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Know what’s happening across Oceania—before your coffee’s cold.
OCEANIA MARKETS
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S&P/ASX 200
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8,589.20
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+0.59%
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S&P/NZX 50 Index Gross
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12,760.20
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-0.07%
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SPX STRI Fiji
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9259.40
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0.00％
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ASX 200 and NZX 50 Data Provided By:
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*Market index data sourced from official exchange publications and financial data aggregators. ASX and NZX data reflect end-of-day figures from the Australian and New Zealand stock exchanges respectively. SPX (South Pacific Stock Exchange) figures reflect the most recent published data. Note: NZX and SPX figures include dividends (total return), while the ASX figure reflects share price movement only.
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REGIONAL NEWS
Representatives to the UN H.E. Odo Tevi (Vanuatu), H.E. Jane Waetara (Solomon Islands), and H.E. Filipo Tarakinikini (Fiji) present their North Fiji Basin submission to Alice Hicuburundi, Principal Legal Officer, UN DOALOS; Secretary, CLCS, in the presence of SPC staff and other stakeholders in New York. Photo Credit: SPC
Historic Pacific Partnership Secures Vast Ocean Territory
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Three Pacific Island nations have achieved a maritime milestone by jointly submitting claims for 453,400 square kilometres of shared ocean heritage to the United Nations. Fiji, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu submitted three Extended Continental Shelf (ECS) submissions to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS), covering the North Fiji Basin, the Melanesian Borderland Plateau, and areas of the Lau-Colville and Tonga-Kermadec Ridges. This groundbreaking collaboration represents one of the most significant joint maritime boundary submissions in Pacific history, demonstrating unprecedented regional cooperation in securing ocean sovereignty.
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The submissions are crucial for Pacific Island nations facing the dual challenges of climate change and sustainable development. International recognition is sought for seabed areas beyond 200 nautical miles under Article 76 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which are crucial to securing Pacific sovereignty, protecting ocean resources for sustainable development, safeguarding entitlements against sea-level rise and ensuring clear jurisdiction for managing ocean spaces. As sea levels rise and threaten traditional maritime boundaries, these extended continental shelf claims provide legal security for the nations' long-term territorial integrity and resource rights. Until these "gaps in the world map" are closed, coastal States cannot fully protect their interests or effectively manage their ocean resources.
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The achievement was made possible through the Pacific Community's Maritime Boundaries Programme, supported by the United Kingdom Government and international partners including GeoLimits Consulting. The submissions demonstrate Pacific leadership in global ocean governance and contribute to shared regional goals, including the 100% ocean-managed Pacific vision and Sustainable Development Goal 14. The three nations' leaders emphasized the significance of this collaborative effort, with Vanuatu's Head of Maritime and Ocean Affairs noting that "this collaborative effort exemplifies the powerful outcomes that can arise from Pacific unity". This historic submission not only secures valuable marine resources for economic development but also strengthens regional sovereignty and creates a template for future Pacific maritime cooperation initiatives.
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The Māori Queen, Te Arikinui Kuini, receives a traditional Fijian welcome at the Great Council of Chiefs Complex in Suva, symbolizing enduring cultural ties between Māori and Pacific Island communities.
Māori Queen Receives Traditional Fijian Welcome
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Her Majesty Te Arikinui Kuini, the Māori Queen, was accorded a traditional Fijian welcome ceremony at the Great Council of Chiefs Complex in Suva on July 9, 2025, marking a significant moment of cultural solidarity between the Māori people of Aotearoa and Fiji’s indigenous chiefly leadership. The Veiqaravi Vakavanua (traditional Fijian ceremonial welcome) ceremony, performed by the Ministry of i-Taukei Affairs (Ministry of Indigenous Fijian Affairs), included the customary presentation of a Tabua (whale’s tooth), symbolizing respect and honor in Fijian tradition. In turn, Māori representatives offered a cultural tribute, reinforcing the deep ancestral connections and shared values between the indigenous communities of both nations.
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The visit coincides with the installation ceremony of the Turaga Tui Nayau, Sau Ni Vanua Ko Lau and Tui Lau (traditional chiefly titles), Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara, on the island of Lakeba, underscoring the importance of indigenous leadership and cultural diplomacy in the Pacific region. The Māori Queen’s presence highlights the strengthening ties and mutual recognition between Pacific Island nations and Māori communities, reflecting a broader movement toward indigenous collaboration and cultural exchange in the 21st century.
