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Know what’s happening across Oceania—before your coffee’s cold.
TODAY IN OCEANIA
✍🏽Today is World Calligraphy Day✍🏽
World Calligraphy Day celebrates the timeless art of elegant handwriting, encouraging people to reconnect with creativity through pen and brush. It highlights the unique beauty and personal expression that calligraphy brings in an increasingly digital world.
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OCEANIA MARKETS
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S&P/ASX 200
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8,880.80
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+0.41%
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S&P/NZX 50 Index Gross
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12,759.68
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-1.18%
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SPX STRI Fiji
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9191.87
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-0.03％
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ASX 200 and NZX 50 Data Provided By:
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*Market index data sourced from official exchange publications and financial data aggregators. ASX and NZX data reflect end-of-day figures from the Australian and New Zealand stock exchanges respectively. SPX (South Pacific Stock Exchange) figures reflect the most recent published data. Note: NZX and SPX figures include dividends (total return), while the ASX figure reflects share price movement only.
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REGIONAL NEWS
Diagnostic mammography now available locally as breast cancer cases increase. Photo Credit: Max Albert / Vanuatu Daily Post
Vila Central Hospital Begins Mammogram Screening Service
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Vila Central Hospital has launched its mammogram screening service, offering breast cancer detection capabilities to women in Vanuatu for the first time. The service charges VT25,000 for outpatient citizens and VT15,000 for inpatients, while non-citizens pay VT50,000 and VT25,000 respectively. Women seeking screening must start the process through the hospital's outpatient department.
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The timing coincides with a documented rise in breast cancer cases across Vanuatu, prompting multiple fundraising events in Port Vila to help women finance overseas medical treatment. In 2024 alone, 50 Vanuatu patients traveled to India for treatment, highlighting the absence of certain specialists and advanced medical technologies that continues to drive patients abroad. The New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme, funded by MFAT, covers Vanuatu citizens among six Pacific nations for overseas care.
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Previously, women requiring breast cancer diagnosis faced the financial burden of traveling overseas for screening and treatment. The mammogram machine represents the first diagnostic capability for breast cancer detection available within the country, though advanced treatment options remain limited. Vanuatu has access to basic histological and cytological cancer diagnostic methods but lacks the immunohistochemistry panels and molecular testing available in larger Pacific nations like New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea.
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The AUD 135 million submarine cable project will connect over 100,000 people across Nauru, Kiribati, and the Federated States of Micronesia to faster and more reliable internet. Photo credit: Australian High Commission Nauru / Facebook
East Micronesia Cable Lands in Nauru, Service Expected by November 2025
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The East Micronesia Cable has officially landed in Nauru, marking a key progress point in the regional telecommunications upgrade funded by Australia, Japan, and the United States. A ceremony was held to celebrate the floating of the cable to its landing site, attended by Acting President Jesse Jeremiah, ministers, and international representatives. The project, costing AUD 135 million and fully grant-funded, aims to provide high-quality, resilient internet access to more than 100,000 people across Nauru, Kiribati, and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) through a 2,250-kilometre undersea fibre optic cable.
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Supported by partnerships including the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP), the project covers both marine and terrestrial infrastructure costs. The cable system will connect Nauru, Tarawa (Kiribati), Kosrae (FSM), and Pohnpei (FSM), linking onward to existing networks and enabling improved digital government services, education, trade, and employment opportunities. The East Micronesia Cable is expected to be ready for service by November 2025, promising to replace older satellite-based connectivity with faster, more stable broadband and opening new possibilities for the region’s digital economy and social development.
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Foreign visitors to pay NZ$20-$40 starting summer 2027. Photo credit: RNZ
New Zealand Implements Tourist Entry Fees at Four Natural Attractions
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Foreign tourists will pay entry fees ranging from NZ$20 to NZ$40 at four of New Zealand's most visited natural sites starting summer 2027: Cathedral Cove/Te Whanganui-a-Hei, Tongariro Crossing, Milford Sound, and Aoraki/Mount Cook. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon noted that approximately 80% of visitors to these locations are international tourists. The fees will apply only to foreign visitors, with domestic tourists continuing to access these sites without charge.
