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Know what’s happening across Oceania—before your coffee’s cold.
TODAY IN OCEANIA
🪒Today is Men’s Grooming Day🪒
Men’s Grooming Day is a reminder that self-care isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling confident, refreshed, and ready to take on the world. Invest in yourself today, because when you feel your best, you shine your best.
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OCEANIA MARKETS
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S&P/ASX 200
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8,873.80
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+0.53%
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S&P/NZX 50 Index Gross
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12,834.08
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+0.53%
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SPX STRI Fiji
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9199.12
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+0.03％
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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
Scientists probe seafloor to confirm massive freshwater reserves trapped beneath volcanic rock layers. Photo Credit: University of Hawaii
Deep Ocean Aquifers May Solve Hawaii's Water Balance Mystery
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University of Hawaii researchers completed a two-week electromagnetic imaging survey off Hawaii Island's west coast, attempting to confirm the existence of vast freshwater reservoirs trapped beneath the ocean floor. The investigation originated in 2018 when scientists first detected irregularities suggesting the presence of this deep aquifer where none was expected, challenging fundamental assumptions about island hydrology.
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The survey utilized advanced electromagnetic imaging technology with instruments deployed on the seafloor to detect electromagnetic echoes, while a 150-foot-long towed sensor emitted low-power signals recorded by a 3,300-foot-long receiver array. The technique can image up to 10,000 feet below the seafloor—ten times deeper than typically required for offshore aquifer surveys—revealing novel freshwater transport mechanisms previously undocumented in volcanic environments. The theory proposes that rainwater may be funneled underground and trapped beneath the basal freshwater lens, extending far beneath the seafloor, potentially explaining why coastal freshwater discharge rates don't match groundwater recharge estimates.
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The research builds on 2020 findings that identified twice as much freshwater stored offshore of Hawaii Island than previously thought, with an extensive reservoir within the submarine southern flank of the Hualālai aquifer. Previous studies focused primarily on non-volcanic environments, but volcanic geology increases hydrologic complexity significantly, with water flowing through fractures and lava tubes rather than predictable sand formations. While any deep offshore water would likely require desalination for drinking, the discovery could fundamentally reshape water management strategies for volcanic islands worldwide, where similar hidden reservoirs may exist beneath seafloor sediments and basalt layers.
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Agreement formalizes cooperation with IRD to address multi-hazard risks affecting world's most disaster-prone nation. Photo credit: VBTC
Vanuatu Partners with French Institute to Strengthen Climate Research Capacity
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Vanuatu's Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department signed a memorandum of understanding with France's National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) to enhance cooperation in climate science and geo-hazard research. The agreement represents the renewal of a partnership that began during the New Hebrides colonial period but was suspended after independence, now returning as the country faces intensifying climate threats. Vanuatu is rated as the most exposed country in the world to natural hazards, with the nation projected to lose 20% of GDP annually due to disasters, making advanced research capacity critical for survival.
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The partnership aims to strengthen national policies and scientific understanding across multiple hazard types that regularly impact Vanuatu. The nation experiences one to three cyclones annually, up to two Magnitude 7 earthquakes with tsunami potential per year, 100 to 300 earthquakes monthly, and has six permanently active volcanoes that erupt at least once every two years. IRD brings extensive Pacific region expertise through projects like CLIPSSA, which develops climate adaptation strategies across Vanuatu, New Caledonia, French Polynesia, and Wallis-and-Futuna, and RERIPA, a four-year initiative funded through 2025 to strengthen research ecosystems addressing climate change impacts in Pacific islands.
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Three-year criminal justice pathway targets exam failure rates as departments nationwide face staffing shortages. Photo credit: Marianas Business Journal
Guam Police Launch High School Program to Address Officer Recruitment Crisis
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Guam Police Department and the Department of Education launched a criminal justice pilot program at Tiyan High School to address persistent recruitment challenges and officer shortages. The three-year pathway begins with 20 tenth-grade students and was designed after GPD Chief Stephen Ignacio identified that less than half of applicants successfully complete the department's written entrance exam. In a recent example cited by Ignacio, only 16 of 33 applicants passed the initial written test phase, reflecting a nationwide trend where police departments across the United States are facing staffing shortages despite increasing pay and offering other incentives.
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The curriculum, modeled partly on a Tennessee program at Happy Valley High School, covers ethics, law enforcement history, and the justice system triad of law enforcement, courts, and corrections. GPD Captain Tim Santos serves as instructor and requires students to maintain field notebooks with reading comprehension components integrated into every assignment. By the third year, students participate in mock trials and forensic investigations, along with hands-on training in first aid, radio communication, and decision-making scenarios. The program excludes firearms training but includes all other fundamental law enforcement skills taught to recruits.