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Expressing her gratitude, Queen Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō thanked Fiji’s President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, and the Fijian people for their warm hospitality. This historic visit not only celebrates a shared heritage but also paves the way for ongoing partnerships rooted in respect, tradition, and the preservation of indigenous identity across the Pacific. |
PRESENTED BY VONU STUDIOS
Oceanian Animated Videos For Kids: Pawpaw Kids TV
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Pawpaw Kids TV is a YouTube channel dedicated to engaging and educational content for children, with a specific focus on the Oceanian region. The channel features the Pawpaw Explorers—Illy the Iguana, Mo the Mongoose, and other animated characters—who embark on adventures that introduce young viewers to local wildlife, ocean currents, and cultural stories.
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Pawpaw Kids TV offers a Pacific blend of entertainment and learning, making it a valuable resource for children to explore the rich cultures and natural wonders of the Oceania region. Simply scan the QR code to visit the Pawpaw Kids TV YouTube channel or click this link:
YouTube Link: Pawpaw Kids TV
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A Mareeba dad discovers a massive 26kg, 5.2-meter scrub python wrapped around his home’s downpipe, highlighting the impressive wildlife of northern Queensland. Photo credit: Jay Everdeen/Close Encounters Reptile Removal
Aussie Dad’s Incredible 26kg Scrub Python Discovery Near Cairns
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An Australian father experienced a startling encounter while locking up his home in Mareeba, near Cairns, when he discovered a massive scrub python coiled tightly around a downpipe. Measuring an astonishing 5.2 meters in length and weighing approximately 26.4 kilograms, the non-venomous snake was so large that the man initially mistook it for an anaconda, describing it as looking like a dinosaur. The python was attempting to climb into the roof, refusing to budge despite the man’s efforts to coax it away.
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Jay, a local reptile handler, was called to assist late at night and spent an hour carefully unwinding the powerful snake with help from his 12-year-old daughter, who is being mentored in reptile handling. He described the python as “thicker than a two-liter Coke bottle” and noted the difficulty in managing its strength, as it wrapped its body in a U-shape that made disentangling tricky. After securing the snake in a bag, Jay showcased the impressive reptile to neighbours before relocating it safely back into the wild.
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Bega Group’s closure of Queensland peanut processing plants signals the end of an era for local farmers and regional jobs. Photo credit: Bega
Closure of Bega’s Peanut Processing Plants Deals Blow to Queensland’s Regional Economy
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Bega Group has announced it will wind down its Peanut Company of Australia (PCA) operations at Kingaroy and Tolga in Queensland over the next 18 months, marking the end of an era for the state’s peanut industry. The closure will affect approximately 135 factory workers and leave around 60 local peanut farmers uncertain about their future. Despite significant investments and upgrades since acquiring PCA in 2017, the business struggled with annual losses estimated between $5 million and $10 million, and attempts to sell the operations were unsuccessful, forcing the company to opt for closure.
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The shutdown is a significant setback for the regional communities, especially Kingaroy, where peanut farming has been a cornerstone of the local economy since the 1920s. The PCA facilities processed about 19,000 tonnes of Australian-grown peanuts annually, supplying popular products like Bega Peanut Butter. Local growers, such as Richard Standen from Tolga, face limited options as PCA was the only buyer for their crops, and no alternative shelling and storage facilities exist nearby. The industry has been challenged by rising input costs, increased competition from imports, and declining production, factors that have steadily eroded profitability and viability.
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Bega Group has pledged to support affected employees through redundancies, redeployment incentives, and assistance during the transition period. However, the closure has sparked disappointment and concern among local leaders and communities. Nanango MP Deb Frecklington described the decision as a “deeply disappointing blow” to a loyal regional workforce, while Federal Nationals leader David Littleproud emphasized the impact on Queensland agriculture. Though Bega will maintain other processing sites in Crestmead and Malanda, the loss of the Kingaroy and Tolga plants signals a major shift in Australia’s peanut industry and regional job markets.
