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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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8,514.20
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-0.43%
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S&P/NZX 50 Index Gross
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12,583.59
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+0.83%
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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
Comprehensive assistance includes security vehicles, cybersecurity, and infrastructure upgrades ahead of September Pacific Islands Forum meeting, Photo Credit: Australian High Commission, Solomon Islands
Australia Announces $20 Million Support Package for Solomon Islands Forum Summit
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Australia has announced a $20 million support package to help Solomon Islands host the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Honiara this September. The comprehensive package includes the provision of approximately 60 security vehicles, support for cybersecurity, upgrades to Honiara's roads, and approximately $3 million for logistics support. This assistance comes as the Solomon Islands prepares to host the annual regional summit, which brings together Pacific Island leaders to address pressing regional challenges and develop collective responses to shared issues.
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The support package reflects Australia's strategic commitment to Pacific regional institutions and its role in maintaining stability in the region. Australia contributes approximately 36 percent of the budget for the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, making it the largest financial contributor to the organization. The timing of this assistance is particularly significant as it comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Pacific, with China having previously lobbied for changes to Forum communiques and challenged Taiwan's participation in the organization.
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The 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting will convene in September 2025 in Honiara, focusing on developing collective responses to regional issues and delivering on a vision for a resilient Pacific Region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion, and prosperity. Australia's support package ensures that Solomon Islands can successfully host this critical regional gathering while addressing infrastructure and security needs that extend beyond the summit itself, demonstrating the country's long-term commitment to Pacific partnerships and regional stability.
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Growing concerns about judicial recruitment and independence prompt last-minute addition to potential veto list. Photo credit: David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023
Hawaii Governor Considers Veto of Controversial Judicial Pension Reduction Bill
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Hawaii Governor Josh Green has added Senate Bill 935 to his list of potential vetoes, bringing the total number of measures under consideration to 20 out of 320 bills passed by state lawmakers this spring. The controversial legislation would reduce pension benefits for future Hawaii judges by approximately 30%, applying a reduced multiplier to judges' highest-paid years when calculating retirement benefits. Green has until July 9 to issue his final vetoes after announcing his intent to veto list on Tuesday.
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The bill has drawn sharp criticism from prominent members of Hawaii's legal community, including Hawaii Supreme Court Justice Mark Recktenwald and former state Attorney General Margery Bronster, who argue it could make recruiting qualified judicial candidates even more difficult. This concern comes as the number of applications for judgeships has been declining, with highly skilled lawyers often able to earn significantly more in private practice than as judges. The state Salary Commission had recommended raises of about 40% for 95 state judges over six years to address recruitment challenges, but critics say the pension reduction would undercut these efforts.
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Unlike previous retirement benefit reductions that applied across the board to judges, legislators, and other officials, SB 935 targets only judges, raising questions about judicial independence. Justice Recktenwald expressed concern that the bill suggests "what judges are doing isn't valued" and could threaten the judiciary's independence as an institution. Governor Green's office characterized the measure as "one of the more complex pieces of legislation to emerge from the 2025 session," requiring thorough analysis before making a final decision.
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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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Healthcare providers close clinics to attend legislative hearing on controversial arbitration measure. Photo credit: Frank San Nicolas/The Guam Daily Post
Guam Medical Community Mobilizes Against Malpractice Reform Bill
| The Guam Medical Association
has mounted strong opposition to Bill 82-38
, known as the "Do No Harm: Anti-Medical Misconduct Act of 2025," which would eliminate mandatory arbitration requirements for medical malpractice claims on the island. Healthcare providers argue the legislation, authored by Senator William Parkinson, threatens to destabilize Guam's already strained medical system by increasing litigation risks and making it harder to recruit and retain doctors. Medical professionals are so concerned about the bill that many have closed their clinics or reduced services to attend Monday's public hearing, potentially affecting hundreds of patients' appointments.
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The current arbitration system, established by Public Law 25-35, requires malpractice claimants to go through arbitration before pursuing court action. Parkinson contends this creates a "paywall to justice" that prevents poor and working-class families from seeking accountability due to prohibitive upfront costs. Bill 82-38 would replace the three-decade-old legal requirement and allow victims to pursue cases directly in court. However, medical professionals warn this could exacerbate physician burnout and drive away healthcare providers from an island that already struggles with recruitment and retention.
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The dispute has highlighted communication breakdowns between lawmakers and the medical community, with doctors claiming they were excluded from the bill's development process and only recently learned of the public hearing. Dr. Jonathon Thorp, Seventh-day Adventist medical director, emphasized that while medical errors do occur and cause devastating harm, the stress of potential litigation already contributes significantly to physician burnout rates as high as 78% in some states, with physicians having suicide rates more than twice that of the general population. The senator maintains he is committed to transparency and welcomes input from medical professionals during the legislative process.
