AGP Executive Report

COP31 Prep in Fiji: World powers are sending delegates to Nadi for Oct 5–8 pre-COP talks to set the agenda for COP31 in Turkey, with Pacific leaders pushing for 1.5°C, stronger climate finance and ocean-focused action. Tuvalu Sovereignty: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo says sea-level rise diplomacy must protect land, sovereignty and maritime boundaries, citing a UN declaration adopted by consensus. Climate Integrity Push: Transparency International urges Pacific governments to press for independent ethics oversight, conflict-of-interest rules and disclosure of fossil-fuel ties ahead of COP31. El Niño Readiness: Fiji’s disaster council is stepping up coordination as El Niño conditions continue, focusing on water, agriculture, health and vulnerable communities. Transport Costs & Prices: Taxi fares stay frozen until March 31 next year, while higher fuel and shipping costs are expected to lift prices of imported goods, with delivery times lengthening. Skills for Local Jobs: Fiji’s Higher Education Commission says training must better match local demand to reduce reliance on overseas workers, including for EV and construction changes. Agriculture Resilience: Research on seven Fiji taro varieties finds big differences in drought response, pointing to options for more water-stress-tolerant crops. Kava Bill Update: The proposed Yaqona (Kava) Bill 2026 moves forward after second reading, aiming to protect farmers and regulate the sector.

Super Rugby Pacific Stability: Swire Shipping Fijian Drua says all eight home matches will be played in Fiji, despite speculation about cost-cutting, with CEO Jeff Miller stressing no major hits to salaries, staffing or operations and a plan to replace World Rugby funding through new revenue streams. COP31 Integrity Push: Transparency International urges Pacific governments ahead of Fiji’s Pre-COP (5–8 Oct) to back independent ethics oversight, conflict-of-interest rules and disclosure of fossil-fuel ties to protect COP31 transparency and accountability. Aviation Skills Boost: Aviation Australia has signed an MoU with the Oceania Institute of Technology to expand training in remotely piloted aircraft systems and ground operations in Fiji, aiming to grow regional aviation capability and jobs. El Niño Preparedness: Fiji’s National Disaster Risk Management Council met in Suva to strengthen coordination on water security, agriculture, health and food supplies, using the Fiji Meteorological Service climate outlook and the national El Niño plan. Green Finance: The Reserve Bank of Fiji released the Fiji Green Finance Taxonomy User Guidelines 2026 to help banks assess green loans and align with Fiji’s net-zero by 2050 goal. Mining Oversight Upgrade: Fiji plans real-time monitoring for tailings storage facilities and stronger enforcement powers via a new Minerals Exploration and Mining Bill, starting with pilots at Tuvatu mine. Kava Bill Progress: Yaqona stakeholders get another chance to submit views on the Yaqona (Kava) Bill 2026 after its second reading, with government saying it will protect farmers and regulate the sector’s growth. Sugar Sector Pressure: Government says poor soil fertility is slowing sugar progress, while it also weighs ways to help farmers cut fertiliser costs using mill waste. Election Rules Tightened: The Fiji Electoral Commission adopted Campaign Limitation Rules 2026, including a ban on using state resources and government premises for campaigning. Livestock Protection: The Ministry of Agriculture is expanding stray dog control and livestock protection measures, reporting 2,211 dogs neutered under the 2025–26 programme. Rugby Talent Pipeline: Drua continues building for 2027 with contract extensions and new signings, including Manasa Mataele and Nadroga captain Manueli Ratuniyarawa.

