AGP Executive Report

Drua Culture: New coach Brad Mooar says understanding the team’s culture, faith and family ties comes before changing how players work. Pacific Rugby: Rugby league is creating hope and opportunities for girls and boys, with Fiji’s Bulikula facing Papua New Guinea’s Orchids at the World Cup. Women in Leadership: Women leaders are calling for childcare support, campaign funding and gender quotas to tackle Fiji’s stark parliamentary gap: 50 men and five women. Cultural Exchange: The University of Fiji and Cuba are exploring music, arts and academic partnerships, including a possible festival bringing artists together. Education: ACS dux Salote Rabuka credits family and teachers for helping her through a demanding final year; eligible TSLS-sponsored students will also get fee-free bank accounts under a new HFC Bank deal. Community Health: Health Minister Judy Compain says tackling Fiji’s HIV crisis requires accessible prevention, testing and treatment, alongside stronger community support. Land and Livelihoods: Landowners from seven Sigatoka villages say they were not consulted on an iron-sands mining assessment and oppose mining and dredging in the river.

Cultural Ties: The University of Fiji wants to deepen links with Cuba through music, arts, education and public health, including plans for artist exchanges and a possible music festival. Women in Politics: Women leaders are calling for gender quotas, campaign support and more women in winnable election positions, as Fiji’s Parliament has 50 men and five women. Indigenous Identity: Immigration Minister Viliame Naupoto wants the Vola ni Kawa Bula protected in the Constitution and linked to a pathway for some diaspora Fijians to regain citizenship. Land and Consultation: Landowners from seven Sigatoka villages say they were not consulted on the iron-sands mining assessment and oppose mining or dredging in the river. Health: Health Minister Judy Compain says Fiji needs stronger HIV prevention, testing, treatment and community support, alongside better access to condoms and PrEP. Constitutional Safeguards: The Fiji Law Society opposes future immunity for coup-makers and is calling for clearer civilian control of the military.

Health: Fiji’s HIV response needs stronger prevention, early testing, accessible treatment and community support, Health Minister Judy Compain says, calling for affordable condoms, PrEP and better sexual-health education. Women’s Leadership: At the Women’s Practice Parliament, speakers called for equal opportunities in politics and senior roles, noting Parliament has 50 men and just five women. Constitution and Identity: A 15-year-old told the review committee that Christian values should not mean forcing a state religion, and argued all citizens should share the name Fijian. Separately, Immigration Minister Viliame Naupoto proposed a pathway for some iTaukei diaspora members to regain citizenship through the VKB. School Safety: Twenty-one Queen Victoria School students have been moved to Namosi Secondary after an alleged assault on 37 Year 11 students; the younger students are receiving counselling, and the Education Minister has condemned bullying and delays in reporting.

Women in Leadership: At Fiji’s Women’s Practice Parliament, Assistant Minister Preetika Raj said financial, cultural and personal barriers still keep women from political leadership. School Safety: Twenty-one Year 13 students involved in an alleged stick-beating incident at Queen Victoria School have been removed, while 37 affected Year 11 students are receiving support; the Education Minister also raised concerns about delays in reporting. Cancer Care: The Reddy Foundation has renewed support for Fiji Cancer Society screening, patient transport and palliative care, including outreach to rural and maritime communities. Youth Health: HIV advocate Kalesi Toga Volatabu is calling for better testing follow-up and education to help people access results and care. Culture and Identity: Constitution consultations have reopened debate over indigenous identity and language, with a Tailevu resident questioning a proposal to use “iTaukei ni Vanua” and urging stronger support for teaching iTaukei in schools. Ocean Connections: The inaugural Hanua Ocean and Surf Festival brought children together for surfing, marine education and Pacific cultural storytelling at Natadola Beach.

School Safety: Twenty-one Year 13 students involved in a stick-beating incident at Queen Victoria School have been removed, while 37 affected Year 11 students are receiving counselling and support. Identity & Heritage: Constitution consultations are reigniting debate over who can use the name “Fijian” and how best to protect iTaukei identity, language and traditions. Ocean Culture: Fiji’s first Hanua Ocean and Surf Festival brought children together at Natadola for surfing, marine education and Pacific storytelling. Fijian Language: A new digital platform, Naisema, aims to help families overseas strengthen their connection to Fijian language and heritage. Women’s Leadership: Women in Fiji politics say campaign costs, family expectations and party culture remain barriers to leadership. Health & Wellbeing: A workplace screening initiative at Fiji Marriott Momi Bay gave 101 staff access to cancer checks and other health services.

