AGP Executive Report

School Sport Spotlight: Ba Provincial Freebird Institute’s U19 boys basketball team is ready to make a mark at the 2026 Fiji Secondary Schools Basketball Championship after fundraising to overcome rugby-heavy school budgets, with 70 teams across U15, U17 and U19 set to battle in Suva. Basketball Nationals: The championship officially tips off at Yat Sen Secondary School, with finals at the Vodafone Arena, as Basketball Fiji pushes youth development and families are urged to pack the stands. New Opportunities in Sport: Central/Eastern school volleyball returns after 11 years, while a local coach is set to be named to guide Fiji Bulikula toward their Rugby League World Cup debut. Fiji on the World Stage (Arts): Naitasiri artist Josaia Waqabaca McNamara makes history as the first Fijian to exhibit at Italy’s Chianciano Biennale. Culture & Community: InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa backs Hanua’s Natadola Ocean Surf Fest for Fiji Day, blending youth surfing, ocean education and cultural storytelling. Reality TV Buzz: Survivor 51 is filmed in Fiji and features contestants with major TV ties, while Love Island USA’s Season 8 reunion is set to stream soon. Sports Governance: A new Boxing Commission board is appointed, with athlete welfare front and centre.

Fiji Pro Surfing: Wildcards Tea Kurop and Teo Degei fly the Fijian flag at Cloudbreak as the WSL Championship Tour event gets underway, with Kurop aiming to stay focused against the world’s best and Degei chasing a big wave. Netball & Youth Sport: Crest Fiji Pearls midcourter Nina Nakula earns selection for Netball World Cup qualifiers in Tonga while the Vodafone Fiji Secondary Schools Basketball Championship tips off in Suva with 70 teams across U15, U17 and U19. Cultural Arts & Community: A University of Fiji weaving workshop brings 50+ participants together, and Madhubani art workshops open to the public at the USP Central Campus, with free sessions running through the week. Music & Loss: Lautoka mourns former Fiji footballer and musician Karuna Gopalan, remembered for his 1990s song “Spaceship.” Tourism & Policy: Fiji’s new 5% Tourism Services Tax draws criticism from travel groups over possible higher costs for already-booked visitors. Charity & Festivals: Hibiscus Festival queen contestants are pushing fundraising for the Charity Chest, with the Miss Charity winner taking home a Fiji Airways return ticket.

Fiji Pro Surfing: Sally Fitzgibbons beat Steph Gilmore at Cloudbreak, 9.97 to 8.37, then dedicated the win to late Surfing Australia chief Mark Lane. Local Netball: Crest Fiji Pearls midcourter Nina Nakula earned selection for next month’s Netball World Cup qualifiers in Tonga while balancing university studies. Performing Arts in Fiji: VOU’s “Fiji Untold” is coming to the Gold Coast (30 Aug) and Brisbane (1 Sep), using movement, music and theatre to pass on generational stories. Community Arts & Culture: A weaving workshop at the University of Fiji drew 50+ participants, linking traditional patterns and plants like voivoi to identity and shared knowledge. Sports & Youth Development: FRU’s High-Performance Unit has started scholarship selection via the Na Sako age-group competition in Nadi. Remembering a Musician: Karuna Gopalan, a former Fiji footballer and singer of “Spaceship,” has died in Lautoka. Charity Spotlight: Hibiscus Festival queen contestants are fundraising for the Charity Chest, with the Miss Charity winner taking home a Fiji Airways return ticket. Disability Access: A Methodist Church event faced backlash after an elderly man with a disability was reportedly denied a ground-floor washroom.

Fiji Diving Breakthrough: Seventeen-year-old Maori Pomeroy-Farrell won Fiji’s first-ever medal at a World Aquatics competition, taking bronze in the boys’ 3-metre springboard at the World Junior Diving Championships in Croatia. Youth Sports Focus: Youth Minister Jese Saukuru urged Fiji’s youth programmes to move beyond “business as usual”, measuring success by outcomes like jobs, education retention, addiction recovery, crime prevention and mental health—using sport for mentorship and inclusion. Local Sport Development: Genesis Volleyball Club launched its All-Mens Volleyball Tournament with a $4,000 top prize, set for Oct 2-3 at the Fiji Sports Council Netball Centre in Suva. Cultural Arts & Learning: A Madhubani art workshop is bringing an ancient Indian painting tradition to Fiji through a University of Fiji and High Commission of India collaboration, with free sessions open to the public. Tourism Policy Watch: Fiji’s new 5% Tourism Services Tax is drawing criticism from Australian and NZ travel groups, who warn it could hit travellers who already booked. Accessibility in the Spotlight: A Methodist Church event faced backlash after an elderly disabled man was reportedly denied access to a ground-floor washroom.

