AGP Executive Report

Ocean Conservation Funding: Ahead of the Our Ocean conference in Mombasa (16–18 June), advocates warn the ocean conservation finance gap is widening, with only about 14% of needed international funding reaching marine protection—at a time when countries are pushing for “30 by 30” biodiversity goals. Fossil Fuel Treaty Push: 350.org’s Pacific Climate Warriors are urging more Pacific governments—including Niue—to back the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty ahead of the Bonn climate meeting, pointing to a “just transition” away from coal, oil and gas. Fuel Crisis & Energy Security: A surge in global oil prices after the US–Iran conflict exposed Pacific vulnerability: reserves reportedly dropped to around 20 days in some places, driving inflation and hitting tourism—reinforcing calls to scale renewables and cut imported fuel dependence. Regional Security & Climate Agenda: Australia and New Zealand reaffirmed support for Pacific-led regionalism and climate action, backing the Pacific Islands Forum ahead of the 55th Leaders’ Meeting in Palau. Maritime Enforcement in the Pacific: New Zealand Defence Force support helped Cook Islands police run fisheries patrols and aerial searches for illegal activity in Cook Islands waters, including after patrols in Fiji and Niue’s EEZs. Tuna Adaptation Planning: Pacific countries are progressing a Green Climate Fund-backed Advanced Warning System to prepare for climate-driven tuna shifts beyond national waters, with early outputs presented to the Forum Fisheries Committee in Wellington. Niue Link in International Diplomacy: Israel’s expanding Pacific diplomacy includes full relations with Niue, alongside moves like opening a representative office in Papua New Guinea. Local Governance & Business: Samoa’s EU/FAO-backed Agri-Innovate finale highlighted agrifood entrepreneurship support, while Cook Islands and regional partners ran EU food-safety training for Pacific fisheries exporters.

Regional Security & Diplomacy: Australia and New Zealand reaffirmed Pacific-led regionalism, climate action, and security cooperation ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau, backing the PIF as the “apex” of regional architecture. Maritime Surveillance & Fisheries Enforcement: New Zealand Defence Force support continued in Cook Islands waters, with navy personnel joining Te Kukupa II for fisheries patrols under Operation Tui Moana, followed by air reconnaissance after patrols in Fiji and Niue. Climate & Fisheries Resilience: Pacific governments are building a Green Climate Fund-backed Advanced Warning System to track climate-driven tuna shifts, with preliminary outputs presented to the Forum Fisheries Committee in Wellington. Energy Vulnerability: A Pacific fuel crisis tied to global oil price spikes exposed how renewable targets lag delivery, leaving many islands with short fuel buffers and high import dependence. International Relations: Israel announced it will open a representative office in Papua New Guinea after talks with PM James Marape, continuing a push to deepen ties across the Pacific. Sports & Politics: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says Moana Pasifika can still be saved, ruling out a direct government bailout and urging a sustainable business model. Deep Seabed Governance: Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority representatives attended an International Seabed Authority workshop in Suva on state responsibilities, environmental governance, and data management for deep seabed activities.

Pacific Energy Shock: A surge in global oil prices after the US-Iran conflict exposed how dependent Pacific economies still are on imported fuel, with reserves running low and transport costs lifting inflation—renewables targets are there, but delivery and investment gaps remain. Niue & Pacific Security: New Zealand backed maritime surveillance patrols in Cook Islands waters, including fisheries enforcement and air searches after patrols in Fiji and Niue’s EEZs, as part of Operation Tui Moana. Climate & Fisheries: Pacific governments are rolling out a Green Climate Fund-backed Advanced Warning System to track climate-driven tuna shifts, with early work presented to the Forum Fisheries Committee as tuna may move beyond national waters. EU Seafood Access: EU food-safety rules for freezer vessels are set to affect most Pacific Island-flagged exporters, and national authorities are training to meet the new requirements and protect EU market access. Diplomacy in the Pacific: Israel plans to open a representative office in Papua New Guinea after talks with PM James Marape, continuing Israel’s push to deepen ties across Pacific states. Regional Politics & Rugby: Australia and New Zealand reaffirmed Pacific-led regionalism and climate/security cooperation ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting, while Winston Peters said Moana Pasifika may still be saved without a direct government bailout. Community Opposition: Hawaiians are resisting a US Space Force plan to add seven military telescopes on sacred Haleakalā, with Protect Haleakalā calling it desecration.

