In this bulletin:
1. PACIFIC — Government faces questions about first payment to Nauru under NZYQ deportee deal
2. PACIFIC — Budget 2026 boosts Pacific aid and defence spending amid security concerns
3. VAN — Vanuatu Urged to Brace for El Niño
4. SAMOA — Australia’s Governor General to attend Samoa’s 64th Independence celebrations
5. SAMOA — Judge dismisses criminal charges against Aana Alofi 1 MP
6. VAN — Vanuatu on Alert as Regional Dengue Surge Raises Concerns
7. PACNEWS BIZ — Oceania Customs Organisation Appoints New Head of Secretariat
8. PACNEWS BIZ — Tourism Bill 2026 passed
9. PACNEWS BIZ — Pacific fuel prices rise amid global disruptions – FCCC
10. PACNEWS BIZ — Port project not aimed at China – Tikoduadua
11. PACNEWS DIGEST — Strengthening Samoa’s transition to a low-carbon and climate resilient future
12. PACNEWS DIGEST — At the table, not the margins: A Kiribati leader reshaping disaster management
PAC – DEPORTEE: ABC PACNEWS 1: Fri 29 May 2026
Government faces questions about first payment to Nauru under NZYQ deportee deal
CANBERRA, 29 MAY 2026 (ABC) — Nauru has withdrawn $30.5 million (US$21.84 million) from a trust established with the Australian government under the NZYQ deportee deal, Senate estimates has heard, providing a rare glimpse into how the funds are being used.
The initial payment includes $1.9 million (US$1.36 million) directed to business travel, entertainment, as well as plant and equipment purchases associated with the department that supports President David Adeang.
The largest portion of the funds, $19.8 million (US$14.18 million), will be used to pay off a loan that allowed the country to expand its national airline fleet to seven Boeing aircraft.
Nauru will receive a total of $63 million (US$45.12 million) in the first year of the deal, struck in September, which is estimated to cost $2.5 billion (US$1.79 billion) over 30 years.
The Australian government has repeatedly refused to publicly release the specifics of the third-country resettlement agreement for up to 324 non-citizens, but details of the initial payment were tabled by the Nauru government in late March.
Under the ongoing arrangement, the $388 million (US$277.9 million) trust is managed by a committee, with Australia appointing Ben Biddington while Nauru has appointed its Secretary of Finance Damon Adeang, the president’s son.
Greens senator David Shoebridge questioned whether Adeang had disclosed a potential conflict of interest, having been appointed an ex-officio director on the board of Nauru Air Corporation in October 2025.
“Not at the time, no,” Biddington said on Thursday.
“Did he tell you one of the principles of the funds was to benefit the air cooperation?” Senator Shoebridge asked.
Biddington said he would need to review the minutes, with nine meetings of the committee taking place to date.
Senator Shoebridge questioned the disbursement of funds, with Nauru’s March budget update revealing $1.68 million (US$1.2 million) would be used for ministerial travel.
Some was also directed to salaries across internal affairs, department of transport, border control, public health, the justice secretariat and front-line workers.
Biddington said money directed into the fund was “for the broad benefit and uplift of Nauru”.
Department of Home Affairs officials revealed the Australian government payments will be audited annually, as well as reviewed every five years.
However, an auditor has yet to be appointed.
“The intention is to create a stream of funding,” the department’s head of immigration, Clare Sharp, told the Senate hearing.
“Nauru can then use it to build its economic base and its future economic sustainability as a country.”…. PACNEWS
PAC – BUDGET: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS 1: Fri 29 May 2026
Budget 2026 boosts Pacific aid and defence spending amid security concerns
WELLINGTON, 29 MAY 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) — Budget 2026 will see more foreign aid to the Pacific region, while defence and customs spending rises with an eye towards crime and security.
But Pacific-focussed policy work will be cut as the government seeks to reduce the size of the public sector, as the Ministry for Pacific Peoples (MPP) will see a $2.8 million (US$1.66 million) cut over four years. The Ministry previously saw a significant cut in Budget 2024.
