AGP Executive Report

Pacific diplomacy: India and Papua New Guinea held a second round of Foreign Office Consultations (virtual), reviewing development, political engagement, economic cooperation and cultural ties, and agreeing to deepen collaboration across sectors. Pacific peace & costs: Pacific Islands Forum leaders renewed calls for global peace under the “Ocean of Peace” declaration, warning that rising fuel prices and freight costs are hitting small economies hardest. Niue & culture: Auckland Theatre Company debuted “Sons of Vao,” the first Niuean play, spotlighting how theatre helps communities process identity and the past. Ocean funding gap: Ahead of the Our Ocean conference (16–18 June in Mombasa), a push is growing to close a major ocean conservation financing shortfall, arguing it’s holding back protection and long-term management. Energy & resilience: A Pacific fuel crisis tied to global oil shocks is exposing how dependence on imported diesel keeps inflation and tourism risks high, strengthening the case for faster renewable rollout. Fisheries & climate: Pacific countries are building a new climate-driven tuna Advanced Warning System under a Green Climate Fund program to help governments plan as tuna shifts beyond national waters. Maritime enforcement: New Zealand supported Cook Islands maritime surveillance in May, backing fisheries patrols and later air searches to deter illegal activity. Business & agrifood: Samoa’s Agri-Innovate Competition finale showcased agrifood entrepreneurs under an EU/FAO project aimed at strengthening MSMEs and domestic agrifood systems. Regional seabed capacity: Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority took part in a deep seabed sustainable blue growth workshop in Fiji focused on state responsibilities, environmental governance and data management.

Pacific diplomacy & trade ties: India and Papua New Guinea held virtual Foreign Office Consultations covering development, politics, economic cooperation and culture, with both sides saying they’re happy with the relationship and want deeper sector-by-sector collaboration. Pacific peace & cost pressures: Pacific leaders renewed calls for global peace under the Ocean of Peace Declaration, warning that rising fuel prices and freight costs hit small economies hardest at the end of supply chains. Energy & inflation risk: A new look at the Pacific fuel crisis says the region’s heavy reliance on imported oil leaves countries exposed to global shocks, driving inflation and raising costs for tourism and other key services—pushing the case for faster renewable rollouts. Business survival in sport: New Zealand’s Winston Peters says Moana Pasifika still has a pathway to a sustainable business model, ruling out a direct government bailout after the club’s owners moved to stop next season and the franchise was later placed into liquidation. Fisheries & climate planning: Pacific countries are building an Advanced Warning System to track climate-driven tuna shifts, helping governments prepare as skipjack moves beyond national waters. Maritime enforcement support: New Zealand backed Cook Islands fisheries patrols with navy and air reconnaissance, supporting Operation Tui Moana to deter illegal fishing and other serious crime. Niue in the regional spotlight: Niue is listed among Pacific Islands Forum leaders and also featured in the patrol coverage after NZDF operations in Niue’s EEZ. Agribusiness innovation: Samoa’s EU/FAO-backed Agri-Innovate Competition finale showcased agrifood entrepreneurs, supporting MSMEs through the STODAS project. Regional deep-sea governance: Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority attended a deep seabed workshop in Fiji focused on state responsibilities, environmental governance, data management and capacity building. Media leadership loss: Papua New Guinea’s media community mourned Genesis Ketan, a trainer and media freedom advocate, remembered for mentoring young journalists and supporting women in media.

Pacific peace push: Pacific Islands Forum leaders renewed calls for global peace, pointing to the Ocean of Peace Declaration and warning that rising fuel and freight costs are hitting end-of-supply-chain economies hardest. Niue in the mix: Niue is listed among the Forum leaders backing the UN Charter-based message on sovereign equality and peaceful dispute resolution. Fuel shock lesson for the region: A separate report says the Pacific’s exposure to oil price spikes has exposed a gap between renewable energy targets and delivery, with imported fuel still dominating power and transport and driving inflation and tourism risk. Maritime enforcement support: New Zealand backed Cook Islands fisheries and security patrols in May, including NZDF personnel on Te Kukupa II and later air surveillance after patrols in Fiji and Niue’s EEZ. Business & jobs in agrifood: Samoa’s EU/FAO-backed Agri-Innovate Competition finale showcased agrifood entrepreneurs, supporting MSMEs through the STODAS project and the Agribusiness Incubator. Regional trade/industry cooperation: India and Papua New Guinea reviewed bilateral ties via Foreign Office Consultations, covering development, economic cooperation, and cultural links. Ocean economy funding gap: A policy piece ahead of the Our Ocean conference highlights that ocean conservation funding is far below what’s needed, with major economic benefits tied to closing the gap.