Diplomacy in the Pacific: Israel says it will open a representative office in Papua New Guinea after talks between Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and PM James Marape, with Marape’s decision to move PNG’s embassy to Jerusalem in 2023 cited as key to the push. Regional Security & Policing: New Zealand Defence Force support continues in the Cook Islands, with NZ Navy personnel joining maritime police for fisheries patrols and an NZ Air Force aircraft later helping search for vessels suspected of fishing breaches or serious organised crime. Climate & Fisheries Policy: Pacific governments are moving ahead with a Green Climate Fund-backed Advanced Warning System to track climate-driven shifts in tuna stocks, warning that skipjack may increasingly move beyond Pacific EEZs into the high seas. Local Government & Compliance: EU food-safety rules are set to affect most EU-listed Pacific freezer vessels, and regional authorities are training to meet the new technical requirements to protect access to the EU seafood market. Sports Governance: New Zealand’s Winston Peters says Moana Pasifika still has a pathway to survive, ruling out a direct government bailout and urging a sustainable business model after liquidation fears.

Moana Pasifika Rescue Talks: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says there’s still a pathway to keep the Super Rugby franchise alive, ruling out a direct government bailout and pushing for a sustainable business model after the club was placed into liquidation. Pacific Security & Regionalism: Australia and New Zealand reaffirmed support for Pacific-led regionalism, climate action and security cooperation ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau. Tuna Climate Warning System: Pacific governments are advancing a Green Climate Fund-backed Advanced Warning System to track climate-driven tuna shifts beyond national waters, with early outputs presented to fisheries officials in Wellington. Fisheries Patrols in Niue & the Cook Islands: New Zealand Defence Force support backed Cook Islands maritime policing and Operation Tui Moana, including patrols that covered Niue’s Exclusive Economic Zone and later air searches for possible fishing and serious organised crime breaches. Moana Pasifika Takeover Pressure: Rugby unions across the Pacific—including Cook Islands and Niue—have backed the Kanaloa consortium’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, adding pressure on New Zealand Rugby to assess a “long-term, sustainable” plan. EU Seafood Rule Hits Pacific Fleets: New EU food safety requirements are set to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island freezer vessels, with regional training held for national authorities. Diplomacy in the Pacific: Israel plans to open a representative office in Papua New Guinea after talks with PM James Marape, highlighting growing Israel-Pacific diplomatic engagement, including Niue’s mention among states with full relations.

Climate & Fisheries: Pacific governments are rolling out a Green Climate Fund-backed Advanced Warning System to track climate-driven tuna shifts, with early findings warning skipjack may move further from Pacific EEZs into the high seas—threatening revenue and services that tuna income helps fund. Maritime Security: New Zealand Defence Force support continues in Cook Islands waters, backing fisheries patrols under Operation Tui Moana and adding air reconnaissance after patrols in Fiji and Niue’s EEZs. Regional Diplomacy: Australia and New Zealand reaffirmed Pacific-led regionalism ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting, with climate action and security cooperation front and centre. Niue & Pacific Rugby: Pacific rugby unions, including Niue, have backed the Kanaloa bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing for Pacific-led decision-making as NZ Rugby weighs options. EU Trade Rules: EU food safety changes are set to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific freezer vessels, pushing Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu to train national authorities for compliance. Tourism Data (Niue): Niue’s tourism sector is using the 2024 International Visitor Survey to guide strategy, with New Zealand the dominant source market (84%).

Climate & Fisheries: Pacific governments are rolling out a Green Climate Fund-backed Advanced Warning System to track climate-driven tuna shifts, warning that skipjack may move further into the high seas—threatening revenue and services funded by tuna income. Regional Security: New Zealand Defence Force support continues in Cook Islands waters, backing maritime surveillance and fisheries patrols under Operation Tui Moana, with air reconnaissance used to spot possible fishing breaches and serious organised crime links. Pacific Regionalism: Australia and New Zealand reaffirmed Pacific-led regionalism ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting, with climate action and security cooperation front and centre. Niue Tourism: Niue’s Tourism Office, via the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, released 2024 visitor survey findings showing New Zealand as the top source market (84%) and highlighting where tourism strategy can target visitor needs. Moana Pasifika: Niue, along with other Pacific rugby unions, has formally backed the Kanaloa bid to take over Moana Pasifika’s licence, adding pressure on New Zealand Rugby to consider a “long-term, sustainable business plan.” Food Safety: EU rules on freezer vessel temperatures are set to affect most EU-listed Pacific Island vessels, with regional training for national authorities to keep access to EU seafood markets.