New Zealand will spend $1.2 billion (US$711.83 million) on foreign aid this fiscal year, around $116m (US$68.8 million) more than the last year.
Additionally, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) has set aside $110m (US$65.24 million) in aid spending for the Indo-Pacific exclusively for three years beginning in 2027/28.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters said a highly active and effective foreign policy is called for in what he called the most adverse and contested geostrategic environment of the past 80 years.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis said that the budget heavily prioritises capital spending for infrastructure, while tightening the government’s belt with a lower operating allowance.
To that end, the Pacific Ocean will see a greater Defence Force presence with more than $3.3b (US$1.95 billion) in new spending – $2.34b (US$1.38 billion) of which is capital spending.
New customs funding for staffing and machinery in the region has also been announced, with an eye towards the trans-Pacific drug trade.
New Zealand’s aid spend includes its International Development Contribution for the year, and the costs associated with managing it, both of which have risen.
Funding for diplomatic and consular missions also increased by $145m (US$86 million) over the next four years.
But the budget also revealed that New Zealand reduced its aid allocation by $3m (US$1.77 million) in the last fiscal year.
MFAT budgets foreign aid on a triennium (three-year) cycle, with Budget 2024 initially setting out around $2.9b (US$1.72 billion) for the 2024-2027 triennium. This was upped to $3.063b (US$1.81 billion) the following year and reduced to $3.06 billion (US$1.81 billion) this year.
The next triennium will be set out in Budget 2027, but this budget laid out $145.3b (US$86.18 billion) for the Indo-Pacific exclusively on top of that.
It comes amidst a global pull-back in foreign aid last year, highlighted by the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) in April, which showed a massive contraction in spending for developing countries, mostly thanks to the United States shuttering its aid programme in January 2025.
Meanwhile, as part of nearly a billion dollars in new spending for defence force operations, NZDF will cover $174m (US$103.21 million) in cost increases over four years for aircraft, ships and personnel on the ground in both New Zealand and the Pacific.
Three new drug-detecting submarine drones announced by Customs Minister Casey Costello are also on the way, as is a Customs liaison officer to the region.
There will also be a Customs liaison sent to South America, alongside a Police liaison to Bogota, Colombia announced earlier in the month.
With New Zealand a key destination on the Pacific narcotics highway, Costello will hope that a $15.3m (US$9.07 million) investment into its border management services will make a difference.
MFAT has also set aside $20m (US$11.86 million) to host the annual Pacific Islands Forum next year.
The MPP will see a $2.8m (US$1.66 million) cut over four years. This is due to a savings initiative that cut back the baseline by reducing policy advice, communications, and relationships resourcing.
Pacific Peoples Minister Paul Goldsmith has previously described MPP’s primary function as a base of expertise.
RNZ Pacific understands this savings reduction is separate to anything that may come out of the government’s more recent ambitions to reduce the size of the public sector.
A spokesperson for MPP said last week that no immediate decisions had been made at the time, and that they were working through options.
For immigration, $18 million (US$10.67 million) over four years is set out to strengthen investigation capacity, while the government progresses a bill that critics say will make Pacific people more likely to be deported.
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford said that for the first time they will enforce a maximum continuous stay, which requires those on a temporary work visa to depart New Zealand immediately upon the visa’s expiry…. PACNEWS
VAN – WEATHER WATCH: VBTC PACNEWS 1: Fri 29 May 2026
Vanuatu Urged to Brace for El Niño
PORT VILA, 29 MAY 2026 (VBTC) — Vanuatu’s Minister of Climate Change, Ralph Regenvanu, has informed Parliament Thursday that Vanuatu is currently under an El Niño watch as weather conditions continue to show signs of strengthening.
He told Parliament that while the El Niño event has not fully developed, early indicators suggest increasing risks for reduced rainfall, rising sea temperatures, and dry conditions in the coming months.
The minister warned that impacts are likely to vary across the country, with some islands expected to experience more severe effects than others.
“Solwota will become warmer, rainfall distribution will reduce, and some islands will face higher risks of water shortages and impacts on agriculture,” he said.
He also stressed that El Niño does not mean a complete lack of rain, but rather uneven and reduced rainfall across different regions.