Fiji Diving Breakthrough: Maori Pomeroy-Farrell, 17, won Fiji’s first-ever medal at a World Aquatics event, taking bronze in the boys’ 3m springboard at the World Junior Diving Championships in Croatia. Youth & Sport Planning: Youth Minister Jese Saukuru wants Fiji’s youth programmes judged by outcomes, not activities, pushing measurable gains in jobs, education retention, addiction recovery, crime prevention and mental health. Local Sports Development: Fiji Football Academy’s School Holiday Football Programme returns to Ba from Aug 25–Sep 4, with sessions for boys and girls from Under-9 to Under-14. Surfing Spotlight: The Fiji Pro 2026 at Cloudbreak kicks off with wildcard surfers Tea Kurop and Teo Degei flying the flag against the world’s best. Community Arts & Culture: A free Madhubani art workshop is underway at the University of Fiji, bringing the centuries-old Indian art form to Fiji through weaving, screen painting and mixed-media sessions. Fair Access Call-Out: A Methodist Church event faces backlash after an elderly man with a disability was reportedly denied a ground-floor washroom, with officials condemning the decision. Major Tournament Launch: Genesis Volleyball Club has announced a $4,000 All-Mens Volleyball Tournament in Suva on Oct 2–3.

Fiji Pro Spotlight: Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka says the 2026 Fiji Pro is a big tourism engine and a community boost, citing 7.77 million global views last year, about US$7m in brand exposure, and $2.6m injected into the local economy, with 24 women and 36 men competing at Cloudbreak. Local Talent Breakthrough: Fiji’s 17-year-old Maori Pomeroy-Farrell wins bronze in the Boys’ 3m springboard at the World Aquatics Junior Diving Championships in Croatia—Fiji’s first medal at the event. Surf Pathway: Fiji Surfing Association says the WSL Fiji Pro is inspiring juniors, with a five-athlete Junior National Team heading to El Salvador for the ISA World Junior Surfing Championship. School Rugby Glory: Education Minister Aseri Radrodro congratulates Deans and Raluve champions, including Suva Grammar’s sweep of Under-16 to Under-18 titles and Lelean Memorial School taking the Under-19 championship. Governance & Funding: Fiji’s High Court rules the National Hosting Authority’s spending for Pacific Games 2023 was unlawful and unprocedural under the PFMA 2013. Sports Leadership Training: Cook Islands chef de mission Michelle Paiti attends her first OSEP Chef De Mission Course in Nadi ahead of LA28 planning. Handball Development: Fiji U18 women’s handball team uses lessons from Romania to strengthen the next generation, including an exhibition match at USP.

World Aquatics: Fiji’s 17-year-old diver Maori Pomeroy-Farrell has won Fiji’s first-ever medal at a World Aquatics competition, taking bronze in the boys’ 3m springboard at the Junior Championships in Croatia. NRL/League: PNG Chiefs have confirmed Kiwi Joseph Manu will return to the NRL in 2028 on a two-year deal. Handball Pathway: Fiji’s U18 women’s handball team is building its next generation after an international campaign in Romania, using the experience to strengthen future youth pathways. Property/TV: TVNZ’s Coastal Wonders explores whether living in luxurious coastal homes can boost wellbeing, with host Tom Webster testing the idea across the South Pacific. Sports Funding Court Ruling: Fiji’s High Court has ruled against the National Hosting Authority, finding its spending for the 2023 Pacific Games unlawful and unprocedural under the Public Financial Management Act. Surfing: The WSL Fiji Pro returns to Cloudbreak from August 25 to September 4, with Fiji Surfing Association support aimed at inspiring junior surfers and feeding the elite pathway. Community/Respect: Fiji’s Minister Sashi Kiran has condemned a video allegedly mocking sign language, calling for education and accountability to protect the Deaf community.

Fiji Rugby & Sport: The Vodafone Super Deans and Raluve finals are in full swing, with Education Minister Aseri Radrodro congratulating schools that swept titles including Suva Grammar (U16-U18) and Lelean Memorial (U19), plus Nasinu (Raluve U16) and MGM (Raluve U18). Surfing Spotlight: The WSL Fiji Pro returns to Cloudbreak from Aug 25–Sep 4, with Tourism Fiji urging people to watch official access notices during temporary closures. Pathways & Scholarships: Fiji Rugby Union says China scholarships are available for Super Deans players, with selections tied to U17 and U18 play-offs. Community & Inclusion: USP students have apologised after a sign-language mocking video circulated online, while Women/Children/Social Protection Minister Sashi Kiran condemned the incident and called for stronger disability awareness. Governance & Local Arts/Events: Labasa Town Council plans legal action against long-term rate defaulters as it pushes for cleaner, greener town upgrades and tourism-ready events. Tech & Culture: Fiji’s AI content boom is outpacing intellectual property protections, with a national IT conference set to tackle the gap.