Election Rules: Fiji Electoral Commission adopted Campaign Limitations Rules 2026, tightening limits on parties’ use of state resources and government premises ahead of the General Election. Media & Rights: A new look at Fiji’s Online Safety Act raises fresh concerns about freedom of expression and what it means for journalism. Climate Preparedness: National Disaster Risk Management Council met in Suva to step up El Niño readiness, focusing on water, agriculture, health, food supplies and vulnerable communities. Sugar Industry Pressure: Poor soil fertility is hurting sugarcane progress, while Government also weighs ways to cut fertiliser costs using mill waste. Sugar Performance: Labasa Mill set a benchmark with a 9.1:1 tonnes of cane to tonnes of sugar ratio, lifting productivity across mills. Mining Oversight: Fiji plans real-time monitoring and stronger enforcement powers for mining and quarrying, starting with tailings storage at Tuvatu. Green Finance: Reserve Bank of Fiji released Green Finance Taxonomy User Guidelines 2026 to guide low-carbon, climate-resilient investment. Livestock Protection: Ministry boosts stray dog control to reduce livestock losses, with targeted neutering and fencing support. Kava Bill Update: Yaqona farmers get another chance to submit on the Yaqona (Kava) Bill 2026 after its second reading. Energy Risk: With dry conditions and low dam levels, Fiji faces growing electricity rationing risk if rainfall stays below average. Industry & Skills: Fiji-Indonesia workshop targets bamboo furniture skills to grow a more commercial, sustainable bamboo sector. Sports & Talent: Manasa Mataele and Manueli Ratuniyarawa extend/enter with the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua ahead of the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Energy & Climate Risk: Fiji warns of possible electricity rationing as El Niño dries conditions lower Monasavu Dam levels; EFL is conserving hydro and boosting thermal generation, with hospitals prioritised if rationing becomes necessary. Fuel & Transport Costs: Fuel and LPG prices rise from tomorrow, pushing up diesel, kerosene and cooking gas; taxi fare relief continues with a six-month extension to March 2027, while bus operators demand a decision on a 22.5% fuel subsidy. Power Reliability: An underground fault triggers an unplanned outage in parts of Samabula (Bureta Street), with restoration timing not yet given. Governance & Services: Electricity reconnection timeframes are under scrutiny after questions over whether EFL’s 24-working-hours policy matches public experience. Industry & Trade: Fiji and Indonesia back a three-day bamboo furniture workshop at the Fiji Museum, aiming to grow a sustainable bamboo sector. Public Safety & Justice: Fiji police investigate a major cocaine heist from an evidence vault in Suva, where parcels were reportedly swapped with flour. Sports Pathways: Stonewriters breaks silence over obstacles to building education and Rugby Sevens pathways for young athletes. Regional Environment Diplomacy: Fiji leads Pacific Small Island Developing States’ push for a strong, implementable global plastics treaty in Bangkok. Business Performance: Fijian Holdings Limited posts $67m profit and assets above $1b, citing efficiency gains and major investments.

Taxi fares: Fiji Taxi Association says a six-month extension of the temporary regulated taxi fare drop charge to 31 March 2027 is a “sigh of relief”, after FCCC reviewed operator submissions and fuel-cost forecasts but rejected calls for a higher temporary adjustment. Roads & infrastructure: China-backed Vanua Levu Road Upgrading (about $300m) is set to start before year-end, upgrading 80+ km across Bua and Cakaudrove with major bridge and culvert works. Sugar industry pressure: A parliamentary committee flags poor coordination across sugar institutions as cane production declines, labour shortages bite and costs rise; it also questions Sugar Industry Tribunal reporting delays and calls for stronger governance. Water security: Government says 8,611 households still rely on high-risk water and is expanding purification and sanitation support. Climate agenda: A 1.5°C to Stay Alive forum in Suva ahead of Pre-COP31 will bring Pacific voices into COP31 planning. Business & jobs: Raikiwai Adventures launches jet ski services in Nadi, aiming to create up to 25 jobs as marine tourism expands. Trade & finance: Fijian Holdings Limited reports $67m profit before tax and assets above $1b for FY ended June 2026.

Counter-Narcotics Bill: Fiji’s Counter-Narcotics Bureau is set for a Thursday debate, with the Government arguing the delay keeps Fiji stuck in an outdated legal framework while the Opposition questions whether Parliament is being given enough time. Water Security: In Yasawa, Nacula residents say urgent Government help is needed as drought leaves rural households and key facilities facing high-risk water and shortages. Sugar Industry: A parliamentary committee flags poor coordination across the Ministry of Sugar, Agriculture, Fiji Sugar Corporation and grower bodies, warning it’s worsening cane decline and governance gaps. High-Risk Water: Government says 8,611 households still rely on high-risk water sources, with purification and sanitation support expanding. Taxi Costs: The FCCC has extended the temporary taxi fare drop charge to 31 March 2027, balancing affordability with industry sustainability. Climate & Resilience: Fiji-linked UNGA climate coverage highlights calls for urgent action and climate justice, while Fiji’s sugarcane research push points to drought- and flood-resilient farming. Business & Finance: Fijian Holdings Limited reports $67m profit before tax and assets above $1b, citing efficiency gains and major investments. Kava Controls: New border rules will test and potentially detain or destroy unsafe imported kava to protect consumers. Tourism & Jobs: Raikiwai Adventures launches jet ski services in Nadi, aiming to create up to 25 jobs as marine tourism expands.