Prime Minister Jotham Napat told Parliament that the Council of Ministers will meet to put in place measures as the country prepares for a potential dry period. He said that if necessary, a State of Emergency (SOE) will be declared.
“Sipos i nid blong mekem wan SOE, bae yumi declarem,” the Prime Minister said.
Minister Regenvanu also confirmed that government response plans are already in place, including mechanisms to activate emergency funding if conditions worsen.
He added that water supply support systems and coordination with development partners are being prepared to assist vulnerable islands.
Authorities encouraged the public to begin preparing early, including storing water and staying updated with official climate advisories.
During the same sitting, MPs raised concerns about the potential nationwide impact of El Niño, particularly on agriculture, livestock, and outer islands with limited water infrastructure.
Some members called for earlier planning and stronger coordination to ensure supplies reach rural communities before dry conditions intensify.
Government officials assured Parliament that Vanuatu has established response plans, including an El Niño fund and ongoing cooperation with donor partners to support water and climate resilience projects.
They said work is continuing to strengthen long-term solutions for smaller and more vulnerable islands…. PACNEWS
SAMOA – INDEPENDENCE: TALAMUA ONLINE PACNEWS 1: Fri 29 May 2026
Australia’s Governor General to attend Samoa’s 64th Independence celebrations
APIA, 29 MAY 2026 (TALAMUA ONLINE) — Australia’s Governor General, Sam Mostyn, is one of the foreign dignitaries confirmed to attend the celebrations of Samoa’s 64th Independence anniversary next week.
The Governor General will officiate at the opening of the $27M (US$9.91 million) Parliament offices funded by the Australian government after the Flag Raising ceremony and March Pass on Monday morning 1 June 2026.
The Governor General’s presence will be significant as it was another female Governor General of Australia, Quentin Bryce who spoke in Samoa’s parliament in 2012 and made Australia’s offer to build a new Parliament building and parliamentary offices to mark Samoa’s 50 years of independence.
Sam Mostyn will be accompanied by her husband, His Excellency Simeon Beckett SC and a party of ten officials and staff.
Fijis’ Parliament Speaker, Filimone Jitoko and good lady Elina Senirewa Naigulevu Jitoko will represent the Republic of Fiji.
Tonga’s Prime Minister, Lord Fakafanua and Lady Fane Fakafanua will represent the Kingdom, and the Tonga Royal Police Brass Band will feature in a special performance on Monday afternoon.
Other dignitaries from Samoa’s island neighbours include the Ulu o Tokelau, Afioga Kelihiano Kalolo and good lady Atene Kalolo and New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters.
From American Samoa, attending will be the Lieutenant Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr; President of the Senate – Tuaolo Manaia Fruean and good lady and the Speaker Savali Talavou Ale and good lady.
The official programme for Samoa’s 64th Independence celebrations, starts on Friday 29 with a parade of sports teams and the opening of the Independence 2026 Games.
The celebrations will spread over six days with a major focus on reviving the spirit of independence and honouring the forebearers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the struggle against the colonial powers until Samoa’s flag as an independent nation was raised 01 January 1962.
The celebration activities and ceremonies include:
Saturday 30 May – Taalolo Traditional Presentations for the new parliamentary offices
Sunday 31 May – 64th Independence Anniversary Thanksgiving Church Service, Hymns Choral presentation by 6 Theological choirs.
Monday 01 June – Flag Raising Ceremony and March Pass, Opening of the new Parliament Office Complex, Traditional Entertainment, Longboats Race.
Tuesday 02 June – Opening of the Independence Mau Movement Office at Vaimoso, Wreathe Laying at memorials of Independence Leaders, Honours and Awards Presentation Ceremony, Traditional Entertainment, Brass Bands and Schools Marching Exhibition.
