In this bulletin:
1. PACIFIC — Forum report lays out gains and gaps as Pacific faces rising pressures
2. SOL — Solomon Islands PM outlines government response and priorities
3. COOKS — Cook Islands government urges energy conservation amid global fuel crisis
4. FIJI — Fiji Government eyes faster military response under new ‘hybrid model’
5. PACIFIC — Call to target girls’ funding in gender equality push
6. FIJI — Fiji PM Rabuka supports mandatory drug testing of government ministers and Parliamentarians
7. PACNEWS BIZ — Japan to help Pacific island nations create payment processor
8. PACNEWS BIZ — FFA Participates in SPC’s 18th Heads of Fisheries Meeting
9. PACNEWS BIZ — Samoan to head BSP in Tonga
10. PACNEWS IN FOCUS — Kiribati’s initial PEV progress: quick wins amid systemic hurdles
11. PACNEWS DIGEST — Weather Ready Pacific Sets Sail for Tokelau: SPREP Leads Historical Multi-Agency Climate and Resilience Mission to One of the World’s Most Remote Island Communities
12. PACNEWS DIGEST — Kanaky New Caledonia: – 2026 Provincial Elections: Restoring the path to decolonisation
13. PACNEWS DIGEST — Waste solutions continue to rise across the Pacific through SWAP2
PAC – FORUM REPORT: PACNEWS PACNEWS 2: Wed 29 Apr 2026
Forum report lays out gains and gaps as Pacific faces rising pressures
SUVA, 29 APRIL 2026 (PACNEWS) — The Pacific Islands Forum has released its 2023 Annual report, detailing progress across key regional priorities while warning that mounting global pressures continue to test the Pacific’s resilience.
The report provides a full account of the Forum Secretariat’s work over the past year, outlining how it supported member countries in tackling climate change, economic recovery, regional security and sustainable development.
It shows that while the region has made steady progress, the operating environment has become more complex, with global inflation, supply chain disruptions and climate impacts placing added strain on Pacific economies.
According to the report, the Forum remained central to coordinating regional responses and advancing collective priorities under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
The report highlights that strengthening regional unity and cooperation remains critical, particularly as geopolitical competition intensifies and external shocks continue to impact small island economies.
Climate change remains a dominant issue, with the Forum continuing to push for stronger global action, increased climate finance and support for adaptation and resilience efforts across Pacific Island countries.
The report notes that Pacific leaders have maintained a strong and unified voice in international forums, advocating for urgent action on loss and damage and the protection of vulnerable communities.
On the economic front, the report outlines efforts to support recovery following recent global disruptions, while also addressing long-standing structural vulnerabilities.
It highlighted initiatives aimed at improving trade, strengthening fiscal resilience and supporting sustainable growth across the region.
However, the report makes clear that challenges remain, particularly in ensuring that economic gains are inclusive and reach communities most in need.
Regional security is also a key focus, with the Forum working to strengthen cooperation among member countries and address emerging threats, including transnational crime and external pressures.
The report highlights the importance of maintaining the Pacific as an “Ocean of Peace,” with continued emphasis on dialogue, cooperation and respect for regional priorities.
Institutional reform and governance feature strongly in the report, with ongoing efforts to improve the effectiveness, efficiency and accountability of the Forum Secretariat.
The report acknowledges the need for better coordination, stronger implementation and improved alignment of resources to ensure that regional commitments deliver real results.
It also highlights the role of partnerships, noting that collaboration with development partners remains essential in supporting Pacific priorities.
At the same time, the Forum stresses the importance of ensuring that these partnerships align with regional needs and are driven by Pacific-led solutions.
The report underscores that the Pacific is navigating a period of significant change, with increasing demands on governments and regional institutions to respond quickly and effectively.
It emphasises that unity among member countries remains the region’s strongest asset in dealing with these challenges.
The 2023 Annual Report serves as both a progress update and a reality check, outlining what has been achieved while clearly identifying the work that still lies ahead.
The report will be tabled before Forum leaders and member governments as part of ongoing oversight processes, providing a basis for future planning and decision-making as the region moves forward…. PACNEWS
SOL – GOVT: SOL GOVT PACNEWS 2: Wed 29 Apr 2026
Solomon Islands PM outlines government response and priorities
HONIARA, 29 APRIL 2026 (SOL GOVT) — Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, Tuesday outlined the Government’s response to Tropical Cyclone Maila, the global fuel situation, regional developments, and key governance matter as part of the ongoing implementation of its 2026 programme of work.
On Tropical Cyclone Maila, the Prime Minister said he had undertaken a solidarity visit to Western and Choiseul Provinces, including some of the worst-affected communities, where he witnessed firsthand the scale of damage to homes, livelihoods, and infrastructure. He said a thorough assessment has been conducted and a detailed report will guide the next phase of recovery and rehabilitation efforts.
The Prime Minister expressed appreciation to development partners, including Australia and New Zealand, as well as local stakeholders that includes NGOs, Civil Societies, Churches and families, for their timely support.
He also acknowledged the resilience of affected communities and noted that no lives were lost despite the severity of the cyclone.
On the national fuel situation, the Prime Minister said global fuel prices remain elevated due to ongoing international developments, with Solomon Islands continuing to rely on imported supply. He reassured that fuel supply remains secure, with confirmed commitments, regular shipments, and adequate domestic storage capacity, including for LPG. He noted that while supply is stable, global price increases are now being reflected domestically.
He said the Government has introduced a price smoothing mechanism and approved fiscal measures, including tax and duty exemptions, to cushion the impact on households and businesses.
The Prime Minister added that efforts are underway to extend fuel pricing mechanisms beyond Honiara, while discussions continue on electricity tariffs. He also highlighted ongoing reforms in the energy sector, including advancing renewable energy solutions to reduce long-term reliance on imported fuel.
At the regional level, the Prime Minister said he had chaired the Pacific Islands Forum Troika meeting, where Troika Leaders discussed regional priorities, including the global fuel situation.
