🌺☕Today in Oceania - Fri 18th July 25

Published 3 days ago • 12 min read

Know what’s happening across Oceania—before your coffee’s cold.

TODAY IN OCEANIA

Celebrating Nelson Mandela International Day
As we kick off our Friday, we're inspired by Nelson Mandela International Day. May his spirit of compassion and action inspire you to make a positive impact, big or small, as you head into the weekend!

OCEANIA MARKETS

S&P/ASX 200 8,639.00
+0.90%
S&P/NZX 50 Index Gross 12,905.41
+1.18%
SPX STRI Fiji 9263.54
+0.09％
ASX 200 and NZX 50 Data Provided By: Morning Brew
*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.

REGIONAL NEWS

A collage of ancient Chinese artifacts and terracotta warrior sculptures. The grid features detailed close-ups of terracotta soldier faces, hands, torsos, feet, and armor, along with horse sculptures. Interspersed among them are bronze vessels, a bucket with a loop handle, an ornamental plaque shaped like an animal, and a shallow bowl with red interior traces. The background alternates between beige parchment and deep green.

Australia's largest-ever exhibition of Chinese treasures draws massive crowds in opening week. Photo Credit: The Western Australian Museum

Ancient Army Conquers Perth: Record-Breaking Launch for Terracotta Warriors

Perth's cultural landscape has been transformed by the arrival of one of the world's most significant archaeological treasures, with the WA Museum Boola Bardip's "Terracotta Warriors: Legacy of the First Emperor" attracting an extraordinary 20,000 visitors in its opening week alone. Described as "the boldest museum exhibition ever held in Western Australia" and "Australia's largest-ever Terracotta Warriors exhibition," the show marks a significant cultural milestone for the state. Running until February 22, 2026, the exhibition features more than 225 exceptional Chinese artefacts, including 10 Terracotta Warriors that form the centerpiece of this historic display.

Created by the WA Museum in collaboration with Shaanxi Cultural Heritage Promotion Centre and the Emperor Qin Shihuang Mausoleum Museum, the exhibition includes some recently excavated pieces making their world debut, making Perth the exclusive Australian destination for this remarkable collection.
A person wearing an orange and dark green Department of Conservation jacket cradles a young kiwi bird. The kiwi has soft, speckled brown feathers, a long pale beak, and large, clawed feet. The person’s hands are slightly dirty, suggesting fieldwork.

Little spotted kiwi found thriving in West Coast wilderness after 50-year absence from mainland New Zealand. Photo credit: Lucy Holyoake/DOC

Against All Odds: Mainland Kiwi Rediscovery Stuns Conservation World

The conservation world is celebrating what experts are calling a "game-changer" - the rediscovery of little spotted kiwi (kiwi pukupuku) on New Zealand's mainland for the first time since 1978. Department of Conservation (DOC) biodiversity ranger Iain Graham and his conservation dog Brew made the extraordinary find in the remote Adams Wilderness Area on the West Coast, where they successfully captured both a female and male bird. The discovery is particularly remarkable given that kiwi pukupuku were thought to be extinct from the wild on mainland New Zealand, with all remaining populations believed to exist only in predator-free fenced sanctuaries and offshore islands.

The species' survival story is one of remarkable resilience against devastating odds. The little spotted kiwi was once widespread on the North and South Islands, but introduced predators such as cats, dogs and stoats, a reduced habitat and an enormous skin trade saw them decline rapidly in numbers. The species' precarious existence is reflected in the survival rate for kiwi chicks in the wild is only about 5%, making this natural population's persistence even more extraordinary.

The implications of this discovery extend far beyond conservation biology into cultural and spiritual significance for tangata whenua (indigenous people). Kara Edwards of Kāti Māhaki ki Makaawhio described the find as an opportunity for hapū (sub-tribes) to reconnect with what had been considered a lost taonga (treasure), emphasizing the deep cultural importance of these birds to Māori communities. With genetic analysis pending and acoustic monitoring equipment now deployed in the wilderness area, conservationists are hopeful that this rediscovery represents not just isolated survivors, but evidence of a small breeding population that has quietly persisted in one of New Zealand's most remote landscapes, defying decades of scientific assumption about their mainland extinction.

PRESENTED BY VONU STUDIOS

Oceanian Animated Videos For Kids: Pawpaw Kids TV

Oceanian Animated Videos For Kids: Pawpaw Kids TV
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.

