In this bulletin:
1. PACIFIC — Pacific group urges public submissions on U.S-backed deep-sea exploration proposal
2. A/SAMOA — Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa passes resolution opposing deep-sea mining
3. SOL — U.S rejects sovereignty fears over Solomons Shiprider deal
4. SOL — Solomon Islands Opposition urges government to table Ship Rider agreement for Parliamentary scrutiny
5. UN — Climate alarm ‘blaring from every direction’
6. VAN — Vanuatu and Timor-Leste sign Visa waiver agreement
7. TONGA — Take The Lead Tonga joins global alliance to strengthen Pacific climate leadership
8. TONGA — Ha’apai health leader honoured among global hepatitis elimination champions
9. PNG — Papua New Guinea returns to Pitch Black
10. NZ — Winston Peters launches tirade against Chinese-Kiwi Green MP
11. PACNEWS BIZ — Vanuatu and Tonga strengthen implementation of IMO instruments
12. PACNEWS BIZ — Fiji champions regional digital connectivity at Pacific Fibre Conference 2026
13. PACNEWS BIZ — Samoa Airways plane veers off runway at Fitiuta Airport
14. PACNEWS BIZ — Nearly one in three Pacific children living in hardship as experts call for urgent action in NZ
15. PACNEWS BIZ — Poor government records continue to hurt Pasifika, Chief Archivist warns
16. PACNEWS DIGEST — “Climate change has many stories”: Fiji’s students are learning to tell them through data
17. PACNEWS SPORT — ‘Mission accomplished’: Eileen Cikamatana tears flow as Aussie wins gold
PAC – DEEP SEA MINING: PACNEWS PACNEWS 3: Thu 30 Jul 2026
Pacific group urges public submissions on U.S-backed deep-sea exploration proposal
By Sanjeshni Kumar
SUVA, 30 JULY 2026 (PACNEWS)—A proposal to explore for deep-sea minerals in international waters between Kiribati, the Cook Islands and French Polynesia is open for public comment until 03 August, raising questions about how the Pacific Ocean should be managed while international rules for deep-sea mining remain under negotiation.
The application, lodged by a United States company, seeks exploration licences for the Eastern High Seas Pocket, an area beyond national jurisdiction in the Pacific Ocean.
According to the Pacific Islands Climate Action Network (PICAN), the application is being considered through a United States domestic licensing process while governments continue negotiating international regulations for deep-sea mining through the International Seabed Authority (ISA), which has yet to finalise rules for commercial mining in international waters.
In response, PICAN has launched its “Speak Up for Our Shared Ocean” campaign, encouraging people across the Pacific and beyond to make submissions before the consultation closes.
In a Facebook post accompanying the campaign, PICAN Strategic Communications Lead, Dylan Kava questioned the United States’ decision to pursue a unilateral licensing process.
“The Pacific Ocean is one connected ecosystem. Ocean currents don’t stop at jurisdictional boundaries, tuna don’t stop at jurisdictional boundaries, and the potential impacts of deep-sea mining won’t either,” Kava said.
He said activities with potential transboundary impacts should be guided by the precautionary principle and decided through transparent, science-based and multilateral processes.
“The U.S has now opened a public comment period before deciding whether to approve the application, and that means people around the world, including those of us in the Pacific, have an opportunity to respond,” he said.
While PICAN’s campaign centres on public participation, marine scientists say understanding the deep ocean remains one of the biggest challenges for managing its biodiversity.
Speaking at a seminar on deep-sea taxonomy and biodiversity at the University of the South Pacific (USP), research scientist Dr Tammy Horton said monitoring biodiversity was essential for understanding how human activities affect the deep ocean.
“We need to be able to assess the damage, we need to be able to monitor change in biodiversity as a result of these impacts, and we need to be able to monitor marine protected areas and monitor change in the deep sea,” Horton said.
She said researchers study deep-sea communities over time to distinguish natural changes from those caused by human activities and to understand the effects of disturbances, including sediment plumes generated by seabed equipment.
Horton described the deep sea as “one of Earth’s least understood ecosystems”, highlighting the challenge scientists face in documenting marine life before assessing environmental change.
She said research in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, a vast region of the Pacific that has attracted significant interest for deep-sea mineral exploration, estimated there were between 6,000 and 8,000 species, with more than 5,000 remaining unnamed.
“We want to be able to manage this area. We want to be able to say how those impacts are happening. If we can’t name them, we can’t compare the datasets,” she said.
Natural History Museum researcher Dr Muriel Rabone said improving scientific knowledge of deep-sea ecosystems was fundamental to informed ocean governance.
“We need to iteratively improve knowledge of these deep-sea environments… understanding that ecology and species ranges leads us to better understand what impacts may be of human activities on the seafloor or in the water column,” Rabone said.
She said developing stronger knowledge systems was essential to supporting future policy decisions.
“For effective ocean policy, we really need to develop these knowledge systems and then put them into the process.”
PICAN says anyone can participate in the consultation regardless of where they live and that submissions do not need to be technical. The organisation has published a guide and submission template to help people prepare submissions before the consultation closes.
Public submissions will form part of the official record considered before a decision is made on the exploration licence application….PACNEWS
A/SAMOA – DEEP SEA MINING: TALANEI NEWS PACNEWS 3: Thu 30 Jul 2026
Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa passes resolution opposing deep-sea mining
PAGOPAGO, 30 JULY 2026 (TALANEI NEWS)—The Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa, the largest church denomination in the territory, has formally declared its strong opposition to deep-sea mining within or near American Samoa’s territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
On the last day of 36th General Assembly of the church held at Kananafou last week, over 600 delegates representing more than 120 congregations from American Samoa, the United States, New Zealand and Australia adopted and ratified a resolution making known the church’s position on the issue.
