AGP Executive Report

Fuel Shock & Renewables: After US-Iran conflict pushed global oil above $118/bbl, Pacific reserves reportedly shrank to around 20 days in Fiji and Solomon Islands, while higher costs in Papua New Guinea fed into inflation and hit tourism—highlighting how heavy reliance on imported diesel (often most of electricity) keeps islands exposed unless renewable rollouts speed up. Deep-Sea Governance: Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority staff attended a Suva workshop with the International Seabed Authority and Pacific Islands Forum partners, focusing on regional environmental governance, data management, and State responsibilities for deep seabed “blue growth.” Climate Impacts on Tuna: Pacific countries are moving ahead with a Green Climate Fund-backed Advanced Warning System to track climate-driven tuna shifts, with preliminary results shared at the Forum Fisheries Committee meeting in Wellington as skipjack is expected to move beyond EEZs. Maritime Security in Niue Waters: New Zealand’s RNZAF patrols targeted suspected illegal vessels across Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands under Operation Kiwa, supporting fisheries protection and information-sharing to disrupt serious organised crime. Haleakalā Opposition: Native Hawaiians are resisting a US Space Force plan for seven new telescopes on sacred Haleakalā, arguing the proposal adds to existing military and observatory infrastructure on a sensitive mountain.

Sacred Mountain Under Threat: Native Hawaiians and Protect Haleakalā are opposing a US Space Force plan to add seven military telescopes to Haleakalā, arguing the project would further damage a living, ancestral maunga already scarred by surveillance infrastructure. Fuel Shock Exposes Climate Gap: Rising oil prices after the US-Iran conflict laid bare Pacific vulnerability, with low fuel reserves in places like Fiji and Solomon Islands and knock-on inflation for tourism—pushing the case for faster renewable rollout and better delivery. Tuna Shifts, New Warning Tools: Pacific countries are building a climate-driven Advanced Warning System under the Green Climate Fund Regional Tuna Programme to track tuna moving beyond national waters, helping protect food security and government revenue. EU Seafood Rules Hit Pacific Fleets: New EU freezer-vessel requirements could affect about 97% of Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU, after auditors found brine temperatures not consistently reaching -18°C. Niue in the Crosshairs of Maritime Patrols: RNZAF aircraft targeted suspected illegal vessels in Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands EEZs as part of Operation Kiwa, supporting fisheries protection and regional security through surveillance and information-sharing. Forestry Resilience Training: Samoa Forestry Division officers completed FAO-supported training in sustainable teak and pine production in Fiji, aimed at strengthening seed propagation and harvesting as climate and ecosystem pressures mount.

Climate & Fisheries: Pacific countries are rolling out an Advanced Warning System under the Green Climate Fund Regional Tuna Programme to track climate-driven tuna shifts, with early results pointing to skipjack moving beyond Pacific EEZs toward the high seas—raising big stakes for food security and government revenue. Maritime Security: New Zealand’s RNZAF targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity across Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands during May as part of Operation Kiwa, using aircraft to photograph ships for follow-up by customs and fisheries partners. EU Seafood Access: EU food-safety rules for freezer vessels are set to affect most Pacific Island-flagged exporters, and regional authorities are training to meet the new requirements so vessels can keep access to the EU market. Regional Cooperation: Australia and New Zealand reaffirmed support for Pacific-led regionalism, climate action and security ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau later this year. Sustainable Agriculture: Samoa’s EU/FAO-backed Agri-Innovate finale showcased agrifood entrepreneurs as part of efforts to strengthen domestic agrifood systems. Forestry Resilience: Samoa forestry officers completed training in sustainable teak and pine production in Fiji, focused on seed propagation and harvesting to better handle climate and ecosystem pressures.

Climate & Fisheries: Pacific Island countries are rolling out a Green Climate Fund-backed Advanced Warning System to track climate-driven shifts in tuna, with preliminary results shared at the Forum Fisheries Committee meeting in Wellington—aimed at protecting food security and government revenue as skipjack increasingly moves beyond EEZs. Ocean Governance & Security: New Zealand’s RNZAF has been patrolling Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands EEZs in May as part of Operation Kiwa, targeting vessels suspected of illegal activity and supporting follow-up by regional authorities. EU Food Safety for Seafood: EU rules on freezer vessels are set to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU, with Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials trained to meet the new -18°C brine requirements. Niue Climate Finance: The GEF approved new Least Developed Countries Fund and Special Climate Change Fund projects, including Niue, to cut flood and coastal risks, strengthen food and water security, and improve disaster preparedness. Sustainable Forestry (Samoa): FAO and Fiji trained Samoa forestry officers in sustainable teak and pine production to build resilience to climate and ecosystem pressures. Tourism Data (Niue): The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Niue Tourism Office released the 2024 International Visitor Survey, highlighting visitor preferences and spending to support more sustainable tourism planning.