Kava Supply Tightened: Fiji has introduced stricter import controls for all kava entering the country, requiring permits, full traceability, and chemotype plus microbiological testing to stop contaminated or poor-quality product reaching consumers. Rural Power Accountability: Energy Fiji Limited says rural electrification delays come from multi-stage planning and tendering, but a parliamentary committee reports incomplete projects, weak coordination, and communities still waiting despite payments. Energy Cost Pressure: EFL told lawmakers imported fuel is about half of revenue (around 52%), squeezing funds for renewables, though it expects fuel share to drop as solar and hydro projects progress. Sugar Tech Boost: India gifted 12 agricultural drones to Fiji’s sugar sector to improve technology-enabled, sustainable sugarcane production. Maritime Skills Focus: Fiji marked World Maritime Day with calls to protect seafarer welfare and invest in training as shipping shifts to new fuels and digital systems. Education Overhaul: Cabinet endorsed a 10-year Education Sector Strategic Plan (2025/26–2034/35) to improve teaching quality, access for rural and remote students, and stronger governance. Climate Mobility at Pre-COP31: A Germany-backed Pre-COP31 side event in Nadi will spotlight women’s lived experiences of climate-related planned relocation from four communities. Sea-Level Rights Push: Fiji’s UN ambassador highlights a new UN declaration on sea level rise that aims to secure legal and financial protections for vulnerable island states.

Education Policy: Fiji Cabinet endorsed a 10-year Education Sector Strategic Plan 2025/26–2034/35, aiming to lift teaching quality, widen access for rural, remote and maritime students, and strengthen governance and planning. Climate & Community Mobility: A Pre-COP31 side event in Nadi will spotlight women’s lived experiences of planned relocation from four communities, using a documentary to keep people and livelihoods at the centre of climate discussions. Agriculture Digital Push: Cabinet also backed Fiji’s National E-Agriculture Strategy 2026–2031 to digitise farming services, markets and farmer support through registries, geospatial tools, remote sensing and online platforms. Sugar Sector Tech Boost: India gifted 12 agricultural drones to Fiji’s sugar industry to improve technology-enabled, sustainable sugarcane production. Rural Power Delays: Rural electrification projects are running late, with reports of incomplete work, weak coordination and poor monitoring leaving some communities without electricity. Maritime Safety & Skills: Fiji marked World Maritime Day with calls to invest in trained, fairly treated seafarers and stronger welfare to keep shipping safe as systems and fuels change. Energy Costs Pressure: Parliament heard Energy Fiji Limited’s imported fuel costs are still heavy, shaping how much room remains for the renewable transition. Finance Supervision: Palau’s financial regulator joined Pacific peers in Fiji to strengthen FinTech risk management, cyber resilience and consumer protection. Infrastructure for Resilience: A World Bank-linked Pacific update warns rising debt and repeated shocks are shrinking fiscal space, pushing the region to invest beyond short-term crisis response.

Rural Electrification Watch: Fiji’s rural power rollout is being hit by delays and weak on-the-ground monitoring, with Parliament’s Economic Affairs committee citing incomplete projects, poor coordination between EFL and the Department of Energy, and cases where contractors were terminated yet wiring for only some homes was finished. Maritime Safety Push: The IMO says seafarers and maritime workers are central to shipping safety, urging better training, fair treatment and investment in people as Fiji’s outer-island services depend on reliable transport. Sugar Tech Boost: India has gifted 12 agricultural drones to Fiji Sugar Corporation to support technology-enabled, more efficient sugarcane production, with trainers expected to help local operators. Climate Finance & Disaster Gaps: NDMO is calling for bigger international climate funding as communities face rising seas and repeated disasters, while Fiji’s proposed Australia agreements are criticised for not explicitly covering disasters beyond climate. Renewables & Land Use: Energy Fiji is exploring raised solar designs that could allow farming or livestock under panels, as it weighs land availability, cyclone resilience and tariff hurdles for scaling solar. El Niño Readiness: Farmers and households are urged to conserve water, prevent fires, protect crops and livestock, and plan early harvesting as dry conditions loom.