Wednesday 03 June – Longboats Race (Final), Floats and Finemats Exhibition, Traditional Presentation of Gifts, Lowering of the Flag, Close of the Celebrations, Independence Ball…. PACNEWS
SAMOA – POLITICS: TALAMUA ONLINE PACNEWS 1: Fri 29 May 2026
Judge dismisses criminal charges against Aana Alofi 1 MP
APIA, 29 MAY 2026 (TALAMUA ONLINE) — Samoa’s District Court Judge, Papalii Rosela Papali’i has dismissed all charges against the Aana Alofi 1 Member of Parliament and Minister of Justice, Apulu Fesolai Tusiupu Tuigamala on the grounds that no criminal act was committed nor an intent to commit one.
The charges include bribery and treating prior to the 2025 general election.
In passing judgement, Judge Papalii pointed out the poor state of evidence provided by Prosecution.
She also wondered why Prosecution insisted on proceeding with the case given the poor state of evidence from when the case proceeded on Monday.
There were two charges relating to the FAST roadshow in August 2025 and another charge relating to a payment of a contractor for construction work on the district roads.
The charges were filed under a private prosecution by Ulugia Matau Matafeo of Vaiusu on the 6 October 2025 alleging that such action directly or indirectly was to entice voters to vote for him.
After perusing the evidence, Papalii said there is no evidence to suggest that the money paid to the contractor was disbursed or filtered down to entice voters.
Papalii said that Prosecution seems to be saying that the roads will be fixed as promised based on the payment already made so therefore the voters should vote for the defendant.
“With all due respect Mr Su’a, this is a farfetched proposition that I simply can not accept,” Judge Papalii told the complainants counsel Alex Su’a.
She said a political statement that something will be fixed after election does not amount to corruption.
She pointed out that the court distinguished between the legitimate policies or advocacy and corrupt and that the distinguish comes even more stronger when the project for the district work are administered through the lawful government agents such as the Fonofaavae.
“I must say the quality of the evidence are very poor and speculative,” she stated.
The private prosecution was brought by a matai o Vaiusu village in the Faleata 2 district, away from the defendant’s political district of Aana 1. But political affiliations were obvious and those behind the case.
Judge Papalii did not mix words when she pointedly said not to use the court as a political arena for political agendas.
“I must remind that the criminal court should never be use as a political arena for losing candidates and their camps, attempting to weaponise by the prosecution under the electoral act,” she said,
She stated that to protect the Administration of Justice from being undermined, there must be strict requirements for firm and strong evidential basis, that is necessary for the legal threshold which must be kept alive.
She also said allowing private prosecution without robust evidence is a risk to the administration of justice.
Judge Papalii then dismissed all charges and allegations against Fesolai due to the lack of evidence…. PACNEWS
VAN – HEALTH: VBTC PACNEWS 1: Fri 29 May 2026
Vanuatu on Alert as Regional Dengue Surge Raises Concerns
PORT VILA, 29 MAY 2026 (VBTC) — Vanuatu’s Ministry of Health is urging public to remain vigilant as dengue cases continue to rise across the Pacific region, with health authorities closely monitoring a recent increase in local cases on Efate.
Although no dengue outbreak has been declared in Vanuatu, officials say the country remains at risk due to active outbreaks and ongoing transmission in neighboring Pacific nations, combined with regular regional travel.
From EpiWeek 01 to EpiWeek 19 this year, eight dengue cases have been recorded in Vanuatu, mainly on Efate. According to the Ministry of Health, 88 percent of the cases were reported from the Pango Area Council, while the remaining cases were detected in Port Vila.
Health investigations revealed that some of the infections are epidemiologically linked, while several patients had recently travelled to Fiji within the dengue incubation period. This raised concerns about imported infections and possible local transmission.
The Ministry said most of the reported cases involved women, with the majority aged over 26 years old. However, No hospitalisations or deaths have been reported.
The warning comes as several Pacific Island countries battle worsening dengue situations.
New Caledonia is currently facing a major dengue outbreak with more than 1,700 cases and 53 hospitalisations reported since January. Samoa continues to record widespread transmission involving multiple dengue virus strains, while Tonga remains under an active outbreak declared in April this year. Wallis and Futuna are also reporting localised transmission.
Health officials say the regional spread highlights the growing risk for Vanuatu, especially with frequent travel between Pacific countries.
Dengue is spread by infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti, which is common throughout tropical regions including Vanuatu.