Climate & Fisheries: Pacific nations are rolling out an Advanced Warning System under the Green Climate Fund Regional Tuna Programme to track climate-driven shifts in skipjack tuna moving beyond Pacific EEZs toward the high seas, with preliminary outputs shared in Wellington. Ocean Security: New Zealand’s RNZAF has been patrolling Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands EEZs as part of Operation Kiwa, targeting vessels suspected of illegal activity and supporting fisheries protection and regional security. EU Market Access: EU food safety rules for freezer vessels are set to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels, with Fiji-based training for national authorities aimed at keeping Pacific seafood exports compliant. Niue Climate Finance: Niue is among countries approved for new resilience support through the Least Developed Countries Fund and Special Climate Change Fund, targeting flood/coastal risks, food and water security, ecosystem protection and disaster preparedness. Local Environment Angle: Samoa’s forestry staff completed a sustainable teak and pine training exchange in Fiji, focused on seed propagation and harvesting to build climate resilience across the region. Tourism Data: Niue’s tourism office has released the 2024 International Visitor Survey findings via the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, highlighting visitor preferences and supporting more sustainable tourism planning.

Climate & Fisheries: Pacific countries are rolling out a Green Climate Fund-backed Advanced Warning System to track climate-driven shifts in tuna, with early findings pointing to skipjack moving beyond Pacific EEZs toward the high seas—raising big stakes for food, jobs, and government revenue. Ocean Security: New Zealand’s RNZAF has been patrolling Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands EEZs as part of Operation Kiwa, targeting suspected illegal activity and supporting fisheries protection and regional security. EU Seafood Access: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials trained in Suva on new EU freezer-vessel food safety rules, aimed at keeping Pacific exporters able to meet EU temperature requirements. Climate Finance for Niue: The GEF’s LDCF/SCCF approved new resilience projects for vulnerable states including Niue, focusing on flood/coastal risk, food and water security, ecosystem protection, and disaster preparedness. Niue Tourism Data: Niue’s tourism office, via the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, released 2024 visitor survey findings to guide more resilient, sustainable growth.

Maritime Security & Fisheries: RNZAF patrols targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity in the EEZs of Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands, supporting the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency and New Zealand’s Operation Kiwa to deter serious organised crime and protect fisheries. EU Food Safety for Pacific Seafood: New EU freezer-vessel rules are set to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU; Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials trained to meet the new requirements. Climate Finance for Niue: The GEF approved new Least Developed Countries Fund and Special Climate Change Fund projects, including support for Niue, to cut flood and coastal risks, strengthen food and water security, protect ecosystems and improve disaster preparedness. Pacific-led Regionalism: Australia and New Zealand reaffirmed support for Pacific-led regionalism, climate action and security cooperation ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau. Ocean Protection Stories: Pacific officers and Samoa’s fisheries staff shared personal roles in Operation Tui Moana 2026, a major regional effort against IUU fishing.

Pacific security & climate agenda: Australia and New Zealand reaffirmed Pacific-led regionalism, climate action and security cooperation ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau, with climate change a key focus. Ocean protection & fisheries enforcement: New Zealand’s RNZAF targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity in the EEZs of Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands as part of Operation Kiwa, supporting regional surveillance and intelligence-sharing to deter serious organised crime. Niue resilience finance: The GEF approved new Least Developed Countries Fund and Special Climate Change Fund projects, including Niue, with support aimed at flood and coastal risk reduction, food and water security, ecosystem protection and stronger disaster preparedness. Sustainable forestry skills (Samoa): FAO-backed training in Fiji built Samoa Forestry Division capacity for sustainable teak and pine production, supporting climate resilience and better seed propagation and harvesting practices. Tourism data for Niue: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Niue Tourism Office released the 2024 International Visitor Survey, highlighting visitor preferences and spending to guide more sustainable tourism growth.

