Know what’s happening across Oceania—before your coffee’s cold.
OCEANIA MARKETS
S&P/ASX 200
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8,590.70
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+0.02%
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S&P/NZX 50 Index Gross
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12,859.02
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+0.74%
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SPX STRI Fiji
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9259.40
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0.00%
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ASX 200 and NZX 50 Data Provided By:
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*Market index data sourced from official exchange publications and financial data aggregators. ASX and NZX data reflect end-of-day figures from the Australian and New Zealand stock exchanges respectively. SPX (South Pacific Stock Exchange) figures reflect the most recent published data. Note: NZX and SPX figures include dividends (total return), while the ASX figure reflects share price movement only.
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REGIONAL NEWS
New Zealand First’s Cash Transactions Protection Bill aims to preserve the right to pay with cash for purchases up to $500, ensuring accessibility and privacy in an increasingly digital economy. Photo Credit: RBNZ
New Zealand First Introduces Bill to Protect Cash Payments
New Zealand First has introduced the Cash Transactions Protection Bill aimed at safeguarding the ability of New Zealanders to use cash as a payment method amid the country’s growing shift towards digital transactions. The Bill mandates that vendors must accept cash payments for goods valued up to $500, ensuring that cash remains a private, accessible, and reliable option for everyday purchases. This legislation responds to concerns that vulnerable groups—such as the elderly, rural residents, and low-income earners—may face barriers to digital banking and risk being excluded from the economy if cash usage declines.
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Winston Peters, leader of New Zealand First, emphasized that cash is not only a tool for convenience but also a matter of personal privacy and sovereignty over the nation’s monetary system. By preserving cash transactions, the Bill aims to uphold consumer choice and protect individuals from the risks associated with a digital-only payment landscape, including privacy breaches and technological failures. The Bill also requires businesses to maintain sufficient cash infrastructure to support cash circulation, reinforcing the importance of cash in everyday commerce.
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Recent recalls include baby sleepsuits sold at Best&Less, Anker power banks with fire risks, and Picnic Point Farm’s raspberry jam due to contamination concerns—consumers are urged to check and return affected products immediately.
Important Product Recalls: Baby Sleepsuits, Power Banks, and Raspberry Jam
A range of baby sleepsuits sold at Best&Less has been recalled due to serious safety risks. The recalled velour sleeveless sleepbags, sold between May 22 and June 18, 2025, do not meet mandatory safety standards and pose a risk of serious injury or death to infants. Parents who purchased these items with SKUs 1717053 through 1717058 are urged to stop using them immediately and return them to the retailer for a full refund or replacement.
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In technology news, Anker power banks have been recalled after safety watchdogs warned they could catch fire. The recall affects specific models identified as posing a fire hazard due to battery defects that may lead to overheating or combustion. Consumers who own the affected Anker power banks should discontinue use immediately and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for return or disposal.
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Picnic Point Farm has also issued a recall for its Orchard Fresh Raspberry Jam (280g) due to potential contamination risk from the presence of foreign matter (metal) which may cause illness/injury if consumed. Consumers are advised not to consume the product and to return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Food safety authorities emphasize the importance of recalls like this in protecting public health by preventing exposure to contaminated food products. Shoppers should always check product labels and recall notices to ensure the safety of their food purchases. |
PRESENTED BY VONU STUDIOS
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.
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Pawpaw Kids TV offers a Pacific blend of entertainment and learning, making it a valuable resource for children to explore the rich cultures and natural wonders of the Oceania region. Simply scan the QR code to visit the Pawpaw Kids TV YouTube channel or click this link: YouTube Link: Pawpaw Kids TV
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A newly discovered “Darth Vader” dwarfgoby, Eviota vader, in Papua New Guinea’s volcanic fjords, displaying its striking purplish-black coloration and large yellow eyes. Photo credit: M.V. Erdmann
New “Darth Vader” Goby Discovered in Papua New Guinea
A striking new species of dwarfgoby, named Eviota vader
, has been discovered in the volcanic fjords of Papua New Guinea’s Tufi region. The tiny fish—measuring just under half an inch—was found perched atop a coral outcrop at a depth of about 13 feet in McLaren Fjord. Its most distinctive feature is its deep purplish-black coloration, a trait not seen in any of the 134 previously known dwarfgoby species. The fish’s large yellow eyes and unique coloring inspired its name, referencing the iconic “Star Wars” villain Darth Vader.
