AGP Executive Report

Pacific Security & Trade: Papua New Guinea moved to close Taiwan’s Port Moresby trade and economic office “immediately,” with the U.S. calling it part of Beijing’s intimidation campaign—an escalation analysts link to China’s July 6 submarine-launched ballistic missile test in the South Pacific, amid fresh Australia–Fiji defense and economic ties. Pacific Fisheries & Jobs: Tokelau’s tuna revenue shock continues after the PNA ended Tokelau’s Vessel Day Scheme participation; documents point to New Zealand “interference” in fisheries management, while officials say Tokelau is seeking readmission. Agriculture & Exports (Fiji): Food Processors Limited is pushing into fresh and frozen produce exports and exploring finance support for contract farmers via the Fiji Development Bank, with new target markets including Kiribati and other Pacific islands. Digital Access (Kiribati): A new ITU/Internet Society report highlights community-run internet networks in Kiribati and elsewhere as key to connecting remote islands—success depends on local involvement plus sustainable funding and regulation. Climate Resilience (Kiribati): Live & Learn Kiribati profiles knowledge broker Terereniti Tiiman promoting water-efficient gardening in Abaiang to boost food output while protecting groundwater. Food Systems & Climate Risk: Coverage also flags El Niño strengthening across the Pacific, with communities bracing for more intense storms and rainfall.

Pacific Labour & Food Supply: New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme marks 20 years, now drawing 20,000+ workers from 10 countries; Timor-Leste joins in 2026 after huge demand, with wages reported as low as $26 in some cases—an industry boost for orchards and vineyards. Fisheries & Compliance: Tokelau’s tuna income shock continues after PNA ended its Vessel Day Scheme participation; documents point to disputes over fisheries management and New Zealand’s role, raising questions for Pacific tuna governance. Digital Connectivity: A new ITU/Internet Society report highlights community-run internet networks in places like Kiribati as a practical fix for the offline gap—if funding, training, and local services are built in from day one. Climate & Agriculture Resilience: In Abaiang, Kiribati knowledge broker Terereniti Tiiman is promoting water-efficient gardening to lift household food output while easing pressure on groundwater. El Niño Watch: Forecasts suggest El Niño could become one of the strongest on record, with knock-on risks for extreme weather across the Pacific. Food Exports: Fiji’s Food Processors Limited is pushing into fresh and frozen produce exports (including to Australia/NZ and regional markets like Kiribati) and exploring finance support for contract farmers. Security & Shipping Risks: China’s submarine-launched missile test over the Pacific nuclear-free zone renews regional alarm, with Pacific leaders warning against “routine” great-power military pressure.

Labour & Horticulture: New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme marks 20 years, now drawing 20,000+ workers from 10 countries to pick, pack and move orchard and vineyard produce; Timor-Leste joins for the first time in 2026 after huge demand, with wages reported around NZ$260–430 a month. Pacific Trade & Security: The U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is pitching its Pacific work in Fiji as a transparent alternative to China’s Belt and Road, aiming to back infrastructure, policy reforms and private investment. Fisheries Governance: Tokelau’s participation in the Pacific tuna Vessel Day Scheme was halted earlier this year, and new documents reportedly dispute New Zealand’s claim that Tokelau was simply seeking readmission—raising questions about fisheries management and “interference.” Food Exports: Fiji’s Food Processors Limited is pushing into fresh and frozen export lines (including eggplant, okra, beans, bananas and pineapples) and exploring finance support for contract farmers, with interest in markets like Kiribati. Digital Inclusion: A new ITU/Internet Society report highlights community-run internet networks in places like Kiribati as key for keeping remote islands connected, but stresses sustainability needs beyond ownership. Climate Risk: El Niño is strengthening, with forecasts pointing to very strong conditions that could intensify storms across the Pacific. Kiribati Resilience: Live & Learn Kiribati spotlights local “knowledge broker” work in Abaiang using water-efficient gardening to boost food output while protecting groundwater.

Pacific Trade & Security: The U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation says its Fiji and wider Pacific work is meant to boost economic growth, strengthen exports, and secure critical supply chains—positioning MCC as a transparent alternative to China’s Belt and Road. Fisheries Governance: Tokelau’s tuna income shock continues to ripple after the PNA ended Tokelau’s Vessel Day Scheme participation; new documents point to disputes involving New Zealand’s role in Tokelau fisheries management, raising questions for regional compliance and revenue stability. Digital Inclusion: A new ITU/Internet Society report highlights community-run internet networks as a practical way to connect remote islands like Kiribati, but stresses sustainability depends on funding, local operators, and services people actually use. Food & Exports: Fiji’s Food Processors Limited is pushing into new export markets and fresh/frozen produce, including regional buyers such as Kiribati, while exploring finance support for contract farmers. Climate & Resilience: Kiribati knowledge brokers are promoting water-efficient gardening to lift household food output while easing pressure on groundwater—an on-the-ground response to climate stress. Maritime Safety & Compliance: Pacific fisheries observers are being used not just for science but also to improve catch reporting and licensing compliance, tackling the risk of unreported fishing.