Pacific Fuel Shock: Pacific leaders are warning that recent global oil price spikes are hitting small island economies hard, with fuel and freight costs feeding inflation and raising risks for sectors like tourism—renewables investment and delivery are now the key gap to close. Regional Diplomacy: India and Papua New Guinea held virtual Foreign Office Consultations covering development, political engagement, economic cooperation and cultural ties, agreeing to deepen collaboration and meet again in Port Moresby. Ocean & Fisheries Security: New Zealand supported Cook Islands maritime surveillance with Navy and Air Force assets to back fisheries patrols and identify potential illegal activity in Cook Islands waters, including follow-up after aerial photos. Tuna Climate Planning: Pacific countries are rolling out a Green Climate Fund-backed Advanced Warning System to track climate-driven tuna shifts beyond national waters, helping governments and communities plan for food security and revenue impacts. Business & Agribusiness: Samoa’s Agri-Innovate Competition finale showcased EU/FAO-backed agrifood entrepreneurs, spotlighting micro, small and medium agribusiness innovation and training. Media Loss: Pacific media leaders mourn Genesis Ketan, a PNG journalist and trainer who helped build mentoring and support for women in media.

Pacific Energy Security: A fuel shock after the US-Iran conflict pushed oil above US$118 a barrel, draining reserves in Fiji and Solomon Islands and lifting transport and service costs in Papua New Guinea—highlighting how Pacific economies still rely heavily on imported oil despite renewable targets. Ocean Conservation Funding: Ahead of the Our Ocean conference in Mombasa (16–18 June), leaders are being urged to close a widening ocean conservation finance gap, where waters receive only about 14% of needed international funding. Tuna & Climate Readiness: Pacific governments are rolling out a Green Climate Fund-backed Advanced Warning System to track climate-driven tuna shifts, with early results presented for countries preparing for stocks moving beyond national waters. Deep Seabed Governance: The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority attended a regional deep seabed workshop in Suva focused on state responsibilities, environmental governance, data management and future capacity building. Moana Pasifika Survival Plan: New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters says Moana Pasifika can still be saved, pointing to new backers and ruling out a direct government bailout in favour of a sustainable business model. Maritime Enforcement Support: New Zealand Defence Force personnel supported Cook Islands fisheries patrols and later air searches in Niue and Fiji waters under Operation Tui Moana. Agribusiness & Food Systems: Samoa’s Agri-Innovate Competition finale showcased EU/FAO-backed agrifood entrepreneurs, supporting MSMEs and agribusiness innovation. Media Loss in PNG: Pacific media leaders mourn Genesis Ketan, a PNG journalist and trainer, remembered for pushing media freedom and mentoring women in media. EU Food Safety Compliance: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained on new EU freezer-vessel requirements to protect access to the EU seafood market. Niuean Culture on Stage: Auckland Theatre Company debuts its first Niuean play, Sons of Vao, bringing a Niuean story to wider audiences.