The delegates affirmed that the ocean—central to Samoan identity, livelihood, and spirituality—is a sacred trust that must be protected from irreversible harm.
In its resolution, the Assembly emphasised:
*Theological stewardship: Creation belongs to God, and humanity bears a sacred responsibility to protect it.
*Ecological and cultural risk: Seabed mining poses significant threats to marine biodiversity, fisheries, and the cultural heritage of Pacific peoples.
*Scientific uncertainty: With long‑term impacts still unknown, the precautionary principle must guide decision‑making.
*Environmental justice: Pacific churches and Indigenous communities have raised urgent concerns about the disproportionate risks posed to ocean‑dependent cultures.
*Intergenerational justice: Ensure that the decisions we make today do not deprive future generations of the health, resources, and beauty of God’s creation. Deep-sea mining threatens that justice by risking long-term, potentially irreversible damage to ocean ecosystems that future Pacific peoples will depend on for identity, livelihood, and survival.
The CCCAS resolution urges:
• The American Samoa Government to enact protective legislation and policies restricting seabed mining until independent scientific research proves it safe.
• The United States Government, including the Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), to deny permits or authorizations for seabed mining that may impact American Samoa or the Pacific region.
• Ecumenical and regional collaboration to safeguard ocean ecosystems and uphold the rights of Pacific peoples.
• Churchwide education on environmental stewardship, climate justice, and the theological foundations of creation care.
The CCCAS affirmed its ongoing commitment to prayer, discernment, and prophetic witness in defense of God’s creation. Protecting the ocean, the Assembly declared, is an act of faithfulness to God and love for future generations.
The resolution will be transmitted to the American Samoa Government, the U.S Federal Government, ecumenical partners, and international bodies engaged in ocean governance….PACNEWS
SOL – DIPLOMACY: INDEPTH SOLOMONS PACNEWS 3: Thu 30 Jul 2026
U.S rejects sovereignty fears over Solomons Shiprider deal
HONIARA, 30 JULY 2026 (INDEPTH SOLOMONS)—The United States has insisted its newly signed Shiprider Agreement with Solomon Islands is designed to strengthen, not undermine, the country’s sovereignty.
And it says the arrangement leaves all law enforcement powers firmly in the hands of Solomon Islands authorities.
Speaking after the agreement was signed in Honiara on Tuesday, U.S Chargé d’Affaires P. Daniel O’Hara said the landmark accord was built on mutual benefit and respect for Solomon Islands’ sovereignty.
“This agreement is about mutual benefit,” O’Hara said.
“It allows Solomon Islands law enforcement officers to embark on U.S. Coast Guard vessels, including cutters like the Harriet Lane,” he added.
“Your officers will enforce your own laws in your own waters.
“You decide which vessels to investigate.
“You determine the violations.
“You set the penalties.
“This is Solomon Islands sovereignty, backed by American capability.”
O’hara said the partnership would strengthen both countries’ ability to combat illegal fishing, transnational crime and narcotics trafficking, describing them as threats to Solomon Islands’ economic security and the integrity of its Exclusive Economic Zone.
“Together, we are far better positioned to counter illegal fishing, transnational crime and narcotics trafficking.
“These threats endanger your economic security and the integrity of your Exclusive Economic Zone,” he said.
The agreement establishes a legal framework allowing authorised Solomon Islands law enforcement officers to embark on designated U.S Coast Guard vessels to conduct joint maritime surveillance and law enforcement operations within Solomon Islands’ maritime jurisdiction.
The visit by the U.S Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane forms part of Operation Blue Pacific, a multi-mission deployment aimed at promoting maritime security, regional stability and cooperation across the Pacific.
The Shiprider Agreement was signed amid criticisms from Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare, who argued the arrangement could compromise the country’s sovereignty.
Sogavare previously signed a highly controversial secretive security agreement with China that has alarmed the Western world.
The United States has rejected Sogavare’s concerns, maintaining that the agreement reinforces Solomon Islands’ authority by providing additional operational capability while leaving all law enforcement powers under Solomon Islands’ control.
Meanwhile, the maritime security agreement Solomon Islands signed with the United States on Tuesday will be made publicly available, Government says.
“The document contains no non-disclosure provisions preventing either country from releasing its contents,” a statement the Government issued said.
The Prime Minister’s Office further clarified Cabinet approved the Shiprider Agreement more than a month ago through the normal government process, and dismissed suggestions that the agreement was being withheld from public scrutiny.
It added the agreement would soon be released for public access…..PACNEWS
SOL – POLITICS: PACNEWS PACNEWS 3: Thu 30 Jul 2026
Solomon Islands Opposition urges government to table Ship Rider agreement for Parliamentary scrutiny
HONIARA, 30 JULY 2026 (PACNEWS)— Solomon Islands’ Independent Group in Parliament has called on Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s government to table the Ship Rider Agreement in Parliament, saying it should be the first test of the government’s commitment to strengthen oversight of security treaties.
The call follows the Prime Minister’s announcement after his official visits to Australia and New Zealand that the government intends to review existing security treaties and arrangements and ensure future security agreements are brought before Parliament for scrutiny before ratification.
The Independent Group welcomed the commitment, saying agreements affecting Solomon Islands’ sovereignty, national security and international obligations should be subject to parliamentary oversight rather than being decided solely by the executive.
