AGP Executive Report

Weather & Schools: Fiji ordered all schools closed today as heavy rain, flooding, strong winds and coastal inundation worsen, with parents urged to keep children home and avoid risky travel. Education Update: Schools reopened today after assessments found no major flooding, but parents were told to use discretion and monitor local conditions closely. Constitution Review & Village Authority: A villager told the CRC that village by-laws and leadership are being weakened as people misuse “individual rights” to ignore community rules, urging stronger constitutional recognition of village authority. Tourism & Hotels: Accor and Fiji’s Yavu Collective signed a landmark deal to bring three new hotels to Denarau and Nadi, adding 370+ rooms by 2027. NZ Business Mission: A 37-member New Zealand delegation is in Fiji for a four-day trade and investment push across tourism, renewables, infrastructure, education and health. Border Security: Immigration is finalising high-tech screening for inbound travellers using advanced data systems to target drug trafficking syndicates. Human Trafficking Pressure: Fiji faces US TIP Report scrutiny over enforcement and victim protection gaps, with officials pointing to new laws and a $500,000 allocation. Child Labour & Living Wage: Child labour persists as families can’t afford basics; unions and ministers stress decent jobs, living wages and keeping children in school. Gender Diversity Rights: TAAG urged the CRC to strengthen constitutional protections for gender-diverse Fijians, calling discrimination a colonial import.

Economic Inclusion: A Fijian high chief slammed Dialogue Fiji’s “State of the Fijian Economy Dialogue 2026” as a “talkfest” that excluded everyday people, despite big-name economists and former ministers taking part. Migrant Worker Protections: Three Nepalese workers sheltered after alleged human trafficking told MPs the system has enforcement gaps, with laws mainly targeting workers while abusive employers can slip penalties. Child Labour & Living Wage: Fiji Trade Union Congress says child labour persists because families can’t cover basic costs, urging a living wage and higher minimum pay to keep children in school. Education Clarity: The Education Ministry says Term Three runs as planned (Sept 7–Dec 4) and exams will go ahead, rejecting online misinformation. Gender Diversity in Constitution: The Trans Affirmative Action Guild urged constitutional recognition and stronger protections for gender-diverse Fijians, calling exclusion “colonial import.” HIV Awareness: Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre warns HIV stigma still treats it like a “gay disease,” stressing prevention and open, gender-aware education. Health & Community: A retired Labasa dentist launched a mobile dental clinic, aiming to reach remote communities. Tourism & Culture: Tourism Fiji pushes investors to look beyond traditional hubs, while Accor and Yavu Collective signed deals for three new hotels in Fiji.

Film & identity: Maui’s Wailuku Film Festival is swapping Hollywood gloss for homegrown storytelling, with a new lineup of Hawaiʻi and local student work running June 17–21. Local entrepreneurship: Labasa dentist Tomasi Kuru has launched what’s believed to be Vanua Levu’s first iTaukei-owned mobile dental clinic, aiming to reach remote communities after 28 years in public service. Tourism beyond the usual spots: Tourism Fiji is urging investors to look past traditional hubs and spread growth to other provinces, including higher-end experiences along the Coral Coast. Hotel pipeline: Accor and Yavu Collective have signed a landmark deal for three new hotels in Fiji—Sofitel, The Sebel and TRIBE—adding 370+ rooms by 2027. Child labour push: Fiji marks World Day against Child Labour with renewed calls that children belong in school, not workplaces, as reports link child labour to poverty and education gaps. Drugs & policing: UN safety chief Unaisi Vuniwaqa says Fiji’s drug crisis needs whole-of-government coordination and clear Police–RFMF SOPs, not just higher salaries. Heritage access: National Archives is digitising Girmit records and using name indexes to help descendants trace ancestors’ ships and immigration passes.

