AGP Executive Report

University Safety & Health: UFSA is demanding an independent engineering assessment of cracking at UniFiji’s Samabula campus, saying students and staff—including 200+ nursing students—should not keep using the building until safety is proven. Hospitality Appointments: Vuli Cakacaka has been named General Manager of Nanuku Resort Fiji, bringing 23+ years of hospitality experience and a people-first push for personalised luxury and local talent. Consumer Watch: Fiji Consumer Council urges shoppers to compare prescription medicine prices after a Suva case showed the same medicines quoted at about $820 at a private hospital pharmacy versus about $361 elsewhere. Tourism Momentum: Fiji tourism hit a record July with 105,791 arrivals (first month above 100,000), with China showing steady growth. Agriculture & Exports: A USP PhD project is targeting pests affecting eggplant exports by studying weeds and thrips in eggplant agroecosystems. Climate & Disaster Readiness: Fiji is strengthening its role as a Pacific meteorological hub with a new Nadi training and calibration centre, while warnings on El Niño stress early preparation and action. Regional Policy & Media: Government funding of $27,000 backs the 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu, highlighting the need for credible reporting across the region. Business Travel Boost: Fiji Airways’ new Nadi–Western Sydney (WSI) route from March 2027 is expected to open more trade and SME travel options. Drug Prevention Focus: Acting PM Manoa Kamikamica says enforcement alone won’t fix Fiji’s drug problem and calls for prevention, support, and hope for vulnerable youth.

Agriculture & Livestock Response: Fiji lawmakers say stray animals are causing crop losses in Sigatoka, with farmers forced to chase livestock before Agriculture officers arrive; a faster helpline and stronger powers under the Brands and Pounds Act are being pushed. Climate & Food Security Skills: USP’s latest graduation cohort includes 800+ students in climate, agriculture and engineering, with graduates urging more links between climate resilience and food security. Aviation & Trade Connectivity: Fiji Airways’ new direct service to Western Sydney International from 19 March 2027 is welcomed by travel industry players as a boost for SMEs, business travel and tourism. Consumer Protection: The Consumer Council warns about overseas job and migration scams tied to “quick” recruitment promises, urging people to verify providers before paying fees. Taxi Industry Costs: FCCC will investigate taxi meter calibration complaints and may review the fare structure that hasn’t been updated since 2011, but operators are told to submit detailed cost documents. Food Retail Jobs: Nadi’s $5m Food Villa supermarket opens, creating about 60 jobs and adding more supplier and product choice for shoppers. Governance & Media Freedom: PM Rabuka urges Fijians to use freedom of expression responsibly as constitutional debate ramps up after the repeal of MIDA. Land Use for Sugar: Calls grow for a national land-use plan to protect flat agricultural land as housing and commercial development encroach, threatening long-term sugar production.

Climate Extremes: August 2026 has been confirmed as the hottest month on record, with heatwaves, drought and wildfires linked to record global warmth and low river flows—raising fresh alarms for Pacific resilience planning. Consumer Protection: Fiji’s Consumer Council warns people to be wary of overseas job and migration scams after cases where “recruiters” collected upfront fees and then went silent. Sugar & Land Use: Calls are growing for a national land-use plan to protect flat agricultural land as housing and commercial development encroach—highlighting risks for Fiji’s sugar industry and farming productivity. Taxi Industry Pressure: The FCCC says taxi fare reviews could take up to six months and urges operators to submit detailed cost documents; meanwhile drivers and taxi associations push to keep the 14-cent fare and crack down on illegal pari operations. Tourism & Aviation: Fiji Airways expands Australia links with new direct Nadi–Western Sydney flights from March 2027, betting on rising visitor demand and jobs. Retail Jobs: Nadi’s $5m Food Villa supermarket opens, creating about 60 jobs and boosting local supplier access. Kava Trade Fight: Pacific leaders back a Kava Declaration to protect cultural and economic value, but growers face a tougher battle as “Pacific Kava” is already being claimed via a US trademark. Energy & Industry: Fiji’s solar-plus-storage push continues with major renewable project partnerships, while smart infrastructure stories abroad underline the tech shift toward faster, automated operations.

