In this bulletin:
1. COOKS — Cook Islands-NZ security pact ‘is about us moving forward as two countries’ – PM Brown
2. NEW|CALE — Legal, political tensions shape Kanaky’s path toward self-determination
3. UK — Commonwealth and global partners ramp up support for SIDS on the climate frontline
4. PNG — About 300 PNGDF recruits released from training depot, ADF officer to join recruitment investigation team
5. FIJI — Cabinet backs 20 percent pay cut, says Fiji PM Rabuka
6. SAMOA — Tuilaepa defends speaking out as defamation case delayed until May
7. PACIFIC — Potential typhoon forming near Northern Mariana Islands, Guam
8. FIJI — I believe we are all Fijians’ — PM Rabuka calls for national debate on use of term
9. SOL — Solomon Islands and Australia conclude major Maritime and drone Training exercise
10. PACNEWS BIZ — PNG government moves to cushion blow-up with K1 billion relief package for fuel
11. PACNEWS BIZ — PNG Business cost may follow fuel hike
12. PACNEWS BIZ — Palau Senate advances major pension reform Bill to address US$304M shortfall
13. PACNEWS BIZ — Fiji Government suspends job evaluation, freezes vacancies amid cost pressures
14. PACNEWS BIZ — Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation raises concern as businesses shift strategies
15. PACNEWS IN FOCUS — What women leaders in the Pacific can teach us about how change happens
16. PACNEWS DIGEST — Preparations underway to restore Niulakita Island through invasive rat eradication
COOKS – DIPLOMACY: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS 2: Fri 10 Apr 2026
Cook Islands-NZ security pact ‘is about us moving forward as two countries’ – PM Brown
RAROTONGA,10 APRIL 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) — Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown says New Zealand remains the Cook Islands’ “partner of choice” in security but insists that will not change how it engages with global partners.
His comments come after the signing of a new defence and security declaration with New Zealand, and the resumption of New Zealand funding to the Cook Islands, following a year long rift in the relationship.
“New Zealand, clearly in the declaration that we’ve signed, is our partner of choice, but this does not dictate to us how our foreign policy is applied,” Brown told RNZ Pacific.
“It is incumbent on the Cook Islands to be able to look at other development partners who wish to engage with the Cook Islands across a whole range of areas to look at how we can best advance the priorities of our country.”
Brown said the new agreement helps strengthen ties between the two countries.
“We’re very pleased to be able to sign on the declaration of defence and security between the Cooks and New Zealand. So, this really provides a platform where we can build and strengthen and grow the relationship going forward.”
The relationship between the Cook Islands and New Zealand came under strain in early 2025 after the Cook Islands signed a deal with China, raising concerns in Wellington over a lack of consultation.
New Zealand later announced they would pause nearly NZ$30 million (US$17.59 million) worth of annual funding.
With funding resuming a year later, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the new agreement reset the two countries dynamic.
“The China deal is behind us. That’s the announcement today. We’re not going to go back there. We’re going forward,” Peters said.
“This declaration resolves this former ambiguity and provide clarity to both governments so that we can move forward focused on the future, not the past,” he said.
Brown said government officials worked endlessly culminating in the newly signed declaration.
“Some of these things, they are very complex in nature, and it takes time to get through the issues that were identified.
“But we’re very pleased that we took our time to carefully consider this agreement that we’ve signed up to and work diligently with New Zealand during that period of the year.”
The agreement also reinforces expectations around consultation – a key concern for New Zealand during the China deal.
Brown said while there had been communication with New Zealand, formal diplomatic processes required a level of confidentiality.
“These normally take place in confidence between two countries and don’t include third member countries.”
He said “good faith consultation ultimately comes down to trust and transparency at a broader level, while protecting sensitive details.
“It’s a matter of trust and being open about what you are doing … but there are also certain matters that need to be kept in confidence.”
Brown confirmed the agreement would not affect any existing arrangements with global partners.
“No, this agreement is about us moving forward as two countries, the Cook Islands and New Zealand.”
He said the Cook Islands, which has been expanding its international partnerships, will continue to do so – while keeping New Zealand as it’s “partner of choice.” …. PACNEWS
NEW|CALE – POLITICS: PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 2: Thu 09 Apr 2026
Legal, political tensions shape Kanaky’s path toward self-determination
NOUMEA, 10 APRIL 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — The future of Kanaky, New Caledonia, remains uncertain as legal debates, political divisions and community realities continue to shape what Indigenous advocates describe as an unfinished process of decolonisation.
At the centre of that argument is Viro Xulue, who framed the territory’s status not as a political disagreement but as a matter of international law and human rights.
“The decolonisation of Kanaky is an international obligation that remains incomplete,” he said.
His position draws on United Nations frameworks that place New Caledonia on the list of non-self-governing territories, requiring France to guide the territory toward a political future determined by its people.
He cited provisions of the UN Charter and key resolutions that recognise the right to self-determination and outline pathways toward independence, free association or integration.
“All peoples have the right to self-determination,” he said, pointing to international covenants that reinforce that principle across civil, political and economic rights.
While France has long described the decolonisation process as a gradual transfer of powers, Xulue said recent events have exposed structural gaps that remain unresolved.
“The current crisis is not a surprise,” he said. “It is the result of ignored systemic issues.”
