AGP Executive Report

Climate & Fisheries: Pacific countries are rolling out a Green Climate Fund-backed Advanced Warning System to track climate-driven tuna shifts, with early findings warning skipjack may move further from Pacific EEZs into the high seas—meaning big impacts for government revenue, food security and livelihoods. Maritime Security: New Zealand Defence Force and Air Force patrols supported Operation Tui Moana and Operation Kiwa, photographing vessels of interest across Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands EEZs to deter illegal activity and serious organised crime. Niue Culture: A Niuean-Māori tattoo practitioner is returning to Niue to run a tātatau workshop aimed at documenting stories, village nuances and sacred places behind Niuean tātatau traditions. Tourism Data: Niue Tourism Office, via the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, released the 2024 International Visitor Survey, showing New Zealand as the top source market (84%) and highlighting visitor preferences to guide future strategy. Regional Support: The GEF approved new LDCF/SCCF projects including Niue, targeting flood/coastal risks, food and water security, disaster preparedness and resilient livelihoods.

Moana Pasifika future: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says there’s still a pathway to keep the Pacific Super Rugby franchise alive, after owners moved to liquidation—while new potential backers have reportedly come forward. Niue culture: A Niuean-Māori tattoo practitioner is returning to Niue to run a tātatau workshop aimed at documenting stories and traditions for future generations. Maritime security for Niue: NZDF and NZ Customs supported surveillance patrols targeting illegal activity across Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands EEZs as part of Operation Kiwa and fisheries enforcement. Pacific-led priorities: Australia and New Zealand reaffirmed support for Pacific-led regionalism, climate action and security cooperation ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ meeting in Palau. Climate resilience funding: GEF’s LDCF/SCCF approved new projects including support for Niue to reduce flood and coastal risks and strengthen food and water security.

Maritime Security: New Zealand Defence Force crews backed Cook Islands Police fisheries patrols in May, joining Te Kukupa II under Operation Tui Moana to deter illegal fishing, then later using RNZAF aircraft to photograph vessels of interest in Fiji and Niue’s Exclusive Economic Zones for follow-up. Cultural Heritage: A Niuean-Māori tattoo practitioner is returning to Niue to run a Tātatau Art Workshop aimed at documenting stories, village nuances and identity behind Niuean tātatau symbols. Pacific Regionalism: Australia and New Zealand reaffirmed support for Pacific-led regionalism, climate action and security cooperation ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau. Tourism Insights: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Niue Tourism Office shared findings from the 2024 International Visitor Survey, with New Zealand the top source market and data meant to guide Niue’s next tourism strategy. Climate Resilience Funding: GEF’s LDCF/SCCF council approved new projects including Niue, targeting flood and coastal risks, food and water security, ecosystems and disaster preparedness.

Niue Culture & Heritage: Niuean-Māori tattoo practitioner Iata Peautolu is returning to Niue this week to run a Tātatau Art Workshop, aiming to document stories, village nuances and sacred places behind a distinct Niuean tātatau style. Regional Security: Australia and New Zealand reaffirmed Pacific-led regionalism, climate action and security cooperation ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau. Maritime Surveillance: New Zealand’s RNZAF targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity in Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands’ EEZs as part of Operation Kiwa, supporting fisheries protection and organised crime disruption. Niue Tourism: The Pacific Tourism Organisation, with Niue Tourism, shared findings from the 2025 International Visitor Survey, with New Zealand the top source market for visitors. Climate Resilience Finance: GEF’s LDCF/SCCF council approved new projects including one for Niue, backing work to cut flood and coastal risks and strengthen food, water and disaster preparedness. Pacific Rugby: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders backed Kanaloa’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific voices must shape the future pathways for players.

Samoan Language Week in Niue-relevant Pacific circles: Oamaru Pacific Island Trust (OPIT) marked Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa with a community night of legends, history, screen-printing Samoan patterns, coconut “valu le popo,” and traditional food and music—highlighting the theme “E afua mai i mauga tetele manuia o le nu’u.” Regional security and fisheries: New Zealand’s RNZAF carried out maritime surveillance patrols in Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands, supporting Operation Kiwa and the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency to deter illegal activity. Climate resilience funding for Niue: GEF’s LDCF/SCCF council approved new projects for vulnerable states including Niue, with over US$67m in new resources and nearly US$218m in co-financing to cut flood/coastal risks and boost food and water security. Tourism data for Niue: SPTO and the Niue Tourism Office shared findings from the 2024 International Visitor Survey, with New Zealand the top source market (84%). Pacific rugby governance: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders backed Kanaloa’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing for Pacific-led decision-making and pathways.

Samoan Language Week: Oamaru Pacific Island Trust wrapped up Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa with a community night of legends, history, screen-printing patterns, coconut “valu le popo,” and traditional food and music. Local Culture in Action: Auckland’s Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson marked the end of the week at Manurewa Library, saying public spaces help others understand Pacific languages and heritage. Regional Security: RNZAF patrols targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity in Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands’ EEZs as part of Operation Kiwa, supporting follow-up by New Zealand Customs and partners. Food Safety for Trade: EU rules on freezer vessels are set to affect about 97% of Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU, with Fiji-based training for national authorities. Climate Resilience Funding: GEF approved new LDCF/SCCF projects including Niue, with over US$67m for flood, food and water security, and disaster preparedness. Tourism Data for Niue: SPTO and Niue Tourism shared findings from the 2024 International Visitor Survey to guide future strategy.

