🦀☕Today in Oceania - Wed 30th July 25

Published 11 days ago • 11 min read

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

TODAY IN OCEANIA


📖 Today is Paperback Book Day
Today honors the day Penguin released the first true paperbacks in 1935. It’s a celebration of affordable, portable books that opened literature to everyone—making reading a delight you can carry with you wherever you go. Celebrate today by curling up with your favorite paperback and a hot beverage ☕ or glass of wine.🍷

OCEANIA MARKETS

S&P/ASX 200 8,704.60
+0.08%
S&P/NZX 50 Index Gross 12,936.41
+0.20%
SPX STRI Fiji 9238.60
0.00％
ASX 200 and NZX 50 Data Provided By: Morning Brew
*Market index data sourced from official exchange publications and financial data aggregators. ASX and NZX data reflect end-of-day figures from the Australian and New Zealand stock exchanges respectively. SPX (South Pacific Stock Exchange) figures reflect the most recent published data. Note: NZX and SPX figures include dividends (total return), while the ASX figure reflects share price movement only.

REGIONAL NEWS

A woman sits at the Speaker’s chair inside a parliamentary chamber, positioned between two computer monitors. The background features wooden paneling with a decorative gold emblem above her.

Labor MP's groundbreaking moment sends powerful message to young Indigenous Australians. Photo Credit: Belinda Hogg

Historic Moment as Marion Scrymgour Becomes First Indigenous Person to Chair House of Representatives

Labor MP Marion Scrymgour made history this week by becoming the first Aboriginal person to chair the House of Representatives Chamber as a member of the Speaker's Panel. The Tiwi and Anmatjere woman, who represents the Northern Territory seat of Lingiari, described it as "a huge moment for the Parliament" but emphasized it was "more importantly, a message to young Aboriginal people back home in the NT." The milestone represents a significant breakthrough in Indigenous representation at the highest levels of Australian government.

Scrymgour's personal journey adds profound meaning to this achievement, as she revealed that her father was a Stolen Generations man who was "forcibly removed from his family by the Parliament I sit in today." Having grown up as one of 11 siblings in a working-class family in Darwin, she has now reached one of the most prestigious positions in federal parliament. Her appointment to the Speaker's Panel builds on her extensive political experience, including previous roles as deputy speaker and deputy chief minister in the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly, making her one of the most senior Indigenous politicians in Australian history.
A well-preserved ancient canoe, dark and weathered, is displayed in a white support cradle with blue straps in a controlled environment. The canoe’s hull is lined with large holes and internal supports, indicating its historic craftsmanship and maritime use.

700-year-old Anaweka waka will be displayed in purpose-built museum next to Golden Bay Museum. Photo credit: LDR/Max Frethey

Ancient Waka to Find Permanent Home in Tākaka After 13-Year Wait

After more than a decade of preservation work, New Zealand's "most significant archaeological find" is finally set to be displayed to the public in a purpose-built museum in Tākaka. The 700-year-old Anaweka waka, discovered by a family on a picnic on Golden Bay's west coast 13 years ago, has spent most of that time submerged in a preservation solution in a shed, hidden from public view. The 6-metre fragment represents what would have been a much larger, double-hulled ocean-going vessel, making it only the second Polynesian voyaging canoe known to have survived into the modern day.

Local iwi (tribes) representing Manawhenua ki Mohua—Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Rārua, and Ngāti Tama—along with Ngāti Kuia have collaborated with Tasman District Council to secure a location for the wharewaka (waka house) adjacent to the existing Golden Bay Museum. The facility will do more than simply display the ancient vessel; it will serve as a comprehensive cultural center showcasing Māori maritime history, celestial navigation techniques, and traditional waka-building knowledge. "More than just a waka sitting there, there's going to be an opportunity to tell stories, to see other artifacts, to hear the history of voyaging," explained Ngāti Tama ki Te Waipounamu Trust chair Butch Little.

While the council has agreed to the location in principle, the project still requires community consultation, detailed design work, and significant fundraising before construction can begin. Once complete, the museum will provide a fitting home for what many consider the most important archaeological discovery in New Zealand's history.

