AGP Executive Report

Environment & Energy: Fiji’s Department of Environment has rejected the Vuda Point waste-to-energy and private port EIA, saying major issues remain unresolved—from waste sourcing and imported waste to hazardous ash, public health, water supply, roads/port impacts, and social, cultural and tourism risks. Community & Health: Northern Division health data shows childhood obesity is up 40% in five years, with overweight/obesity rising from 5% (2021) to 7% (2025), and lunchbox audits finding few balanced meals. Education Access: A new Cuvu Community Learning Centre in Nadroga is opening to support students at risk of dropping out, offering literacy/numeracy help, homework support and exam guidance with resort-backed community support. Constitution Review: Nawaka leaders are urging the CRC to restore constituency-based voting and strengthen safeguards for indigenous land, fishing grounds and traditional rights, while another submission argues constitutional rights need direct budget funding to avoid “empty promises.” Online Safety & Privacy: Policing and Communications Minister Ioane Naivalurua urged responsible social media use after doxing concerns, stressing verification and proper reporting processes. Public Health Advocacy: Diabetes Fiji is calling for at least $1m in direct government funding ahead of the 2026-27 budget, warning diabetes remains a leading cause of death amid clinic and specialist service gaps. Travel & Lifestyle: Fiji Airways will resume direct Nadi–Nouméa flights from September 22, adding 10,000+ seats annually and boosting tourism and people-to-people links. Culture & Heritage: Students are keeping Girmit Day alive through a national competition on carrying the Girmit flame forward.

Constitution Review Commission: Nawaka leaders and Sigatoka residents urged the CRC to restore constituency-based voting and to fund constitutional rights, warning that promises like housing and utilities stay empty without budget links. Indigenous & identity rights: Submissions also pushed for stronger safeguards for iTaukei land, fishing grounds and traditional leadership, while others renewed calls for constitutional protection of iTaukei identity and even a Christian State. Environment & development: Fiji’s Department of Environment rejected a Vuda waste-to-energy and private port EIA, citing unresolved health, cultural, tourism, infrastructure and hazardous ash concerns. Health & schools: Northern Division obesity among primary pupils rose 40% over five years, with lunchbox audits showing few balanced meals; meanwhile a new Cuvu community learning centre aims to cut dropouts. Public health funding: Diabetes Fiji demanded at least $1m direct budget support as diabetes remains a leading cause of death. Travel & lifestyle: Fiji Airways will restart direct Nadi–Nouméa flights from 22 Sept, and Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji reopened after a multi-million-dollar renewal. Culture & sport: Girmit Day student work keeps the Girmit legacy alive, while Moana Pasifika’s Super Rugby future and Fiji’s Rugby League World Cup links (including Cook Islands star Valentine Holmes) drew attention.

Constitution Review: A Sigatoka resident urged Fiji to raise the legal marriage age to 21 for men and 20 for women, saying young people are not mature enough for life-changing decisions, while also calling for constitutional protections for Fiji’s multicultural identity. Health & Inequality: Fiji’s HIV figures show men make up 66% of cases and iTaukei people 94%, with 2,016 new registrations in 2025 and 117 deaths—85% among people aged 15+. Diabetes Funding Push: Diabetes Fiji wants at least $1m in direct 2026-27 budget funding, warning diabetes is Fiji’s leading cause of death and that rural clinics face shortages and limited specialist care. Education Costs: Fiji Teachers Union is demanding a minimum 35% rise to the Free Education Grant, saying rates have been frozen since 2014 and purchasing power has fallen sharply. Air Connectivity: Fiji Airways will restart direct Nadi–Nouméa flights from 22 September 2026, twice weekly, adding 10,000+ seats annually. Culture & Identity: Serua villagers called for constitutional safeguards for iTaukei identity and for the term iTaukei to be reserved for Indigenous Fijians. Lifestyle Spotlight: Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji reopened in Savusavu after a multi-million-dollar renewal, refreshing oceanfront bures and shared spaces. Sports Business: Moana Pasifika’s Super Rugby future is framed as an existential question about financial viability and what the competition can afford.