He confirmed that the Troika Leaders agreed to elevate the issue under the Biketawa Declaration and pursue a coordinated regional response, including work towards strengthening fuel security arrangements.
In relation to ongoing legal proceedings, the Prime Minister reiterated that the Government would respect the independence of the judiciary and will not comment on matters currently before the Court of Appeal.
He further confirmed that Parliament will not be convened until the Court of Appeal has delivered its ruling, and that the Government will await the final court outcome before taking the appropriate next steps.
The Prime Minister also called on citizens to exercise responsibility in the sharing of information, particularly on social media, and to ensure that public discourse remains accurate and respectful of national institutions.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the role of the media and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to keeping the public informed as it continues to deliver its programme of work.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Manele, has announced that the Government will convene a Roundtable Donors Meeting today to address the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Maila and the ongoing global fuel crisis.
The Prime Minister said the challenges posed by Tropical Cyclone Maila and the global fuel situation are beyond the country’s control, but their impacts on communities and the economy are significant.
He said the meeting will provide an opportunity for the Government to brief development partners on the magnitude of these impacts, outline national priorities, identify areas already addressed, and highlight critical gaps where support is required.
The Prime Minister emphasised that the Government has responded within its means and remains committed to ensuring that assistance is coordinated and aligned with national priorities.
He said the engagement is expected to strengthen coordination with partners and support ongoing recovery efforts and economic stability.
The Government reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with development partners, stakeholders, and communities to address current challenges and support recovery and resilience…. PACNEWS
COOKS – IRAN CRISIS/FUEL PRICE: COOK ISLANDS NEWS PACNEWS 2: Wed 29 Apr 2026
Cook Islands government urges energy conservation amid global fuel crisis
RAROTONGA, 29 APRIL 2026 (COOK ISLANDS NEWS) — The Cook Islands government is urging residents and visitors to conserve energy amid a coordinated response to global fuel supply pressure.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) reassured the public that the Cook Islands has a reliable supply of fuel in place, with the next shipments scheduled to arrive in the coming weeks.
However, the OPM has called on the public to play its part in conserving energy.
The global pressure on fuel supply is largely due to the current Middle East war between the United States-Israel coalition and Iran, which has caused the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a surge in crude oil and diesel prices.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global chokepoint, with approximately one-fifth of the world’s total oil and liquefied natural gas passing through it.
According to the OPM, global fuel markets have remained under pressure since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in late February, impacting both price and supply across the Pacific.
Prime Minister Mark Brown said as a nation “we have always shown that when we work together, we can overcome any obstacle”.
“We have fuel. Our next shipments are on the way. Government is leading a coordinated, all-of-government response, and we are working closely with our regional partners,” Brown said.
“What we are asking from every household, every business, and every visitor is simple: please use a little less. Every kilowatt of electricity and every litre of fuel we save now means stronger reserves for our schools, hospitals, water supply and essential services.”
Government is putting practical measures in place now to stretch supplies, manage costs and protect essential services including schools, hospitals, water supply and emergency response,
The response is being coordinated through the Energy Response Technical Working Group, bringing together the OPM, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM), Cook Islands Tourism, the Ministry of Transport, Te Aponga Uira (TAU), the Office of the Public Service Commissioner (OPSC) and is meeting regularly to coordinate supply, demand, communications and protection of essential services.
The OPM states that while the Cook Islands has fuel on hand and supplies arriving in the coming weeks, global pressures are expected to continue to be felt across the Pacific.
It said the public service is leading by example, with conservation measures rolling out across all government agencies. These include reducing non-essential government vehicle use, setting air-conditioning no lower than 25°C, encouraging carpooling and public transport, holding meetings virtually where practical and switching off lights and equipment at the wall outside operating hours.
Financial secretary Garth Henderson said the cross-agency response was active and would continue for as long as required.
“Our Technical Working Group is bringing every relevant agency around the same table: supply, transport, the public service, our utility, tourism, and economic settings,” Henderson said.
“Our supply position is stable, and our next shipments are on the way. The most powerful thing we can do now is stretch that we have and that is something every household and business can help with.”
The Cook Islands is also engaging closely with regional partners, including New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands Forum, to share information, coordinate responses and ensure the country’s small island context is recognised in regional discussions on fuel security.
Cook Islands Tourism chief executive Karla Eggleton said the destination remained open and prepared, and that the visitor industry was stepping up alongside the public service.
“We know visitors and operators want to do their bit while they are here and during this period, and we are working closely with the sector on practical conservation measures that keep our destination running smoothly,” Eggelton said.
“The Cook Islands is open, prepared, and ready to welcome our visitors.”
The OPM said that the current measures sit alongside the Cook Islands’ long-standing commitment to a renewable energy future.
Solar capacity has been expanded from 6 megawatts to 8 megawatts, and Government’s plan is for renewables to provide “at least 60 percent of the Cook Islands’ electricity by 2030”.
“Today’s global pressures, and those expected to continue, reinforce why that transition matters – for energy security, cost of living, and the environment,” OPM said.
“Every action taken across the Cook Islands to conserve energy now is a step toward the renewable, resilient future the country is building together.”
To support people to use less private fuel, government has confirmed that Cook Islands buses will be free for the next three months, with up to four trips per day per passenger.
“Everyone is encouraged to use the bus where they can.”
Households and businesses are also encouraged to start planning now.
“Reviewing energy use, talking with family about how to reduce consumption, and preparing for ongoing pressure on the cost of fuel and energy as global markets remain unstable,” OPM recommended.
“Acting early gives households more control, helps stretch the family budget, and cushions the impact as the situation develops.”
Households are encouraged to set air-conditioners to 25°C and switch them off when leaving the room, switch appliances off at the wall (devices left on standby can use up to 10 percent of household power), run heavy appliances such as washing machines and dryers outside peak hours and turn off lights when leaving a room.
“Anyone with solar at home is encouraged to use solar-powered appliances during the day.