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Fines starting at $333 target high-risk boating situations after alarming drowning statistics reveal safety gaps. Photo credit: Mackay and Whitsunday Life
Queensland's New Lifejacket Laws Begin Enforcement from July 1
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Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) and partner agencies commenced enforcement of new lifejacket laws on July 1, 2025, marking the end of a seven-month education period that began when the regulations took effect in December 2024. The new laws mandate lifejacket use during high-risk boating situations, including when crossing designated coastal bars, boating alone or at night on vessels under 4.8 meters, and for all children aged one to 12 years on open boats. Fines for non-compliance start at $333, reflecting the government's commitment to reducing preventable drowning deaths among Queensland's more than one million recreational boating licence holders.
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The urgency behind these regulations becomes clear when examining recent drowning statistics: 64 people drowned in Queensland boating accidents over the five years between 2019 and 2023, and only five were wearing lifejackets. This stark reality prompted authorities to focus the new laws on situations where boaters face the greatest risk, particularly solo operators and families with young children. The regulations are designed to protect vulnerable demographics while maintaining practical boating freedoms for experienced operators in lower-risk scenarios.
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The new laws are aimed at making boating a safer activity for the more than 1 million Queenslanders with recreational boating licences, with enforcement beginning after a comprehensive education campaign that allowed boaters to familiarize themselves with the requirements. MSQ's approach of delayed enforcement demonstrates a balanced strategy that prioritizes education over punitive measures, giving the boating community time to adapt while ultimately ensuring compliance with safety measures that could prevent dozens of deaths annually across Queensland's extensive waterways.
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A $60 million partnership becomes reality as Australian and Solomon Islands representatives mark the launch of a major road upgrade project that will transform transportation across the archipelago nation. Photo Credit: Solomon Star
Australia Commits SBD$60 Million to Transform Solomon Islands Road Network
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Australia's Minister for Pacific Islands Affairs, The Hon Pat Conroy MP, alongside Solomon Islands' Minister for Infrastructure Development, Hon Ricky Fuo'o, has announced that Australia will provide SBD 60 million (AUD11 million) to upgrade the Solomon Islands National Roads Network. This significant investment represents Australia's continued commitment to Pacific infrastructure development and strengthening regional partnerships through practical support for essential services.
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The funding comes as part of Australia's broader Pacific engagement strategy, building on previous infrastructure commitments in the region. The upgrade project will focus on improving road quality and connectivity throughout the Solomon Islands, addressing critical infrastructure needs that impact daily life, economic activity, and emergency access for communities across the archipelago nation. This investment is expected to create local employment opportunities while enhancing the country's transportation infrastructure.
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Fiji Housing Authority Set to Slash Interest Rates for Low-Income Families
New tiered rate structure aims to make homeownership accessible for families earning under $50,000 annually
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The Fiji Housing Authority is preparing to launch a significant interest rate reduction program that will dramatically lower borrowing costs for low and middle-income families following the 2025-2026 National Budget announcement. Under the new initiative, families earning below $30,000 annually will benefit from a remarkably low two percent fixed interest rate for five years, followed by a four percent variable rate thereafter.
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For households earning between $30,000 and $50,000, the program offers a 3.5 percent fixed rate for the initial five-year period, with a six percent variable rate following the fixed term.
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Housing Authority Board Chair Sereana Qoro confirmed that the proposed changes will be implemented once the budget allocation is announced, with the initiative forming part of their submission for the 2025-2026 National Budget.
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OCEANIAN MAKING WAVES
Samoan Scholar Makes History as First Pacific Islander Studies Professor at Portland State University
Dr. Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson appointed to develop groundbreaking AAPI curriculum with $2 million federal grant support. Photo Credit: Columbia Journalism Review
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Dr. Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson created history at Portland State University in the United States as she became the first-ever Professor of Pacific Islander and Asian American Studies. The globally recognized climate journalist and advocate will spend the next two years developing PSU's innovative curriculum that aims to preserve and elevate the knowledge of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Dr. Jackson, who is also a Samoan matai (chieftess), brings over two decades of experience documenting frontline Pacific communities and their experiences with colonization, migration, and climate upheaval.
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In 2023, PSU received federal distinction as Oregon's only public university recognised as an Asian American and Native American/Pacific Islander-serving institution. This designation comes with a $2 million grant specifically allocated to develop programs for AAPI students, providing substantial resources for Dr. Jackson's groundbreaking work. Her appointment reflects the university's commitment to addressing the needs of Oregon's rapidly growing Pacific Islander population, which expanded by 54 percent between 2010 and 2020, making them among the fastest-growing demographic groups in the state.
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Dr. Jackson's role extends beyond traditional academic boundaries, as she combines her scholarly expertise with climate journalism and advocacy work. During her appointment celebration, she shared traditional Samoan cultural rituals, demonstrating her commitment to integrating authentic cultural practices into academic settings. Her vision for the program encompasses growing Pacific scholarship, advancing climate justice, and establishing culturally-rooted learning frameworks that honor the generational knowledge systems of AAPI communities while preparing students to address contemporary challenges facing Pacific Island nations.
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SPOTLIGHT
Tonga becomes latest victim in escalating wave of cyberattacks targeting vulnerable Pacific infrastructure.