Resort Revival: Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji has reopened in Savusavu after a multi-million-dollar renewal, refreshing oceanfront bures and shared spaces while keeping its “people-first” cultural connection. Air Connectivity: Fiji Airways will restart direct Nadi–Nouméa flights from 22 September 2026, twice weekly, adding 10,000+ seats annually to boost tourism, trade and people-to-people links. Education Pressure: Fiji Teachers Union is pushing for a 35% jump in the Free Education Grant (and warns primary rates may have fallen), plus a separate call for higher transport assistance so rural and maritime students don’t lose access. Constitution Talks: During CRC consultations, Serua villagers want a new Constitution and stronger protections for iTaukei identity, while other submissions call for restoring the Senate, reforming Parliament, and giving landowners control over minerals beneath iTaukei land. School Safety: The Ministry of Education warns schools to verify anyone claiming to represent the Embassy of Japan after reported fraud attempts for documents and payments. Culture & Heritage: Students are keeping Girmit legacy alive through the National 147th Girmit Day Competition, using poetry, essays and artwork to carry the “Girmit Flame” forward. Health in Schools: Health officials say schools must lead the fight against non-communicable diseases, starting with healthier food habits for children.

Higher Education & Representation: Fiji’s new Higher Education Commission team has been sworn in, but a fresh debate is already bubbling up about whether the commission reflects Fiji’s multicultural makeup and who gets a seat at the table. Constitution Review: In Serua and Navua consultations, submissions are pushing for stronger protection of iTaukei identity and even a rethink of state ownership of minerals under indigenous land. Democracy Rules Under Scrutiny: The National Referendum Bill is drawing criticism for how it could shape campaigning and information ahead of a likely election window. Schools & Health: The fight against non-communicable diseases is being targeted at schools, with leaders urging healthier food habits to start early. Teachers & Transport Costs: Teachers’ unions are calling for higher transport assistance and pay rises, warning rural access to education could be hit if support doesn’t keep up with fuel prices. Culture & Learning: Lomaiviti leaders are urging parents to treat education like a long-term family investment, while also stepping up early drug awareness in island communities. Lifestyle & Media: Fiji’s presence in global pop culture continues with Love Island USA filming in Fiji, even as a contestant was removed ahead of the premiere.

School Health Push: Assistant Health Minister Penioni Ravunawa says non-communicable diseases are hitting younger people, so healthier food habits must start in schools through the Pacific School Food Talanoa. Constitution & Identity: Serua villagers want the term iTaukei reserved for Indigenous Fijians, with other groups named by their own identities, as constitutional review talks continue. Higher Education Reset: The new Higher Education Commission Fiji team has been sworn in, with a focus on strengthening the National Qualifications Framework and aligning training with labour needs. Education Costs & Access: The Fiji Teachers Union is urging a 40% jump in rural transport assistance vouchers, warning unchanged fares since 2014 could limit children’s access to free education. Constitutional Reform Debate: CRC consultations also heard calls to restore Fiji’s Senate and reform Parliament, plus a separate push to reconsider State ownership of minerals under iTaukei land. Health & Community Support: SK Bioscience secured its first UNICEF flu vaccine contract, with deliveries planned for Fiji and other countries. Lifestyle & Travel: Norwegian Cruise Line extended its South Pacific season, betting on close-to-home island getaways. Culture & Sports: Fiji FA says host districts will be responsible for fan behaviour in Extra Premier League matches, with bans for repeat abuse.

Education & Pay Debate: Fiji Teachers Union is pushing for a 15% pay rise in the 2026–2027 Budget, saying it’s key for cost-of-living relief and keeping teachers in classrooms. Living Wage vs Process: Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel says any move toward an $8 minimum wage must follow a formal review, while unions argue workers can’t wait. Travel Rules: The Passport Amendment Bill 2026 aims to modernise travel documents, speed up processing for Fijians overseas, and toughen penalties for offences. Tourism Law & Benefits: Fiji’s Tourism Act 2026 is now in place, expanding rules across hotels, tour operators and community tourism, with calls to prove growth reaches rural and iTaukei communities. Culture & Festivals: Fiji’s 8th Melanesian Arts and Cultural Festival has been deferred to next year due to competing programmes and budget pressure. Community Health: Lupus awareness is being urged after the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection highlighted delayed diagnosis and misconceptions, especially affecting women. Environment & Livelihoods: Beche-de-mer harvesting is extended by eight months, with officials citing major income for coastal communities. Family Harm Workshops: Samer+Collective is set to run workshops in Auckland on tackling family harm, with sessions planned for June, July and August. Pacific Protest: Pro-Palestinian groups plan coordinated protests in Fiji and NZ over Israel’s first Pacific embassy in Suva. Sports & Identity: Moana Pasifika’s Super Rugby run ended with a win, but the franchise faces liquidation and an uncertain future. Overseas Spotlight: A newlywed Indian-origin Delta pilot, “Dave Fiji,” died in a US helicopter crash hours after his wedding; his wife survived.

