Author: TMC Palau

Acting Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga. [Photo: FILE] The Electoral Commission has announced that the earliest possible date for the issuance of the Writ of Election is June 24, 2026. Acting Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga says that, in accordance with the Constitution and relevant electoral laws, the next General Election will be held within the required constitutional timeframe. Turaga also addressed reports and commentary circulating on social media suggesting that concerns over global fuel prices and international developments could lead to a deferment of the General Election. He says such claims remain speculative at this…

Samoan artist Ana Teofilo designed a carpet featuring motifs from different cultures found throughout the collection. Photo: Supplied Tūhura Otago Museum says its newly redeveloped Pacific Cultures gallery was redesigned with direct input from Pasifika communities. ‘Tāngata Moana: Peoples of the Ocean’ gallery reopened after a 16-month transformation. The gallery’s redevelopment comes as museums around the world face growing calls to work more closely with indigenous communities when dealing with their artefacts and histories. It was important to the gallery’s collection technician Jonika Edgecombe to invite Pasifika communities into their storage spaces, allowing them to decide how they wanted to…

[Photo: FILE] Delays in passport processing are linked to Fiji’s ongoing transition to an upgraded e-passport system. The process is also still affected by manual application stages, which continue to slow down approvals and document handling. Opposition MP Taito Rokomatu questioned why applicants are being told to wait two to four months for new or renewed passports. He said members of the public visiting immigration offices are frequently advised to return after long waiting periods.Article continues after advertisement Permanent Secretary for Immigration Aliki Salusalu explained that Fiji shifted to an e-passport system in 2019. He said a full system upgrade…

[Photo: FILE] McDonald’s Fijian Drua Women’s fly-half Varanisese Qoro earned the Fans’ Player of the Match award after a spectacular performance against the Western Force over the weekend in Lautoka. The former ACS sprinter and Lillian Amazon/Nadi Rugby player, who made her Super Rugby Women’s debut in Sydney the previous week, scored two tries in their 29-24 win on Saturday. She says playing at home is a blessing, especially in front of a passionate home crowd that played a big part in helping the team secure its first win of the season. “We had prepared ourselves well for the game…

The Development Intelligence Lab’s recent breakdown of Australia’s foreign affairs spending in the 2026 Federal Budget turns up some astonishing figures, one of which is the amount of money spent on intelligence. According to the Lab’s number crunchers, $2.2 billion will be spent on the National Intelligence Community in 2026–27, a figure which rises to $4.6 billion if you include the Australian Signals Directorate, which resides within the Defence portfolio. That higher figure almost equals what Australia will spend on total Official Development Assistance in 2026–27 ($5.2 billion). Yet the very nature of intelligence means details of how this money…

[Photo: TAINA BASIYALO] Defending Skipper Cup champions Malolo Rugby Union are taking a different approach to their pre-season preparations, with players working alongside the Fiji Pine Trust as they gear up for another title defence. The initiative is helping ease financial pressures on the team while also strengthening team unity ahead of the new season, which kicks off on August 1. Although the Fiji Pine Trust is unable to directly sponsor the side, players have been engaged through a government-funded extension scheme, allowing them to earn an income while contributing to a major reforestation project in the Sigatoka Highlands. The…

Fijian human rights activist Shamima Ali. Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Kelvin Anthony A human rights activist in Fiji is calling for the joint police-military taskforce on drugs to be disbanded, but the Fijian government says it does not support the call. It comes as the military revealed more than 60 witnesses have been spoken to in an investigation into the death of Jone Vakarisi, The Fiji Times reported. Police have classified Vakarisi’s death as murder after the Republic of Fiji Military Forces had initially claimed that the notorious figure known to law enforcement had died of pre-existing conditions. Exactly two months…

Elder abuse, including rising financial exploitation and neglect of older persons, remains a serious concern. This was according to the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection, which says abuse is still occurring in homes and communities. It is often hidden and underreported. This makes detection and response more difficult. Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran said the focus must move beyond awareness. She called for stronger prevention and action. She said elder abuse is unacceptable. It includes physical, psychological and financial abuse, as well as neglect. She said most cases happen behind closed doors.Article continues after…

[Photo: FILE] All schools across Fiji will be closed today as heavy rain, flooding, strong winds, and coastal inundation continue to worsen nationwide. Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro says the decision was made overnight following consultations with the National Disaster Risk Management Office and the Fiji Meteorological Service, after the latest forecasts indicated a significant deterioration in weather conditions. While earlier assessments indicated schools could operate as normal, persistent heavy rainfall and flooding in several areas have prompted the nationwide closure of all schools today, Tuesday, 16th June. Tertiary institutions have been encouraged to make their own decisions based on…

[Photo: FILE] Former Journalist Josefa Nata has warned iTaukei Fijians never to support another uprising. Submitting to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Nata said indigenous people should not be misled into backing any takeover carried out in their name. He said such actions are often promoted as a way to improve living standards or address past grievances. Nata said many iTaukei Fijians have seen little benefit from the 1987 and 2000 coups. Instead, he said their situation has worsened.Article continues after advertisement The former politician spent 24 years in prison for his role in the 2000 coup. He said he…