“The Prime Minister now has an immediate opportunity to demonstrate that this commitment is genuine by tabling the Ship Rider Agreement before Parliament.”
The group said the government should “walk the talk” by referring the agreement to Parliament for debate and detailed examination.
It reiterated its opposition to the way the Ship Rider Agreement was concluded, saying it was signed without adequate due diligence, meaningful public consultation or parliamentary oversight.
The group said Parliament was not given the opportunity to examine the agreement, seek independent legal advice or determine whether it was consistent with Solomon Islands’ Constitution, domestic legislation and international obligations.
It argued that matters involving national sovereignty require “rigorous scrutiny, informed public debate and parliamentary oversight—not executive action alone.”
The Independent Group also raised concerns that the United States is not a party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), while Solomon Islands has accepted the rights and obligations under the convention.
It said Parliament should examine whether the Ship Rider Agreement is fully compatible with Solomon Islands’ obligations under UNCLOS and whether any provisions could create legal, operational or sovereignty concerns.
The group stressed it was not opposed to international cooperation.
“Solomon Islands benefits from partnerships aimed at combating illegal fishing, transnational crime, drug trafficking and other maritime security threats. However, international cooperation must always be undertaken in a manner that safeguards our sovereignty, respects our constitutional processes and remains fully consistent with international law.”
The Independent Group called on the government to immediately table the Ship Rider Agreement at the next sitting of Parliament, refer it to the Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee for a detailed inquiry and public hearings, publish the legal, constitutional and policy assessments that informed its signing, examine its consistency with UNCLOS and other international commitments, and introduce reforms requiring parliamentary approval for treaties affecting national security, sovereignty or significant international obligations.
The Leader of the Independent and Member of Parliament for Central Guadalcanal, Peter Shanel Agovaka said the government’s commitment must now be matched by action.
“We welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to strengthen parliamentary oversight of security treaties. That commitment must now be matched by action. The Ship Rider Agreement should be the first agreement brought before Parliament.”
“The issue is not whether Solomon Islands should cooperate with its international partners. The issue is whether agreements affecting our sovereignty are subjected to proper legal scrutiny, constitutional processes and parliamentary oversight before they bind our nation.”
“Transparency and accountability are demonstrated through actions, not speeches. If the Government truly believes in good governance, then it must walk the talk by allowing Parliament to scrutinise the Ship Rider Agreement,” he said.
The Independent Group said it stands ready to work with the government and Members of Parliament to establish a permanent parliamentary treaty scrutiny framework to strengthen democratic accountability, protect Solomon Islands’ sovereignty and ensure international agreements have the confidence of Parliament and the public….PACNEWS
UN – DIPLOMACY: UN NEWS CENTRE PACNEWS 3: Thu 30 Jul 2026
Climate alarm ‘blaring from every direction’
BONN, 30 JULY 2026 (UN NEWS CENTRE)—Climate-driven disasters are reaching “nightmare proportions” due to humanity’s “addiction” to fossil fuels, a top UN official warned on Tuesday.
“The climate alarm is blaring from every direction,” said UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell in a statement.
“With the mercury set to soar again this week, the awful costs of this climate crisis – both human and economic – are now reaching national emergency levels.”
Over 250,000 hectares of land in Europe has burned, with 1,254 fires detected since the start of 2026.
Record-breaking wildfires are tearing through France, Spain and other parts of Europe, forcing mass evacuations and hammering regional and national economies, follow brutal heatwaves that have dried out landscapes.
In North Africa, temperatures are approaching 49°C, putting lives and livelihoods in grave jeopardy, and putting hospitals and power systems under severe strain.
In Chile, deadly storms have destroyed homes and lives.
In Japan, records are tumbling as temperatures soar, now reaching the longest 40°C heat streak ever recorded.
Stiell said these “spiralling disasters” are now the lived reality for billions in a world getting rapidly hotter as humanity moves too slowly from fossil fuels to clean energy – and fails to sufficiently protect forests.
The science on the cause is unequivocal, he explained, emphasising that global heating, driven by humanity burning “colossal amounts” of coal, oil and gas, is making protracted heatwaves, severe floods and violent mega-storms more frequent, more intense and more costly.
“What needs to be done is equally clear: leave coal, oil and gas behind faster, scale up renewables and protect people where the impacts are already hitting hardest,” Stiell said.
Many vulnerable countries on the frontlines need support to move at the speed and scale necessary, to avert disaster.
In 2023, dangerous smoke from Canadian wildfires wafted across the northeastern United States and then across the Atlantic Ocean, causing health threats while demonstrating their far reach.
This summer, Canada’s wildfires have again cast a pall of orange smoke pollution across the skies of New York state, leading to air quality warnings across the region.
Indeed, smoke from wildfires can travel thousands of kilometres, crossing borders, oceans and continents. Understanding where it will go next has become an increasingly important scientific challenge, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has reported.
Understanding and addressing the threat wildfire smoke poses is paramount. Advance warning is important so governments and communities can implement timely protective measures.
WMO said that reliable monitoring, forecasting, cross-border data sharing and early warnings are critical to protect lives, livelihoods and ecosystems.
Through the Early Warnings for All initiative, WMO is advancing these efforts by promoting standardised frameworks, enhancing interoperability and fostering international collaboration on fire weather services….PACNEWS
VAN – DIPLOMACY: VBTC PACNEWS 3: Thu 30 Jul 2026
Vanuatu and Timor-Leste sign Visa waiver agreement
PORT VILA, 30 JULY 2026 (VBTC)—Vanuatu and Timor-Leste have strengthened their bilateral relationship with the signing of a Development Cooperation Agreement and a Visa Waiver Arrangement during a ceremony in Port Vila.