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The pilot addresses broader workforce challenges facing law enforcement agencies nationwide. A 2024 survey reveals continuing struggles in police recruitment and retention, with agencies facing personnel shortages and increased turnover, though for the first time since the start of the pandemic, agencies reported a year-over-year increase in total sworn staffing in 2023. Ignacio indicated that successful program graduates could receive preferential hiring points similar to merit scholars or veterans, while Principal Sophia Dueñas emphasized the program's broader career preparation goals beyond just police work, including park police, marshals, and other law enforcement positions. The program will undergo standard evaluation after one year before potential expansion to include additional cohorts.
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Palau House Passes Bill to Reduce Scholarship Repayment Burdens
Legislation amends national code to clarify work obligations and expand job placement support for returning graduates
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Palau's House of Delegates passed House Bill No. 12-9-1, HD1 on third reading, advancing significant changes to the country's scholarship law aimed at encouraging students who study abroad to return and work in the Republic. The legislation proposes to amend Title 22 of the Palau National Code to clarify and adjust repayment and work obligations for students who receive government-funded scholarships, grants, or loans while expanding duties related to career support services.
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The bill addresses current challenges faced by scholarship recipients who struggle to fulfill work requirements upon returning to Palau, often facing financial penalties when suitable employment opportunities are limited. Under the existing system, students who receive government funding must work in Palau for a specified period after graduation or repay their educational assistance. The reform measure seeks to ease these financial penalties while creating better support systems for job placement, recognizing that many graduates return to find limited career opportunities that match their qualifications.
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PRESENTED BY VONU STUDIOS
PAWPAW KIDS ACTIVITY BOOK
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FIJI PARENTS 🎉 Preschool & Kindergarten Activity Book! 🎉
Perfect for ages 3–6 💛
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Looking for fun and educational activities for your little one? We’ve created a printable activity book filled with engaging worksheets for preschoolers and kindergarteners!🖍️✨
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✅ Fun number & letter activities
✅ Coloring pages
✅ Tracing practice
✅ Matching games
✅ And more!
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📌 Only $5 – once you buy it, it's yours to print as many times as you want for personal use. No need to wait for shipping!
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GROW initiative targets degraded Ugum Watershed where sediment runoff threatens water systems and coral reefs. Photo credit: University of Guam
Volunteers Plant 1,200 Trees in Three Hours to Combat Guam's Erosion Crisis
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The University of Guam's Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant hosted a community tree planting event on August 2 at the Ugum Watershed project site in Malojloj, with volunteers planting over 1,200 trees within three hours. The reforestation effort addresses severe erosion in the watershed's badland areas, where degraded conditions cause sediment runoff that harms southern rivers, interferes with the island's water treatment systems, and suffocates nearby coral reefs. The GROW initiative, part of the larger Guam Green Growth partnership, focuses on restoring areas where suspended sediments can reach 1000 mg l−1 during rain events, far exceeding natural levels of less than 5 mg l−1.
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The August event marked the official start of the 2025 planting season, with preparations conducted by the newly launched GROW Corps alongside project teams who spent weeks drilling holes for new trees and creating erosion mitigation devices using dead trees cleared from the site. The initiative addresses critical environmental challenges facing Guam, where highly erosive clay soils and watershed alterations have significantly increased erosion rates and sediment loadings onto nearshore reefs. Previous community-based restoration efforts in similar degraded areas have demonstrated measurable success, with researchers documenting improved soil retention and reduced turbidity in downstream water systems.
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The tree planting series continues select Saturdays throughout the season, with the next event scheduled for September 6, targeting families, community groups, and corporate volunteers. The event also served as a service-learning opportunity for high school students, offering them a chance to earn credits while contributing to environmental restoration.
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Significant social programs funded by fishing revenue and targeted subsidies have markedly improved living standards in Kiribati, though challenges remain. Photo credit: P4SP/Sarah Francis
Kiribati Cuts Poverty by Nearly 75% Through Expanded Social Protection and Resource Revenue
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Kiribati’s latest Household Income and Expenditure Survey shows a dramatic reduction in poverty, with over 19,000 citizens lifted out and extreme poverty virtually eliminated across the islands. The national poverty rate has fallen by almost 75% in recent years. This progress is largely attributed to the government’s dedicated reinvestment of increased fishing revenues—which grew from $43 million in 2010 to $210 million in 2024—into social protection programs. Key initiatives include a senior citizens allowance, unemployment support, disability benefits, and a broad copra subsidy designed to sustain livelihoods in outer island communities. Collectively, these programs have boosted access to essentials such as clean water, electricity, and education, allowing more families to live with dignity throughout Kiribati’s widely dispersed islands.