Mobile health & culture: Retired Labasa dentist Tomasi Kuru has launched Kuru’s Mobile Dental Services, described as the first iTaukei-owned mobile clinic in Vanua Levu, aiming to bring personalised care to remote communities. Tourism beyond the usual spots: Tourism Fiji is urging investors to look past established beach hubs and develop untapped provinces, including higher-end experiences along the Coral Coast. Hotels & jobs in the pipeline: Accor and Yavu Collective have signed a deal for three new Accor-branded hotels in Fiji (Sofitel, The Sebel, TRIBE), adding 370+ rooms by 2027. Child labour alarm: Fiji’s child poverty and labour figures are stark, with calls to keep children in school and tackle the poverty-to-exploitation cycle. Drugs response: UN security and safety official Unaisi Vuniwaqa says Fiji needs clear Police-RFMF SOPs and a whole-of-government taskforce, not salary hikes alone. Identity & history: National Archives digitised Girmit records and is using name indexes to help descendants trace ancestors. Inclusion spotlight: Health advocates renewed calls for stronger support for people living with albinism.

Constitution & Democracy: Fiji’s Constitution Review Commission heard calls for tougher constitutional penalties on coup makers, alongside warnings that reforms must tackle the deeper fears and divisions behind coup culture, not just quick fixes. Child Labour: World Day against Child Labour coverage stressed that child labour happens in homes and farms too, with ministers and the ILO pushing prevention through quality schooling and whole-of-society action. Drugs & Policing: UN safety chief Unaisi Vuniwaqa urged a whole-of-government response to Fiji’s drug crisis, saying higher police salaries won’t be enough without coordinated enforcement, health and justice systems, plus clear SOPs for any Police-RFMF joint operations. Inclusion & Health: Calls for stronger support for people living with albinism highlighted risks like vision impairment and skin cancer, with free protective supplies but a need for education to tackle stigma. Tourism & Culture: Fiji Airways launched its first direct Nadi–Gold Coast flights, while a Nadi cultural tour spotlighted Lapita and Melanesian settlement history at Viseisei. Hospitality Growth: Accor and Yavu Collective signed deals to bring Sofitel, TRIBE and The Sebel to Fiji, including Sofitel Fiji Vatu Talei opening in 2027.

Constitution Review: Fiji’s Constitution Review Commission heard calls for tougher, clearly written constitutional penalties to deter coup makers, plus fixes to ensure fairer parliamentary representation. Public Safety & Drugs: UN safety chief Unaisi Vuniwaqa says Fiji’s drug crisis needs clear Police-RFMF SOPs, a ministerial-level taskforce, and a whole-of-government approach beyond salary hikes or one agency. Child Protection: World Day Against Child Labour messages were blunt: poverty can’t justify child labour, and prevention must start with quality schooling and support systems. Health & Inclusion: Albinism advocates and health officials urged stronger public support, noting Fiji’s high estimated prevalence and the need for eye/skin care plus anti-stigma education. Gender & Identity: Reports of the death of Fa’afafine Leia Trysiss Ali in Las Vegas sparked attention to Pacific gender roles and community remembrance. Culture & Travel: Fiji Airways launched its first direct Nadi–Gold Coast service, while Accor and Yavu Collective signed deals bringing Sofitel, The Sebel and TRIBE to Fiji.

Fiji Airways Connectivity Boost: Fiji Airways launched its first direct Nadi–Gold Coast service, with a ceremonial welcome and three weekly flights starting June 11, strengthening travel links for Aussie holidaymakers. Tourism & Hospitality Growth: Accor and Fiji’s Yavu Collective signed a major deal to bring Sofitel, The Sebel and TRIBE to Fiji, including Sofitel Fiji Vatu Talei (early 2027) plus new openings in Nadi and on Denarau. Child Labour Prevention: Fiji marked World Day Against Child Labour with renewed calls to shift from rescue to prevention, led by quality education and stronger family, church and community support. Regional Migration Cooperation: Pacific immigration leaders met in Suva to mark 30 years of PIDC, pushing modern border management and faster information sharing as migration pressures rise. Justice, Identity & Rights: Amnesty International raised concerns over alleged police and military brutality after the death of Sakiasi Ose Radravu, while Fiji’s Constitution Review Commission heard calls to protect iTaukei cultural protocols through school curriculum. Drugs & Security: Fiji Navy and Police are investigating suspected drug packages found in Lau waters, including whether they came from one drop or multiple dumping points.

