AGP Executive Report

Deep-sea mining showdown: The UN’s International Seabed Authority says Trump-backed plans to mine the ocean floor using “unlawful” US routes could trigger “many, many” lawsuits, warning no country or investor can act alone outside ISA rules. COP31 push: Australia and Turkey are fast-tracking vehicle electrification for COP31, arguing oil shocks are making the switch urgent from Suva to Sydney. Fiji cost pressure: Fiji’s regulator has approved higher electricity charges and bus fares, with households facing a fresh squeeze from May 26. Governance spotlight: Fiji’s FCCC paper controversy is back in focus after questions over who funded and shaped research while officials held political roles. Local business & tourism: A new Suva industrial store opens, while Six Senses Fiji launches “Sail & Stay” superyacht escapes and Marriott appoints a new hotel manager for Sheraton Fiji. Sports: Swire Shipping Fijian Drua co-captain Frank Lomani is sidelined by a hamstring tear ahead of the Force clash.

Fuel Shock Exposed: A Fiji petrol-station scare shows how the Iran-linked oil crunch is hitting Pacific households fast—slower dashboard gauges, faster pump totals, and $100 barely filling tanks—raising costs for food, transport and livelihoods. Living-Cost Pressure: The FCCC has approved interim electricity and bus fare increases from 26 May, with households facing higher monthly bills as fuel volatility bites. Climate-Resilient Housing: Housing Minister Macia Nalumisa says Fiji is tightening building-code compliance and pushing greener, safer models, including prefabricated and precast options, with 20% of new builds targeted to meet green standards by 2030. Customs & Cargo Security: New WCO-accredited experts are set to strengthen Customs controls and help protect supply chains from insider threats. Regional Security: Pacific police warn drug cartels are exploiting weak maritime surveillance and new tech. Sports & Culture: Drua’s Glen Jackson backs young midfielders; Fiji’s Kula Awards prep ramps up with FBC confirmed for nationwide and overseas broadcast. Global Climate Law: A UN vote backs Vanuatu’s push for states to meet climate duties under international law, despite US-led opposition.

Fuel Shock Relief: The Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission has approved interim increases to cushion volatility: from 26 May 2026 an electricity fuel surcharge of 5.91 cents per kWh (lifting the interim domestic residential rate to 39.92 cents), and an interim 22.5% per-stage bus fare rise (Stage 1 from $1.02 to $1.25). Budget Pressure: Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says rising costs and election spending are pushing Fiji toward a possible mini-budget in July, with municipal elections’ $18m set aside to be redirected to social support. Aupiki Ambition: Drua Women are targeting a first-ever Super Rugby Aupiki title after a renewed, high-energy pre-season, with one trial match left before opening against the Waratahs. Climate Law Push: At the UN, a resolution backing climate obligations linked to the ICJ advisory ruling passed despite US opposition, with Fiji’s representative calling them “legal duties.” Ocean Governance Row: Pacific civil society groups say they’ve been shut out of key deep-sea mining discussions in Suva, warning decisions are being shaped without community voices.

Super Rugby Pacific: The Waratahs have put Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii “in cotton wool,” refusing to risk him in a must-win clash against the Brumbies after a hamstring scare—coach Dan McKellar says it’s too high-risk to rush him back, with travel and illness also affecting key halfback Jake Gordon. Transnational Crime: Fiji is pushing Pacific-led, prevention-first policing after warnings that drug cartels are exploiting weak maritime surveillance, with authorities flagging semi-submersibles and multiple shipments aimed at slipping past enforcement. Sugar Industry: Government consultations begin in Ba as farmers raise cane-return worries; Fiji Sugar Corporation has released the fourth cane payment of $12.84 per tonne, with further top-ups committed. Deep-Sea Mining: Fiji says it needs more science before seabed mining moves ahead, while civil society groups complain they were shut out of ISA discussions. Cost of Living: The Consumer Council warns of “hidden” inflation as supermarket discounting shrinks, hitting household budgets even when shelf prices look stable.

