PACNEWS TWO, 02 SEPTEMBER 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — Political will needed to break intelligence-sharing barriers: Pacific Leaders told2. PACIFIC — China’s missile test ‘not the act of a friend’: Aust PM Albanese3. PACIFIC
Leadership
PACNEWS ONE, 01 SEPTEMBER 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC— ‘The Pacific agenda must be driven by us’: Palau President Whipps takes Forum Chair2. PACIFIC — Solomon Islands hands Forum Chair to Palau3. PACIFIC — Pacific must
Wale faces no-confidence challenge as he attends Forum in Palau
SOLOMON Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale has arrived in Palau for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, with a motion of no confidence awaiting him at
PACNEWS THREE, 31 AUGUST 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACFIFIC — Palau President Whipps pushes for fixed annual Forum date2. PACIFIC — Kiribati President Maamau hands Small Island States Chair to Palau3. PACIFIC — Palau takes SIS
Saltwater, Sirens and Sistahood: Linking local action to regional decisions
When Penninah Woyengu in Madang, Papua New Guinea, thinks about her own story within the wider mat of the Shifting the Power
PACNEWS TWO, 25 AUGUST 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — Tonga PM calls for Pacific to turn economic ambition into action2. PACFIC — Ditching diesel could save Pacific nations almost $1b3. AUST — Pacific worker reprieve in
PACNEWS SPORTS, 25 AUGUST 2026
In this bulletin: 1. RUGBY — World Rugby, UK bodies lose bid to throw out concussion lawsuits2. RUGBY — Craig Bellamy ‘honoured’ to have coached Kamikamica3. FOOTBALL — Fourteenth OFC
Pacific at a crossroads
PACIFIC Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa says “a long list of items” is being prepared ahead of the Leaders Meeting in Palau, with climate change central to discussions alongside social and development
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
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