Moana Pasifika Survival Talks: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says the Super Rugby franchise may still be saved, after liquidation fears followed April financial trouble, with new potential backers reportedly showing interest and Peters urging people to stop jumping to conclusions before a sustainable business model is assessed. Pacific Rugby Governance: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders say any Moana Pasifika takeover should protect Pacific-led decision-making and pathways for Pacific players, with Niue, Samoa and Tonga unions also backing the Kanaloa bid as New Zealand Rugby weighs options. Regional Security & Surveillance: NZDF supported Cook Islands police fisheries patrols under Operation Tui Moana, then added air reconnaissance after patrols in Fiji and Niue’s EEZs to track possible fishing breaches and serious organised crime. Pacific Regionalism Agenda: Australia and New Zealand reaffirmed support for Pacific-led regionalism, climate action and security cooperation ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau. Niue Tourism Data: Niue Tourism Office, via the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, shared 2024 International Visitor Survey findings, with New Zealand the top source market (84%). EU Seafood Rule Impact: EU food-safety changes are set to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific freezer vessels, with Pacific authorities trained to meet new requirements.

Pacific Security & Climate: Australia and New Zealand reaffirmed Pacific-led regionalism, backing the Pacific Islands Forum as the “apex” of regional architecture and pledging stronger cooperation ahead of the 55th PIF Leaders’ Meeting in Palau later this year. EU Food Safety Rules: New EU requirements for freezer vessels are set to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels, with Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials trained in Suva to help national authorities meet the new standards. Niue Tourism Data: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Niue Tourism Office released the 2024 International Visitor Survey, highlighting visitor preferences and spending to guide Niue’s tourism strategy, with New Zealand the top source market. Pacific Rugby Governance: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders backed the Kanaloa consortium’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific voices must shape the franchise as it exits Super Rugby Pacific after 2026. Fisheries Surveillance Stories: Operation Tui Moana 2026 continues to spotlight Pacific fisheries protection, including Niue-linked regional participation themes around stopping illegal fishing. Regional Energy Pressure: Fuel shortages and rising prices hit Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands, forcing diesel rationing and borrowing fuel from a police patrol boat.

Pacific Agriculture & EU Funding: Samoa’s Agri-Innovate Competition 2026 wrapped up in Apia, showcasing agrifood entrepreneurs under the EU-funded FAO STODAS project, which supports agrifood system transformation across Fiji, Samoa and Solomon Islands. Fisheries & Food Safety Rules: EU requirements for freezer vessels are set to affect about 97% of Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU, after a Suva training for national competent authorities on new food safety obligations. Niue Tourism Data: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Niue Tourism Office released the 2024 International Visitor Survey, with New Zealand the top source market (84%) and findings meant to guide Niue’s tourism strategy. Regional Security & Fisheries Patrols: Operation Tui Moana 2026 continues across the region to tackle illegal fishing, with Pacific officers sharing how surveillance work protects tuna and livelihoods. Pacific Rugby Governance: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders say Pacific voices must shape the future of Moana Pasifika as support grows for Kanaloa’s bid to take over the franchise after 2026. Fuel & Cost Pressures: Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands has run down its diesel and is borrowing from a police patrol boat while restricting power use as regional fuel prices rise. Niue-Linked Public Life: New Zealand First announced Elliot Ikilei will stand for the general election, with his Niuean heritage and community advocacy highlighted.

Niue Tourism Data: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Niue Tourism Office released the 2024 International Visitor Survey, showing New Zealand as Niue’s top source market (84% of visitors), with most travellers aged 60–69, feeding into future tourism planning. Regional Fisheries Compliance: EU food-safety rules are set to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific freezer vessels, after training in Suva for Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu to help national authorities certify and oversee compliance. Pacific Rugby Governance: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders backed the Kanaloa consortium’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific voices must shape the franchise as it exits Super Rugby Pacific after 2026. Public Service Recognition: New Zealand’s King’s Birthday Honours named Pasifika recipients including discus Olympian Beatrice Faumuinā for sport and governance, alongside other Pasifika awardees. Law and Constitution Legacy: Coverage also marked the passing of Sir Kenneth Keith, a major New Zealand jurist who helped shape key legal reforms including the Official Information Act and the Bill of Rights framework.

Regional Fisheries & Food Safety: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials met in Suva for training on new EU food-safety rules for freezer vessels, expected to affect about 97% of Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU, after EU auditors found brine temperatures not consistently reaching -18°C. Niue Tourism Data: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Niue Tourism Office released the 2024 International Visitor Survey, with New Zealand the top source market (84% of visitors) and the findings framed as a guide for Niue’s next tourism strategy. Pacific Rugby Governance: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders backed Kanaloa’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific-led decision-making and pathways for Pacific players must be protected as New Zealand Rugby weighs options. Honours & Public Service: New Zealand’s King’s Birthday Honours named Pasifika recipients including discus Olympian Beatrice Faumuinā for sport and governance, alongside multiple other Pacific community leaders. Fuel & Power Pressure in the Region: Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands ran out of diesel and borrowed fuel from a police patrol boat, while restricting power use as regional prices rise. Fisheries Surveillance Stories: Operation Tui Moana 2026 continues across the region, highlighting Pacific officers’ roles in tackling illegal fishing and protecting tuna.