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
A man in a blue shirt and dark cap kneels beside a large tree trunk in a tropical setting, using a handheld drill or tool to work on the bark. The scene is surrounded by lush green vegetation including palm fronds and tropical plants, with coconut palms visible in the background. The ground is covered with fallen leaves and organic debris typical of a Pacific island environment.

Remote Pacific atolls become sanctuary for endangered species through innovative ecosystem restoration. Photo credit: SPREP

Tuvalu's Nature-Based Victory: Small Island Nation Leads Pacific Conservation Efforts

In a remarkable conservation achievement, the Pacific island nation of Tuvalu has successfully restored critical biodiversity across its remote atolls through ambitious nature-based solutions. From July to September 2024, invasive rats were removed from four key islets on Nukufetau Atoll - Motumua, Sakalua, Teafuaone, and Teafatule - marking a significant milestone in the region's fight against species extinction. These restored islets serve as crucial nesting sites for Pacific bird species and hatcheries for endangered green sea turtles, ecosystems that had been severely threatened by invasive predators.

This conservation breakthrough emerges from Tuvalu's comprehensive approach to invasive species management. In December 2023, Tuvalu launched its National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plan under the GEF 6 Regional Invasives Project, which aims to strengthen national and regional capacities to reduce the impact of invasive alien species on globally significant biodiversity in the Pacific.
A map showing the planned route of the SMART submarine cable connecting Vanuatu and New Caledonia across the Pacific Ocean. The map displays deep blue ocean waters. The map shows the complex underwater topography of the region, including what appears to be the New Hebrides Trench.

Revolutionary technology merges telecommunications with climate monitoring and tsunami warning systems. Photo credit: SOEST / University of Hawaii

World's First SMART Submarine Cable to Transform Pacific Disaster Preparedness

The Pacific is set to become home to the world's first Science Monitoring And Reliable Telecommunications (SMART) submarine cable, with France committing €18 million (approximately VT2.5 billion) to connect Vanuatu and New Caledonia by 2026. This project will link Port Vila with Lifou Island in New Caledonia's Loyalty Islands, traversing the seismically active New Hebrides Trench while providing both high-speed internet connectivity and critical environmental monitoring capabilities. The cable will be equipped with sensors to measure sea temperature and seismic activity, helping monitor climate change and provide early warnings for tsunamis.

Four advanced Climate Change Nodes (CC Nodes) will be integrated into the system to provide real-time seismic monitoring and efficient tsunami detection, substantially enhancing the region's ability to protect coastal communities. The project emerges from a partnership between Vanuatu-based telecom company Prima and Alcatel Submarine Networks, with data collected by the cable being openly accessible to scientists and civil protection agencies through a secure data center in New Caledonia. Pacific Peering, the French telecom company behind the TAMTAM project, aims to equip all its submarine cables with SMART technology by 2030, potentially creating a comprehensive network of environmental sensors across the Pacific Ocean.
A group of eight adults is gathered in a classroom or office setting, seated and standing behind a red floral tablecloth. Most are wearing lapel pins or shirts with logos, and one individual is wearing a blue UNICEF t-shirt. In the background, a large television screen displays a colorful banner that reads, “The Project for Nutrition Improvement through the School Meals in Western and Isabel.” The room contains open cubby shelves, paperwork, and a window with curtains. The scene suggests a meeting or workshop related to a UNICEF-supported school meals initiative.

New school meal initiative in the Solomon Islands set to improve nutrition, education, and community resilience. Photo credit: Solomon Star

Over 2,875 Children to Benefit from UNICEF’s School Meals Project

More than 2,875 children and 156 teachers across nine schools in the Western and Isabel Provinces of the Solomon Islands are set to benefit from a new school meals project, supported by UNICEF and the Government of Japan. The initiative aims to boost student health, strengthen local food systems, and create better learning environments by providing schools with nutritious meals and improved food storage and preparation infrastructure.

School meal programs have a proven track record of enhancing enrollment and attendance, offering families crucial support and significantly reducing child malnutrition and poverty. Evidence shows that every $1 invested in school meals can generate up to $9 in benefits through improved health, better educational outcomes, and reduced household food insecurity. These programs are especially impactful in vulnerable communities, offering a safety net during times of crisis and supporting local farmers by sourcing ingredients locally.