Widespread Opposition in Palau to Raising Retirement Age

Palauans from all walks of life are voicing strong opposition to a proposed increase in the national retirement age from 60 to 65, a measure included within the fiscal year 2026 budget to address looming insolvency in the Social Security Fund. Opponents, spanning older workers close to retirement and younger job seekers alike, cite concerns that many people face serious health issues before 65, and stress that extending the work period will reduce opportunities for younger generations to enter the workforce or move up in their careers.

Healthcare professionals and soon-to-be retirees highlight the physical and mental strain of their jobs, pointing out that already by their late 50s, many experience conditions that make continued employment challenging and may even jeopardize patient safety. They argue that people should be allowed to enjoy their retirement years rather than being forced to work longer, and many are frustrated that retirement plans long in the making would be upended by the change.

With the proposal headed to Palau’s National Congress for review later this year, public sentiment is expected to play a key role in shaping the legislative decision. Many citizens urge lawmakers to keep the retirement age at 60 to ensure both the well-being of older adults and the economic mobility of the younger generation.

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 bush stone-curlew, a tall bird with long legs and striking yellow eyes, stands on a forest floor covered in dry leaves. Its brown and white streaked plumage helps it blend with the woodland surroundings of fallen logs and dappled sunlight.

Conservation success hinges on drivers slowing down to protect reintroduced species. Photo credit: The Phillip Island and San Remo Advertiser

Rare Birds Return to Philip Island After 50 Years—But Face New Threats

For the first time in nearly five decades, the haunting calls of bush stone-curlews are echoing across Victoria's Philip Island once again. Scientists have successfully reintroduced 22 of these critically endangered birds through a landmark conservation program, marking a significant milestone in Australian wildlife recovery efforts. The nocturnal, ground-dwelling birds with their distinctive yellow eyes had been functionally extinct on the island since the 1970s, victims of introduced fox predation that devastated their population.

The conservation triumph comes with a sobering reality check. While the project boasts a 75 percent survival rate, vehicle strikes have emerged as the primary threat to the reintroduced population. Cars are now recognized as the "number one cause of mortality" to the birds, with several fatalities already recorded in recent months. The captive-bred birds may not instinctively recognize vehicles as threats, making them particularly vulnerable to collisions, especially during their active nighttime hours.

Researchers plan to release up to 60 birds over the next three years in hopes of establishing a self-sustaining population that could serve as a model for other endangered species recovery programs. The project's success now depends largely on community cooperation, with conservation scientist Paula Wasiak urging drivers to slow down, particularly at night, and report any wildlife sightings or collisions.
A close-up, high-angle shot shows the underside of a black widow spider with its distinctive red hourglass marking clearly visible on its abdomen. The spider is positioned in the center of the frame, lying on its back, revealing its dark legs and body against a blurry, light-colored background that appears to be a reflective or glass surface with some scuff marks.

Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency intercepts dangerous spider aboard vessel, raising invasive species concerns. Photo credit: Anne Gilliland

Venomous Black Widow Spider Found in Guam Port Cargo

On July 15, 2025, Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency identified a venomous black widow spider aboard a vessel carrying cargo from Hawaii at the Jose D. Leon Guerrero Commercial Port. The discovery included a second species, a juvenile orb weaver, found on an open flat rack, increasing concerns about invasion pathways. The vessel was treated on-site, and cargo unloading was delayed until adequate biosecurity measures were determined.
A wide-angle underwater shot captures a large, light blue or whitish stingray partially buried in the sandy and rocky seabed. The stingray's flattened body is visible, with its eyes and spiracles (breathing holes) discernible on its dorsal side, along with some darker spots. The water around the stingray is murky with stirred-up sediment, giving the scene a soft, diffused blue hue. The ocean floor stretches into the background, showing various rocks and patches of sand.