The agreements were signed in the presence of Prime Minister Jotham Napat and President Dr José Ramos-Horta, who is leading a Timor-Leste delegation to Vanuatu for the country’s 46th Independence celebrations.
Vanuatu’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Trade, Marc Ati, signed on behalf of the Government of Vanuatu, while Timor-Leste’s Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Jesuina Maria Ferreira Gomes, signed on behalf of her government.
The Development Cooperation Agreement establishes a formal framework for collaboration between the two countries, recognising a relationship that dates back to Vanuatu’s support for the Timorese people’s struggle for self-determination before Timor-Leste gained independence in 2002.
Under the agreement, both countries will strengthen cooperation in key areas including trade, education, health, agriculture, climate resilience and people-to-people exchanges. It also reaffirms their shared commitment to South-South cooperation and stronger partnerships between Pacific and Southeast Asian nations.
The two governments also signed a Visa Waiver Arrangement for holders of official and diplomatic passports, making official travel easier and supporting closer government cooperation and technical exchanges.
Prime Minister Napat and President Ramos-Horta welcomed the agreements as an important milestone reflecting the two countries’ shared history, common values and commitment to regional development.
The Government of Vanuatu said it remains committed to strengthening partnerships across the Pacific and beyond….PACNEWS
TONGA – CLIMATE CHANGE: TALANOAOTONGA PACNEWS 3: Thu 30 Jul 2026
Take The Lead Tonga joins global alliance to strengthen Pacific climate leadership
NUKU’ALOFA, 30 JULY 2026 (TALANOAOTONGA)—Take The Lead Tonga has joined the Blue Planet Alliance, marking a new partnership aimed at strengthening Pacific leadership on climate change and expanding opportunities for young people to help drive the transition to renewable energy.
The agreement was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in Nuku’alofa between Take The Lead Tonga Founder and Chief Executive Elizabeth Kite and Blue Planet Alliance Founder and Chief Executive Henk Rogers.
The alliance, established in 2020, works with governments, organisations and island communities to promote a transition to 100 percent renewable energy by 2045.
Kite said the partnership would help ensure Pacific voices play a leading role in global climate discussions rather than simply being represented.
She said emerging leaders from the region would gain greater access to international expertise, partnerships and opportunities to advance renewable energy and climate action.
Following the signing, Take The Lead Tonga hosted its first TTL Leaders Talanoa of the year, featuring Rogers under the theme Game Changers: Building a Sustainable Blue Pacific One Piece at a Time.
The discussion brought together emerging Tongan climate leaders and members of the Take The Lead Oceania–Arctic Alliance Climate Leaders Cohort from 10 Pacific Island countries.
The event also recognised ‘Isitolo Siale, who was nominated by Take The Lead Tonga as a Blue Planet Alliance Global Youth Ambassador. Rogers acknowledged the nomination, highlighting the contribution young Pacific leaders can make to climate advocacy.
Climate change remains one of the Pacific’s most pressing challenges, with Tonga continuing efforts to strengthen renewable energy and resilience through national and international partnerships.
The new alliance is expected to create further leadership and collaboration opportunities for Pacific youth while supporting broader regional climate goals….PACNEWS
TONGA – HEALTH: TALANOAOTONGA PACNEWS 3: Thu 30 Jul 2026
Ha’apai health leader honoured among global hepatitis elimination champions
NUKU’ALOFA, 30 JULY 2026 (TALANOAOTONGA)—A senior Tongan public health specialist has been recognised on the international stage for his contribution to the fight against viral hepatitis, with Dr Siale ‘Ataonga Hausia named one of the Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination’s 2026 Elimination Champions.
The award acknowledges individuals whose leadership has accelerated efforts to eliminate hepatitis as a public health threat, particularly in resource-limited settings.
The Coalition announced the 2026 recipients last week as part of its annual recognition programme, highlighting leaders whose work has strengthened national policies, expanded access to testing and treatment, and advanced progress towards the World Health Organisation’s goal of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030.
The recognition highlights Dr Hausia’s commitment to expanding hepatitis B prevention, testing and treatment access in the Kingdom of Tonga, including some of the country’s most remote island communities.
Serving as Officer in Charge of Princess Fusipala Hospital in Pangai, Ha’apai, Dr Hausia has travelled by fishing boat for hours to deliver healthcare services across the Ha’apai island group.
His work reflects the challenges faced by Pacific health professionals working to provide equitable care across widely scattered island communities.
Dr Hausia said his commitment to hepatitis elimination was shaped by seeing the impact of the disease on people close to him.
“I had witnessed family members, friends and colleagues who passed away from Hepatitis B leaving behind their families and loved ones as they were not aware or not on treatment,” he said.
Through partnerships with HepB Free and Global Health New Zealand, Dr Hausia has led a door-to-door hepatitis B screening campaign that reached more than 4,000 people. The programme identified more than 160 people living with hepatitis B and connected them with further diagnostic assessment, ongoing monitoring and treatment.
Dr Hausia said people living with hepatitis B in Tonga should seek testing and care.
“Be Ha’apai, a.k.a. Be happy, there is still hope for you,” he said. “Get tested as we have treatment protocols for you in place.”
The global recognition comes as countries work towards the World Health Organisation’s goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. For Tonga, Dr Hausia’s work demonstrates the importance of community-based approaches in reaching vulnerable populations.