Pacific Trade & Security: MCC is pitching its Fiji and wider Pacific work as a transparent U.S. alternative to China’s Belt and Road, focusing on infrastructure, policy reforms, critical minerals and supply-chain security. Fisheries Governance: Tokelau’s tuna revenue shock continues after PNA ended Tokelau’s Vessel Day Scheme participation, with documents raising claims of New Zealand “interference” in Tokelau fisheries management. Digital Connectivity: A new report highlights community-run internet networks as a practical way to connect remote islands like Kiribati, stressing local design, operation and maintenance plus real services and workable licensing. Food & Exports: Fiji’s Food Processors is pushing into new export markets and fresh/frozen produce, exploring finance support for contract farmers via the Fiji Development Bank. Climate Resilience: In Kiribati, knowledge brokers are promoting water-efficient gardening to boost household food output while easing pressure on groundwater. Tuna Compliance at Sea: Pacific observers are being used to improve both catch reporting and licence compliance, but the role remains among the most dangerous jobs in the tuna industry. El Niño Risk: Forecasts warn El Niño could intensify to very strong levels, raising the stakes for extreme weather preparedness across the Pacific. Industry & Infrastructure Finance: A World Bank review says Fiji must act decisively to restore fiscal sustainability as debt remains high post-cyclones and COVID.

Fisheries Governance Clash: Tokelau’s participation in the PNA Vessel Day Scheme was abruptly ended earlier this year, and newly obtained correspondence suggests New Zealand’s “interference” in Tokelau’s fisheries management may have undermined its role—despite official claims that Tokelau was simply seeking readmission. Nuclear & Security in the Pacific: China’s July 6 submarine-launched missile test landed within the South Pacific nuclear-free zone, drawing fresh anger from Pacific leaders who say “routine” great-power military moves keep repeating harm across the region. Tuna Industry Compliance: Pacific fisheries officials warn that unreported fishing and inaccurate catch reporting threaten tuna sustainability, pushing for observer coverage on purse seiners to strengthen licence compliance at sea. Climate & Food Resilience: Kiribati knowledge broker Terereniti Tiiman is promoting water-efficient gardening to boost local harvests and protect groundwater—an atoll-focused adaptation model. El Niño Watch: Forecasts point to a very strong El Niño, with record-warm central Pacific seas raising the risk of more intense storms and shifting weather patterns. Pacific Infrastructure Cooperation: Fiji and Kiribati are coordinating on resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, water security, and cleaner maritime transport.

Climate Security & Pacific Frontlines: A New Zealand Defence Force-style warning echoes as a UK intelligence report on climate-driven migration and nuclear risk in Asia remains suppressed, keeping Kiribati and other atoll states in the spotlight for “security” impacts of climate change. Food & Exports: Fiji’s Food Processors Limited is pushing into fresh and frozen produce exports and eyeing markets across the Pacific, including Kiribati, while exploring finance access for contract farmers. Kiribati Resilience in Practice: In Abaiang, Kiribati knowledge broker Mr Terereniti Tiiman is promoting water-efficient gardening—growing closer to homes and using less water—to boost harvests and protect groundwater. Fisheries Compliance: Pacific tuna observers are being used more for enforcement, with observers trained to act “like a policeman at sea” to reduce unreported fishing and protect licence compliance. Deep-Sea Minerals Watch: A US startup seeks approval to explore critical minerals in high seas waters surrounded by EEZs tied to Kiribati and neighbours, reigniting debate over seabed mining rules. Regional Infrastructure Cooperation: Fiji and Kiribati are coordinating on resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, water security and cleaner maritime transport. El Niño Risk: Forecasts point to a very strong El Niño, raising the stakes for extreme weather planning across the wider Pacific.

Strategic Security: China’s first submarine-launched ballistic missile test since 2024 sent a long-range missile into the Pacific near the EEZs of Kiribati or Tuvalu, drawing fast condemnation from Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the United States over transparency and destabilising impact. Pacific Climate Risk: El Niño is underway and forecasts suggest it could become one of the strongest on record, with warmer central Pacific seas likely to intensify storms and shift cyclone patterns—bad news for already storm-hit island communities. Food & Farming Resilience: In Kiribati, knowledge broker Mr Terereniti Tiiman is helping households boost food production using water-efficient gardening—growing closer to homes and cutting groundwater pressure—while turning surplus into income. Tuna Industry Oversight: Pacific fisheries observers are being used to improve compliance and reduce unreported fishing in purse seine tuna operations, but the role remains dangerous and often conflicts with crew interests. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: A U.S. startup is seeking approval to lease high seas seabed for critical minerals just beyond areas with rights held by Kiribati and other Pacific nations, reigniting concerns about bypassing international rules. Infrastructure Cooperation: Fiji and Kiribati are strengthening ties on resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, water security and maritime transport, with ministers exchanging plans for climate-ready services. Banaba Resources: Rabi Council of Leaders says it is moving ahead with Banaba resource extraction feasibility work with Kiribati and Nauru governments, dropping its previous work with Australian company Centrex.