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Government modeling indicates the fee structure could generate NZ$36-76 million annually for conservation if implemented at five popular locations. Revenue collected will be reinvested directly into the same conservation areas to ensure maintenance and preservation. The policy follows earlier Department of Conservation trials introducing paid parking at Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, Franz Josef Glacier, and White Horse Hill during the 2025/26 summer season.
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The four initial sites were selected based on their international prominence, though additional locations may implement similar charges in the future. New Zealand joins countries like Costa Rica, Ecuador's Galápagos Islands, and Kenya's national parks in charging differential pricing for international visitors to fund conservation and manage tourism pressure at environmentally sensitive locations.
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National University of Vanuatu Launches First Collaborative Marine Science Course
University partners with fisheries department and USAID program for field-based marine education
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The National University of Vanuatu has launched its first collaborative marine science course
with the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), bringing together over 40 students and 20 trainers to study marine biology, ecology, and anthropology through classroom and field-based learning. Participants came from multiple institutions including the Vanuatu Fisheries Department, the Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation, and NUV itself, with several trainers traveling from New Caledonia representing IRD as the key institution facilitating the program. The course structure combines theoretical instruction with practical fieldwork, allowing participants to apply scientific methods directly to Vanuatu's coastal ecosystems.
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The collaboration operates within the framework of the USAID OurFish OurFuture program, a five-year project running from 2021-2026 with $15 million in funding. This program addresses illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing practices that damage coastal biodiversity and threaten local fishing communities' livelihoods. The educational partnership gives NUV students direct exposure to active fisheries management challenges while contributing to research on sustainable fishing practices and marine ecosystem protection across the Pacific region.
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PRESENTED BY VONU STUDIOS
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Perfect for ages 3–6 💛
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✅ Tracing practice
✅ Matching games
✅ And more!
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📌 Only $5 – once you buy it, it's yours to print as many times as you want for personal use. No need to wait for shipping!
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Pacific nation approves six citizenship applications at $105,000 each. Photo credit: Travel Buddy
Nauru Sells First Passports Under Climate Resilience Program
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Nauru has approved its first six citizenship applications under the Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program launched in February 2025, covering two families and four individuals. The program charges $105,000 per passport
and grants visa-free access to 89 destinations including the UK, Ireland, UAE, and Singapore. The government aims to generate over $5 million in the first year, requiring 66 passport sales to meet this target. Processing takes three to four months with no residency requirements for applicants.
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The program funds relocation of 90% of Nauru's 12,500 residents to higher ground inland as rising sea levels threaten the low-lying Pacific island. The initiative addresses a global adaptation funding gap estimated at up to $359 billion annually. Nauru follows Caribbean nation Dominica, which previously implemented citizenship-for-investment schemes to fund climate action. The 8-square-mile island nation spans one of the world's smallest territories, making large-scale infrastructure projects financially challenging without external funding sources.
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If the program reaches its annual target of AU$60 million, it would represent 20% of all government revenue. The World Bank provides expertise and oversight for the program, which has licensed 13 authorized agents globally to process applications. Nauru's passport program represents one of the fastest citizenship-by-investment options available worldwide, though uptake remains limited six months after launch.
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10,000 briquettes delivered as Pacific region battles widespread dengue fever. Photo credit: Australia Government Defence
Australia Deploys Medical Team and Larvicide to Combat Nauru Dengue Outbreak
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Australia has delivered 10,000 larvicide briquettes
to Nauru and is deploying a medical team to address the ongoing dengue outbreak affecting asylum seekers and residents on the island. The briquettes slowly dissolve and release bacteria that kill mosquito larvae while remaining harmless to humans and other aquatic organisms. The outbreak has affected people seeking asylum on Nauru, with at least one person requiring medical evacuation due to critical illness. Nauruan Public Health teams will place the briquettes in high-risk water supplies across the 8-square-mile island.
