AGP Executive Report

Pacific security & climate agenda: Australia and New Zealand reaffirmed Pacific-led regionalism, climate action and security cooperation ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau, with climate a key focus. Food systems & agribusiness: FAO reports Samoa’s Agri-Innovate Competition finale, backed by the EU under STODAS, spotlighting agrifood entrepreneurs and innovation to strengthen sustainable agriculture and food security. Fisheries protection & illegal activity: RNZAF patrols targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity in Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands EEZs as part of Operation Kiwa, supporting fisheries protection and regional security through surveillance and information-sharing. Climate resilience finance for Niue: The GEF approved new LDCF/SCCF projects for vulnerable countries including Niue, aiming to cut flood and coastal risks, improve food and water security, protect ecosystems and boost disaster preparedness. Sustainable forestry skills: FAO says Samoa forestry officers completed training in sustainable teak and pine production and management in Fiji to address climate and ecosystem pressures. Tourism data for Niue: SPTO and Niue Tourism Office released the 2024 International Visitor Survey, using visitor preferences and spending data to support more resilient, sustainable tourism planning.

Maritime Security: RNZAF patrols using MC-12K and P-8A aircraft targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity in Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands EEZs, supporting the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency and New Zealand Customs’ Operation Kiwa to deter serious organised crime and protect fisheries. Climate Resilience Finance: The GEF approved a new LDCF/SCCF work program for GEF-8, unlocking over US$67m for vulnerable countries including Niue, with aims to cut flood and coastal risks, strengthen food and water security, protect ecosystems and improve disaster preparedness. Fisheries Compliance for EU Access: EU food safety rules are set to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific freezer vessels; Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials trained on the new requirements to help keep access to the EU seafood market. Niue Tourism Data: SPTO and the Niue Tourism Office released the 2024 International Visitor Survey, highlighting visitor origins (NZ dominates), age patterns and how the findings can guide more sustainable tourism planning. Forestry & Climate Skills: FAO backed Samoa–Fiji forestry training on sustainable teak and pine production, building practical skills to close technical gaps and boost climate resilience. Pacific Media for Weather/Climate: A regional workshop will train Pacific journalists to better report weather and climate impacts, supporting community preparedness.

Maritime Security & Fisheries: RNZAF patrols using an MC-12K King Air and P-8A Poseidon targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity in Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands’ EEZs during May, supporting FFA work and New Zealand Customs’ Operation Kiwa to deter serious organised crime and protect fisheries. Climate Adaptation Finance: GEF’s LDCF/SCCF council approved a new package for vulnerable countries including Niue, with over US$67m for projects to cut flood and coastal risks, strengthen food and water security, protect ecosystems, and boost disaster preparedness. Food Safety for Sustainable Seafood: EU rules on freezer vessels are set to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels; Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained to meet the new requirements and keep EU market access. Forestry for Resilience: FAO and Fiji’s forestry ministry trained Samoa officers in sustainable teak and pine production, aiming to close technical and data gaps tied to climate and ecosystem pressures. Niue Tourism Data: SPTO and Niue Tourism Office released the 2024 International Visitor Survey, highlighting visitor preferences and how to plan more resilient, sustainable growth.

Maritime Security & Fisheries: RNZAF patrols using an MC-12K King Air and P-8A Poseidon targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity in Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands’ EEZs, supporting the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency and New Zealand Customs’ Operation Kiwa to deter transnational organised crime and protect fisheries. Climate Adaptation Finance: The GEF approved new Least Developed Countries Fund and Special Climate Change Fund projects, including Niue, with over USD 67m for flood/coastal risk reduction, food and water security, ecosystem protection and disaster preparedness, plus nearly USD 218m in co-financing. Food Safety for Ocean Trade: EU Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449 training in Suva focused on new freezer-vessel requirements expected to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU, aiming to keep market access while improving compliance. Forestry & Resilience: FAO supported Samoa forestry officers with hands-on training in sustainable teak and pine production and management in Fiji, building climate resilience through seed propagation and sustainable harvesting skills. Niue Tourism Data: SPTO and the Niue Tourism Office shared 2024 International Visitor Survey findings, highlighting visitor preferences and spending to support more resilient, sustainable tourism planning.

