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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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8,580.10
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-0.11%
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S&P/NZX 50 Index Gross
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12,686.68
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-0.58%
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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
Vanuatu residents argue natural disaster losses shouldn't incur hefty penalties. Photo Credit: By Alphacenturia123 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
Earthquake Victims Challenge Passport Replacement Fees
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Survivors of Vanuatu's devastating December 2024 earthquake are facing an unexpected financial burden as they attempt to rebuild their lives. The magnitude 7.3 earthquake that struck off Port Vila on December 17, 2024, triggered landslides and building collapses, causing widespread damage to critical infrastructure. Now, residents whose passports were lost or destroyed in the disaster are being asked to pay VT70,000 (approximately $590 USD) to replace their documents - a sum that includes a VT50,000 penalty fee designed to discourage careless handling of travel documents.
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While Passport Services Director Jeffrey Markson has acknowledged that some exceptions have been made for victims in specific locations like the Billabong building, many affected residents in areas like Mele Maat feel unfairly penalized for circumstances beyond their control. The requirement for immediate reporting of lost documents presents particular challenges for earthquake survivors who were focused on basic safety and survival in the immediate aftermath of the disaster.
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Enhanced customer verification measures aim to strengthen financial oversight and combat money laundering. Photo credit: Fiji Village
Fiji Tightens Mobile Wallet Regulations: New KYC Requirements Impact M-PAiSA Users
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Vodafone Fiji has announced that all M-PAiSA users must comply with stricter regulatory requirements by September 15, 2025, or face reduced account limits and transaction restrictions. Under the new rules mandated by the Financial Intelligence Unit, mobile wallet providers must implement enhanced Customer Identification and Verification (KYC) procedures. Users who fail to provide additional documentation will see their account balance limits drop from $10,000 to $5,000, with potential further restrictions on transaction types and amounts.
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The enhanced requirements include submission of birth certificates or citizenship documents, address verification through voter cards or driver's licenses, and proof of occupation through recent payslips or employer letters. Additionally, users can only maintain a maximum of two M-PAiSA accounts under their name, forcing those with multiple accounts to consolidate by the September deadline. These KYC requirements align with global trends in mobile wallet regulation, as providers worldwide implement stronger verification measures to prevent fraud and money laundering.
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The regulatory changes come alongside the Tax Identification Number (TIN) requirement announced in Fiji's 2025/2026 National Budget, with TIN compliance required by December 31, 2025. The timing coincides with the Reserve Bank of Fiji's national payment system reform, which aims to create more efficient retail payments through improved interoperability between banks, mobile network operators, and other financial players. To ease the transition, Vodafone has updated its M-PAiSA app to allow smartphone users to upload required documents directly, while non-smartphone users must visit physical outlets for verification.
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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.B. Won Pat International Airport designated as support location for Resolute Force Pacific 2025, the largest contingency response exercise in the Indo-Pacific. Photo credit: U.S. Air Force/Airman Hannah Bench
Guam Airport Serves as Key Support Hub for Massive Pacific Military Exercise
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Guam's civilian airport has been designated as a support location for Resolute Force Pacific 25 or Reforpac, the largest contingency response exercise in the Indo-Pacific region, which kicked off in Japan Thursday. Reforpac involves more than 350 aircraft aiming to demonstrate the command's ability to generate, sustain, and adapt airpower in a contested environment while working alongside regional allies. This DLE is scheduled to feature 12,000 U.S. Air and Space Force personnel, more than 350 bomber, fighter, cargo and refueling aircraft, and space-based and space-enabled capabilities across multiple Pacific locations until August 8.
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Airport officials advised the local community that they may anticipate increased military air activity and associated noise on or around A. B. Won Pat International Airport from July 12 through 29. The airport management said no commercial operations are expected to be impacted. Airport Executive Manager John M. Quinata emphasized that "GIAA's runways and taxiways are a vital piece of infrastructure supporting not only commercial aviation, but also a critical alternate or divert location for military and civilian operations."