The Ministry noted that the Wolbachia mosquito programme introduced in Port Vila has successfully reduced the ability of many mosquitoes to spread dengue. However, officials now suspect another mosquito species — Aedes albopictus — could also be contributing to transmission.
Symptoms of dengue usually appear between four and ten days after a mosquito bite and include fever, nausea, vomiting, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, pain behind the eyes, and rash.
Health authorities are also warning the public to watch for severe symptoms such as intense stomach pain, repeated vomiting, or bleeding from the nose and gums, which require immediate medical attention.
While there is no specific cure for dengue, doctors advise patients to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and use Paracetamol for fever and pain relief. The Ministry strongly warns against taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
The Ministry of Health is continuing surveillance, case investigations, mosquito control activities, and community awareness campaigns while calling on communities, schools, churches, and businesses to help eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
Officials stress that preventing dengue will require collective action from the public before transmission increases further…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
PACIFIC – APPOINTMENT: OCO PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 29 May 2026
Oceania Customs Organisation Appoints New Head of Secretariat
SUVA, 29 MAY 2026 (OCO) — The Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) is pleased to announce the appointment of Laisiana Tugaga as its Head of Secretariat. Tugaga will formally assume office on Monday, 1 June 2026, bringing with her a distinguished career spanning more than fifteen years in trade and Customs at national and regional levels across the Pacific.
“The Steering Committee is confident that Mrs Tugaga possesses exactly the vision and strategic acumen our organisation needs at this pivotal time. Her track record across the region speaks for itself, and we look forward to the leadership she will bring to OCO,” said Udit Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Fiji Revenue and Customs Service and Chairperson of the OCO Steering Committee.
Tugaga’s appointment follows a rigorous and competitive recruitment process led by the OCO Steering Committee. Evaluated alongside a strong field of highly qualified candidates, she was selected for her blend of technical expertise, strategic leadership, and deep familiarity with Pacific Customs priorities.
Tugaga is well known to the Pacific Customs community having previously served at the OCO Secretariat as Trade and Revenue Management Advisor and most recently completed her term as Operations Manager at the PACER Plus Implementation Unit in Samoa. Her expertise spans trade policy, Customs compliance, revenue systems, and policy alignment for Pacific Island countries.
Tugaga’s appointment is a significant milestone for the organisation. She is the first Fijian national to hold the position of Head of Secretariat, and only the second woman to lead the OCO Secretariat succeeding her predecessor, Nancy Oraka, from Papua New Guinea.
Tugaga will be formally introduced to OCO members at the upcoming OCO Annual Conference on 1 June in Nadi, Fiji…. PACNEWS
FIJI – TOURISM: FBC NEWS PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 29 May 2026
Tourism Bill 2026 passed
SUVA, 29 MAY 2026 (FBC NEWS) — Fiji’s Parliament today passed the Tourism Bill 2026, marking a major overhaul of the country’s tourism laws for the first time in more than 50 years.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka says the tourism sector has been operating under outdated laws since 1973, even though it remains the backbone of the economy.
He says the new law will modernise the industry through stronger standards, greater investment, accountability, and the protection of indigenous culture and traditional knowledge.
The Bill also sets up a National Tourism Council, introduces national tourism standards, and creates a Tourism Fund to support infrastructure, training, and community-based tourism operators.
“This Bill seeks to establish a comprehensive legal and institutional framework for tourism to promote practices that support sustained economic growth while protecting the environment and preserving cultural heritage. Mr Speaker, the guiding principles of the Bill are economic contribution, sustainability, inclusivity, resilience, cultural respect, partnership, and transparency and accountability. On Part 2, a good policy requires good institutions.”
Gavoka says village homestays, cultural experiences, and local tour operators are the authentic heart of Fiji’s tourism industry and should no longer be measured against systems designed for large commercial businesses.
Opposition parliamentarian Premila Kumar raised strong concerns over the Bill, saying Parliament was given very little time to properly scrutinise the legislation.
She says tourism is the backbone of the economy and supports families, rural communities, and small businesses, and therefore deserves careful and detailed lawmaking.