Waste & Environment: Canada’s High Commission says composting could cut Fiji landfill waste by more than half, noting organic matter makes up about 60% of waste, as Lautoka received compost bins and kits. Women & Elections: A University of Fiji lecturer urged values-driven leadership and stronger media engagement for inclusive elections, stressing women’s leadership should be rooted in respect, resilience and accountability to grassroots communities. Pay & Cost of Living: The Fiji Teachers Union is pushing a 15% pay rise for 2026–2027, while debate over an $8 living wage heats up as Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel calls for any jump to follow a formal review process. Immigration & Travel Documents: Parliament’s Passport Amendment Bill 2026 toughens penalties and speeds temporary travel documents for Fijians overseas, and an Immigration Amendment Bill adds stronger screening and clearer visa administration. Tourism & Culture: Fiji’s Tourism Act 2026 modernises the sector and expands rules to cover community tourism and short-term stays, as ministers also face renewed calls to prove tourism benefits reach rural, maritime and iTaukei communities. Health & Community Support: Lupus awareness efforts highlight that women are disproportionately affected, with calls for early diagnosis and better community support. Education Reform: The Education Bill 2025 removes corporal punishment from the bill, and says school levies can’t block enrolment—only approved levies can be charged. Fisheries & Livelihoods: Beche-de-mer harvesting has been extended by eight months, with officials citing millions in village income and jobs for rural and maritime communities. Sports & Identity: Moana Pasifika’s Super Rugby run ends with a last-match win over the Brumbies, but the franchise is placed in liquidation.

Fisheries & Rural Livelihoods: Fiji has extended the beche-de-mer harvesting season by eight months, keeping it open from June 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027, to support coastal communities hit by rising fuel and transport costs. Community Health: The Fiji Eye Project wrapped up a 10-day mission at Labasa Hospital, restoring sight for 73 Fijians through cataract and laser surgeries. Education & Child Protection: Fiji’s Education Bill 2025 removes corporal punishment from the draft, while the Minister says unpaid school levies won’t stop enrolment and any levy needs Permanent Secretary approval. Youth & Social Trust: A Pacific youth survey across Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Samoa finds young people feel development benefits are unfairly shared and they want stronger human-rights protections. Public Health & Substance Use: World No Tobacco Day warnings in Macuata say tobacco misconceptions are pushing youth toward harder drug use, with officials citing higher nicotine and tar levels in suki. Politics & Belonging: The National Federation Party says it’s building momentum for a leading role in uniting Fiji under its “Weaving Fiji Together” campaign. Sports & Pasifika Pride: Moana Pasifika’s Super Rugby run ended with a defiant 21-19 win over the Brumbies, but the franchise has been placed in liquidation. Immigration Reform: Fiji’s Immigration Amendment Bill strengthens border screening and travel document rules, including new systems for pre-arrival checks. Culture & Faith: Pro-Palestine groups plan coordinated protests in Suva and across New Zealand over Israel’s first Pacific embassy opening in Fiji. Business & Jobs: A new EU-backed Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund launched in Suva aims to help Pacific SMEs access finance, especially in the blue and green economy. Lifestyle & Achievement: Fiji-born Shika Raju becomes the first Fiji Indian-born person to summit Mount Everest, sharing lessons on humility and resilience.

Immigration & Borders: Fiji’s Immigration Amendment Bill 2026 is set to modernise travel screening with advanced passenger information and passenger name records, streamline visa categories, and tighten data governance, with decision-making powers shifting toward the Permanent Secretary for Immigration. Education & Work: Parliament heard 202 registered teachers are still awaiting placement as of 25 May—mostly early childhood—while schools continue to face staffing gaps. Culture & Leadership: As Fiji marks Ratu Sukuna Day, leaders including Tui Nayau and Deputy PM Viliame Gavoka urged unity, duty over privilege, and renewed investment in education and youth opportunities, while also warning that illegal drugs are eroding families and discipline. Health & Innovation: Fiji-born orthopaedic surgeon Dr Murali Reddy has performed the first robotic-assisted knee replacements in New Zealand using Crest Hospital’s Mako Smart Robotics system. Business & Jobs: A new EU-backed Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund was launched in Suva to help Pacific micro, small and medium businesses access finance, especially in the blue/green economy and climate resilience. Rights & Inclusion: Opposition MP Hem Chand says Persons with Disabilities are still being left behind despite policies, calling for accessible transport, stronger therapy and allied health support, and better financial assistance. Protest & Politics: Pro-Palestine groups plan coordinated protests in Suva and across New Zealand against Israel’s opening of its first Pacific embassy in Fiji. Crime & Safety: Fiji police confirm two Samoan nationals accused in a transnational murder case transited through Nadi, as Samoa freezes bank accounts linked to the probe.