Those issues came into sharper focus following the unrest in May 2024, which left multiple people dead, led to thousands of arrests and caused widespread economic damage. Community leaders say recovery is still ongoing, with many residents dealing with the social and economic fallout.
Xulue pointed to disparities affecting the Indigenous Kanak population, citing figures from French institutions that show higher poverty rates, lower access to higher education and disproportionate representation in the prison system.
“These are not activist figures,” he said. “They are France’s own data.”
For observers like veteran Pacific Journalist Nic Maclellan, the current moment is defined as much by political uncertainty as it is by social recovery.
“This throws the whole process up in the air and creates a level of uncertainty,” Maclellan said, referring to stalled legislation and contested agreements in France that could delay a long-term settlement.
He said disagreements remain between pro-independence groups and those who want to remain within France, particularly over proposed changes to voting rights in local elections. That issue, he said, will continue to shape political debates regardless of whether broader agreements move forward.
Maclellan also pointed to upcoming provincial elections and shifting political dynamics in France as factors that could further complicate negotiations.
“Tough times ahead,” he said, noting that economic pressures and global instability are likely to affect the territory alongside ongoing political tensions.
The legal and political debates are rooted in the legacy of the Nouméa Accord, signed in 1998, which established a framework for the transfer of powers and set out a process for determining New Caledonia’s future status through a series of referendums.
Three votes were held between 2018 and 2021. While the first two produced narrow majorities against independence, the third referendum was boycotted by pro-independence groups and widely criticized.
Xulue said the 2021 vote lacked legitimacy. “It was organised without free, prior and informed consent,” he said.
He also criticised subsequent efforts to negotiate new arrangements, including the Bougival Accord, arguing that they were developed without meaningful participation from Kanak institutions.
“It is perceived as a unilateral imposition,” he said.
Despite those concerns, discussions between France and local political groups have continued, with some factions participating while others remain opposed.
At the same time, community leaders say the focus on the ground has shifted toward recovery and resilience.
Guillaume Vama, a community practitioner working with youth, said rebuilding trust and strengthening local initiatives are essential as communities move forward.
“We have to understand the history of our country,” Vama said, emphasizing that development efforts must be rooted in local knowledge and experience.
He highlighted the importance of youth engagement, nonviolence approaches and intergenerational leadership, particularly in the aftermath of the 2024 unrest.
Vama said young people are not only participants in political movements but also key actors in shaping community recovery.
“We are trying to put in place concrete actions for our region,” he said, pointing to grassroots initiatives that aim to support cultural identity and economic development.
Those community-based efforts are increasingly being recognised alongside formal political processes, as regional organisations and advocates seek to incorporate local perspectives into broader discussions.
Joey Tau, Coordinator for Pacific Network on Globalisation (PANG)who works with Pacific partners on regional advocacy, said the goal is to bring together voices from communities, youth and civil society to better understand conditions on the ground.
“For many of us in the region, this is about the right to be self-determined, the right to be heard,” Tau said.
He said the current moment reflects both a continuation of long-standing struggles and a new phase shaped by recent events, including the Bougival Accord and legislative developments in France.
“What happens next is important,” Tau said, referring to both political negotiations and the everyday realities faced by residents.
For Xulue, those realities reinforce the need for a process that aligns with international standards.
He outlined several principles he believes should guide future efforts, including the strict application of free, prior and informed consent, equal participation of Kanak institutions in decision-making and stronger international oversight.
“The decolonisation process cannot be reversed,” he said, referencing commitments made under earlier agreements.
He also pointed to recent findings from France’s National Consultative Commission on Human Rights, which documented structural inequalities and raised concerns about the current trajectory.
“France condemns itself,” Xulue said, describing the findings as confirmation of long-standing issues.
Regional initiatives, including efforts to gather firsthand accounts from communities, are now feeding into advocacy at international forums such as the United Nations and Pacific regional organisations.
Advocates say those efforts are intended to ensure that discussions about Kanaky’s future reflect not only political negotiations but also lived experiences.
“Decolonisation is a living, evolving process,” Xulue said. “It requires respect for human rights and international law.”
As negotiations continue and communities work to rebuild, that principle remains central to ongoing debates about the territory’s future.
For many in Kanaky, the outcome will depend not only on decisions made in Paris, but on whether those decisions reflect the voices and aspirations of the people on the ground…. PACNEWS
UK – CLIMATE CHANGE: COMSEC PACNEWS 2: Fri 10 Apr 2026
Commonwealth and global partners ramp up support for SIDS on the climate frontline
LONDON, 10 APRIL 2026 (COMSEC) — Small Island Developing States (SIDS) stand on the frontline of the global climate crisis, facing a convergence of environmental, economic and institutional challenges that disproportionately threaten their sustainable development pathways.
Despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, SIDS have demonstrated strong climate ambition through their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
It is against this backdrop that the Regional Forum on SIDS Readiness for Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Implementation, convened in Ébène, Mauritius.
The forum brought together more than 70 government representatives from 14 SIDS, development partners, and technical experts to explore strategies for strengthening institutional readiness, mobilising climate finance, and accelerating implementation of NDCs under the Paris Agreement.
Co-organised by the NDC Partnership, GIZ, and the Commonwealth Secretariat through its Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub (CCFAH), the event provided a platform for peer learning among countries facing similar climate vulnerabilities.
