AGP Executive Report

Fiji Day: Young people should help shape national decisions, says Culture Director Sipiriano Nemani, while market vendors celebrated independence with flags, traditional dress and calls for unity. Culture Across Generations: Fijian communities in Aotearoa are keeping Vosa Vakaviti alive through family conversations, songs and traditional crafts; Fiji’s diaspora was also urged to stay connected to its heritage. Faith and Community: A $13,012 government grant has funded fencing at a 61-year-old Ba temple after repeated break-ins and thefts, helping protect a place of worship and cultural gathering. Education: A Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearing linked past coups to teacher shortages and lasting disruption in Fiji’s schools. Respectful Debate: Roko Tui Bau condemned threats against critics of chiefs, saying respect for tradition must not silence legitimate questions.

Language & Heritage: Fijian communities in Aotearoa are keeping Vosa Vakaviti alive at home through songs, crafts and family gatherings, as Fijian Language Week celebrates passing culture to younger generations. Fiji Day & Respect: As Fiji marks 56 years of independence, NFP leader Biman Prasad urged unity and equal opportunity. The Human Rights Commission says debate must not become hate or threats, after teachers’ union head Paula Manumanunitoga apologised for racist remarks. Community Traditions: A $13,012 grant has helped secure a 61-year-old Ba temple after repeated break-ins, protecting a place where families gather and pass on cultural and religious values. Climate & Culture: Pacific leaders at Fiji’s Pre-COP called for climate finance to reach communities; in Kiribati, rising tides are damaging ancestral graves, food gardens and cultural practices. Youth & Opportunity: Netball Fiji has launched a grassroots programme to widen participation, while girls made up more than 70 per cent of students in a regional science competition.

Respectful Debate: Fiji’s human rights commission has warned against hate speech and threats as debate over the Constitution intensifies. Roko Tui Bau rejected the Fijian Teachers Association head’s violent, racist remarks; Manumanunitoga has since apologised to the Indo-Fijian community. Pacific Climate Action: The Pre-COP meetings in Fiji ended with Pacific leaders urging faster emissions cuts, better access to climate finance and stronger ocean protection. The Taku Pakasoa Declaration calls for urgent action to keep the 1.5°C goal within reach and protect communities, culture and livelihoods. Community Heritage: A $13,012 government grant has funded fencing for a 61-year-old temple in Ba, helping protect the site after repeated break-ins and support its role in passing on cultural and religious traditions. Youth & Sport: Netball Fiji’s new Pass It On programme aims to widen access for children and adolescents, promote inclusion and address gender inequality. Meanwhile, more than 70 per cent of students in a regional science competition were girls, highlighting growing interest in science. Fiji Bati Pride: Caleb Navale says wearing the national jersey connects him to his culture, family and supporters as the team prepares for the Rugby League World Cup.

Fiji Day and Regional Ties: Taiwan and Fiji marked Double Tenth in Suva, highlighting cooperation on development, climate resilience and disaster preparedness as both countries prepare to celebrate their national days. Community Relations: The NFP is seeking a police investigation into alleged racist remarks and threats by the Fijian Teachers Association’s general secretary, prompting calls for responsible public debate. Climate Action: Pacific delegates at Pre-COP31 in Fiji pressed for urgent action, with new funding announced for community resilience and renewable energy; youth advocate Brianna Fruean urged leaders to turn their welcome into lasting commitments. Women’s Rugby: Fiji’s Bulikula are preparing for their first women’s Rugby League World Cup, joining Samoa and Papua New Guinea at the tournament. Culture and Connection: A Fiji Trade and Tourism Expo in Port Moresby is showcasing Fijian products, tourism and cultural performances, while Vanuabalavu families have reunited in Suva for a festival celebrating tradition and community development. Education Support: Applications are open for the 2026 Child Education Support Scheme, which aims to assist up to 7,000 children.

Climate Action: Fiji’s Pre-COP31 talks produced new pledges for community resilience, renewable energy and infrastructure as Pacific leaders press for climate finance and protection of the 1.5°C target. Women’s Rugby: Fiji’s Bulikula are preparing for their first Rugby League World Cup, joining Samoa and Papua New Guinea in representing the Pacific; players say team unity and cultural pride will be central. Fiji in PNG: A trade and tourism expo in Port Moresby is showcasing Fijian products, cuisine, arts and performances while rebuilding business and cultural ties. Community & Culture: Vanuabalavu families are reuniting in Suva for their three-yearly festival, combining traditional food and entertainment with fundraising for village projects. Education Support: Applications are open until 30 October for FENC Fiji’s Child Education Support Scheme, which aims to assist up to 7,000 children from families in need. Belonging: Minister Sashi Kiran says the proposed Constitution Amendment Bill recognises Fiji’s multicultural communities and seeks to ensure every citizen feels they belong.

