🥥☕Today in Oceania - Mon 30th June 25

Published 3 days ago • 13 min read

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

TODAY IN OCEANIA

OCEANIA MARKETS

S&P/ASX 200 8,541.10
-0.01%
S&P/NZX 50 Index Gross 12,734.53
+1.05%
SPX STRI Fiji 9255.21
+0.04％
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

Two 1kg Coles peanut butter jars side by side - one smooth peanut butter with blue lid and blue label, one crunchy peanut butter with red lid and red label, both showing 'NEW RECIPE' badges and Coles branding.

Consumers warned not to consume 1kg smooth and crunchy varieties sold nationwide between May and June. Photo Credit: NSW Food Authority

Urgent Nationwide Recall: Coles Peanut Butter Products Contaminated with Toxic Aflatoxin

Coles has issued an urgent nationwide recall of its 1kg Smooth and Crunchy Peanut Butter products sold between May 1 and June 30, 2025, due to potential aflatoxin contamination. The affected products have a best before date of February 5, 2027, and were available in Coles supermarkets and online across Australia. Food safety authorities warn that consumers should not eat these products as aflatoxin contamination may cause illness or injury if consumed.

Aflatoxins are described as "acutely and chronically toxic to animals, including humans", with research showing they are genotoxic carcinogens that can damage DNA and cause cancer in both humans and animals. Chronic exposure has been linked to liver cancer, oxidative stress, and fetal growth abnormalities. These highly toxic compounds are produced by fungal species such as Aspergillus flavus and can infect crops including peanuts, causing serious health complications including hepatotoxicity and immunotoxicity. Anyone with health concerns should seek medical advice, and Coles has apologized to customers while providing a customer care line at 1800 061 562.
Smiling male medical professional, Dentist Dr Hugh Trengrove, wearing blue scrubs and glasses, adjusting a circular LED examination light in a clinical room with medical equipment and a sink in the background.

Auckland City Mission launches a volunteer-run dental clinic offering free, trauma-informed care to vulnerable communities facing barriers to affordable dental treatment. Dentist Dr Hugh Trengrove pictured here. Photo credit: RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Free Dental Clinic Opens at Auckland City Mission to Combat Oral Health Crisis

A new free dental clinic has opened at the Auckland City Mission’s Calder Health Centre, aiming to address the severe dental care crisis affecting nearly half of New Zealand adults who skip dental visits due to cost. This long-awaited service, years in the making, offers trauma-informed, culturally sensitive dental care to vulnerable populations already accessing the Mission’s support services. Funded primarily through donations and staffed by a team of 17 volunteer dentists led by Dr. Hugh Trengrove, the clinic provides essential treatment covered by a Ministry of Social Development dental grant, allowing patients access to up to $1,000 worth of care, with individual assessments for exceptions.

The dental crisis in New Zealand has far-reaching consequences beyond oral health, including chronic pain, serious infections, hospital admissions, and billions in lost productivity annually. The Auckland City Mission clinic is designed to be a safe, accessible environment that respects the complex needs of people experiencing poverty, trauma, and distrust of healthcare systems. Brendon Short, the Mission’s director for housing and health, emphasized the importance of location and holistic care, noting that many patients require multiple appointments and ongoing support to restore their oral health and overall wellbeing.

This initiative comes amid broader national concerns about dental care affordability and accessibility. Reports highlight that cost is the primary barrier preventing many New Zealanders, especially Māori, Pasifika, and disabled communities, from receiving adequate dental treatment. The current government dental grant is often insufficient, forcing some into debt or neglecting care altogether. While the Auckland City Mission clinic is not a complete solution to the country’s dental health challenges, it represents a critical step toward reducing inequality and improving quality of life for those most in need.

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, House Speaker Mike Johnson, in glasses and a dark suit speaking at a podium with a sign reading 'ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL ACT' with an American flag symbol, standing in what appears to be an ornate government building with other officials visible in the background

New 1% levy on remittances could slash vital income flows to Pacific nations heavily dependent on diaspora support. Photo credit: BBC

US Remittance Tax Threatens Pacific Island Economies as Trump Administration Targets Overseas Money Transfers

The United States is implementing a controversial remittance tax as part of President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill," targeting money transfers sent by migrants to their home countries overseas. Originally set at 5 percent when it passed the House of Representatives, the tax was reduced to 3.5 percent by the Senate and now stands at 1 percent, though critics argue even this reduced rate will cause significant damage to developing nations. The tax applies to all US citizens and nationals sending money overseas, collected by remittance transfer providers such as banks and credit unions at the point of transfer, increasing the cost of sending vital financial support to families abroad.