Aviation & Tourism: Fiji Airways is set to expand its Australian network with direct flights to Western Sydney International Airport, launching three times weekly from March 19, 2027, adding 53,000+ seats annually and boosting access for the growing Fijian community and tourism demand. Energy & Industry: EPC Renewables and partners are pushing ahead with Fiji’s solar-plus-storage push, including a large 240MWh battery project aimed at cutting reliance on imported diesel generation. Transport Regulation: The Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission will investigate taxi meter calibration complaints after operators said some providers are forcing costly new meters, while fare talks remain tense as drivers seek cost-based adjustments. Agriculture & Food Security: Fiji Rice Limited says farmers are working around land lease expiry hurdles through share-farming and irrigation advantages, while the rice sector also faces export constraints. Climate Policy: Fiji’s lead negotiator says climate science is being attacked in UN talks, warning against a “polluted narrative” that undermines the science behind emissions action. Business & Exports: Kavalicious Fiji is moving from raw kava into higher-value packaged products like kava cookies, aiming to scale production and reach international markets. Hospitality Jobs: Nanuku Resort Fiji has appointed Vuli Cakacaka as General Manager, continuing investment in Fiji’s tourism workforce.

Aviation & Tourism: Fiji Airways launches direct Nadi–Western Sydney flights from March 19, 2027 (three times weekly), adding 53,000+ seats annually as Fiji tops one million visitors over 12 months. Transport Regulation: FCCC will investigate taxi meter calibration complaints after operators say some providers push costly new meters (~$400), while drivers also demand retention of the 14-cent fare. Hospitality Appointments: Nanuku Resort Fiji names Vuli Cakacaka as General Manager, while Park Hyatt Sydney appoints Bastian Germer—both moves signal continued investment in Fiji’s services sector. Agriculture & Food Security: Fiji Rice says land lease expiry is forcing rice farmers to use share-farming and faster production cycles, while sugar reform debates intensify over subsidies, cane tonnage decline, and legal limits on the Sugar Cane Growers Fund lending to cooperatives. Energy & Industry: EPC Renewables and partners progress a major solar-plus-storage push (Yaqara staged 22MW/40MWh then 120MW/200MWh), and Rabi Island households increasingly turn to solar as fuel costs bite. Civic & Consumer Issues: Nadi business leaders call for civic pride as rubbish piles up at Voivoi, and FCCC probes consumer complaints tied to taxi operations. Labour Dispute: Ram Sami & Sons workers keep striking over collective agreement terms and working conditions. Governance & Climate: PM Rabuka urges responsible freedom of expression; Fiji also steps up El Niño dry-season water planning and civil service reform benchmarking with NSW.

Aviation & Tourism: Fiji Airways will launch direct Nadi–Western Sydney International flights from March 19, 2027 (three times weekly), adding 53,000+ seats annually and giving a major boost to visitor growth and the large Fijian community in NSW. Energy & Investment: Energy Fiji Ltd has signed up EPC Renewables and Grupo Cobra for the two-stage Yaqara solar-plus-battery project—22MW/40MWh first, then 120MW/200MWh—aiming to cut diesel reliance and lift renewables to 60% by 2029. Sugar Industry Reform: Fiji’s sugar sector faces calls for deep value-chain reform as subsidies and support are questioned for not delivering returns, while the Sugar Cane Growers Fund faces legal limits on lending to cooperatives. Agriculture Tech: Fiji Sugar Corporation is rolling out spray drones after officer training, targeting faster input application in steep or flood-prone cane areas. Climate & Resilience: Fiji is strengthening waste-sector greenhouse gas monitoring, while Pacific leaders at Palau reaffirmed the push to keep 1.5°C alive and demand more climate finance for COP31. Infrastructure Costs: Fiji building material prices rose 1.5% in the September quarter, adding pressure to construction budgets.