Immigration & Travel Reform: Minister Viliame Naupoto says Fiji’s new Immigration, Passports (renamed Travel Documents) and Citizenship amendment bills aim to modernise border security, improve screening using advanced passenger information, and tighten penalties for passport offences, with 10-year adult and 5-year minor validity plus temporary travel certificates for stranded citizens. Crime & Borders: Fiji is setting up document forensic labs in Nadi and Suva to spot fake passports and forged travel documents after two Samoan nationals linked to the “Coconut Cartel” murder case transited through Nadi, with Samoa freezing bank accounts as the investigation widens. Youth & Community: Deputy PM Viliame Gavoka used Ratu Sukuna Day in Lautoka to warn that illegal drugs are eroding families and young people’s futures, calling for stronger education, youth empowerment, sports, faith and economic opportunities. Education Pressure: Parliament heard 202 registered teachers are still awaiting placement, with Early Childhood Education the biggest gap, while the Fiji Teachers Association urges the Government to suspend school levies to protect families hit by fuel and food costs. Disability Inclusion: Opposition MP Hem Chand says Persons with Disabilities are still being left behind despite policies, pushing for accessible transport, better therapy and allied health support, and stronger enforcement of accessibility standards. Business & Jobs: A new Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund launched in Suva targets micro, small and medium enterprises across the Pacific, especially blue/green economy and climate resilience sectors, to improve access to finance and investment readiness. Culture & Identity: Ratu Sukuna Day events across the country highlighted unity, duty-led leadership and preserving iTaukei values while embracing modern development. Human Stories: A Fiji-born Shika Raju made Everest history as the first Fiji Indian-born person to summit, sharing lessons in humility after losing her sight during the descent.

Power reliability: Energy Fiji Limited says unplanned electricity outages climbed from 1,656 (2024) to 1,829 (2025), even as average restoration time eased slightly, while a $522.66m grid upgrade plan targets substation, transmission and generation works. Youth & jobs from ports: Pacific youth are watching the Quad Ports of the Future push, hoping new maritime links will create work in logistics, tourism and entrepreneurship—if implementation stays long-term. Education staffing gap: Parliament was told 202 registered teachers are still awaiting placement (128 in early childhood, 66 secondary), as schools follow vacancy forms and district checks before appointments. School levies under pressure: The Fiji Teachers Association urges Government to suspend school levies amid fuel and food strain, warning fees could push families out of education. Ratu Sukuna Day values: Fiji marked Ratu Sukuna Day with calls for unity and leadership rooted in duty, plus fresh efforts to reconnect iTaukei children with culture through ceremonies and school events. Tourism law overhaul: Parliament passed the Tourism Bill 2026, creating a National Tourism Council, national standards and a Tourism Fund aimed at protecting culture and boosting community-based tourism. Crime & documents: Fiji will set up forensic document labs in Nadi and Suva after Samoan suspects in a Vietnam killing case transited through Nadi using fraudulent travel documents.

Education & Jobs: Fiji’s Education Ministry says 202 registered teachers are still awaiting placement as of May 25, with 128 in Early Childhood Education and 66 in secondary. Cost of Schooling: Fiji Teachers Association urges Government to suspend school levies, warning families could be pushed out of education as prices bite. Ratu Sukuna Day & Culture: Deputy PM Viliame Gavoka used Ratu Sukuna Day in Lautoka to call for unity, duty-led leadership and stronger action against illegal drugs, while schools and families across Suva highlighted iTaukei identity through remembrance events and traditional dress. Tourism Reform: Parliament passed the Tourism Bill 2026, setting up a National Tourism Council, national standards and a Tourism Fund aimed at protecting culture and spreading benefits to community operators. Public Accountability: Opposition MPs questioned a $500k grant to the School Management Association of Fiji, with the Minister saying detailed outcomes will come later. Security & Travel Documents: Fiji is establishing forensic document labs in Nadi and Suva after two Samoan nationals linked to a transnational murder case transited through Nadi. Disability Support: Demand for specialised child disability services is rising fast, with Frank Hilton Organisation reporting major increases in referrals and assessments.