Maritime Safety & Jobs: Fiji’s newly registered Maritime Union is pushing for stronger seafarer welfare, warning fatigue and poor rest can drive accidents, while the IMO says Fiji’s maritime future depends on training more women and young people for new fuels, digital systems and safety rules. Energy Transition Pressure: Energy Fiji Limited told Parliament fuel costs still take about 52% of revenue, squeezing investment, even as it targets major renewables growth; EFL also faced questions over how consumer security deposit interest is reported. El Niño Preparedness: Disaster officials and Agriculture Minister Tunabuna urged early action on water saving, fire prevention, crop and livestock protection, and health care as dry conditions loom. Sugar Industry Boost: India donated 12 agricultural drones to Fiji Sugar Corporation to introduce drone spraying and lift cane production, with trainers to support local operators. Solar Land Use Debate: EFL is exploring agro-PV raised solar panels so farming or livestock can continue underneath, amid scrutiny over land use and cyclone resilience. Policy & Infrastructure: Cabinet backed a staged redevelopment of CWM Hospital instead of a full Valelevu tertiary build, while Fiji also raised gaps in Australia disaster coverage in proposed treaties.

El Niño readiness: Fiji is being urged to prepare for below-normal rainfall, with focus on water conservation, fire prevention, protecting crops and livestock, and extra health care for children and older people. Consumer power costs: Energy Fiji Limited faced questions over how it reports electricity security deposit details and interest paid to customers; the company says interest is credited quarterly and will improve annual reporting. Maritime resilience: Fiji’s maritime sector is told to translate safety policies into real outcomes for outer-island communities, with safer vessels, trained crews and better port operations. Disaster treaty gap: Fiji’s proposed agreements with Australia are criticised for not naming disasters like tsunamis, earthquakes and oil spills, risking narrower cooperation. Sugar tech boost: India donates 12 agricultural drones to Fiji Sugar Corporation to introduce drone spraying and improve sugarcane production, with Indian trainers to support operators. Solar land-use debate: EFL’s solar expansion faces scrutiny over using land only for power, with agro-PV raised as a way to support farming or livestock under panels. Taxi fare review: FCCC says its temporary taxi fare adjustment review is nearing completion and warns operators not to recalibrate meters until the final decision. Climate finance pilot: Fiji is selected for the BRIDGE initiative to turn climate pledges into funded projects, targeting renewable power access for rural Kadavu. Agriculture drought warning: Farmers are told to store water, manage herds early and consider early harvesting as dry conditions are expected to continue into next year. Health infrastructure: Cabinet backs a staged redevelopment of CWM Hospital instead of a full Valelevu tertiary hospital plan, to upgrade services while spreading investment.

Sugar Tech Boost: India has gifted 12 agricultural drones to Fiji Sugar Corporation, with trainers set to come in to teach local operators—aimed at improving sugarcane spray work and monitoring. Solar Land Use Debate: Energy Fiji Limited is exploring agro-PV (raised solar panels that let crops or livestock continue underneath), but land availability and tariff hurdles are slowing large-scale solar expansion. Maritime Focus: The IMO is urging Fiji and Pacific states to turn maritime policies into real on-the-ground gains—safer ships, better-trained crews, simpler port processes, and cleaner seas. Health Infrastructure: Cabinet backed a staged redevelopment of Colonial War Memorial Hospital instead of the full $5.35B Valelevu plan, to upgrade services while keeping operations running. Climate Delivery Pilot: Fiji was selected for the BRIDGE climate initiative to move from pledges to funded projects, targeting renewable power access for off-grid communities like Kadavu. Cost Pressures: Fiji’s inflation rose to 7.6% in August, driven by food, energy and kava prices, while the RBF kept the policy rate at 0.25%. Jobs & Skills: The NFP wants a clearer education-to-employment pathway plus stronger job security, while TVET reform calls push vocational training into the mainstream. Transport Regulation: The FCCC is nearing completion of its taxi fare review and advises operators to hold off on meter recalibration until a final decision. Food Safety Alert: Consumers are urged to report maggots found in BBQ from a Valelevu roadside stall and treat the product as contaminated.

Marine Restoration: Fiji is breeding giant clams in captivity and releasing them back to help rebuild reef life after decades of decline from habitat loss and harvesting. Food & Consumer Safety: Consumers are urged to stop eating and report BBQ after maggots were found in food bought from a Valelevu roadside stall, highlighting hygiene and storage risks. Sugar & Agriculture Tech: India has gifted 12 agricultural drones to Fiji to boost sugarcane production through better input use and crop monitoring, alongside training support. Cost of Living: Fiji inflation jumped to 7.6% in August, driven by higher food, energy and kava prices; the RBF kept the policy rate at 0.25% and warns pressures may persist. Banking Skills: Westpac Pacific launches its Future Banker Development Series for emerging banking professionals in Fiji and Papua New Guinea. Local Business Development: A $17m CBayview commercial project in Tacirua is set to create jobs and give landowners business opportunities. Media & Skills: Fiji’s World Press Freedom ranking hits a record 24th; meanwhile, Pacific media leaders push stronger training, youth pathways and safer workplaces for women. Transport & Regulation: The FCCC asks taxi operators to hold off on meter recalibration as the airport taxi fare review nears completion.