Pacific Debt & Sovereignty: A World Bank-linked update warns Pacific governments face renewed debt pressure from slower growth, climate disasters, high fuel costs and shrinking grants, with PANG saying the problem is also historical and structural. Sugar Reform Under Scrutiny: Fiji’s sugar sector needs major reform as subsidies and support aren’t delivering returns, cane tonnage keeps falling, and lawmakers question how the Sugar Cane Growers Fund can lend—especially to cooperatives. Solar-Plus-Storage Push: Energy Fiji is moving ahead with EPC Renewables and Grupo Cobra on the Yaqara 22MW solar + 40MWh battery (then 120MW + 200MWh) to cut diesel reliance. Rabi Island Turns to Solar: High fuel costs are pushing Rabi Island households toward solar as generators outgrow family budgets. Cane Farming Gets Drones: Fiji Sugar Corporation begins training officers to use spray drones for herbicides, fertiliser and drought mitigation, aiming to reach steep and flood-prone fields. Construction Costs Rise: Building material prices climbed 1.5% in the September quarter, led by paint/glass, electrical products and plumbing ware. Climate & COP31 Pressure: Pacific leaders reaffirm 1.5°C and demand climate finance and urgent action ahead of COP31, while youth adopt a unified 1.5°C survival statement. West Papua UN Visit: Pacific leaders press Indonesia to allow a long-awaited UN human rights visit to West Papua, with MSG warning membership could be reviewed. Border & Tax Enforcement: Fiji’s FRCS warns that proposed Australia border-security cooperation must protect sovereignty and sensitive revenue systems. Energy Security Planning: Fiji steps up dry-season preparations for El Niño and stresses water, roads and energy resilience. Sports & Talent: Fijian Drua names a preseason starting 15 vs the Melbourne Rebels, while Fiji’s rugby league eyes new Pacific 9s and 13-a-side tournaments.

Sugarcane Operations: Fiji Sugar Corporation is moving toward spray drone support for steep, wet and flood-prone cane areas, with officers now in specialised training—aimed at faster, more precise herbicide and nutrition access. Monitoring & Accountability: Government land-prep contractors for non-sugar crop farmers are under scrutiny after delays stretched beyond 12 months; the Agriculture Minister says tighter monitoring and evaluation is needed and warns contractors they could lose jobs. Construction Costs: Fiji’s building material prices rose 1.5% in the September quarter, led by paint and glass (+5.9%), electrical products (+4.2%) and plumbing ware (+2.9%), adding pressure to project budgets. Renewable Power Investment: EPC Renewables and Grupo Cobra have signed an MOU with Energy Fiji Ltd for the Yaqara solar-plus-battery project—22MW/40MWh first stage and 120MW/200MWh second stage—with commercial operations targeted by Q1 2029. Sugar Industry Logistics: FSC plans GPS tracking for locomotives next year to tackle cane-carting delays and alleged kava use during working hours. Climate & Waste: Fiji is strengthening greenhouse gas monitoring in the waste sector, improving how landfill and wastewater emissions are measured to track NDC 3.0 progress. Pacific Energy Push: At the Palau PIF summit, leaders urged COP31 to deliver climate finance and renewables support, while reaffirming the 1.5°C goal and ocean-climate priorities. Animal Health Preparedness: Twenty-six Fiji agriculture officers completed Para-Vet training to improve disease detection, biosecurity and treatment for livestock and poultry.

Renewables & Power: EPC Renewables and Grupo Cobra have signed an MOU with Energy Fiji Ltd to develop the Yaqara solar-plus-battery project—22MW solar with 40MWh storage in stage one, then 120MW with 200MWh—aiming for a PPA by Q1 2027 and commercial operations by Q1 2029, to cut Fiji’s diesel reliance. Sugar Industry Operations: Fiji Sugar Corporation is moving toward GPS tracking for locomotives next year to tackle cane-carting delays and driver accountability concerns raised by farmers. Climate & Waste Monitoring: Fiji is strengthening greenhouse gas measurement in the waste sector, improving monitoring and reporting so emissions cuts can be tracked toward NDC 3.0 targets. Pacific Diplomacy & Security: The 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau ended with leaders reaffirming urgent climate action and the 1.5°C goal, while tensions around US-China pressure and regional geopolitics stayed in focus. Food & Skills: Team Fiji defended its Restaurant Challenge title in Australia, while Fiji also trained 26 para-vets to improve animal disease detection and biosecurity. Business & Investment Access: South Pacific Stock Exchange says ordinary Fijians can start investing in listed companies with small amounts.