Pacific Security: New Zealand Customs warns Pacific islands are increasingly used by transnational organised crime as storage and trafficking hubs for meth and cocaine, citing concerns about weak borders and possible infiltration after Tonga-linked supply-chain worries. Fiji Governance: Fiji’s Finance Minister has revoked Adish Naidu’s FNPF board directorship following the “Adish Naidugate” warehouse tender conflict, with FICAC taking over the investigation from police. Deep-Sea Mining: Fiji says it will keep a precautionary approach, insisting more science is needed before any deep-sea mining moves—while Pacific civil society groups protest being shut out of ISA discussions. Cost of Living: The Consumer Council says “hidden” inflation is rising as retailers erode promotional discounts during the fuel crisis. Regional Politics: Niue has named a new four-member Cabinet after its tight election, keeping gender balance. Aviation & Trade: IATA signals renewed engagement with ASPA to strengthen Pacific airline connectivity. Sports: Drua coach Glen Jackson urges a return to high work rate and defence as the team heads into must-win away games.

Pacific Drug Crackdown: NZ and Australia police are setting up a Colombia-based strike force and an International Joint Investigations Team to disrupt cartel shipments before they reach Pacific waters, with Fiji hosting police chiefs in Suva as the region is flagged as a key distribution hub. Hidden Inflation at Checkout: Fiji’s Consumer Council says the fuel crisis is hitting households through “discount illusion” — retailers are quietly shrinking or removing promotions, even when shelf prices look steady. Deep-Sea Mining Row: Pacific civil society groups are condemning their exclusion from an ISA workshop in Suva, arguing deep-sea mining rules are being shaped without Pacific communities. Fuel Watch: Fiji says fuel supply is stable through May and June, with authorities monitoring stocks and pending shipments. Business Moves: FDB has bought Tanoa Apartments to grow long-term income for national priorities. Culture & Heritage: UNESCO praises the Fiji Museum’s role in protecting Pacific heritage, as security upgrades move to safeguard national treasures. Outsourcing Growth: Decentralisation is driving more outsourcing jobs beyond major cities.

Fiji Airways FlyWell Rollout: Fiji Airways has launched its FlyWell wellness program, adding Vital Red Light therapy in the Premier Lounge at Nadi and on select long-haul flights from Jun 1, with free access for eligible Business Class passengers for the first two months before onboard sales begin Aug 1. Rugby Nations Build-Up: Swire Shipping Fijian Drua coach Glen Jackson says the Flying Fijians’ 50-man squad will sharpen selection pressure, while England’s coaching staff adds former Scotland winger Byron McGuigan ahead of this summer’s Nations Championship Tests. Sugar Under Strain: Sugar Minister Tomasi Tunabuna warns farmers that unapproved cane varieties are illegal and says this final season will be the last for them, as mills push for higher yields and fewer breakdowns. Fuel Cost Pressure: The Consumer Council says “hidden inflation” is rising as retailers cut discounts amid the global fuel crisis, while Energy Fiji warns load shedding or rationing could hit from next month without fuel cost recovery support. Deep-Sea Mining Row: Civil society groups say they’ve been sidelined from ISA deep-sea mining talks, even as the ISA urges Pacific nations to shape the mining code.

Rum Glory: BATI and RATU rums from Rum Co. of Fiji swept the 2026 London Spirits Competition, taking gold for BATI Banana Rum Liqueur plus 10 more medals, while Bounty Rum added silver and bronze. Sugar Crunch Prep: The Ministry of Sugar says mill preparatory works are done at Labasa, Lautoka and Ba to cut breakdowns, with a feasibility study and a push for green cane. Cost-of-Living Pressure: The Consumer Council warns of “hidden inflation” as supermarket discounts shrink even when shelf prices look steady, with key items up 15–35%. Living Wage Debate: PM Rabuka says an $8 hourly living wage could be passed but must be built into the next budget. Fuel-Freeze Budget Talk: Government is considering a mini-budget to get through 2026 amid fuel-cost strain. Online Harm Spotlight: A new Fiji documentary tackles cyberbullying and privacy abuse, with stronger enforcement powers urged for consumer and safety regulators. Sports Fallout: Nadi Football Association faces calls to step down after the team missed Fiji FACT qualification for the first time since 1991.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders will meet Aug 30–Sep 4 under “Building Economies: Life, Action, Unity,” with Palau’s growing China–US rivalry and regional tensions set to shape Indo-Pacific politics. Ocean governance: The ISA chief urged Fiji and Pacific states to help write a responsible deep-sea mining code, while Fiji says it won’t move ahead until international rules are finalised. Meth crisis push: A new Pacific Security College paper backs a 2027 regional summit to coordinate health, policing and community responses to escalating meth and its links to HIV. Sugar pressure: Agriculture Minister Tomasi Tunabuna blames poor-quality, unapproved cane varieties for a worse cane-to-sugar ratio, as farmers and awards spotlight innovation and resilience. Regional cooperation: Tuvalu and Fiji deepened ties at the Melanesian Ocean Summit, including climate and ocean priorities. Sports & business: Drua’s season ends with a 50–35 Waratahs loss; Fiji secured the bid to host SPTE 2027.