Niue-linked legal legacy: The week’s biggest local governance signal is the obituary of Sir Kenneth Keith, a towering New Zealand jurist who helped shape key constitutional and rights frameworks, including the Official Information Act and the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act, and served on major electoral reform work. EU fisheries compliance pressure: Pacific fisheries authorities trained in Suva on new EU food-safety rules for freezer vessels, with the changes expected to affect about 97% of Pacific Island-flagged vessels authorised to export to the EU—raising the stakes for certification and oversight. Niue tourism data update: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and the Niue Tourism Office released the 2024 International Visitor Survey, showing New Zealand as the top source market (84% of visitors) and highlighting how visitor preferences can guide Niue’s next tourism strategy. Regional rugby governance fight: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders publicly backed Kanaloa’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific voices must shape the franchise’s future as it exits Super Rugby Pacific after 2026. Public service recognition: New Zealand’s King’s Birthday Honours named multiple Pasifika recipients, including Beatrice Faumuinā for sport and governance, alongside a broader list of community and public service awards. Fisheries surveillance stories: Operation Tui Moana 2026 continues to spotlight Pacific officers and local careers tied to protecting tuna and tackling illegal fishing.

EU Food Safety: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials trained in Suva on new EU freezer-vessel rules that could affect about 97% of Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU, after EU auditors found brine temperatures falling short of -18°C. Regional Fisheries Security: The training is part of FFA’s wider push to keep Pacific tuna markets open and crack down on illegal fishing, including operations like Tui Moana 2026. Niue Tourism Data: Niue’s Tourism Office, with SPTO and the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, released the 2024 International Visitor Survey—showing New Zealand as the top source market (84%) and highlighting where Niue can target visitor experience and growth. Pacific Rugby Governance: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders backed Kanaloa’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific-led decision-making and pathways for players must be protected as NZ Rugby weighs options. Fuel Pressure in the Region: Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands ran out of diesel (last 100 litres) and borrowed fuel from police, while power use is restricted as regional prices keep rising. Honours & Public Service: New Zealand’s King’s Birthday Honours named multiple Pasifika recipients, including Niuean-linked communities, with sport, governance and community service among the key themes.

Niue Tourism & regional data: The Pacific Tourism Organisation, with the Niue Tourism Office, released the 2024 International Visitor Survey under the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, showing New Zealand as the top source market (84% of visitors) and highlighting how the data will shape Niue’s next tourism strategy. Pacific rugby governance: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders added their voices to growing support for the Kanaloa consortium’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific-led decision-making and pathways for players must be protected as New Zealand Rugby weighs options after the franchise’s 2026 exit. Fisheries enforcement stories from the region: Operation Tui Moana 2026 continues to draw attention, including profiles of Pacific officers and Niue-linked mentoring, as countries coordinate to tackle illegal fishing and protect tuna. Fuel pressure in the Pacific: Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands has run down its diesel and is borrowing from a police patrol boat while restricting power use, with regional fuel prices rising again. Regional diplomacy and security signals: Israel’s foreign minister opened a new embassy in Fiji, signing national security cooperation and diplomatic training agreements, underscoring how Pacific capitals are becoming hubs for wider power competition. Honours in New Zealand: New Zealand’s King’s Birthday Honours named multiple Pasifika recipients, including Niuean-linked community figures and sport leaders, reflecting continued recognition of Pacific service.

Regional Security & Governance: PNG’s parliament is set to vote on Bougainville independence on August 30, keeping the region’s peace-and-self-determination agenda in focus. Crime & Drugs: RNZ reports Samoans charged over a Vietnam killing have sparked concern from PM Laauli that youth are being “used” by drug cartels, with wider worries about organised crime networks across the Pacific. Niue Tourism Data: Niue Tourism, via the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, shared findings from the 2025 International Visitor Survey, using SPTO’s regional data to guide visitor strategy. Pacific Rugby Politics: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders back Kanaloa’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific-led decision-making and pathways for players must be protected as NZ Rugby weighs proposals. Fisheries Enforcement Stories: Operation Tui Moana 2026 continues to highlight Pacific fisheries surveillance, including profiles of officers from Fiji and Samoa involved in tackling illegal fishing. Diplomacy in the Pacific: Fiji hosted the opening of Israel’s new embassy in Suva, with agreements signed on national security cooperation and diplomatic training. Fuel & Cost Pressure: Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands has run down diesel and is restricting power use while awaiting a June fuel delivery. Honours & Public Service: New Zealand’s King’s Birthday Honours include multiple Pasifika recipients, with Beatrice Faumuinā recognised for sport and governance and New Zealand First announcing Elliot Ikilei will stand for the general election.