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While the social safety net now reaches more vulnerable populations, around 7,000 people remain below the poverty line, concentrated mainly in South Tarawa and the Southern Group of islands, where housing and basic services are under pressure. Additionally, nearly a quarter of the population hovers just above the poverty line, vulnerable to shocks like health emergencies or climate events. To enhance efficiency and sustainability, proposals are underway to adjust the copra subsidy system—potentially lowering the per-kilogram subsidy while introducing targeted cash transfers to better support the poorest residents. Beyond poverty reduction, Kiribati is focusing on economic diversification, infrastructure investment, and governance reforms to build resilience against external shocks and climate risks, fostering a more inclusive and stable future for its people.
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Tonga Enacts Whistleblower Protection Bill to Address Culture of Silence
New legislation aims to safeguard public officials reporting corruption while preventing retaliatory actions.
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Tonga's Legislative Assembly has passed the Whistleblower Protection Bill 2025, the country's first law designed to protect individuals who expose serious misconduct by public officials. The bill provides legal protection against retaliation—including dismissal, demotion, suspension, harassment, or discrimination—to whistleblowers who report illegal, unethical, or improper conduct such as corruption, fraud, or abuse of authority. It broadly covers public officials, including Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, judges, police officers, and other individuals acting in official capacities.
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The legislation aims to overcome Tonga's deeply entrenched "culture of silence," which has historically discouraged people from reporting wrongdoing due to fear of reprisals. Acting Prime Minister Dr. Taniela Fusimālohi cited past tragedies linked to silence, such as the 2009 sinking of the MV Ashika, to emphasize the urgency of this law. By enabling secure channels for reporting misconduct, the bill seeks to promote transparency, accountability, and integrity within public institutions while balancing protections for those wrongly accused. The law's enactment marks a critical step towards enabling civil servants and citizens alike to speak out against corruption without fear of retaliation, although societal norms and enforcement will shape its long-term impact.
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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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The Vanuatu Green Energy Transformation Project provides training to empower women in rural communities. Photo Credit: Pacific Island Times News
Vanuatu Project Trains Women for Energy Sector Roles
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In Vanuatu, a project is focusing on integrating women into the energy sector. The Vanuatu Green Energy Transformation Project (VGET), supported by Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), recently held training sessions for women on Pentecost Island. These workshops, which involved about 30 participants, were designed to build leadership skills and increase knowledge of safeguarding and grievance mechanisms. The goal is to ensure women can actively participate in energy-related decisions, moving them from being only beneficiaries of energy projects to playing roles in their design and management.
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This initiative is a component of a larger national effort to address energy access, as outlined in Vanuatu's National Energy Road Map. The plan targets 100% electrification with renewable energy by 2030, a goal that faces challenges with a majority of the population currently off-grid. The VGET project is directly contributing to this by establishing pico-hydro stations on Pentecost Island. These stations are intended to provide clean, reliable power to thousands of residents. The focus on women's training is a step toward making sure that the expansion of energy access also supports social change and community development, with women at the center of the process.
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Beyond the VGET project, other efforts are also underway to address the country's energy needs and involve women. The World Bank's Pacific Women in Power Program and the Australian-supported Off-Grid Renewable Energy Partnerships, for instance, are working to improve gender equality in the energy workforce and provide solar systems for remote communities.
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Cadbury Australia has issued a recall for a specific share bag product. Photo Credit: Food Standards Australia
Cadbury Recalls Chocolate Due to Plastic Contamination
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Cadbury Australia has issued a recall for its 10-piece share bags of Marvellous Creations with jelly and popping candy beanies. The recall applies to products with a use-by date of May 26, 2026. The reason for the recall, as stated by Food Standards Australia, is the potential for the chocolate to contain traces of plastic. Consumers who have purchased this specific product are advised not to eat it and should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
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Papua New Guinea Commits K1 Billion to Southern Region Infrastructure
The investment focuses on new road links to connect remote areas, with the goal of expanding economic activity in tourism, agriculture, and trade.