Maritime Security: RNZAF patrols targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity in the EEZs of Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands, supporting Operation Kiwa and fisheries protection with aircraft photography for follow-up. Food Safety & Fisheries Trade: EU officials trained Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu authorities on new EU freezer-vessel rules that could affect about 97% of Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU. Climate Resilience Finance: GEF’s LDCF/SCCF council approved new projects worth over US$67m (with nearly US$218m co-financing) for vulnerable countries including Niue, focusing on flood/coastal risk, food and water security, ecosystem protection and disaster preparedness. Niue Tourism Data: SPTO and the Niue Tourism Office released the 2024 International Visitor Survey, highlighting visitor sources (NZ 84%), age patterns and how the data will guide more resilient tourism planning. Pacific Fisheries Careers: A spotlight on Samoa’s Senior Fisheries Officer Stella Sahara Tuuau, now helping protect tuna through Operation Tui Moana 2026. Regional Rugby & Pathways: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders backed Kanaloa’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing for Pacific-led decision-making and sustainable pathways for players.

Maritime Security & Fisheries: RNZAF patrols using an MC-12K King Air and a P-8A Poseidon targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity across Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands’ EEZs, supporting the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency and New Zealand Customs’ Operation Kiwa to deter serious organised crime and protect fisheries. Climate Resilience Finance: The GEF’s LDCF/SCCF council approved a new work programme for vulnerable countries, including Niue, with over US$67m in new funding and nearly US$218m in co-financing to cut flood and coastal risks, strengthen food and water security, protect ecosystems, and boost disaster preparedness. Sustainable Forestry Capacity: FAO backed a Samoa–Fiji forestry exchange training officers in sustainable teak and pine production and management, aimed at closing technical and data gaps and building resilience to climate change and ecosystem pressures. Ocean Protection & Local Funding Models: A spotlight on Niue’s Ocean Wide (NOW) initiative describes how ocean protection is being turned into a long-term, sovereign-led financing approach via the NOW Trust, including management of 100% of Niue’s EEZ and a large no-take marine protected area. Tourism Data for Sustainability: Niue Tourism, via the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, shared findings from the 2024 International Visitor Survey to help shape more resilient, responsive tourism planning.

Maritime Security & Fisheries: RNZAF patrols using an MC-12K King Air and P-8A Poseidon targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity in the EEZs of Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands, supporting the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency and New Zealand Customs’ Operation Kiwa to deter serious organised crime and protect fisheries. Climate Resilience Finance: The GEF’s LDCF/SCCF councils approved a new work program for GEF-8, bringing over US$67m for vulnerable countries including Niue, with projects aimed at cutting flood and coastal risks, boosting food and water security, protecting ecosystems, and strengthening disaster preparedness. Sustainable Forestry Capacity: FAO backed a Samoa–Fiji forestry exchange training Samoa Forestry Division officers in sustainable teak and pine production and management, building skills to handle climate stress and ecosystem pressures. Ocean Protection & Local Stewardship: A feature highlights Niue’s Ocean Wide (NOW) model, tying ocean protection to a sovereign-led trust structure and long-term funding for conservation and resilience, including the Niue Moana Mahu Marine Protected Area. Tourism Data for Sustainability: Niue Tourism Office, via the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, shared findings from the 2024 International Visitor Survey to guide more resilient, responsive tourism planning.

Climate Finance for Resilience: The GEF’s LDCF/SCCF council has approved a new package of projects for vulnerable countries, including Niue, with over USD 67m in fresh funding and nearly USD 218m in co-financing to cut flood and coastal risks, boost food and water security, protect ecosystems, and strengthen disaster preparedness. Maritime Security & Fisheries: RNZAF and NZ Customs carried out surveillance patrols in Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands’ EEZs in May, using aircraft to photograph vessels of interest as part of efforts to deter illegal, serious and organised crime and protect fisheries. Niue Tourism Data: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Niue Tourism Office released 2024 International Visitor Survey findings, highlighting visitor preferences and spending to guide more resilient, sustainable tourism planning. Pacific Fisheries Stories: Operation Tui Moana 2026 continues to spotlight Pacific fisheries protection, including Niue-relevant regional work against IUU fishing and the people behind surveillance. Regional Forestry Capacity: FAO supported Samoa forestry officers with hands-on training in sustainable teak and pine production in Fiji, aimed at closing technical gaps and building climate resilience across Pacific ecosystems. Pacific Rugby Governance: Rugby leaders from Cook Islands and Tonga (with Niue among the unions backing Kanaloa) argue Pacific voices must shape Moana Pasifika’s future as bids grow and NZ Rugby weighs options.