Sports & Youth Development: Lautoka Seals Swim Club is exploring a Seals Swim Club Academy partnership with the American Swimming Coaches Association, aiming to turn Fiji into a regional hub for coach education, aquatic training and sports science. Public Health & Rights: UNFPA says it delivered major gains in maternal and reproductive health and population data collection from 2022–2025 despite funding cuts and rising humanitarian needs. Labour & Food Security: Sugar Cane Growers Council is discussing a migrant labour scheme with Labour and Immigration as harvest and transport shortages bite, with calls for year-round income models and more diversified farming. Child Protection: Fiji reports 200+ children removed from exploitative work and returned to school, with stronger laws and social protection framed as the long-term fix. Diplomacy & Community: The Philippines opened a resident embassy in Fiji, its 30th diplomatic mission, promising deeper cooperation including labour mobility and consular support for over 1,000 Filipinos. Tourism & Travel: Fiji Airways launches its first direct Nadi–Gold Coast service, adding 53,000 seats annually and boosting connectivity for Australian holidaymakers. Culture & Identity: A student urges the Constitution Review Commission to back a dedicated school curriculum to preserve iTaukei traditional protocols like isevusevu and tabua presentations. Human Rights Watch: Amnesty International says allegations of brutality tied to the death of Sakiasi Ose Radravu fit historic patterns, calling for swift, independent accountability. Queer Visibility in Sport: Kane Evans’ coming out is being hailed as a milestone for queer Pasifika and Māori athletes, with calls for inclusion programs to shift the dial. Hospitality Growth: Accor and Fiji’s Yavu Collective sign to bring Sofitel, TRIBE and The Sebel to Fiji, including Sofitel Fiji Vatu Talei opening in early 2027 on Denarau.

Tourism & Hotels: Accor and Fiji’s Yavu Collective have signed a landmark deal to bring three new hotels to Fiji—Sofitel, TRIBE and The Sebel—plus a second Sofitel, Sofitel Fiji Vatu Talei, opening in early 2027 on Denarau with 176 rooms and design inspired by Fijian culture. Constitution & Reconciliation: Fiji’s UN envoy says the Constitution review should be directly linked to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, warning constitutional fixes alone won’t break the cycle of coups. Culture in Schools: A Ra student urged the Constitution Review Commission to protect iTaukei traditions through a dedicated school curriculum on cultural protocols. Human Rights: Amnesty International says allegations of police and military brutality in the death of Sakiasi Ose Radravu match historic patterns, calling for swift, independent accountability. Health & Dignity: Fiji will install 10 eco-mortuaries after social media claims about the handling of human remains, including a baby allegedly stored in an ice-filled esky. Queer Sport Milestone: Former NRL player Kane Evans’ coming out is being hailed as a milestone for queer Pasifika and Māori athletes, with calls for stronger inclusion. Migration & Borders: Pacific immigration leaders in Suva mark 30 years of the PIDC, focusing on innovation, security and labour mobility as migration pressures rise. Language & Opportunity: A Ba student won Fiji’s Chinese Bridge preliminary and will represent Fiji at the global finals in China after just six months of Mandarin study. Regional Lifestyle & Travel: Fiji Airways launched its inaugural Gold Coast–Nadi direct flights, making Fiji’s islands more accessible for Australian holidaymakers.

Language & Youth Achievement: A 19-year-old Ba law student, Semira Douglas, has won Fiji’s preliminary round to represent the country at the Chinese Bridge university finals in China—after just six months of Mandarin study. Education & Culture: A Ra student urged the Constitution Review Commission to protect iTaukei traditions by adding a dedicated school curriculum for cultural protocols like isevusevu and tabua. Travel & Lifestyle: Fiji Airways launched its first direct Gold Coast–Nadi service, bringing a faster route for Aussie holidaymakers to Fiji’s resorts and islands. Migration & Borders: Immigration leaders in Suva marked 30 years of the PIDC, warning that record global migration and new security threats mean Pacific border systems need modern tech and faster information sharing. Public Health & Community Trust: Fiji will install 10 eco-mortuaries in response to Kadavu claims about bodies being stored in an esky with ice and other distressing handling allegations. Human Rights: Amnesty International says allegations of police and military brutality in the death of Sakiasi Ose Radravu match historic patterns, calling for swift, independent accountability. Sports & Inclusion: Kane Evans’ coming out is sparking renewed calls for inclusion programs in sport, with support pouring in across the rugby league community. Hospitality Growth: Accor signed a major multi-hotel deal with Yavu Collective, adding new brands to Fiji and setting up a second Sofitel on Denarau.

