AGP Executive Report

Niue Tourism: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Niue Tourism Office shared findings from the 2025 International Visitor Survey, with New Zealand the top source market (84% of visitors), followed by Australia (7%) and other Pacific Islands (4%), plus an older visitor profile (most aged 60–69). Maritime Security for Niue: RNZAF patrols targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity in the Exclusive Economic Zones of Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands during May, supporting the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency and New Zealand Customs’ Operation Kiwa to deter serious organised crime and protect fisheries. Climate Finance for Niue: The GEF approved new Least Developed Countries Fund and Special Climate Change Fund projects, including support for Niue, with over USD 67 million in new funding and nearly USD 218 million in co-financing aimed at flood/coastal risk reduction, food and water security, ecosystem protection and disaster preparedness. Regional Rugby Politics: Niue is among Pacific unions formally backing Kanaloa Rugby’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific-led decision-making and pathways for players must be protected as NZ Rugby weighs options. Honours & Service: A Niue-linked police mentor, Inspector Neru Leifi, was recognised in New Zealand’s King’s Birthday Honours, highlighting long-running Pacific community policing and training work.

Maritime Security: 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. Climate Finance for Niue: The GEF approved a new LDCF/SCCF work programme for vulnerable countries, including Niue, with over US$67m in funding and nearly US$218m in co-financing to cut flood and coastal risks, strengthen food and water security, and boost disaster preparedness. Tourism Data: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Niue Tourism Office released the 2024 International Visitor Survey findings, with New Zealand the top source market (84% of visitors) and key insights to guide Niue’s tourism strategy. Regional Fisheries Stories: Operation Tui Moana 2026 profiles highlight Pacific officers and local expertise protecting tuna and fisheries. Obituary: Sir Kenneth Keith, a major New Zealand jurist and legal reformer, has died.

Maritime Security: 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 Operation Kiwa and fisheries protection. EU Food Safety: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials trained in Suva on new EU freezer-vessel requirements that could affect about 97% of Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU. Niue Tourism Data: Niue Tourism, via the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, shared findings from the 2024 International Visitor Survey, with New Zealand the top source market (84%). Climate Resilience Funding: GEF’s LDCF/SCCF council approved a package including Niue, with over US$67m for flood/coastal risk, food and water security, ecosystems and disaster preparedness. Pacific Rugby: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders backed Kanaloa’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, pushing for Pacific-led decision-making. Fuel Pressure in the Region: Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands hit a diesel crunch, borrowing fuel from a police patrol boat and restricting power use. Niue Culture in NZ: Niue music icon Che Fu won a Lifetime Achievement award at the Aotearoa Music Awards, performing a takalo.

Maritime Security: RNZAF patrols using an MC-12K King Air and a 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 transnational organised crime and protect fisheries. Climate Resilience Finance: The GEF approved new LDCF/SCCF projects worth over US$67m for vulnerable countries including Niue, aiming to cut flood and coastal risks, strengthen food and water security, improve disaster preparedness and back resilient livelihoods through 2030. Tourism Data for Niue: The Pacific Tourism Organisation, with Niue Tourism, released the 2024 International Visitor Survey, highlighting visitor preferences and spending to guide Niue’s tourism strategy. Pacific Rugby Pathways: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders backed Kanaloa’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific-led decision-making and professional pathways must be protected as the franchise exits after 2026. Fuel Pressure in the Region: Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands ran out of diesel and is borrowing from a police patrol boat while restricting power use, as fuel prices rise again.

Maritime Security: 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. Tourism Data for Niue: The Pacific Tourism Organisation, with Niue Tourism, released the 2024 International Visitor Survey, showing New Zealand remains the top source market (84% of visitors) and highlighting what travellers want to shape Niue’s next tourism push. Climate Resilience Funding: The GEF approved new LDCF/SCCF projects worth over US$67m for vulnerable countries including Niue, aiming to cut flood and coastal risks, strengthen food and water security, and improve disaster preparedness. Pacific Rugby Governance: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders backed Kanaloa’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific-led decision-making and professional pathways must be protected as the franchise faces financial pressure after 2026. Fuel Pressure in the Region: Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands ran out of diesel and borrowed fuel from a police patrol boat, while power use is restricted as fuel prices rise.