“For shorter trips, walking, biking, or carpooling can replace driving, and errands can be combined into a single trip.
“Businesses and tourism operators are asked to review lighting, refrigeration, and air-conditioning settings, keep doors closed in air-conditioned spaces, and stagger high-energy operations away from peak times where possible, said the OPM statement…. PACNEWS
FIJI – DEFENCE: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS 2: Wed 29 Apr 2026
Fiji Government eyes faster military response under new ‘hybrid model’
SUVA, 29 APRIL 2026 (FIJI TIMES) —The Fiji Government is looking to enable the military to respond more quickly to national security situations under a proposed “hybrid model,” Parliament heard on Monday.
Minister for Defence Pio Tikoduadua said the approach aims to clarify the roles of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces and Police, while removing delays caused by legal uncertainties.
“That was the model that we had looked at… there was a strong persuasion by the public at large in many places that they wanted the military to come in,” Tikoduadua said.
He acknowledged the Government’s caution, noting Fiji’s history, but said discussions were held at the National Security and Defence Council level to explore how such cooperation could work under proper legal frameworks.
“Obviously, we were quite reluctant about that, given the history that we have, but we wanted to suggest ideas on how this could work out together, given the enabling legislation,” he said.
Tikoduadua explained that under current arrangements, the military can only be deployed in support of Police upon request.
“For the military to come out in support of the Police… is something that has to be endorsed and requested by the Police,” he said.
He added that operational and tactical responsibilities must be clearly defined to ensure effective coordination and accountability.
“Understanding the demarcation of the role of the Police and the Military… is critical to make sure that no one gets into trouble,” he said.
The proposed hybrid model is expected to be supported by legislative reforms, including the new Republic of Fiji Military Forces Act and Defence Management Act.
Tikoduadua said the reforms are aimed at allowing the military to “almost immediately react” in future emergencies.
“Through consultations… we will be able to see the transformation of the future roles of the RFMF to be able to almost immediately react without having to wait,” he said.
The move signals a shift towards faster and more coordinated national security responses, while maintaining clear legal and operational boundaries between the military and police…. PACNEWS
PAC – WOMEN CONFERENCE: AAP PACNEWS 2: Wed 29 Apr 2026
Call to target girls’ funding in gender equality push
MELBOURNE, 29 APRIL 2026 (AAP) — It may be on the other side of the globe, but the Australian government is being warned the Middle East crisis has ramped the need for direct aid funding for adolescent girls at risk of cascading crises across the Asia Pacific.
Girls’ equality organisation Plan International Australia said the knock-on effects of fuel and fertiliser shortages due to the conflict in Iran, which is driving food insecurity and economic instability, are particularly severe for adolescent girls.
As fuel prices surge so too does the cost of transport, food and basic goods, pushing already vulnerable households deeper into poverty.
This in turn results in increased gender-based violence, more girls forced out of school and into work, and rising rates of child marriage, Plan International Australia said.
At Women Deliver, a major gender equality conference being held in Melbourne, a coalition of leading aid, development and gender organisations alongside philanthropic partners is shining a light on the disproportionate impact of economic instability and conflict on teen girls.
The group is particularly highlighting the economic case for Australia and other donor countries in the region to invest in adolescent girls in the Asia Pacific.
“The ripple effects of the Middle East crisis and fuel shortages across Asia are deeply concerning and risk undermining already fragile economies and communities,” Plan International Australia chief executive Susanne Legena said.
“But adolescent girls represent a powerful solution and could be a turning point in all of this … when their rights are upheld and their leadership is nurtured, they help build fairer, safer and more sustainable communities.
“When we invest in girls, everything changes: girls become women with choices, and entire communities rise with them.”
Plan International Australia is calling on the federal government to commit $50 million (US$35.91 million) in its International Gender Equality Strategy over four years.
The funding should be targeted towards initiatives that explicitly benefit adolescent girls across education, health, violence prevention, climate response and economic participation.
“If Australia wants its aid to work harder, investing in girls early is one of the smartest and most cost- effective choices it can make,” Legena said…. PACNEWS
FIJI – DRUGS FIGHT: FIJI TIMES/PACNEWS PACNEWS 2: Wed 29 Apr 2026
Fiji PM Rabuka supports mandatory drug testing of government ministers and parliamentarians
SUVA, 29 APRIL 2026 (FIJI TIMES/PACNEWS) — Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka supports mandatory drug testing of government ministers and parliamentarians, saying national leaders must set the standard as Fiji intensifies its crackdown on illicit drugs.
Speaking amid ongoing enforcement efforts by the Fiji Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, he said the Government’s appeal for public cooperation must be matched by accountability at the highest level.
“We should lead by example,” he said, adding that strong leadership was essential in addressing the growing national concern.
“Government must walk the talk and be measured by the same standards we are asking of all Fijians.”
He acknowledged the proposal would likely face pushback, particularly around individual rights, and privacy.
However, he urged that these concerns should not halt progress but instead guide careful implementation.
“There will be questions about rights, and rightly so.
“That’s why we must explore how this can be done properly, within the law and with full respect for individual protections.”
Rabuka added that extending drug testing to elected officials could strengthen public trust and encourage wider adoption across society.
“This could open doors for the private sector, including transport and other industries, to begin testing employees.
“If people know they will be scrutinised, it will help reduce demand.
“When demand falls, supply will follow.”
Meanwhile, Fiji Fisheries Minister Alitia Bainivalu has thrown her full support behind mandatory drug testing for government ministers and parliamentarians, backing Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and calling for leaders to be held to the same standards as the public.
“I stand in full support of the position taken by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka on the proposal for mandatory drug testing of government ministers and parliamentarians,” she said in a social media post.
Bainivalu said leadership must start with accountability.
“As leaders, we cannot ask our people to meet standards that we are not willing to meet ourselves. If we are serious about addressing the growing drug problem in our country, then it must begin with us.”
“We must lead by example.”