Culture & Identity: Pacific leaders say decolonisation is still unfinished decades after nuclear testing, with calls to address lingering environmental harm and self-determination disputes. Sports for Inclusion: Fiji’s wheelchair rugby is taking shape after a student exchange in France sparked the idea, aiming for national-level growth and future international competition. Community & Heritage: The National Archives of Fiji has digitised 60,000 pages of Girmit-era Indian immigration records, with plans to expand access online. Public Health & Dignity: Government will install 10 eco-mortuaries after Kadavu families alleged babies’ bodies were kept in ice-filled eskies, with solar power planned for remote areas. Governance & Rights: Constitution Review Commission consultations heard calls for language tests for foreign workers, plus strong public support for electoral overhaul including a return to multi-constituency voting and reintroducing a Senate. Economy & Daily Life: Fiscal Review Committee chair Richard Naidu says Fiji’s VAT cut was a mistake, arguing it drained revenue needed for health, education, infrastructure and climate resilience. Women’s Safety: A new 24-hour safe shelter for survivors of gender-based violence is set for the Western Division through a partnership with Empower Pacific. Arts & Travel: Fiji Airways will back the Fijian Flying Circus on its first Australian tour, bringing myth-rooted storytelling and contemporary circus to major cities.

Chinese Language & Youth Achievement: Lautoka student Anabia Mumtaz, 14, has won Fiji’s Chinese Bridge national preliminary and will represent Fiji at the global finals in China—despite starting Chinese only 18 months ago. Constitution Review & Work Rights: The CRC heard calls for foreign workers in Fiji to meet the same official-language standards Fijians face when working overseas, after concerns about communication barriers. LGBTQ+ in Sport: Former NRL and Fiji international Kane Evans came out as gay, sharing struggles with addiction, homelessness and suicidal thoughts—sparking a wave of support and renewed calls for real inclusion in men’s sport. Health & Community Dignity: After Kadavu families raised claims about a baby’s body being kept in an ice-filled esky, the Health Ministry says it has budgeted $NZ7.7m for 10 eco-mortuaries and solar backup power. Heritage & Identity: The National Archives has digitised 60,000 pages of Girmit-era Indian immigration records, with plans to expand access online. Women’s Safety: A new partnership with Empower Pacific will deliver a 24-hour safe shelter for survivors of gender-based violence in Fiji’s Western Division. Culture on Tour: Fiji Airways will back the Fijian Flying Circus on its first Australian tour, bringing myth-rooted storytelling and contemporary circus to major cities. Economy & Cost of Living: Fiscal Review chair Richard Naidu says Fiji’s VAT cut was a policy mistake that drained hundreds of millions needed for health, education, infrastructure and climate resilience. Migration Pressure: Pacific immigration leaders warn that conflict, economic instability and climate change are driving new migration pressures, from trafficking risks to cyber-enabled crime.

LGBTQ+ in Sport: Former NRL enforcer and Fiji Bati player Kane Evans has come out as gay, sharing his long battle with denial, addiction, homelessness and suicidal thoughts, and saying he now feels “more free” after telling his truth. Community & Culture: A 10-year-old Sydney-born girl, Richa Dewan, is travelling to Fiji to perform Tamil devotional songs at Lautoka’s Field 40 Gangaiyanman Kovil Temple, honouring her late grandfather. Arts & Travel: Fiji Airways has partnered with VOU to back the Fijian Flying Circus’ first Australia tour, bringing myth-and-folklore circus performances to major cities. Local Governance & Identity: The Constitution Review Committee hears calls for iTaukei landowners to have a veto over developments, with stronger protections for customary land and indigenous rights. Health & Safety: The Fiji Medical Association says the HIV outbreak and drug crisis can’t be solved by healthcare alone and urges a whole-of-government, whole-of-society response. Economy Watch: Dialogue Fiji warns Fiji’s economic pressures are deepening, with slowing growth, rising debt and higher costs hitting everyday people.

