AGP Executive Report

Language & Identity: Constitution consultations in Nausori and Serua have renewed calls to teach iTaukei in all schools and debate how Fiji recognises indigenous identity and shared citizenship. Cultural Ties: Fiji and Indonesia plan deeper cooperation on heritage preservation, artist exchanges and creative industries, with possible joint UNESCO nominations. Girls’ Safety: Homes of Hope says silence, weak family communication, poverty and peer pressure can leave girls vulnerable to abuse, and calls for stronger community awareness. Women’s Health: Lau women’s leaders want cancer education extended to outer islands, helping overcome taboos that can delay check-ups. Women’s Initiatives: Australia has pledged a further $8 million to Women’s Fund Fiji, with 44 grants supporting grassroots work including economic empowerment and efforts to end violence. Local Food: FNU student Prathna Vikash is developing sweet-potato pasta to promote local produce and healthier choices.

Period Poverty: Auckland teenager Hannah Ganivatu, whose family is from Kadavu, is raising $4,000 and collecting sanitary products for students at Basden College in Suva; she has gathered 28 of her target 50 boxes. Reconciliation: Lau paramount chief Ratu Tevita Mara says Fiji’s debate over immunity for past coup leaders must also address poverty, inequality and drug and HIV challenges in iTaukei communities. Pacific Arts: Indonesia’s 2026 cultural exchange brings together 20 artists from eight Pacific countries and 70 artists from eastern Indonesia to share traditions and create new work. Women’s Health: Soqosoqo Vakamarama Ko Lau says cultural taboos make cancer difficult to discuss, and is bringing health officials to community gatherings to encourage awareness and check-ups. Women’s Leadership: UN leaders say women remain under 8% of Pacific parliamentarians, urging political systems to make more room for women ahead of upcoming elections. Identity and Faith: Fiji’s constitutional consultations have sparked debate over recognition of indigenous identity and whether Christianity should remain a founding constitutional value, with advocates calling for protections for all communities.

Women’s Health: Soqosoqo Vakamarama Ko Lau is bringing cancer information to community gatherings, as president Rigieta Halofaki says cultural taboos can make it hard for women to discuss the disease or seek check-ups. Constitutional Debate: The NFP wants Christianity removed as a founding constitutional value, while former SODELPA official Viliame Takayawa says the 2013 Constitution’s use of “Fijian” as a national identity has erased part of Indigenous history. Both debates unfold amid calls for broader public consultation. Women in Leadership: A UN Pacific commentary says women hold under 8% of seats in regional parliaments and urges action to clear barriers as Fiji and other Pacific nations prepare for elections. Girmitiya Heritage: Fiji’s High Commissioner to India has urged UNESCO recognition for three Indian ports linked to the journeys of indentured labourers, including the ancestors of many Fijians.

Women’s Leadership: A new Melanesian programme launching in Auckland will connect women and girls, build leadership and offer mentoring while recognising the strengths already in their communities. Community Health: Fiji Police are urging faith leaders and community groups to help prevent drug harm, especially among young people, and connect those affected with treatment. Everyday Wellbeing: Health leaders at a Fiji pharmacy conference highlighted how food, lifestyle and gut health shape wellbeing, alongside the need for responsible antibiotic use. Constitution & Rights: The NGO Coalition on Human Rights is questioning the legal process behind the proposed December 9 referendum, calling for transparency, due process and safeguards against prejudice. Girmitiya Heritage: Fiji’s High Commissioner to India has urged UNESCO recognition for three Indian ports linked to the journeys of indentured labourers, including ancestors who came to Fiji. Water Access: Dramasi residents say they have waited 35 years for a permanent supply, relying on a dam and intermittent government deliveries for daily needs.

Water Access: Dramasi families have waited 35 years for a permanent supply. Residents rely on an open dam and government deliveries, which can arrive only every two weeks. Ocean and Culture: Fiji’s Pacific Ocean Envoy says ocean protection must be central to COP31 talks, stressing its place in communities’ food security, livelihoods and cultural identity. Health: A local heart surgeon warns that unhealthy diets and inactivity are driving serious risks across the Pacific, including Fiji. Travel: New coverage highlights Fiji holiday rentals offering a more personal island stay, while three Accor hotels have gained sustainability certification for work including cultural experiences and community support. Constitution: Fiji’s Human Rights Commission says the public needs more time to consider proposed constitutional changes, warning that a short submission period could undermine meaningful participation. Family and Wellbeing: A Fijian health promoter says Pacific cultural strengths can support mental health, but family and community ties do not erase the pressures people face.

Family & Money: Fijian author William Bilitaki’s new book, Island Money, urges Pasifika families to talk openly about debt, funeral costs and financial pressures. Parenting: Former educators say families and schools must work together as social media reshapes children’s behaviour and eats into family time. Children’s Rights: Save the Children Fiji wants a proposed constitutional clause permitting “lawful and moderate chastisement” removed, warning it could weaken protection from violence. Culture & Wellbeing: Fijian health promoter Fee Tamani says Pacific cultural strengths and community ties can support mental health, but people struggling still need help. Tourism: Three Accor hotels are the first in Fiji to earn Ecotourism Australia certification, recognising sustainability work that includes cultural education and community support. Likuliku Lagoon Resort also earned top recognition in Fiji’s luxury category in the Condé Nast Traveler awards. Rugby: New coach Jake White says Fiji will build depth and prepare seriously for the 2027 World Cup, with ambitions to go beyond the quarter-finals.