Sugar Revival on the Ground: Former teacher Munish Naicker has won Northern Division’s best innovative farmer award at the Prime Minister’s Sugarcane Farmer’s Mill Awards in Labasa, saying mechanised farming and imported equipment helped him beat labour shortages and turn cane into a profitable business. Ocean Governance Push: In Suva, International Seabed Authority chief Letícia Carvalho urged Pacific nations to stay central to deep-sea mining talks, insisting decisions must be science-based and aligned with Pacific priorities. Drua Under Pressure: Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s 50-35 loss to the NSW Waratahs has coaches and players pointing to weak defence, slow execution in key moments, and breakdown issues—while co-captain Temo Mayanavanua says they weren’t “urgent enough.” Food Safety Watch: Consumer inspectors flagged repeated hygiene breaches in restaurants and cafes, calling for stronger enforcement. Tourism Deal: Fiji has secured the bid to host the South Pacific Tourism Exchange (SPTE) 2027, reinforcing its role as a regional tourism hub.

Climate Accountability Push: Vanuatu’s climate case is set for a UN General Assembly vote on May 20, aiming to turn the ICJ’s 2025 climate advisory opinion into real legal responsibility rather than vague promises. Media Freedom in Focus: Fiji’s journalists marked World Press Freedom Day late but with a clear warning—digital threats, fake news and deepfakes are rising even as Fiji climbs in global press freedom rankings. Airline Wellness Upgrade: Fiji Airways launches “FlyWell” from June 1, rolling out science-backed jet-lag and recovery tools for Business Class on select Nadi–Los Angeles/San Francisco flights and in the Premier Lounge. Housing & Safety: Public Rental Board tenants in Suva’s Mead Road face eviction pressure after rent was halted over unsafe buildings and alleged criminal activity. Health Progress: A new Commonwealth report spotlights cervical cancer elimination efforts, with Fiji among the wider push for vaccination, screening and treatment. Rugby Shock: Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign took a hit with a 50-35 home loss to the Waratahs, with coaches pointing to early execution and urgency.

Super Rugby Pacific: Swire Shipping Fijian Drua coach Glen Jackson says his side’s 50-35 loss to the NSW Waratahs “fell well below expectations,” blaming a slow start after the bye week and questioning whether they underestimated the visitors’ intensity. Land & Minerals Clarification: The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) moved to clear social-media confusion, stressing iTaukei and freehold landowners keep rights to land regardless of depth, while minerals remain State-owned under Fiji law. Housing Pressure: Public Rental Board (PRB) tenants at Mead Road, Nabua face an eviction push after rent was stopped over unsafe building concerns and alleged criminal activity. Girmit Legacy: Fiji marked 147th Girmit Day with leaders urging unity and resilience, with Minister Filimoni Vosarogo linking the indenture legacy to today’s climate, economic and tech challenges. India–Fiji Partnership: India’s High Commissioner Suneet Mehta reaffirmed long-term cooperation in health, skills and technology, citing growing high-level exchanges. Rural Transport Costs: Villagers in Nasau, Koro say maritime cartage and travel fees remain too high despite the Shipping Franchise Scheme.

