In this bulletin:
1. AUST — Survey supports a better deal for Pacific workers
2. FIJI — Deputy PM Kamikamica dismisses leadership speculation after Fiji Cabinet return
3. VAN — New Cancer Centre open to the whole Pacific, says PNG PM
4. COOKS — U.S reaffirms partnership with Cook Islands on Constitution Day
5. W|PAPUA — Indonesian forces hunt West Papuan militants who killed construction workers
6. FIJI — Fiji PM Rabuka defends COI process
7. TUVALU — Tuvalu Trust Fund board holds first meeting outside Funafuti
8. SAMOA — Guangdong Media, Samoa sign agreement to bring Chinese programmes to TV9
9. NZ — From Rotary to politics: Avalua Tavui brings Pacific values, voice to Manurewa election race
10. PACNEWS BIZ — A nation that cannot feed itself is not fully independent’ — Vanuatu Agriculture Minister
11. PACNEWS BIZ — Pacific exporters take centre stage at Australia’s largest food trade exhibition
12. PACNEWS BIZ — Governor vetoes Guam’s 2027 budget bill, submits new proposal
13. PACNEWS BIZ — Pacific workers urged to know their rights in NZ after migrants pay $60,000 each for jobs
14. PACNEWS BIZ — Fiji exempts most sea cucumber species from seasonal harvest ban
15. PACNEWS BIZ — PNG hotel rebranded
16. PACNEWS DIGEST — Strengthening health and sanitation statistics capacity across Asia and the Pacific
AUST – PACIFIC WORKERS: AAP PACNEWS 3: Wed 05 Aug 2026
Survey supports a better deal for Pacific workers
CANBERRA, 05 AUGUST 2026 (AAP)—Employment conditions for thousands of Pacific workers in Australia should be improved, a new poll has revealed.
An Australia Institute poll of more than 2000 people showed more than two-thirds supported giving workers on the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme the right to change jobs if they are underpaid.
About 33,000 temporary migrant workers from the Pacific Islands and East Timor currently live in Australia to fill the shortage of unskilled and low-skilled labour.
A PALM worker cannot leave their job, earns as little as $70(US$49) per week and doesn’t have access to Medicare.
The scheme ensures a minimum wage but businesses working alongside the programme can make deductions, Australia Institute’s research manager Morgan Harrington said.
He said some of the deductions include flights to Australia, visa costs, accommodation – often provided by the employer – and transporting the workers from their housed residence to the work site.
“Once all of those deductions are made, PALM scheme workers can be left with very little in their pocket,” Harrington told AAP.
“There is a power imbalance.”
Their payslips sometimes leave PALM workers with as little as $70 (US$49) per week, Ken Dachi from Welcoming Australia said.
“I’ve seen horrendous stuff on payslips,” Dachi said.
“I have personally been to dwellings where you have three people in one room, no bathroom facilities, no kitchen, nothing.
“They’re paying something in the region of $350, $360(US$246 – US$253) a week… but it’s such dilapidated housing.”
About two-thirds of those polled also felt PALM workers should have access to Medicare and most believed workers were being housed in overcrowded or substandard accommodation.
The scheme was designed to provide work opportunities for Australia’s neighbouring regions and allow for funds to be sent home.
The size of the programme has drawn nine percent of Tonga’s working-age population and five percent from Vanuatu….PACNEWS
FIJI – POLITICS: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 3: Wed 05 Aug 2026
Deputy PM Kamikamica dismisses leadership speculation after Fiji Cabinet return
SUVA, 05 AUGUST 2026 (FIJI SUN)—On his first day back in Cabinet, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Industries, Commerce, Business Development and Public Enterprises Manoa Kamikamica dismissed speculation about his leadership ambitions.
He denied claims he had sought to destabilise Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, despite being described by the Prime Minister as his “heir”.
After being sworn in Tuesday for a second time, Kamikamica said his immediate priority was governing Fiji rather than jockeying for future party leadership.
On Monday, the Suva Magistrate Court cleared him of charges of perjury and giving false information to a public servant.
Kamikamica resigned from Cabinet, including the Deputy Prime Minister’s post, in October last year while the matter was before the court.
Kamikamica thanked the Prime Minister for his confidence but said his focus remained firmly on governing.
“Right now, my focus is on the work that needs to be done. We have a government to run, and there is a great deal to accomplish before the next general election,” he said.
“”I’m not concerned about who will become the next leader. My priority is to ensure that the work we’ve started is carried out effectively and that we continue to maintain the trust and confidence of the people.”
Kamikamica also rejected claims he had been involved in attempts to undermine the Prime Minister within The People’s Alliance.
“Those rumours have been around since before we even formed the party,” he said.
“People should look at my record within the party. As far as my relationship with the Prime Minister is concerned, it has always been a good one, despite what others may try to suggest about my intentions.”
He said he was among the first to support Rabuka in establishing The People’s Alliance and remained committed to the party’s objectives.
“The speculation is simply that speculation. People naturally like to create rumours and political drama,” he said.
“I can say clearly that I’ve never had any discussions about bringing down the Government. That has never been my concern.”
Kamikamica said his priority remained helping move Fiji forward.