With climate finance a central focus of the forum, the Commonwealth Secretariat shared technical expertise across sessions on gender and social inclusion, health integration, sustainable transport, and innovative financing approaches.
Aurelius Nkonde, Manager and Adviser for the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub (CCFAH), shared with participants that: “The Regional Forum sent a clear message: SIDS do not lack ambition – they need stronger pathways to implementation and finance. Through the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub, we are turning this momentum into action by helping countries transform climate priorities into investment-ready projects, unlock climate finance at scale, and build the institutional capacity needed to deliver lasting resilience.
“Our role is to ensure that NDC commitments move beyond policy documents and become real investments that protect communities, strengthen economies, and secure a climate-resilient future for Commonwealth member states.”
Participants highlighted the importance of regional collaboration and knowledge exchange among SIDS.
Peer-to-peer learning, regional alliances, and shared project development approaches were identified as important mechanisms for addressing common challenges such as coastal degradation, disaster risk, and limited access to climate finance.
Speaking on the sidelines of the forum, Uzoamaka Nwamarah, Adviser and Head of Climate Change at the Commonwealth Secretariat, noted that strengthening institutional readiness and partnerships is essential for translating climate commitments into practical action.
“Partnership, peer learning and strong country ownership remain central to delivering ambitious and implementable NDCs, particularly for SIDS on the frontlines of climate change. A key highlight of the forum was hearing directly from member countries about the tangible difference CCFAH support has made. When countries are able to move from ideas and concepts to bankable climate projects, that is what sustainable capacity building looks like,” she said.
Discussions also explored how innovative financing mechanisms, including blended finance and public–private partnerships, could help mobilise investment for climate action while safeguarding fiscal sustainability in SIDS.
As climate risks continue to intensify, participants stressed that sustained collaboration, strengthened institutions, and improved access to finance will be essential to translating climate ambition into tangible, resilient development outcomes for SIDS…. PACNEWS
PNG – DEFENCE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS 2: Fri 10 Apr 2026
About 300 PNGDF recruits released from training depot, ADF officer to join PNGDF recruitment investigation team
PORT MORESBY, 10 APRIL 2026 (THE NATIONAL) — About 300 new recruits under the recent Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) recruitment drive have been released Thursday and are returning home.
This follows the defence force’s decision to cease recruitment this year following allegations of political interference in the selection process.
The recruits were loaded onto trucks at Goldie River Training Depot outside Port Moresby and transported back to Murray Barracks to be released.
Chief of Defence Rear Admiral Philip Polewara said a review was underway to overhaul the recruitment system.
Meanwhile, an Australian Defence Force officer will be part of a three-man team to look into issues surrounding the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) recruitment process.
The officer will join Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu and State Solicitor Daniel Rolpagarea in the team to investigate the issues surrounding the recruitment process.
They are to submit their findings in two weeks’ time.
Defence Minister Dr Billy Joseph Wednesday stepped down from the post as public concern over the recruitment process mounted.
Prime Minister Marape will oversee the defence ministry.
“It will be a ministry without a portfolio for some time,” he said.
“Cabinet is securing advice on what to do.
“We are looking at the entire leadership at Murray Barracks and the Defence Council.
“Recruitment at Murray Barracks seems to have become an issue where many conflicts of interest from PNGDF officers themselves who want to have their (family members) or relatives thrown in.
“This is national security at stake.
“I will announce certain measures tomorrow (today) if you have to step out.
“I am happy the minister (Joseph) has stood down.
“From preliminary reports, there are people with vested interest.
“The force has protocols, and you don’t have to record people during such processes and post online.”
Marape added that tough penalties will be meted out to those involved or have personal interests.
“We are also looking at who should step aside,” he said.
“Part of this decision will allow for a quota allocated for each province to avoid an imbalance in the force.
“I will be inserting myself as a defence council member giving the Chief of PNGDF Rear Admiral Philip Polewara and Department of Defence secretary Hari John Akipe seven days’ notice to respond to what has happened and we’ll take it from there.”
Marape said the Government wanted to build a military force of up to 7,000 members…. PACNEWS
FIJI – PAY CUTS: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 2: Fri 10 Apr 2026
Cabinet backs 20 percent pay cut, says Fiji PM Rabuka
SUVA, 10 APRIL 2026 (FIJI SUN) — Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has confirmed the proposed 20 percent pay cut for Members of Parliament will be tabled at the April parliamentary sitting, which runs from April 27 to May 1.
Rabuka said his Cabinet ministers were on board with the proposal.
“In the briefing, it will come as a Cabinet paper and then to Parliament,” he said.
The pay cut requires parliamentary approval before it can take effect.
If passed, the pay cut would apply to all MPs – Government and Opposition members of Parliament…. PACNEWS
SAMOA – POLITICS: PMN PACNEWS 2: Fri 10 Apr 2026
Tuilaepa defends speaking out as defamation case delayed until May
APIA, 10 APRIL 2026 (PMN) — Samoa’s opposition leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi says he will continue speaking out, even as his defamation case is delayed with charges still not finalised and a new hearing set for next month.
The former prime minister appeared in the District Court this week where prosecutors asked for more time to prepare their case.
No plea has been entered, and the matter is due to return in the first week of May.
Despite a court warning to limit public comments, Tuilaepa said speaking out is part of his role as an elected leader.
“The charges being brought against me are my sworn duties, as an MP of my district, and as the leader of the opposition, to question the government,” he said at a press conference on Thursday.