As part of a global movement, UNICEF and its partners are championing school health and nutrition as a means to address multiple development challenges at once. By combining regular meals with education and health interventions, projects like this not only give children a better chance to thrive but also stimulate local economies and lay the groundwork for lasting positive change in their communities.

PRESENTED BY VONU STUDIOS

Children's Book: Vonu and the Druas Play Hide and Seek

Vonu and the Druas Play Hide and Seek
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!

Simply scan the QR code to start your adventure or click this link:
Amazon Link: Vonu and the Druas Play HIde and Seek ->
A line of white and silver taxis, likely Toyota Camrys, is parked on a wet street. Each taxi has a yellow TAXI sign on its roof, with some also displaying 13cabs or a similar numerical identification. The cars are facing slightly to the right, and the wet pavement suggests it might have recently rained or is currently raining.

After a five-year legal battle, taxi and hire car drivers secure one of Australia’s largest class action payouts from rideshare giant Uber. Photo Credit: Tanea

Uber’s $271.8 Million Settlement: Historic Win for Australian Cabbies

Uber will pay an unprecedented $271.8 million to more than 8,000 taxi and hire car drivers and owners across Australia, marking the fifth-largest class action settlement in the nation’s history. The agreement arrives after the expiration of Uber’s appeal window and stems from allegations that the company operated illegally upon entering the Australian market, using unlicensed cars and drivers, which resulted in massive financial losses for established operators.

The class action, spearheaded by law firm Maurice Blackburn , argued that Uber’s aggressive entrance from 2014 to 2017 caused a sharp decline in taxi incomes and devalued expensive taxi licences. Lead plaintiff Nick Andrianakis described the outcome as both a victory and vindication for thousands who claimed their livelihoods were upended in the ride-hailing revolution. The settlement comes after years of regulatory uncertainty, with Uber now operating under a fully legal framework in every Australian state and territory.

While the payout won’t wholly erase the financial hardship experienced by affected drivers and licence holders, it is recognized as a significant moral win—both for industry veterans and for those advocating fair, competitive practices in emerging digital economies. The case also underscores how ridesharing disrupted traditional transport sectors worldwide, setting a precedent for similar disputes elsewhere.

SPOTLIGHT

PNG Steps into the Spotlight: Hosting Part of Australia’s Largest Military Exercise

A large grey warship, possibly a destroyer with the number 115 visible on its bow, is cutting through the water, creating a wake. In the background, another larger grey ship with a flat deck is visible on the horizon under a cloudy sky.

Historic moment as Papua New Guinea joins regional defense leaders for Talisman Sabre 2025, amplifying security ties and strategic deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. Here HMAS Canberra and USS Rafael Peralta conduct maritime manoeuvres off the coast of Queensland. Photo Credit: Talisman Sabre / LSIS Ernesto Sanchez

For the first time in its history, Papua New Guinea is hosting key activities for Exercise Talisman Sabre, Australia’s largest and most ambitious multinational military exercise. This year’s drills bring over 35,000 troops from 19 nations—including the United States, Japan, Fiji, Tonga, and the United Kingdom—to conduct coordinated live-fire training, amphibious landings, air and sea operations, and cyber defense maneuvers across sites in both Australia and Papua New Guinea. The inclusion of PNG marks a significant milestone for the region, as these exercises have traditionally been confined to Australian territory.

Leaders cite the expanded exercise as a timely display of regional solidarity and a “strategic deterrence” move amid intensifying geopolitical competition in the Indo-Pacific. Anna Powles, Massey University's associate professor in defence and security studies, highlights that the unprecedented participation—particularly the involvement of smaller Pacific militaries—reflects the joint push to strengthen preparedness and resilience against emerging threats.

For PNG, the drills offer invaluable experience alongside some of the world’s most advanced militaries, further building local capacity and fostering new defense partnerships on the eve of its 50th independence anniversary.

OCEANIAN MAKING WAVES

Nikola Matawalu Graduates with First Class Honours in Rugby Coaching

A person in academic regalia, Nikola Matawalu, featuring a black gown with red and blue accents and a lei around their neck, walks across a stage. He is wearing a graduation cap and sandals. Facing away from the viewer on the right side of the stage is another person in a red academic gown and hat, standing behind a white podium. Other individuals in academic attire are seated in the background.