Ratu Sukuna Day & iTaukei identity: Celebrations in Suva and beyond are bringing iTaukei children closer to chiefly heritage, with families dressing young participants in traditional chiefly attire and debuting them in meke at schools. Tourism reform: Fiji’s Parliament has passed the Tourism Bill 2026, overhauling outdated tourism laws with a National Tourism Council, national standards, and a Tourism Fund aimed at protecting culture and boosting community-based operators. Local heritage delays: Levuka’s UNESCO benefits are still not showing on the ground, with the Attorney-General saying heritage management and funding have moved slowly between ministries. Education governance questions: Opposition MPs challenged a $500k grant to the School Management Association of Fiji, after the Education Ministry said it lacked detailed information on outcomes for earlier funding tranches. Disability support demand rising: The Frank Hilton Organisation reports a sharp jump in referrals for children with disabilities, with most needing early intervention and services still delivered free. Plastic pressure on big brands: Samoan and Pacific advocates protested outside Coca-Cola’s bottler AGM in London, calling for less single-use plastic and a return to reusable packaging. Sport & culture in the region: Netball’s inaugural Spirit Series will bring Fiji, PNG and Singapore to Sydney during NAIDOC Week, while Tonga’s Just Play won a Pacific messaging award for inclusion and gender equality through sport. Constitution & rights education: Opposition calls for an inclusive constitutional review process, and communities in Taveuni want Constitution lessons in schools so young people understand rights and responsibilities. Energy & everyday costs: Government says Fiji is pushing toward 100% renewable electricity by 2036 to reduce vulnerability to global fuel price shocks.

Child Poverty & Welfare: Save the Children says New Zealand’s Budget 2026 backs education and health infrastructure, but offers little relief for families on welfare, warning it won’t ease child poverty pressures. Disability Support Demand: Fiji’s Frank Hilton Organisation reports a sharp rise in specialised child support needs, with 1,600+ referrals from 2023–2025 and a big jump in assessments, stressing early intervention. Ratu Sukuna in the Spotlight: UniFiji released a tribute song for Ratu Sukuna’s legacy as Ratu Sukuna Day activities roll out, while an editorial urges today’s leaders to match his duty-first approach. Inclusive Constitution Process: Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu calls for an inclusive, carefully handled constitutional review that respects ethnic, cultural and historical sensitivities. Education Reform in Fiji: Fiji’s new Education Bill passed in Parliament, with debate over school levies; leaders like Lomaiviti’s Samuela Vadei argue parents must take responsibility. Tourism Growth: Fiji’s tourism continues to rise, with visitor arrivals up in the first four months, and officials say benefits should reach rural and maritime communities. Wheelchair Rugby Launch: Fiji’s first wheelchair rugby head coach, Makarita Nakavulevu, celebrates the sport’s formal national launch under the Fiji Rugby Union. Culture & Community Events: Wailuku Film Festival in Hawai‘i announces ticket sales for 100+ screenings, while Fiji’s Aelan Riddim festival spotlights Melanesian music connections across the region.

Education Reform: Fiji’s Parliament has passed the Education Bill 2025, replacing the 1966 Act and setting up new bodies like an Education Advisory Council and a National Curriculum and Assessment Authority, with stronger teacher registration powers and more support for students with disabilities. Teacher Shortages: MPs say the reforms must be matched with real action on staffing and resources, especially in rural areas where key subjects like Physics and Mathematics are hardest hit. Constitution & Civic Learning: Constitution Review Commission talks in villages and schools are pushing for Constitution lessons in classrooms, while the CRC process is said to be under tight time pressure and needs whole-of-government support. Renewables & Energy Justice: Government is advancing a major shift away from imported fossil fuels, targeting 100% renewable electricity by 2036 to protect families and businesses from global fuel shocks. Ratu Sukuna Legacy: Ratu Sukuna Day is set for Friday in Lautoka, with events also highlighting his vision for unity, education, and leadership. Wheelchair Rugby Launch: Fiji has officially launched wheelchair rugby under the Fiji Rugby Union, led by coach Makarita Nakavulevu. Youth Voices: Young people are calling for Budget 2026 investment in rangatahi wellbeing, mental health, transport, and affordable childcare. Regional Culture: Aelan Riddim returns in Honiara, bringing together artists from Fiji, PNG, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands. Crime & Safety: NZ says the Pacific can’t “arrest” its way out of organised crime, urging stronger legislation, borders and cross-agency action; Fiji also reports suspected cartel killers transited through the country.