Vanuabalavu Culture: The three-yearly festival brings together all 17 villages in Suva, with traditional food, entertainment and fundraising for community projects — including rebuilding Mualevu’s church. Pacific Climate Voices: At Pre-COP31 in Fiji, Samoan youth advocate Brianna Fruean urged leaders to turn Pacific hospitality into action on climate finance and emissions. Pacific leaders say current adaptation funding meets just 26% of the region’s projected needs, while advocates want Indigenous communities at the centre of climate and ocean decisions. Children and Education: Women’s Minister Sashi Kiran has called for Fijian Teachers Association general secretary Paula Manumanunitoga to resign over inflammatory remarks, condemning his advocacy for corporal punishment alongside language she says promotes division and intimidation.

Climate Finance & Youth Pressure: Pacific leaders and youth at Pre-COP31 in Fiji and Tuvalu are demanding real climate action, with youth warning the region is “not a sacrifice zone” and rejecting “false solutions” like deep sea mining. Finance Gap: ADB President Masato Kanda says adaptation funding covers only 26% of Pacific needs, while IMF analysis puts the region’s climate finance shortfall at up to $8.9b a year. Children’s Voices: UNICEF warns El Niño could disrupt education and health for millions, and Pacific children’s letters at Pre-COP31 ask adults: “Will Tuvalu be here when I grow up?” Indigenous Leadership in Finance: A Talanoa in Nadi calls for Indigenous and community-led governance to be central to blue ocean and climate funding. Health & Safety: UN officials say extreme heat is becoming a pregnancy hazard, and Fiji police report rising drugs, HIV, teenage pregnancies and school dropouts in the Northern Division. Community & Culture: Vanuabalavu’s three-yearly festival begins in Suva, with villages fundraising for local development while celebrating tradition and food. Governance Tensions: Fiji’s referendum timing and election campaigning are under legal scrutiny as coalition partners clash over Rabuka’s fast-tracked constitutional process.

Vanuabalavu Festival: The sixth Vanuabalavu Festival kicks off today in Suva, bringing together all 17 villages for culture, fundraising and community development, with money raised staying in each village and Lauan food like vakasakera and puaka tavu on the menu. Constitution tensions: Fiji’s coalition is showing cracks as Rabuka’s fast-tracked constitutional referendum process draws pushback from coalition partners and the Opposition, with critics saying the referendum date is being set before Parliament finishes its work. Heat and motherhood: UN warnings at Pre-COP31 in Nadi say extreme heat is becoming a “new faultline” for pregnancy and newborn health, with survey findings showing rising heat-related complications and unequal risks where cooling and services are limited. Election campaigning legality: Six Fiji civil society groups challenge a request to suspend general election campaigning, arguing the Electoral Commission can’t lawfully do it yet because referendum conditions aren’t met. Children in care: Fiji says 165 children are in State care, with long-term pathways including adoption, foster care, reintegration, education and preparation for independent living. Japan jobs for Pacific workers: Japan’s labour shortage is opening overseas opportunities in sectors like agriculture and nursing care, though immigration remains politically sensitive. Climate finance frustration: Pacific leaders at pre-COP31 say climate funding is too slow, too small and comes with poor terms, leaving adaptation needs unmet. Culture in Aotearoa: Vatu Dei and The KaRs release a new children’s song in Vosa Vakaviti to help families keep Fijian language alive through music. Education focus: Year 8 exams begin today, with 19,141 students sitting papers across 718 centres. Health push: Fiji Cancer Society urges earlier detection and community action, but warns resources are thin and screening needs more support.

Nuclear Disarmament: Fiji’s PM Voreqe Bainimarama says the country will back a nuclear weapons prohibition treaty, calling it “commonsense” to protect lives and noting nuclear arms can’t defeat climate change. Pre-COP31 Climate Push: Pacific leaders at Tuvalu’s “sautalaga” urged the world to end fossil fuel addiction and warned transition plans must not be left open for renegotiation. Pregnancy Under Extreme Heat: UN climate chief Simon Stiell warns extreme heat is becoming a “new faultline,” with 73% of maternal health professionals reporting rising heat-related complications for pregnant women and newborns. Climate Justice for Girls: Kastom Keepers founder Millicent Barty says climate loss and damage hits girls hardest, with sea-level rise forcing families to relocate. Women’s Voice at the Table: Pacific women’s groups say patriarchal climate delegations keep women off decision-making “tables,” calling for attention to water security and menstrual health. Constitution & Referendum Tensions: Opposition leader Inia Seruiratu says Rabuka’s 9 December referendum date is “putting the cart before the horse” before Parliament finishes the Constitution Amendment Bill. Child Discipline Rights: Fiji’s Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission urges removing “lawful and moderate chastisement” and calls for zero tolerance for violence against children. Education Watch: Year 8 exams begin today for 19,141 students across 718 centres, with officials urging calm and support. Cancer Care: Fiji Cancer Society warns resources are thin and calls for earlier detection, healthier lifestyles, and more community screening. Culture & Language: Vatu Dei and The KaRs release a new children’s song to help families keep Vosa Vakaviti alive. Business & Trade: Fiji Trade and Tourism Expo 2026 in Port Moresby spotlights SMEs, culture and cuisine, building PNG-Fiji connections.

