AGP Executive Report

Diocese Anniversary: Niue is in the wider spotlight as Cook Islands catechists are set to be honoured for their service as the Diocese of Rarotonga begins 60th anniversary celebrations. Pacific Peace Call: Pacific Islands Forum leaders, including Niue, renewed calls for global peace under the Ocean of Peace Declaration, urging respect for the UN Charter as fuel costs bite. Fuel Shock & Renewables: A new report links the post–US-Iran oil spike to Pacific vulnerability, pushing the case for faster renewable energy delivery. Tuna Climate Response: Pacific nations are strengthening climate readiness for tuna shifts beyond national waters, with an Advanced Warning System being developed under the Regional Tuna Programme. Niue Culture: A Niuean-Māori tattoo practitioner is returning to Niue to run a tātatau workshop aimed at documenting legends and traditions for future generations. Regional Security: New Zealand supported Cook Islands maritime surveillance patrols in May, including fisheries enforcement and air reconnaissance for possible breaches. Sports & Community: A 13-year-old Tongan-Niuean basketball player has been selected for a US tournament and is seeking community funding to cover travel and costs.

Niue Culture & Heritage: A Niuean-Māori tattoo practitioner is returning to Niue to run a Tātatau Art Workshop aimed at documenting legends, village stories, and the meaning behind traditional symbols like niu, vaka and uga. Sports Spotlight: A Father-daughter boxing duo is chasing glory, with Saskia Elliott building an undefeated pro start while her father/trainer Nigel guides her through the early ranks. Arts in the Pacific: Auckland Theatre Company debuts its first Niuean play, “Sons of Vao,” exploring making peace with the past through a story shaped by family and loss. Ocean & Climate Funding: Ahead of the Our Ocean conference, advocates warn the ocean conservation funding gap is widening, even as leaders push for stronger protection targets. Pacific Energy Security: Pacific leaders and groups highlight how fuel shocks expose the gap between renewable targets and real delivery, urging faster transition away from imported fossil fuels. Regional Fisheries Readiness: Pacific nations are developing a climate warning system to track tuna shifts beyond national waters, helping governments plan for food and income impacts. Security & Surveillance: NZDF supported maritime surveillance patrols in Cook Islands waters, including fisheries enforcement and follow-up on suspected breaches after Niue patrols.

Niue Culture: A Niuean-Māori tattoo practitioner, Iata Peautolu, is returning to Niue to run a Tātatau Art Workshop this Thursday, aiming to document Niuean tātatau stories and village nuances so future generations can better understand the identity behind symbols like the niu, vaka and uga. Ocean & Climate Finance: As leaders meet for Our Ocean (16–18 June) in Mombasa, the big message is the ocean conservation funding gap—only about 14% of needed international conservation money is reaching the sea. Fossil Fuel Push: Pacific Climate Warriors, including Fiji and Niue, are urging more governments to back the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty ahead of the Bonn climate meeting. Fuel Shock Reality: A Pacific-wide fuel crisis after the US–Iran conflict shows how quickly imported oil can hit prices, inflation and tourism—reinforcing calls to speed up renewable energy delivery. Regional Security: New Zealand supported maritime surveillance in Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands during May under Operation Kiwa, targeting vessels suspected of illegal activity. Youth & Community: Braxton Matene (13), a Tongan-Niuean-Māori basketball player, has been selected for a US tournament and is seeking community support to cover about $8,500 in costs.

