AGP Executive Report

Climate Science: Pacific leaders at Fiji’s pre-COP31 talks are pressing for action on the ocean-climate crisis, stronger access to climate finance and a central role for Pacific science and Indigenous knowledge in global decisions. Niue Ocean Protection: Niue Ocean Wide Trust is a finalist for the 2026 Earthshot Prize, recognised for a community-led approach to protecting more than 300,000 square kilometres of marine territory and linking conservation with sustainable livelihoods. Regional Forecasting: Pacific weather services are planning a decade-long overhaul, but face a funding gap as they work to strengthen local forecasting, warning systems and access to weather information. Pacific Solutions: Niuean-born Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga says the world can learn from Pacific experience in collective decision-making and resource stewardship to address climate and health challenges.

Pacific Climate Science: At pre-COP31 talks in Fiji, leaders are urging climate action and more finance, while pushing for Pacific science and Indigenous knowledge to shape decisions on ocean warming, coral stress and shifting tuna grounds. Niue Ocean Innovation: Niue Ocean Wide Trust is a finalist for the 2026 Earthshot Prize. Its model supports protection and sustainable management of more than 300,000 square kilometres of marine territory, linking conservation with community stewardship and livelihoods. Weather Services: Pacific forecasters are building locally run forecasts and warning systems, but a funding gap threatens plans for better stations, skills and outreach across the region.

Pacific Climate Science: Leaders meeting in Fiji for pre-COP31 are urging stronger climate action and a central role for Pacific science, Indigenous knowledge and ocean stewardship. Niuean-born public health expert Sir Collin Tukuitonga says the world has much to learn from Pacific approaches to climate and health. Niue Ocean Protection: Niue Ocean Wide is among 15 finalists for the 2026 Earthshot Prize, recognised for a community-led model supporting protection and sustainable management of more than 300,000 square kilometres of marine territory. Regional Forecasting: Pacific weather services are working to improve local forecasts and warnings, but face funding and infrastructure gaps. Scientists also warn El Niño can shift sea levels, stress coral and move tuna fishing grounds in different ways across the region. Public Health: Two HIV cases have been confirmed in Niue.

Ocean-Climate Policy at COP31: SPREP reports Pacific leaders are pushing a “ocean climate nexus” at pre-COP31 in Fiji, linking coral stress, sea-level rise, extreme weather, and shifting tuna to the region’s push for climate finance and stronger Pacific leadership. Niue Ocean Protection Funding: Niue Ocean Wide (NOW) Trust has been named a finalist for the Earthshot Prize 2026 (Revive Our Oceans), backing community-led stewardship across 300,000+ sq km of marine territory, including the Niue Moana Mahu Marine Protected Area. Pacific Pre-COP31 Push for Action: University of Auckland’s Sir Collin Tukuitonga says the world should look to Pacific solutions on climate and health inequity as leaders meet in Fiji and Tuvalu. El Niño Impacts for the Pacific: SPC explains that the same El Niño pattern can hit countries differently, shifting sea levels, coral stress, and tuna fishing grounds—so local planning matters. Bezos Earth Fund Grants: The Bezos Earth Fund is adding $25M+ for Pacific ocean conservation across Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, and Vanuatu, aiming for 30% protection by 2030. Niue Health Update: Two confirmed HIV cases in Niue were reported this week.

Niue Ocean Wide (NOW) Trust: The NOW Trust has been named a finalist for the Earthshot Prize 2026 in the Revive Our Oceans category, highlighting Niue’s whole-of-island approach to protecting and sustainably managing over 300,000 sq km of marine territory, including the Niue Moana Mahu Marine Protected Area (about 40% of Niue’s EEZ). Pacific Climate Diplomacy: Ahead of COP31, Pacific leaders are pushing for action over promises in pre-COP meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu, with emphasis on oceans, local science, and Indigenous knowledge shaping global decisions. Regional Weather & Resilience: Pacific weather services are working to turn forecasts into real decisions, with uneven progress but a shared push toward locally run forecasting, better warning delivery, and upgrades like automatic weather stations and improved alert training. El Niño Impacts: SPC warns El Niño won’t hit every Pacific country the same way, with shifting sea levels, coral stress, and moving tuna grounds depending on local conditions. Health in Focus (Niue): Two confirmed HIV cases in Niue were reported this week, keeping public health and prevention in the spotlight.