Meanwhile, the People’s Alliance (PA) party has sought to ease speculation over its leadership, with general secretary Sila Balawa urging party members to remain united.
His comments follow recent remarks by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka acknowledging that some ministers had ambitions to lead the party in the future.
Rabuka said political ambition was healthy if pursued in the right way. He also acknowledged that some individuals within the party had different agendas.
Balawa said his priority was preparing the party for the next general election.
“If that is the case, then he knows more than I do,” Balawa said when asked about claims of an internal group seeking to challenge the party leadership.
“My focus is the preparations towards the elections.”
He urged members to set aside any differences for the good of the party.
“If there is a time to be united, then this is it,” he said.
“For those who may have differences or grumbles or whatever they have, they should put all that aside. We need to come together and fight as one single unit. Like the saying goes: united we stand, divided we fall.”
Balawa said ambition was welcome, but anyone seeking to lead the party must earn the confidence of both members and the public.
“You have to work your way up,” Balawa said.
“You have to serve. You have to do the hard yards and prove yourself to be a worthy leader for the nation, for the people to believe in you,” he said…PACNEWS
VAN – CANCER CENTRE: VANUATU DAILY POST PACNEWS 3: Wed 05 Aug 2026
New Cancer Centre open to the whole Pacific, says PNG PM
PORT VILA, 05 AUGUST 2026 (VANUATU DAILY POST)—Papua New Guinea’s new Cancer Centre will be open to patients from across the Pacific, with Prime Minister James Marape saying Ni-Vanuatu patients will be able to access treatment at subsidised local rates after travelling to Port Moresby.
PM Marape said the oncology and radiology centre, expected to be fully operational by the end of this year, is “for the whole Pacific” and will be open to patients from across the region, reducing the need for costly medical referrals to countries such as Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines.
He said Ni-Vanuatu patients will only need to fund their airfare and would pay subsidised local treatment rates of between 3,000 and 4,000 kina (around VT80,000 to VT110,000) once they arrive in Port Moresby, making specialised cancer care far more affordable for Pacific families.
Ambae Member of Parliament (MP) and former Health Minister John Still Tari Qetu welcomed the initiative and called for patient referral arrangements to be formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between PNG’s Ministry of Health and Vanuatu’s Ministry of Health.
The announcement came during a recent PNG diaspora gathering at the Ramada Resort in Port Vila, where PM Marape and MP Qetu shared a vision of greater regional cooperation in specialised healthcare.
Opening his address, MP Qetu thanked the PNG community and reflected on the long-standing health partnership between the two countries.
He paid tribute to Dr Posikai Samuel, a Papua New Guinean who served as a planner in Vanuatu’s Ministry of Health (MOH), describing him as a mentor whose contribution helped strengthen Vanuatu’s health sector.
Qetu also described PNG as Vanuatu’s “big brother”, recalling a ministerial visit during his time as Health Minister when he met then PNG Health Minister Elias Kapavore, who now serves as Minister for Defence.
He also thanked Governor Byron Chan, acknowledging the legacy of the late Sir Julius Chan in deploying the Papua New Guinea Defence Force to help secure Vanuatu’s independence during the Santo rebellion.
Qetu urged Pacific countries to avoid duplicating costly specialist medical infrastructure, saying Vanuatu does not have the economic capacity to develop every advanced medical service on its own.
Instead, he proposed a regional model in which countries specialise in different areas of healthcare, allowing Pacific nations to share facilities rather than compete to build identical services.
“There is no need for Vanuatu to try and build an advanced hospital that competes with what PNG is establishing. If our big brother builds an advanced facility, we should use it,” he said.
He added that if Vanuatu, Fiji or Solomon Islands develop specialised facilities in other fields, neighbouring countries should also have access to those services.
Qetu also cautioned against small island states establishing radiotherapy and oncology facilities that generate radioactive waste, saying disposal requirements pose environmental risks for countries such as Vanuatu. These units produce nuclear waste that requires complex shipping back to Australia for disposal, and domestic dumping would severely damage Vanuatu’s marine environment, threaten sea creatures, and eventually affect human health.
He said Pacific nations should continue sharing specialist expertise and only seek treatment outside the region when the necessary services are unavailable within the Pacific.
Marape said PNG has steadily expanded its specialist medical services since 2019 as part of a national plan to reduce reliance on overseas medical referrals.
He said local surgical teams now regularly perform heart bypass operations and are working towards heart transplant capability.
PNG also completed its first kidney transplant last year.
PM Marape said the new oncology and radiology centre is designed to meet Australian and New Zealand standards and will serve patients from throughout the Pacific.
Travelling to Australia, Singapore, Malaysia or the Philippines for treatment remains beyond the financial reach of many Pacific families, he said, adding that the Port Moresby facility is intended to save both governments and patients substantial costs.
Qetu encouraged continued cooperation between the two countries and urged PNG’s Health Minister to formalise patient referral arrangements with Vanuatu through the proposed MoU….PACNEWS
COOKS – DIPLOMACY: PACNEWS PACNEWS 3: Wed 05 Aug 2026
U.S reaffirms partnership with Cook Islands on Constitution Day
WASHINGTON/RAROTONGA, 05 AUGUST 2026 (PACNEWS) —United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has congratulated the people of the Cook Islands on the 61st anniversary of the country’s self-governance, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to deepening cooperation across the Pacific.