Fuel Shock Watch: Oil prices jumped after the US-Iran conflict, hitting Pacific reserves hard (some down to about 20 days in Fiji and Solomon Islands) and pushing up transport and service costs in places like Papua New Guinea—fueling inflation and raising risks for tourism, while the wider lesson is clear: renewable targets need faster delivery to cut dependence on imported diesel. Deep-Sea Governance: The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) took part in a regional workshop in Suva on deep seabed sustainable blue growth, focusing on state responsibilities, environmental governance, data management and future capacity-building. Niue Culture & Heritage: A Niuean-Māori tattoo practitioner is running a Niue tātatau workshop to document stories and traditions behind the designs, aiming to preserve village nuances and sacred connections for future generations. Maritime Security: New Zealand supported fisheries and anti-crime surveillance in Cook Islands waters, with patrols using RNZ Navy and later RNZ Air Force aircraft to photograph vessels for follow-up. Climate & Tuna: Pacific nations are strengthening climate response for tuna as stocks shift beyond national waters, with a new warning system being developed under a Green Climate Fund-backed regional tuna programme. Remembering Genesis Ketan: Papua New Guinea’s media community mourns Genesis Ketan, a trainer and media freedom advocate, remembered for mentoring young journalists and helping build women-in-media support networks.

Niuean cultural preservation: A Niuean-Māori tattoo practitioner, Iata Peautolu, is returning to Niue to host a tātatau art workshop aimed at documenting legends, village stories, and sacred places behind Niuean tātatau symbols. Regional security & fisheries: New Zealand’s RNZAF and NZDF supported maritime surveillance patrols in Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands EEZs during May, photographing vessels of interest for follow-up under the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency and Operation Kiwa. Climate & tuna shifts: Pacific nations are building a new climate warning system to track how tuna stocks are moving beyond national waters, with early outputs shared under the Green Climate Fund Regional Tuna Programme. Pacific media loss: Papua New Guinea’s Media Council mourns Genesis Ketan, praising her training and mentoring for young journalists and her role in Pacific women in media. Sports funding push: 13-year-old Braxton Matene, a Tongan-Niuean-Māori athlete, has been selected for a US basketball development tournament and is seeking community support to raise about $8,500.

Niue Culture & Heritage: A Niuean-Māori tattoo practitioner, Iata Peautolu, is returning to Niue to run a tātatau art workshop aimed at documenting stories, village nuances and sacred places behind Niuean tātatau symbols. Maritime Security: New Zealand Defence Force patrols supported Cook Islands fisheries and wider Pacific enforcement, with RNZAF aircraft and navy personnel helping spot vessels of interest in Cook Islands, Fiji and Niue waters. Climate & Fisheries: Pacific countries are strengthening climate response for tuna as a new warning system is developed to track climate-driven shifts that may move skipjack beyond national waters. 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. Pacific Community News: Moana Pasifika’s future is still being explored, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters saying there’s a pathway without a direct government bailout. International Note: Israel says it will open a representative office in Papua New Guinea after talks with PM James Marape. Tribute: PNG media leaders are mourning Genesis Ketan, remembered for training, mentoring and pushing for media freedom, including work with women journalists across the Pacific.

Pacific Security & Fisheries: NZDF and NZ Customs-backed Operation Kiwa saw RNZAF patrols target vessels suspected of illegal activity across Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands EEZs, with aircraft photographing ships for follow-up. Niue Culture: A Niuean-Māori tattoo practitioner is running a Niue tātatau workshop to document legends, village stories and sacred places behind traditional designs. Climate & Tuna: Pacific nations are rolling out a new climate warning system to track tuna shifts beyond national waters, helping governments plan for impacts on food and livelihoods. Regional Support: Australia and New Zealand reaffirmed Pacific-led regionalism, climate action and security cooperation ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ meeting in Palau. Tourism Data: Niue Tourism Office highlights the 2024 International Visitor Survey, showing New Zealand as the top source market (84%) and guiding future tourism strategy. Community & Sports: A 13-year-old Niuean-Tongan-Māori athlete has been selected for a basketball tournament in America, with a Givealittle page seeking support for travel and costs.

