AGP Executive Report

Education & HIV prevention: Educators say sex education is still treated as a taboo in many Fijian communities, leaving gaps in HIV and drug awareness for students as young as 10, with calls for safer, age-appropriate talks at school and at home. Teachers under pressure: Fiji’s two main teacher unions are escalating action after the Ministry of Education revoked acting head appointments, cutting pay for 26 teachers by about $16,000 a year and warning of legal action and possible strikes over welfare, allowances and working conditions. Work permits & jobs: Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation welcomes a move to streamline work permit application requirements from 1 September, aiming to speed up recruitment and boost employer confidence. Democracy & civic life: Dialogue Fiji has rebranded as the Centre for Democracy and Dialogue, expanding its focus from dialogue into stronger democratic institutions, civic participation and public accountability. Culture & learning: A weaving workshop at the University of Fiji brought together 50+ participants across communities to learn traditional patterns and plant-based knowledge. Sports & youth pathways: Fiji Rugby’s Nasoko Programme launches a school-to-high-performance pathway for Under-16 and Under-18 players, using screening and monitoring with a 2031 horizon. Lifestyle & community: Fiji Pro returns to Cloudbreak with local surfers Kurop and Degei flying the flag as the event highlights culture, youth clinics and coastal clean-ups.

Multi-Ethnic Grants: Tailevu’s Alpha and Omega Christian Centre got $9,852.90 for major repairs, replacing deteriorated roofing and rafters to improve safety for worshippers. Elections Watch: Fiji’s voter roll has topped 723,000, with 723,771 registered after a July-August data-cleaning push, as parties gear up for the next general election. Work Permits & Jobs: The FCEF says suspending extra work permit requirements from 1 September to 31 December will boost employer confidence and speed up skilled hiring. Education & Fairness: Teachers in Suva marched for better pay and conditions, while the Fijian Teachers Association also challenges the revocation of 20-plus acting school heads. Health & Learning Gaps: Surveys and school policy reviews point to ongoing gaps in HIV, sexual health and drug education, with calls for stronger training and clearer referral pathways. Culture & Community: Dialogue Fiji rebranded as the Centre for Democracy and Dialogue, and a weaving workshop brought 50+ participants together to share traditional skills. Lifestyle & Youth: Fiji Pro wildcard surfers Kurop and Degei fly the flag at Cloudbreak, and the Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North contestant Aisea Tamani Rokobiau urges youth to choose hope over drugs.

Work Permits: Fiji will streamline work permit processing from September 1 by removing five administrative requirements (tripartite agreement, advertisement requirement, training plan, local understudy requirement, and application received analysis) while keeping immigration, security and compliance checks intact. Elections: Fiji’s voter roll has climbed to 723,771 registered voters as of June 30, up 15,789 in six months after a data-cleaning exercise—Fiji is now in the constitutional election window (Aug 7, 2026–Feb 6, 2027). HIV & Drugs in Schools: The Fiji Teachers Union warns drug-related cases in schools rose to 3,143 in 2025, including 1,508 primary cases, urging early identification, better training, more counsellors, and stronger supply-focused action. Family Life Education: Medical Services Pacific says a year-long HIV and drug awareness programme reached 1,600+ students, but gaps remain around testing, treatment, support and stigma—calling for stronger Family Life Education and clearer referral pathways. Culture & Language: Pacific universities, including Fiji National University, are pushing indigenous languages into lecture halls through Vernacular Week activities. Community & Faith: Reverend Dr Jolami Lasawa is elected President-elect of the Methodist Church in Fiji for 2027, while church leaders also urge discipline around yaqona use. Youth & Safety: A proposed under-16 social media ban is questioned by a University of Auckland researcher, who warns it could cut some Pacific youth off from family and support.