Tonga's Healthcare System Crippled by Million-Dollar Ransomware Demand
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Tonga's entire healthcare system has been paralyzed for nearly two weeks after the notorious INC Ransom group launched a devastating attack on the nation's National Health Information System, demanding US$1 million to restore access to critical patient data. The ransomware hit the system containing "the history of all our patients, including their medical records, prescriptions, health risks and future plans," forcing hospitals across the Pacific kingdom to revert to pen-and-paper operations while patients scramble to provide their own medical documentation.
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Police Minister Paula Piukala confirmed the government is unlikely to pay the ransom, stating "the database is encrypted, denying access to it," leaving 100,000 Tongans effectively cut off from their digital health records.
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The attack highlights the alarming vulnerability of Pacific island nations to sophisticated cybercriminals who exploit limited cybersecurity infrastructure and resources. Tonga has been repeatedly targeted, with previous ransomware attacks hitting the state telecommunications company earlier this year, while neighboring Vanuatu's government was knocked offline in 2022 following similar attacks.
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Regional cybersecurity experts warn that 59.6% of Asia-Pacific enterprises experienced ransomware attacks in 2023, with small island developing states particularly exposed due to their reliance on single points of failure and limited backup systems. Australian cyber specialists have been deployed to assist Tonga's recovery efforts, but the incident underscores how cybercriminals are increasingly viewing isolated Pacific nations as soft targets with limited defensive capabilities.
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The Tonga breach represents more than just a technological failure – it's a stark reminder of how digital warfare now threatens the most basic public services in the world's most remote corners. As ransomware groups like INC Ransom
publish sample stolen data on dark web marketplaces to pressure victims, small nations face an impossible choice between paying millions they don't have or watching critical infrastructure crumble.
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With healthcare systems from major powers to tiny island nations under constant siege, Tonga's crisis may be a preview of the digital divide's most dangerous consequence: cybercriminals exploiting the gap between our interconnected world and unequal cybersecurity defenses.
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SPORTS
Moana Pasifika Faces Uncertain Future as Government Funding Comes Under Scrutiny
Super Rugby team's financial survival questioned as owner loses lucrative Whānau Ora contracts. Photo Credit: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
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Moana Pasifika's future
in Super Rugby hangs in the balance following revelations that the team has been indirectly funded by taxpayer money through Whānau Ora contracts. Whānau Ora is a government program that provides holistic health and social services to Māori and Pacific families, focusing on building whānau capacity across areas like health, education, and employment.
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The Pasifika Medical Association Group (PMA), which bought the franchise last year, is set to lose contracts worth nearly $45 million next month - representing over half the organization's revenue - with the team having received $770,000 annually from these government health service contracts in recent years. Te Puni Kōkiri, the Ministry of Māori Development that oversees such programs, has now launched an independent review into allegations of inappropriate use of public funding, with PMA among the agencies under investigation.
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Despite the mounting financial pressure, PMA chair Dr Kiki Maoate remains defiant about the team's sustainability. He maintains their "financial position is on track to finish the year ahead of forecast" and describes every dollar invested in Moana Pasifika as "an investment in the future of Pasifika youth and their families."
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However, the loss of government contracts creates a significant funding gap for the 2026 season, with reports suggesting the team faces a $7 million income shortfall. Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka has expressed being "seriously concerned" about how Whānau Ora money was spent, adding to the political pressure surrounding the franchise's funding model.
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The controversy comes at an unfortunate time for Moana Pasifika
, who have just completed their most successful Super Rugby campaign since joining the competition in 2022. The team finished seventh this season, marking their best performance in four years of competition.
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The franchise has been celebrated as more than just a rugby team, representing Pacific pride and community development across New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. However, questions about the appropriateness of using health service contracts to fund professional sports threaten to overshadow their on-field achievements and could force difficult decisions about the team's long-term viability.
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REGIONAL EVENTS
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Pacific Mini Games 2025
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| Competitions |
30 June – 9 July 2025
Rest Day: 6 July
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Various venues in Koror, Airai, Melekeok, Ngiwal |
Sports include Athletics, Baseball, Triathlon, Swimming, Weightlifting, Judo, Wrestling, Table Tennis, Va‘a, Beach & Indoor Volleyball, Softball, and Archery.
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| PGC General Meeting |
Sunday, 6 July 2025 |
Koror, Palau |
Meeting of the Pacific Games Council during the competition period. |
| Closing Ceremony |
Wednesday, 9 July 2025 |
Koror, Palau |
Final event including medal celebrations and cultural performances. |
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Flying Fijians vs Australia Wallabies - Rugby Test Match
Date: Sunday, July 6th
Time: 1:30 PM kickoff
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Tickets: From $20-25 for adults
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Sydney-based fans are encouraged to make the drive down the Pacific Highway for what promises to be an thrilling Test match. Affordable tickets make this a perfect opportunity to support the national team away from home. For tickets and more information, check official Rugby Australia channels.
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