Ocean Conservation Funding: Leaders at the Our Ocean conference (16–18 June, Mombasa) are being urged to close a widening ocean conservation finance gap, with only about 14% of needed international funding reaching marine protection—despite “30 by 30” biodiversity goals that could boost global output and deliver major ecosystem services. Fuel Shock & Renewables: A surge in oil prices after the US–Iran conflict exposed how exposed Pacific economies remain to imported fuel—cutting reserves, lifting transport costs, and feeding inflation—pushing the case for faster renewable energy investment and rollout. Deep Seabed Governance: The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) sent officials to a Suva workshop with the International Seabed Authority and Pacific partners on responsibilities in the “Area,” environmental governance, data management, and future capacity building. Tuna Climate Risk: Pacific countries are advancing a Green Climate Fund-backed Advanced Warning System to track climate-driven tuna shifts—especially skipjack moving beyond EEZs—so governments can plan for impacts on revenue, food security, and livelihoods. Maritime Security for Fisheries & Crime: New Zealand supported patrols around Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands, using aircraft and navy crews to spot suspected illegal fishing and transnational serious and organised crime under regional operations. Moana Pasifika Survival Plan: New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters says Moana Pasifika can still be saved through a sustainable business model, ruling out a direct government bailout after liquidation fears. Agribusiness Entrepreneurship (Samoa): Samoa’s Agri-Innovate Competition finale showcased EU/FAO-backed support for agrifood MSMEs under STODAS, highlighting innovation and business pitching. EU Food Safety Compliance: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained on new EU freezer-vessel food safety rules that could affect most Pacific-flagged vessels exporting to the EU, aiming to protect market access. Media Leadership Loss (PNG): Papua New Guinea’s media community mourns Genesis Ketan, a trainer and media freedom advocate, remembered for mentoring young journalists and supporting women in media.

Deep-Seabed Governance: The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) sent a delegation to a Suva workshop hosted by the International Seabed Authority and the Pacific Islands Forum, focusing on State responsibilities in the “Area,” regional environmental rules, data management, and future capacity-building. Maritime Security & Fisheries: New Zealand’s Defence Force supported Cook Islands maritime police with RNZ Navy personnel on fisheries patrols, then used RNZAF aircraft to spot vessels of interest after patrols in Fiji and Niue’s EEZs—part of wider regional efforts to deter illegal activity. Climate Risk for Tuna Economies: Pacific countries are rolling out an Advanced Warning System under the Green Climate Fund’s Regional Tuna Programme to track climate-driven tuna shifts, with early results pointing to skipjack moving beyond national waters—raising stakes for government revenue and food security. EU Food Safety Compliance: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained on new EU freezer-vessel requirements that could affect most Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU, aiming to keep market access by strengthening national certification and oversight. Moana Pasifika Survival Plan: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says Moana Pasifika can still be saved, ruling out a direct government bailout and pushing for a sustainable business model as the franchise faces liquidation pressures. Agribusiness Innovation: Samoa’s Agri-Innovate Competition finale showcased EU/FAO-backed support for agrifood MSMEs, with winners selected through business pitch and awards in Apia.

Pacific Energy & Inflation: A surge in global oil prices after the US-Iran conflict exposed how exposed Pacific economies remain to imported fuel, with reserves in some islands down to about 20 days and higher transport costs feeding inflation and pressure on tourism—renewables targets are there, but delivery and investment still lag. Climate & Fisheries: Pacific governments are moving ahead with a Green Climate Fund-backed Advanced Warning System to track climate-driven tuna shifts, as skipjack is expected to move beyond national waters, threatening government revenue and food security. Maritime Security & Trade: New Zealand’s RNZAF and NZ Customs supported Operation Kiwa with air patrols over Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands to photograph vessels of interest and deter illegal activity, linking fisheries protection with broader organised-crime disruption. EU Seafood Compliance: EU rules on freezer vessel temperatures are set to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels, prompting technical training for national authorities to keep access to the EU seafood market. Moana Pasifika Business Rescue: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says Moana Pasifika still has a path forward with new backers, ruling out a direct government bailout and pushing for a sustainable business model after liquidation fears. Entrepreneurship & Agribusiness: Samoa’s Agri-Innovate Competition finale showcased EU/FAO-backed support for agrifood MSMEs under STODAS, aiming to turn innovation into investable, scalable agribusiness. Media Leadership Loss: Papua New Guinea’s media community mourns Genesis Ketan, a trainer and treasurer who helped build finances for major media events and supported women journalists across the Pacific.