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Researchers described only a single specimen, which was found living in a small burrow at the top of a large coral bommie. The scientific team, led by David W. Greenfield, Mark V. Erdmann, and Nesha K. Ishida, emphasized that Eviota vader stands out among its relatives for its overall dark appearance, setting it apart from the typically more colorful and patterned dwarfgobies. No additional individuals were found during the survey, highlighting the rarity—or perhaps the elusive nature—of this new species.
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Cook Islands Superannuation Fund Under Fire: Members Challenge Pension-Only Withdrawal Model
The Cook Islands National Superannuation Fund (CINSF) is facing mounting criticism from members who expected full access to their retirement savings, only to discover they can withdraw just 25 percent as a lump sum at age 60. The remainder must be taken as a monthly pension for life, a policy that has been in place since the fund's establishment in 2000. Chief Executive Damien Beddoes has defended the system, emphasizing that the fund was always designed as a pension scheme, not a savings account, with parliamentary records showing it was intended to replace the government pension. However, many members claim they were misled about the withdrawal conditions when the scheme was introduced, creating a disconnect between public expectations and the fund's actual structure.
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The controversy has intensified as members struggle with inadequate pension payments that fail to meet basic living costs. One anonymous pensioner told local media he receives just $197 fortnightly from his superannuation pension, forcing him to return to work in retirement. The fund's current pension rate of $63 per $1,000 of balance means even substantial savings translate to modest monthly payments, with many retirees relying on the separate government pension for survival. The fund has recently surpassed $300 million in total market value, yet this growth hasn't translated to sufficient income for retirees facing inflation pressures and rising living costs in the Cook Islands.
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The dispute highlights broader issues of financial literacy and communication that plague the Cook Islands' retirement system. Beddoes attributes much of the confusion to poor financial understanding among the population, stating that "the biggest issue you are seeing in these questions and responses is because we do not have a financial literacy programme in the Cook Islands" and that "our people do not understand money and how to manage it." While the fund conducts up to 100 consultations annually, the ongoing member frustration suggests communication gaps persist. The timing of this controversy is particularly significant as Australia and the Cook Islands recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding allowing superannuation portability between the two countries, potentially offering Cook Islanders more retirement options while highlighting the limitations of the current domestic system.
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NSW government's fare-free travel initiative offers free public transport across the rail network as compensation for recent service disruptions. The two-day period on July 31 and August 1 waives all Opal charges for more than a million passengers using Sydney Trains, Metro, and NSW TrainLink services. Photo credit: 9 News/Oscar Colman
Sydney Offers Free Train Travel as Compensation Strategy Following Network Disruptions
NSW commuters are experiencing an unprecedented period of free public transport as the state government implements a goodwill gesture following significant rail network disruptions. More than a million metro and regional train passengers across NSW will travel free for two days on Thursday 31 July and Friday 1 August, with the government encouraging people to use the network while supporting local businesses. This latest fare-free initiative follows similar compensation measures implemented earlier this year, including free travel across train and Metro services on Monday 26 May after electrical issues caused widespread outages that resulted in delays of over 90 minutes on some routes and complete cancellations.
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The fare-free periods represent a significant financial commitment from the NSW government, particularly given the scale of Sydney's rail network usage. The 48-hour fare-free period runs from 12:01 AM on Thursday, July 31, 2025, to 11:59 PM on Friday, August 1, 2025, with Opal charges completely waived across all train and metro services. During these periods, no one will need to "tap-on, tap-off" as Premier Chris Minns has promised these gestures to compensate for service disruptions. The initiative covers all major rail services including Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink, Airport Link and Metro, demonstrating the government's commitment to rebuilding public confidence in the transport network.