In a statement marking Cook Islands Constitution Day, Rubio said the partnership between the United States and the Cook Islands continues to grow through collaboration on seabed exploration, strong people-to-people links, and a shared commitment to maintaining a free and open Pacific region.
He said the United States looks forward to expanding engagement with the Cook Islands in key areas, including maritime security and the responsible development of ocean resources.
Rubio also conveyed his best wishes to the people of the Cook Islands as they celebrate Constitution Day, marking 61 years of self-governance.
The Cook Islands became self-governing in free association with New Zealand on 4 August 1965….PACNEWS
W|PAPUA – WEST PAPUA: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS 3: Wed 05 Aug 2026
Indonesian forces hunt West Papuan militants who killed construction workers
JAYAPURA, 05 AUGUTL 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) —Indonesia’s security forces have launched a joint operation to pursue the group of West Papua National Liberation Army fighters who killed five road construction workers in Papua’s Highland province on Sunday.
It comes amid reports that the deepening conflict between the pro-independence Papuan fighters and Indonesian forces has caused cases of mass displacement of village communities in Highland Papua and nearby regions.
Regarding Sunday’s attack, the West Papua National Liberation Army, or TPNPB, confirmed it killed the five Indonesian workers at their camp in Tolikara Regency, alleging they were Indonesian intelligence agents disguised as construction workers.
Indonesian authorities pinned blame for the killings on an “armed criminal group”, its label for the TPNPB, adding that the bodies of four of the five victims had been recovered, as police and military forces began hunting for the perpetrators.
Just last month, an American pilot, Nicholas Goselin, was fatally shot by the TPNPB after landing a small commercial airplane in Yahukimo District, in Highland Papua.
The TPNPB alleged the pilot had been helping to transport Indonesian military personnel, a claim rejected by the company that owned the plane which Goselin flew for, PT AMA.
In early 2023, a New Zealand pilot Phillip Mark Mehrtens was taken hostage for eighteen months by another group within the TPNPB after landing a small commercial plane in Nduga District. Like Goselin’s his aircraft was set on fire.
Last year, in April, sixteen Indonesians described as illegal gold miners were shot dead by TPNPB forces in Yahukimo District, also in Highland Papua.
As well as warning outsiders not to enter what it described as a war zone, the TPNPB in a statement reiterated its warning to Indonesians to leave the Highland region.
“All Indonesian government military intelligence agents and Indonesian immigrants working as motorcycle taxi drivers, construction workers, health workers, teachers, and civil servants must immediately cease their activities in the TPNPB operational area in Tolikara,” the statement said.
The response by Indonesia’s military forces to these events – increased operations in the area – has caused cases of mass displacement of villagers in numerous areas.
According to Human Rights Monitor, Indonesian military operations in response to the killing of Goselin has resulted in killings of three Papuan civilians in the Korowai region in the last eight days.
The operations also reportedly displaced hundreds of indigenous Papuans, including children, pregnant women and elderly people, who fled into nearby forests.
Human Rights Monitor reported that local sources and the TPNPB allege that security forces attacked villages using ground troops, helicopters and drones – these claims are not verified.
It said that as of late June 2026, more than 125,931 civilians across multiple regencies remained internally displaced due to military operations and armed conflict….PACNEWS
FIJI – POLITICS: FBC NEWS PACNEWS 3: Wed 05 Aug 2026
Fiji PM Rabuka defends COI process
SUVA, 05 AUGUST 2026 (FBC NEWS)—Court decisions on cases linked to Commission of Inquiry(COI) recommendations do not determine the credibility of the reports, says Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
Rabuka states the credibility of COI findings must be assessed through the legal process, with courts deciding whether evidence is strong enough to support prosecution.
“That is where the prosecutors, or the two departments that have prosecutorial powers, the fire tech and the police, take the recommendation. They are commanded to investigate further and prosecute if they find merit in prosecution. In this case, they have prosecuted a few cases that have come to that.”
Rabuka said a Commission of Inquiry does not prosecute cases.
Its role, he states, is to investigate matters, provide findings and make recommendations, which are then referred to agencies with prosecutorial powers.
He said FICAC and police are responsible for reviewing those recommendations, carrying out further investigations and deciding whether charges should be filed.
The comments follow the dismissal of a case against Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica, which was based on allegations arising from a COI report. The court found there was no case to answer.
Some COI-related cases, according to Rabuka have ended without convictions because they were either dismissed by the courts or prosecutors determined there was not enough evidence to proceed.
He said that the legal process remains separate from the Commission of Inquiry, with the courts having the final say on whether a case has been proven…..PACNEWS
TUVALU – TRUST FUND: TUVALU GOVT/PACNEWS PACNEWS 3: Wed 05 Aug 2026
Tuvalu Trust Fund board holds first meeting outside Funafuti
VAITUPU, 05 AUGUST 2026 (TUVALU GOVT/PACNEWS)— The Falekaupule Trust Fund (FTF) Board of Directors has held its intermediary Board Meeting on the island of Vaitupu, marking two important milestones for the Tuvalu Trust Fund.
