Author: TMC Palau

Analysis: Tokelau – made up of three atolls with a total population of about 1500 people – benefited hugely from joining a Pacific tuna cartel in 2012.The impact of being part of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) was so significant that revenue generated from its lucrative fishery quickly accounted for as much as 40 percent of the national budget for this non-self-governing territory of New Zealand.But all that came to a halt early this year, when the PNA terminated Tokelau’s participation in PNA’s Vessel Day Scheme (VDS) that manages the purse seine industry in Pacific waters, where over…

[Photo: FILE] The government has confirmed that residents of the Nanuku informal settlement in Vatuwaqa,Suva will be included in its relocation program after concerns were raised in Parliament over eviction notices issued to families living on private land. During the committee stage of the 2026–2027 National Budget debate, Independent MP Parveen Bala asked Housing Minister Maciu Nalumisa how the Government intended to fund the relocation of Nanuku residents after they were reportedly given 30 days to vacate the land. Bala noted that the settlement was not specifically identified in the budget allocation for informal settlement relocations and questioned whether additional…

[Photo: FILE] Concerns have been raised over civilian employees working within the Republic of Fiji Military Forces who may be missing out on salary increases. Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu questioned whether these workers are being overlooked because they do not fall under the same category as military personnel or regular civil servants. During debate on the 2026-2027 Appropriation Bill, Seruiratu said some civilian staff serving within disciplined forces had raised concerns that they were not included when civil service salary increases were announced. He said the issue had also been raised with the Ministry of Finance and asked Defence Minister…

The Flying Fijians remain in the top 10 of the World Rugby Men’s Rankings, despite their recent losses in the Nations Championship.South Africa maintains its hold as the number-one ranked side in the world, ahead of New Zealand (2nd), Ireland (3rd) and France (4th), who complete the top four.The Flying Fijians have lost to Wales (39-24) and England (73-8) in their first two matches of the inaugural Nations Championship.Monday’s rankings update places England at fifth, and Wales remains outside of the top 10 at 12th.Fiji, sitting ninth, faces sixth-placed Scotland this weekend.Both Samoa and Tonga have dropped a place to…

[Photo: File] The Next Generation Holdings (Fiji) Pte Limited is challenging the Director of Environment’s decision to reject its Environmental Impact Assessment Report for the proposed Energy-from-Waste Plant and Private Port Facility at Vuda Point. The appeals matter was called before the Environmental Tribunal today. According to the Notice of Appeal, the Director of Environment rejected the EIA report on 4 June 2026 following a review conducted under Section 30 of the Act. The company argues that it is entitled to appeal the decision which allows any person who disagrees with the Director’s decision to file an appeal with the…

The Foreign Affairs Minister is set to meet with Ministers from Niue, Fiji and Samoa today.It follows Australia signing defence pacts with Papua New Guinea last year, and with Fiji last week.Winston Peters said in uncertain geostrategic times, it is more important than ever to connect.Fiji’s Sakiasi Ditoka and Samoa’s Afioga Fata Ryan Schuster – who are attending a Ministerial meeting with Trade Minister Todd McClay – will also meet with Peters in Auckland.Niue’s Prime Minister, Dalton Tagelagi, will meet with Peters for the first time since being re-elected in May. Source link

[Source: Fijian Drua/ Facebook] Leading the McDonald’s Fiji Drua Women into a home Super Rugby Women’s semi-final is a moment captain Kolora Lomani holds close to her heart. The playmaker admits captaining the side has come with its challenges but says the support of fellow leaders within the squad has helped her navigate the responsibility. “I think it’s very special to me, having that captaincy as well. It’s been a very tough job leading this bunch of girls, but I’m grateful to have Bitila, Kara and Fisher on the side as well to support me.” Lomani says she is humbled…

[Photo: Supplied] Indigenous resource owners can expect greater support in accessing tourism opportunities and creating economic benefits from their resources. This follows moves by the Viti Indigenous Tourism Alliance, a charitable organization representing Indigenous resource owners to amend its constitution to better reflect the Vanua system and its growing role in the tourism sector. VITA President Sitiveni Nawaqa says the current constitution was created as a standard framework when the organization was established in 2023. The alliance says the proposed changes are based on three years of engagement with resource owners across Fiji.Article continues after advertisement VITA Executive Salote Malani…

[Photo: File] The HIV Unit funding structure has come under scrutiny, with questions over whether it should have greater control as a separate cost centre. Health Minister Dr Atonio Lalabalavu says the current setup allows the unit to access key Ministry support while carrying out its work. The issue was raised during the debate on the 2026–2027 Appropriation Bill 2026, after the Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu questioned why the HIV Unit’s funding was being managed under general administration. The Opposition Leader told Parliament that HIV officials had raised concerns that funding allocated to them had previously been redeployed by headquarters…

Two category 5 typhoons that battered the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) in less than three months have devastated homes, infrastructure, and businesses, but they have also created an unexpected opportunity to restore some of Saipan’s most heavily eroded beaches.The Commonwealth’s Department of Public Works (DPW) says it will resume a beach nourishment programme using sand dredged from the Smiling Cove Marina navigation channel after engineers found recent storm activity had once again reshaped the sand spit at the marina entrance.DPW secretary Ray Yumul said engineers have reassessed the area following Super Typhoon Bavi.”I had engineers go out…