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Queensland Faces Construction Worker Crisis Ahead of 2032 Olympics
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Queensland is staring down a massive construction worker shortage that could jeopardize its Olympic infrastructure preparations, with Infrastructure Australia warning of a deficit of almost 55,000 workers by March 2026. This critical shortage comes as the state prepares for an unprecedented building blitz ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with venue construction and infrastructure upgrades set to reach peak intensity. The timing couldn't be worse, as Brisbane 2032 boss Andrew Liveris has conceded labour availability is a potential hurdle in the final sprint to the Games, calling it a legitimate concern that needs urgent government attention.
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The worker shortage is part of a broader national crisis affecting Australia's construction industry, with Infrastructure Australia's 2023 report identifying a shortfall of 229,000 public infrastructure workers nationwide. Queensland's construction sector has been particularly hard hit, with employment in the Queensland civil construction sector currently 21,600 workers, remaining 20% below pre-pandemic levels. The situation is further complicated by the fact that around 42% of the construction workforce is set to retire by 2032, creating a perfect storm of labour scarcity just as Olympic demands peak.
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In response to this looming crisis, the Queensland government has announced a multi-pronged strategy to address the worker shortage through productivity overhauls and targeted migration programs. The state has also taken drastic measures to ensure Olympic infrastructure stays on schedule, including passing legislation that exempts 2032 Olympic sites from planning laws, including the Environmental Protection, Queensland Heritage and Nature Conservation Acts. While these moves have sparked controversy from advocacy groups, they underscore the urgency of the situation as Queensland races against time to deliver world-class facilities for the Games while managing one of the most severe construction labour shortages in the nation's history.
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PRESENTED BY VONU STUDIOS
Children's Book: Vonu and the Druas Play Hide and Seek
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Join Vonu the turtle and the stingray twins, the Druas Vai and Fai, in an exciting game of hide and seek! A heartwarming story filled with fun and adventure, perfect for young readers. Get your copy today!
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Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announces streamlined rules for family trust property sales. Photo Credit: Samuel Rillstone / RNZ
Government Streamlines Property Sales for Family Trusts
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The New Zealand government has announced significant changes to anti-money laundering regulations that will make it easier for families to sell homes held in family trusts. Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced the changes, saying the current rules saddled hard-working families with a "burdensome level of document verification and compliance checks" for little reason. The move represents a shift toward risk-based compliance, acknowledging that not all property transactions carry the same level of money laundering risk.
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Under the proposed changes, real estate agents will be able to apply "simplified customer due diligence" if they deemed the sale to be "clearly low-risk". This streamlined approach will require agents to verify only basic information: confirming ownership and trustee details match the certificate of title, checking trustees' identity documents, and retaining a copy of the trust deed. Currently, agents must collect extensive documentation including names and addresses of all beneficiaries, children, and lawyers, plus detailed explanations of how the property was financed.
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The changes are part of a broader overhaul of New Zealand's anti-money laundering framework, which has also included recent reforms to simplify bank account opening procedures for children. While the government has not yet specified exact criteria for determining "low-risk" transactions, it has promised clear guidance for real estate professionals, lawyers, and accountants to implement the new simplified checks without regulatory concerns. The reforms aim to balance legitimate compliance requirements with practical recognition that many family trust property sales pose minimal money laundering risks.
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Fiji Advances Its Aquaculture with New Prawn Broodstock Import
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Fiji’s Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry has imported giant freshwater prawn broodstock (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) from Thailand to improve local aquaculture. This new stock offers better genetics compared to previous imports, which were less viable due to inbreeding. The introduction aims to strengthen food security and support economic development through more efficient and productive prawn farming.
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The broodstock survived transport with a 98% success rate and passed quarantine with strong health and breeding potential. These prawns grow faster, use feed more efficiently, resist diseases better, and have shorter production cycles. These improvements are expected to increase profitability for farmers and create more stable livelihoods in rural areas. The project was led by fisheries experts and supported by the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
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International collaboration, particularly with the Pacific Community (SPC), contributed to genetic screening and site assessments. The broodstock has already produced healthy hatchlings at the Galoa Fisheries Research Station. Moving forward, distributing this improved stock nationwide will boost hatchery production and support the growth of Fiji’s aquaculture industry. This development positions Fiji to better meet local demand and reduce reliance on imports.
