Rugby & Talent Pathways: Former Flying Fijians captain Kele Leawere says Fiji’s Tier One status now depends on players delivering consistently, as 10 Drua men are named in the national squad for the Nations Championship push. Grassroots Sport: The Fiji Secondary Schools Weet-Bix Raluve competition was launched as the cornerstone for girls’ rugby, with support from Sanitarium Weet-Bix and Rewa Life. Construction Costs: Fiji’s Building Material Price Index edged up 0.6% in June 2026, led by electrical products, while tiles fell 1.9%. Aviation & Tourism Growth: Fiji Airways launched its first direct Gold Coast–Nadi service, and AHICE Fiji’s investment conference is underway with record attendance and a push for more hotel rooms. Hotel Industry: STR says Fiji’s hotel market is stabilising with demand up and ADR growth slowing, while Tanoa Waterfront Hotel hit the Tripadvisor top 10% milestone. Livestock & Food Security: The Agriculture Ministry is seeking more funding for animal health and disease surveillance to protect farmers and boost food security. Sugar Sector Pressure: Cane harvesters and lorry operators in Vanua Levu want an urgent review of the $20/tonne mechanical harvesting rate ahead of crushing. Eco Mortuaries: Government plans 10 eco-mortuaries after distressing social media claims about bodies stored in ice-filled eskies. Marine Protection: Fiji targets up to 15% marine protection by end-2026 as it works toward 30% by 2030. Digital Trade for Farmers: A new yaqona.net platform is trialling QR-linked profiles to connect kava farmers directly with global buyers. Economy Under Strain: At the State of the Economy Dialogue, leaders warned Fiji is running out of room for shocks, with calls to tighten fiscal policy and cushion cost-of-living pressures.