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The assistance falls under Australia's Rana Tsimorum program, which provides $5 million annually to Nauru's health sector. This program, totaling $50 million from 2024-2034, aims to strengthen Nauru's health system. The dengue outbreak is part of a broader Pacific region epidemic affecting Samoa, Nauru, Tonga, and Tuvalu, with Samoa reporting over 2,000 cases since declaring an outbreak in April 2025. Larvicide treatments are considered more effective and less toxic than adult mosquito spraying, making them particularly suitable for small island environments where water supplies are limited and concentrated.
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Tonga Replaces Foreign Affairs Ministry with His Majesty's Diplomatic Services
Parliament approves restructuring under Crown Prince's leadership
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Tonga's Legislative Assembly passed the His Majesty's Diplomatic Service Bill 2025 on August 5, formally replacing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with His Majesty's Diplomatic Services. Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala, who serves as Foreign Minister, tabled the legislation. The bill establishes a new structure that includes creation of a Diplomatic Services Board, revised appointment procedures for overseas representatives, and enhanced regulatory powers. All existing employees, assets, records, and obligations will transfer from the former ministry to the new diplomatic service upon the act's commencement.
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The legislation aims to modernize diplomatic and consular relations while strengthening oversight of immigration services in alignment with national interests as determined by the King and Cabinet. Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala has served as Tonga's Foreign Minister since January 28, 2025, and also holds the position of Minister for His Majesty's Armed Forces. The reform represents a shift from the traditional ministry structure to a system more directly linked to the monarchy, reflecting Tonga's constitutional framework where foreign policy ultimately falls under royal prerogative.
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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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Harricado shows promise for colder New Zealand regions with disease resistance. Photo Credit: RNZ
Nelson Home Gardener Discovers Frost-Resistant Avocado Variety
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Nelson orchardist Harry Pearson discovered the Harricado avocado variety from a seedling tree on property he purchased, naming it after himself and sharing cuttings through the New Zealand Tree Crops Association. The variety is self-fertile, non-fibrous, with smooth and creamy texture and nutty flavor, distinguishing it from commercial varieties. The fruit has large, black thin skin when ripe and flesh that oxidizes slowly, though the thin skin makes it unsuitable for transportation, positioning it as a home garden variety rather than commercial crop.
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The Harricado demonstrates significant cold tolerance and appears resistant to Phytophthora root rot, a fungal disease that kills avocado trees. Pearson reports the tree produces young growth during frost conditions, while Hass varieties account for 95% of New Zealand's commercial avocado plantings and require warmer climates. Phytophthora root rot requires chemical control with phosphonate fungicides in commercial orchards, making natural resistance valuable. The Tree Crops Association considered patenting the variety but abandoned the idea due to complex paperwork, instead distributing cuttings to members nationwide for climate testing. Trials are examining the variety's pollination characteristics, rootstock tolerance, and soil requirements across different New Zealand locations.
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WA Lowers Pass Grade for ATAR Subjects to D, Easing Graduation Requirements
From 2025, Year 12 students in Western Australia only need D grades in ATAR subjects to meet WACE graduation criteria, aiming to encourage more students to attempt harder courses.
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Starting in 2025, Western Australia has changed its graduation requirements, allowing Year 12 students to count D grades in ATAR subjects as meeting the pass standard necessary for the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE). Previously, students needed at least C grades in these subjects, but now a D will be treated as a C equivalent toward graduation requirements. This change means students must still achieve 14 passing grades or their equivalents across Year 11 and 12, including at least six in Year 12, but these can now include D grades in ATAR courses. The adjustment does not lower the overall number of passes, but rather acknowledges the academic effort in ATAR subjects more equitably compared to general courses.
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The government's rationale is to encourage more students to enrol in ATAR subjects, which are perceived as more challenging, by reducing the barrier posed by needing a C grade to pass. Students who previously feared that the required high standards might be unattainable could now attempt these courses with less risk to their graduation prospects. Critics, however, caution that lowering the grade threshold may not address underlying student outcomes and that additional support for students and teachers remains necessary. Universities generally continue to consider ATAR results for entrance, and specific course prerequisites like minimum grades in Year 12 English or mathematics remain dependent on each institution's policy rather than being changed by this reform.
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This policy shift reflects an effort to balance maintaining academic standards while making challenging courses more accessible, potentially broadening student engagement in university pathway subjects without eroding the value of the WACE qualification.
