Shiprider Agreement Debate: Solomon Islands’ new Shiprider Agreement with the United States has sparked a sovereignty fight, with the Opposition calling it “selling” national control and demanding the deal be tabled in parliament, while maritime law experts argue the arrangement strengthens coastal-state authority by keeping enforcement powers with Solomon Islands officers aboard partner-supported vessels. Niue Treaty Link: In the same debate, scholars point to regional cooperation frameworks like the Niue Treaty on fisheries surveillance and law enforcement as proof Pacific states can act decisively in their ocean territories. Niue Ship Registry Case: A Singaporean company director has been charged over alleged assistance to the Niue Ship Registry in providing flag registration services for a North Korea-linked vessel, raising fresh scrutiny of maritime compliance. Deep-sea Mining Conversation: A separate Pacific-focused commentary says the deep-sea minerals debate is moving from simple “for or against” positions toward “follow the science, protect the environment, do no harm,” with calls for transparent, science-led safeguards. Regional Parliamentary Women’s Wānanga: 29 women parliamentarians from across the Pacific, including Niue Assembly representatives, are set to meet in Wellington for a three-day wānanga on decision-making and influencing change, with sessions on leadership and online harm and gender-based harassment.