Samoan Language Week: Oamaru Pacific Island Trust (OPIT) wrapped up Samoan Language Week with a family-friendly night of legends, history, screen printing, coconut “valu le popo,” and traditional food, music and songs—highlighting the theme “E afua mai i mauga tetele manuia o le nu’u.” Local Culture in Action: Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson joined Pacific leaders and families at Manurewa Library to mark the end of the week, saying libraries and community spaces help others understand Pacific languages and culture. Regional Security: 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 Operation Kiwa and fisheries protection. Climate Funding for Niue: The GEF approved new LDCF/SCCF projects worth over US$67m for vulnerable countries including Niue, aiming to cut flood and coastal risks and strengthen resilience through 2030. Tourism Data for Niue: The Niue Tourism Office, with SPTO, shared findings from the 2024 International Visitor Survey, with New Zealand the top source market (84%). Pacific Rugby: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders backed Kanaloa’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific-led decision-making must be protected.

Maritime Security: RNZAF patrols targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity across the EEZs of Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands, supporting FFA fisheries work and New Zealand Customs’ Operation Kiwa, with aircraft photographing vessels for follow-up. Climate Resilience Funding: The GEF approved a new LDCF/SCCF package for vulnerable countries including Niue, with over US$67m in new support and nearly US$218m in co-financing to cut flood and coastal risks and boost food, water and disaster preparedness. Tourism Data for Niue: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Niue Tourism Office released the 2024 International Visitor Survey findings via the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, highlighting visitor preferences and key source markets. Pacific Rugby Pathways: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders backed Kanaloa’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific-led decision-making and local pathways must be protected as NZ Rugby weighs options. Niue in the Spotlight: Niuean artist Che Fu received a Lifetime Achievement award at the 2026 Aotearoa Music Awards, performing a takalo as a proud nod to his roots. Community & Culture: The Pacific Dance Festival 2026 opened in Māngere with a diverse line-up that includes Niuean artists, alongside wider Pacific representation.

Maritime Security: RNZAF patrols targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity across the EEZs of Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands as part of Operation Kiwa, supporting Pacific fisheries protection and follow-up by regional authorities. Climate Resilience Funding: The GEF approved a new LDCF/SCCF package that includes Niue, with over US$67m for flood and coastal risk reduction, food and water security, ecosystem protection and disaster preparedness, plus a strategy guiding the funds through 2030. Tourism Insights for Niue: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Niue Tourism Office released the 2024 International Visitor Survey, with New Zealand the top source market (84%) and data meant to shape Niue’s next tourism strategy. Local Conservation Finance: Niue’s Ocean Wide initiative is highlighted as a sovereign-led model turning ocean protection into long-term, predictable funding through the NOW Trust, tied to management of the full EEZ and a large no-take marine sanctuary. Sports & Community Spotlight: Niuean heritage appears in regional sport coverage, including support for Kanaloa’s Moana Pasifika bid and a Niuean-named boxer on the BX-9 card.

Pacific Culture & Identity: The Pacific Dance Festival 2026 kicks off tonight in Māngere, running for 2½ weeks across Tāmaki Makaurau and then heading north for a Matariki programme, with a “most diverse” line-up featuring Niuean artists alongside Uvean (Wallis and Futuna), Rotuman and Papua New Guinea performers. Maritime Security (Niue): RNZAF patrols targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity in the EEZs of Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands as part of Operation Kiwa, using MC-12K and P-8A aircraft to photograph vessels for follow-up by authorities. Climate Resilience (Niue): The GEF approved new LDCF/SCCF projects for vulnerable countries including Niue, with over US$67m in funding and nearly US$218m in co-financing to cut flood/coastal risks and strengthen food, water and disaster preparedness. Tourism Data (Niue): SPTO and the Niue Tourism Office released the 2024 International Visitor Survey, with New Zealand the top source market (84%) and insights meant to guide Niue’s next tourism strategy. Niue in Regional Sports: Pacific rugby unions including Niue have backed Kanaloa’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific-led decision-making and pathways must be protected. Honours: Niue-linked community recognition continues in New Zealand’s King’s Birthday Honours, including police and community leaders highlighted in coverage.

Climate Resilience Funding: The GEF’s LDCF/SCCF councils have approved a new package of projects worth over US$67m for vulnerable countries, including Niue, to cut flood and coastal risks, boost food and water security, strengthen disaster preparedness, and protect ecosystems. Maritime Security & Fisheries: RNZAF and NZ Customs supported Pacific surveillance patrols in Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands’ EEZs in May, targeting vessels suspected of illegal activity as part of Operation Kiwa and Pacific fisheries protection. Niue Tourism Data: The Pacific Tourism Organisation, with Niue Tourism, shared findings from the 2025 International Visitor Survey, highlighting visitor preferences and spending to guide Niue’s next tourism strategy. Pacific Rugby Governance: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders backed a Kanaloa bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing for Pacific-led decision-making as NZ Rugby weighs competing proposals. Niue Culture in Music: Niuean artist Che Fu was inducted into the Aotearoa Music Awards Hall of Fame, performing a takalo and celebrating his roots. Local Community & Sports: Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands reported diesel running low and power restrictions as fuel prices rise.