Niue Ocean Protection: The Niue Ocean Wide (NOW) Trust has been named a finalist for the Earthshot Prize 2026 in the Revive Our Oceans category, highlighting Niue’s community-led model protecting about 40% of its EEZ through the Niue Moana Mahu Marine Protected Area and linking conservation with livelihoods, tourism, fisheries, research, and education. Pacific Climate Diplomacy: Pacific leaders are pushing for action, not promises, as Pre-COP31 meetings get underway in Fiji and Tuvalu, with Fiji stressing that oceans and climate change must be central to negotiations and that Pacific science and Indigenous knowledge should shape global solutions. Weather & Resilience: Across the Pacific, meteorological services are working to make forecasts usable for real decisions, while El Niño impacts are expected to vary by country—shifting sea levels, stressing coral, and moving tuna fishing grounds. Health Research: A report on Helicobacter pylori explains how the stomach bacterium survives acid for years and drives ulcers and stomach cancer, with higher harm reported for Māori and Pasifika. Niue Health Update: Two confirmed HIV cases in Niue were reported this week.

Niue Ocean Wide (NOW) Trust: The NOW Trust has been named a finalist for the Earthshot Prize 2026 in the Revive Our Oceans category, highlighting Niue’s community-led ocean protection across 300,000+ sq km and the Niue Moana Mahu Marine Protected Area. Pre-COP31 Climate Push: Pacific leaders are urging action, not more promises, as pre-COP31 meetings ramp up in Fiji and Tuvalu, with Fiji stressing oceans-climate links and Pacific science and Indigenous knowledge shaping COP31. Pacific Weather Funding Gap: Regional weather services face a funding shortfall as they work toward a decade-long overhaul to improve locally run forecasting and warnings. El Niño Impacts Vary: SPC warns the same El Niño pattern won’t hit every Pacific country the same way, with shifting sea levels, coral stress and tuna grounds. H. pylori Cancer Risk: A report explains how Helicobacter pylori survives stomach acid for years and is linked to most stomach cancers, with higher harm for Māori and Pasifika. Niue Health Update: Two confirmed HIV cases in Niue were reported this week.

Niue Ocean Wide (NOW) Trust Earthshot nod: The NOW Trust has been named a finalist for the Earthshot Prize 2026 in the Revive Our Oceans category, highlighting Niue’s community-led ocean protection across 300,000+ sq km, including the Niue Moana Mahu Marine Protected Area (about 40% of Niue’s EEZ). Pre-COP31 Pacific push: Pacific leaders are urging “action, not promises” as pre-COP31 talks begin in Fiji and Tuvalu, with Fiji’s Lynda Tabuya saying the region must sit at the centre of climate decisions and that Pacific science and Indigenous knowledge should shape outcomes. Climate & health solutions from the Pacific: University of Auckland’s Sir Collin Tukuitonga argues the world should look to Pacific solutions for both climate change and health inequity ahead of COP31. Bezos Earth Fund backs Pacific ocean conservation: The Bezos Earth Fund is adding $25M+ to protect and sustainably manage ocean areas across Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, bringing its Pacific total to $63.3M under a $100M pledge. Niue health update: Two confirmed HIV cases in Niue have been reported. Regional weather services funding gap: Pacific weather services face a funding shortfall as the region plans a decade-long overhaul to improve locally run forecasting and warnings. El Niño impacts vary across the Pacific: SPC warns the same El Niño pattern can hit countries differently, shifting sea levels, coral stress and tuna fishing grounds.

Health in the Pacific: A Kiwi-focused report spotlights Helicobacter pylori, a cancer-causing stomach bacterium that can survive harsh conditions for thousands of years, with screening gaps and higher harm for Māori and Pasifika. Niue & HIV: Two confirmed HIV cases in Niue were reported, keeping public health and testing on the radar. Pacific weather & resilience: Pacific weather services are pushing for more locally run forecasting and warnings, but face funding gaps as the region plans a decade-long overhaul. El Niño impacts: Experts warn that the same El Niño pattern can hit Pacific countries differently, shifting sea levels, stressing coral, and moving tuna fishing grounds. Ocean conservation funding: The Bezos Earth Fund announced $25M+ in new grants for Pacific ocean protection across Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, lifting its Pacific total to $63.3M toward a 2030 protection target. Science voyage: CSIRO will lead a major Pacific Ocean research trip on RV Investigator, gathering ocean and atmosphere data with Pacific partners to support climate response. Travel tech: A proposed paperless trans-Tasman travel plan could speed airport journeys, but experts warn rollout details matter for travellers. Regional governance: UNIDROIT marked its centenary and discussed legal cooperation in Seoul, including work tied to the Cape Town Convention.