While supporting the need to modernise the outdated Hotels and Guest Houses Act 1973, Kumar warned that the new Bill gives excessive power to the Minister, weakens accountability, and lacks clear safeguards.
“Similarly, this Bill allows the Minister to establish a framework for tourism investment in collaboration with Investment Fiji. But the Bill uses the word ‘may’ instead of ‘must’. This means there is no obligation to act and no accountability if nothing is done. Mr Speaker, sir, this Bill goes as far as to allow the Minister to add, remove, or modify tourism industry criteria affecting every tourism operator in Fiji.”
She raised concerns about discretionary powers over fees, industry classifications, penalties, and investment decisions, saying this could lead to unfair and inconsistent decision-making.
Kumar says the Bill does not provide strong protection for MSMEs and community tourism operators, and also lacks clear safeguards for culture, environment, and climate action…. PACNEWS
PAC – FUEL CRISIS: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 29 May 2026
Pacific fuel prices rise amid global disruptions – FCCC
SUVA, 29 MAY 2026 (FIJI TIMES) — The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission says rising fuel prices across the Pacific are being driven by disruptions in major global oil transit routes and ongoing international market volatility.
In a statement, the FCCC said international oil prices had increased significantly, affecting fuel-importing countries throughout the region, including Fiji.
“Due to disruptions in one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, international oil prices have increased significantly, affecting countries that import fuel throughout the region,” the FCCC said.
The Commission said the pressures were not unique to Fiji, with many Pacific Island nations experiencing similar increases in fuel prices due to higher shipping, freight and fuel-related costs.
According to regional comparisons released by the FCCC as at 28 May, Fiji’s petrol price stood at $3.13 (US$1.56) per litre, lower than New Zealand at $4.47 (US$2.24) and Vanuatu at $4.14 (US$2.07). Fiji’s diesel price was listed at $3.82 (US$1.91) per litre, below Vanuatu’s $4.74 (US$2.37) and Tonga’s $4.28 (US$2.14).
“The comparison table highlights how fuel prices across the Pacific reflect the wider impact of ongoing global supply chain disruptions and international market volatility,” the FCCC said.
The Commission urged consumers and businesses to remain mindful of fuel and energy use as global conditions continue to evolve.
“Even small changes can contribute to long-term savings and efficiency,” the statement said…. PACNEWS
FIJI – PORT UPGRADE: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 29 May 2026
Port project not aimed at China – Tikoduadua
SUVA, 29 MAY 2026 (FIJI TIMES) — The new Quad-led port initiative will be driven purely by development and regional cooperation, with Government stressing it is not linked to geopolitical rivalry or directed at any single country.
Fiji’s Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua said the Quad Ports of the Future Partnership, which will launch its pilot infrastructure project in Fiji, is focused on strengthening economic growth, state capacity and regional security cooperation. The Quad comprises Australia, Japan, India and the United States.
Speaking to media, Tikoduadua dismissed suggestions that the initiative should be viewed through a China lens, saying there were no security concerns.
The Quad is made up of Australia, Japan, India and the United States.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong described the initiative as the strongest commitment yet by the Quad to the Pacific.
Tikoduadua dismissed suggestions the initiative was aimed at destabilising China’s influence in Fiji.
“It’s a port facility – it’s good for the development of Fiji and the region,” he said.
“Allows Fiji to support all of the functions of the state in developing the economy and security.”
Tikoduadua said the project would not only benefit Fiji, but also the wider region.
“To a certain degree, you can also say that it enhances security regionally for everyone.”
He said final determinations were still being made.
Foreign Affairs Minister Sakiusa Ditoka also said Fiji’s foreign policy decisions would not be dictated by the interests of other countries.
He said Fiji maintained friendly relations with both China and the United States.
The Suva Port is expected to be among the major considerations under the recently announced Quad-led ports initiative in Fiji.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka confirmed this Thursday, saying the initiative was purely for development and not military purposes.
Rabuka said the Quad announcement was linked to efforts to help Fiji respond to major development challenges, including climate change, slow economic growth, unemployment and productivity.
