PACNEWS TWO, 18 AUGUST 2026
In this bulletin: 1. TONGA — Tongan leader backs ‘renewed blood’ as three ministers join Cabinet2. USA/FIJI — Alleged US$165 million crypto Ponzi scheme mastermind deported from Fiji to U.S3. PACIFIC
Leadership
Samoa’s former prime minister calls for Pacific governments to share power with citizens
SAMOA’S former prime minister Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa has called for governments across the Pacific to create formal platforms where citizens, non-government organisations and governments can work
Theologian calls for education rooted in community, ethics and self-review
A PACIFIC theologian and educator has called for a fundamental rethink of education systems in the region, saying they must move beyond employment, imported standards and narrow disciplines to become community-based,
Taylor calls for Pacific leadership grounded in culture and collective action
FORMER Pacific Islands Forum secretary general Dame Meg Taylor has called for Pacific leadership to be grounded in the region’s own philosophies, relationships and cultural values rather than borrowed models.
Pacific young people must shape leadership, UNI Fiji vice-chancellor says
PACIFIC leaders must listen to young people and pursue the common good as the region confronts climate distress, rising inequality, weakened civil society and a loss of trust in government, governance and
Pacific leadership needs a Pasifika-centred approach, says Vaai
PACIFIC countries need to rethink how Western philosophies shape leadership and development and strengthen approaches grounded in Pasifika values, knowledge and lived experiences, Pasifika Community Manu Folau Upolu
PACNEWS THREE 13 AUGUST 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — Pacific Ministers push stronger fisheries protection and maritime boundaries2. PACIFIC — Forum Foreign Ministers call for urgent capitalisation of PRF, as region targets
PACNEWS SPORTS, 12 AUGUST 2026
In this bulletin: 1. RUGBY — Sione Fukofuka appointed Wallaroos coach from 20272. RUGBY LEAGUE — ‘Small countries, big hearts’: To’o excited for first taste of PNG3. RUGBY — Wye
Pacific reaffirms regional ownership amid rising geopolitical competition
“OUR agenda must continue to be conceived by the Pacific, shaped by the Pacific, and owned by the
David Gina elected Solomon Islands Deputy Speaker
SOLOMON Islands Member of Parliament for South New Georgia, Rendova and Tetepare, David Gina, has been elected unopposed as the country’s new Deputy Speaker of Parliament. Prime Minister Matthew Wale and the GREAT
PM Wale urges unity to deliver reforms in Solomon Islands
SOLOMON Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale has called on Members of Parliament to put aside political divisions and work together to deliver long-awaited reforms, saying leadership should be measured by service rather
PACNEWS THREE 06 AUGUST 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — Forum SG Waqa urges Smaller Island States to retain political leadership amid regional reforms2. FIJI — World leaders need to see Pacific climate impacts firsthand: PM Rabuka3.
PACNEWS SPORTS, 06 AUGUST 2026
In this bulletin: 1. RUGBY — Fijiana’s physicality looming as key test for Springboks2. RUGBY — Former Manu Samoa coach’s application for stay of sentence denied3. FOOTBALL — Oceania football
PACNEWS SPORTS, 05 AUGUST 2026
In this bulletin: 1. RUGBY — Lakapi Sāmoa must look beyond rugby politics and build for the future – Ken Ah Kuoi2. RUGBY — Willie Walker is Fijiana XV head coach3. RUGBY — ‘Collision wins
PACNEWS SPORTS, 03 AUGUST 2026
In this bulletin: 1. RUGBY — New Samoa Rugby Football Union launched2. RUGBY — Samoa captain and coach urge resolution for their country’s ‘best interests’3. COMMONWEALTH GAMES — Tarona
Two Tongan MPs to lose seats
TWO Tongan parliamentarians will lose their seats on Monday, guilty of election
Australia appoints New High Commissioner to Naoero
AUSTRALIA has appointed career diplomat Lisa White as its next high commissioner to Naoero (Nauru).
Following the kastom roads: Anna Naupa becomes the first ni-Vanuatu PhD graduate from ANU
When Anna Naupa submitted her PhD thesis at ANU, she became the first ni-Vanuatu person to earn a doctorate from the
Cook Islands ready for election
ONE seat has been confirmed in the Cook Island general election after Agnes Helen Armstrong secured the Ivirua seat unopposed.
PACNEWS ONE, 15 JULY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — China does not seek ‘sphere of influence’’ in ties with Pacific Island nations, foreign minister says2. PNG — Former PNG Opposition leader among new ministers3. VAN
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
Milestone for Niue: Elected women signal new era of Pacific leadership
NIUE has marked a historic milestone in its democratic journey, with the election of seven women into Parliament.
40 Public Sector Leaders Graduate from FNU’s Inaugural Executive Leadership Programme
Forty public sector professionals have graduated from the inaugural Executive Public Leadership Course at the Fiji National