She stressed that public office comes with expectations of transparency and integrity.
“I approach this not as someone above the people, but as someone accountable to them. The public has every right to expect transparency, discipline, and integrity from those entrusted with national leadership.”
Bainivalu acknowledged concerns about privacy but said they should not block action.
“Yes, there will be concerns about rights and privacy and those concerns are valid. But they should guide us to implement this properly, within the law, not stop us from doing what is right.”
She said the proposal is about rebuilding public trust and setting a clear message for young people.
“This is about restoring confidence in leadership. It is about showing our young people that those in authority are prepared to be held to the same or even higher standards.”
Bainivalu said leaders must act first if they expect others to follow.
“If we expect our workers, our drivers, and our communities to take a stand against drugs, then we must stand first.”
She made it clear she is ready to be tested.
“I am prepared to be tested. I am prepared to be accountable. That is the responsibility that comes with leadership,” she said…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
PAC – REMITTANCES: NIKKEI ASIA PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 29 Apr 2026
Japan to help Pacific island nations create payment processor
TOKYO, 29 APRIL 2206 (NIKKEI ASIA) — The Japanese Finance Ministry will help create a framework for handling international remittances in Pacific Island nations and territories as major banks that process such transactions increasingly withdraw from the region, Nikkei has learned.
When banks that lack extensive international networks send money across borders, they rely on intermediary financial institutions known as correspondent banks to move the payments. Western financial institutions have traditionally provided these services, but in recent years many have pulled back from Pacific Island countries.
At a Japan-Pacific Island finance ministers meeting to be held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in May, Japan will lead in calling for discussions on the creation of a centralised settlement institution, tentatively named the Pacific Payments Mechanism, to complement the role of correspondent banks. Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama will attend the meeting.
The mechanism aims to reduce transaction costs by processing international remittances from multiple island nations in a centralised manner. It would also seek to streamline anti-money-laundering screening and other compliance procedures. Japan will explore whether digital payment technologies developed by Japanese banks could be put to use in the endeavor.
At the meeting, Japan will propose establishing the centralised settlement institution in coordination with private-sector services and encouraging it to become financially self-sustaining. Japan also plans to work with other developed economies such as Australia, New Zealand and the U.S. on the initiative.
The World Bank is set to begin studies on establishing the settlement institution as early as May. The World Bank to date has approved US$76.9 million to support island nations under its Pacific Strengthening Correspondent Banking Relationships (CBR) Project, a programme to which Japan has also contributed.
If international remittances become unavailable, island nations would face difficulties accepting foreign investment and conducting trade. For Pacific Island countries, this could also disrupt tourism income earned in foreign currencies and remittances sent home by overseas workers — both critical parts of many economies in the region.
International money transferring services operated by global financial institutions have become more costly because of stricter anti-money-laundering requirements, and there is a growing tendency to avoid higher-risk businesses. As a result, operations in small island economies have reportedly been contracting since the 2000s.
According to data compiled by Japan’s Finance Ministry using information from SWIFT, the global interbank communication network, about 60 percent of contracts for international remittance services in island nations are believed to have been lost between 2011 and 2022.
Japan’s support for building a payments network for island nations is driven in part by a push to check China’s influence in the region. Since 2019, the Solomon Islands, Kiribati and Nauru have severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan and established relations with China.
In recent years, China has increased its influence through massive investments in infrastructure development in island nations. Japan appears to be aiming to use the new payments network as a bulwark against the expansion of yuan-denominated settlements in island countries…. PACNEWS
PAC – FISHERIES: FFA PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 29 Apr 2026
FFA Participates in SPC’s 18th Heads of Fisheries Meeting
NOUMEA/HONIARA, 29 APRIL 2026 (FFA) — The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) has reaffirmed its commitment to regional cooperation and sustainable fisheries management following its participation in the 18th Meeting of Heads of Fisheries (HOF18) of the Pacific Community (SPC) Members, held in Noumea, New Caledonia from 20-24 April 2026.
FFA Director-General Noan David Pakop, together with the FFA delegation, joined fisheries and technical experts from across the Pacific to discuss shared priorities in both oceanic and coastal fisheries.
Pakop highlighted the meeting as an important opportunity to align regional fisheries priorities across these interconnected domains.
SPC Director-General, Dr Paula Vivili, together with Neville Smith, Director of SPC’s Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems Division, welcomed FFA’s participation, noting its importance in strengthening collaboration in a sector that remains central to the livelihoods of Pacific people.
The HOF meeting provided an important platform for FFA to better understand Members’ perspectives on coastal fisheries and cross-cutting priorities, including the development of the next iteration of the joint Roadmap for Sustainable Pacific Fisheries. This work will be further considered by FFA Members at their Annual Officials Meeting in May to ensure offshore fisheries perspectives are well reflected.
“These are critical sides of the same coin,” Pakop said.
“For our members, having a full picture of their fisheries sector is pivotal to their informed decision-making”.
Cross-cutting issues, including climate change, were also discussed in depth, with recognition of the existing FFA Climate Change Strategy and Implementation Plan 2024-2029 as an important framework guiding regional responses on climate-related priorities for offshore fisheries.
On the margins of the meeting, FFA and SPC leadership held bilateral discussions, acknowledging the strong technical cooperation already in place and emphasising the need to further strengthen collaboration at the strategic level. This includes expanding peer-to-peer learning opportunities and enhancing engagement as members of the Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (CROP).
While in Noumea, Pakop also paid a courtesy visit to the Minister in charge of Fisheries, Agriculture, and Livestock Farming of the Government of New Caledonia, Adolphe Digoué.
As an observer to FFA, New Caledonia remains a valued regional partner, particularly within the Western and Central Pacific (WCPFC) processes, including on shared priorities such as the management of the South Pacific albacore fishery.