Devotional Culture: An Australian-born 10-year-old, Richa Dewan, travelled to Lautoka to sing Tamil kirtans at the Field 40 Gangaiyanman Kovil Temple firewalking ceremony, honouring her late grandfather and reconnecting with her Fiji roots. Economy & Governance: State of the Economy Dialogue 2026 hears warnings that Fiji’s growth is slowing and debt is rising, with calls for urgent political action on poverty, health, education and productivity. Indigenous Land Rights: The Constitution Review Committee is told iTaukei landowners should have a veto over developments, with stronger protections for customary ownership, identity and cultural heritage. Women’s Sport: Drua Women captain Bitila Tawake praises a new generation of players and mentoring that’s strengthening professionalism in Fiji’s women’s rugby. Public Accountability: Questions raised over the Prime Minister’s Disaster Fund records, with claims the OPM doesn’t hold financial receipts. Health & Youth: Fiji Medical Association says the HIV outbreak and drug crisis need a whole-of-government and whole-of-society response, not healthcare alone. Education Infrastructure: Australia adds AUD$16m to extend Fiji’s schools and health facilities programme to 2028, with climate-resilient upgrades. Community & Faith: The Methodist Church launches a youth initiative, “BULI VOU,” targeting drugs, crime, violence and life skills through counselling and community service. Aviation & Travel: Fiji Airways will resume direct Nadi–Nouméa flights from 22 September, boosting regional travel links.

School Governance Shake-Up: Pukekohe North School has had its board dissolved after mass resignations, with a commissioner appointed to stabilise governance while the school continues under principal Deborah Gosnell. Education & Health Funding: Australia adds $24m to Fiji’s schools and healthcare upgrades via the Fiji Social Infrastructure Programme, extended to Dec 2028. Digital & Security Links: India and Fiji discuss stronger cooperation on cybersecurity, law enforcement, and digital resilience, plus youth-focused book and farm support. Public Health Urgency: Fiji Medical Association warns the HIV outbreak and drug crisis can’t be solved by healthcare alone, calling for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society response. Youth, Faith & Safety: The Methodist Church launches a youth initiative “BULI VOU” to tackle drugs, crime, violence, and unemployment through leadership and counselling. Culture Remembered: Fiji mourns cultural icon Ratu Manoa Rasigatale, remembered for decades of preserving iTaukei performing arts. Travel & Lifestyle: Fiji Airways resumes direct Nadi–Nouméa flights from 22 September, boosting regional travel and cultural exchange. Sports & Community Pride: Fiji football names six Extra Bula FC youngsters for senior debuts against Vanuatu, signalling a new talent pipeline.

Public Health & Youth: Fiji Medical Association says the HIV outbreak and drug crisis can’t be solved by healthcare alone, calling for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society response. HIV Numbers & Prevention: New figures highlight 2,016 new HIV cases and that most HIV-related deaths were among people aged 15 and above, with students urged to use free support services and avoid risky choices. Medical Workforce Strain: FMA warns young doctors face fatigue, uncertainty and delayed postings, urging better training pathways and stronger support before graduates enter the workforce. Drugs & Community Action: Ra Provincial Council will tackle the growing drug problem and launch a scholarship fund after reaching $500,000. Faith-led Youth Support: Methodist Church launches “BULI VOU” to build leadership, discipline and life skills for young people amid rising drugs, crime and violence. Culture & Identity: Constitution Review Commission hears claims the 2013 Constitution has blurred iTaukei identity, with calls to restore indigenous protections and reconsider who can be called “Fijian.” Aviation & Lifestyle: Fiji Airways will resume direct Nadi–Nouméa flights from 22 September. Remembering a Cultural Icon: Fiji mourns Ratu Manoa Rasigatale, a trailblazer in journalism and performing arts. Sports & Community Pride: McDonald’s Fijian Drua Women captain Bitila Tawake praises coach Mike Legge’s team culture ahead of Super W Round One. Education & Language: Fiji Teachers Association urges parents to prioritise vernacular learning to protect culture and improve integration. Public Health Upgrade: Fiji steps up dengue and mosquito-borne disease control with a nationwide program supported by GX Foundation. Arts & Community: Labasa Muslim Primary School sisters win top honours in nazam and Urdu oratory competitions. Entertainment Business: Kick Entertainment secures franchising rights to PNG’s Wan Fire brand, linking Suva’s production team to a wider regional entertainment push.