Super Rugby Finance Watch: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says Moana Pasifika still has a pathway to survive, with new potential backers showing interest, while ruling out a direct government bailout and stressing a sustainable business model after the club was put into liquidation. Fisheries & Security Patrols: New Zealand Defence Force and Air Force missions backed Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue and regional authorities, using navy and reconnaissance aircraft to photograph vessels of interest under fisheries enforcement and Operation Kiwa. EU Food Rules for Pacific Seafood: EU Delegated Regulation 2025/1449 is set to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged freezer vessels, with Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu training officials to meet new -18°C brine requirements and protect access to the EU market. Climate Risk to Tuna Economies: Pacific countries are advancing a Green Climate Fund-backed Advanced Warning System to track climate-driven tuna shifts beyond national waters, aiming to help governments plan for impacts on revenue, food security and livelihoods. Agribusiness Innovation: Samoa’s Agri-Innovate Competition finale showcased EU/FAO-supported agrifood entrepreneurs, highlighting new ideas for micro, small and medium agribusiness growth. Local Culture & Community Spaces: Auckland’s Deputy Mayor marked the end of Sāmoan Language Week at Manurewa Library, underlining how public libraries help keep Pacific languages and culture visible and accessible.

Moana Pasifika rescue talks: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says the Super Rugby franchise still has a pathway to a sustainable future, ruling out a direct government bailout after the club was put into liquidation following financial strain, while new potential backers have reportedly come forward. Fisheries & climate risk: Pacific countries are advancing a Green Climate Fund-backed Advanced Warning System to track climate-driven tuna shifts, with early modelling pointing to skipjack moving beyond Pacific EEZs—threatening government revenue and food security. Maritime enforcement support: NZDF and NZ Customs backed surveillance patrols across Cook Islands, Fiji, and Niue waters under regional operations targeting illegal fishing and serious organised crime, using air and naval assets to photograph vessels for follow-up. EU seafood compliance pressure: New EU freezer-vessel food safety rules are set to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels, with regional training in Suva aimed at keeping access to the EU market. Niue business & tourism data: Niue Tourism Office highlights the 2024 International Visitor Survey under the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, showing New Zealand as the top source market (84%) and helping guide future tourism strategy.

Climate & Fisheries: Pacific countries are rolling out a Green Climate Fund-backed Advanced Warning System to track climate-driven shifts in tuna, with early modelling warning skipjack could move further into the high seas—threatening government revenue and food security. Maritime Security & Trade: New Zealand Defence Force and Customs support Operation Kiwa and fisheries patrols across Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands, using air and sea surveillance to spot illegal activity and serious organised crime. EU Market Access: A new EU food-safety rule on freezer vessels is set to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels, with Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu training to help keep seafood exports flowing. Agribusiness & Jobs: Samoa’s Agri-Innovate Competition finale, backed by the EU and FAO, showcased agrifood entrepreneurs and micro, small and medium agribusinesses. Regional Business Spotlight (Niue): Niue’s tourism sector is using the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative’s 2024 International Visitor Survey to guide more resilient, visitor-focused growth.

Climate & Fisheries: Pacific countries are rolling out a Green Climate Fund-backed Advanced Warning System to track climate-driven tuna shifts, with early modelling warning skipjack could move beyond Pacific EEZs—threatening government revenue and food security. Maritime Security & Compliance: New Zealand Defence Force and Customs support fisheries and anti-crime patrols across Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands, using air and sea surveillance to deter illegal activity under regional operations. EU Seafood Rules: A new EU food-safety requirement for freezer vessels is set to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels, with training for national authorities aimed at keeping access to the EU seafood market. Agribusiness & Jobs: Samoa’s Agri-Innovate Competition finale, funded by the EU and run with FAO support, showcased agrifood entrepreneurs and MSMEs under a wider domestic agrifood systems transformation programme. Tourism Data for Niue: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Niue Tourism Office released the 2024 International Visitor Survey, highlighting visitor sources and preferences to guide Niue’s tourism strategy. Niue in the Climate Finance Mix: Niue is among countries receiving new LDCF/SCCF resilience funding approved under GEF-8, targeting flood/coastal risks, food and water security, and disaster preparedness.