“This is my duty. And it cannot be stopped.”
Local reports say the court has ordered Tuilaepa to refrain from posting further comments on social media about the complainants, including Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt and Education Minister Aiono Dr Alec Ekeroma.
Tuilaepa said he understood the court’s advice.
“I thank the judge for the advice and understand it well,” he said.
However, he maintained that opposition MPs are expected to speak openly on political issues, including government decisions and public spending.
“Our job is to advise the government on what should be done. These political issues are what we are here for,” he said.
The case stems from comments made by Tuilaepa in late 2025, including claims shared on the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) Facebook page ahead of the general election.
Court reports from the Samoa Observer state that Aiono alleges Tuilaepa accused him of taking medical equipment, including imaging machines, from the national hospital for use in his private clinic.
Aiono has rejected those claims as “false, defamatory, and malicious,” saying they were intended to damage his reputation and undermine public trust.
He said he filed a complaint with police in November 2025 and challenged Tuilaepa to provide evidence, saying none had been produced.
Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa is also a complainant in the case. He has not responded to requests for comment.
On Tuesday, the court heard there may also be a third complaint, although prosecutors said they were not yet aware of it.
Prosecutors told the court they are still finalising charges and requested more time before proceeding.
Tuilaepa said he is preparing counterclaims once the charges are confirmed and questioned the strength of the case against him.
“It won’t be easy because they have to base it on evidence,” he said.
He also claimed there have been attempts to limit his ability to speak publicly, including restricting media access to him and other opposition figures.
“The media have rights, I have rights,” he said.
Under Sāmoan law, defamation can be pursued through both criminal charges and civil claims, where statements are alleged to have harmed a person’s reputation.
The case highlights growing tensions in Sāmoa between political speech and the legal limits placed on it as the matter moves towards its next hearing in May….PACNEWS
PAC – WEATHER WATCH: RNZ PACIFIC/PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 2: Fri 10 Apr 2026
Potential typhoon forming near Northern Mariana Islands, Guam
SAIPAN/HAGATNA, 10 APRIL 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC/PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — Authorities in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) are warning of heavy rainfall as a potential tropical storm brews north of Chuuk in the Federated States of Micronesia.
The emergency management department said storm 04W is expected to develop further and start affecting Guam from Saturday afternoon, possibly continuing until Wednesday.
The Marianas may not see storm effects until Sunday or Monday.
Ten to 15 inches of rainfall – 254 to 381 millimetres – is forecast for Guam, with four to eight inches for Saipan, and locally higher amounts possible.
The Homeland Security and Emergency Management department said on Thursday night the most recent forecasts have the system strengthening into a typhoon or stronger as it passes to the south of Guam.
“At least tropical storm force conditions are possible for Guam and typhoon force conditions aren’t out of the question, especially for southern portions of Guam,” it said in a special weather statement issued just before 10pm Thursday, local time.
There’s also a high rip current risk on east-facing reefs for Saipan, Tinian and Rota until Sunday afternoon.
CNMI governor David Apatang is advising residents of Saipan, Tinian and Rota to stay informed on the latest forecasts, available through local media sources and NOAA weather boradcast on 162.5 megahertz.
People can also call the CNMI EOC State Warning Point at 237-8000 or 664-8000, and for the Northern Islands, at high frequency single side band radio on frequency 5.205.0.
Meanwhile, the National Weather Service Guam Weather Forecast Office continues to monitor Invest Area 90W. As of 4 am, 90W was located near 9.2 degrees north latitude and 152.4 degrees east longitude, about 80 miles north of Chuuk, 570 miles east-southeast of Guam, moving northwest at 6 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 18-23 mph.
It is expected to maintain this general course with an increase in forward speed in the coming days as it steadily intensifies.
Current model guidance shows a more likely scenario of 90W, possibly an intensifying tropical storm, passing south of Guam. However, this track could change with a southward or northward shift. There remains a small possibility of the system shifting northward, over Guam or through the Marianas, bringing stronger winds and heavier rains.
Fair, breezy weather will continue for the next couple of days. The Marianas should expect increasing showers, thunderstorms, and gusty winds, develop late Saturday and continue into early next week.
The heaviest rainfall and possible onset of damaging winds of 39mph are anticipated more Sunday night into early Tuesday.…. PACNEWS
FIJI – NATIONAL IDENTITY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 2: Fri 10 Apr 2026
I believe we are all Fijians’ — PM Rabuka calls for national debate on use of term
SUVA, 10 APRIL 2026 (FIJI SUN) — Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the use of the term “Fijian” should remain open to national debate, pushing back on a proposal to reserve it exclusively for iTaukei people.
“I believe we are all Fijians,” Rabuka told reporters.
Responding to submissions by the Great Council of Chiefs, he said the issue required broader discussion.
“I think Fijian should be debated. But iTaukei, I believe, is one that belongs to all of us. (Fijian) is not an iTaukei word anyway,” he said.
Rabuka also suggested that if iTaukei people wanted a distinct identity, alternative labels could be considered…. PACNEWS
SOL – DEFENCE: INDEPTH SOLOMONS PACNEWS 2: Fri 10 Apr 2026
Solomon Islands and Australia conclude major maritime and drone training exercise
HONIARA, 10 APRIL 2026 (INDEPTH SOLOMONS) — The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) partnered together to provide training course to over 100 members of the RSIPF.