Teachers & Exams: Fiji marked World Teachers’ Day with calls from the Fiji Teachers Union to boost salaries, working conditions, professional development and support to retain educators, while Year 8 students (19,141 across 718 centres) begin the 2026 external exams today with English, followed by Healthy Living, then Basic Science, Social Science, Maths and language papers. Pre-COP31 Climate Push: As Pre-COP31 opens in Nadi, Pacific leaders and ministers are pressing for 1.5°C to stay within reach, faster climate finance to reach communities, and ocean-centred action—while Fiji’s Lynda Tabuya warns participation must change decisions, not just consult. Women, Health & Climate: Research and UN warnings link extreme heat to rising pregnancy and birth risks, and Pacific women’s groups say gendered impacts—water insecurity, menstrual health, displacement and violence—are being sidelined in climate talks. Safety & Access: Education Minister Aseri Radrodro says school boat travel must meet safety rules (licensed operators, life jackets, supervision, and updated info), as remote students rely on boats to get to class. Constitution Literacy: Penioni Ravunawa urges Fijians to read the Constitution Amendment Bill directly and verify claims instead of sharing misinformation. Local Tragedy: A family mourns after a father was found dead in Vunato days before his daughter’s Year 8 exams.

Climate & Health: UN climate chief Simon Stiell says extreme heat is becoming a “fatal faultline” for pregnancy and newborns, linking hotter conditions to premature births, stillbirths, low birth weight and maternal complications as a Wellcome survey finds most maternal health professionals seeing rising heat-related cases. Pre-COP31 Focus: Pacific leaders and Fiji’s Lynda Tabuya are pushing for stronger Pacific voices at COP31, with calls to keep 1.5°C within reach, speed up climate finance to communities, and put the ocean at the centre of negotiations. Women on the Frontline: Noelene Nabulivou says climate change is driving loss, displacement, gender-based violence and deeper poverty, urging gender-responsive climate policies and a just fossil fuel phase-out. Climate Finance Push: Kiribati’s Ruth Cross Kwansing backs a new climate finance “reimbursement” window so islands get paid after protection works are built, warning current processes move too slowly. Community Resilience: Villagers in Mali Island (Macuata) have built a temporary seawall to protect sacred land while waiting for government support, and Dramasi women in Tavua are waking at 2–3am to collect contaminated-free water as drought worsens. Local Life & Skills: Australia’s AUD$1m solar support will help remote and maritime schools power up, while Fiji’s Market for Change programme is boosting women vendors’ financial skills and access to services.

Pre-COP31 Climate Push: Pacific leaders and Fiji’s Lynda Tabuya are urging world leaders to show up for COP31 with real action, saying the region must sit at the centre of global climate decisions and that Indigenous knowledge and ocean-climate links should shape negotiations. Youth & Peace Online: Selina Kuruleca challenged young Fijians to become peacebuilders on social media, warning that drugs, violence and online pressure shouldn’t define their generation. Teachers & Exams: On World Teachers’ Day, Aseri Radrodro said teachers need reliable systems and timely support after salary disruptions, while 40,090 students begin Fiji’s 2026 external exams with a 97% pass target. Women’s Livelihoods: Fiji’s Market for Change Programme is boosting market vendors—especially women—with financial skills, savings support and safer, climate-resilient market infrastructure. Water Stress in Dramasi: Women in Tavua’s Dramasi are waking at 2–3am to collect contaminated-risk water as drought worsens, turning hygiene and food security into daily struggles. Language at Home: Fijian families in Aotearoa and at home are keeping Vosa Vakaviti alive by using the language daily, not just in school.