University of the South Pacific researchers identify Fiji’s endemic maskray, highlighting urgent conservation needs. Photo Credit: Oceanographic

New Blue-Spotted Maskray Species Discovered in Fiji

Researchers at the University of the South Pacific (USP), under the Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) program, have formally identified a new species of blue-spotted maskray found only in Fijian waters, named Neotrygon romeoi. Led by Dr. Kerstin Glaus, this species had long been mistaken for others but was distinguished through detailed morphological analysis and DNA barcoding. The Fiji maskray is characterized by a broad angular snout, a row of thorn-like spines along its tail, a brown back with dark mask-like markings across its eyes, and scattered black spots. Nine specimens were collected from Viti Levu, primarily from local fish markets, with none killed specifically for this study. Given its limited range and high catch rates in Fiji’s small-scale fisheries, researchers urge its inclusion under Fiji’s Endangered and Protected Species Act to regulate trade and ensure sustainable management of this unique marine species.

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 dramatic wide shot captures a volcanic caldera with an active lava flow and plumes of smoke. The foreground shows a large expanse of dark, solidified lava, with fissures revealing bright orange and red molten lava glowing beneath the surface. Multiple streams of white and grey smoke rise from various points on the lava field, obscuring parts of the view. The background features steep, rugged caldera walls in shades of brown and grey, topped by a distant, hazy horizon of hills under a light sky.

While Kīlauea's lava fountains captivate visitors, researchers focus on volcanic gas emissions impacting health and environment. Photo credit: K. Mulliken/USGS

Scientists Monitor Gas Emissions Amid Kīlauea's Latest Lava Activity

Kīlauea volcano briefly erupted in July 2025, releasing nearly 2 billion gallons of lava across the Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor, but alongside the lava, it emitted significant quantities of volcanic gases—primarily water vapor, sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and carbon dioxide (CO₂). The current gas emissions produce a sulfur dioxide to carbon dioxide ratio of about 3:1, with daily SO₂ emissions ranging between 50,000 and 100,000 tons. These emissions contribute to vog (volcanic smog), which can cause respiratory issues and eye irritation for Hawaiʻi residents and visitors. Acid rain resulting from sulfur dioxide interaction with atmospheric moisture poses additional risks to vegetation and infrastructure. While volcanic carbon dioxide output is substantial, it remains far lower than human-generated emissions globally. Scientists continue to monitor these gas levels closely, as the eruption episodes pause and resume intermittently, to better understand their local environmental and health impacts.
A product shot of a YoCrunch M&M's Vanilla Lowfat Yogurt two-pack. The brown cardboard sleeve features the YoCrunch logo in white, with colorful M&M's scattered across it. Two clear plastic cups of yogurt are visible at the top, each with a clear lid containing a separate compartment filled with milk chocolate M&M's for mixing into the yogurt. An oversized blue M&M candy is prominently displayed on the front, with 'm' printed in white on it. The background is a dark, possibly countertop, surface.

Voluntary recall of all YoCrunch yogurt varieties follows reports of plastic pieces in dome toppers, raising choking hazard concerns. Photo Credit: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

More YoCrunch Products Removed from Guam Shelves Amid Plastic Contamination Recall

Guam retailers have pulled additional YoCrunch yogurt products from shelves following a nationwide voluntary recall initiated by Danone U.S. due to the potential presence of sharp, transparent plastic fragments in the products' separately packaged dome toppers. This safety issue, which does not affect the yogurt itself, was first reported after consumers found plastic pieces ranging from 7 to 25 mm long that could pose choking risks. The recall covers all flavors and sizes of YoCrunch yogurts with expiration dates from early July through early September 2025. Local health authorities confirmed affected batches were sold at stores in Barrigada and Tamuning. Danone is actively working with retailers to remove impacted inventory and encourages customers who have purchased these products not to consume them and to contact their Consumer Care Line for refund information.

SPOTLIGHT

Community Feedback Invited on Hawaii’s 2045 Transportation Decarbonization Plan

A full-length, slightly angled shot of a white city bus, operated by TheBus City and County of Honolulu, parked in front of a light-colored building with large windows and an arched entryway. The bus has POWER UP, HONOLULU! and IT'S ELECTRIC written on its side. Its rear half features a graphic design of yellow and brown patterns, resembling a floral or leaf motif. The front door of the bus is open, and a person is visible near the entrance. A ramp for accessibility is deployed from the bus.