Immigration & Work Permits: Fiji’s Ministry of Immigration says work permit processing will be streamlined from September 1, with five administrative documents removed, while security and compliance checks stay in place. HIV & School Health: With Central Division now leading HIV case concentration, the education ministry is reviewing school HIV policy and pushing clearer referral pathways, as Medical Services Pacific reports 1,600+ students reached but testing and support knowledge gaps remain. Drugs in Schools: The Fiji Teachers Union warns drug-related cases in schools rose to 3,143 in 2025, urging early prevention, trained counsellors, and parent monitoring during the holidays. Church Leadership & Culture: Reverend Dr Jolami Lasawa has been elected President-elect of the Methodist Church in Fiji for 2027, while church leaders also renewed calls for discipline around yaqona use. Youth & Online Safety: A researcher cautions that an under-16 social media ban could cut some Pacific youth off from family and support. Community & Inclusion: A Methodist Church choir competition welcomed 126 students and teachers from special and inclusive schools, and Fiji’s PM marked Prophet Mohammed’s birthday by urging unity and rejecting racial and religious intolerance.

School Safety & Parenting: Fiji Teachers Union urges parents to know where children are during the two-week holidays, stressing guidance, safe choices online and in communities, and using break time for reading and revision. Youth Rugby Pathway: The inaugural Na Soko Franchise Competition brings Under-16 and Under-18 boys and girls from Fiji’s four zones together as a talent ID platform for national teams. Inclusive Education Spotlight: 126 students and teachers from special and inclusive schools take part in the Methodist Church Conference Choir Competition, with hopes of forming a national choir and more creative opportunities. Faith & Community Unity: PM Rabuka calls for unity and respect during Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, while Methodist leaders warn excessive yaqona use among ministers is hurting church witness. HIV & Stigma: Women, Children and Social Protection Minister Sashi Kiran meets UNAIDS to push stigma reduction and better access to support, including culturally simple HIV messages. Health Access: An Australian medical camp in Labasa provides free glasses for children after vision issues are found. Tourism Costs: Hotel and tourism operators question how Fiji’s 5% Tourism Services Tax will be calculated, warning it may hit profits hard. Sports & Culture: Suva Muslim Primary School marks 100 years, celebrating faith, education and community heritage. Climate & Energy: A Pacific-wide study says replacing fossil fuel imports with renewables could save nearly $1b a year and pay for the transition in just over a decade.

Community & Faith Unity: PM Sitiveni Rabuka used Prophet Mohammed’s birthday message to urge Fijians to reject racial and religious intolerance, teach respect across faiths, and protect diversity as Fiji’s strength. Muslim League Centenary: In Ba and Labasa, ministers Mosese Bulitavu and Filimoni Vosarogo praised Islamic values of service, compassion and equality, as the Fiji Muslim League marked 100 years of education and community support. Inclusion in Education: 126 students and teachers from special and inclusive schools will make history at the Methodist Church Festival of Praise, with Education Minister Aseri Radrodro calling it a milestone for confidence and wider community participation. Health & Rights in Schools: The Human Rights Commissioner warned children affected by drugs shouldn’t be labelled “problem students,” calling for prevention, safeguarding and inclusive education. Street Outreach: More than 80 people were assisted through Government street outreach across Lautoka, Nadi, Labasa and Raiwaqa, including reintegration, care orders and school enrolments. Learning Access: Dropouts fell sharply in Parliament figures, while a free eye camp in Labasa provided children with glasses. HIV Response: Fiji is pushing to cut stigma and improve access to support, including culturally simple messages and community engagement beyond Suva. Education Infrastructure: Naivaka Primary School still needs major repairs six years after TC Yasa, with rehabilitation funding being explored. Youth Opportunity: A Ba student, Trisha Anshi Lal, used a phone to complete a satellite programme and earned a scholarship trip to India. Tourism Watch: Hotel and tourism operators are still seeking clarity on Fiji’s new 5% Tourism Services Tax and how it will apply to bookings and deposits. Global Context: UNICEF flagged gaps in child-focused measures in the Philippines and Fiji’s region-wide crisis response, while a US court struck down Trump’s immigrant visa ban affecting Fiji and 74 other countries.