The meeting was the first time the FTF Board has convened outside Funafuti and the first to be chaired by Prime Minister Feleti Penitala Teo in his role as Minister of Home Affairs.
Under the Falekaupule Trust Fund Deed, the Minister of Home Affairs serves as Chair of the FTF Board.
The meeting was held in Vaitupu while Board members are on the island attending the 5th Tuvalu Islands Leaders Assembly (TILA), also known as the Lima o Fonotaga a Takitaki o Fenua o Tuvalu (FTFT-5).
As his first meeting as Chair, Prime Minister Teo received a comprehensive briefing from Board members on the Fund’s current status, performance and ongoing initiatives supporting development priorities across Tuvalu’s outer islands.
The FTF Board meets twice annually, with the intermediary meeting held mid-year and the Annual Board Meeting scheduled for November.
The Falekaupule Trust Fund continues to support sustainable development in Tuvalu’s outer islands through investment in community projects and initiatives aimed at strengthening island communities and improving the wellbeing of Tuvaluans.
As a key partner of the 5th Tuvalu Islands Leaders Assembly, the Fund remains committed to supporting local development priorities and enhancing resilience across the country’s islands…PACNEWS
SAMOA – TELEVISION COVERAGE: PACNEWS PACNEWS 3: Wed 05 Aug 2026
Guangdong Media, Samoa sign agreement to bring Chinese programmes to TV9
APIA, 05 AUGUST 2026(PACNEWS)— A new media partnership between Guangdong Radio and Television and Samoa’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) will see Chinese television programmes introduced to Samoan audiences through TV9.
The partnership was formalised on Tuesday with the signing of a Letter of Intent for Friendly Cooperation by Guangdong Provincial Government Information Office Deputy Director General Deng Hong and MCIT Chief Executive Officer Aiolopotea.
The agreement marks the first media collaboration between Guangdong Radio and Television and a Samoan broadcaster, paving the way for programme exchanges, joint productions and staff exchanges between the two sides.
Senior management from Guangdong Radio and Television, including Ma Yangzhou, along with officials from Samoa’s MCIT, attended the signing ceremony.
Speaking at the event, Ma said media played an important role in strengthening people-to-people connections and promoting mutual understanding between cultures.
He said the partnership would allow Samoan viewers to access programmes including China Theatre and “Canton Today”, showcasing stories of China, Guangdong and cooperation between China and Samoa.
Aiolopotea said Samoa and China shared longstanding friendship and close relations between their governments and peoples.
He highlighted the importance of strengthening media cooperation and cultural exchanges as the two countries mark the 51st anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Guangdong Radio and Television has previously worked with media organisations across the South Pacific, with programmes such as Canton Today” and “China Theater” already broadcast in several Pacific island countries.
The latest agreement follows the first visit by Guangdong Radio and Television representatives to Samoa, where translated documentaries and feature films were introduced to local audiences as part of efforts to promote cultural exchange and share stories of China, the Greater Bay Area and Guangdong….PACNEWS
NZ – ELECTION/POLITICS: PMN PACNEWS 3: Wed 05 Aug 2026
From Rotary to politics: Avalua Tavui brings Pacific values, voice to Manurewa election race
AUCKLAND, 05 AUGUST 2026 (PMN)—South Auckland community leader Avalua Tavui says her first run for Parliament is about giving a voice to issues she believes are too often overlooked while bringing Pacific values of service, respect and compassion into New Zealand politics.
The Rotary Club president and animal welfare advocate is standing for the Animal Justice Party in the Manurewa electorate at November’s general election.
Speaking on PMN’s Pacific Mornings, Tavui said she wants to represent the community where she was born, raised and has spent years serving.
“I’ve spent years working with and listening to local people and believe leadership should be compassionate, practical and accountable.”
Tavui’s parents migrated to New Zealand from Sāmoa in the 1950s, with family connections to Apia, Vaipu’a, Satapuala and Savai’i.
Her years of community work through Rotary have shaped the way she approaches leadership.
“My community involvement involving my leadership through Rotary has taught me that lasting change comes from working alongside people and not simply telling them what government has decided.”
She says years of community work convinced her that lasting change also requires a voice in Parliament.
Tavui says she did not originally plan to enter politics, but felt too many decisions were being made without enough consideration of communities.
“I didn’t mean to enter politics, but because too many decisions are made without properly considering the people, animals and communities that live with these consequences.”
Tavui says the Animal Justice Party’s policies connect with Pacific families because animal welfare is also tied to wider pressures facing households.
She says her Pacific background has shaped the way she sees those challenges, where family, community and looking after others are central values.
Speaking about the pressures facing Pacific households, Tavui says families are often forced to make difficult choices.
“Pacific people have, you know, we’ve got our own issues with, we’re making impossible choices between paying our rent, our food, our mortgage, transport power, everything.”
She says those pressures can also affect people’s ability to care for pets.
“I joined AJP because it recognises that kindness and good public policy belong together,” she told Strong. “Too many decisions are made without properly considering the people, animals, and communities that live with these consequences.”
She says responsible pet ownership is harder when families are already struggling with basic costs.
Tavui says the party believes animal welfare cannot be separated from the pressures facing people and communities.
