Pacific Security: US, Japan and South Korea wrapped a five-day “Freedom Edge” drill in the Sea of Japan, rehearsing ship/air coordination and support tasks as North Korea followed with a missile test the next day—underscoring fast-rising regional risk for trade and travel. Climate & Resilience: Pacific leaders at the 8th Pacific Meteorological Council in Nuku’alofa highlighted stronger weather services and early-warning systems, with examples from Tonga, Kiribati and Tuvalu—aimed at helping communities act sooner on extreme weather. Climate Finance: Solomon Islands PM Wale pushed the message that climate finance must be justice, not charity—linking funding to real outcomes for Pacific livelihoods. Fiji Business & Policy: Fiji’s kava bill drew expert support but warnings it could squeeze rural families, while PM Rabuka says the focus is shifting from farm output to farmer profits. Regional Governance: New Zealand First announced immigration reform plans to cut non-essential immigration, arguing population growth must match housing and services capacity.