This first Exercise Coastwatchers for 2026 included instructor-level courses, developing the skills of RSIPF members to provide training on how to plan and safely lead complex operations at sea.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Australia’s Defence Adviser to the Solomon Islands, Captain Emma Griffiths, said the course qualified three RSIPF members who are now able to run and deliver courses to police officers throughout the country to build the skills in the planning of complex maritime operations.
“This course was not just about teaching small boats skills, but also about how to be an effective trainer and how to best teach skills to RSIPF members,” Captain Griffiths said.
“We look forward to more instructors’ courses being run in the next Exercise Coastwatchers later this year.” RSIPF and ADF Participants of the Logistics Course
In addition to courses on small boats, Exercise Coastwatchers covered a number of advanced skillsets. These were all in areas requested specifically by the RSIPF and the Solomon Islands Government.
Many RSIPF members undertook a course to become qualified drone pilots. These officers learned to fly the high-spec Parrot drone, which includes both regular and thermal cameras.
The drone is well-suited to assist with search and rescue operations and to respond to natural disasters by helping to assess damage and plan response efforts.
Officers also learned how to use these drones as part of border security operations, to help prevent illegal material like drugs coming across the border.
Some of the drones will be based at the Western Border Outpost, when it opens later this year. Funded by Australia, this outpost will provide space for multiple agencies to work together to keep Solomon Islands safe and secure. Advanced medical training was also provided to RSIPF members, to help ensure they can provide assistance to other police officers and members of the public when they are far from a hospital.
Teams from the RSIPF and ADF also went through vehicle and boat maintenance programnes to build skills and knowledge in these practical areas which keep the RSIPF running.
All of these skills were brought together in the Border Surveillance course, where participants tackled a number of challenging problems. This included search and rescue operations at sea, and intercepting and inspecting boats suspected of carrying drugs.
Captain Emma Griffiths said she was excited to hear about how well the training had gone this year.
“Exercise Coastwatchers is focussed on building skills in the RSIPF for their day-to-day operations. But it is not just basic training the RSIPF and ADF are working on the courses cover advanced skillsets. We then work to bring these courses together to show how we can combine these skills for better outcomes.”
Captain Griffiths noted the training helped to strengthen relationships between the RSIPF and ADF, as visiting ADF members built a genuine understanding of and respect for Solomon Islands and its people.
“I want to thank the RSIPF and Solomon Islands for being excellent hosts,” said Captain Griffiths.
“I know the ADF members who come across for Exercise Coastwatchers love their time here. They learn as much from their Solomon Islander friends as they teach and also enjoy testing their skills in the Solomon Islands.”
Exercise Coastwatchers is planned to return to the Solomon Islands in September 2026…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
PNG – IRAN CRISIS/FUEL PRICE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 10 Apr 2026
PNG government moves to cushion blow-up with K1 billion relief package for fuel
PORT MORESBY, 10 APRIL 2026 (THE NATIONAL) — The Papua New Guinea Government has announced a K1 billion (US$231.9 million) relief package for fuel importers as confusion, surprise and anger gripped people over the sudden spike in fuel prices which came into effect Wednesday.
Fuel service stations stayed closed in some provinces while public transport vehicles grappled with fare increase restrictions placed by the Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC).
The ICCC advised the public that penalties for non-compliance with its stipulated ceilings would include K10,000(US$2,319) fine for summary offences and K30,000 (US$6,957) for indictable offences.
In some places, public transport vehicles such as buses applied their own fare increases, regardless of the ICCC restrictions.
Prime Minister James Marape said the Treasury Department had been directed to look at Good and Services Tax reliefs, stamp duty and levy reliefs, import duty reliefs, and possible tax credit arrangements for fuel importers to support the K1 billion subsidy plan.
The Government has set up a Cabinet committee to address the imminent fuel crisis and coordinate cabinet-level responses.
Rural and Economic Development Minister Joseph Lelang will chair the committee.
“We have already directed the ICCC to rework fuel pricing, so consumer pump prices are maintained at the March 2026 rates and prepare the revised price schedule within a week or two,” Marape said.
“The committee will pull together Treasury, Central Bank, ICCC, Prime Minister’s Office and the Justice Department to deploy fiscal and monetary tools and monitoring measures during the crisis.”
Fuel importer, Puma Energy PNG Group, assured the public that it had sufficient fuel stock cover for contracted customers nationwide, including all branded retail sites.
Group chairman Hulala Tokome said there was no need to panic.
“Current supply levels remain stable, and we are continuing to actively manage distribution to ensure continuity of supply,” he said…. PACNEWS
PNG – IRAN CRISIS/FUEL PRICE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 10 Apr 2026
PNG Business cost may follow fuel hike
PORT MORESBY, 10 APRIL 2026 (THE NATIONAL) — The increase in fuel prices will increase the cost of businesses in the country, according to Papua New Guinea Manufacturers Council chief executive officer Chey Scovell.
Scovell said manufacturers and businesses were concerned but accepted that it was unavoidable.
“The primary concern is supply of fuel,” he said.
“It’s better to have expensive fuel than no fuel. All businesses have a legal responsibility to make a profit.
“Businesses will have a margin to absorb costs.
“A major problem for manufacturers and businesses in PNG is that margins have been heavily compressed already – from increases in input costs, increases in government fees and increases in compliance costs.