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ENTERTAINMENT
Wan Squad PNG Wins Back-to-Back Titles at 2025 World Hip Hop Dance Championship
Papua New Guinea's Wan Squad defends their crown in Phoenix, outperforming top global dance crews in the adult division. Photo credit: Wan Squad
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Papua New Guinea's professional dance crew, Wan Squad, secured first place again at the 2025 World Hip Hop Dance Championship held in Phoenix, Arizona. Building on their 2024 victory, Wan Squad's back-to-back championship win came after competing against over 3,000 dancers from more than 55 countries. Their performance in the adult division stood out amidst strong contenders from Australia, Mexico, and New Zealand, reaffirming PNG's rising prominence on the global dance stage. The championships represent the world’s most recognized hip hop dance competition, celebrating authentic hip hop culture and dance excellence.
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OCEANIANS MAKING WAVES
Julie Juliano Becomes Vanuatu’s First Female HACCP-Certified Root Crop Exporter
Certification opens new commercial export opportunities for Vanuatu’s root crop industry, with first shipment set for New Zealand. Photo credit: Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry / Facebook
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Julie Juliano of Natural Taste of Vanuatu
has become the first female and only root crop exporter from Vanuatu to receive Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification, an internationally recognized standard for food safety and quality assurance. Supported financially by the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and Quality Solutions, this certification allows her company to access commercial export markets overseas, marking a significant step for the country’s root crop sector. Julie, a 29-year-old entrepreneur inspired by her farming family, plans to ship her first commercial export order to New Zealand at the end of August.
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Operating domestically until now, Julie sees the certification as an opportunity to expand not only her business but also to open channels for local farmers to enter international markets. VCCI Acting General Manager Joanna Spencer highlighted Julie’s resilience and leadership throughout the certification process, praising her determination in overcoming challenges faced as a woman entrepreneur. Julie’s achievement is recognized as advancing the Vanuatu economy by enhancing export readiness and strengthening ties with grassroots farming communities, according to reflections from her family and collaborators.
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SPORTS
Wallaroos to Travel Business Class to 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup with Costs Covered by World Rugby
World Rugby funds business class flights for Australian women’s team on long-haul trip, marking improved support for player welfare and performance. Photo credit: Wallaroos Rugby / Instagram
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The Australian Wallaroos will fly business class to the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, with World Rugby covering the additional costs for the upgrade on flights longer than 12 hours. Rugby Australia and New Zealand Rugby pay for the standard economy fares, while World Rugby funds the difference to ensure the players travel with greater comfort. This upgraded travel arrangement aims to enhance player recovery and readiness ahead of competition, addressing the physical demands of long-haul flights. Wallaroos captain Caitlin Chancellor described this support as "a huge statement" that shows recognition of the team’s professional status and helps foster a positive environment for the athletes. New Zealand’s Black Ferns have received similar arrangements, underlining a broader commitment to equitable treatment and welfare improvements for elite women’s rugby teams traveling internationally.
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QUICK TAKES
- Australia has officially handed over 12 up-armoured LandCruisers to the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF)to enhance its operational capability in responding to domestic security challenges. These lightweight armoured vehicles provide PNGDF personnel increased protection and mobility across Papua New Guinea's diverse terrain. The handover was announced by Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, alongside PNG's Minister for Defence, Dr. Billy Joseph, at Murray Barracks in Port Moresby, where Australia's government also funded the refurbishment of the Sergeant’s Mess to accommodate 82 Senior Non-Commissioned Officers. This delivery is part of ongoing defence cooperation reinforcing the PNG-Australia security partnership and improving PNGDF’s capacity for rapid and secure response operations.
- The Tasmanian Government has announced it will phase out greyhound racing by 2029, citing growing concerns about animal welfare and declining public interest in the sport. This decision follows years of controversy and reports highlighting the industry's financial unsustainability and welfare issues, including the use of taxpayer funding totaling approximately $6 million annually. The move comes after significant public opposition, a record-breaking parliamentary e-petition, and calls from veterinary professionals and animal welfare groups to end government subsidies for greyhound racing. The government aims to allow an orderly transition by ending subsidies when the current funding agreement expires, while supporting the redeployment of industry participants and ensuring dogs are rehomed.