Climate Resilience Training: FAO-backed forestry officers from Samoa completed hands-on training in Suva on sustainable teak and pine production, aiming to close technical gaps and boost resilience to extreme weather. Maritime Security: RNZAF and NZ Customs carried out surveillance patrols in Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands EEZ in May, photographing vessels of interest to support fisheries protection and Operation Kiwa. Niue Tourism Data: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Niue Tourism Office shared findings from the 2025 International Visitor Survey, with New Zealand the top source market and insights meant to guide a more resilient tourism strategy. Climate Finance for Niue: GEF’s LDCF/SCCF council approved new projects and a 2030 strategy, including support for Niue to cut flood and coastal risks and strengthen food, water and disaster preparedness. Pacific Rugby Power Shift: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders say Pacific voices must shape Moana Pasifika’s future as Kanaloa’s bid gains backing from unions including Niue, while NZ Rugby stays tight-lipped. Fuel Pressure in the Region: Fuel prices keep rising, with Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands rationing power and borrowing diesel as deliveries are delayed. Culture in Music: Niuean artist Che Fu was inducted into the Aotearoa Music Awards Hall of Fame, performing a takalo and celebrating his roots.

Tourism Data for Niue: The Pacific Tourism Organisation, with Niue Tourism Office, shared key results from the 2024 International Visitor Survey, showing New Zealand as the top source market (84%), with visitors mainly aged 60–69—useful for shaping Niue’s next tourism push. 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 tackle flood/coastal risks, food and water security, and disaster preparedness. Pacific Rugby Power Shift: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders backed a Kanaloa bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific-led decision-making must be protected as the franchise exits Super Rugby Pacific after 2026; NZ Rugby still won’t confirm whether it recognises the support. Fuel Pressure in the Region: Fuel prices keep rising, with Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands running low on diesel and borrowing from a police patrol boat while restricting power use. Honours & Service: Niue-linked stories also surfaced in regional coverage, including recognition of long-serving Pacific police and community leaders in New Zealand’s King’s Birthday Honours.

Moana Pasifika Future: Tonga and Cook Islands rugby leaders have backed the Kanaloa Rugby takeover bid, saying Pacific rugby’s next chapter must be shaped by Pacific voices, as NZ Rugby weighs competing proposals after Moana Pasifika’s 2026 exit from Super Rugby Pacific and its move into liquidation. Niue in Climate Finance: The GEF’s LDCF/SCCF council approved new resilience projects worth over US$67m, including work in Niue to cut flood and coastal risks, boost food and water security, and strengthen disaster preparedness. Niue Tourism Data: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Niue Tourism Office shared key findings from the 2025 International Visitor Survey, highlighting Niue’s main source market and what visitors want. Fuel Pressure in the Region: Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands has run down its diesel and is borrowing from a police patrol boat, while power use is restricted as fuel prices keep rising. Pacific Fisheries Patrols: A spotlight story follows Pacific officers in Operation Tui Moana 2026, including work to tackle illegal fishing and protect tuna. Culture & Recognition: Niuean music icon Che Fu was celebrated at the Aotearoa Music Awards with a Lifetime Achievement honour, including a takalo performance.

Honours & Service: Niue-linked recognition in New Zealand Police: Inspector Neru Leifi says he first thought a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) award was a prank, before being “blown away” by the honour for nearly 42 years of frontline and Pacific policing work, including mentoring Niue police and training on community policing. Climate Finance: The Global Environment Facility approved new resilience funding of more than US$67m for vulnerable countries including Niue, with projects aimed at flood and coastal risk, and food and water security. Niue in Pacific Culture: Niuean music icon Che Fu was inducted into the Aotearoa Music Awards’ Hall of Fame, performing a takalo and celebrating Niuean roots. Pacific Rugby: The Kanaloa bid to take over Moana Pasifika is backed by rugby unions from Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands and Niue, while New Zealand Rugby keeps its cards close. Tourism Trade: Fiji’s Deputy PM says the South Pacific Tourism Exchange is helping smaller islands like Niue connect with global buyers, with 2026 participation topping 225.