Culinary Excellence: Team Fiji defended its Restaurant Challenge title in Australia, taking gold (Chef Isireli Chong, Chef Filipe), silver (Chef Ifraaz Hussein, Chef Frances Wakeham) and bronze medals (Chef Maurisio, Chef Masi) plus another bronze from the Global Pastry Chefs Pacific Rim semi-finals via Chef Warren Mave. Sugar Industry Operations: Fiji Sugar Corporation plans GPS tracking for FSC locomotives from next year to curb cane-carting delays and alleged kava use affecting driver productivity, with rollout pushed to early 2027 due to the short harvest season. Border & Sovereignty: Fiji Revenue and Customs Service chief Udit Singh says expanded border security cooperation with Australia must strengthen systems and skilled staffing while respecting Fiji’s sovereignty, especially around passenger/cargo risk checks and sensitive data. Pacific Climate & Food Security: Pacific leaders warn the 1.5°C goal is slipping, with modelling pointing to major tuna access fee losses and sharp coastal fisheries impacts—turning climate risk into direct pressure on food and government revenue. Renewables Push: Australia delivered battery storage to Palau under a grid upgrade, boosting renewables and cutting diesel use by over 1 million litres annually. Local Film & Storytelling: POP48 in Fiji is challenging filmmakers to take control of the Pacific narrative, with teams racing to produce films in 48 hours. El Niño Warning: Pacific neighbours facing fuel stress are urged to prepare for El Niño-driven drought and heavier rainfall, with drinking water and child health at the centre of planning. Sports Grassroots: Raiwai Rebels won the Genesis Volleyball Tournament soft launch, setting up the main national event in October with a youth life-skills and drug-awareness component.

Sugar Industry Oversight: Fiji Sugar Corporation says locomotive GPS tracking is planned for next year to curb cane-carting delays and alleged kava use during work hours, with Agriculture Minister Tomasi Tunabuna stressing accountability for farmers. Border Security vs Sovereignty: Fiji Revenue and Customs CEO Udit Singh warns that expanded Australia border-security cooperation could affect passenger, cargo and intelligence handling, calling for stronger systems and safeguards to protect Fiji’s sovereignty and revenue tech. Pacific Climate Cost to Food & Jobs: Pacific leaders at Palau’s Forum heard modelling showing tuna access fees could drop by up to US$90m a year and coastal fisheries could lose up to 65% of catch—meaning fewer meals and higher fiscal pressure. Renewables Push in the Pacific: Australia delivered battery storage to Palau to boost solar reliability and cut diesel use by more than 1 million litres annually. Local Cocoa Market: A new Nadi café, Vanua Coffee, opens to sell Fiji-grown cacao and chocolate, creating jobs and giving farmers a closer route to consumers. Storytelling & Film: POP48 in Fiji challenges filmmakers to take control of the Pacific narrative, with teams racing to produce films in 48 hours.

Pacific Climate Push: Pacific Islands Forum leaders in Palau backed the Belau Declaration calling for urgent action to keep 1.5°C alive, faster climate finance, and a stronger ocean-climate focus ahead of COP31. Energy & Infrastructure: Australia delivered battery storage to Palau under a grid upgrade aimed at cutting diesel use and boosting renewables. Regional Security, Not Just Promises: Experts at a PIF side event warned that security commitments need political will, better coordination, and measurable delivery. Fiji Tourism & Aviation Costs: Fiji’s new Tourism Services Tax is set to help Fiji Airways cope with rising fuel costs, linking tourism growth to airline stability. Local Food & Jobs: A new Nadi café is putting Fiji-grown cacao on the menu, creating jobs and expanding market access for Vanua Chocolate. Industry & Investment Access: South Pacific Stock Exchange CEO says everyday Fijians can invest in listed companies without being wealthy, widening capital access. Fiji Rugby Pathway: The Drua’s latest coaching appointments highlight a shift toward building the people who develop players at home. Kiribati Value-Add Farming: India launched a Virgin Coconut Oil project in Kiribati to support processing plants, training, and higher-value livelihoods. University Accountability: Students raise concerns over cracks at UniFiji’s Samabula campus, prompting calls for prompt, transparent action and temporary accommodation.

Pacific Climate Push: Pacific Islands Forum leaders in Palau backed urgent action to keep 1.5°C within reach, endorsed the Belau Declaration, and called for faster climate finance and a shift away from fossil fuels ahead of COP31. Energy Transition: Australia delivered new battery storage to Palau as part of a $16.4m grid upgrade, aiming to cut diesel use by over 1 million litres a year and lift renewables. Ocean & Fisheries: Leaders tightened their stance on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, tasking the Pacific Ocean Commissioner to prepare for the BBNJ process. Security With Follow-Through: Regional experts warned that Pacific security commitments need sustained political will and coordination to turn plans into safer communities. Fiji Business & Industry: Fiji’s Tourism Services Tax is set to start from 1 Sept to help Fiji Airways amid fuel pressure, while SPX says ordinary Fijians can invest in listed shares without being wealthy. Local Value Chains: A new Nadi café is putting Fiji-grown cacao on the menu, creating jobs and boosting demand for local chocolate. Construction/Property Concern: UniFiji Samabula campus students are raising concerns over cracks, with the university seeking temporary accommodation while roles and responsibility are questioned. Kiribati Livelihoods: India launched a Virgin Coconut Oil project in Tarawa with $900,000 support, backing processing plants and training to create higher-value income. Sports & Culture: Fiji’s Fijiana XV takes on Japan, and the Extra Battle of the Giants kicks off in Ba with calls for fans to turn out.