“Because energy is a compounding cost, it increases at several points in the supply chain.
“The passing on of costs also becomes compounding for the consumer.
“Transport costs have already increased. Power generation costs will increase, and raw material costs are already increasing.
“For instance, the landed price of preforms – the PET plastic that is used to make PET bottles – has increased by around 30 per cent due to this current conflict.
“The same goes for things such as stock-feed.”
Scovell said authorities should ensure that there was enough fuel supply.
“To do this, there needs to be amendments to the way in which our fuel prices are set,” he said.
“Prices are presently so volatile that once a month is not often enough.
“If the major importers are not able to pass on costs, they will simply be unable to purchase fuel.
“Most of our fuel comes from the Asia-Pacific region which is only producing at about 61 per cent of capacity.
“So, demand is greater than supply, and prices will continue to escalate.”
Scovell added that the State should allow for a more flexible mechanism, while also providing assurance that there would be no price gouging or profiteering.
“I recently complained about the rapid passing-on of costs in the shipping energy bunker charges – while I note some other shippers have made similar increases, the timing and quantum allowed them to make additional profits now, in anticipation of increased cost pressures later on,” he said.
“We note that it is not an easy area in which to navigate, it will be important to maintain transparency and to involve multiple stakeholders,” he said…. PACNEWS
PALAU – PENSION REFORM BILL: ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 10 Apr 2026
Palau Senate advances major pension reform Bill to address US$304m shortfall
KOROR, 10 APRIL 2026 (ISLAND TIMES) — Palau’s Senate is moving forward with a sweeping pension reform plan aimed at fixing a US$304 million shortfall.
The proposal would change how retirement benefits are calculated, increase contributions, and gradually raise the retirement age.
“The numbers are clear … now the only remaining step is the political will to see this through,” Senator Mark Rudimch said as lawmakers advanced a major bill to reform Palau’s Civil Service Pension Plan.
The bill, introduced by Senator Rukebai Inabo during the Senate’s third day of its sixth special session last Wednesday, would change the government pension system and open it to private sector workers on a voluntary basis.
Inabo said she introduced Senate Bill No. 12-64 after five years of research.
Palau’s current pension system is a “defined benefit” plan. Government workers pay 6 percent of their salary into the fund, and the government matches that amount. Retirees receive monthly payments based on how long they worked.
Under the current system, workers earn 2 percent of their salary for each year of service. For example, someone who worked 25 years would receive 50 percent of their highest salary, while someone who worked 20 years would receive 40 percent.
But Inabo said the system is facing serious financial problems.
An actuarial study in 2018 estimated the pension fund has an unfunded liability of US$304 million. Each month, about US$6 million comes into the fund from contributions, while about US$10 million is paid out to retirees. This leaves a shortfall of US$3 million to US$4 million every month.
Because of this gap, the fund has been using its investments to cover costs. A report released March 31 last year showed total investments had dropped to US$25.05 million — the lowest level on record.
“These numbers show why reform is urgent,” Inabo said.
The bill proposes moving to a “defined contribution” system for newer workers. Current retirees and employees hired before 01 October 2021, would stay in the existing system. Workers hired on or after that date would join the new plan, creating a hybrid system.
Under the new system, each worker would have an individual retirement account, similar to a savings account. Both the employee’s contributions and the government’s share would go into that account, with annual statements provided.
The bill guarantees a minimum return of 3 percent per year on these accounts.
It also creates a general fund to support that minimum return. This fund would receive government appropriations, investment earnings and other funds, but it cannot hold more than 20 percent of the total value of all accounts. Any extra funds would be distributed to members based on their account balances.
The proposal increases employee contributions from 6 percent to 7 percent and raises the government match to 8 percent.
It also gradually raises the retirement age. Starting 01 January 2027, the retirement age would increase to 61, then rise by one year every five years until reaching 65 by 2047.
Retirees would receive monthly payments, with an option to take a one-time lump sum of up to 30 percent of their account balance, subject to approval.
The bill also calls for stronger oversight, requiring rules similar to U.S. retirement laws to protect workers’ funds.
If implemented properly, Inabo said the reforms could eliminate the pension plan’s unfunded liability within 20 years.
The bill passed its first reading with support from all senators’ present…. PACNEWS
FIJI – CIVIL SERVICE: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 10 Apr 2026
Fiji Government suspends job evaluation, freezes vacancies amid cost pressures
SUVA, 10 APRIL 2026 (FIJI TIMES) — The Fiji Government has announced the immediate suspension of the job evaluation exercise and a temporary freeze on aged vacancies as part of cost management measures linked to the ongoing fuel crisis.
In a circular issued to all Permanent Secretaries on 04 April, Pita Tagicakirewa, the PS for civil service confirmed the move is aimed at managing expenditure across the public service.
“As part of cost management measures to address the current fuel crisis, the following measures will be implemented with immediate effect,” Tagicakirewa said.
He outlined that the measures include “suspension of the Job Evaluation exercise” and the “freezing of aged vacancies (vacancies that are at least six months old or more).”
However, the circular noted that exceptions will be made for essential services on a case-by-case basis, with ministries required to submit requests to the Ministry of Civil Service.
Tagicakirewa also directed that all recruitment processes for affected positions must receive prior clearance.