Moana Pasifika future: 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 and pointing to new potential backers after the club was placed into liquidation. Niue culture: A Niuean-Māori tattoo practitioner, Iata Peautolu, is returning to Niue to run a tātatau art workshop aimed at documenting stories, village nuances and sacred places for future generations. Maritime security in the region: New Zealand Defence Force and Air Force patrols targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity across Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands, supporting fisheries enforcement and Operation Kiwa. Climate and tuna impacts: Pacific countries are strengthening climate response as tuna stocks shift, with an Advanced Warning System being developed under a Green Climate Fund tuna programme. Tourism data for Niue: The Niue Tourism Office highlights new Pacific visitor survey findings, with New Zealand the top source market for Niue.

Climate & Fisheries: Pacific countries are rolling out a Green Climate Fund-backed Advanced Warning System to track climate-driven tuna shifts, with early findings warning skipjack may move further from Pacific EEZs into the high seas—meaning big impacts for government revenue, food security and livelihoods. Maritime Security: New Zealand Defence Force and Air Force patrols supported Operation Tui Moana and Operation Kiwa, photographing vessels of interest across Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands EEZs to deter illegal activity and serious organised crime. Niue Culture: A Niuean-Māori tattoo practitioner is returning to Niue to run a tātatau workshop aimed at documenting stories, village nuances and sacred places behind Niuean tātatau traditions. Tourism Data: Niue Tourism Office, via the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, released the 2024 International Visitor Survey, showing New Zealand as the top source market (84%) and highlighting visitor preferences to guide future strategy. Regional Support: The GEF approved new LDCF/SCCF projects including Niue, targeting flood/coastal risks, food and water security, disaster preparedness and resilient livelihoods.

Moana Pasifika future: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says there’s still a pathway to keep the Pacific Super Rugby franchise alive, after owners moved to liquidation—while new potential backers have reportedly come forward. Niue culture: A Niuean-Māori tattoo practitioner is returning to Niue to run a tātatau workshop aimed at documenting stories and traditions for future generations. Maritime security for Niue: NZDF and NZ Customs supported surveillance patrols targeting illegal activity across Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands EEZs as part of Operation Kiwa and fisheries enforcement. Pacific-led priorities: 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. Climate resilience funding: GEF’s LDCF/SCCF approved new projects including support for Niue to reduce flood and coastal risks and strengthen food and water security.

Maritime Security: New Zealand Defence Force crews backed Cook Islands Police fisheries patrols in May, joining Te Kukupa II under Operation Tui Moana to deter illegal fishing, then later using RNZAF aircraft to photograph vessels of interest in Fiji and Niue’s Exclusive Economic Zones for follow-up. Cultural Heritage: A Niuean-Māori tattoo practitioner is returning to Niue to run a Tātatau Art Workshop aimed at documenting stories, village nuances and identity behind Niuean tātatau symbols. Pacific Regionalism: Australia and New Zealand reaffirmed support for Pacific-led regionalism, climate action and security cooperation ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau. Tourism Insights: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Niue Tourism Office shared findings from the 2024 International Visitor Survey, with New Zealand the top source market and data meant to guide Niue’s next tourism strategy. Climate Resilience Funding: GEF’s LDCF/SCCF council approved new projects including Niue, targeting flood and coastal risks, food and water security, ecosystems and disaster preparedness.

Niue Culture & Heritage: Niuean-Māori tattoo practitioner Iata Peautolu is returning to Niue this week to run a Tātatau Art Workshop, aiming to document stories, village nuances and sacred places behind a distinct Niuean tātatau style. Regional Security: Australia and New Zealand reaffirmed Pacific-led regionalism, climate action and security cooperation ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau. Maritime Surveillance: New Zealand’s RNZAF targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity in Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands’ EEZs as part of Operation Kiwa, supporting fisheries protection and organised crime disruption. Niue Tourism: The Pacific Tourism Organisation, with Niue Tourism, shared findings from the 2025 International Visitor Survey, with New Zealand the top source market for visitors. Climate Resilience Finance: GEF’s LDCF/SCCF council approved new projects including one for Niue, backing work to cut flood and coastal risks and strengthen food, water and disaster preparedness. Pacific Rugby: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders backed Kanaloa’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific voices must shape the future pathways for players.