Child Safety and Youth Voice: A youth leader has urged Fiji to bar under-16s from social media, citing harmful online influences, and called for young people to gain more roles in public decision-making. Women in Politics: Opposition MP Premila Kumar says a woman prime minister is unlikely soon, while political costs, family expectations and party culture continue to limit women’s leadership. Identity and Belonging: Constitutional consultations are again debating who can be called “Fijian” and how to recognise iTaukei heritage while respecting every community. Diaspora Connections: Remittances are forecast to approach $1.6 billion this year, supporting families and communities; a new digital platform, Naisema, also aims to help Fijians abroad pass on language and heritage. Faith and Community: Dussehra messages from Fiji’s multi-ethnic affairs minister highlighted the festival’s call for unity, respect and religious tolerance.

Language & Heritage: Brisbane-based founder Unaisi Natasha Mar has launched Naisema, a digital platform helping Fijian families overseas learn the language and pass cultural knowledge to the next generation. Pacific Education: Tuvalu Governor-General Temukisa Auina Penehuro Hauma is USP’s new Chancellor, bringing decades of education and community leadership to the role. Identity Debate: Constitution consultations have reopened questions of who is “Fijian” and whether the country should recognise Christian heritage or remain secular. Submissions range from reserving the name for iTaukei to supporting a shared national identity, with calls for more time and accessible consultations. Faith & Community: As Hindus celebrate Dussehra, Minister Charan Jeath Singh says the festival’s message of good triumphing over evil can strengthen unity and religious tolerance. Women’s Rights: Fiji’s Human Rights Commission says women’s representation in Parliament has gone backwards, while a Suva dialogue focused on violence, discrimination and barriers to leadership. Schools: Japan is providing nearly $983,000 for cyclone-resistant classrooms at two schools, easing overcrowding and replacing facilities damaged by a tornado.

Identity & Constitution: Fiji’s constitutional consultations have reopened debate over who is “Fijian” and whether Christianity should be recognised in the Constitution. Ba submitter Luciane Ligabalavu called for a distinction between Indigenous identity and citizenship, saying Fiji can honour its Christian heritage while respecting other faiths. Rights advocates also warn that referendum education and accessible polling places are essential for public participation. Child Safety: Minister Sashi Kiran urged children to report abuse and stay safe online, noting 16,770 child welfare cases were registered from 2012 to 2025. She also highlighted ongoing concerns about child marriage and disrupted education. Children’s Health: Cure Kids Race to Survive raised FJ$628,466 for children’s healthcare, supporting heart screening, treatment and medical oxygen. Agriculture Training: Israel is open to expanding its internship programme for Fijians, which provides hands-on farm experience and training. Fifty participants are confirmed through partnerships with Navuso, Tutu Rural Training Centre and Fiji National University.

Island Escapes: Fiji offers more than beach breaks: a Sigatoka River Safari combines jet-boat thrills with village visits and a chance to connect with local culture. Constitution & Identity: Public consultations are renewing debate over iTaukei rights, who can be called Fijian and whether Christianity should be recognised in the Constitution. Speakers have urged stronger protections for indigenous culture, while others warn against religious division and a rushed process. Women’s Rights: A Suva dialogue is addressing gender-based violence, women’s leadership and barriers to justice, especially for women in rural communities and those with disabilities. Children & Poverty: Some children are missing school because families struggle to provide basics such as lunch; a charity says it now supports 6,800 children nationwide. Local Enterprise: A new cocoa-processing facility in Dreketi aims to strengthen Vanua Levu’s supply chain and create opportunities for smallholder farmers. In Nadi, Davika Lata has turned her love of Fiji’s food culture into a restaurant business. Women’s Rugby: Fiji Bulikula made a strong World Cup debut, taking an early lead before narrowly losing 18–12 to New Zealand.

Culture & Heritage: Women in Action Group’s Mere Ratunabuabua is calling for a stand-alone ministry to protect Fiji’s heritage and support arts across all communities. At the Indian Film Festival, Minister Sashi Kiran said Hindi cinema helps bring Fiji’s ethnic communities together. Language & Pacific Leadership: As Niue Language Week begins, Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga says Pacific communities offer solutions to global health and climate challenges, while the celebration highlights efforts to keep Vagahau Niue alive. Constitution & Identity: Youth representative Tamani Rarama says Fiji’s one-month consultation on proposed constitutional changes is too short for meaningful public participation. Nadi business leader Lawrence Kumar warns that giving Christianity special status could deepen religious divisions. Rugby: Fiji’s Bati opened their World Cup campaign with a 40-12 win over the Cook Islands. The Bulikula pushed New Zealand hard in their first-ever World Cup match, but fell 18-12 after leading 12-4. Healthcare: Fiji is aiming to become a Pacific specialist-healthcare hub, with Health Minister Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu calling for stronger services, training and local medicine production.

Bulikula Make World Cup Debut: Fiji’s women pushed New Zealand to the final minutes before falling 18-12 in their first Rugby League World Cup match, after leading 12-4. Constitution Debate: Nadi business leader Lawrence Kumar warned that giving Christianity special status could deepen religious divisions, while calls grow to extend consultations by six months to a year. A new Fiji Constitution Hub aims to make key documents and plain-language information easier to access. Culture & Community: Hindi films help bring Fiji’s communities closer, says Minister Sashi Kiran, as the Indian Film Festival opens in Nakasi. Applications for multi-ethnic community grants have more than tripled, with 542 projects funded last year. Indigenous Conservation: Drawa’s community-led forest project is earning regional recognition for protecting nearly 4,000 hectares while generating income through carbon credits.