“Request for Approval to Recruit (ATR) for all affected vacant positions are to be forwarded to MCS for clearance prior to advertisement. MCS will monitor this very closely,” he said.
The directive forms part of broader efforts to contain costs within Government operations as economic pressures persist.
Permanent Secretaries have been instructed to ensure the circular is communicated to all relevant officers within their respective ministries and departments…. PACNEWS
FIJI – EMPLOYERS/FUEL PRICE: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 10 Apr 2026
Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation raise concern as businesses shift strategies
SUVA, 10 APRIL 2026 (FIJI TIMES) — Recovery from Fiji’s fuel crisis will be prolonged unless Government moves quickly to support businesses, the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation has warned.
FCEF chief executive Edward Bernard said members had already started implementing contingency work arrangements, including working from home, reduced operational hours, and scaled-back staffing — drawing on lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Businesses have started to activate their business continuity plans and have started to plan out what their pre-planned action will be to any changes in situation,” Bernard said.
But he cautioned that the measures would not be enough on their own.
“Businesses are already trying to mitigate against the high cost of doing business, skills gaps and low productivity.
“The measures will not be adequate and therefore, recovery will be prolonged.
“Government needs to prepare for not only the current situation but also how it will support businesses recover faster and stronger.”
Bernard identified micro and small businesses as the most vulnerable, with some already cutting back operations.
He said manufacturing companies supplying food and essential services, along with commodity extractors such as gold miners employing large portions of the labour force, should be prioritised.
On the prospect of a severe fuel decline, he did not mince words.
“Severe decline of fuel levels will mean an escalation of businesses work modalities. It may so be that keeping businesses open may incur more cost and this is when the difficult decisions need to be made.”
He welcomed the recently announced ceasefire that has allowed the Strait of Hormuz to reopen, urging Fiji to move decisively.
“We need to capitalise on ensuring we are able to stock up on as much fuel as possible but at the same time efficiently use our current and incoming stock,” he said…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS In Focus
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
What women leaders in the Pacific can teach us about how change happens
By Elisabeth Jackson
SYDNEY, 10 APRIL 2026 (DEVPOLICY, ORG) — “Leaders” and “leadership” are a key focus of Australia’s engagement in the Pacific. Our regional diplomacy emphasises deepening engagement with Pacific leaders and leadership institutions, and our development program has a strong focus on supporting leadership as a key driver of change.
In both diplomacy and development, the focus has often been on formal spaces. Yet much of the leadership that drives change in the Pacific happens in the everyday — in churches, civil society organisations, businesses and government departments — and women are often at the centre of it. Across the region, women improve patient care in hospitals, help communities adapt to climate change, protect natural heritage, support people with disabilities to exercise agency, and help women build small businesses.
Although this kind of leadership is common, it has received far less policy attention. If Australia is serious about supporting leadership in the Pacific, we need to better understand how leadership is actually practised day-to-day in different contexts, or risk overlooking some of the most important drivers of change within Pacific communities.
Our recent research for the Australia Awards Women Leading and Influencing program sought to better understand everyday leadership from the perspective of women across the Pacific. We spoke with ten everyday women leaders from different countries, sectors and levels of experience. From this, we identified four key insights about how everyday leadership is understood and practised.
First, leadership is relational. For the women we spoke with, leadership was fundamentally about relationships. This shaped both how they understood leadership and how they practised it day to day. While some held formal roles, they did not see leadership as tied to their position; rather, these roles were a vehicle for serving others. Solomon Islands women’s rights and peace advocate Alice Pollard described leadership as “influencing change wherever I am” — whether in her family, church or workplace. Leadership was not something she stepped into and out of; it was part of who she was and how she worked to promote change.
Relationships also shaped how the women saw themselves as leaders. Many did not initially identify as leaders. Instead, they came to see themselves that way because others sought their advice, asked them to step up or trusted them with responsibility. As Tongan disability advocate Kalisi Fe’ao put it, “leadership is not to be chased, but to be given”.
Second, leadership is practised through relationships. Much of the women’s day-to-day leadership involved building and nurturing the relationships that enable people to work together. Many spoke about paying careful attention to how they communicate and behave, emphasising humility, approachability and listening.
Because they see leadership as something expressed through behaviour rather than position, many also focused on developing leadership in others so that change can continue beyond them. Samoan entrepreneur Adimaimalaga Tafuna’i, for example, described herself as the kind of leader who “leads from behind”.
Third, leadership introduces change gradually. Encouraging change often means introducing new ideas in culturally familiar ways. Lily Brechtefeld Kumkee, founder of the Kiribati organisation Nei Mom Uprising, explained this through a simple analogy: “if you want to eat a sweet pawpaw, you have to wait for it to ripen.” Rather than confronting social norms about women’s roles directly, her approach is to introduce ideas gradually so people can recognise their value before addressing more sensitive issues.
Many leaders also emphasised that social change often begins with shifting how people understand themselves and their capacity to act. Papua New Guinean disability activist Ipul Powaseu described how advancing disability rights first required helping persons with disabilities see themselves not as victims but as advocates for their own rights.
Fourth, leadership builds support for change. Because change can disrupt existing ways of doing things, leaders often spend considerable time listening to concerns, negotiating solutions and building agreement among different stakeholders. Elizabeth Erasito, Director of the National Trust of Fiji, recalled how her organisation worked with a community that initially opposed a conservation initiative to reintroduce an endangered iguana species because it required removing goats that provided livelihoods. Over time, through discussion with the community and exploration of alternatives such as conservation tourism, her team developed a solution that supported local livelihoods and allowed the iguanas to be reintroduced.