Pacific climate push: Pacific Islands Forum leaders in Palau backed urgent action to keep 1.5°C within reach, calling for faster fossil-fuel cuts, more climate finance, and stronger ocean-climate focus ahead of COP31. Energy transition: Australia delivered battery storage to Palau under a grid upgrade aimed at boosting renewables and cutting diesel use. Security vs delivery: Regional experts warned that Pacific security commitments need political will, coordination, and measurable action—not just declarations. Fiji education and infrastructure: UNICEF and the EU launched a climate-resilient schools programme for safer learning during disasters. Fiji business and jobs: A new Nadi café is putting Fiji-grown cacao on the menu, while the Sugar Cane Growers Fund rolled out digital tools to modernise services for growers. Governance and accountability: UniFiji Samabula students raised concerns over cracks and are pushing for clarity on responsibility and temporary accommodation. Sports & culture: Fiji’s POP48 film challenge is urging local filmmakers to take control of Pacific stories, and Fiji’s Fijiana XV faces Japan tonight.

Pacific Climate Push: Pacific Islands Forum leaders in Palau backed the Belau Declaration, calling for urgent global action to keep 1.5°C within reach, faster climate finance, and a stronger ocean-climate push ahead of COP31. Renewables Investment: On the eve of the summit, the Forum launched a new US$2b “100% Renewable Blue Pacific” investment prospectus to cut fossil-fuel dependence as fuel shocks strain Pacific economies. Ocean & Fisheries Stance: Leaders also tightened the region’s position on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, tasking the Pacific Ocean Commissioner’s office to prepare for the BBNJ talks in 2027. Fiji Cocoa to Cafés: Nadi’s Vanua Coffee opened as part of Vanua Chocolate’s expansion, linking nearly 100 farmers to a local market and creating 10 jobs. Sugar Sector Digital Shift: Fiji’s Sugar Cane Growers Fund rolled out a Digital Management System and GEDSI framework in Lautoka with ADB support to improve transparency, efficiency and inclusion. Connectivity for Remote Lau: Digicel Fiji and TAF signed a Universal Service Obligation contract using satellite Wi‑Fi (Starlink) to extend digital access to maritime communities. Tourism Tax Explained: Fiji’s new Tourism Services Tax is set to help Fiji Airways cope with rising fuel costs, with the “who actually pays” debate now front and centre. Industry & Jobs: Ram Sami & Sons says financial constraints are stalling talks with the National Union of Workers as strike action continues in Nasinu. Sports & Community: Extra Battle of the Giants kicks off in Ba, with Roy Krishna urging fans to turn up and clubs leaning on sponsorship and local support.

Maritime Security Boost: Australia has pledged a $600m Waqa Moana Initiative to tighten aerial and maritime surveillance across the Pacific, aiming to disrupt narco-submarines and small vessels used in drug trafficking—after AFP said 17 tonnes of illicit drugs (mostly cocaine) were seized in the Pacific since January, far above 2025’s total. Sugar Digital Upgrade: Fiji’s Sugar Cane Growers Fund launched a Digital Management System, Smart Chatbot and GEDSI framework in Lautoka with ADB support, moving growers off paper to improve transparency, efficiency and financial inclusion. Universal Connectivity for Lau: Digicel Fiji and TAF signed a Universal Service Obligation contract to extend mobile and digital access to Lau Group communities, using satellite Wi‑Fi powered by Starlink. Trade & Investment Links: Fiji and the UAE are set to deepen cooperation on trade, investment, climate action, renewable energy, education and connectivity, with plans for a UAE embassy in Suva. Food & Farm Resilience: El Niño is hitting Labasa’s “salad bowl” farmers, with vegetable production down about 30%, while Fiji’s proposed Home-Grown School Meals Policy could add $10m–$25m a year for local suppliers. Court Watch: Fiji’s Supreme Court ordered FBC to pay $150,000 to Dr Shanjivan Padarath over a defamatory 2016 report, and TNG’s $1.4b Vuda waste-to-energy appeal continues as the tribunal weighs document disclosure.