“That’s sort of a flow-on effect where they end up at rescues, and animal rescue groups are under a lot of pressure.”
Tavui says housing pressures also play a role, particularly for larger multigenerational families and those looking for pet-friendly rentals.
“Housing, yes, securing healthy and affordable housing. That’s an issue for our communities where we want housing suited to larger multigenerational families. So we have to look at better ways of solving those issues.
“And animals, to us, maybe we can’t afford them as we first thought. So their suffering and our veterinary bills and our ongoing health care for them that suffers”.
Tavui says she wants solutions that work alongside communities rather than punish families who are already under pressure.
Among the policies she supports are free or subsidised desexing services, mobile veterinary clinics and more backing for Community Services Card holders.
She says these services should involve councils, government agencies, Māori and Pacific organisations, schools and community groups.
“Healthy dogs should not be killed simply because council facilities are full or because support arrived too late.
“Telling people to de-sex or treat an animal isn’t enough if the service is unaffordable. So we have to look at better ways of solving those issues.”
Acknowledging the challenges facing smaller parties, Tavui says she is asking voters to look beyond a single election cycle.
She says smaller parties can still push issues into the political debate.
The Animal Justice Party received just over 5000 party votes at the last election, well below the five percent threshold needed to enter Parliament without winning an electorate seat.
“We know we’re in it for the long term. We can’t build trust on one election in a few weeks… Change has to happen somehow, and a kinder system for animals can also be a healthier, safer system for people.”
New Zealanders go to the polls on 07 November….PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
VAN – AGRICULTURE: VANUATU DAILY POST PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 05 Aug 2026
A nation that cannot feed itself is not fully independent’ — Vanuatu Agriculture Minister
PORT VILA, 05 AUGUST 2026 (VANUATU DAILY POST)—Vanuatu Minister responsible for the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry and Biosecurity (MALFB), Ian Wilson, has challenged Vanuatu to increase local food production, saying the country cannot achieve full independence if it continues to rely heavily on imported food.
Speaking at the opening of the National Agriculture Expo 2026 on Maewo Island, Minister Wilson said the ability to feed its own people must be considered a foundation of national independence.
“The foundation of any nation is the ability of that nation to feed its people,” he said.
“If a nation is independent and cannot feed its own people, it simply means it does not get its full independence yet because it still relies on other countries to feed its people.”
The MALFB Minister said Vanuatu continues to face this challenge, with imported food still making up a large part of the country’s supply.
As part of the agriculture expo, the government decided that only locally produced food would be served during the five-day event to demonstrate the capacity of local farmers.
“This week we will see if the farmers in Maewo can feed us for five days, maybe one week, seven days,” Wilson said.
“For that reason, we made a decision that only local food will be served this week. There will be no imported food, and we want to see the ability of farmers to feed the people of Vanuatu.”
Wilson said agriculture remains the foundation of Vanuatu’s economy, highlighting growth in the sector over the past year.
He said recent reports showed agriculture contributed more than VT1 billion (US$8.3 million) per month, with copra alone generating between VT30 million (US$251,000) and VT100 million (US$836,000) per month.
The Minister also highlighted kava as one of Vanuatu’s strongest agricultural products, saying overseas markets continue to open in countries including the United States, Fiji and Kiribati.
However, he warned that Vanuatu does not currently produce enough kava to meet growing demand.
“We see that markets are opening up overseas, but Vanuatu does not have enough kava,” he said.
Wilson said the government’s future agriculture policies would focus on increasing production based on the strengths of each island, ensuring farmers grow products suited to their environment and connected to available markets.
He said the goal is to strengthen local production so Vanuatu can rely more on its own farmers and reduce dependence on imported food….PACNEWS
PAC – EXPORT: ISLANDS BUSINESS PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 05 Aug 2026
Pacific exporters take centre stage at Australia’s largest food trade exhibition
SUVA, 05 AUGUST 2026 (ISLANDS BUSINESS)—Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Australia will bring together 15 exporters from eight Pacific economies under its Pacific Showcase at Fine Food Australia 2026, giving the region’s premium food and beverage producers a collective presence at Australia’s largest trade exhibition for the food, hospitality, and retail industries.
Running from 31 August to 03 September at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Fine Food Australia attracts more than 900 exhibitors and thousands of buyers, distributors, retailers and foodservice professionals from Australia and overseas. National pavilions representing major food exporting countries will showcase products from around the world, providing Pacific businesses with an opportunity to present their products alongside established international brands and connect directly with commercial buyers.
This year’s Pacific Showcase features exporters from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, Niue and French Polynesia, highlighting the diversity and growing sophistication of the Pacific’s food and beverage sector.
Exhibiting under the PTI Australia banner are Fiji Kava, VaiWai Natural Water, Fiji Fire Hot Sauce, Heritage Kava Fiji, SolTuna from Solomon Islands, Tanna Coffee from Vanuatu, The Cocoa Provider, PNG Kava, Banz Kofi Fektori from Papua New Guinea, Nishi Foods from Tonga, Niue Honey Company, Niue Vanilla Organic, Wilex Samoa with its Koko Loa range and Bora Bora Sea Salt from French Polynesia. Together they will showcase products including premium coffee, cocoa, sustainably sourced tuna, natural mineral water, kava, vanilla, honey, artisanal sea salt and wild turmeric from Fiji.