Pacific Media Summit: Pacific media leaders in Savusavu urged stronger pathways for young journalists and more support for women’s leadership, as advertising pressure and digital disruption reshape newsrooms. Regional Media Governance: PNG’s Neville Choi was elected new PINA president, calling for tighter Pacific collaboration and inclusivity across island outlets. Workforce & Skills: 140 CATD Nadave graduates in automotive, plumbing, carpentry and welding received trade qualifications, with links to overseas opportunities. Agriculture Tech: India donated 12 drones to Fiji’s sugar industry to help farmers monitor crops and apply inputs more efficiently. Food Safety Alert: Consumers were warned after maggots were found in BBQ from a Valelevu roadside stall, with advice to stop eating and report for refunds. Taxi Costs: FCCC told taxi operators to pause meter recalibration while its temporary fare review nears completion. Cost of Living: Fiji inflation rose to 7.6% and the RBF warned prices may stay high through the year. Business & Development: A $17m CBayview commercial development in Tacirua is set to create office/retail space and services for landowners. Media Freedom: Fiji hit a record 24th place in the World Press Freedom Index, with RSF citing eased pressure since MIDA repeal. Tourism & Trade: Fiji will host a trade and tourism expo in Port Moresby with PNG buyers and partners.

Pacific Media & Governance: PM Rabuka opened the 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu, backing fearless, independent journalism while warning against misinformation; Deputy PM Manoa Kamikamica said Fiji’s media freedom model relies on industry self-regulation and can’t be guaranteed by future governments. Climate Pressure on Communities: At Pre-COP31 town halls, Kioa and Macuata residents raised El Niño-linked coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, water shortages and food security gaps, while Nabavatu families said they’re still in tents five years after TC Yasa. Tourism Accessibility: Fiji’s tourism sector is rolling out beach access mats and ocean-capable wheelchairs to help visitors with mobility challenges reach sandbanks and join marine activities. Aviation & Trade Links: Fiji Airways relaunched direct Nadi–Nouméa flights, adding 10,000 seats annually and eyeing a third weekly service from Dec 13. Finance & Payments: BRED Bank Fiji migrated Visa and private-label cards to BPC SmartVista, boosting international acceptance and fraud controls. Energy & Industry: Island Solar Fiji is installing an 80kW solar system with 650kWh storage for 100 homes in Yadrana, plus street lighting and Starlink Wi‑Fi. Mining Watch: UN debate laid bare the deep-sea mining divide, while Fiji-linked gold drilling updates came from Tuvatu and Vatu Aurum projects. Transport Costs: Fiji Taxi Association urges FCCC to keep current fares; FCCC says bus support requests need more complete operator data before any decision.

Climate & Media: Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka opened the 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu, backing independent journalism and launching a Pacific Centre for Communications and Journalism with FNU and the Fijian Media Association, while Deputy PM Manoa Kamikamica urged less overregulation and more trust as misinformation and disinformation—fuelled by AI—threaten newsroom sustainability. Pre-COP31 Accountability: The Environment Tribunal gave Fiji’s Dept of Environment 14 days to respond to Next Generation Holdings’ bid to overturn the rejection of its $1.4b Vuda Point waste-to-energy plant. Energy & Infrastructure: A solar project in Yadrana Village, Lakeba will power 100 homes with battery storage, plus street lighting and Starlink Wi‑Fi; remote health sites are also being solarised to keep vaccines and critical equipment running. Transport Costs: Fiji Taxi Association wants current fares retained and a full fare review; FCCC is assessing bus operators’ request to reinstate 22.5% government support but says most operators haven’t submitted complete data. Agribusiness & Exports: Sigatoka’s Vinesh Export grew from a garage packhouse into an export business shipping produce to New Zealand and Japan, supported by a Ministry of Agriculture packhouse and cooler. Maritime Security: Tonga is set to benefit from new US and Australian investment targeting illegal fishing and cross-border crime.