Health & Screening: A Kiwi-focused report spotlights Helicobacter pylori, a cancer-causing stomach bacterium that survives acid for thousands of years and hits Māori and Pasifika at higher rates—raising questions about why NZ doesn’t screen for it. HIV in Niue: Two confirmed HIV cases in Niue are reported, bringing renewed attention to local prevention and support. Pacific Weather & Resilience: Pacific weather services are pushing for more locally run forecasting and warnings, but face a funding gap as the region plans a decade-long overhaul. El Niño Impacts: Experts warn El Niño won’t hit every Pacific country the same way, with shifting sea levels, coral stress, and changing tuna grounds. Ocean Conservation Funding: The Bezos Earth Fund is adding $25M+ to Pacific Ocean conservation across Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, and Vanuatu, aiming to protect 30% of waters by 2030. Science Voyage: CSIRO will lead a major Pacific Ocean research voyage with Pacific partners, collecting ocean and atmosphere data to understand climate-driven change. Tech & Travel: A proposed paperless trans-Tasman travel plan could speed border crossings, but experts warn rollout details matter. Regional Legal/Policy: UNIDROIT marks its centenary and discusses Asia-Pacific cooperation, including the Cape Town Convention and a new liaison office.

Remote Politics & Community Reality: New Zealand’s most remote community, the Chatham Islands, hosted its first-ever election debate, with candidates facing a very small, tightly knit electorate and everyday life shaped by limited services and local events. Border Tech & Travel: A proposed paperless trans-Tasman travel plan would let eligible travellers submit details digitally and use smartphone credentials plus biometrics, but experts warn rollout details could cause major delays. Pacific Weather Services Funding: Pacific meteorological services are pushing for more locally run forecasting and warnings, but face a funding gap as the region plans a decade-long overhaul. El Niño Impacts Vary by Place: Ocean science highlights that the same El Niño pattern can hit countries differently, shifting sea levels, coral stress, and tuna fishing grounds. Niue Health Update: Two confirmed HIV cases in Niue were reported this week. Ocean Conservation Grants: The Bezos Earth Fund announced $25m more for Pacific ocean protection across five nations, adding to a larger $100m pledge aimed at protecting 30% of waters by 2030. Regional Research Voyage: CSIRO will lead a Pacific Ocean research trip from Fiji toward Antarctica to track how the ocean and atmosphere are changing, using new data to support climate action. Legal/Policy Tech: UNIDROIT marked its centenary in Seoul and discussed cooperation on the Cape Town Convention and an Asia-Pacific liaison office. Regional Tax Systems: Palau hosted Pacific tax administrators, including Niue, focusing on modern revenue systems, risk management, and workforce development.

Health Update (Niue): Two confirmed HIV cases in Niue have been reported, keeping public health and testing awareness in focus. Ocean Conservation (Pacific): The Bezos Earth Fund is adding $25 million for Pacific Ocean protection across the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, bringing its Pacific total to $63.3 million under a push to protect at least 30% of regional waters by 2030. Climate & Weather Services: Pacific weather services are working toward locally run forecasting and warnings, but face a funding gap as the region plans a decade-long overhaul. Regional Science Voyage: CSIRO will lead a Pacific Ocean research voyage on the RV Investigator from Fiji toward Antarctica, using new tech to track how the ocean absorbs heat and carbon and how that affects marine life. Travel Tech (NZ–Australia): A proposed paperless trans-Tasman travel plan could speed up border crossings, but experts warn travellers shouldn’t ditch passports yet due to rollout risks. Polynesian Heritage (Museum Tech/Culture): Te Papa highlights Pacific arts and objects, including Polynesian barkcloth and items with tricky origins, showing how research reshapes cultural history.