Inclusive Education & Faith: About 126 students and teachers from special and inclusive schools across Fiji will make history with their first participation in the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma’s Festival of Praise, with Education Minister Aseri Radrodro saying it will build confidence and create more chances for singing, drama, dance and poetry. HIV & Community Debate: Nightclub operators in Nadi have rejected claims linking venues to HIV spread, arguing licensed clubs are safer than unsupervised gatherings and calling for stronger education and social support. Muslim Community Milestone: Fiji Muslim League leaders officially opened the rebuilt Islamic Education and Vocational Training Centre in Sabeto, Nadi, as part of its 100th anniversary, combining Quran learning with trades training. School Retention Boost: Dropouts have fallen, with primary leaving rates dropping from 1,200 (2024) to 740 last year and secondary from 869 to 400, as the government points to grants, transport help and back-to-school support. Disability Respect: Women, Children and Social Protection Minister Sashi Kiran condemned a video mocking sign language, stressing inclusion must go beyond policies. Health Camp: An Australian team’s free medical camp in Labasa found children with vision problems and will provide free prescription glasses. Tourism Cost Concerns: Fiji’s hotel and tourism sector says it’s still unclear how the new 5% Tourism Services Tax will be calculated, warning it could hit smaller operators hard.

Sabeto Community & Faith: Fiji Muslim League officially opens its rebuilt Islamic Education and Vocational Training Centre in Sabeto, Nadi, after a 2019 fire, aiming to blend Quran learning with practical trades and skills for youth. Education & Access: Dropouts are down in Fiji, with primary leaving rates falling from 1,200 (2024) to 740 (2025) and secondary from 869 to 400, as the Ministry points to free education grant, transport help and back-to-school support. Health Camp & Kids: A free eye health camp in Labasa found previously undiagnosed vision problems in children, with free glasses to be provided and follow-ups planned. Inclusion & Disability Respect: USP students involved in a video mocking Fiji sign language have apologised after counselling, while Women’s Minister Sashi Kiran condemned the mockery and urged real disability awareness. HIV Response: Women, Children and Social Protection Minister Sashi Kiran meets UNAIDS to push stigma-free HIV support, better access to services, and culturally simple messages in Fiji’s main languages. Tourism Costs: Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association warns the new 5% Tourism Services Tax could hit operators hard because it taxes turnover, not profit, with businesses still seeking clarity before it starts 1 September. Immigration Services Closer to Home: Nakasi and Rakiraki immigration offices are set to open next month (with timelines now pointing to September), and citizenship applications can be lodged online. Sports & Youth Pathways: Education Minister Radrodro congratulates 2026 Deans and Raluve champions, while FRU and FRPA warn scouts and agents not to directly approach schoolboys under 19 without proper school-led safeguards. Social Support on the Streets: The Ministry intensifies multi-agency street outreach in urban centres to reunite families, place seniors in care, and support youths with education and rehabilitation. US Visa Ruling (Global Watch): A US judge strikes down Trump’s immigrant visa suspension affecting 75 countries, including Fiji, calling the policy unlawful.

US Immigration Ruling: A US federal judge struck down Trump’s policy suspending immigrant visas for applicants from 75 countries, including Nigeria and Fiji, calling it “patently unlawful” and beyond the Secretary of State’s authority. Cultural & Disability Respect: Fiji’s Women, Children and Social Protection Minister Sashi Kiran condemned a video mocking sign language, urging education and accountability to protect Deaf identity and dignity. Street Outreach: The same ministry is stepping up multi-agency operations in Suva, Nausori, Lautoka, Nadi, Sigatoka and Labasa to support people living on streets, focusing on family breakdown, neglect and addiction. Education Watch: In Parliament, 42 schools missed Free Education Grants in 2025 over financial management gaps, while meth cases in schools were reported as none. Immigration Access: Nakasi and Rakiraki immigration offices are set to open next month/September, and citizenship applications can now be lodged online. Community Water: A new borehole is ending long-running water struggles for the Yasiyasi community in Nadi. Sports & Youth Protection: FRU and FRFU/FRPA warn scouts and agents not to directly approach schoolboys under 19, and outline safeguards for recruitment. Health & Recovery: A free drug and alcohol recovery programme is being piloted in Fiji, with plans to expand across the Pacific. Marine Rights Debate: Parliament passed Fiji’s Commercial Use of Marine Areas Bill, but Rewa chief Ro Naulu says it still fails to restore qoliqoli ownership promised to iTaukei customary owners. Lifestyle & Food Tourism: Savusavu’s Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji is betting on a new executive chef to turn the resort into a culinary destination.