Super Rugby Pacific: Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s final home game ended in a 50-35 loss to the NSW Waratahs, with co-captain Temo Mayanavanua admitting they “weren’t urgent enough” in key moments after a brutal first half that saw them concede six tries before the break. Women’s Rugby: The Drua Women were held to a 27-all draw by the Waratahs Women in Suva, setting up a tight contest as both sides chase momentum. Biosecurity & Food Security: Fiji marked International Day of Plant Health with renewed focus on plant biosecurity, warning that rising trade and travel are increasing the risk of pests like Fall Armyworm. Rural Transport Costs: Villagers in Nasau, Koro say shipping and cartage costs remain too high despite the Shipping Franchise Scheme, pushing up the price of essentials. Aviation Wellness Push: Fiji Airways launched “FlyWell” from 1 June, offering onboard and lounge wellness products aimed at recovery on long-haul routes. Girmit Day: Fiji commemorated the 147th National Girmit Day with calls for unity and inclusion, while one unresolved issue from 2023—where the audited accounts are—still hangs over the celebrations.

Ocean Finance & Blue Bonds: Global blue bond issuance has surged to US$15.25b by mid-2025, but the market is still tiny and fragmented—Fiji and other ocean-reliant economies will need more investable projects and better investor access to scale it. Rural Transport Pressure: Villagers in Nasau, Koro say shipping cartage and travel fees remain too high despite the Shipping Franchise Scheme, pushing up the cost of essentials. Community & Rugby Partnerships: Sanitarium Weet-Bix refreshed its Fiji packaging while reaffirming its long-running FRU partnership, and Drua’s Suva return is set to be emotional for winger Manasa Mataele after his mother’s passing. Suva Rugby Stakes: Waratahs prop Apolosi Ranawai returns to Fiji for the first time since 2018 as both sides chase crucial Super Rugby Pacific points. Food Security & Biosecurity: Fiji marked International Day of Plant Health with renewed warnings on pests like Fall Armyworm and calls for stronger biosecurity partnerships. Media Freedom: Fiji’s Information Permanent Secretary praised journalists as “real warriors” while warning deepfakes and misinformation threaten trust.

Super Rugby Pacific: The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua mark their 70th match in the competition with a season-defining Suva clash against the NSW Waratahs, with Drua needing wins to keep their top-six hopes alive and Waratahs arriving under pressure. Homecoming Story: Waratahs prop Apolosi Ranawai calls the game a “full circle” return to Fiji after years away, with family and friends expected at HFC Bank Stadium. Girmit Day Accountability: As Fiji marks the 147th National Girmit Day, a fresh spotlight returns to a 2023 promise—where is the audited account for the 2023 Girmit celebrations? Media & Resilience: In Palau, Pacific journalists join a DRM media masterclass ahead of a regional ministerial meeting, while in Suva officials praised journalists as “real warriors” for press freedom. Airline Wellness: Fiji Airways launches “FlyWell” from 1 June, bringing onboard and lounge wellness tools for long-haul recovery. Energy Push: A US$1.5m feasibility study backs Fiji’s rural electrification and renewable mini-grid plans.

Renewables Push: Fiji is moving closer to 100% affordable, reliable, safe energy, with a US$1.5m USTDA grant funding feasibility work for rural solar mini-grids and storage for 25,000 people. Biosecurity Alarm: Agriculture Minister Tomasi Tunabuna says plant health is under rising pressure from pests, diseases and climate change, calling for tighter coordination across agencies, researchers and farmers. FNU Power Shift: Fiji National University’s placement under the Prime Minister’s Office is framed as a governance reset—boosting research and training alignment with national priorities, alongside renewed recognition of traditional land contributions. Girmit Day Unity: UN Resident Coordinator Dirk Wagner urged Fiji to carry Girmit’s “roots to wings” legacy forward through stronger unity and inclusion. NRL Contract News: Sunia Turuva stays with Wests Tigers until 2030, spurning PNG Chiefs despite links to Jarome Luai. Sports Spotlight: Swire Shipping Fijian Drua mark their 70th Super Rugby Pacific match vs the Waratahs in Suva, with finals hopes hinging on results.