Moana Pasifika rescue talks: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says there’s still a pathway to keep the Super Rugby Pacific franchise alive, after owners moved to liquidation over finances—Peters argues the priority is a sustainable business model, not rushed criticism. Maritime security for Niue’s economy: NZDF and NZ Customs support Pacific surveillance, with RNZ Navy and RNZ Air Force patrols targeting suspected illegal fishing and serious organised crime across Cook Islands, Fiji and Niue waters under Operation Tui Moana and Operation Kiwa. EU food safety pressure on Pacific exports: New EU rules on freezer vessels are set to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels, with Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu training national authorities to keep access to the EU seafood market. Tourism data for Niue: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Niue Tourism Office released the 2024 International Visitor Survey, showing New Zealand remains the top source market (84%), helping shape future Niue tourism strategy. Climate resilience funding: The GEF approved new LDCF/SCCF projects, including support for Niue, with over US$67m in new resources and nearly US$218m in co-financing for flood/coastal risk, food and water security, and resilient livelihoods.

EU-backed agribusiness push: Samoa’s Agri-Innovate Competition 2026 wrapped up in Apia, with EU/FAO STODAS funding supporting agrifood MSMEs and incubator-style entrepreneurship across Fiji, Samoa and Solomon Islands. Food safety & trade access: New EU freezer-vessel rules are set to affect about 97% of Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU, after EU auditors found brine temperatures not consistently hitting -18°C; Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained to meet the new requirements. Maritime security for fisheries: RNZAF patrols in Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands supported FFA and NZ Customs’ Operation Kiwa, targeting vessels suspected of illegal activity in EEZs. Niue tourism data for business planning: SPTO and the Niue Tourism Office released the 2024 International Visitor Survey, showing NZ as the top source market (84%) and feeding into future tourism strategy. Climate resilience finance (Niue included): GEF’s LDCF/SCCF approved a new work program with over US$67m for vulnerable countries including Niue, aiming to cut flood/coastal risks and boost resilient livelihoods. Energy cost pressure: Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands ran out of diesel (100 litres) and is rationing power while borrowing fuel from a police patrol boat as regional prices rise.

EU-backed agribusiness push: FAO reports Samoa’s Agri-Innovate Competition 2026 finale in Apia, part of the EU-funded STODAS project, backing agrifood MSMEs and entrepreneurship across Samoa, Fiji and Solomon Islands. Maritime security for Niue’s economy: RNZAF patrols in May targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity in the EEZs of Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands, supporting FFA fisheries surveillance and New Zealand’s Operation Kiwa to deter organised crime. Food safety rules hit Pacific trade: A new EU freezer-vessel requirement is expected to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels, with Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu training on compliance. Niue tourism data for business planning: SPTO and the Niue Tourism Office released the 2024 International Visitor Survey, showing New Zealand as the top source market (84%) and feeding strategy for sustainable growth. Climate resilience funding includes Niue: GEF’s LDCF/SCCF council approved projects worth $67m for vulnerable countries, including Niue, to cut flood/coastal risks and strengthen food, water and disaster preparedness. Fuel pressure in the region: Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands ran out of diesel (100 litres left) and borrowed fuel from a police patrol boat while restricting power use as prices rise.

Maritime Security & Trade: RNZAF patrols using MC-12K and P-8A aircraft targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity in the EEZs of Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands, supporting Operation Kiwa and the FFA to deter organised crime and protect fisheries. EU Food Safety: EU officials’ new freezer-vessel rules 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 meet the requirements and keep EU seafood access. Climate Resilience Finance: The GEF approved a new LDCF/SCCF work programme for GEF-8, unlocking over US$67m for Niue and other vulnerable states, backed by nearly US$218m in co-financing for flood/coastal risk, food and water security, ecosystems and disaster preparedness. Tourism Data for Niue: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Niue Tourism Office released the 2024 International Visitor Survey, showing New Zealand as the top source market (84%) and feeding into Niue’s next tourism strategy. Rugby Business Pathways: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders backed Kanaloa’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific-led decision-making and sustainable business plans are key as the franchise exits Super Rugby Pacific after 2026. Fuel Pressure in the Pacific: Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands ran out of diesel (last 100 litres) and borrowed 5,000 litres from a police patrol boat while restricting power use, as regional fuel prices keep rising.