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These compensation measures come at a time when public transport fares have been increasing, with Opal prices rising by an average of 3.6 per cent in line with CPI from July 1, though the weekly travel cap of $50 for adults and $25 for children remains unchanged. The free travel days serve multiple purposes beyond compensation—they encourage network usage, support local businesses, and provide practical relief to commuters who have experienced significant inconvenience. The state government already subsidises around 80% of every trip on buses, trains and ferries, making these 100% free periods a natural extension of existing public transport policy.
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PRESENTED BY VONU STUDIOS
Children's Book: 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!
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Australian opal cutter Justin Thomas displays one of two rare black opals featuring the coveted harlequin pattern, discovered in rough stones from Lightning Ridge, NSW. The exceptional gems, worth $46,000 each, represent a one-in-10,000 find from the world's only source of black opal. Photo Credit: Black Opal Direct
Lightning Ridge Strikes Gold: $92,000 Opal Discovery Showcases Australia's Gemstone Heritage
In the remote outback town of Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, a Gold Coast father has struck gemstone gold with a discovery that epitomizes both the risks and rewards of Australia's opal industry. Justin Thomas, a third-generation opal cutter following in his German immigrant father's footsteps, recently transformed a $9,000 parcel of rough stones into two exceptional black opals worth $46,000 each.
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What makes Thomas's find extraordinary is the presence of the coveted harlequin pattern—a geometric arrangement of color patches that occurs in just one in 10,000 stones. Black opals with this pattern can command between $5,000 to $30,000 per carat, making them among the most expensive gemstones in the world. Opal miners at Lightning Ridge must shift over a tonne of dirt on average to find one single opal, and to find a harlequin pattern opal, thousands of tonnes of material must be processed. The rarity is further emphasized by the fact that only 10 percent of opal in any given parcel can actually be cut into sellable gems.
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The Australian opal industry, which produces 95% of the world's commercial gem-quality opals, faces ongoing challenges with supply shortages and increasing amateur participation driving up rough stone prices. Thomas's YouTube documentation of the cutting process—from nervous anticipation to the revelation of the stunning harlequin patterns—offers a rare glimpse into an industry built on equal parts skill, patience, and luck. His advice to newcomers reflects the industry's high-stakes nature: start with inexpensive stones and learn the craft before risking significant investment.
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SPOTLIGHT
The Eat Pacific cookbook, edited by acclaimed chef Robert Oliver, has been awarded Best South Pacific Book in the World 2024 at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards. The cookbook features 139 traditional recipes from 11 Pacific nations and promotes food sovereignty as a pathway to better health outcomes across the region. Photo Credit: Facebook / Pacific Island Food Revolution
Pacific Culinary Heritage Takes Global Stage: Eat Pacific Cookbook Wins Prestigious International Award
The Pacific region has achieved a remarkable milestone in culinary recognition, with the Eat Pacific cookbook winning the coveted Best South Pacific Book in the World 2024 at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards. This international competition, which evaluates food and wine books from 221 countries and regions, recognized the cookbook's exceptional contribution to showcasing Pacific culinary heritage. Edited by acclaimed chef Robert Oliver—a New Zealand-born chef raised in Fiji and Samoa—the book brings together 139 recipes from 11 Pacific nations, spanning from Fiji to Tuvalu and beyond. The Gourmand jury praised Oliver for "brilliantly capturing the vibrant flavours and rich culinary heritage of the Pacific," noting his work's championship of local food sovereignty, health, and sustainability.