“They want to help us so that we get up to the various targets that have been set by the international community on how nations tackle the challenges of the Millennium,” Rabuka said.
He said Fiji would submit its voluntary report to the highlevel political forum at the United Nations in July next year.
“We are on our way to achieving our targets, our compliance targets with those things that are set before us. So now it’s an added one.”
Rabuka said Fiji had previously been looking at development projects with partners on a bilateral basis, but the Quad announcement was encouraging because it came through a multilateral body.
He said one of the major projects being considered was the Suva Port at Rokobili.
“Whether we can fit it into that or we will still move ahead looking for public-private participation, based on the plans we already have.”
Rabuka said other possible development priorities included a major convention centre in Suva, the upgrade of Nausori into a fully international standard airport, and stadium development.
Minister for Transport and Public Works, Ro Filipe Tuisawau says the possible Quad backed upgrade of the Suva Port would be a major boost for commerce and trade, strengthening the movement of fuel, goods, raw materials and other imports that Fiji depends on…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Strengthening Samoa’s transition to a low-carbon and climate resilient future
APIA, 29 MAY 2026 (SPREP) — The Government of Samoa has taken a key step to strengthen the nation’s transition toward a low-carbon and climate-resilient future.
This was in the form of an inception workshop for the technical assessment and development of a user pay system for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) Samoa EV Charging Station.
Hosted at SPREP’s Vailima headquarters on Tuesday 26 May, the workshop facilitated by the MNRE, Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) Pacific NDC Hub Phase 4, and consultancy firms, Bytewatchers Samoa and Telecommunications Regulator & Business Solutions Consulting, provided a platform for stakeholders to align on the project scope, methodology, deliverables, and implementation arrangements before the fieldwork begins.
“As you are aware, Samoa has set ambitious renewable energy targets and the advancement of electric mobility is an important part of achieving these goals,” said Fefiloi Kerstin, Principal Climate Change Mitigation Officer, MNRE.
“We have already taken a significant step by establishing an Electric Vehicle charging station here in Apia, currently located at the Friendship Park, which is powered entirely by solar energy. However, the current system does not yet provide a sustainable model for cost recovery, monitoring or long-term expansion.”
The workshop provided a key step to develop a user-pay system, design a viable business model, strengthen cost recovery mechanisms and ensure that the infrastructure can operate sustainably into the future.
“Just as importantly, we aim to strengthen local capacity to manage and maintain this system effectively,” Kerstin added. “This initiative is not just about charging electric vehicles. It is about creating a system that supports wider Electric Vehicle adoption, builds confidence in clean energy solutions and contributes meaningfully to Samoa’s renewable energy ambitions and deployment.”
Toiata Uili, SPREP Technical Officer NDC Hub, said the workshop for Samoa is timely, aligning with the Manubada Call to Action, where Pacific leaders called for a shift from dialogue to implementation, focusing on real, tangible outcomes.
Pacific Leaders through the Tassiriki Call for a Fossil Fuel -Free Pacific have also reaffirmed the urgent need for a just transition away from fossil fuels toward renewable energy systems.
“Key to all this is that 1.5°C to stay alive is non-negotiable for the survival of Pacific people,” said Uili.
“Colleagues, our work today directly responds to those regional calls because it delivers implementation on the ground, not just strategy, it supports integration of energy and transport through EV systems, it introduces innovative financing through a user-pay model and it is firmly anchored in country ownership and national priorities and leadership.”
SPREP reaffirmed its strong commitment to supporting Samoa and the Pacific region. Uili also acknowledged SPREP’s valued partners for this work, including the Global Green Growth Institute Institute), NDC Partnership, SPC (Pacific Community), the Government of Australia through Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and Bytewatchers Samoa and Telecommunications Regulator & Business Solutions Consulting.