Constitution and Identity: PPSEAWA Fiji is calling for constitutional changes covering national identity, Sunday trading, immunity and women’s representation in Parliament. Consultations have also raised concerns about child safety, religious equality and whether communities have enough time to respond. Online Safety: Education officials want students taught to spot AI-generated scams, verify suspicious claims and protect their banking details. Community Conservation: The indigenous-led Drawa forest project in Cakaudrove has won regional recognition for protecting nearly 4,000 hectares while generating income through carbon credits. Fiji Culture: The FMF Uprising Music Festival returns to Pacific Harbour on November 14, bringing local and Solomon Islands performers together with dance and fire shows. Women in Sport: Fiji’s Bulikula are preparing for their first Women’s Rugby League World Cup, with winger Maria Paseka saying the team has helped her reconnect with her Fijian heritage.

Constitution and Belonging: Public submissions on Fiji’s proposed constitutional changes have raised concerns about child safety, national identity and religious equality. A Nausori resident warns that wording allowing “lawful and moderate” punishment could blur protections against abuse, while Dr Ahmed Shariff says everyone who calls Fiji home should share the Fijian identity without losing their heritage. Views also differ on a Christian state, with speakers in Navua arguing for both religious recognition and a secular constitution. Bulikula World Cup: Fiji’s women’s rugby league team is set for its first World Cup, opening against New Zealand. Maria Paseka says representing Fiji has helped her reconnect with her culture and the people she plays for. Music and Culture: The FMF Uprising Music Festival returns to Pacific Harbour on November 14, with local and Solomon Islands performers, dance groups and fire dancers. Health: A Lau women’s leader is urging more cancer check-ups, saying cultural taboos can delay care and awareness activities should reach outer islands.

Island Life: On Malolo, a close-knit village shares resources and traditions, while locally owned resorts support clean water, solar power and the village school. Culture & Sport: Bulikula winger Maria Paseka says representing Fiji at the Rugby League World Cup has helped her reconnect with her heritage. Faith & Identity: Constitution consultations in Navua heard competing calls for a Christian state and for Fiji to remain secular; other submissions urged iTaukei language teaching in all schools and debate over how indigenous identity is named. Women & Girls: Women’s Fund Fiji has received an extra A$8 million from Australia to back 44 women-led initiatives, while Homes of Hope warns that silence, poverty and weak family communication can leave girls vulnerable to abuse. Health & Culture: Lau women are being encouraged to seek cancer checks, with awareness activities planned for outer islands to address cultural barriers. Pacific Connections: Fiji and Indonesia plan closer cultural ties through artist exchanges, heritage preservation and creative industries.

Language & Identity: Constitution consultations in Nausori and Serua have renewed calls to teach iTaukei in all schools and debate how Fiji recognises indigenous identity and shared citizenship. Cultural Ties: Fiji and Indonesia plan deeper cooperation on heritage preservation, artist exchanges and creative industries, with possible joint UNESCO nominations. Girls’ Safety: Homes of Hope says silence, weak family communication, poverty and peer pressure can leave girls vulnerable to abuse, and calls for stronger community awareness. Women’s Health: Lau women’s leaders want cancer education extended to outer islands, helping overcome taboos that can delay check-ups. Women’s Initiatives: Australia has pledged a further $8 million to Women’s Fund Fiji, with 44 grants supporting grassroots work including economic empowerment and efforts to end violence. Local Food: FNU student Prathna Vikash is developing sweet-potato pasta to promote local produce and healthier choices.

Period Poverty: Auckland teenager Hannah Ganivatu, whose family is from Kadavu, is raising $4,000 and collecting sanitary products for students at Basden College in Suva; she has gathered 28 of her target 50 boxes. Reconciliation: Lau paramount chief Ratu Tevita Mara says Fiji’s debate over immunity for past coup leaders must also address poverty, inequality and drug and HIV challenges in iTaukei communities. Pacific Arts: Indonesia’s 2026 cultural exchange brings together 20 artists from eight Pacific countries and 70 artists from eastern Indonesia to share traditions and create new work. Women’s Health: Soqosoqo Vakamarama Ko Lau says cultural taboos make cancer difficult to discuss, and is bringing health officials to community gatherings to encourage awareness and check-ups. Women’s Leadership: UN leaders say women remain under 8% of Pacific parliamentarians, urging political systems to make more room for women ahead of upcoming elections. Identity and Faith: Fiji’s constitutional consultations have sparked debate over recognition of indigenous identity and whether Christianity should remain a founding constitutional value, with advocates calling for protections for all communities.