Maritime Security: RNZAF and NZ Customs carried out Pacific EEZ patrols in Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands in May, using an MC-12K King Air and P-8A Poseidon to photograph vessels of interest as part of Operation Kiwa and fisheries protection. Climate Resilience Finance: The GEF approved a new LDCF/SCCF work program 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, boost food and water security, and strengthen disaster preparedness. Tourism Data for Niue: SPTO and the Niue Tourism Office shared findings from the 2024 International Visitor Survey, showing New Zealand as the top source market (84% of visitors) and highlighting how the data will shape a more resilient tourism strategy. Pacific Rugby Governance: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders backed Kanaloa’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing for Pacific-led decision-making as NZ Rugby weighs competing proposals. Regional Forestry Skills: FAO supported Samoa forestry officers with hands-on training in Suva on sustainable teak and pine production to address climate and ecosystem pressures.

Moana Pasifika Future: Tonga and Cook Islands rugby leaders say Pacific rugby’s next chapter must be shaped by Pacific voices as Kanaloa Rugby pushes its takeover bid, with Niue among the unions reported to have backed the consortium; Climate Finance for Niue: The GEF’s LDCF/SCCF council approved a new package of resilience projects, including Niue, with over US$67m in funding and nearly US$218m in co-financing to cut flood and coastal risks and boost food, water and disaster preparedness; Tourism Data: Niue Tourism Office and the Pacific Tourism Organisation shared key findings from the 2025 International Visitor Survey, with New Zealand the top source market; Fisheries Protection Story: Operation Tui Moana 2026 continues across the region, highlighting Pacific officers’ roles in tackling illegal fishing; Fuel Pressure Regionally: Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands hit a diesel shortage and borrowed fuel from a police patrol boat as prices rise; Honours Spotlight: New Zealand’s King’s Birthday Honours recognised Pasifika leaders, including Niuean-linked figures in the wider Pacific community.

Rugby & Sovereignty: Tonga and Cook Islands leaders have backed Kanaloa Rugby’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, saying the franchise’s future must be shaped by Pacific voices as NZ Rugby weighs competing proposals after the club’s 2026 exit from Super Rugby Pacific. Climate Finance: The GEF has approved new LDCF/SCCF projects, including Niue, with over US$67m in fresh funding to boost resilience through flood/coastal risk reduction, food and water security, disaster preparedness and resilient livelihoods. Tourism Data: Niue Tourism, via the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, shared key findings from the 2025 International Visitor Survey, with New Zealand the top source market and older visitors forming a large share. Honours & Service: Police inspector Neru Leifi was recognised in New Zealand’s King’s Birthday Honours, and the wider Pasifika presence in the honours list highlights long-running community and public service. Local Relevance: Niue’s fisheries and ocean protection work continues to feature in regional efforts, including Operation Tui Moana 2026 and longer-term resilience financing models.

Climate Finance for Resilience: The GEF has approved more than US$67 million in new funding for vulnerable countries including Niue, with projects aimed at flood and coastal risk, plus food and water security, backed by nearly US$218 million in co-financing. Pacific Diplomacy: Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar attended the opening of Israel’s new embassy in Fiji, describing it as a “historic step” and citing new security and training agreements. Fuel Pressure in the Region: Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands has run out of diesel and is borrowing fuel from a police patrol boat, while power use is restricted as prices keep rising. Niue in Pacific Rugby: Niue’s rugby union has formally backed the Kanaloa consortium’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, as NZ Rugby declines to confirm who else is involved. Culture & Recognition: Niuean music icon Che Fu was celebrated at the Aotearoa Music Awards with a Lifetime Achievement honour, including a Niuean takalo performance. Maritime Security: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up with 61 vessel inspections and two apprehensions tied to suspected fisheries offences across the region.

Moana Pasifika Future: Tonga and Cook Islands leaders have backed the Kanaloa Rugby takeover bid, arguing Pacific rugby’s next chapter must be shaped by Pacific voices as Moana Pasifika faces financial pressure and a planned 2026 Super Rugby Pacific exit. Local Politics: New Zealand First says Niuean-Tongan commentator Elliot Ikilei will stand for the party at the general election. Fuel Relief: Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands has run down its diesel, borrowing from a police patrol boat and restricting power use while waiting for a June fuel delivery. Pacific Diplomacy: Israel opened a new embassy in Fiji, with agreements signed on national security cooperation and diplomatic training. Niue Culture in NZ: Niuean music icon Che Fu was inducted into the Aotearoa Music Hall of Fame, performing a Niuean takalo at the awards. Climate & Oceans: A Niue Ocean Wide model is highlighted as a sovereign-led way to finance long-term ocean protection and resilience through the NOW Trust.