The honour comes as Tonga continues to advocate for stronger international cooperation on health. At the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva earlier this year, Tongan representatives emphasised the need for equitable financing, resilient health systems and regional collaboration to meet emerging public health challenges.
According to the World Health Organisation, viral hepatitis remains a major global health challenge, with hundreds of millions of people living with chronic hepatitis B or C worldwide.
Global health leaders say sustained political commitment, expanded testing and access to effective treatment will be essential if countries are to achieve elimination targets by the end of the decade….PACNEWS
PNG – DEFENCE: ADF PACNEWS 3: Thu 30 Jul 2026
Papua New Guinea returns to Pitch Black
PORT MORESBY, 30 JULY 2026 (ADF)—The Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) has returned to Exercise Pitch Black with the PAC-750 delivering tactical airlift in the Royal Australian Air Force’s premier international air combat activity.
Participating for the second time, the PNGDF has deployed a dedicated team of aircrew and support personnel, building stronger regional ties through one of the largest and most complex air combat exercises in the Indo-Pacific.
The deployment has enabled PNGDF personnel to engage more broadly across the exercise, working alongside counterparts from 20 participating nations both in the air and on the ground, and providing a vital airbridge across the exercise.
Through these interactions, the contingent is enhancing its understanding of multinational operations while fostering the professional relationships that contribute to regional security and cooperation.
Lieutenant Colonel Doug Vavar, Commanding Officer of the PNGDF Air Transport Wing, said he was eager to be a part of the exercise and emphasised that integration remains his key focus.
“When we first participated in 2024, our contingent consisted of aircrew and maintainers,” Lieutenant Colonel Vavar said.
“This year we have brought additional support staff who will help strengthen our integration with partner nations throughout Pitch Black 2026.”
The PNGDF has deployed two PAC-750 aircraft, versatile single-engine platforms that fill a niche transportation role within the exercise.
Renowned for their ability to operate in challenging and remote environments, the aircraft support the movement of personnel and equipment, providing a unique capability among the diverse range of aircraft taking part in Exercise Pitch Black.
“The PAC-750 gives us the ability to conduct short take-offs and landings, allowing us to deliver aid and support to communities and provinces that may otherwise be difficult to access,” Lieutenant Colonel Vavar said.
The exercise has also enabled closer collaboration between the PNGDF and RAAF personnel, with members working side by side across flying, maintenance and operational roles.
These opportunities allow both forces to share expertise, develop a deeper understanding of each other’s capabilities and strengthen the enduring partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia…PACNEWS
NZ – POLITICS: STUFF NZ PACNEWS 3: Thu 30 Jul 2026
Winston Peters launches tirade against Chinese-Kiwi Green MP
WELLINGTON, 30 JULY 2026 (STUFF NZ)–New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has launched a tirade against Green MP Lawrence Xu-Nan in the House, telling him to “go back to your own country”.
Xu-Nan was born in Tianjin, China, but has lived in New Zealand since 1994. He faced a barrage of insults from Peters on Wednesday, after heckling during a fiery speech from Peters.
Peters was making claims about the previous Government’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, when Xu-Nan interjected.
Peters replied, “No, I’m not making it up, sunshine. Go back to your own country. You only came here just five minutes ago. Go back to your own country, that’s where they lie like a flat fish. But they don’t lie like that here, alright, this is what we call democracy.”
He said that, given Xu-Nan was born in China, he would have limited understanding of democracy.
“This is called democracy, unlike what you’re used to. So go back to where you come from, you loud mouth, and maybe you’ll learn something about the politics of New Zealand in time before you go screaming out of here in three months time,” Peters said.
Green co-leader Marama Davidson said Peters’ comments were a “distraction”.
“The Green Party will not be distracted from the real issues facing Aotearoa. Targeting migrants is a desperate attempt to cover over the facts – under this Government the super-rich pay less than half the tax rate of working people, while more than one in seven children live in poverty,” she said.
Speaking to reporters on his way out of the House, Peters said he stood by those comments.
He said it was justified, and called Xu-Nan “an arrogant twit”.
“He’s only been here for five minutes and can’t even speak the language properly. And he thinks he knows everything. That’s incredible. And he’s notorious around this place for wasting Parliament’s time, with question after question after question of no value to the debate at all, just filling in time. That’s what I think about that,” Peters said.
Since starting as an MP, he has become one of the most regular contributors in the debating chamber.
Analysis from The Post found he had spoken in the House more than any other MP during the term so far, even though he came into Parliament in 2024.
The first-term Green MP has spoken four times more than the average MP during debates….PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
PAC – SHIPPING: IMO PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 30 Jul 2026
Vanuatu and Tonga strengthen implementation of IMO instruments
PORT VILA/NUKU’ALOFA, 30 JULY 2026 (IMO)—Vanuatu and Tonga have taken significant steps to strengthen maritime legislation and advance the implementation of IMSAS corrective actions through a series of national workshops and practical exercises delivered under the IMO–Republic of Korea SMART-C Leaders Project.
National workshops on flag State implementation took place in Nuku’alofa, Tonga (07–10 July) and Port Vila, Vanuatu (13–16 July).
Participants reviewed national legislation related to key IMO conventions, including SOLAS in Tonga and MARPOL in Vanuatu, and discussed practical measures to strengthen implementation, administrative arrangements and institutional coordination.
Both countries established national legislative drafting working groups. Supported by the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI), the national working groups will take forward the review and drafting of national maritime legislation, helping countries translate workshop outcomes into legislative reforms that support the effective implementation of IMO instruments.