Samoan Language Week in Niue-relevant Pacific circles: Oamaru Pacific Island Trust (OPIT) marked Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa with a community night of legends, history, screen-printing Samoan patterns, coconut “valu le popo,” and traditional food and music—highlighting the theme “E afua mai i mauga tetele manuia o le nu’u.” Regional security and fisheries: New Zealand’s RNZAF carried out maritime surveillance patrols in Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands, supporting Operation Kiwa and the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency to deter illegal activity. Climate resilience funding for Niue: GEF’s LDCF/SCCF council approved new projects for vulnerable states including Niue, with over US$67m in new resources and nearly US$218m in co-financing to cut flood/coastal risks and boost food and water security. Tourism data for Niue: SPTO and the Niue Tourism Office shared findings from the 2024 International Visitor Survey, with New Zealand the top source market (84%). Pacific rugby governance: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders backed Kanaloa’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing for Pacific-led decision-making and pathways.

Samoan Language Week: Oamaru Pacific Island Trust wrapped up Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa with a community night of legends, history, screen-printing patterns, coconut “valu le popo,” and traditional food and music. Local Culture in Action: Auckland’s Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson marked the end of the week at Manurewa Library, saying public spaces help others understand Pacific languages and heritage. Regional Security: RNZAF patrols targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity in Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands’ EEZs as part of Operation Kiwa, supporting follow-up by New Zealand Customs and partners. Food Safety for Trade: EU rules on freezer vessels are set to affect about 97% of Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU, with Fiji-based training for national authorities. Climate Resilience Funding: GEF approved new LDCF/SCCF projects including Niue, with over US$67m for flood, food and water security, and disaster preparedness. Tourism Data for Niue: SPTO and Niue Tourism shared findings from the 2024 International Visitor Survey to guide future strategy.

Samoan Language Week: Oamaru Pacific Island Trust (OPIT) wrapped up Samoan Language Week with a family-friendly night of legends, history, screen printing, coconut “valu le popo,” and traditional food, music and songs—highlighting the theme “E afua mai i mauga tetele manuia o le nu’u.” Local Culture in Action: Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson joined Pacific leaders and families at Manurewa Library to mark the end of the week, saying libraries and community spaces help others understand Pacific languages and culture. Regional Security: 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 Operation Kiwa and fisheries protection. Climate Funding for Niue: The GEF approved new LDCF/SCCF projects worth over US$67m for vulnerable countries including Niue, aiming to cut flood and coastal risks and strengthen resilience through 2030. Tourism Data for Niue: The Niue Tourism Office, with SPTO, shared findings from the 2024 International Visitor Survey, with New Zealand the top source market (84%). Pacific Rugby: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders backed Kanaloa’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific-led decision-making must be protected.

Maritime Security: RNZAF patrols targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity across the EEZs of Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands, supporting FFA fisheries work and New Zealand Customs’ Operation Kiwa, with aircraft photographing vessels for follow-up. Climate Resilience Funding: The GEF approved a new LDCF/SCCF package for vulnerable countries including Niue, with over US$67m in new support and nearly US$218m in co-financing to cut flood and coastal risks and boost food, water and disaster preparedness. Tourism Data for Niue: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Niue Tourism Office released the 2024 International Visitor Survey findings via the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, highlighting visitor preferences and key source markets. Pacific Rugby Pathways: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders backed Kanaloa’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific-led decision-making and local pathways must be protected as NZ Rugby weighs options. Niue in the Spotlight: Niuean artist Che Fu received a Lifetime Achievement award at the 2026 Aotearoa Music Awards, performing a takalo as a proud nod to his roots. Community & Culture: The Pacific Dance Festival 2026 opened in Māngere with a diverse line-up that includes Niuean artists, alongside wider Pacific representation.