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OCEANIAN MAKING WAVES
Professor Selina Tusitala Marsh, the inaugural Commonwealth Poet Laureate, uses poetry to celebrate diversity and inspire unity across the Commonwealth’s global community. Photo Credit: Commonwealth Foundation
Professor Selina Tusitala Marsh — The Commonwealth’s First Poet Laureate
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The Commonwealth Foundation has appointed Professor Selina Tusitala Marsh as the inaugural Commonwealth Poet Laureate, a groundbreaking role that highlights the power of poetry to unite the diverse peoples of the Commonwealth. Serving a two-year term until May 2027, Marsh will compose original works for major Commonwealth events and advise on creative initiatives that strengthen cultural connections across member nations.
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Professor Marsh is an acclaimed poet of Samoan and Tuvaluan heritage, known for her evocative explorations of identity, climate justice, and belonging. Her distinguished career includes serving as New Zealand Poet Laureate and authoring award-winning collections and graphic memoirs. Through her work, she bridges cultures and amplifies voices that reflect the Commonwealth’s rich diversity and shared humanity.
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SPORTS
Tahiti Dominates 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau
Tahiti celebrates victory as the 2025 Pacific Mini Games conclude in Palau, topping the medal tally and uniting athletes from across the Pacific. Photo Credit: Facebook / Pacific Mini Games
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Tahiti emerged as the undisputed powerhouse at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games
, which concluded in Palau after nine days of intense competition and vibrant cultural celebration. The Tahitian team signaled their intent from the outset, ultimately topping the medal table with an impressive haul of 72 gold, 41 silver, and 29 bronze medals. This commanding performance sets the stage for Tahiti as they prepare to host the 2027 Pacific Games, reinforcing their status as a regional sporting leader.
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The closing ceremony in Koror was a colorful affair, marked by the traditional handover of the Pacific Mini Games flag to the Cook Islands, hosts of the 2029 edition. Fiji finished strong, securing three gold medals on the final day to tie Samoa for second place in golds (27 each), though Fiji edged ahead in overall medals. Australia and Papua New Guinea rounded out the top five, with standout individual honors going to Fiji’s Heleina Young (Outstanding Female Athlete) and Samoa’s weightlifter John Tafi (Outstanding Male Athlete).
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ART
Emily Kame Kngwarreye Takes Europe by Storm with Historic Tate Modern Exhibition
Works by Aboriginal artist Emily Kame Kngwarreye on display at Tate Modern in London, marking the first large-scale presentation of her work ever held in Europe. Photo credit: Screengrab from YouTube / Tate - 'The liveliness of Country' – Emily Kam Kngwarray
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The works of renowned Aboriginal artist Emily Kame Kngwarreye have arrived at London's prestigious Tate Modern for a groundbreaking six-month solo exhibition, marking the first major European solo exhibition of her work. The exhibition, which runs from July 10, 2025 to January 13, 2026, represents a momentous celebration of Indigenous Australian culture on the world stage. Created in collaboration with the National Gallery of Australia, this will be the first large-scale presentation of Kngwarreye's work ever held in Europe, showcasing the extraordinary career of one of the world's most significant painters to emerge in the late 20th century.
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Kngwarreye's remarkable artistic journey began when she only picked up a paintbrush in her 70s, yet became one of the most renowned artists in Australia. Born around 1914 in the Sandover region of the Northern Territory, her lived experience and cultural connections to her Country was translated into vibrant batiks and later into monumental paintings on canvas. Her art embodies her deep knowledge of the desert ecosystems where she lived, with layered motifs representing the plants, animals and geological features that formed her ancestral landscape. The exhibition features rich textiles, paintings, film and audio elements that embody the expansive scope of Kngwarreye's Ancestral Country and culture.
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The Tate Modern exhibition is particularly significant as it coincides with growing international recognition of Indigenous Australian art. Kngwarreye's international career takes place in the wake of two important, groundbreaking exhibitions: Magiciens de la Terre at the Centre Pompidou in Paris and The Other Story at the Hayward Gallery in London, both in 1989 and only a year after Kngwarreye began painting in acrylic. The exhibition has been curated by Kelli Cole, Warumungu and Luritja peoples and based on an exhibition originally curated by Kelli Cole and Hetti Perkins, Arrernte and Kalkadoon peoples, ensuring authentic Indigenous voices guide the presentation of this cultural treasure. As her family members note, "what Kngwarray painted is alive and true", making this exhibition not just an art display but a living connection to Aboriginal culture and Country.
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