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Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape has announced a K1 billion investment for infrastructure projects in the country's Southern Region. The funding is intended to establish road connections from Port Moresby to Alotau, Kikori, and Kerema. These new links are expected to unlock opportunities by providing better access for goods and services, which could support the growth of tourism, agriculture, and trade. The announcement was made during the signing of the 2025 Port Moresby Papua Accord.
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The investment is part of the larger Connect PNG program, which aims to improve the national highway network and link all 22 provinces. This initiative is legislated to receive 5.6% of the annual budget over 20 years, with a total investment projected to be over K7 billion between 2022 and 2027. While other international partners like the Asian Development Bank and the European Union have also funded development projects in PNG, this specific K1 billion investment targets the Southern Region to address connectivity and economic growth in a historically significant part of the country.
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ENTERTAINMENT
Chris Cobb, a singer from Papua New Guinea, earns a four-chair turn on The Voice Australia.
Chris Cobb, a singer from Papua New Guinea, earns a four-chair turn on The Voice Australia. Photo credit: The Voice Australia
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Chris Cobb, a singer-songwriter with roots in Papua New Guinea, performed a rendition of "When the War Is Over" by Cold Chisel on The Voice Australia. All four coaches on the show—Ronan Keating, Richard Marx, Melanie C, and Kate Miller-Heidke—turned their chairs for his performance. Keating was the first to turn, followed by the others as the song's energy built. Keating's wife, Storm, is a cousin to Cobb's partner, Kalo, a connection that Keating revealed on the show as he pitched for Cobb to join his team. Cobb ultimately chose to join Team Ronan.
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Originally from Rabaul and Bulolo, Cobb's journey includes a history with local string bands and a period as a lead vocalist for the popular band Barike. He later founded a talent agency in Port Moresby before relocating to the Sunshine Coast in Australia. Cobb's musical style draws on traditional Pacific rhythms, acoustic soul, and country music. His performance on The Voice has been met with a reaction from Papua New Guineans on social media.
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OCEANIANS MAKING WAVES
Jessica Mauboy Enters NIMA Hall of Fame
Australian singer and actress Jessica Mauboy has been inducted into the National Indigenous Music Awards Hall of Fame. Photo credit: Jessica Mauboy / Facebook
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Jessica Mauboy was inducted into the National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) Hall of Fame at the 2025 ceremony in Darwin. This recognition honors her career and impact on First Nations music and Australian culture. Mauboy, who is of Kuku Yalanji and Wakaman descent, first gained prominence on Australian Idol in 2006. Since then, she has released six Top 10 albums and 16 Top 20 singles, and has received 31 ARIA nominations. Her achievements include starring in films like The Sapphires and having a soundtrack album for The Secret Daughter become the first by an Indigenous artist to top the ARIA Albums Chart.
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To mark the induction, Mauboy delivered a performance at the ceremony, which was livestreamed on YouTube for the first time. The honor places her alongside past inductees such as Warumpi Band, Yothu Yindi, and the late Gurrumul. Beyond her musical success, Mauboy is also an ambassador for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, using her platform to promote literacy in remote communities. Her induction into the NIMA Hall of Fame solidifies her standing as a prominent figure in Australian music and a representative for First Nations voices.
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SPORTS
Referees from Fiji, the Solomon Islands, and New Zealand have been selected to officiate at the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco.
 Referees from Fiji, the Solomon Islands, and New Zealand have been selected to officiate at the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco. Photo credit: Island Business / Facebook
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Fijian referee Torika Delai has been appointed as part of the officiating team for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2025, which will be held in Morocco from October 17 to November 8. She will be joined by assistant referees Natalia Lumukana from the Solomon Islands and Allys Clipsham from New Zealand. This group forms an all-female, all-Pacific officiating crew for the tournament. Delai's appointment marks her as only the second Fijian woman to officiate at a FIFA World Cup event, following Finau Vulivuli.
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The trio's selection is part of a panel of 54 match officials from 36 FIFA member associations. The Oceania officials have previously worked together, recently officiating an international friendly between the Australian and Slovenian senior women's teams. Lumukana has held her FIFA assistant referee badge since 2019, while Clipsham earned hers earlier this year. The tournament itself will be the first edition of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup to feature 24 teams. All matches will take place in the city of Rabat.
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QUICK TAKES
- The Kingdom of Tonga has renewed its sponsorship agreement with Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd (TOML), a subsidiary of The Metals Company (TMC), updating the terms of their initial 2021 contract. The agreement, signed on August 4, 2025, in New York, secures continued financial compensation, training, and capacity-building programs for Tonga, while guaranteeing benefits upon the commencement of commercial seabed mineral extraction. Tonga's government emphasized the significance of transparency, fairness, and environmental stewardship in the ongoing cooperation with TOML and TMC, which hold exploration rights in the polymetallic nodule-rich Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ) of the Pacific Ocean, internationally recognized as critical for metals like nickel, cobalt, copper, and manganese.