Pacific development experts warn the tax poses a serious threat to island nations heavily dependent on remittances from diaspora communities. For Samoa, which receives 20 percent of its remittance money from the US, and Tonga, where the US is the biggest source of remittances at over 35 percent, the impact will be substantial. Research shows that one percentage point increase in remittance costs correlates with a 1.6 percent decline in the amount reaching its destination, meaning a 3.5 percent tax could reduce remittance flows by 5.6 percent.

Development experts also worry the tax will push remittances into informal channels, undermining security measures many countries have worked to strengthen. With 166,389 immigrants from Oceania currently living in the US as of 2023, the tax represents another challenge for Pacific nations already struggling with climate change impacts and limited economic diversification options.
Aerial view of a low-lying Pacific island atoll, Tuvalu, with turquoise waters, coral reefs, a white sandy airstrip, and dense residential settlement on a narrow strip of land between lagoon and ocean.

Tuvalu apparently mistakenly targeted in diplomatic cable outlining expanded travel restrictions. Photo credit: Hall Contracting

Tuvalu Seeks Written Assurance from US After Mistaken Inclusion on Visa Ban List

Tuvalu is seeking written assurance from the United States that its citizens will not be barred from entry after being apparently mistakenly included in a list of 36 countries facing potential visa bans. An internal diplomatic cable signed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio showed the United States, which has already barred entry for citizens from 12 countries, was considering expanding travel restrictions to include three Pacific Island states among the 36 nations identified. The cable gives these countries 60 days to meet established benchmarks and requirements or face full or partial suspension of entry to the United States.

The inclusion of Tuvalu on the list has raised concerns given the nation's vulnerability to climate change and its population of around 10,000 people. The Trump administration's memo outlines various issues that countries must address, including maintaining reliable passport security systems and cooperating with deportation processes. For Tuvalu, a nation already facing existential threats from rising sea levels, the potential travel ban represents an additional challenge for its citizens seeking mobility options as their homeland becomes increasingly uninhabitable.

The apparent mistake in including Tuvalu demonstrates how sweeping policy changes can inadvertently impact vulnerable nations that pose no security risk to the United States. Currently, Tuvaluans remain unrestricted from US entry while the error is being reviewed, but the incident has prompted the government to seek formal written guarantees to prevent future misunderstandings that could affect their citizens' freedom of movement.
Three men in business suits sit side by side on wooden chairs with blue cushions in a formal indoor setting, featuring gold curtains and wood-paneled walls.

Papua New Guinea’s flagship anti-corruption body, the ICAC, is in crisis after all three commissioners were suspended amid explosive mutual misconduct allegations. Photo credit: Independent Commission Against Corruption PNG

Turmoil at PNG’s Anti-Corruption Watchdog as Commissioners Suspended

Papua New Guinea’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has been thrown into turmoil, with all three of its top commissioners suspended following a bitter internal feud. The commissioners, including Australian lawyer Andrew Forbes and his deputies, Daniel Baulch and Graham Gill, accused each other of serious offences ranging from abuse of office and misappropriation to retaliatory investigations. The situation escalated after Forbes allegedly rewrote ICAC’s regulations to consolidate power, prompting his deputies to launch an internal probe, which Forbes countered by referring them to police for alleged misuse of funds.

The crisis has raised concerns about the integrity and future of ICAC, an institution established in 2020 after decades of national aspiration to combat corruption in PNG. Prime Minister James Marape has acknowledged the internal tensions and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the watchdog, as police investigations continue and the nation watches the fate of its anti-corruption efforts hang in the balance.

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 hillside residential neighborhood with various modern houses built on a steep slope. The homes feature different architectural styles, including some with solar panels on their roofs. Lush green vegetation and trees surround the properties, creating a verdant setting. The houses are arranged in tiers up the hillside, with larger, more contemporary designs visible toward the top of the hill.

All New Zealand rental properties must now meet Healthy Homes Standards, with penalties looming for non-compliance. Photo Credit: 1 News

Deadline Hits for Healthy Homes: NZ Landlords Face Strict New Standards

As of July 1, 2025, every rental property in New Zealand is legally required to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards, which mandate minimum requirements for heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture control, and draught stopping. Despite years of preparation and several deadline extensions, recent data shows that only about a quarter of homes are fully compliant, leaving many tenants potentially exposed to substandard living conditions. The Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment has warned that there are no excuses for landlords who fail to meet these obligations, and penalties can reach up to $50,000 for larger landlords, or $7,200 for smaller operators per breach.