For more than a decade, PTI Australia has used the Pacific Showcase to help exporters build relationships with buyers, distributors and retailers while raising the profile of Pacific products in the Australian market. Previous showcases have led to distributor agreements, retail placements and new commercial partnerships, with many exporters returning after securing valuable business contacts through earlier PTI-supported exhibitions.
PTI Australia General Manager of Exports Jeremy Grennell said the Pacific Showcase demonstrated the value of presenting Pacific businesses under a single regional banner.
“Fine Food Australia is one of the region’s premier trade events, and the Pacific Showcase ensures our exporters have a strong presence in a highly competitive international marketplace.
“By exhibiting together, Pacific businesses benefit from greater visibility and a stronger collective identity while still promoting the unique qualities of their individual products. It creates opportunities that many smaller exporters would find difficult to achieve on their own.
“Our role extends well beyond the four days of the exhibition. We work with exporters throughout the year to build export capability, prepare them for international markets and connect them with the right commercial partners. Fine Food Australia is where those efforts translate into meaningful business conversations and long-term commercial opportunities.”
The Pacific Showcase forms part of PTI Australia’s broader programme to strengthen export capability across the Pacific and create sustainable economic opportunities for businesses throughout the region. Funded by the Australian Government, PTI Australia works with export-ready businesses to improve market access, attract investment and promote Pacific products internationally.
Visitors to Fine Food Australia can experience the Pacific Showcase throughout the four-day exhibition, sampling products ranging from specialty coffee and premium cocoa to sustainably sourced seafood, artisanal sea salt, vanilla, honey, kava and other premium products that reflect the diversity and richness of the Blue Pacific….PACNEWS
GUAM – BUDGET: PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 05 Aug 2026
Governor vetoes Guam’s 2027 budget bill, submits new proposal
HAGATNA, 05 AUGUST 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES)–Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero has vetoed the Fiscal Year 2027 General Appropriations Act and submitted a revised version, saying the Republican-backed measure cuts government revenue without providing safeguards for affected public services.
According to the governor’s office, the new budget proposal retains the legislature’s 4 percent business privilege tax rate while restoring funding for healthcare, public safety, child care and other critical government services through identified replacement revenues.
“The issue before us is not whether the business privilege tax should be 4 percent or 4.5 percent,” the governor said. “The issue is whether we will responsibly fund the services the people of Guam depend upon. Our revised budget proves we can do both.”
Substitute Bill 266-38, the Fiscal Year 2027 General Appropriations Act, which the 38th Guam Legislature passed by a vote of 8-6, pegs the government of Guam’s budget at US$1.4 billion, approximately US$46 million lower than the governor’s original request.
Senator Christopher Dueñas, the bill’s author, has desribed Substitute Bill 266-38, “a disciplined and accountable spending plan that lowers the tax burden on local businesses while prioritising education, healthcare, public safety, tourism recovery and performance-based budgeting.”
“When government revenues are reduced without replacing them, essential services are inevitably reduced as well,” the governor said. “The legislature’s budget made that choice. Our revised budget makes a different one.”
According to a press release from the governor’s office, the new executive proposal incorporates “updated revenue projections recognizing approximately US$18 million in additional recurring corporate income tax collections to restore essential appropriations while maintaining a balanced budget.”
The revised budget appropriates US$7.63 million from unobligated fiscal 2026 general fund revenues to ensure Child Care and Development Fund subsidies remain available throughout fiscal 2027.
The governor’s office said the proposed allotment for child care is separate from Bill 1 (9-S), which seeks US$7.5 million to bridge the current fiscal year’s shortfall in child care funds. The legislature has put off action on the supplemental appropriation requested by the governor, saying her bill was riddled with inconsistencies.
“Even if that measure is enacted, additional funding is still necessary to sustain the program through FY2027,” the governor’s office said.
Senator Shawn Gumataotao said he was disappointed by the governor’s veto of the budget bill.
“She noted at the start of our process that the proposal was ‘unreasonable and unacceptable.’ If she waited for budget talks to be completed, she would have witnessed something more unreasonable and unacceptable,” the Republican senator.
Gumataotao noted that, during the budget deliberation, four Democrats criticised the administration’s bloated spending, while two others “struggled to stay in line, amenable to common sense compromise.”
“Legacy will be defined by scrutiny. History will ultimately be the judge of this Governor who chose pride over statesmanship at a time when our people are demanding better of their government,” Gumataotao said.
Supporting the governor’s veto, Senator William A. Parkinson urged the legislature to immediately begin bipartisan negotiations on a responsible compromise that protects essential public services.
“This veto gives us an opportunity to correct course,” Parkinson said. “These Republican budget cuts represent healthcare for a sick child, support for a person with a disability, treatment for someone in crisis, protection for an abused youth, and the police officers, firefighters, and corrections officers responsible for keeping our community safe.”
To expedite consideration of the revised proposal, the governor will convene the legislature into special session.