Further bilateral engagements were held with the delegation from French Polynesia, as well as with FFA Members, including Australia and New Zealand…. PACNEWS
TONGA – BANK: SAMOA OBSERVER PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 29 Apr 2026
Samoan to head BSP in Tonga
NUKU’ALOFA, 29 APRIL 2026 (SAMOA OBSERVER) — Bank South Pacific (BSP) has appointed Samoan national Edward Yee as its new Country Head for Tonga, reporting to the Group Executive Pacific Markets, Nuni Kulu.
Yee is currently BSP Country Head in Vanuatu, a role he has held since November 2022. He brings more than 30 years of banking experience across the Pacific region.
Before his current position, Yee was Head of Corporate Banking for BSP in Samoa. He joined BSP in 2015 after holding senior leadership roles with Westpac in Samoa and Fiji.
BSP said Yee has strong experience in leading banking operations, managing financial performance, and working closely with governments, regulators, and customers across the Pacific.
His appointment follows the departure of former Tonga Country Head Faasu Atkinson, who is returning to Australia for personal reasons. BSP thanked Atkinson for her leadership during her time in the role.
BSP said that Yee’s appointment is subject to regulatory approval. Once approved, he is expected to transition into the Tonga role in the coming weeks…. 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
Kiribati’s initial PEV progress: quick wins amid systemic hurdles
By Akka Rimon
TARAWA, 29 APRIL 2026 (DEVPOLICY.ORG) — Kiribati’s inclusion in the second round of Australia’s Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV), marking its first year participating in the scheme, has generated a mix of excitement, anticipation and uncertainty among prospective migrants and their families. Early implementation outcomes indicate substantial progress: at least 65 percent of selected primary applicants have already secured formal job offers and visa approvals. Yet, alongside these promising developments, digital hurdles, migration costs and limited tailored support emerge as structural constraints.
This study is drawn from The Australian National University’s PEV survey focused this year on Kiribati and Papua New Guinea and complemented by information from the PEV support office in Tarawa. Preliminary findings illustrate both substantial strides and persistent systemic barriers. It should be noted that Kiribati is participating for the first time, while PNG is in its second year of the scheme. As such, more established data exist for PNG, reflecting two years of tracking applicants’ journeys, whereas for Kiribati, this is the first year of participation and data from the live survey were still being collected at the time of writing.
The current Kiribati cohort consists of 29 ballot winners, and their 71 partners and dependants. These are the successful primary applicants, selected from a pool of 2,523. The applicants, their partners and dependants were competing for just 100 visas, Kiribati’s quota. Including partners and dependants, 10,145 people registered for the PEV ballot, thereby expressing interest in a pathway that could only accommodate 1 percent of them, and highlighting a striking mismatch between demand and opportunity.
Of the 29 selected primary applicants, 19 (approximately 65 percent) have so far secured jobs across key sectors, predominantly in agriculture and aged care, with two landing consulting roles. Seven of these 19 job recipients are engaged in the PALM scheme with at least half of them already in Australia.
PALM experience clearly helps applicants with recruitment, while facilitating skill alignment with employer demand and eligibility criteria. The subclass 192 PEV, under the Pacific Engagement stream, also adds value by reuniting separated workers with their families.
In contrast, first-time prospective migrants faced inconsistent internet access, limited familiarity with online platforms and communication challenges. They experienced delays in completing documentation and responding to employer requests.
That said, while it is still too early for a full assessment, initial data reveals that the PEV support service, both in Australia and offshore in Tarawa, has enabled significant job offers. Notably, first-time applicants with university qualifications landed consulting roles in land surveying and administrative office roles early on in the process.
Another striking finding is the predominantly female composition of successful primary applicants: women account for more than 75 percent of selected primary applicants. Given the ballot is random, they must also have accounted for a large majority of registrants. This marks a significant shift in Kiribati’s labour migration landscape, historically dominated by male seafarers. The PEV appears to be accelerating a broader trend already visible in New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme and the PALM program, where I-Kiribati women have increasingly taken up overseas employment opportunities. The PEV ballot reinforces this trajectory of women’s participation becoming a defining feature of Kiribati’s evolving migration profile, a welcome development for a country with limited migration opportunities.
Additionally, survey responses shed light on the motivations shaping I-Kiribati decisions to pursue migration to Australia. While employment prospects and improved living standards remain central, climate-related stressors emerged as an influential factor, with respondents citing coastal erosion, sea-level rise and water security as key determinants.
These insights offer a nuanced understanding of the complex factors driving migration in Kiribati and speak to how climate impacts are being navigated through the PEV. This is a question the government of Kiribati must reckon with directly, exercising proactive leadership and wielding diplomatic agency if it is seriously committed to delivering people-centred adaptation policies. Central to that commitment is the government’s obligation to ensure pathways exist for citizens to pursue informed choices, not only in response to climate change but to adapt to impacts shaped by growing global economic, political and climate insecurity including the ongoing fuel crisis.
In 2024, when the Kiribati government announced it would not participate in the inaugural PEV cohort, I provided an analysis that made the case for Kiribati to take advantage of the scheme, citing growing unemployment, limited economic prospects, overpopulation and climate change as rationales. While keeping its people in place remains Kiribati’s foremost priority, its geographical position makes it inherently vulnerable, and adaptation beyond borders unavoidable. Securing increased PEV quotas therefore constitutes not merely a diplomatic opportunity but also a strong opportunity for strategic leadership.
Despite the overall success, the demands of digitalised application systems and persistent technological disparities emerged as significant pressure points. For many applicants, navigating multiple online platforms, uploading documents and searching for jobs remotely, while responding promptly to employer and departmental requests, proved challenging.
Most primary applicants are from the capital, South Tarawa, with only two from outer islands: Kiritimati and Tamana. This reflects the digital gap between the capital and remote villages. Applicants were generally young, economically active and held senior secondary or vocational qualifications, with few university graduates.
A major obstacle was the burden of meeting compliance requirements and obligations such as obtaining medical clearances, police certificates and passports for family members, which is both time-consuming and financially demanding. One applicant expressed concern about the cost of bringing her family of five to Australia and considered a staged relocation as a potential solution.