Many leaders also began with very limited resources. Adimaimalaga Tafuna’i recalled that when Women in Business Development Inc. started, “we had no funding … but we just felt so strongly about this that we went ahead and did it.” As initiatives grow, leaders draw on relationships and networks to mobilise additional resources and sustain their work.
These insights suggest that supporting everyday leadership in the Pacific is less about identifying the right individuals and more about enabling the right relationships.
Programmes often look for visible leaders, people with titles or formal authority. Yet many of the leaders shaping change operate through trust, reputation and networks rather than position. Programmes therefore need to find ways to identify and support motivated leaders with a vision for change who can work in this way. These people may not yet be highly visible or in a position of authority.
Leadership initiatives should also place greater emphasis on the capabilities that enable relational leadership in practice: diagnosing problems, listening to learn, communicating purposefully, mentoring others, adapting to changing circumstances and negotiating solutions that work for diverse stakeholders. These may be “soft” skills, but they are also the core mechanisms through which change happens.
Programmes also need to recognise how many leadership initiatives begin. Many leaders start by contributing their own time and resources to address issues they care deeply about. Flexible and accessible funding can help these efforts grow and sustain momentum, particularly when it supports priorities identified by the leaders themselves.
Finally, monitoring and evaluation approaches need to recognise that supporting leadership is about playing the long game.
Investments made in leaders now may not pay immediate dividends, but they will help put in place the foundations that make later change possible. In the short to medium term, progress may be better understood by looking at how initiatives influence people’s understanding of leadership, strengthen their networks, build their ability to work through relationships, and shift how people think about problems.
If Australia is serious about supporting Pacific leaders to drive change, it needs to recognise and invest in the diverse forms of leadership that are already shaping development outcomes across the region. We can take our cue from those who are already quietly leading change every day…. PACNEWS
The Everyday Developmental Leadership research was carried out by Elisabeth Jackson, Sara Phillips, Ruth Faleolo, Mercy Masta, Lanique Pitasua and Lorissa Hazelman through the Australia Awards Women Leading and Influencing programme.
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Preparations underway to restore Niulakita Island through invasive rat eradication
FUNAFUTI, 10 APRIL 2026 (SPREP) — Preparations are underway on Niulakita Island, Tuvalu, for an important conservation initiative to remove invasive rats and restore the island’s natural ecosystems and food resources.
The project is being led by the Tuvalu Department of Environment with support from the Pacific Regional Invasive Species Management Support Service (PRISMSS) through the Predator Free Pacific (PFP) programme, led by technical partners, Island Conservation.
The PFP is one of six invasive species management programmes, part of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) led PRISMSS Restoring Island Resilience project, funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the United Kingdom International Development.
In early March, teams from Tuvalu Department of Environment and Island Conservation arrived on Niulakita to begin community engagement and operational preparations ahead of a planned eradication operation scheduled for April.
The team was warmly welcomed by the Niulakita community, including a traditional feast and introductions on their first day, reflecting strong community support for the project and its long-term benefits for the island.
Invasive rats have significantly impacted Niulakita’s ecosystems and livelihoods. The island’s main local export, coconut syrup or “toddy,” is frequently damaged by rats that chew into collection containers or gnaw through the ropes used to suspend them from coconut palms. Rodents also prey on seabirds and land crabs, which are important for subsistence and the health of the island’s ecosystem.
Over the past several weeks, project staff and local partners have worked closely with households across the island to ensure residents have the information and resources needed for safe and successful operation.
A representative from Island Conservation shared that, “activities have included household interviews to better understand how invasive mammals affect food security, discussions with residents about waste management, and plans for a community-wide “spring cleaning” to prepare the island for the eradication operation.”
“Community outreach has also included presentations at the local school, helping Niulakita’s youngest residents learn about invasive species and the importance of protecting their island environment. These efforts ensure the whole community is involved and informed as preparations continue.”
Several key logistical preparations are already underway. Working alongside residents, the project team has constructed a community chicken coop and built temporary enclosures to safely house cats and chickens during the eradication operation.
“A building near the boat landing has also been converted into a biosecurity inspection area to check incoming goods for invasive species, and repairs to community pig pens are currently in progress.”
To help measure the ecological recovery of the island after the eradication, the team is also collecting baseline environmental data. This includes monitoring seabirds, land crabs, vegetation and rodent activity through field surveys, camera traps and biological sampling.
If successful, the eradication will allow native species to recover and help restore the island’s ecosystems, while protecting natural resources that support local livelihoods. The initiative also contributes to Tuvalu’s broader efforts to strengthen biodiversity conservation and climate resilience across its islands.
PRISMSS Manager, Dominic Sadler shared that, “Tuvalu’s leadership in this initiative continues to demonstrate that Pacific nations can achieve significant conservation gains despite limited resources.”
“The challenges are real Niulakita’s remoteness makes eradication operations complex, and community involvement essential to prevent rats from re-establishing but the potential benefits are transformative.”
Through strong collaboration between the Niulakita community, the Tuvalu Department of Environment, and international partners, PRISMSS will continue to create more resilient islands for Niulakita and its communities…. PACNEWS