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The exercise represents a significant demonstration of U.S. military capabilities in the Pacific, with approximately 3,100 Japanese troops and 50 aircraft joining the exercise, scheduled to run through Aug. 4, according to a Japan Air Self-Defense Force news release Monday. Activities will highlight critical skills such as aircraft flightline operations, munitions loading, hot-pit rapid refueling, combat search and rescue, distributed logistics, and multilateral air-to-air refueling. Pacific Air Forces Commander Gen. Kevin Schneider noted that forces "must be ready to operate in austere conditions, with degraded networks, and through disruptions to sustainment chains."
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Late Fiji Water founder David Gilmour's collection of 130 artifacts enriches Fiji Museum with rare scrimshaw tabua and traditional war clubs. Photo credit: Fiji Village
Fiji Museum Acquires Major 130-Piece Historical Collection
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The Fiji Museum has received a significant donation of 130 artifacts from the estate of the late David Gilmour, founder of Fiji Water, through the Wakaya Perfection Trustees. The collection includes 108 photographs, 16 traditional war clubs and 6 tabua, with museum CEO Armando Lowe describing the artifacts as forming "a collection of unequalled significance." Among the most notable items are five rare scrimshaw tabua that provide unique insight into the 19th-century whaling trade, where American whalers carved intricate designs on sperm whale teeth.
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The donation is particularly significant given the cultural importance of tabua in Fijian society. A tabua is a polished tooth of a sperm whale that is an important cultural item in Fijian society, traditionally given as gifts for atonement or esteem, and they hold a potent spiritual value and are considered sacred. The scrimshaw examples in Gilmour's collection represent a fascinating intersection of Western whaling culture and Pacific Island traditions, as scrimshaw was an artistic form developed by nineteenth-century American whaling men by engraving images on whale teeth and bone.
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Lowe says the donation is a monumental step forward, marking the beginning of an era of growth for the Fiji Museum in their attempt to recover, restore and preserve history through their current digitization project. The Canadian-born entrepreneur, who died June 11 of cardiac arrest in New York City at the age of 91, built his fortune through various ventures including the iconic Fiji Water brand. His collection will now help preserve and share Fiji's rich cultural heritage with future generations, offering visitors new ways to connect with the nation's extraordinary history.
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Liquidated Funeral Fund Fined $3.5 Million for False Aboriginal Ownership Claims
Federal Court penalty brings total fines to $4.75 million for ACBF's misrepresentation to Indigenous customers
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The Federal Court has ordered a $3.5 million penalty against ACBF Funeral Plans Pty Ltd (in liquidation) (ACBF) for misrepresenting that funeral expenses insurance provider ACBF was Aboriginal owned or managed when it was not. This latest penalty follows a successful ASIC appeal and brings the total fines against the company to $4.75 million. The additional penalty comes on top of a previous $1.2 million fine imposed in 2023 for other misrepresentations related to the sale and pricing of funeral insurance policies.
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The case highlights the devastating impact of corporate exploitation on Indigenous communities. The Aboriginal Community Benefit Fund (ACBF), also known as Youpla, collapsed in March 2022, leaving 14,500 customers an estimated A$66 million out of pocket in what was described by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation as a "slow-moving disaster" and "one of the most egregious examples of consumer harm in Australia's history." The company specifically targeted Indigenous Australians with funeral insurance, exploiting cultural obligations around "sorry business" – the expensive social and ceremonial requirements surrounding Indigenous funerals.
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In response to the collapse, the Australian Government established the Youpla Support Program to help affected families conduct sorry business with dignity. From 1 July 2024, the Australian Government will provide resolution payments through the program to help the thousands of predominantly low-income Aboriginal families left without funeral coverage. The substantial penalties against ACBF underscore the serious legal consequences of misrepresenting Indigenous ownership, particularly when targeting vulnerable communities for financial services.
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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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Ancient Aboriginal petroglyphs in Western Australia gain international protection after years of lobbying by Traditional Owners. Photo Credit: ABC News: Brendan Esposito
Murujuga Rock Art Secures UNESCO World Heritage Status Despite Industrial Threats
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The Murujuga rock art landscape in Western Australia was listed by UNESCO as a heritage site on Friday following lobbying by the federal government, marking a significant victory for Indigenous heritage protection. If listed, Murujuga Cultural Landscape will become the second place in Australia recognised on the World Heritage List solely for its First Nations cultural heritage values, led by the Ngarda-Ngardli, the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the landscape. Murujuga is home to one of the largest, densest and most diverse collections of rock art in the world, with a large collection of rock art engravings depicting animals, plants and human figures.