Climate-resilience forestry training: FAO backed a Samoa Forestry Division team with hands-on training in Suva on sustainable teak and pine production, aiming to close seed and harvesting gaps and boost resilience to climate shocks. Maritime security for fisheries: RNZAF and NZ Customs ran patrols in Fiji, Niue and Cook Islands EEZs in May, using aircraft to photograph vessels of interest as part of efforts to deter illegal fishing and organised crime. Niue in climate finance: GEF’s LDCF/SCCF council approved a new work program for vulnerable states, including Niue, with over US$67m for flood and coastal risk reduction, food and water security, ecosystem protection and disaster preparedness. Tourism data for Niue: SPTO and Niue Tourism shared findings from the 2025 International Visitor Survey, highlighting visitor sources and preferences to support more resilient, sustainable tourism planning. Pacific fisheries stories: Profiles from Operation Tui Moana 2026 spotlight Pacific officers and community-linked protection of tuna and local livelihoods. Regional media for weather and climate: SPREP is running a Pacific media capacity push to help journalists report on weather and climate ahead of key meteorology meetings in Tonga. Moana Pasifika takeover debate: Rugby leaders from Cook Islands and Tonga (with Niue among the unions backing Kanaloa) argue for Pacific-led decision-making as the franchise’s future remains in flux.

Climate Finance for Niue: The GEF’s LDCF/SCCF council has approved a new resilience work program for vulnerable countries, including Niue, with over USD 67m in fresh funding and nearly USD 218m in co-financing aimed at cutting flood and coastal risks, boosting food and water security, protecting ecosystems, and strengthening disaster preparedness. Ocean Conservation Funding Model: A feature highlights Niue’s Niue Ocean Wide (NOW) approach, turning ocean protection into a sovereign-led, long-term financing structure via the Niue and Ocean Wide Trust, including management of 100% of Niue’s EEZ waters and a large “no-take” marine protected area. Tourism Data for Sustainable Growth: Niue Tourism Office, via the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, shared key findings from the 2024 International Visitor Survey, noting New Zealand as the top source market (84%) and using the data to guide more resilient tourism strategy. Fisheries Surveillance Stories: Profiles from Operation Tui Moana 2026 spotlight Pacific officers and fisheries staff working to combat illegal fishing and protect tuna—work directly tied to Niue’s wider ocean security priorities. Pacific Rugby Governance: Tonga and Cook Islands rugby leaders back a Pacific-led bid for Moana Pasifika’s future, with Niue among unions reported to have supported the Kanaloa takeover—while NZ Rugby keeps details close.

Pacific fisheries enforcement: Operation Tui Moana 2026 continues to mobilise Pacific officers to tackle illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing, with stories highlighting the personal stakes for crews like Fiji Navy lieutenant Ratu Meli Baivatu and Samoa’s senior fisheries officer Stella Sahara Tuuau. Climate adaptation finance: The GEF’s LDCF/SCCF council has approved a new work program for GEF-8, unlocking over US$67m for vulnerable countries including Niue, with projects aimed at flood and coastal risk reduction, food and water security, ecosystem protection, and disaster preparedness. Niue ocean conservation funding model: A feature spotlights Niue’s Niue Ocean Wide (NOW) initiative and NOW Trust, framing ocean protection as sovereign-led, long-term financing tied to law, data, and a marine protected area covering about 40% of Niue’s EEZ. Tourism data for sustainability: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Niue Tourism Office released the 2024 International Visitor Survey, using Pacific Tourism Data Initiative results to guide more resilient, strategic tourism growth for Niue. Regional governance and resilience: A council-backed push for climate resilience projects also includes a new strategy to guide LDCF/SCCF through 2030, reinforcing how adaptation priorities are being funded across small island states.

Climate Finance for Resilience: The Global Environment Facility has approved more than USD 67 million for Niue and other vulnerable countries, backed by the Least Developed Countries Fund and Special Climate Change Fund, with projects aimed at cutting flood and coastal risks and boosting food and water security. Ocean Conservation Funding Model (Niue): A new look at Niue’s Niue Ocean Wide approach highlights how ocean protection is being turned into long-term, sovereign-led financing through the Niue and Ocean Wide Trust, supporting management of the Niue Moana Mahu Marine Protected Area. Pacific Climate Reporting Capacity: SPREP is running a regional media workshop to help Pacific journalists better cover weather and climate, linking reporting skills with upcoming Pacific meteorology meetings in Tonga. Fisheries Protection Careers (Pacific): A profile of Samoa’s Senior Fisheries Officer Stella Sahara Tuuau shows how surveillance operations like OPTM26 are strengthening protection of Pacific fisheries—relevant for Niue’s own ocean stewardship. Pacific Diplomacy & Security: Fiji’s new Israel embassy opening underscores how Pacific states are deepening security and diplomatic ties, with knock-on effects for regional policy priorities.