Fiji rugby legend inspires a new generation by excelling both on and off the field. Photo Credit: Nikola Matawalu / Facebook

Fijian rugby icon Nikola Matawalu has achieved a new milestone by graduating with First Class Honours in a Bachelor of Science Degree in Rugby Coaching and Performance from the University of South Wales. The 36-year-old, who hails from Dama Village in Ra, stands as a living example of balancing elite sport and academic excellence—a message that is resonating powerfully among Pacific Island athletes and communities.

Having dazzled fans in his international rugby career—including appearances for Fiji 7s, the Flying Fijians, and top European clubs like Glasgow Warriors and Bath—Matawalu’s recent academic accomplishment showcases his dedication beyond the pitch. Throughout his studies, Matawalu received unwavering support from his family and close network, with many noting how his commitment to lifelong learning is as inspiring as his successes in rugby.

Matawalu’s journey reminds athletes that education and sports can complement each other to build brighter futures. His transition from star player to role model in both education and coaching sets a high bar for young Fijians hoping to “dream big, play hard, study harder”.

SPORTS

Gallen Edges Williams in Boxing Thriller, Closes Book on Sporting Career

A head-and-shoulders shot of two male boxers, one shirtless and heavily tattooed on his left arm, and the other wearing a black cap with DAZONE in yellow text and a light blue or teal jacket. They are looking at each other and appear to be talking. The background is a brightly lit arena with a crowd visible. Text overlays in the bottom left corner read WILLIAMS in blue next to a blue circle, and GALLEN in red next to a red circle.

After a decade of rivalry, Paul Gallen claims a split-decision win over Sonny Bill Williams in an electric Sydney showdown. Photo Credit: Nine Network screengrab

The long-awaited boxing clash between former league and union superstars Paul Gallen and Sonny Bill Williams delivered fireworks at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena, with Gallen emerging victorious by split decision after eight bruising rounds. In a fight marked by grit and controversy, two judges awarded Gallen the win (77-74 and 76-75), while the third sided with Williams (77-74). The match’s turning point came in the seventh round, when Williams was docked a point for persistent holding, a penalty that arguably swung the final outcome in Gallen’s favor.

The bout capped over ten years of anticipation and pre-fight tension, and while Williams showcased sharp jabs and early control, Gallen’s durability and body shots proved decisive as the contest wore on—even with the rounds shortened to two minutes. After the verdict, a visibly disappointed Williams left the ring without speaking to media, sparking debate among fans who felt he had done enough to claim victory. Despite the friction, the foes made peace post-fight, sharing an intense handshake and agreeing to meet for coffee in a gesture of mutual respect that drew applause from the crowd.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

  1. NZ Film Industry Development Funding

    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.

    Key Details:

    • Purpose: To foster skill development, project initiatives, and talent within the New Zealand film sector.
    • Eligibility: Open to New Zealand-based screen organisations, companies, or collectives registered in New Zealand.

    Funding Strands:

    • Strand 1 (up to $350,000): The first round opened on Monday, July 14, 2025, and closes on Monday, August 11, 2025 at 1 PM. A pre-application meeting is required at least one week before the deadline.

    • 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.

REGIONAL EVENTS

  1. Redcliffe KiteFest 2025

    Celebrate community and the joy of flight at this iconic free festival in Moreton Bay!

    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.

    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

    No booking required—just bring your kite and your sense of wonder! For more information, visit the official Redcliffe KiteFest page.

  2. U.S. Consular Services Visit Tahiti: Passport Renewals, Birth Registrations, and Notary Services

    American citizens in French Polynesia can access key consular services in person this August.

    From August 11 to 13, 2025, the U.S. Consulate will hold a visit at the Yellow Fin Restaurant, Marina Taina, Punaauia, Tahiti, offering vital consular services including passport renewals, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad for children of U.S. citizens, and notary services for documents intended for use in the United States. Appointments are required and can be requested by emailing TahitiACS@state.gov by Friday, August 1, with limited walk-in availability depending on open slots. Travelers and residents are encouraged to plan ahead as regular passport processing may take 4 to 6 weeks, and birth registrations 5 to 7 weeks.

    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.

QUICK TAKES

  • Villagers in Turarana village, Central Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, are concerned about unexplained fish deaths in the Chovohio River that have persisted for three days. Resident Derick Tova reported that their community of 6,000 people is located 5 kilometers downstream from the operational Gold Ridge mine, with similar incidents occurring during rainfall periods. The Director of the Environment and Conservation Division promised to send officers to assess potential pollution, though formal requests through the Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Mines are required for full mobilization, while the Ministry of Mines has not responded to requests for comment.
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