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The listing comes after years of uncertainty and environmental concerns that nearly derailed the nomination. In May 2025, ICOMOS recommended that the nomination be referred back to Australia for further consideration, primarily due to perceived risks around future industrial emissions. Scientists have warned acid emissions from Woodside's Burrup gas hub are deteriorating the rocks' surface, highlighting the ongoing tension between heritage preservation and industrial development on the peninsula.
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Despite these challenges, a delegation of Australia's Aboriginal people that travelled to Paris to campaign for UN backing to protect a heritage site they say is threatened by harmful mining were "overjoyed" Friday. The successful inscription underscores the challenge of balancing Indigenous heritage with economic growth on a peninsula laden with gas and explosives plants, but provides crucial international protection for these ancient cultural treasures that have faced mounting industrial pressures.
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Vanuatu's Ship Registry Provides Lifeline for Sanctioned Russian Oil Fleet
Pacific island nation's registry accepts ships rejected by traditional flags, highlighting sanctions enforcement gaps
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The EU-sanctioned Russian oil tanker Torex sailed through the English Channel on July 3, heading to northern European waters to load at Russia's Baltic ports—but not under its original flag. After being de-registered by Barbados following its EU listing in May, the 22-year-old vessel quickly reflagged to Vanuatu on June 16, marking its fifth flag change in two years. Windward data shows Torex is one of four Russia-trading tankers that flagged to Vanuatu in the past two weeks after being sanctioned by either the EU or UK, demonstrating how the Pacific nation has become an unexpected refuge for the so-called "dark fleet."
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The regulatory arbitrage stems from Vanuatu's unique sanctions policy. While many flag registries won't touch Western-sanctioned ships, Vanuatu has proven to be a rare exception. The registry, operated by US-based Vanuatu Logistics & Administrative Services Limited
, only complies with UN and US sanctions while reviewing EU and UK sanctions on a case-by-case basis. This selective enforcement creates a significant loophole as 35% of the 669 dark fleet tankers shipping Russian, Venezuelan and Iranian oil are now sanctioned by the US, UK or EU, yet can still operate under certain flags.
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The situation exposes growing fractures in global sanctions coordination. India has not allowed US-sanctioned ships to call at its ports, but continues to accept those sanctioned by the EU and UK, creating a tiered system where not all sanctions carry equal weight. While other registries like the Cook Islands have deflagged sanctions-busting tankers and Panama is set to cancel registration of 128 sanctioned ships, Vanuatu's approach highlights how regulatory fragmentation allows Russia's oil trade to continue flowing despite Western efforts to restrict it.
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SPOTLIGHT
After decades of independence tensions and 2024's deadly riots, rival political factions forge groundbreaking agreement creating autonomous statehood while maintaining French sovereignty. Photo Credit: Facebook
New Caledonia to Become First "State" Within French Republic After Historic Political Deal
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A groundbreaking political agreement has emerged from the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia, marking a potential end to decades of independence tensions that culminated in deadly riots just over a year ago. The 13-page agreement, officially entitled "Agreement Project of the Future of New Caledonia", is the result of intensive 10-day negotiations between both pro and anti-independence parties who met behind closed doors at a hotel in the small city of Bougival, in the outskirts of Paris.
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The deal, which French President Emmanuel Macron hailed as "historic", represents an unprecedented compromise between competing visions for the territory's future. Under the agreement, a "State of New Caledonia" will be enshrined in France's constitution, and other countries could recognise such a state. This would make New Caledonia the first territory to achieve statehood within the French Republic while maintaining its connection to France.
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The negotiations, overseen by French Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls after Macron opened the talks on July 2, came after earlier discussions between February and May 2025 failed to reach consensus. The talks were prompted by the territory's turbulent recent history, including violent unrest in 2024 that left several people dead and prompted Macron to declare a state of emergency.
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The agreement offers something for both sides of the long-standing independence debate. It will also allow for the creation of a Caledonian nationality alongside French nationality, addressing indigenous Kanak aspirations for greater recognition while stopping short of full independence. As part of the agreement, New Caledonia residents will in future only be allowed to vote after 10 years of living on the archipelago, addressing concerns about electoral influence from recent arrivals.