- The Solomon Islands government is moving to raise the legal marriage age from 15 to 18 years as part of a review of the Islanders' Marriage and Divorce Act 1945. Currently, individuals can marry at 15 with parental consent, and customary law allows marriage with no minimum age, contributing to rates where 21% of girls and 4% of boys marry before 18, and 6% of girls marry before 15. The proposed change aims to align the marriage age with other legal standards like voting age and international human rights commitments, including obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. The government also faces challenges in implementing the reform due to customary practices and enforcement in rural areas, but has introduced penalties under bylaws such as the Koleasi Community Bylaw, which prohibits marriage under 18 with fines for breaches. The reform seeks to reduce child marriage-related risks including domestic violence, disrupted education, and economic hardship for young people in the Solomon Islands.
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REGIONAL EVENTS
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Join the Kiwa Initiative at World Water Week 2025 for a session on Integrated Watershed Management for Climate-Resilient Public Health and Ecosystems!
Tuesday, 26 August – 9:00 AM (Stockholm) / 7:00 PM (Suva) / 5:00 PM (Melbourne, Port Moresby) / 2:00 PM (Bangkok, Jakarta) – Free online access
Session highlights:
- Concrete examples from Pacific Islands on implementing integrated watershed management
- Decision-support tools to map risks and guide actions
- Innovative financing mechanisms to sustain nature-based solutions
- An interactive panel bringing together experts in health, water, environment, and climate
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NZ Boat Fish & Dive Expo 2025
August 30-31, 2025 (Saturday 9am - Sunday 4pm)
Where: Mystery Creek Event Centre, 125 Mystery Creek Road, Hamilton, New Zealand
Cost: Free entry (Public event)
The popular NZ Boat Fish & Dive Expo returns for 2025 with organizers promising it will be "much much bigger and better" than previous years. With an overwhelming number of exhibitors already signed up to support the event, attendees can expect an awesome weekend showcasing the latest in boating, fishing, and diving gear and services. The expo promises lots of new features and exciting announcements leading up to the event. Perfect for marine enthusiasts, families, and anyone interested in New Zealand's boating and fishing culture.
More information on Facebook
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Redcliffe KiteFest 2025
Celebrate community and the joy of flight at this iconic free festival in Moreton Bay!
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Redcliffe KiteFest
returns to its roots this year with a vibrant celebration for all ages. Families and kite enthusiasts are invited to Pelican Park, Clontarf, to experience two full days of sky-high fun, delicious food trucks, and creative activities. Marvel at a spectacular display of giant kites, join in the public fly zone, and let the kids unleash their imagination at hands-on kite-making workshops. With plenty of open space for picnics and sky-watching, it’s a perfect way to welcome spring and the spirit of togetherness.
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Event Details:
| Details |
Information |
| Dates |
Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 September 2025 |
| Time |
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
| Location |
Pelican Park, Hornibrook Esplanade, Clontarf, Redcliffe, QLD 4019 |
| Cost |
Free |
| Region |
Moreton Bay City |
| Contact |
(07) 3897 4999 |
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No booking required—just bring your kite and your sense of wonder! For more information, visit the official Redcliffe KiteFest page.
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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.
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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.
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For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the American Citizen Services directly via the provided email or phone number 49 99 19 99. Don’t miss this opportunity to complete essential documentation conveniently on the island.
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FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
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NZ Film Industry Development Funding
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The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC)
is offering Industry Development Funding to support New Zealand screen sector organisations, companies, or collectives in delivering programmes that develop craft and practice within the film industry.
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Key Details:
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Purpose: To foster skill development, project initiatives, and talent within the New Zealand film sector.
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Eligibility: Open to New Zealand-based screen organisations, companies, or collectives registered in New Zealand.
Funding Strands:
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Strand 2 (up to $30,000): Applications opened on Monday, July 14, 2025 and remain open until June 30, 2026, or until funds are exhausted.
How to Apply: Applications are submitted via the NZFC's online application portal.
For full details on application criteria and guidelines, please visit the official NZFC website:
Industry Development Funding.
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