Climate & Water: In Dramasi, women are waking at 2–3am to collect water because drying creeks are getting contaminated by animals at daytime, pushing hygiene and food security further under strain. Women & Work: Fiji’s Women’s Ministry says connectivity alone won’t lift rural women—digital skills, tools and training are needed so women can turn internet access into income. Culture & Identity: The Bose Levu Vakaturaga Bill has passed unanimously, with debate now shifting to what the institution should mean for iTaukei life beyond legal recognition. Constitution Watch: Fiji’s Constitution Amendment Bill cleared second reading and heads to consultations, with a referendum still possible if the required MP vote threshold is met. Education: Students begin Fiji’s 2026 external exams this week, with the Ministry targeting a 97% pass rate and urging confidence and steady effort. Health & Community: A Pinktober walk in Suva drew 200+ people to back early cancer checks and support the Fiji Cancer Society. Maritime Governance: Parliament passed the Maritime Powers Bill to give clearer legal authority for boarding, searching and detaining at sea. Climate Diplomacy: Fiji and partners are gearing up for Pre-COP31 events, while Pacific churches and communities rally for climate justice ahead of COP31. Lifestyle: Aussies on South Pacific cruise stops are being told to respect local rules on swimwear and cover up.

Education: Fiji’s 2026 national external exams kick off with 40,090 students across Year 8, 12 and 13, as Education Minister Aseri Radrodro urges learners to stay focused, manage time and remember results won’t define their future. Health & Community: St Joseph’s Secondary School Alumni’s Pinktober walk drew 200+ people for cancer awareness, early checks and healthy living, with funds going to the Fiji Cancer Society. Climate & Culture: Fijian climate activist Lavenia Naivalu speaks ahead of UN talks, pushing for Indigenous and Pacific voices in COP31 decisions. Youth & Faith: A Walk With Me Interfaith Youth Concert in Suva brought 500+ youths together to stand united, respect differences and be peacebuilders online. Law & Rights: Parliament’s Constitution Amendment Bill continues after second reading, with consultations ahead and debate over child protection and lawful “moderate chastisement.” Maritime Safety: The Maritime Powers Bill 2026 passed, expanding legal authority for officers to stop, board, search and detain vessels at sea. Ageing Policy: Fiji prepares a National Ageing Policy 2026–2035 after consultations, aiming for longer, healthier and more dignified lives for older people.

Constitution & Rights: Fiji’s Constitution Amendment Bill cleared second reading with 35 votes, moving to third reading and a 30–45 day referendum process if the 66% threshold is met; the bill also outlines children’s protection while allowing “lawful and moderate chastisement” for correction, with detention only as a last resort. Maritime Safety & Enforcement: Parliament passed the Maritime Powers Bill 2026, giving authorised officers clearer authority to stop, board, search, detain and arrest at sea—aimed at better coordination across drugs, fisheries, customs, immigration and biosecurity. Ageing & Care: Government is preparing a National Ageing Policy 2026–2035 after consultations with thousands, focused on healthier, safer, more dignified and connected ageing. Health & Community: St Joseph’s Alumni Pinktober walk drew 200+ people to push cancer awareness and early checks, raising funds for the Fiji Cancer Society. Education & Exams: External exam dedication services urged Year 8, 12 and 13 students to stay confident and disciplined ahead of the 2026 national exams. Climate Voices: A Fijian climate activist is calling for action ahead of UN talks, stressing Indigenous and Pacific perspectives in climate negotiations. Youth & Peacebuilding: Youth were urged to “walk together” across faiths and cultures, including being peacebuilders online. Lifestyle: A major hotel makeover story highlights Fiji’s wider travel-and-comfort culture.

Pacific Pre-COP31 Diplomacy: PM Mark Brown is set to travel to Tuvalu and Fiji to push for climate finance that’s “simpler and faster” for small island states, plus stronger ocean protection and resilience projects ahead of COP31. Constitution Watch: Fiji’s Constitution Amendment Bill 2026 has cleared second reading after securing the required 35 votes, with public consultations now set for the next 30 days before a possible referendum. Referendum Rules: Parliament has also passed the National Referendum Bill unanimously, spelling out how voting will work for Fiji’s first referendum, including overseas voting and a 30–45 day referendum period after the writ is issued. Climate Pressure on the Pacific: A new analysis says Pacific adaptation needs are far outstripping funding, with current commitments covering only about a third of what’s required. HIV Crisis Update: Fiji is seeing a worsening HIV emergency, including babies with HIV in paediatric care, with doctors warning the epidemic is becoming more widespread. Drug Enforcement: Fiji’s Counter Narcotics Bill passed, creating a dedicated Counter-Narcotics Bureau and new powers to tackle narco-terrorism. Public Health Harm Reduction: Parliament has approved amendments to roll out a needle and syringe programme, delivered through clinics, NGOs and pharmacies.