Constitution Debate: Fiji’s Human Rights Commission wants more time for public submissions on the Constitution Bill, warning that the 11-day window risks limiting meaningful participation. Save the Children Fiji is also urging Parliament to remove a proposed “lawful and moderate chastisement” clause, saying it could weaken protections against violence. Women in Politics: A new digital hub offers prospective candidates campaign-planning tools, mentoring and safety resources tailored to Fiji’s elections. Culture & Wellbeing: Fijian health promoter Fee Tamani says Pacific cultural strengths can support mental health, but connection alone may not ease distress or isolation. Sustainable Tourism: Three Accor hotels are the first in Fiji certified by Ecotourism Australia, recognising sustainability efforts that include cultural education and community support. Human Rights: A US State Department report says Fiji identified 50 trafficking victims but secured no convictions for a third straight year, and raises concerns about the response to allegations linked to Grace Road.

Health Access: An Indonesian Navy hospital ship treated 504 people in Suva, offering eye, dental, radiology and heart screenings. A separate Jaipur Foot programme aims to provide prosthetic limbs to 650 amputees across Fiji. Constitution and Belonging: Fiji’s proposed Constitution Bill names Christianity and family values among the State’s founding values, while moving “common and equal citizenry and national unity” lower in its list. Culture at Home and Abroad: Fijian father Tukai Neumi Baraki’s new guide encourages diaspora families to keep language, village wisdom and cultural values alive. More than 600 Fijians in Surrey marked Fiji Day with a celebration of shared culture and community. Children and Young People: Fiji Women’s Rights Movement is calling for compulsory sexuality education to help protect girls from child marriage; 165 children are in State care, with 41 nearing transition out. Land and Heritage: Waikalou villagers in Naitasiri say landslides have cut their ancestral land from about 60 acres to 16, putting homes and cultural ties at risk.

Health and Inclusion: A 2026 Jaipur Foot camp aims to provide prosthetic limbs to 650 amputees across Fiji, helping recipients regain mobility and independence. Child Welfare: Fiji has 165 children in State care, with 41 aged 16 to 18 approaching the transition out; the ministry is exploring education and training support. Girls’ Rights: The Fiji Women’s Rights Movement is urging compulsory sexuality education in schools, citing continuing child-marriage risks and girls’ need for accurate health information. Youth and Identity: Tui Nayau Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara says each generation must earn independence through education, service and connection to its language and cultural roots. Music and Heritage: FijiFest Hawaiʻi will celebrate the music and legacy of George “Fiji” Veikoso on November 21, bringing established and emerging island artists together.

Fiji Day Traditions: Nadi vendors marked independence with a shared meal and anthem, as 65-year-old Asha Kiran recalled marching through town as a child in 1970. Youth Leadership: Miss Nasinu Faith Vaidamu plans to champion youth identity and leadership, while Fiji Day celebrations in Beijing helped students stay connected to home and culture. Heritage Under Threat: Waikalou villagers say landslides have cut their ancestral land from about 60 acres to 16, putting homes and cultural roots at risk. Community Culture: A government grant will fund fencing for a 61-year-old Ba temple after repeated break-ins; members say it is an important place to share faith and traditions with younger generations. Fiji Day Holiday: Schools remain closed Monday, with classes resuming Tuesday, October 13.

Fiji Day: Schools will stay closed Monday for the public holiday, with classes resuming Tuesday, October 13. Minister Aseri Radrodro urged families to celebrate safely and share Fiji’s cultural heritage with children. Youth & Sport: Miss Nasinu Faith Vaidamu plans to champion youth identity and leadership, while Silktails players Tevita Wanisi and Maikeli Sadranu are pursuing rugby league opportunities through hard work and sacrifice. Culture Abroad: Fijian students in Beijing marked the occasion with food, language and traditions, keeping close to home despite the distance. Ancestral Land: Waikalou villagers say decades of landslides have shrunk their land from about 60 acres to 16, putting homes and cultural ties at risk. Climate & Health: Rising seas and coastal erosion are threatening Fiji’s health facilities, prompting calls for more climate-resilient services.

Fiji Day: Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka urged Fijians to choose unity and respectful dialogue, saying the country’s diverse cultures, faiths and languages are a strength. Youth Voices: Culture Director Sipiriano Nemani says young people should help shape decisions and Fiji’s future. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro also stressed equal learning opportunities and stronger drug and HIV awareness. Culture Across Borders: Fijian communities in Aotearoa are keeping Vosa Vakaviti alive at home through everyday conversation, crafts and song, while Minister Ioane Naivalurua encouraged young diaspora members to stay connected to their heritage. Community Pride: Market vendors marked independence with flags, traditional attire and family celebrations. In Ba, a $13,012 government grant has funded fencing for a temple repeatedly targeted by break-ins, helping protect a community gathering place and its traditions. Respectful Debate: Roko Tui Bau condemned threats against people criticising chiefs, saying traditional leaders deserve respect but are not above scrutiny; Fiji’s human rights commission has urged respectful debate without hatred or intimidation.

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.