Water Security: A new borehole in Nadi’s Yasiyasi community is easing generations of shortages, cutting the need for long trips for drinking and washing. Education Accountability: 42 schools missed Free Education Grants in 2025 after failing financial management checks, with the Ministry pointing to strict audit and reporting requirements. Disability Respect: The Women’s Minister and the Fiji Association of the Deaf condemned a video mocking Fiji Sign Language, urging education and apology over ridicule. Street Outreach: Multi-agency operations across Suva, Nausori, Lautoka, Nadi, Sigatoka and Labasa are targeting people living on streets, focusing on family breakdown, neglect and addiction. Immigration Access: Nakasi and Rakiraki immigration offices are set to open next month (with September timelines), and citizenship applications can now be lodged online. Drugs in Schools: Police warn meth is increasingly showing up in coloured pills, while the Education Ministry says no meth cases have been reported in schools. Culture & Sport: A Māori-Pasifika choir won gold at the World Choir Games, and Navatu Secondary’s U19 team received State House best wishes ahead of the Deans final.

Teacher pay upgrades: Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu is demanding answers over 137 teachers whose salary upgrade applications were not identified for processing in the 2026–2027 financial year, raising concerns about funding and certainty for those affected. Immigration access: Immigration services are set to expand beyond Suva and Lautoka, with new offices planned for Nakasi and Rakiraki next month, and officials travelling to Rotuma from Aug 24 to Sept 13. Respect for Deaf culture: The Fiji Association of the Deaf responded to a video mocking Fiji Sign Language, urging education and apology instead of anger. Youth protection in sport: Fiji Rakavi Football Union and FRPA warn scouts and agents not to directly approach schoolboys (19 and under) and require proper school-first pathways and vetted credentials. New drug threat: Police say meth is increasingly showing up in coloured pressed pills, with teachers urged to spot warning signs as drug-related mental health cases rise. Culture in Suva: The 9th LANTING Culture Salon by the Chinese Culture Center brought students together for calligraphy and ceramic painting. Church discipline: Methodist Church leaders again urged ministers to cut back on yaqona and stop smoking, saying over-consumption is weakening pastoral work. Marine rights row: Rewa Chief Ro Naulu Mataitini says Parliament’s Commercial Use of Marine Areas Bill fails to restore qoliqoli ownership promised to iTaukei customary owners. Data for better decisions: A new Statistics Bill 2026 aims to strengthen Fiji’s official data independence, reliability and privacy protections. Citizenship online: Fijians overseas can now apply for citizenship online via the Immigration portal, with passport upgrades planned. Health workforce boost: Fiji expects 121 new doctors to finish internships by July 2027 and another 121 interns to start in Jan 2027. HIV in schools: Parliament hears HIV education is embedded across subjects from Year 7 to Year 13, aiming to reduce stigma and improve prevention knowledge. Early learning: Early childhood advocates stress play and safe learning environments from birth to age eight as the foundation for later success. Women’s education grants: Westpac Fiji announces 30 Women and Girls Education Grant recipients, funding primary, secondary, tertiary and adult learners. Cardiac health warning: A cardiologist says cardiovascular disease remains Fiji’s biggest killer and calls for lifestyle changes beyond hospital care.