Climate Finance: Niue is among countries set to receive over USD 67m in new GEF adaptation funding to cut flood and coastal risks and bolster food and water security, with projects backed by LDCF and SCCF through 2030. Pacific Rugby: Moana Pasifika’s future is in turmoil after liquidation moves, and Pacific unions—including Niue—are backing the Kanaloa takeover bid, while New Zealand Rugby says it won’t confirm who’s involved. Fuel & Energy: On Penrhyn Island (Cook Islands), diesel has run to its last 100 litres, with power use restricted and 5,000 litres borrowed from a police patrol boat until late-June delivery. Niue Culture & Arts: Niuean hip-hop icon Che Fu was inducted into the Aotearoa Music Hall of Fame, performing a takalo and celebrating his roots. Ocean Conservation Finance: Niue’s Ocean Wide model is highlighted as a sovereign-led way to fund long-term marine protection and resilience through the NOW Trust.

Fisheries Security: Samoa’s Stella Sahara Tuuau, now a Senior Fisheries Officer, is helping protect the Pacific’s seas as part of Operation Tui Moana 2026, a major regional surveillance push that carried out 61 vessel inspections and led to two fisheries-related apprehensions. Fuel Costs Hit Remote Islands: Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands has burned through its last 100 litres of diesel and borrowed 5,000 litres from police patrol boat Te Kukupa II, while restricting power use as fuel deliveries are delayed until late June. Niue Culture in the Spotlight: Niuean-Sāmoan playwright Vela Manusaute is bringing “Sons of Vao” to Auckland Theatre Company—reportedly the first Niuean story staged on the main ATC stage—bringing Niuean language and family history to mainstream audiences. Moana Pasifika Ownership Fight: NZ Rugby says it won’t confirm whether Pacific unions back the Kanaloa Consortium bid, even as Kanaloa claims endorsements from Niue, Samoa, Tonga and the Cook Islands. Regional Tourism Push: Fiji’s Deputy PM Viliame Gavoka says the South Pacific Tourism Exchange 2026 delivered record participation, helping smaller islands like Niue connect with global tourism buyers.

Pacific Health Support: India’s foreign minister sent Samoa independence greetings and flagged delivery of a haemo-dialysis machine with a portable RO unit under the FIPIC-III commitment, following earlier dialysis support to Kiribati. Climate Reporting Boost: SPREP is running a Pacific media workshop in Tonga in September to help journalists better cover weather and climate, linked to PMC8 and ministers’ meetings. Niue in the Spotlight (Culture): Niuean hip-hop icon Che Fu was inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame at the Aotearoa Music Awards, performing a takalo and celebrating his roots. Niue in the Spotlight (Sports): Niue’s Keanu Naden is set for a Cruiserweight bout at the July 31 BX-9 event in Auckland. Regional Tourism Trade: Fiji’s tourism ministry defended its funding role for the South Pacific Tourism Exchange, citing record participation and support for smaller island MSMEs. Moana Pasifika Ownership Fight: NZ Rugby declined to confirm whether Pacific unions back the Kanaloa bid, even as Kanaloa says Niue and other unions endorsed its takeover push. Fisheries Enforcement: Pacific governments wrapped up Operation Tui Moana 2026, inspecting vessels across 10 EEZs and identifying vessels of interest, with investigations ongoing. Travel Policy Pressure: New Zealand’s planned Pacific visa fee cuts and longer multi-entry visas are expected to reduce revenue by about $1–2 million a year.

