PACNEWS SPORTS, 08 JULY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. RUGBY LEAGUE — Rugby League World Cup 2026: 100 Days to Go2. RUGBY — Vakatawa close to making Test comeback with Fiji3. RUGBY — FRU chairman demands accountability4. RUGBY —
Fiji
VITI Reggae Festival unveils 2026 lineup, launches talent search for indigenous artists
THE VITI Reggae Festival at Prince Charles Park in Nadi from October 8-10 will boast a regional lineup headlined by South African reggae star TK Dube, son of the legendary Lucky
Fiji acknowledges China’s advance notice of military activity
FIJI has acknowledged advance notification from China before a missile was fired into the Pacific region on Monday.
Fiji’s Taveuni faces critical fuel shortage
TAVEUNI, Fiji’s third-largest island which serves as the country’s agricultural engine, is grappling with fuel shortages and shipping disruptions that have affected tourism, farming, and daily life.
Fiji revenue surpasses forecast by $156.9 million as economy shows resilience
FIJI’S tax revenue reached $FJD3.226 billion in the first 11 months of the financial year, exceeding government forecasts
Ex-coup figure calls for major constitutional reforms
A JOURNALIST who spent 24 years in prison for his role in Fiji's 2000 coup has called for radical constitutional reform, proposing the abolition of the Prime Minister's office and ending the country’s standing army.
Australia launches new Pacific skills programme as APTC ends
AUSTRALIA will spend $FJD359.8 million on skills development in Fiji and Timor-Leste over 2025-2029, as Canberra moves to deepen its regional training footprint through a new programme focused on jobs, industry needs
Albanese says Fiji deal fully budgeted, not aimed at China
AUSTRALIA and Fiji have rejected suggestions their new security and development agreement was designed to shut out China.
Fiji-Australia redraws the Pacific security map with new defence alliance
FIJI and Australia have deepened their strategic partnership, with Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka saying Canberra has committed more than $FJD280 million in new investments since October 2023.
Albanese arrives in Fiji to reinforce Australia’s Pacific pivot
AUSTRALIAN Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Fiji visit on the back of signing the Nakamal Agreement with Vanuatu signals Canberra’s major shift in diplomacy and defence.
Tabuya calls for greater investment in blue carbon finance
FIJI has called for greater investment in blue carbon initiatives, with Minister for Information, Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya urging easier access to climate finance for Small Island Developing States
SPBD Fiji launches 2025 Businesswoman of the Year Awards
SPBD Fiji has officially launched its 2025 Businesswoman of the Year Awards. The Awards will be held under the theme, "Empowering
PACNEWS ONE, 06 JULY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — Australian PM Albanese touches down in Fiji ahead of new Pacific deal2. PACIFIC — PM Wale urges Indonesia to pursue dialogue and reduce tensions in West Papua3. PACIFIC —
Business leaders urge investment in mining
FIJI’S private sector has called for greater investment in mining and clearer accountability on excise tax
Fiji and Solomon Islands reaffirm commitment to Pacific cooperation
FIJI and the Solomon Islands have reaffirmed their longstanding partnership, pledging to deepen cooperation on shared regional priorities and to strengthen Pacific solidarity amid growing regional and global challenges.
Crushing season collapses into dispute at Fiji’s key sugar mills
SUGAR has been a cornerstone of Fiji’s economy and society for more than a century, evolving from early trial plantings in the 1860s into a major export industry.
US marks 250 years of independence, signals deeper Fiji partnership
THE United States Embassy in Suva has marked America’s 250th anniversary of independence with a major diplomatic celebration in Fiji, using the occasion to highlight what it says is a deepening partnership with Fiji
Pacific tourism trade converges in Fiji
FIJI is set to host the Pacific's biggest tourism business week in 2027 and generate new partnerships, attract international buyers, and strengthen the Pacific's visitor economy.
China boosts Pacific Forum with $1.08M
CHINA has reaffirmed its support for Pacific regional cooperation, contributing $FJD2.4 million to the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) for priorities under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
Japan backs Fiji Navy with patrol boats, security support
JAPAN has handed over a third batch of patrol boats to Fiji under its Official Security Assistance (OSA) programme, deepening a defence partnership both governments say is focused on maritime security, law enforcement
FCEF positive on new budget
THE Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) says measures in Fiji’s 2026-27 Budget aimed at relieving business cost pressures and strengthening skills development, will boost investment confidence. Under the
Devi’s gold
AT 38, Archana Devi’s graduation was more than a personal milestone; it was a moment of healing, pride and long awaited
When time is up
PAPUA New Guinea and Fiji have started preparations for general elections – the former in 2027 and the latter this year or early in 2027.