Methodist Church in Fiji: Rev Dr Semisi Turagavou urged lay pastors and ministers to cut back on excessive yaqona and stop smoking, saying spiritual authority must come with discipline. Governance & data: The Statistics Bill 2026 aims to make Fiji’s official statistics more accurate, reliable and independent, with privacy protections and less duplication. Immigration & identity: Citizenship applications for Fijians overseas can now be lodged and approved online via the Immigration portal. Marine rights: Parliament passed the Commercial Use of Marine Areas Bill, but Rewa chief Ro Naulu Mataitini says it still fails to restore qoliqoli ownership promised to iTaukei customary owners. Education & culture: Opposition MP Virendra Lal called for stronger standard Hindi teaching to preserve language and cultural ties. Health & lifestyle: Cardiovascular disease remains Fiji’s biggest killer, with doctors pointing to diet and lifestyle shifts. Health workforce: Fiji expects 242 new doctors to enter the public system through internships by 2027. Youth & climate: Pacific youth leaders wrapped up RCOY in Suva, pushing for climate action that goes beyond being “heard” and into real decision-making. Community & inclusion: FHRADC says schools must be safe spaces and calls for better support for teachers handling child protection. Women’s education: Westpac Fiji announced 30 Women and Girls Education Grant recipients for 2026.

School Safety & Accountability: Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission calls for prompt, impartial action after allegations of a teacher assaulting a 16-year-old, stressing every school must be a safe space with clear reporting routes and child protection officers. Education Funding & Attendance: FICAC spotlighted misuse of $40,000 meant for teachers’ quarters, while the Education Ministry flagged 379 Year 8 students who didn’t sit exams and reported 740 primary and 400 secondary dropouts, citing learning difficulties, disengagement and economic pressure. Teacher Support: Head teachers urged stronger Ministry backing for safeguarding, after findings of teachers with 100+ days absent and concerns about staffing data accuracy. Community & Culture: Suva Muslim Primary School marks 100 years, urging youth to carry faith, discipline and service forward. Climate Inclusion: Disability voices must shape climate policy, not just be present, as COP31 community meetings begin in Nadi. Sports & Youth: Police and Education Minister urge calm, drug-free behaviour for tomorrow’s Vodafone Super Deans Finals at National Stadium. Fashion & Identity: Two Fijian designers, TEMESIA and AZA, bring Pacific storytelling to NZ Fashion Week 2026. Governance & Services: Parliament passes the Pasifika Communities University Bill, replacing Pacific Theological College, and Fiji’s new Tourism Act 2026 sets up a modern regulatory framework.

Pacific Fashion on the Runway: Fijian designers Temesia and AZA are set to showcase at New Zealand Fashion Week, bringing collections inspired by ocean heritage and “island prism” light-and-tradition design. Women in Leadership: A new booklet, Celebrating Women in Parliament: 1966–2026, is being distributed to schools to spark more girls’ interest in political leadership. Safer Schools, Better Support: Fiji’s human rights body is calling for prompt police and education investigations into alleged teacher assault of a 16-year-old, while also urging stronger safeguarding support for teachers. Education Funding & Attendance Pressure: 42 schools missed the Free Education Grant over compliance gaps, and 379 Year 8 students didn’t sit external exams—raising alarms about attendance and behaviour. Disability & Climate Voice: GEDSI advocates say disability voices must shape climate policy through real participation, not just representation. Climate Action, Community-Led: Fiji hosts the Pacific COP31 process kickoff in Nadi, centring communities, Indigenous peoples, youth and farmers. Tourism Overhaul: The new Tourism Act 2026 replaces the 1973 framework, rolling out standards and a tiered classification for operators. Justice & Safety Gaps: Fiji lacks a system to identify foreign sex offenders entering the country, and immigration enforcement is urged to become intelligence-led amid staffing constraints. HIV Update: Fiji recorded a record 2,016 HIV diagnoses in 2025, with young people driving much of the rise. Maritime Cleanup: A US$1m push will remove 17 derelict vessels from Suva Harbour to improve safety and protect the marine environment.