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Born from the popular television series Pacific Island Food Revolution, the cookbook represents far more than a collection of recipes—it embodies a movement toward food sovereignty and health transformation across the Pacific. The initiative emerged from Oliver's deep concern about the region's world-leading obesity rates and the crisis of non-communicable diseases that Pacific countries officially declared in 2011. His philosophy centers on the belief that traditional Pacific food cultures hold the key to better diets, economic sustainability, and combating diseases such as diabetes and obesity. As Oliver explains, "your culture is your cure," positioning indigenous cuisine as both a source of identity and a pathway to better health outcomes for Pacific communities.
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The cookbook's success reflects a collaborative regional effort involving Pacific leaders, food experts, and communities, with support from major international partners including The Asia Foundation, Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Notable contributors include Her Royal Highness Princess Salote Pilolevu Tuita of Tonga
and Academy Award-winning actress Marisa Tomei, demonstrating the project's broad appeal and cultural significance. The recognition comes at a crucial time when Pacific nations are working to revive local food knowledge and combat the health challenges associated with dietary westernization. Through its "edu-tainment" approach combining reality TV, radio, and social media, the Pacific Island Food Revolution continues to inspire communities across the region to embrace their culinary heritage as a foundation for health, economic development, and cultural preservation.
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SPORTS
Young Pacific Athletes Making Waves on the International Sports Stage
Lauren makes history as Fiji’s first Youth International Aerobic Gymnastics athlete heading to the 2025 World Cup in Tokyo, while sisters Nikau and Arahina Black prepare to represent New Zealand at the US Kids Golf World Championships in Pinehurst.
Two inspiring stories of young athletes from the Pacific region are capturing attention as they prepare to compete on the world stage, showcasing talent, dedication, and the growing presence of Pacific youth in international sports.
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Lauren, a trailblazer in Aerobic Gymnastics from Fiji, has made history as the country’s first Youth International AER athlete. Following her standout performance at the 2024 Australian National Clubs Carnival, she earned selection to represent Fiji at the upcoming Aerobic Gymnastics World Cup in Tokyo, Japan, scheduled for next year. Her journey was supported by Deborah Greenbaum, an International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) brevet 1 judge and Australian national AER Youth coach, who has been instrumental in developing Aerobic Gymnastics in Fiji through visits in 2024 and 2025. The Fiji Gymnastics Federation, alongside the Fiji National Sports Commission and Oceania Gymnastics Union, continue to back this growing sport, celebrating Lauren’s achievement as a milestone for the nation’s gymnastics community.
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Meanwhile, from New Zealand’s Ruatoki region, sisters Nikau and Arahina Black are gearing up to represent Aotearoa at the US Kids Golf World Championships in Pinehurst. With Nikau showcasing impressive skill and cool confidence and her younger sister Arahina, just seven years old, following closely behind, the duo exemplifies the power of family support and determination. Coached by their father, the sisters carry the hopes of their community as they bring their passion and talent to one of the world’s premier junior golf tournaments.
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These young athletes’ journeys reflect the vibrant sporting culture emerging from the Pacific and New Zealand, where grassroots support and international exposure are opening doors for youth to compete and excel globally. Their achievements are not only personal triumphs but also symbols of growing regional pride and the potential of Pacific sports on the world stage.
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REGIONAL EVENTS
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Pacific Mini Games 2025
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Details |
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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Closing Ceremony |
Wednesday, 9 July 2025 |
Koror, Palau |
Final event including medal celebrations and cultural performances. |
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QUICK TAKES
- While Australia grapples with a chronic personnel shortage in its Defence Force, New Zealand has taken a firm stance against recruiting from Pacific nations to bolster its own military ranks. The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) officially stated that it "has not and is not considering deliberate recruiting action from across the Pacific," following an Official Information Act request that revealed no correspondence exists on the topic. This position stands in stark contrast to Australia's evolving recruitment strategy, where the Australian Defence Force faces a shortage of 5,000 personnel and has already begun expanding eligibility to non-citizens, including New Zealanders from July 2024 and permanent residents from the UK, US, and Canada from January 2025.
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