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The deal also includes practical elements for the territory's economic recovery. The deal also calls for an economic and financial recovery pact that would include a renewal of the territory's nickel processing capabilities, crucial for New Caledonia's economy which has been struggling with declining nickel prices and industrial challenges.
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This agreement represents a significant shift from the previous framework established by the 1998 Nouméa Accord, which had provided for three independence referendums. The last referendum in 2021 was boycotted by pro-independence groups over COVID-19 pandemic concerns, leaving the territory's political future in limbo until this breakthrough.
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For France, the deal offers a model for managing overseas territories while maintaining sovereignty. For New Caledonia, it provides a path forward that acknowledges both the territory's unique identity and its continued relationship with France, potentially ending decades of political uncertainty that have held back development and investment.
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The agreement still requires implementation through constitutional changes in France, but represents the most significant political development in New Caledonia since the territory began its decolonization process nearly three decades ago.
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OCEANIAN MAKING WAVES
Rotuman scholar becomes first of his heritage to graduate from prestigious university with Masters in Linguistics. Photo Credit: Fiji Times
Breaking Barriers: Pacific Scholar Makes History at Stanford
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Wilfred Singh Fimone's
journey from a tiny Fiji suburb to the halls of Stanford University represents a remarkable achievement in Pacific Islander academic excellence. The 33-year-old could possibly be the first Rotuman to graduate from Stanford University with Masters in Linguistics
, marking a historic milestone
for indigenous Pacific representation in elite American higher education. His path wasn't without challenges - during his first year at Stanford, Fimone was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, yet he persevered with his studies while receiving treatment, demonstrating extraordinary resilience that would define his academic career.
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Fimone's academic excellence began early, with his fascination for linguistics sparked by a childhood observation of accent shifts after returning from New Zealand at age three. His MA thesis on Rotuman language variation earned him the Gold Medal Prize for the Most Outstanding Master of Arts Thesis in 2021, examining how his heritage language varies among Rotumans living in Suva, Fiji. His research focus on variationist sociolinguistics and the historical linguistics of Pacific Englishes and Oceanic languages, particularly Rotuman and Fijian, addresses a critical gap in indigenous-led linguistic research.
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He noted that Pacific Islanders and Native Hawaiian student population at Stanford was less than one per cent, highlighting the isolation many Pacific students face in elite institutions. Now pursuing his PhD studies, Fimone advocates for more Pacific Islander linguists to research their own languages, emphasizing that indigenous speakers bring unique "emic" perspectives that external researchers cannot provide. His story serves as inspiration for Pacific youth while contributing vital research to preserve and understand Oceanic languages in an increasingly globalized world.
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SPORTS
Historic Victory: Johnson Becomes First Māori Undisputed Boxing Champion
Tauranga-born fighter makes history with dominant TKO victory at Madison Square Garden. Photo Credit: Facebook / Women Boxing Archive Network
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Cherneka Johnson has become the first Māori to be crowned an undisputed boxing world champion after defeating American Shurretta Metcalf
at New York's Madison Square Garden. Johnson, of Ngāti Ranginui descent, came into the fight on Friday night local time already occupying the WBA bantamweight title, and needed to claim the IBF, WBC, and WBO belts to achieve undisputed status. In what has been described as a "total beatdown", Johnson beat American Shurretta Metcalf by way of TKO between the eighth and ninth rounds after the match doctor stepped in.
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Johnson (18-2, 8 KO) got the TKO victory two seconds into the ninth round, when referee Charlie Fitch called time and stopped what had been a one-sided fight. The victory was particularly significant as it took place on the undercard of the historic Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano trilogy fight, marking an all-women's boxing card at the iconic Madison Square Garden venue. Johnson's dominance throughout the bout showcased her technical superiority and power, as she systematically broke down Metcalf's resistance over eight rounds.
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The achievement represents a milestone not just for Johnson personally, but for Māori representation in world boxing. The New Zealand-born, Australia-raised Johnson put on a dominant performance in her biggest fight to date, stopping Shurretta Metcalf after the eighth round at Madison Square Garden. With all four major sanctioning body titles now in her possession, Johnson has cemented her place as the undisputed queen of the bantamweight division and etched her name in boxing history as a trailblazer for indigenous athletes on the world stage.
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