Hawai‘i seeks public input on a bold roadmap to achieve net-zero transportation emissions by 2045. Photo credit: Hawaii News Now

Community Feedback Invited on Hawaii’s 2045 Transportation Decarbonization Plan

Hawai‘i’s Department of Transportation (HDOT) has released its first statewide Energy Security and Waste Reduction Plan, targeting a 50% reduction in transportation emissions from 2005 levels by 2030 and net-negative emissions by 2045. The plan outlines strategies including expanding electric vehicle incentives, investing in pedestrian, bicycle, and public transit infrastructure, and enhancing carbon sequestration through native reforestation.

It aims to create a cleaner, safer, and more affordable transportation system while meeting ambitious climate laws and addressing concerns over environmental and social equity. Public feedback is crucial as HDOT refines the plan—comments can be submitted online or at upcoming community hearings, with the goal of ensuring broad community involvement in this transformative effort to reshape Hawai‘i’s transportation future.

This decarbonization initiative follows a 2024 settlement between HDOT and youth climate activists demanding stronger action on transportation emissions, the largest polluting sector in the state. The plan also responds to concerns about potential cost impacts on residents, emphasizing the need for a just transition that supports all communities, especially those in rural areas.

By integrating cleaner fuels, expanding multi-modal transit options, and fostering equitable policies, Hawai‘i aims to lead in sustainable transportation and maintain its environmental and cultural heritage amid escalating climate challenges. Public input will help shape the final roadmap to a zero-emission transportation system by mid-century.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

  1. NZ Film Industry Development Funding

    The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) is offering Industry Development Funding to support New Zealand screen sector organisations, companies, or collectives in delivering programmes that develop craft and practice within the film industry.

    Key Details:

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

    Funding Strands:

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

    • Strand 2 (up to $30,000): Applications opened on Monday, July 14, 2025 and remain open until June 30, 2026, or until funds are exhausted.

    How to Apply: Applications are submitted via the NZFC's online application portal. For full details on application criteria and guidelines, please visit the official NZFC website: Industry Development Funding.

REGIONAL EVENTS

  1. Redcliffe KiteFest 2025

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

    Redcliffe KiteFest returns to its roots this year with a vibrant celebration for all ages. Families and kite enthusiasts are invited to Pelican Park, Clontarf, to experience two full days of sky-high fun, delicious food trucks, and creative activities. Marvel at a spectacular display of giant kites, join in the public fly zone, and let the kids unleash their imagination at hands-on kite-making workshops. With plenty of open space for picnics and sky-watching, it’s a perfect way to welcome spring and the spirit of togetherness.

    Event Details:
    Details Information
    Dates Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 September 2025
    Time 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
    Location Pelican Park, Hornibrook Esplanade, Clontarf, Redcliffe, QLD 4019
    Cost Free
    Region Moreton Bay City
    Contact (07) 3897 4999

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

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

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

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

    For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the American Citizen Services directly via the provided email or phone number 49 99 19 99. Don’t miss this opportunity to complete essential documentation conveniently on the island.

QUICK TAKES

  • Palau is gripped by a betel nut shortage as months of heavy rainfall have drastically reduced harvests, leading to price hikes and public frustration. Locals now pay $2 for small bags of nuts, and many are pushing lawmakers to ban exports—especially to Guam, where demand and prices are higher—to protect local supplies. The crisis has also fueled thefts from farms and disagreements over who is to blame, highlighting just how essential betel nut remains to daily life and the island’s economy.

  • The Solomon Islands government has officially approved an Electronic Visa System (eVisa) to simplify visa applications and decision-making under the Immigration Act 2012, marking a significant modernization step in the country’s immigration services. Minister Trevor Hedley Mahaga signed off on the system through an Extra Ordinary Gazette in July 2025, with rollout accompanied by a national workshop introducing the new Digital Border Management System (BMS). Supported by the Australian government and involving advanced biometric technology, the system promises faster online visa processing, improved traveler identity verification, reduced wait times at ports of entry, and enhanced national security through biometric watch list matching.
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