Author: TMC Palau

Eight players of Pasifika heritage have been named in the All Blacks match-day 23 to battle France at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch on Saturday.Captain Ardie Savea, who is of Samoan heritage, leads the pack in what is a historic game for the team’s Pacific connection in their opening Nations Championship game of 2026.All Blacks head coach David Rennie is of Cook Islands heritage, through his mother, and one of his assistants, Fa’alogo Tana Umaga is of Samoan origin.Savea is joined by Peter Lakai and Caleb Clarke in the starting lineup, in the All Blacks’ first test at the…

[File Photo] The Electoral Commission of Fiji has rejected a request by former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem for the establishment of an Independent Investigation Committee into the conduct of four Fijian Elections Office officials. In a statement, the Commission says it had considered Saneem’s request but determined that establishing such a committee falls outside its constitutional mandate. The Commission also noted that it is aware of the findings of the Chief Justice in Criminal Case HAC 165 of 2025S, in which Saneem and former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum were acquitted on 26 June 2026. It stated that disciplinary matters relating…

The World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have both recently made changes to their construction procurement policies. These aim to promote more employment and skills development for the residents of the countries receiving the loans. But do these changes go far enough to have a major impact? Are the new requirements sufficient to provide the social licence that foreign firms and the multilateral agencies want? Will the changes overcome the reputational damage caused by the past reliance of construction firms on imported skilled workers for large projects? The PNG Government, in its national budget papers for 2025, has…

[File Photo] The Government is urging sugarcane farmers to begin harvesting immediately, warning that further delays could put both local sugar supplies and Fiji’s export markets at risk. Minister for Sugar Industry, Tomasi Tunabuna says every day of delay affects cane quality, harvesting schedules, transport logistics and ultimately farmers’ incomes. He warns that if cane is not harvested and processed on time, Fiji could struggle to produce enough sugar to meet local demand, forcing the Government to explore other options to ensure supermarket shelves remain stocked. “Some of those markets are probably also Pacific Island nations. You know, we would…

[Source: Reuters] England’s World Cup campaign has increasingly come to ​rest on the shoulders of Harry Kane, whose goals, link-up play and ability to deliver in decisive moments ‌have repeatedly rescued a side still searching for fluency and conviction. The captain was again central to their 2-1 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo in the round of 32 on Wednesday, but England’s reliance on their talisman raises a growing question as the knockout stage intensifies: how far can they go ​if Kane is the only player consistently capable of turning pressure into progress? Once again at the World Cup,…

FijiThe Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) says fuel and LPG prices are reduced for July.Diesel is dropping between FJ$1.19 and FJ$1.25 across the country.Motor spirit prices will decrease by 49 to 52 cents per litre and kerosene by around 42 cents in most parts of the country.LPG prices will also decrease.The FCCC said these reductions reflect improving global market conditions following progress in ceasefire negotiations in the Middle East.But it warned global fuel markets remain vulnerable to geopolitical events and prices may continue to fluctuate as the global energy market recovers.SamoaSamoa’s minister of finance has announced a reduction in…

RugbyTonga rugby coach Tevita Tuifua says they have made changes to their squad ahead of this weekend’s opening match of the tier-two Nations Cup competition.He said some players initially named in the squad have suffered injuries, while others are unavailable because of new contracts.Eleven players who played for Moana Pasifika this year have also been included, including flyhalf Patrick Pellegrini and fullback William Havili.Tonga meets Zimbabwe in Denver on Sunday, while Manu Samoa will take on Hong Kong China.RugbyFiji under-20 rugby coach Andrew Tui Osborne says the team will need all guns firing against Australia on Thursday night, in their…

[Source: Fiji Rugby/Facebook] Peceli Yato makes his long‑awaited return to the Flying Fijians as head coach Senirusi Seruvakula has named a strong matchday 23 to face Wales in the Nations Championship opener this Sunday. Yato, who last represented the Flying Fijians in 2023, is included among the replacements and adds valuable experience and impact to a squad that blends seasoned internationals with rising stars. The starting XV features Eroni Mawi, Tevita Ikanivere, and Tim Hoyt in the front row, with Isoa Nasilasila and Temo Mayanavanua locking the scrum. Pita Gus Sowakula, Kitione Salawa, and Elia Canakaivata form a dynamic back…

[File Photo] Defending Skipper Cup champions Malolo Rugby are feeling the heat as they gear up for the new season, with expectations high and pressure mounting ahead of kick-off next month. Assistant coach Joseva Domolailai says the champions are well aware of the target on their backs, as they prepare to defend the title they proudly lifted last year. Malolo have kept a similar build-up to last season, sticking to a familiar training structure while making small adjustments based on lessons learned from their title-winning campaign. “We are trying to get our players conditioned and their bodies trained well for…

[Photo: FILE] A total of ten thousand dollars was donated to the Navua Hospital Board in an effort to upgrade the hospital’s machines and infrastructure. Navua Hospital Board Secretary Felisha Kayes says the funds will allow them to prioritize essential needs such as water and electricity. “Whatever funds are being raised are actually being utilised directly to whatever the hospital needs. For instance, from last year, we had some major breakdowns with machines.” Board of Visitors member Saimoni Ratukadreu says they are committed to using available funds to improve services at the hospital, as it caters not only to people…