Nuclear Security in the Pacific: China’s first submarine-launched long-range ballistic missile test since 2024 fired a dummy warhead into the Pacific, with the missile landing near the Kiribati/Tuvalu area of the South Pacific nuclear-free zone; Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the United States condemned it as destabilising and lacking transparency, while China called it routine training. Deep-Sea Minerals vs Pacific Rights: A US startup is seeking approval to lease seabed areas for mining exploration just outside zones where Kiribati, the Cook Islands and French Polynesia hold exclusive rights, raising fresh concerns about bypassing international oversight and the future of tuna-rich waters. Tuna Industry Compliance: Pacific fisheries officials say unreported fishing is a major sustainability risk; observer programs on purse seine vessels are being used not just for science data but also to check licence compliance—described as a dangerous, “policeman at sea” job. Climate-Resilient Food in Kiribati: In Abaiang, a local knowledge broker is promoting water-efficient gardening—growing closer to homes and using less water—to boost household harvests and reduce pressure on fragile groundwater. Infrastructure Partnership: Fiji and Kiribati are strengthening cooperation on resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, water security and maritime transport, with ministers exchanging ideas on sustainable construction and modernising the maritime sector. El Niño Watch: Forecasts warn El Niño could become one of the strongest on record, with hotter central Pacific waters likely to intensify storms and disrupt weather patterns across the region. Banaba Resource Plans: The Rabi Council of Leaders says it has moved beyond an Australian company to pursue a feasibility study for Banaba resource extraction with Kiribati and Nauru, following community consultations and renewed focus on the Banaban Trust Fund.

Nuclear Security in the Pacific: China fired a nuclear-capable submarine-launched ballistic missile into the South Pacific on July 6, landing near the EEZs of Kiribati or Tuvalu, prompting condemnation from Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the United States over transparency and destabilisation. Local Food Systems: In Abaiang, Kiribati knowledge broker Mr Terereniti Tiiman is boosting climate-resilient, water-efficient gardening—growing food closer to homes and cutting groundwater pressure—while helping households earn from surplus produce. Fisheries Compliance: Pacific tuna observers are being used to tackle unreported fishing by monitoring catch and licence compliance, though the work is widely seen as dangerous and often conflicts with commercial interests. Infrastructure & Energy Partnership: Fiji and Kiribati agreed to strengthen cooperation on resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, water security and maritime transport, including sustainable construction and EV transition. Mining Governance in Kiribati: Banaba’s Rabi Council says it is moving ahead with a feasibility study with Kiribati and Nauru, after dropping work with Australia’s Centrex. Regional Weather Risk: El Niño is underway and forecasts point to potentially extreme conditions, raising concerns for storm intensity and impacts across the Pacific.

Nuclear Security in the Pacific: China test-fired a nuclear-capable submarine-launched ballistic missile into the South Pacific on July 6, with the dummy warhead landing near the EEZ of Kiribati or Tuvalu, prompting swift condemnation from Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the United States over transparency and destabilisation. Local Food Resilience: In Abaiang, Kiribati knowledge broker Mr Terereniti Tiiman is helping households boost harvests using water-efficient gardening—growing closer to homes and cutting groundwater pressure—while surplus produce supports small income. Fisheries Compliance at Sea: Pacific tuna observers are being used not just for science but also to check licence compliance, as officials warn unreported fishing remains a major sustainability risk. Energy Finance Watch: The International Solar Alliance is struggling to mobilise funds beyond small pilots, with critics saying it underplays solar manufacturing and sustained impact. Climate Risk Alert: El Niño is underway and forecasts point to very strong warming in the central Pacific, raising the odds of more intense storms across the region. Infrastructure Partnership: Fiji and Kiribati are strengthening cooperation on resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, water security and maritime transport. Banaba Mining Update: Rabi leaders say Banaba resource extraction plans have shifted away from Centrex Limited toward a feasibility study with Kiribati and Nauru.