- Papua New Guinea has established a new National Monitoring and Coordination Authority (NMCA) to address long-standing issues of inefficiency and poor service delivery. The NMCA is designed to serve as a central body that coordinates with various government oversight agencies and leverages technology to monitor the use of public funds and track project results. To ensure accountability, the authority will engage independent firms for auditing and verification of on-the-ground progress, moving away from a system of self-reporting by government departments. This new framework aims to guarantee that allocated budgets are spent for their intended purposes, ensuring tangible results and a more disciplined approach to public administration.
- The University of Western Australia (UWA) recently reported a data breach impacting a specific database containing personal information. The breach compromised data from some staff, students, and alumni, with the affected information including names, addresses, dates of birth, and possibly other details. UWA has stated that the database was not connected to their primary student and staff records systems and has notified the individuals believed to be affected. The university is working with law enforcement and cybersecurity experts to investigate the incident and has implemented additional security measures to protect its systems.
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REGIONAL EVENTS
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Join the Kiwa Initiative at World Water Week 2025 for a session on Integrated Watershed Management for Climate-Resilient Public Health and Ecosystems!
Tuesday, 26 August – 9:00 AM (Stockholm) / 7:00 PM (Suva) / 5:00 PM (Melbourne, Port Moresby) / 2:00 PM (Bangkok, Jakarta) – Free online access
Session highlights:
- Concrete examples from Pacific Islands on implementing integrated watershed management
- Decision-support tools to map risks and guide actions
- Innovative financing mechanisms to sustain nature-based solutions
- An interactive panel bringing together experts in health, water, environment, and climate
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NZ Boat Fish & Dive Expo 2025
August 30-31, 2025 (Saturday 9am - Sunday 4pm)
Where: Mystery Creek Event Centre, 125 Mystery Creek Road, Hamilton, New Zealand
Cost: Free entry (Public event)
The popular NZ Boat Fish & Dive Expo returns for 2025 with organizers promising it will be "much much bigger and better" than previous years. With an overwhelming number of exhibitors already signed up to support the event, attendees can expect an awesome weekend showcasing the latest in boating, fishing, and diving gear and services. The expo promises lots of new features and exciting announcements leading up to the event. Perfect for marine enthusiasts, families, and anyone interested in New Zealand's boating and fishing culture.
More information on Facebook
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Redcliffe KiteFest 2025
Celebrate community and the joy of flight at this iconic free festival in Moreton Bay!
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Redcliffe KiteFest
returns to its roots this year with a vibrant celebration for all ages. Families and kite enthusiasts are invited to Pelican Park, Clontarf, to experience two full days of sky-high fun, delicious food trucks, and creative activities. Marvel at a spectacular display of giant kites, join in the public fly zone, and let the kids unleash their imagination at hands-on kite-making workshops. With plenty of open space for picnics and sky-watching, it’s a perfect way to welcome spring and the spirit of togetherness.
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Event Details:
| Details |
Information |
| Dates |
Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 September 2025 |
| Time |
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
| Location |
Pelican Park, Hornibrook Esplanade, Clontarf, Redcliffe, QLD 4019 |
| Cost |
Free |
| Region |
Moreton Bay City |
| Contact |
(07) 3897 4999 |
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No booking required—just bring your kite and your sense of wonder! For more information, visit the official Redcliffe KiteFest page.
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For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the American Citizen Services directly via the provided email or phone number 49 99 19 99. Don’t miss this opportunity to complete essential documentation conveniently on the island.
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FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
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NZ Film Industry Development Funding
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The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC)
is offering Industry Development Funding to support New Zealand screen sector organisations, companies, or collectives in delivering programmes that develop craft and practice within the film industry.
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Key Details:
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Purpose: To foster skill development, project initiatives, and talent within the New Zealand film sector.
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Eligibility: Open to New Zealand-based screen organisations, companies, or collectives registered in New Zealand.
Funding Strands:
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Strand 2 (up to $30,000): Applications opened on Monday, July 14, 2025 and remain open until June 30, 2026, or until funds are exhausted.
How to Apply: Applications are submitted via the NZFC's online application portal.
For full details on application criteria and guidelines, please visit the official NZFC website:
Industry Development Funding.
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