Across the cohort, applicants consistently identified digital access and literacy as central barriers to navigating the process. Many relied heavily on support from family members, friends and the in-country support office, which provided step-by-step assistance with procedural requirements like document uploading and online payments. Concerns about limited computer literacy and unfamiliarity with online systems were repeatedly raised, alongside calls for tailored digital and awareness-building training in the Kiribati language, to strengthen applicants’ confidence with platforms such as ImmiAccount.
Applicants, who were determined to fulfil the complex requirements of what many locals call the “Australian PAC” — a nod to New Zealand’s Pacific Access Category that the PEV mirrors — called for clearer communication and tailored on-arrival guidance. They praised in-country support in connection with resumes, employment letters and procedural guidance, yet urged an expansion of settlement guidance towards advice on arrival, housing navigation, pastoral care access and connections to diaspora and community networks.
Kiribati ranked sixth in 2025 among the 12 PEV-eligible countries, both in terms of the absolute number of ballot registrations and in terms of applications per available visa. After a successful first year, the PEV’s popularity will only grow going forward. Ongoing analysis of survey responses and future ballots will be critical to understanding emerging trends in relation to Kiribati’s participation in this permanent visa pathway.
These early findings highlight both progress and challenges for Kiribati with respect to the PEV. Coordinated support is crucial. Clear communication strengthened country-led services and mobilised pastoral, and diaspora networks will all help the PEV process operate effectively and equitably in supporting Kiribati, with its unique migration capacities and constraints, to build a genuinely representative Pacific family in Australia.
This article is based on the author’s presentation at the 2026 State of the Pacific Conference at the Australian National University on 14 June. The Kiribati PEV results remain preliminary, as the survey went live only two weeks prior to the presentation, and data are still being collected. Results may change once the survey is complete. …PACNEWS
Akka Rimon is an I-Kiribati researcher at the The Australian National University. She is a Research and Engagement Fellow at the Pacific Security College and contributes to the Pacific Engagement Visa research project at the Development Policy Centre.
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The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Weather Ready Pacific Sets Sail for Tokelau: SPREP Leads Historical Multi-Agency Climate and Resilience Mission to One of the World’s Most Remote Island Communities
APIA, 29 APRIL 2026 (SPREP) — A team of 40 people, 35 staff from the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and partner organisations, and five Tokelau Government Officials, has departed Matautu Wharf in Apia, Samoa, aboard the MV Mataliki, bound for Tokelau. The vessel is expected to arrive at the first of Tokelau’s three atolls, Fakaofo today.
This landmark voyage funded by UK WISER under the Weather Ready Pacific (WRP) Programme, marks the launch of a comprehensive, multi-agency mission to support Tokelau, one of the Pacific’s smallest and most isolated territories, in strengthening its climate resilience, disaster risk management, and sustainable development.
The mission is led by SPREP under the WRP, with the participation and support of a broad coalition of United Nations agencies, regional scientific bodies, and the Governments of Samoa and Tokelau.
The mission to Tokelau is a coalition of regional and international expertise. Joining SPREP staff on board the MV Mataliki are representatives from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the Pacific Community (SPC), the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) of Australia, Earth Science New Zealand (ESNZ), the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office, UNICEF, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), as well as officials from the Government of Samoa and Tokelau Government Officials.
“We are delighted to welcome SPREP and its partners to Tokelau. This mission means a great deal to our people, Tokelau’s remoteness has always made it difficult to access the level of technical support and expertise that our communities need, and having such a dedicated and experienced team make this journey to be here with us speaks volumes,” said Director of Tokelau Met Services, Asifangalua Pasilio.
“We look forward to working closely with all of the organisations on board to strengthen our meteorological services and build the resilience of Fakaofo, Nukunonu, and Atafu for generations to come.”
Tokelau is a non-self-governing territory of New Zealand comprising three low-lying coral atolls: Fakaofo, Nukunonu, and Atafu. With a combined population of approximately 1,500 people spread across these three low lying atolls, Tokelau relies almost entirely on external support for technical expertise, equipment, and capacity development. Internet connectivity is limited, and the logistical complexity of coordinating any multi-agency visit is considerable. Access by sea can take between 24-40 hours from Apia, depending on vessel capabilities, and weather and ocean conditions.
It was these unique challenges that led to the chartering of the MV Mataliki a priority. Meaningful engagement with Tokelau is best achieved through face-to-face visits on atolls to best understand their challenges and needs.
“SPREP is delighted to lead and support this historical mission to Tokelau. I am particularly encouraged to see that the Weather Ready Pacific Programme, established by the Pacific Leaders to coordinate and be that vehicle for the delivery of Early Warning Systems in the Pacific,” said Sefanaia Nawadra, Director General of SPREP.
“We continue to support our members and for us this Mission is a special one, as we reach one of the most isolated and hard to get to islands communities on the planet. It is our privilege to support and coordinate this Mission with our regional and global partners to ensure Tokelau is not left behind and that they are weather ready and climate resilient.”
Each organisation on the mission culminates a broad range of specialised expertise and support for Tokelau, working alongside the Taupulega, the traditional governing councils, of Fakaofo, Nukunonu, and Atafu. The involvement of Tokelau Government Officials as part of the core team reflects the spirit of partnership and self-determination that underpins the entire mission.
“Tokelau is a place unlike any other in the Pacific, and this mission represents a truly unique opportunity to work alongside communities that face some of the most pressing climate and environmental challenges in the world. I am incredibly excited to be part of this team and to contribute Earth Science New Zealand’s expertise directly on the ground,” said Molly Powers-Tora of Earth Science New Zealand (ESNZ) who is among the participants joining the Mission to Tokelau.
“Visits like this don’t happen often – the remoteness of Tokelau means that every moment we have with the Taupulega, and local communities is precious, and we are committed to making the most of it.”