Pacific Security: China’s rare submarine-launched ballistic missile test in the South Pacific has triggered fast condemnation from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, the US and others, with reports saying the missile landed near the EEZ of Kiribati or Tuvalu and critics say it undermines the spirit of the Treaty of Rarotonga’s nuclear-free zone. Fisheries & Compliance: Pacific tuna officials highlight how hard it is to track catch and stop unreported fishing, pointing to observer programs on purse seine vessels as both a compliance tool and a high-risk job at sea. Energy Finance: The International Solar Alliance is struggling to mobilise more than about $20m since 2015, with critics saying it focuses on project catalysing while not tackling solar manufacturing. Climate Risk for Islands: El Niño is underway and forecasts suggest it could become one of the strongest on record, raising alarms for extreme weather across the wider Pacific. Infrastructure Partnership: Fiji and Kiribati are strengthening cooperation on resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, water security and maritime transport, including sustainable construction and emissions cuts. Local Industry & Skills: Kiribati stories also surface through education and training links abroad, including Kiribati Language Week and automotive engineering pathways.

Pacific Security: China has test-launched a long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear submarine into the Pacific, with the simulated warhead landing near the EEZ of Kiribati or Tuvalu, prompting sharp condemnation from Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the United States over transparency and destabilisation. Fisheries Compliance: Pacific tuna officials say the hardest part of stopping overfishing is monitoring catch and enforcing licences, with observers increasingly used not just for science but also for compliance checks on purse seine vessels. El Niño Watch: Forecasts point to a potentially very strong El Niño, with record-warm central Pacific waters and rising odds of major impacts across the region, pushing communities to read storms and rainfall shifts closely. Infrastructure & Energy Links: Fiji and Kiribati are strengthening cooperation on resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, water security and maritime transport, including work on sustainable construction and cleaner transport options. Banaba Mining Update: The Rabi Council of Leaders says Banaba resource extraction plans have moved to a new phase, dropping Centrex Limited and pursuing a feasibility study with Kiribati and Nauru.

Pacific Security & Defence: China’s first submarine-launched long-range ballistic missile test since 2024 has landed near the EEZ of Kiribati or Tuvalu, drawing condemnation from Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the US, while Beijing calls it routine annual training with advance notice. Regional Infrastructure & Energy: Fiji and Kiribati are strengthening cooperation on resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, water security and maritime transport, including work on sustainable construction and modernising shipping to cut emissions. Fisheries & Jobs at Sea: Pacific tuna sustainability hinges on tackling unreported fishing; observer coverage on purse seiners is being used not just for science but also compliance, with observer roles described as risky and sometimes in conflict with crew interests. Banaba Mining Update: Rabi’s Council of Leaders says Banaba resource extraction plans have shifted away from Australian company Centrex toward a feasibility study led with Kiribati and Nauru, after community consultations. Climate Risk for Industry: El Niño forecasts point to record-warm central Pacific sea temperatures, with potential knock-on impacts for weather and planning across the region.

Nuclear Security Shock: China test-fired a nuclear-capable long-range ballistic missile from a submarine into the Pacific, with the simulated warhead landing near the EEZ of Kiribati or Tuvalu; Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the United States condemned it as destabilising and lacking transparency, while Beijing called it routine annual training and said it was notified in advance. Fisheries Compliance at Sea: Pacific tuna sustainability concerns are tied to unreported fishing, with observers increasingly used not just for science but also for compliance on purse seine vessels; the report highlights observer training and the risks faced by fisheries monitors. Local Industry & Infrastructure: Fiji and Kiribati agreed to deepen cooperation on resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, water security and maritime transport, including sustainable construction and modernising the maritime sector. Banaba Mining Update: Banaba’s Rabi Council of Leaders says it has moved beyond Australian company Centrex Limited and is now working with Kiribati and Nauru governments on a feasibility study for resource extraction. Skills & Work Pathways: A Kiribati student in New Zealand is building a future through an automotive engineering programme, reflecting growing interest in practical training and career links for I-Kiribati youth.

Pacific Security Shock: China test-fired a nuclear-capable long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear submarine into the Pacific, with the dummy warhead landing near the EEZs of Kiribati or Tuvalu; Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the US condemned it as destabilising and lacking transparency, while Beijing called it routine annual training and said it notified countries in advance. Fisheries Watch: A Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency update highlights unreported fishing as a major threat to tuna sustainability, pushing for stronger observer coverage on purse seine vessels and training observers to act like “policemen at sea” for both data and compliance. Banaba Mining Shift: Banaba’s Rabi Council of Leaders says its resource extraction plans have moved on from Australian firm Centrex, now pursuing a feasibility study with Kiribati and Nauru, after community consultations on Rabi. Infrastructure & Energy Links: Fiji and Kiribati agreed to deepen cooperation on resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, water security and maritime transport, including sustainable construction and emissions-reducing maritime modernisation. Regional Industry Signals: Fiji’s private sector urged more investment in mining and clearer accountability for excise tax revenue, while also flagging skills shortages and ease-of-business concerns.