Industry advocates, including Matt Ball from the Property Investors Federation , acknowledge that while many seasoned landlords have adjusted, a significant knowledge gap remains among less experienced landlords and tenants. With the grace period over, enforcement will be stepped up, and tenants now have the right to demand homes that meet the Healthy Homes criteria, ensuring warmer, drier, and healthier rental accommodation across the country.

SurfStitch Enters Administration Again as Nike Pursues $237,760 in Unpaid Debts

The iconic Australian surf retailer faces liquidation threat after legal action from sportswear giant

The troubled online surf retailer SurfStitch has entered voluntary administration for the second time, with Edwin Narayan and Domenic Calabretta of insolvency firm Mackay Goodwin appointed on June 6 as Nike Australia pursues $237,760 in alleged unpaid debts and seeks a winding-up order that could force liquidation.

The move comes just days after Best Markets acquired the brands from Alquemie Group on May 31, 2025, before placing both SurfStitch and fashion label Ginger & Smart into administration amid ongoing financial struggles that have seen sales shrink to a fraction of previous levels.

This marks another chapter in SurfStitch's turbulent history, having previously collapsed into voluntary administration in 2017 when shares crashed from two dollars to six cents, with the retailer's website intermittently offline as administrators work to determine the company's future in Australia's challenging retail environment.

OCEANIAN MAKING WAVES

Dr Zelinda Sherlock: From Fiji to Hobart’s Historic Deputy Lord Mayor

A person with long dark hair wearing a bright pink jacket, Dr Zelinda Sherlock, sits at a table with a laptop and glass water jug in front of them. Another individual in a green sweater is seated nearby. The setting appears to be a meeting or conference room with a dark monitor and artwork on the wall in the background.

Dr Zelinda Sherlock’s journey from immigrant to Tasmania’s first Deputy Lord Mayor of Indo-Fijian descent is a powerful story of resilience and community leadership. Photo Credit: Pulse Tasmania

Dr Zelinda Sherlock , born in Flagstaff, Suva, Fiji, migrated to Tasmania with her family in the mid-1980s. Inspired by her father, Michael Dutta—a founding member of the Fiji Labour Party and the first Fiji-born Indian to contest a Hobart City Council seat—Dr Sherlock has carved her own path in public service. She became an Australian citizen in Hobart’s Town Hall in 2000, the very place where she now serves as Deputy Lord Mayor. Armed with a Bachelor of Arts/Law degree, a Masters in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, and as a PhD candidate, she spent nearly 14 years leading English language education in Japan before returning to Tasmania to focus on community advocacy and local governance.

Elected to Hobart City Council in 2018 as the first woman of non-European heritage , Dr Sherlock quickly became a champion for social inclusion, equity, and multiculturalism. Her leadership has driven initiatives like Hobart’s first Housing with Dignity Reference Group and a Social Inclusion Index addressing homelessness, alongside efforts to improve services for migrants and refugees. In April 2024, she was elected Deputy Lord Mayor, marking a historic milestone for Tasmania’s diverse communities. Dr Sherlock’s unique Indo-Fijian background deeply informs her commitment to representing marginalized voices and fostering a welcoming, inclusive Hobart for all residents.

SPOTLIGHT

MacBook laptop displaying cybersecurity content with a blue padlock icon on screen, overlaid with bold red text reading 'RANSOMWARE ATTACK' in large letters across the bottom of the image.

Australia’s health insurer Bupa admits to wrongly rejecting partial hospital procedure claims, leaving thousands of customers out of pocket. Photo Credit: NewsWire / Nicholas Eagar

Bupa Fined $35 Million for Misleading Health Insurance Claims

Bupa, one of Australia’s largest private health insurers, has been fined $35 million after admitting it incorrectly rejected entire claims for hospital treatments involving multiple procedures, simply because part of the treatment was not covered by the policy. This practice, which lasted over five years, resulted in many customers paying thousands of dollars themselves or upgrading to more expensive policies to ensure coverage. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) described Bupa’s conduct as “misleading and deceptive” and “unconscionable,” noting that some policyholders delayed or even canceled necessary medical treatments due to confusion and financial burden caused by the insurer’s actions.

The ACCC revealed that Bupa failed to manually review mixed coverage claims that were automatically denied, a failure attributed to inadequate staff training and poorly programmed claims systems. Despite holding a quarter of the private health insurance market and reporting a $607 million pre-tax profit in 2023-24, Bupa neglected to invest sufficiently in systems and processes to prevent these serious breaches. Bupa’s Asia Pacific CEO Nick Stone expressed deep regret, confirming that compensation payments exceeding $14 million have been made to over 4,100 affected claims, with further remediation ongoing.