“Our responsibility is not simply to pass a budget,” the governor said. “It is to adopt one that protects public safety, healthcare child care and the services our families depend upon while preserving Guam’s long-term fiscal stability,” she said…. PACNEWS
NZ – WORKERS RIGHTS: PMN PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 05 Aug 2026
Pacific workers urged to know their rights in NZ after migrants pay $60,000 each for jobs
AUCKLAND, 05 AUGUST 2026 (PMN)–A case involving two migrant workers who each paid $60,000(US$35,267) to secure jobs in New Zealand has prompted fresh warnings for Pacific workers to know their rights and be alert to exploitation.
The Labour Inspectorate says no worker should ever have to pay for a job and is encouraging Pacific migrants to seek trusted advice before travelling to New Zealand or accepting employment.
Speaking on PMN’s Pacific Mornings, Labour Inspectorate Investigations Manager (Northern) Katriona Ikenasio said paying for a job is one of the clearest warning signs.
“No one should ever be expected to pay any money for a job either prior or during employment. So yes, it’s definitely a red flag,” she said.
Other warning signs include not receiving a written employment agreement, being paid less than agreed, working inconsistent hours, or not being paid for overtime.
Ikenasio urged Pacific workers to get information through official channels before making the move to New Zealand.
“It’s a big move, big obligations around what people are sacrificing; you want to ensure that you’re getting the right advice from the right places,” she said.
People can get advice through Employment New Zealand at employment.govt.nz or by calling the Employment NZ helpline on 0800 20 90 20, where interpreters are available in several Pacific languages.
The warning comes as researchers continue to highlight the higher risks Pacific migrants face.
Christina Stringer, Director of the Centre for Research on Modern Slavery at the University of Auckland Business School, told PMN News that Pacific workers have featured heavily in New Zealand’s most serious exploitation cases.
“To date, there have been five human trafficking and slavery trials in New Zealand. Three of those trials involved Pacific Islanders,” she said.
New Zealand has more than 20,750 places available under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme, with many Pacific workers employed across horticulture and other industries.
Ikenasio said Pacific workers are often employed in sectors where exploitation is more common.
“There are high-risk sectors such as retail, hospitality, primary industries, which include horticulture and manufacturing as well, and transport,” she said.
“And when we look at our Pacific people, we make up a large population that contributes to those sectors.”
Ikenasio also believes Pacific workers are less likely to report exploitation, making it even more important that they understand their rights before problems arise.
“Regardless of whether you’re a migrant or not, you should be afforded the same minimum entitlements and standards as everyone else,” she said.
Earlier this year, the Government committed $18 million (US$10.57 million) over four years to strengthen New Zealand’s response to migrant exploitation, boosting frontline teams and investigations.
Ikenasio said tackling exploitation requires agencies to work together.
“We collaborate with other agencies, so it’s not isolated just to the Labour Inspectorate. We work across the board with other regulatory partners to ensure that we are preventing and addressing the harm,” she said.
In April, Parliament passed the first reading of the Modern Slavery Bill, which aims to strengthen New Zealand’s legal response to modern slavery and labour exploitation.
Workers who believe they are being exploited are encouraged to contact Employment New Zealand for advice and support….PACNEWS
FIJI – FISHERIES: PACNEWS PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 05 Aug 2026
Fiji exempts most sea cucumber species from seasonal harvest ban
SUVA, 05 AUGUST 2026 (PACNEWS)—The Fiji Government has exempted most sea cucumber species from the seasonal harvesting ban that came into effect on 01 August, allowing fishers to continue harvesting non-protected species during the usual six-month closure.
The exemption is contained in Legal Notice No. 114, published in the Government Gazette Supplement on 01 August 2026 and signed by the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Alitia Bainivalu.
The amendment revises Schedule 2A of the Offshore Fisheries Management Regulations 2014 by inserting a new paragraph 8, which exempts most sea cucumber species from the seasonal closure that would normally run from 01 August 2026 to 31 January 2027.
However, the seasonal ban remains in force for six commercially valuable and vulnerable species:
* Black teatfish
* White teatfish
* Golden sandfish
* Amber fish
* Sandfish
* Prickly redfish
The Ministry of Fisheries said harvesting of exempted species must still comply with Regulation 25A of the Fisheries Regulations 1965 and all other applicable fisheries management measures.
The amendment provides greater harvesting opportunities for fishers targeting non-restricted sea cucumber species while maintaining protection for high-value species considered more vulnerable to over exploitation….PACNEWS
PNG – HOTEL INDUSTRY: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 05 Aug 2026
PNG hotel rebranded
PORT MORESBY, 05 AUGUST 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—The Stanley Hotel & Suites in Papua New Guinea has partnered with an industry giant in a rebranding aimed at hosting corporate, diplomatic, and large-scale events.
The hotel, owned by Dynasty Development Limited RH (PNG) Group, will now be managed by the Marriott’s Sheraton brand.
Dynasty Development Ltd RH (PNG) Group managing director James Lau said bringing a global standard of luxury to the city required world-class partnerships.
“Through a capital investment exceeding K90 million, Dynasty Development has transformed this property,” he said during the soft launch of the Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel & Suites in Port Moresby.
On why the Sheraton was chosen, Lau told The National: “The Stanley Hotel & Suites partnered specifically with Marriott’s Sheraton brand because it is an internationally trusted name for corporate, diplomatic, and large-scale event travel, perfectly fitting the hotel’s guest rooms and PNG’s largest conferencing facilities.