Pacific security & climate agenda: Australia and New Zealand reaffirmed Pacific-led regionalism, climate action and security cooperation ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau, with climate a key focus. Food systems & agribusiness: FAO reports Samoa’s Agri-Innovate Competition finale, backed by the EU under STODAS, spotlighting agrifood entrepreneurs and innovation to strengthen sustainable agriculture and food security. Fisheries protection & illegal activity: RNZAF patrols targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity in Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands EEZs as part of Operation Kiwa, supporting fisheries protection and regional security through surveillance and information-sharing. Climate resilience finance for Niue: The GEF approved new LDCF/SCCF projects for vulnerable countries including Niue, aiming to cut flood and coastal risks, improve food and water security, protect ecosystems and boost disaster preparedness. Sustainable forestry skills: FAO says Samoa forestry officers completed training in sustainable teak and pine production and management in Fiji to address climate and ecosystem pressures. Tourism data for Niue: SPTO and Niue Tourism Office released the 2024 International Visitor Survey, using visitor preferences and spending data to support more resilient, sustainable tourism planning.

Maritime Security: RNZAF patrols using MC-12K and P-8A aircraft targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity in Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands EEZs, supporting the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency and New Zealand Customs’ Operation Kiwa to deter serious organised crime and protect fisheries. Climate Resilience Finance: The GEF approved a new LDCF/SCCF work program for GEF-8, unlocking over US$67m for vulnerable countries including Niue, with aims to cut flood and coastal risks, strengthen food and water security, protect ecosystems and improve disaster preparedness. Fisheries Compliance for EU Access: EU food safety rules are set to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific freezer vessels; Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials trained on the new requirements to help keep access to the EU seafood market. Niue Tourism Data: SPTO and the Niue Tourism Office released the 2024 International Visitor Survey, highlighting visitor origins (NZ dominates), age patterns and how the findings can guide more sustainable tourism planning. Forestry & Climate Skills: FAO backed Samoa–Fiji forestry training on sustainable teak and pine production, building practical skills to close technical gaps and boost climate resilience. Pacific Media for Weather/Climate: A regional workshop will train Pacific journalists to better report weather and climate impacts, supporting community preparedness.

Maritime Security & Fisheries: RNZAF patrols using an MC-12K King Air and P-8A Poseidon targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity in Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands’ EEZs during May, supporting FFA work and New Zealand Customs’ Operation Kiwa to deter serious organised crime and protect fisheries. Climate Adaptation Finance: GEF’s LDCF/SCCF council approved a new package for vulnerable countries including Niue, with over US$67m for projects to cut flood and coastal risks, strengthen food and water security, protect ecosystems, and boost disaster preparedness. Food Safety for Sustainable Seafood: EU rules on freezer vessels are set to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels; Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained to meet the new requirements and keep EU market access. Forestry for Resilience: FAO and Fiji’s forestry ministry trained Samoa officers in sustainable teak and pine production, aiming to close technical and data gaps tied to climate and ecosystem pressures. Niue Tourism Data: SPTO and Niue Tourism Office released the 2024 International Visitor Survey, highlighting visitor preferences and how to plan more resilient, sustainable growth.

Maritime Security & Fisheries: RNZAF patrols using an MC-12K King Air and P-8A Poseidon targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity in Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands’ EEZs, supporting the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency and New Zealand Customs’ Operation Kiwa to deter transnational organised crime and protect fisheries. Climate Adaptation Finance: The GEF approved new Least Developed Countries Fund and Special Climate Change Fund projects, including Niue, with over USD 67m for flood/coastal risk reduction, food and water security, ecosystem protection and disaster preparedness, plus nearly USD 218m in co-financing. Food Safety for Ocean Trade: EU Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449 training in Suva focused on new freezer-vessel requirements expected to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU, aiming to keep market access while improving compliance. Forestry & Resilience: FAO supported Samoa forestry officers with hands-on training in sustainable teak and pine production and management in Fiji, building climate resilience through seed propagation and sustainable harvesting skills. Niue Tourism Data: SPTO and the Niue Tourism Office shared 2024 International Visitor Survey findings, highlighting visitor preferences and spending to support more resilient, sustainable tourism planning.

