inclusive disaster communications is not about adding a checklist to existing plans. It is about deepening what Niue already does naturally, ensuring that the community’s instinct to look after one another is reflected in every warning issued, every message communicated, and every plan prepared.
“It is important that we take to heart and learn from the disasters that have occurred and have impacted our lives in the past. If Cyclone Heta visited Niue again tomorrow, will you be able to say that you are prepared?” said Ofa Fa’anunu, Programme Manager, Weather Ready Pacific Programme.
“We have to think about our context in the islands so that when disasters strike, we are able to respond appropriately and accurately to help our families and communities. We need to empower communities across all ages and gender. It is important because we do not know where we will be on the day disaster comes, nor will we know what tools or resources will be available for us to respond and act accordingly.”
Fa’anunu also stressed how important it is to meet people where they are, across every medium, in every generation, and with respect for the knowledge and culture they have been guided and shaped by for centuries. “Do not let go of the old signs passed down by our forefathers. Let’s empower our youth, our children, our elderly and our people living with disabilities. So that when the day or hour of disaster comes, they are not left behind and able to take life-saving actions. No one should die in a disaster because they are a girl, they are old, young or living with a disability. No one. Let’s work toward a Pacific that is Weather Ready For ALL, now.”
The WRP Programme’s work in Niue continues to support that vision: strengthening the systems, capacities, and relationships that ensure, when the next storm comes, no one is left behind. The WRP Niue Mission was also the first national GEDSI event after the recent launch of the WRP GEDSI Strategy, 2025- 2033. The Strategy has the overarching goal of ensuring that the programme addresses systemic barriers and ensures that all related activities are inclusive, accessible and equitable to all individuals, particularly Pacific women and girls in all their diversity and other vulnerable and under-served groups.
The two-day training was held at in Alofi, Niue, on 25 & 26 March 2026. Facilitators were the Weather Ready Pacific Programme team, who worked closely with Niue Met Services Director Rossy Mitiepo and staff in delivering the training…..PACNEWS