Over the course of the multi-day mission across all three atolls, the teams will carry out a wide range of activities tailored to the specific needs and priorities of Tokelau. This includes the installation, maintenance, and calibration of weather monitoring and early warning equipment to strengthen Tokelau’s national meteorological observing capacity; climate and disaster risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities across each atoll and inform national planning; and community and government consultations with the Taupulega of Fakaofo, Nukunonu, and Atafu. This will ensure all activities are guided by local knowledge, customs, and adhering to the local governance structures.
The Weather Ready Pacific Program will also be launching seven COPE Hazard preparation booklets for children translated to the Tokelau Language (Gagana Faka-Tokelau) on the three main islands of Tokelau. This is an activity which WRP has supported and coordinated with the World Meteorological Organisation and the COPE Secretariat.
During the mission Tokelau Met Service will be conducting its first ever National Climate Outlooks Forum supported by the World Meteorological Organisation and SPREP.
WRP in partnership with its implementing technical agency ESNZ will also be deploying ocean monitoring equipment (RBR pressure sensors) as its initial activity in supporting a wider Coastal Flooding Forecasting Project for Tokelau. During the mission WRP will also follow-up on other early warning priorities of the Government of Tokelau including A national FM Radio Broadcasting Service and a dedicated MET Office facility for Tokelau for potential support.
“Tokelau presents challenges unlike almost anywhere else in the Pacific. It has no airport, no deep-water harbour, and no regular freight or passenger services beyond a periodic supply vessel from Samoa. It is, by almost any measure, one of the most remote and difficult-to-access territories in the word – this is why this mission matters so much, we are ensuring Tokelau receives the same level of support and expertise as any other Pacific community. We were not going to let geography be a barrier to that,” said ‘Ofa Fa’anunu, WRPP Programme Manager.
“Chartering the MV Mataliki and bringing together a team of 40 people from across our regional and international partner organisations was not a small undertaking, but it is the right one. There is no other way to do this work properly. You have to be there, you have to see the atolls, understand the conditions, and sit with the Taupulega and communities to truly grasp what is needed and how the Weather Ready Pacific Programme can be most effective in supporting Tokelau’s Meteorological Services now and into the future.”
The 7-day voyage will rely heavily on favourable weather and sea conditions. The journey across open ocean between Samoa and Tokelau, and between the three atolls, requires careful monitoring of weather patterns and close coordination with maritime authorities.
SPREP and its partners remain committed to the safety and wellbeing of every team member as the highest priority throughout the mission. The full mission team is fully prepared for the journey. Every measure has been taken to ensure the safety of all on board, including pre-departure health and safety briefings, emergency response planning, and continuous weather monitoring throughout the voyage. The team’s collective experience in Pacific field missions, combined with the knowledge and professionalism of the MV Mataliki crew, provides a strong foundation for a safe and successful mission.
With the MV Mataliki now under way, the team is expected to arrive at Fakaofo, Tokelau’s southernmost atoll, by Tuesday before continuing to Nukunonu and Atafu over the days that follow. The voyage will return to Apia on Saturday, 02 May and expect to disembark in Apia on Sunday, 03 May 2026…. PACNEWS
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Kanaky New Caledonia: – 2026 Provincial Elections: Restoring the path to decolonisation
NOUMEA, 29 APRIL 2026 (PANG) — Whilst the French authorities have confirmed that provincial elections will be held at the end of June 2026, the situation in Kanaky New Caledonia calls for continued vigilance.
This confirmation marks a pivotal milestone that must be welcomed: it is indeed essential that, following successive postponements, the democratic process finally resumes its rightful course. It is imperative to support the holding of the election by 28 June 2026 at the latest in order to restore stable institutional legitimacy and bring an end to a dangerous period of democratic uncertainty.
This return to the ballot box must put an end to a worrying drift by the French State since the last referendums. In recent months, the administering power has chosen to negotiate the country’s future through contested agreements — Bougival, Élysée-Oudinot — concluded with political representatives whose legitimacy had lapsed and without the legitimate political representative of the Kanak people, the Kanak and Socialist Liberation Front. This “closed-door” approach, involving interlocutors lacking a valid electoral mandate, has seriously undermined the integrity of the political dialogue.
In accordance with the Constitutional Council’s decision of 6th November 2025, this election is the essential tool for guaranteeing the integrity of representation and reopening a credible space for discussion. Consequently, any discussions on the institutional future and the drafting of any new agreement can only take place after the June 2026 elections, with political representatives freshly endowed with unquestionable popular legitimacy who will be empowered to shape the country’s destiny.
This democratic renewal comes at a time when the archipelago is on the brink of a major systemic crisis. The current impasse is the direct result of a strategy of systematic ‘forcings’ pursued by the French state, in defiance of the country’s fundamental balances. The 2024 uprising must be analysed as the direct consequence of the breakdown of the principle of consensus: the plan to expand the electorate acted as the catalyst for a predictable crisis, transforming an orderly statutory transition into a phase of violent instability.
The State’s institutional responsibility for triggering this crisis is established by its choice to prioritise
constitutional change at the expense of social peace.
Since the 2024 uprising, official indicators confirm that Kanaky New Caledonia is undergoing an unprecedented structural breakdown. The 13.5% recession suffered in 2024 led to a brutal breakdown of the labour market, with the loss of 11,500 salaried jobs and employment services now overwhelmed. This economic decline has turned into a humanitarian crisis for the most vulnerable populations, whose basic needs are no longer guaranteed.
This reality is reflected in the erosion of public services: the loss of medical staff and the deterioration of road
transport links in Greater Nouméa – where fares have become prohibitive – are exacerbating inequalities at an alarming rate. This context is reinforcing the marginalisation of the Kanak and Oceanian populations, whose social and geographical exclusion is worsening by the day. At the same time, the criminal justice situation remains a cause for concern, with indigenous youth making up almost the entire overcrowded prison population, reflecting a crisis for which there is no longer a political response commensurate with the challenges
In this context, it is worth recalling that the decolonisation of Kanaky New Caledonia remains an inevitable process strictly governed by international law. This trajectory is sealed by the territory’s inclusion on the UN list of Non-Self-Governing Territories and by Title XV of the French Constitution, which recognises its irreversibility. The aspirations of the Kanak people for full sovereignty constitute the indisputable legal foundation of decolonisation. Consequently, any manoeuvre aimed at circumventing this objective — whether through security pressure or through negotiations with illegitimate elected representatives — constitutes a direct violation of the principles and provisions of international law Reconstruction and dialogue require the French State to resume its position as an impartial partner.