Workshops on coastal State responsibilities in Nuku’alofa (13-15 July) and Port Vila (8 -10 July) focused on coastal State responsibilities, covering safety of navigation and marine pollution preparedness and response.
Through the national coordination mechanisms established to support the implementation of IMSAS corrective actions, participants identified priority actions, clarified institutional responsibilities and developed practical roadmaps.
The work was supported by a set of needs assessment toolkits developed under the Project, which could also support similar capacity-building activities for other Pacific SIDS.
Practical oil spill preparedness and response exercises were also carried out in Tanna and Port Vila (Vanuatu), and Nuku’alofa and Vava’u (Tonga).
The exercises enabled responders to test emergency procedures, strengthen coordination between agencies and identify opportunities to improve operational readiness.
Funded by the Republic of Korea, the SMART-C Leaders Project aims to strengthen the capacities of Pacific SIDS – with Tonga and Vanuatu as lead partner countries – in the implementation of the IMO instruments.
The Project helps countries strengthen capacity to fulfil their flag State, port State and coastal State responsibilities, as well as to implement Corrective Action Plan (CAP) under the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS). ..PACNEWS
PAC – ICT MEET: FIJI GOVT PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 30 Jul 2026
Fiji champions regional digital connectivity at Pacific Fibre Conference 2026
NADI, 30 JULY 2026 (FIJI GOVT)—Fiji has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing digital connectivity, cybersecurity and regional collaboration as leaders from across the Pacific gathered for the Pacific Fibre Conference 2026 in Nadi.
Hosted by Telecom Fiji Limited in partnership with the Fiber Network Council Asia Pacific (FNCAP) and the Pacific Islands Telecommunications Association (PITA), the conference brings together governments, telecommunications operators, regulators, technology providers, investors and development partners to discuss the future of digital infrastructure across the Pacific.
Held under the theme “Pacific Connected: Foundations for the AI Era,” the two-day conference focuses on strengthening fibre connectivity, expanding resilient digital infrastructure, enhancing cybersecurity and preparing Pacific Island countries to harness emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
It also provides a platform to strengthen regional partnerships and encourage investment in the digital infrastructure needed to support economic growth and improve essential services.
Minister for Policing and Communications Ioane Naivalurua reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building a digitally connected, secure and resilient Fiji through continued investment in digital transformation, telecommunications infrastructure and cybersecurity.
The Minister highlighted key Government initiatives, including the expansion of the Universal Service Scheme to connect more rural, maritime and remote communities, the review of the Telecommunications Act 2008, implementation of the National Cybersecurity and Resilience Strategy, and investments in digital technologies that strengthen public safety and support law enforcement.
He also reflected on the recent Pacific ICT Ministers Meeting in Papua New Guinea, where Ministers endorsed the Digital and AI Technology Principles, a regional framework that will guide the safe, ethical and culturally appropriate use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence across the Pacific.
The Minister said no country can achieve digital transformation alone and reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to working alongside regional governments, industry leaders and development partners to build a more connected, resilient and secure Pacific.
The Pacific Fibre Conference continues tomorrow with technical discussions, industry showcases and collaborative dialogue aimed at shaping the future of digital connectivity and resilient infrastructure across the region….PACNEWS
SAMOA – AIRLINE: TALANEI NEWS PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 30 Jul 2026
Samoa Airways plane veers off runway at Fitiuta Airport
APIA, 30 JULY 2026 (TALANEI NEWS)—The Samoa Airways aircraft that veered off the runway while landing at Fitiuta Airport Tuesday morning was operating a charter flight.
This is according to a statement from Samoa Airways.
It said initial reports indicate the aircraft encountered strong crosswinds during final approach and landing.
The aircraft was identified as 5W-FAY, which is the Twin Otter that was just returned to service after undergoing a multi million dollar refurbishment and overhaul in Canada.
There were five people on board, two pilots and three passengers, one of whom was a Samoa Airways staff member. The airline also confirmed that one of the passengers sustained a leg injury and is receiving medical treatment at Fitiuta Clinic. No other injuries were reported.
Samoa Airways commends the crew for their professionalism and actions prioritising the safety of everyone on board. It said the circumstances surrounding the incident are being assessed in line with standard aviation procedures.
“The airline has activated its emergency response procedures and is working with aviation authorities. airport officials and emergency services to support the investigation and provide assistance,” said the statement. ”
The safety and wellbeing of passenger, crew and the communities we serve remain Samoa Airways’ highest priority.”…..PACNEWS
NZ – CHILDREN HARDSHIP: PMN PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 30 Jul 2026
Nearly one in three Pacific children living in hardship as experts call for urgent action in NZ
WELLINGTON, 30 JULY 2026 (PMN)—Nearly one in three Pacific children are living in material hardship in Aotearoa New Zealand, according to new Government figures, prompting calls for urgent action to tackle child poverty.
The Ministry of Social Development’s latest Child Poverty in New Zealand report shows 13 percent of all children – about 170,000 – are living in material hardship, up from 11 percent three years ago.
For Pacific children, the rate is far higher, at almost one in three.
Speaking on Pacific Mornings, outgoing Children’s Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad described the findings as a “national shame” and urged political parties to work together on a long-term plan to reduce child poverty.
Last week, Achmad wrote an open letter calling for a cross-party accord to tackle the issue.
“47,500 more children are now living in material hardship,” she said. “That is a whole other Eden Park’s worth, almost, of New Zealand children who are going without these absolute basics. And that is completely inexcusable.”