Border Tech: A proposed paperless NZ–Australia travel system would let eligible passport holders submit details digitally and use smartphones, digital credentials and biometrics for a smoother airport journey, but experts warn rollout details matter after past delays abroad. Climate & Weather: Pacific weather services are pushing locally run forecasting and warnings, but face funding gaps; the region is also bracing for El Niño impacts that can vary by country, shifting sea levels and tuna fishing grounds. Health Update: Two confirmed HIV cases in Niue have been reported, keeping public health and testing in focus. Ocean Conservation Funding: The Bezos Earth Fund is adding $25m for Pacific Ocean protection across Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, lifting its Pacific total to $63.3m under a $10b climate pledge with a 2030 deadline. Research Voyage: CSIRO will lead a major Pacific Ocean research trip (Fiji to Antarctica) to track how the ocean is changing and what it means for marine ecosystems. Regional Governance: Niue is among delegations attending Palau’s PITAA meeting on modernising Pacific tax systems.

Ocean Research Voyage: CSIRO will lead a major Pacific Ocean research trip on the RV Investigator from 27 September to 16 December 2026, starting in Fiji and heading toward Antarctica, with Pacific partners helping collect ocean and atmosphere data to track climate change impacts on marine life. Pacific Conservation Funding: Bezos Earth Fund announced $25+ million in new grants to protect and sustainably manage over 625,000 square miles of ocean across the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, aiming to safeguard at least 30% of the region’s waters by 2030. Regional Tax Tech: Palau hosts the Pacific Islands Tax Administrators Association (PITAA) annual meeting in Koror, bringing 14 delegations to share approaches to modern tax systems, risk management and workforce development. Health and Development: Economists report Pacific life expectancy has risen to 68.8 years since 1960, with Solomon Islands improving from below to above the regional average, while some countries like Naoero and Fiji have slipped in relative standing. Nuclear Legacy and Marine Recovery: A look back at Bikini Atoll’s nuclear testing highlights how marine life has rebounded in the crater decades later, with researchers describing surprisingly healthy ecosystems. Legal Cooperation in Asia-Pacific: UNIDROIT marks progress in the Asia-Pacific region with a Seoul visit focused on the Cape Town Convention and plans for a new UNIDROIT liaison office.

Ocean Conservation Funding: The Bezos Earth Fund announced $25+ million in new grants to protect and sustainably manage ocean areas across the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, bringing its Pacific awards under a $100 million pledge to $63.3 million and targeting protection of at least 30% of regional waters by 2030. Pacific Research Voyage: Australia’s CSIRO will lead a major Pacific Ocean and climate science voyage (Sept–Dec 2026) on the RV Investigator, with Pacific researchers onboard and data collection spanning Fiji to Antarctica, including stops through Niue and other islands. Regional Health & Development: Economists report Pacific Island life expectancy has risen to 68.8 years (from 52.7 in 1960), with mixed country shifts—Solomon Islands and Vanuatu improving while some others fall behind. Tax Tech & Governance: Palau hosts the Pacific Islands Tax Administrators Association annual heads meeting, bringing Niue and other members together to discuss modern revenue systems, risk management and workforce development. India–Pacific Cooperation: India has been placed on the Pacific Islands Forum “strategic partner stream,” with plans for cooperation in healthcare, renewables, connectivity and tailored capacity building.

Pacific Ocean science: Australia’s CSIRO will lead a major Pacific Ocean research voyage (Sept–Dec 2026) on the RV Investigator, with Pacific researchers onboard to track how the ocean is absorbing heat and carbon and how that’s reshaping marine ecosystems, with planned stops including Fiji, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Tokelau, American Samoa, Niue and New Zealand. Climate philanthropy: Bezos Earth Fund announced $25M in grants to protect 625,000+ square miles of ocean across the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, aiming to sustainably manage waters and protect at least 30% by 2030. Health and development: New analysis finds Pacific life expectancy has risen to 68.8 years since 1960, but progress varies sharply by country, with Naoero sliding to the lowest position by 2023 while Solomon Islands and Vanuatu improved. Regional governance & tech for services: Palau hosted the first PITAA annual meeting in-country since 2004, bringing together tax administrators from across the region to discuss modern revenue systems, technology, risk management and workforce development, with Niue among the delegations. Pacific diplomacy: India was placed on the Pacific Islands Forum “Strategic Partner Stream,” and proposed tailored capacity-building programmes for Pacific professionals, with focus areas including healthcare, renewables, connectivity and training. Culture in museums: Te Papa highlighted Polynesian items and the cross-island craft links behind objects often misattributed to specific places.