“The deal came about through mutual alignment: the owners (Dynasty Development/Rimbunan Hijau PNG Group) sought a top-tier global operator to elevate the property, while Marriott was actively looking to expand into Papua New Guinea by converting established, high-performing hotels.
“By rebranding to the Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel & Suites, the hotel expects to boost revenue, tap into more than 200 million Marriott Bonvoy loyalty members, elevate its corporate pricing power, and deliver world-class operational and service standards.
“As a rule of thumb for major hotel conversions, properties typically reach fully stabilised brand performance and occupancy within 12 to 18 months.”
National Capital District (NCD) Governor Powes Parkop praised stakeholders involved in the rebranding, saying “it will be a strong selling point for the partners and the nation”.
He assured the Government of the NCD’s commitment in ensuring a conducive environment for investments.
Marriot International Australia New Zealand and Pacific vice-president (development) Richard Crawford said it took two years to negotiate the partnership deal.
“RH continues to own the business, but throwing us (Marriot) the keys and they’re saying, ‘Marriot please run this asset for us now and give us the profit every month which we will’,” Crawford said.
Lau said: “On behalf of Dynasty Development Limited, it is an honour to stand before you today (yesterday) as we mark this historic milestone: the soft launch and operational preview of the Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel & Suites.
“When we first opened our doors at The Stanley Hotel & Suites in 2016, our vision was simple — to offer a premier hospitality gateway to PNG.
“Over the years, this property has welcomed world leaders, international dignitaries, and business leaders, and hosted celebrations that have become part of our city’s story.
“But growth demands vision, and world-class ambitions require world-class partnerships.
“This is why we choose to partner with Marriott International to bring the iconic Sheraton brand to Port Moresby.
“We have upgraded our hotel and suites, refined our dining and wellness offerings, and enhanced our 2,500-square-metre conference facilities — the largest in the country — all designed to elevate Port Moresby as a leading regional hub for commerce, tourist, and diplomacy.
“This is a statement of our belief that PNG deserves hospitality infrastructure that meets international standards and supports the country’s growth. More importantly, this investment is a vote of confidence in PNG’s future.
“Through our partnership with Marriott International, we are empowering hundreds of Papua New Guineans with world-class hospitality training and career pathways, while preserving the genuine warmth and hospitality that define this country.
“To Marriott International: thank you for your trust, your partnership, and your collaboration.”
Prime Minister James Marape is expected to officiate at the grand opening in October……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 health and sanitation statistics capacity across Asia and the Pacific
MANILA/CHIBA, 05 AUGUST 2026 (SPREP)—The WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific supported a two-day training module on Health and Sanitation Statistics on 27–28 July 2026 at the Statistical Institute for Asia and the Pacific (SIAP) in Chiba, Japan.
The module formed part of the SIAP–Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) course on Theory and Practices in Official Statistics for Monitoring Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Nine national statistical officers from Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Egypt, Kiribati, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Madagascar, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and Tonga participated in the training.
National statistical offices play a central role in monitoring progress towards the SDGs. However, health and sanitation indicators present unique methodological challenges. Recent revisions to the universal health coverage (UHC) and financial protection indicators, often misunderstood definitions of water and sanitation service levels, and the complexity of excess mortality estimation all require strong statistical capacity and clear understanding of the underlying methods.
The training aimed to strengthen participants’ ability not only to produce key health and sanitation indicators, but also to interpret, communicate and justify the methods used to generate them.
The first day focused on indicator measurement. Participants worked through the updated 2025 methodological revisions of the UHC Service Coverage Index (SDG indicator 3.8.1) and catastrophic health spending (SDG indicator 3.8.2), and drinking water and sanitation service ladders (SDG indicators 6.1 and 6.2). Practical exercises guided participants through the calculation of each indicator before using AI-assisted tools to verify results.
On the second day, participants learned to access indicator data directly from the WHO Global Health Observatory and the United Nations SDG database using open-source R packages developed by the Regional Office. They also examined excess mortality estimation and the International Health Regulations (2005) State Party Self-Assessment Annual Reporting (SPAR) tool, which provide complementary perspectives on the impact of public health events and countries’ preparedness capacities.
As a final exercise, participants developed their own dashboards to visualize and communicate health and sanitation indicators.
Key elements of the training included:
*Methodological revisions to SDG indicators 3.8.1 and 3.8.2 require that reported figures always specify which version was used, as pre- and post-revision values are not comparable.
*National averages can mask substantial inequalities, highlighting the importance of disaggregated analyses, including by urban and rural population groups.
*Excess mortality estimates are sensitive to methodological choices, underscoring the need for transparent reporting of assumptions and methods.
*AI tools can accelerate statistical production, but responsibility for validation, methodological decisions and interpretation remains with human analysts.
Participant engagement was particularly strong during the AI-focused sessions, with several participants configuring AI-assisted coding environments during the course. The Regional Office will continue supporting Member States in strengthening the production, analysis and communication of official health statistics to advance evidence-informed decision-making and SDG monitoring.
The training was delivered in partnership with SIAP and JICA….PACNEWS
