Author: TMC Palau

[Source: File] A loss of focus after halftime was at the heart of the Flying Fijians’ collapse against Scotland, according to head coach Senirusi Seruvakula. Fiji looked on course for victory after taking a 17-7 lead into the break, but Scotland dominated the second half to deny the visitors a winning finish to their Nations Championship campaign. Seruvakula says his side failed to maintain the standards that had put them in control during the opening 40 minutes. “I think it’s just a loss of focus. They were carried away because of the score in the first half. But we have…

[Source: File] McDonald’s Fiji Drua Women head coach Mike Legge could not hide his pride after his side’s commanding 31-5 victory over the Queensland Reds secured a historic home Super Rugby Women’s final. The win marks another milestone for the Drua Women, who will now play a grand final on home soil for the first time since joining the competition in 2022. Legge praised his players for executing the team’s game plan and overcoming the pressure of a high-stakes semi-final. “It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster, but I’m bloody proud of the girls. We came out here with a…

[File Photo] Liqueurs will be subject to a separate excise duty category under proposed amendments aimed at improving the administration of Fiji’s excise tax regime. Speaking in Parliament, Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel says the Excise Budget Amendment Bill 2026 introduces a specific excise duty rate for liqueur products, which are currently taxed under the same category as spirits. He says creating a separate excise duty category will ensure duties are calculated and applied consistently and accurately. “The proposed amendments provide greater certainty for manufacturers, importers and distributors of alcoholic beverages by clarifying the applicable duty treatment while supporting the…

[File Photo] Fiji’s tourism sector must focus on service quality, workforce skills, and inclusiveness as the industry grows. Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Civil Aviation Salaseini Daunabuna highlights this at the 2026 National Hospitality Conference, hosted by Fiji National University and the National Training and Productivity Centre. Daunabuna notes that tourism growth is measured not just by visitor numbers, but by the quality of experiences provided. She emphasizes that building a skilled, confident hospitality workforce remains critical to maintaining Fiji’s position as a leading destination.Article continues after advertisement Investment in training, professional development, and industry collaboration strengthens customer service, digital…

[File Photo] The Opposition says it supports government assistance for Fiji Airways but has rejected a proposed five percent tourism services tax, arguing that the burden of financing the national airline should not fall almost entirely on the tourism sector. Speaking during the debate on the Tourism Services Tax Bill 2026 in Parliament, Opposition MP Premila Kumar says there was broad agreement that Fiji Airways is a national asset deserving of support, but questioned whether the proposed legislation offers a fair and transparent funding model. “We recognize that Fiji Airways is a national asset carrying around 80 percent of our…

[File Photo] Health Minister Atonio Lalabalavu says the ministry is strictly posting new doctors to rural and maritime facilities to strengthen primary healthcare. Dr Lalabalavu says while graduates can request a preferred posting or seek a review under special circumstances, the posting committee has the final decision. He highlighted that last-minute changes to postings disrupt health services and leave critical vacancies unfilled. “We encourage new medical officers wherever they are being sent that they should stick to that because it’s a very difficult task to plan for this, and when we have changes at the last minute, it really only…

Overview: Nauru Airlines has quietly removed Koror and Pohnpei from its North Pacific Connector route, ending scheduled services to Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia from early July. The move leaves questions over regional air connectivity and whether the routes will return in the future. BRISBANE/YAREN, 13 JULY 2026 (CHAVIATION)—Nauru Airlines has ended scheduled services to Pohnpei and Koror, revising its weekly North Pacific Connector route from 03 July 2026.   The airline’s published timetable now shows the B737-300 service operating between Brisbane International, Nauru, Tarawa, and Majuro, without the previous extension to Micronesia and Palau.   The revised schedule is…

[Source: Fiji Rugby/ Facebook] The Fiji Water Flying Fijians Nations Championship campaign ended in defeat as Scotland overturned a halftime deficit to win 33–17 in the final round clash. The Flying Fijians made a blistering start, with Tevita Ikanivere crashing over in the 15th minute and Selestino Ravutaumada following three minutes later. Elia Canakaivata added a third try in the 33rd minute, converted by Isaiah Armstrong Ravula, to give Fiji a commanding 17–7 lead at the break after Scotland’s Jonny Gray had opened the scoring in the 13th minute. The second half, however, belonged to Scotland. Pierre Schoeman powered over…

Overview: Behind every can of tuna and every export shipment is a little-known group of workers risking their lives to protect one of the Pacific’s most valuable resources. Fisheries observers board commercial vessels for months at a time to monitor catches, expose illegal fishing practices and safeguard the future of the region’s $40 billion tuna industry — a job many describe as one of the world’s most dangerous professions. HONIARA, 13 JULY 2026 (SBS)—According to fisheries officials in the Pacific, one of the most difficult to pin down breaches when it comes to overfishing is the ability to monitor catch…

[Source: File] Representing Fiji alongside her younger sister has made this Fiji Pearls campaign even more special for Nanise Waqaira. The national representative says she is proud to see younger sister Eseta Waqaira earn an opportunity in the Pearls environment, with both siblings now sharing the experience of representing their family and community on the national stage. “I’m really proud because she’s my younger sister and coming from my family, we’re pretty much the only ones that have reached that stage and that environment.” Waqaira says wearing the national colours together is a moment their family will cherish.Article continues after…