Achmad said rising unemployment, the cost of living and a lack of affordable housing were driving more families into hardship.
Pacific dietician Mafi Funaki-Tahifote from the Health Coalition Aotearoa, said the report reflects what many Pacific families are already experiencing.
“Pacific families are having children having to go to bed hungry, they’re having to attend school hungry.
“These are statistics that are unacceptable in a developed country like Aotearoa, New Zealand,” she said.
Dr Kelly Garton, a food policy expert, said the latest figures showed New Zealand was moving in the wrong direction.
“There’s [been] a statistically significant increase since 2023 when the coalition government came into office. So this tells me really that it’s clear we’re not going in the right direction as a country,” she said.
Garton and Tahifote are calling for long-term support for Ka Ora, Ka Ako healthy school lunches programme, saying it helps improve children’s health, learning and future opportunities.
“Kids who receive free healthy school meals, they stay in school for longer and they’re healthier and more successful in the long run,” Garton said.
“This increases their earning potential across their lifetime, and it actually has the potential to break generational cycles of poverty,” she said.
Labour MP for Māngere, Lemauga Lydia Sosene, said the party continued to back the school lunches programme and criticised funding cuts under the coalition Government.
“We had $8 (US$4.64) per child when we were in government. This government has reduced it to $3(US$1.74),” she said.
“When our tamariki rock up to school, there is the school and lunch programme, we are pushing for quality products for our children.
“We have continued to ask the government, why are you reducing that support when it’s needed for families in our community?”
Lemauga said Labour would be open to supporting a bipartisan plan to reduce child poverty.
Achmad, whose term ends this week, said New Zealand could still become the best place in the world for children if leaders were prepared to work together.
“We can really be that incredible country where it is the best place in the world to be a child, but that requires us all to make that commitment to our children and young people,” she said.
Jane Searle, a former police detective and Child Matters chief executive, is set to take over as Children’s Commissioner from 1 August….PACNEWS
NZ – RECORD KEEPING: PMN PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 30 Jul 2026
Poor government records continue to hurt Pasifika, Chief Archivist warns
WELLINGTON, 30 JULY 2026 (PMN)—Poor government record-keeping is continuing with missing or poorly managed information affecting everything from people’s identity to healthcare and access to justice, New Zealand’s Chief Archivist says.
Speaking on PMN’s Pacific Mornings, Anahera Morehu said good record-keeping is not just about paperwork, it has a direct impact on people’s lives.
“We know that when there is neglect on information, it impacts our Pasifika people and any of our demographics around their identity, their sense of belonging, their faith in the pathways that they lead into,” she said.
Her comments come as a new Archives New Zealand report found most government agencies are still not meeting standards for managing public records, although some have improved.
Morehu said accurate records are important for transparency and public confidence.
“Good government record keeping means that all New Zealanders can hold government accountable for their decisions,” she said. The public needs to have trust in the decisions that the government is making.”
She said poor information management could also affect essential services such as healthcare.
“If a doctor didn’t have access to the information that they needed through poor description of the information or the way that it was inputted or the way that it was stored, then that could impact on the health of someone.”
Morehu said the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care highlighted the importance of proper record keeping, with incomplete or missing records making it harder for survivors to find answers about their past.
“In 2024, I apologised to our people around the failures in record keeping,” she said.
“With our Pasifika survivors, there’s a lot of work that has been done in the background from our team to actually help agencies that were part of the neglect or part of the lack of information record keeping to improve their processes.”
The Ministry for Pacific Peoples (MPP) was identified in the report as receiving the lowest “Beginning” rating in several areas during a 2021 audit.
The review found staff had limited awareness of their recordkeeping responsibilities and that the Ministry lacked visibility over some records held in off-site storage.
But the ministry said those findings no longer reflect its current performance.
In a statement to PMN News, Danilo Coelho de Almeida, the Deputy Secretary, Corporate Services and Support, said an independent audit, completed in March 2026, found “substantial improvement”, with nine areas rated “Progressing” and seven rated “Managing”.
“Six key areas moved two levels from Beginning to Managing, including information management strategy and policy, governance, management of high-value information, technology systems and storage.”
He said the Ministry had strengthened its information management systems through better governance, clearer accountability and improved systems to protect high-value information relating to Pacific communities.
Morehu welcomed the progress, saying the Ministry’s latest results showed it was “doing a really, really great job in meeting the requirements”.
She said improving recordkeeping across government remains essential to ensuring Pacific communities can access the information they need and have confidence in public institutions…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
“Climate change has many stories”: Fiji’s students are learning to tell them through data
SUVA, 30 JULY 2206 (SPC)—From rising seas to changing livelihoods, climate change affects Pacific communities in many different ways. Fijian students are discovering how data visualisation can help them understand these realities, and tell the stories behind them.
Climate change is often discussed through scientific reports, policy debates and international negotiations. But for a growing number of Pacific youth, it is also a subject for data storytelling through this year’s Pacific Dataviz Challenge, an annual competition organised by the Pacific Community (SPC) through the Pacific Data Hub.
Now in its fifth edition, the Challenge invites participants to transform open data into visual stories (‘dataviz’) about issues shaping the region. This year’s theme focuses on climate change, encouraging participants to explore how it is affecting Pacific communities and to communicate those impacts through data.
Data that helps explain the world
Since its first edition in 2022, the Challenge is seeing growing interest from young people and their educators, with nearly 300 participants of all ages participating in 2025. For the students interviewed at the Challenge’s launch in May, dataviz offers a new way to explore issues they already see around them.