Moana Pasifika takeover pressure: Tonga and Cook Islands rugby leaders have backed the Kanaloa consortium’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing the franchise’s future must be shaped by Pacific voices—while New Zealand Rugby still won’t confirm whether it recognises that support, as the club remains under liquidation and competing licence bids emerge. Niue-linked ocean protection finance: A new look at Niue’s Niue Ocean Wide (NOW) initiative highlights how the country is turning ocean protection into a structured, sovereign-led financing model via the Niue and Ocean Wide Trust, funding long-term conservation and resilience including the Niue Moana Mahu Marine Protected Area. Climate reporting capacity: SPREP is coordinating a regional media workshop to help Pacific journalists better cover weather and climate, feeding into Tonga meetings for meteorology and ministers. Fisheries careers and enforcement: A profile of Samoa’s Stella Sahara Tuuau shows how fisheries surveillance work under Operation Tui Moana 2026 connects livelihoods, community protection, and enforcement at sea. Tourism scrutiny: Fiji’s tourism spending is questioned in Parliament over measurable benefits to small businesses, even as officials cite participation and outcomes from the South Pacific Tourism Exchange. Pacific business and fuel relief: The ADB says it’s ready to fund Pacific fuel crisis support, with Fiji already securing major budget support.

Climate & Resilience Media: SPREP is backing a Pacific media workshop (17–18 Sept) to help journalists report on weather and climate, with selected reporters covering Tonga’s Pacific Meteorological Council meeting and ministers’ session. Niue Ocean Conservation Finance: Niue’s Niue Ocean Wide (NOW) model turns ocean protection into a sovereign-led, law-and-trust backed financing system, funding long-term conservation and resilience, including the Niue Moana Mahu no-take marine protected area. Fisheries Protection: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up after three weeks of regional surveillance against IUU fishing and other maritime crimes, with Niue among participating countries and support from Pacific Quad partners. Tourism & Data: Kiribati’s 2025 International Visitor Survey report (via SPTO’s Pacific Tourism Data Initiative) adds fresh numbers on visitor spending and satisfaction across the region, including Niue in the wider PTDI network. Pacific Travel Policy: New Zealand is cutting visa fees for Pacific visitors for 12 months, with officials expecting a modest revenue impact while aiming to deepen Pacific connections. Wildlife Tourism (Niue): A feature highlights Niue as a standout place to swim with humpback whales during the July–September migration season.

Climate & Media Resilience: SPREP is coordinating a Pacific media “Mana Master Class” to help journalists report on weather and climate, with selected reporters covering Tonga’s Pacific Meteorological Council meeting and ministers’ gathering later this September. Niue Ocean Conservation Finance: Niue’s Niue Ocean Wide (NOW) model is turning ocean protection into long-term, sovereign-led funding via the Niue and Ocean Wide Trust, backing conservation and resilience including the Niue Moana Mahu Marine Protected Area (a large no-take sanctuary covering about 40% of Niue’s EEZ). Fisheries Protection: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up after three weeks of regional surveillance against IUU fishing and other maritime crimes, with Niue among participating countries and support from Pacific Quad partners. Tourism & Visitor Data: Kiribati’s International Visitor Survey 2025 report was released by SPTO and Kiribati’s tourism authority, feeding regional planning and marketing with new visitor spending and satisfaction figures. Pacific Travel Costs: New Zealand is cutting visa fees for Pacific visitors for a 12-month period and extending multi-entry options, with officials warning of a revenue hit and pressure on immigration funding. Wildlife Tourism Spotlight: A feature highlights Niue’s humpback whale season and the island’s regulated, low-crowd diving experience. Governance & Recognition: New Zealand’s King’s Birthday Honours list includes multiple recipients across education, health, sport and community service.

Marine Conservation Finance: Niue’s Ocean Wide (NOW) initiative is turning ocean protection into a sovereign-led funding model, using the Niue and Ocean Wide Trust to support long-term conservation and resilience, including the Niue Moana Mahu Marine Protected Area covering about 40% of Niue’s EEZ. Regional Fisheries Enforcement: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up after three weeks of coordinated surveillance across Pacific waters, with Niue among participating countries, targeting illegal fishing and other maritime crimes. Tourism & Data for Small Islands: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Kiribati’s tourism authority released the Kiribati International Visitor Survey 2025, using New Zealand-funded Pacific Tourism Data Initiative work to track visitor spending and perceptions. Pacific Travel Policy: New Zealand is cutting visa fees for Pacific visitors and extending multi-entry options, but officials warn it could reduce revenue by about $1–2 million a year. Wildlife Tourism Spotlight: A feature highlights Niue’s humpback whale season and the island’s regulated, low-crowd nature tourism appeal.