Maritime Security: RNZAF patrols targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity in the EEZs of Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands, supporting Operation Kiwa and fisheries protection with aircraft photography for follow-up. Food Safety & Fisheries Trade: EU officials trained Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu authorities on new EU freezer-vessel rules that could affect about 97% of Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU. Climate Resilience Finance: GEF’s LDCF/SCCF council approved new projects worth over US$67m (with nearly US$218m co-financing) for vulnerable countries including Niue, focusing on flood/coastal risk, food and water security, ecosystem protection and disaster preparedness. Niue Tourism Data: SPTO and the Niue Tourism Office released the 2024 International Visitor Survey, highlighting visitor sources (NZ 84%), age patterns and how the data will guide more resilient tourism planning. Pacific Fisheries Careers: A spotlight on Samoa’s Senior Fisheries Officer Stella Sahara Tuuau, now helping protect tuna through Operation Tui Moana 2026. Regional Rugby & Pathways: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders backed Kanaloa’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing for Pacific-led decision-making and sustainable pathways for players.

Maritime Security & Fisheries: RNZAF patrols using an MC-12K King Air and a P-8A Poseidon targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity across Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands’ EEZs, supporting the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency and New Zealand Customs’ Operation Kiwa to deter serious organised crime and protect fisheries. Climate Resilience Finance: The GEF’s LDCF/SCCF council approved a new work programme for vulnerable countries, including Niue, with over US$67m in new funding and nearly US$218m in co-financing to cut flood and coastal risks, strengthen food and water security, protect ecosystems, and boost disaster preparedness. Sustainable Forestry Capacity: FAO backed a Samoa–Fiji forestry exchange training officers in sustainable teak and pine production and management, aimed at closing technical and data gaps and building resilience to climate change and ecosystem pressures. Ocean Protection & Local Funding Models: A spotlight on Niue’s Ocean Wide (NOW) initiative describes how ocean protection is being turned into a long-term, sovereign-led financing approach via the NOW Trust, including management of 100% of Niue’s EEZ and a large no-take marine protected area. Tourism Data for Sustainability: Niue Tourism, via the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, shared findings from the 2024 International Visitor Survey to help shape more resilient, responsive tourism planning.

Maritime Security & Fisheries: RNZAF patrols using an MC-12K King Air and P-8A Poseidon targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity in the EEZs of Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands, supporting the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency and New Zealand Customs’ Operation Kiwa to deter serious organised crime and protect fisheries. Climate Resilience Finance: The GEF’s LDCF/SCCF councils approved a new work program for GEF-8, bringing over US$67m for vulnerable countries including Niue, with projects aimed at cutting flood and coastal risks, boosting food and water security, protecting ecosystems, and strengthening disaster preparedness. Sustainable Forestry Capacity: FAO backed a Samoa–Fiji forestry exchange training Samoa Forestry Division officers in sustainable teak and pine production and management, building skills to handle climate stress and ecosystem pressures. Ocean Protection & Local Stewardship: A feature highlights Niue’s Ocean Wide (NOW) model, tying ocean protection to a sovereign-led trust structure and long-term funding for conservation and resilience, including the Niue Moana Mahu Marine Protected Area. Tourism Data for Sustainability: Niue Tourism Office, via the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, shared findings from the 2024 International Visitor Survey to guide more resilient, responsive tourism planning.

Climate Finance for Resilience: The GEF’s LDCF/SCCF council has approved a new package of projects for vulnerable countries, including Niue, with over USD 67m in fresh funding and nearly USD 218m in co-financing to cut flood and coastal risks, boost food and water security, protect ecosystems, and strengthen disaster preparedness. Maritime Security & Fisheries: RNZAF and NZ Customs carried out surveillance patrols in Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands’ EEZs in May, using aircraft to photograph vessels of interest as part of efforts to deter illegal, serious and organised crime and protect fisheries. Niue Tourism Data: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Niue Tourism Office released 2024 International Visitor Survey findings, highlighting visitor preferences and spending to guide more resilient, sustainable tourism planning. Pacific Fisheries Stories: Operation Tui Moana 2026 continues to spotlight Pacific fisheries protection, including Niue-relevant regional work against IUU fishing and the people behind surveillance. Regional Forestry Capacity: FAO supported Samoa forestry officers with hands-on training in sustainable teak and pine production in Fiji, aimed at closing technical gaps and building climate resilience across Pacific ecosystems. Pacific Rugby Governance: Rugby leaders from Cook Islands and Tonga (with Niue among the unions backing Kanaloa) argue Pacific voices must shape Moana Pasifika’s future as bids grow and NZ Rugby weighs options.