“Data is more than just information,” said Miss Adi Jimaima Toganivalu from Saint Joseph Secondary School in Suva. “We need to act, because we can’t really come up with solutions if we don’t understand what the problem is. Data helps us understand really what’s happening around us.”
The Challenge encourages participants to move beyond numbers and uncover the stories behind them in visual formats, helping make complex topics easier to understand and communicate.
Climate change has many stories
Through dataviz, participants can explore how climate change affects communities, livelihoods, tourism, economies and ecosystems throughout the Pacific, and communicate those impacts in creative and engaging ways.
This year’s climate change theme resonated strongly with students. Reflecting on remarks made by Dr Manumatavai Tupou-Roosen during the launch event, Mr Alfred Dyer from Marist Brothers High School noted that “climate change has many stories.”
A challenge designed for schools
One of the major developments this year is the introduction of a Pacific schools’ competition, a dedicated track designed for learners.
Running until the end of August, the Challenge gives teachers and students time to develop projects in the classroom and connect them with subjects such as geography, mathematics, environmental studies, digital technologies and design.
For many students, collaboration is part of the attraction.
“I would like to take part in the challenge as a team. Everyone has a different way of thinking, and it’s a very important thing to do right now,” said Miss Ashley Kumar from Jai Narayan College.
Bringing together the Pacific’s next storytellers
The launch took place on 28 May at the University of the South Pacific (USP) in Suva. As a regional university that brings together students from across Oceania, USP provided a fitting setting for a challenge that seeks to empower Pacific voices.
For Léo Cann-Polydor, Data Visualisation Adviser at SPC and lead for the Challenge, the strong turnout reflected the growing enthusiasm surrounding the initiative.
“The room was full of students, full of youth, and full of future participants,” he said.
“The Pacific Dataviz Challenge is creating opportunities for Pacific Islanders to build data skills, explore issues that matter to them, and share their stories with wide audiences.”…PACNEWS
Learn more about the Pacific Dataviz Challenge at pacificdatavizchallenge.org
PACNEWS SPORT
PAC – COMMONWEALTH GAMES: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 30 Jul 2026
‘Mission accomplished’: Eileen Cikamatana tears flow as Aussie wins gold
GLASGOW, 30 JULY 2206 (AAP)—Fijian born and Australian weightlifter Eileen Cikamatana struggled through days when she wanted to give up and “be a baby in my mum’s arm”.
But the 26-year-old has found consolation after her Paris Olympics heartbreak, bouncing back in Glasgow to win her third Commonwealth Games gold medal.
Cikamatana was a class above in the women’s 86kg event, nailing a 108kg snatch and a 140kg clean and jerk for a Games record total of 248kg.
England’s silver medallist Madias Ngake lifted a total of 239kg, while Canadian teenager Rose Beaudoin (230kg tootal) took bronze.
In tears after narrowly missing out on a bronze medal when she finished fourth on Olympic debut at Paris 2024, Cikamatana was in tears again in Glasgow – just of a different kind.
“Mission accomplished. I came for one thing and I got that one thing,” Cikamatana beamed.
“I had days that I just wanted to go back home and be a baby with my mum’s arm.
“I had days that I wanted to exit the door, but I’m glad I pulled that left leg back in.
“The original plan was to finish off after the Paris Olympics, but we (with coach Paul Coffa) didn’t get what we wanted.”
Cikamatana is the third female weightlifter in history to achieve the Commonwealth Games feat of three titles in a row, joining India’s Mirabai Chanu (women’s 48kg) and Canadian weightlifter Maude Charron (63kg) after they also won gold in Glasgow.
The 26-year-old has dominated her weightlifting categories since winning gold for Fiji in the 90kg event at the 2018 Gold Coast Games.
Cikamatana then switched allegiance to Australia the following year due to a local dispute with Fiji’s weightlifting governing body, and to keep working with coach Coffa and his wife Lily.
Taking out the 87kg title at the 2022 Birmingham edition, Cikamatana is also the first woman to win Commonwealth Games gold for two countries in an individual sport.
Cikamatana is adamant on making the podium at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, but first has pressing matters to attend to.
“I’m going to go have some cake, because I’ve been wanting to have them ever since I got here,” Cikamatana said.
“Cheesecake, obviously. I’m a cheesecake girl.”
Ngake took silver in a remarkable career comeback.
The Cameroon-born English weightlifter was belatedly awarded a bronze medal from the 2012 Olympics after multiple rivals returned positive drugs tests.
But the medal was sent to Cameroon and she has never seen it.
Ngake – fearing persecution in her birth country because of her sexuality – absconded from the Cameroon team during the London Games.
Living homeless in London before working as a cleaner for 10 years, Ngake rekindled her desire to compete after a chance meeting with her former Cameroonian coach during the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The 34-year-old – sporting sparkling red hair that matched her England uniform – threatened to pull off an upset after setting a Games snatch record of 111kg, but fell short of setting a clean-and-jerk benchmark of 135kg.
Cikamtana wins Australia’s third weightlifting medal in Glasgow, with youngster Ollie Saxton emulating his father and four-time Games medallist Andrew by winning bronze in the men’s 94kg event earlier on day six of the Games.
Saxton had logged a total of 336 kilograms, pulling off a 156kg snatch and a 180kg clean-and-jerk lift.
Saxton finished on the podium 40 years after his father Andrew won 100kg sub-heavyweight bronze for England at his debut Games in Edinburgh….PACNEWS