Everything that has been observed since 2024 must serve as a lesson for the future: unilateralism, the French State’s partiality, and its withdrawal from the decolonisation process through any manoeuvre are all major risk factors for the maintenance of a lasting peace. This can only be achieved through the recognition of the political rights of the indigenous people and the fulfilment of the commitments made. The June 2026 election must, without fail, confirm the decolonisation process and the path towards its full and complete realisation.
Finally, a solemn appeal is made for regional solidarity in Oceania, which builds on a long and courageous history of decolonisation in the Pacific. Making our region a true ‘Ocean of Peace’ requires, above all, bringing the colonial era to a close by respecting the sovereignty and self-determination of peoples. The destiny of Kanaky New Caledonia is inextricably linked to this quest for shared dignity. France must understand that its credibility and its place in this region do not depend on its material strength, but on its ability to respect the history of this great Ocean by honouring its decolonisation commitments before the sovereign and dignified nations of the Pacific.
Endorsed by:
● Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei
● Joshua Cooper
● Sofia Tiapula …. PACNEWS
For more information: Rosy Makalu: Associate, Pacific Network on Globalisation (PANG) Email: rosymakalu@gmail.com
Viro Xulue: Human Rights and Indigenous Law Officer for the Drehu Customary Council of New Caledonia.
Email: canane.xulue@gmail.com
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Waste solutions continue to rise across the Pacific through SWAP2
SUVA, 29 APRIL 2026 (SPREP) — On 27 April 2026, partners gathered for the Fiji country launch of the second wave of the Sustainable Waste Actions in the Pacific (SWAP2) Project funded by the Agence française de développement (AFD, the French Development Agency).
Phase two of the SWAP project continues to be implemented by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme; it builds upon the successful phase one of SWAP at 3 million Euro (FJD$7.7 million) with an additional 4.3 million Euro (FJD$11million) to support sustainable waste management in the Pacific region.
“France is fully committed to standing alongside Pacific Island States in addressing one of the major environmental challenges of our time: waste management, particularly marine waste,” stated Benjamin Delannoy, Chargé d’Affaires French Embassy in Fiji.
“Through the SWAP Phase 2 project, we affirm a strong conviction: that ocean protection is inseparable from the sustainable development of territories and the well-being of communities.”
SWAP2 will continue to support local communities and authorities in the development of national waste management policies and actions, improve the delivery of waste services through development of waste management infrastructures and implementing pilot projects, as well as strengthen the technical, financial and governance capacities of authorities and practitioners.
“Waste management in the Pacific is not only an environmental challenge; it is a matter of sovereignty and resilience. Through SWAP Phase 2, AFD is proud to financially support the priorities defined by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and the Pacific region,” said Elodie Vitalis, Head of AFD in Fiji.
This support will focus on the four components of marine litter, used oils, solid waste as well as regional collaboration and knowledge sharing in the nine Pacific Island Countries and Territories of Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Wallis-and-Futuna.
In Fiji, this includes targeted actions to better understand and address marine litter through surveys, audits, and community awareness activities across selected sites, as well as the installation of trash booms in rivers to prevent waste from reaching the ocean. The project will also support improvements to waste infrastructure at the Naboro landfill, including the repair and installation of weighbridges to strengthen data collection and management, and a feasibility study to enhance used oil collection systems nationwide.
“But beyond these interventions, SWAP2 is also about shifting the way we think about waste, from something we discard, to something we manage responsibly as part of a broader system that protects our environment, our economy, and our people,” said Dr Sivendra Michael, Permanent Secretary of Fiji’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.
“These practical interventions are essential to improving how our systems function on the ground.”
Across the region these efforts will be implemented in close collaboration with national authorities and partners, ensuring that solutions are adapted to local contexts and contribute to long-term environmental and socio-economic resilience.
“Implemented by SPREP, which brings strong technical expertise and regional knowledge, the project delivers concrete solutions on the ground, from reducing marine waste to strengthening waste management systems and supporting public policies. Our role is to stand alongside our partners, governments, regional organisations and communities, to help deliver visible, lasting results, anchored locally and sustained over time.”
SWAP phase one from 2020 to 2024 resulted in successful outcomes. Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu constructed Used Oil Management Facilities and, or procurement of storage equipment.
There were 77 beach clean ups conducted leading to 62 waste audits involving over 2600 volunteers and 45 communities across Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu and Wallis-and-Futuna. Access roads at the Luganville Dumpsite and Bouffa Landfill in Vanuatu were upgraded. A scrap metal recovery facility was constructed in Wallis-and-Futuna and a second-hand backhoe loader for Gizo Waste Disposal was procured for Solomon Islands.
The sustainable waste actions applied in the SWAP phase one countries have since been replicated by other countries.
“Across the Pacific, our ocean defines who we are. It sustains our livelihoods, shapes our cultures, and connects our islands. Yet, it is increasingly under threat from waste and pollution, particularly marine litter”, said Amenatave Yauvoli, Director of Biodiversity and Conservation of SPREP.
“The impacts are felt most acutely here, in Small Island Developing States, where limited land, infrastructure, and resources make waste management particularly complex. This is precisely why initiatives like SWAP are so important and we must seize this opportunity.”
The SWAP2 Project will span 2025 to 2028, helping to address the Pacific Regional Waste and Pollution Management Strategy (Cleaner Pacific) …. PACNEWS
For further information please visit: https://swap.sprep.org/.