The Federal Court will determine the final penalty, but Bupa and the ACCC have jointly requested approval of the $35 million fine. The case highlights the critical need for transparency and accuracy in health insurance claims processing to protect consumers’ rights and ensure confidence in private health coverage.

SPORTS

Pacific Mini Games 2025: Palau Hosts a Thrilling Start with Standout Performances

Aerial view of two outrigger canoe teams paddling side by side in clear turquoise water above a coral reef.

Teams from across the Pacific compete in the Va'a (outrigger canoe) races during the Palau Games 2025. Photo Credit: Facebook / Palau 2025 Pacific Mini Games

The 12th Pacific Mini Games , held in Koror, Palau from June 29 to July 9, 2025, have kicked off with an exciting display of athleticism and regional pride. Nearly 2,000 athletes from 23 Pacific nations are competing across 12 sports, making this the largest edition of the Mini Games to date.

Opening Ceremony and Spirit

Despite heavy rain during the opening ceremony, the atmosphere was electric. Palau’s President Surangel Whipps Jr. officially opened the Games, encouraging athletes to “lift each other higher” and celebrate unity through sport. The lighting of the Games cauldron by Palauan sprinter Sydney Francisco was a memorable highlight, symbolizing resilience and the spirit of the Pacific community.

Early Competition Highlights

  • Va’a (Outrigger Canoe Racing): Tahiti’s Teimoana Taputu claimed the first gold medal of the Games in the men’s V1 500 meters open final, setting a high standard for the competition.
  • Wrestling: Palau’s own Raiden Hobson Decherong made the home crowd proud by winning gold in the men’s freestyle 50-kilogram category, showcasing local talent on the international stage.
  • Volleyball: The Palauan women’s volleyball team started strong with a 3-1 victory over Northern Marianas, energizing fans and demonstrating the host nation’s competitive edge.
  • Baseball and Softball: Both sports commenced with spirited matches, reflecting the Games’ emphasis on camaraderie and regional rivalry.
    		•

    Medal Table and Standout Nations

    At the end of day one, Tahiti leads the medal tally with 18 medals, including multiple golds, followed by strong showings from the Marshall Islands and Samoa. The Games are proving to be a fierce but friendly battleground for Pacific nations to assert their sporting excellence.

    REGIONAL EVENTS

    1. Pacific Mini Games 2025

      2. Event Date Location Details
      Competitions 30 June – 9 July 2025
      Rest Day: 6 July       		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.
      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.

    2. Flying Fijians vs Australia Wallabies - Rugby Test Match

      3. Date: Sunday, July 6th
      Time: 1:30 PM kickoff
      Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
      Tickets: From $20-25 for adults

      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.

    QUICK TAKES

    • Fiji has allocated FJD 1.125 million in its 2025–2026 national budget to establish a permanent embassy in Jerusalem, marking the first formal financial commitment following Cabinet’s endorsement in February to base its mission in Israel’s capital. This initiative builds on diplomatic ties between the two nations stretching back to 1970 and reflects deeper cooperation in security, agriculture, climate resilience, and peacekeeping. In April, Fiji’s UN Representative, Ambassador Filipo Tarakinikini, presented credentials as the non-resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Israel’s President Isaac Herzog, paving the way for the appointment of a full-time ambassador once the embassy is operational. The allocation signals Fiji’s strategic intent to strengthen its bilateral relationship with Israel, even as specific details on staffing, location, and timeline remain to be finalized.

    • PNG Hunters, the Papua New Guinea Hunters rugby league club, have strengthened their leadership team with the appointment of Warwick Vele and Belinda Manning as new directors. Their inclusion is expected to enhance the club’s governance, strategic planning, and management capabilities. The move aims to support the Hunters’ continued growth and performance both on and off the field, aligning with the organization’s long-term vision for success.

    • Engineering graduates from the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT) can now work globally without additional assessments, thanks to the full international accreditation of its five engineering programs by Engineers Australia under the prestigious Washington Accord . This milestone, celebrated on June 30, 2025, positions PNGUoT as the first institution in the Pacific to achieve such recognition, affirming its programs meet global standards. The achievement, years in the making since 2017, was hailed by Chancellor Sam Koim and Minister for Higher Education Kinoka Feo as a national milestone aligned with PNG’s 50th Independence anniversary, showcasing strong leadership and a collective effort by the university’s management, staff, and industry partners.
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