King’s Birthday Honours 2026: Twelve Pasifika people in New Zealand were recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours, including Niuean-linked community figures and Olympian Beatrice Faumuinā, named a Companion for services to sport and governance. Sports & community: A Taihape volunteer was awarded the KSM for long-running work supporting women and community projects, including Pacific women’s conference involvement. Niue culture in the spotlight: Niuean music icon Che Fu was inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame at the Aotearoa Music Awards, performing a takalo and celebrating his Niuean roots. Moana Pasifika future: NZ Rugby declined to confirm whether Pacific unions back the Kanaloa takeover bid, as liquidation continues and Pacific-led control remains a major question. Tourism trade: Fiji’s tourism ministry defended its role in the South Pacific Tourism Exchange, saying it delivered record participation and helped smaller island states like Niue connect with global buyers. Fisheries security: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up after three weeks of regional surveillance, with 61 vessel inspections and two apprehensions tied to suspected fisheries offences. Travel policy: New Zealand plans lower Pacific visa fees and longer multi-entry visas, but officials warn it could reduce revenue by about $1–2 million a year.

Tourism Trade: Fiji’s Deputy PM and Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka defended Fiji’s funding role for the South Pacific Tourism Exchange (SPTE) in Nadi, saying it still helps smaller islands like Niue connect with global buyers; he cited record participation in 2026 with 225+ delegates, 82 sellers from 17 countries, and 60 international buyers, plus new Women in Business showcases. Moana Pasifika: The fight over the franchise’s future is intensifying after liquidation moves, with Kanaloa Rugby claiming its takeover bid is backed by Niue and other Pacific unions—Samoa, Tonga and Cook Islands—pushing for a “100% sovereignty” Pacific-led path. Regional Fisheries: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped after three weeks, with Niue among 10 participating Pacific countries; officials report 61 vessel inspections, 200+ detections verified, and four vessels of interest flagged. Pacific Travel Policy: New Zealand’s reduced Pacific visa fees and longer default visas could cut NZ revenue by about $1–2 million a year, raising pressure on the immigration funding system. Culture & Arts: Niuean music icon Che Fu was honoured at the Aotearoa Music Awards with a Lifetime Achievement award, performing a takalo and celebrating his roots.

Moana Pasifika shake-up: With the franchise placed into liquidation, Kanaloa Rugby says its takeover bid is backed by four Pacific unions — Samoa (Lakapi Sāmoa), Tonga, Cook Islands and Niue — arguing for “100 per cent sovereignty” in deciding the next chapter. Regional tourism trade: Niue is among smaller islands benefiting from the South Pacific Tourism Exchange (SPTE), which says it drew 225+ participants and 60 international buyers in 2026, boosting market access. Fisheries enforcement: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up after three weeks, with 61 vessel inspections and four vessels of interest identified across 10 Pacific EEZs, including Niue. Pacific travel costs: New Zealand’s visa fee cuts for Pacific visitors (and longer default visas) could cost the government $1–2 million a year, with officials saying funding will be managed via budget transfers. Niue culture in the spotlight: Che Fu was inducted into the Aotearoa Music Hall of Fame, performing a Niuean takalo at the awards. Sport event: Niuean boxer Keanu Naden is set for the next BX-9 card in Auckland on July 31, after recent knockout wins.

Boxing & Sport: The next BX-9 card is taking shape ahead of Francis Waitai v Cowin Ray for the WBA Oceania Super Middleweight title on July 31 in Auckland, with BX-9 welterweight semi-finals also set and Niuean boxer Keanu Naden returning after a broken hand. Culture & Music: Che Fu was inducted into the Aotearoa Music Awards Hall of Fame, delivering a powerful Niuean takalo and celebrating his Mutalau roots. Local Arts: Vela Manusaute’s “Sons of Vao” becomes the first Niuean story staged on ATC’s main stage, bringing Niuean language and family history to Auckland audiences. Regional Security: Pacific governments wrapped up Operation Tui Moana 2026, including Niue and Cook Islands participation, with vessel inspections and follow-up actions targeting illegal fishing. Tourism Trade: SPTE says Fiji’s hosting of the 2026 South Pacific Tourism Exchange helped smaller islands like Niue connect with global buyers, including senior decision-makers. Policy Watch: New Zealand’s Pacific visa fee cuts and longer multi-entry options could reduce government revenue by $1–2 million a year.