El Niño preparedness: SPREP is urging Pacific communities to start planning now that El Niño has been declared underway, warning Western Pacific countries to expect drier-than-usual conditions and higher drought risk, while Central and Eastern islands may see above-normal rainfall. Water and drought planning: SPREP climate science director Salesa Nihmei says national authorities should move quickly on proactive water management as the dry period develops. Niue in the security conversation: At the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue in Fiji, Niue’s Minister Richie Mautama linked everyday community safety, climate change, and illegal fishing risks to broader regional security—and even flagged Niue’s unmanaged dog population as a real, local concern. Regional fisheries cooperation: Niue is among countries backing a Cabinet-endorsed MOU to strengthen sustainable management of South Pacific albacore tuna, aiming for science-based fisheries and closer coordination in regional negotiations. Budget scrutiny in Niue: Niue MPs are questioning the government’s first post-election budget, pointing to a widening deficit and concerns that community development and social welfare are missing from stated priorities. Global environment funding: The GEF approved a US$3.9bn funding package for biodiversity and climate projects for 2026–2030, with support earmarked for small island states and indigenous communities. Pacific diplomacy: U.S. officials say a White House summit with Pacific leaders was “collaborative,” with climate funding, resilience, and action on illegal fishing among pledges.