Niue Budget Watch: Niue MPs are challenging the new government’s first budget, saying priorities have shifted while a deficit grows. The 2026/27 Appropriation Bill sets $83.4m spending against $65.8m revenue, and lawmakers question why community development and social welfare are missing from stated priorities despite being major recurrent costs. Regional Security & Everyday Safety: Niue’s Home Affairs Minister Richie Mautama stood out at the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue in Suva, highlighting community safety, climate pressures, and illegal activity as day-to-day threats. Pacific Peace Appeal: Pacific Islands Forum leaders renewed a global call for peace, urging UN Charter principles, dialogue over conflict, and warning that insecurity hits small economies hardest. Fisheries Cooperation: Cabinet endorsed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen sustainable management of South Pacific albacore tuna, bringing together Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Samoa and Tonga to improve regional advocacy and coordination. Energy Cost Pressure: A new analysis links the post–US-Iran oil spike to Pacific fuel shock vulnerability, raising inflation risks and pushing the case for faster renewable energy investment. Deep Seabed Governance: Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority attended a Suva workshop on deep seabed sustainable blue growth, focusing on state responsibilities, environmental governance, data management and capacity building. Online Trade & IP Concerns: A New Zealand designer warns shoppers about a webstore selling “rep Māori” designs, raising questions about authenticity and sourcing.