“This support enables us to respond to country-driven requests such as Samoa’s, in delivering on commitments under the Paris Agreement.”…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
At the table, not the margins: A Kiribati leader reshaping disaster management
By: Alisi Vucago-Waibuta
TARAWA, 29 MAY 2026 (SPC) — Slow, relentless seas erode coastlines. Saltwater creeps into gardens and freshwater supplies, quietly dismantling the foundations of life on atolls. Sudden: La Niña-driven droughts are severe enough to trigger a national state of disaster. This is the reality for Kiribati, one of the most climate-exposed nations on earth. Takena Redfern’s job is to make sure that when the worst happens, no one is left facing it without warning, without support, or without a voice in how their community prepares.
As Director of Kiribati’s National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRMO), she is emerging as a respected leader in disaster resilience, climate action and inclusive emergency management, helping reshape disaster management by placing gender equality, disability inclusion and community voices at the centre of preparedness and resilience planning.
The foundation of Redfern’s approach comes from a decade spent working directly with communities across Kiribati in the agriculture sector. Witnessing how disasters affect households differently, a mother with young children, an elder with a disability, or a family without transport, each facing a different emergency, shaped the leader she became.
“We know women and men, boys and girls are affected differently by disasters, even if they live in the same household”, she said. “Getting women involved in disaster risk assessment helps strengthen policies and interventions for a better and more inclusive approach to resilience.” Her transition into the disaster and climate sector came through the Kiribati National Expert Group for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management, a move that set the direction of her career and commitment to inclusive emergency management.
Redfern’s work earned her international recognition in 2025 when she received the Women’s International Network for Disaster Risk Reduction (WIN DRR) Leadership Award, acknowledging not only her technical expertise in disaster preparedness and climate resilience, but the shift she is driving in how Kiribati communities plan, prepare and recover.
Under her leadership, Kiribati advanced its national implementation of the global United Nations-led Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative in 2025, strengthening people-centred and multi-hazard early warning systems designed to ensure no one is left behind. The initiative includes disability-inclusive alerts delivered in local languages, inclusive community drills and disaster preparedness support for families.
“The integration of Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) principles creates a better understanding of disability-inclusive early warning systems and helps families and communities work together in preparing for disasters,” she explained.
She has embedded the same principles, into Kiribati’s Community-Based disaster risk management (DRM) programme, and into a national capacity-building workshop she led in 2025 on the Sendai Framework Monitor and Gender Action Plan. Her work is also closely aligned with Kiribati’s forthcoming Strategic Roadmap for Emergency Management , which places GEDSI at the centre of preparedness, response and recovery.
Beyond this, through mentorship within the NDRMO, she has become a visible example that women belong in emergency management leadership, not at the margins, but at the table where decisions are made. One of her mentees, Taala Tiaeki, who has worked under her leadership for three years, describes her as “supportive, strategic and empowering.”
“Seeing how she combines technical expertise with collaboration and strong decision-making has shown me that women bring valuable perspectives that strengthen disaster management systems,” Tiaeki reflected.
Through Redfern’s mentorship, Tiaeki has participated in several capacity development initiatives and training programmes that have strengthened her technical understanding of DRM.
Colleagues say Redfern’s leadership is also helping reshape institutional culture within Kiribati’s NDRMO by strengthening collaboration, inclusive decision-making and creating greater visibility for women in emergency management leadership roles.
Redfern credits parts of her own journey and professional growth to the Pacific Community (SPC) and Pacific Islands Emergency Management Alliance (PIEMA), with whom she has been engaged since 2018. She has participated in regional emergency management exercises that tested decision-making under simulated disaster conditions and developed operational confidence that comes from practice rather than theory. She accessed peer networks across Pacific island nations, learning how counterparts in Fiji, Vanuatu and Tonga were navigating similar inclusion challenges, and bringing those lessons back to Kiribati. Regional leadership development programmes also strengthened her ability to advocate for GEDSI at the policy level, an area she now leads.
Today, her story is helping inspire other Pacific women to pursue leadership roles in the sector.
As climate risks intensify across the Pacific, she remains focused on ensuring emergency management never loses sight of the people it is meant to serve.
“Sometimes we focus too much on damaged infrastructure and assets and forget the human element. People must always remain at the centre of our work. Preparedness and resilience were part of our ancestors’ culture. We need to rekindle these traits as we navigate changes and plan for the resilience of future generations.”…. PACNEWS