Education Watch: Fiji’s Year 5 and Year 7 literacy results improved in 2025, but numeracy is slipping—Year 5 numeracy stayed at 74% and Year 7 fell from 83% to 81%, as the Ministry pushes stronger literacy, numeracy and teaching support. Teacher Accountability: The Ministry flagged teachers with 100-plus days absent after a FEMIS clean-up, warning head teachers that inaccurate ER5 staffing data can derail recruitment when redeployment is the real fix. Exam Attendance: 379 Year 8 students registered for the 2025 external exam didn’t sit it, prompting calls for earlier monitoring of attendance, behaviour and parent follow-up. HIV & Health Access: Fiji recorded 2,016 HIV diagnoses in 2025 (up 27%), with ages 20–24 driving a big share; meanwhile, a proposed needle-exchange programme faces a legal hurdle over protection for frontline workers. Community & Culture: Parliament unanimously passed a Bill to replace Pacific Theological College with Pasifika Communities University, aiming to blend faith, indigenous knowledge and whole-of-life education. Lifestyle & Identity: Young Fijians in Aotearoa say language and culture are fading under social pressure and mockery, even as they try to hold on to identity. Finance & Work: A Pacific-owned cooperative savings-and-loan institution is proposed to keep affordable capital in communities, while Fiji’s living wage debate heats up as employers demand the union’s survey methodology and data. Justice & Safety: Fiji is moving toward implementing a Sex Offenders Register, and authorities are still waiting on charges in the four-month-old death of Jone Vakarisi in military custody. Sports & Society: Fiji formalised a Pacific Rugby League Partnership, and grassroots rugby league outreach is targeting healthy lifestyles in schools. Crime & Courts: A US$165m crypto Ponzi suspect, Edward Zimbardi, faces federal wire fraud and money laundering charges after deportation from Fiji. Education Links: Fiji will trial Chinese language in 12 Central Division schools, with teacher training, materials and cultural exchange support.

HIV Update: Fiji recorded a record 2,016 HIV diagnoses in 2025, up 27% from 1,583 in 2024, with ages 20–24 making up a big share and officials warning transmission is still rising. Maritime Safety: Fiji has launched a US$1m clean-up to remove 17 derelict, high-risk vessels from Suva Harbour, aiming to protect navigation, marine life and future accountability. Sex Offender Register: The long-delayed Registration of Sex Offenders Act is set to move forward, with regulations expected in Parliament in the first quarter, as Justice Ministry pushes for Police-managed information sharing. Living Wage Data Fight: Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation wants the Trades Union Congress to release its survey methodology behind the $8 per hour living wage push. Education Staffing Integrity: The Education Ministry says some schools may be hiding teachers in staffing returns, warning inaccurate ER5 data could derail recruitment and redeployment. Harm Reduction Legal Hurdle: Fiji’s proposed needle-exchange programme faces a legal protection gap for frontline workers, with Health Ministry working on a broader harm-reduction framework. Culture in Aotearoa: Young Fijians in New Zealand say language and culture are fading under peer pressure and social media, with youth symposium voices calling for stronger identity support. Climate Inclusion: Disability voices must shape climate policy, not just be represented, as a Pacific youth conference hears calls for real participation in COP-style decisions. Immigration Enforcement: A parliamentary committee says removal orders aren’t consistently executed and urges stronger, intelligence-led enforcement and better employer accountability. Foreign Workers Debate: Opposition questions rising recruitment of foreign workers while unemployed Fijian youth struggle, calling for stricter accountability and clearer training pathways. Sports & Community: Fiji formally signs the Pacific Rugby League Partnership, while rugby league outreach targets schools with messages on healthy living and staying drug-free. Health Access Moment: Hundreds queue before dawn for free healthcare from an international mission in Suva, with organisers turning people away once daily capacity is reached. Culture & Language Links: Fiji plans a Chinese language pilot in 12 schools, aiming to build cultural exchange and learning opportunities. Lifestyle & Environment: Littering fines rise to $200 from 1 September, with enforcement and behaviour-change measures ramping up. Justice in Court: A key witness in the George Lagi bribery case says money sent to him was goodwill, not a bribe, as the matter continues in Suva court. Major Crime Update: An American accused in a US$165m crypto Ponzi scheme was deported from Fiji to the US after a late Red Notice, with prosecutors alleging “The Crypto Program” promised 25% monthly returns.