Sign Language Backlash: Fiji’s Education and Social Protection ministers have condemned a video allegedly mocking sign language by USP students, calling it disrespectful and urging accountability and stronger disability awareness. Junior Diving Spotlight: Fiji diver Maori Pomeroy Farrell won bronze in the Boys’ 3m springboard at the World Aquatics Junior Championships in Rijeka, adding to his fast-rising international profile. Surf Pathway Boost: The WSL Fiji Pro returns to Cloudbreak (Aug 25–Sep 4), with Tourism Fiji urging visitors to follow access notices as Fiji’s junior surfing pipeline heads to the ISA World Junior Surfing Championship. Deans Rugby Highlights: Education Minister Aseri Radrodro congratulated 2026 Deans and Raluve champions, including Suva Grammar’s big haul across Under-16 to Under-18. Boxing Leadership Watch: Boxing Commission of Fiji chairman Adi Narayan’s term has expired, with Youth and Sports Minister Jese Saukuru now waiting for recommendations on who will replace him. Local Sports Finals: Tavua College ended a seven-year Under-19 wait by beating Labasa College 2-0 in the Extra Fiji Secondary Schools Football Championship final at Subrail Park. Tech & Rights: Experts warn Fiji’s intellectual property laws may not be keeping up with AI-driven copying and replication, with the issue set for a national IT conference.

Super Deans Rugby (U19): Navatu Secondary’s Under-19 squad got a State House send-off from Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu ahead of today’s final against Lelean Memorial School (2.20pm), with the Head of State urging players to balance rugby and education. Super Deans Rugby (U18): Lelean Memorial School captain Luke Daunitutu says discipline and patience will decide the Under-18 final against Suva Grammar at HFC Bank Stadium (6.10pm). Secondary Schools Football (U19): Tavua College ended a seven-year wait for the U19 title, beating Labasa College 2-0 in the grand final at Subrail Park. Secondary Schools Football (U17): Ba Sangam College won the U17 Boys title for the first time in 10 years, edging Labasa Muslim College 4-2 on penalties after a nil-all draw. Disability Respect: Women’s Minister Sashi Kiran condemned a tertiary students’ social media video mocking sign language, calling for accountability and stronger disability awareness. High Court Ruling: Fiji’s High Court declared NHA spending on the 2023 Pacific Games unlawful, after findings that mandatory legal checks were bypassed. Sports Governance: FRU advertised the Flying Fijians head coach role, while FRU and FRPA warned scouts and agents not to directly approach schoolboys (19 and under) without proper school and union processes. Hospitality & Travel: Silversea’s Silver Cloud has departed on its 77-day Grand South Pacific Expedition 2026, calling at 57 destinations across 11 countries.

Disability & Respect: Women’s Minister Sashi Kiran has condemned a social media video allegedly mocking sign language, calling it harmful to Deaf people and urging students and the institution to take accountability and strengthen disability awareness. Court & Governance: Fiji’s High Court ruled the National Hosting Authority (NHA) acted unlawfully in spending public funds for the 2023 Pacific Games, after auditors challenged the legal basis for the spending. Super Deans Rugby (Schools): Head of State Ratu Naiqama sent best wishes to Navatu Secondary ahead of today’s U19 final against Lelean, while Suva Grammar and Lelean both push for tomorrow’s Under-18 title after long waits and hard preparation. Football (Schools): Ba Sangam ended a 10-year U17 drought by beating Labasa Muslim College 4-2 on penalties, and Tavua booked the U19 final with a 3-0 semi-final win. FRU Leadership & Safeguarding: The Fiji Rugby Union advertised the Flying Fijians head coach role, and FRU/FRPA warned scouts and agents not to directly approach school players under 19 without school-led processes. Health & Care: The Pasifika Implantology Conference wrapped in Suva, highlighting new implant units and CBCT imaging upgrades for better oral healthcare. Sports Business: Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka said the World Surf League Fiji Pro partnership delivered major brand exposure and local spending. Arts & Culture: A feature spotlights Wais Katubadrau as a one-man music act, plus a separate piece on Indigenous fashion and sustainability.

Vodafone Super Deans (U18): Suva Grammar and Lelean Memorial School meet in a high-stakes Under-18 final in Suva after long waits and hard preparation, with Grammar chasing a trophy return after 21 years and Lelean aiming to finish unbeaten—while police and organisers urge fans to behave and stay safe in wet weather. OFC Champions League (football): Central Coast FC of the Solomon Islands take on defending champions Auckland City FC in Ba, chasing a first continental title in 17 years after a dramatic extra-time semi-final. Netball pathway: Romania Ng Lam Pose (Samoa-based, studying at USP) is among the Pacific Games netball final-12, highlighting how scholarship and camps are shaping the next generation. Sports safety & rights: Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre calls for Nadi and Rewa players facing rape and sexual assault charges to be temporarily stood down pending court proceedings. Fashion & culture: Fiji designers Temesia and AZA bring Pacific creativity to New Zealand Fashion Week, while local fashion coverage spotlights Indigenous-led runway storytelling. Entertainment & media: VT1S Live Suva and West lock in major brand partners for September shows, and “Practical Magic 2” streaming roundups keep the movie buzz going.

Vodafone Super Deans Rugby (U18 final): Suva Grammar and Lelean Memorial meet in Suva tomorrow at 6.10pm, with former Fiji 7s star Waisale Serevi saying discipline and patience could decide it—Grammar chasing a trophy after 21 years, Lelean aiming to finish unbeaten. Sports integrity & women’s safety: The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre has urged Nadi and Rewa clubs, and the Fiji Football Association, to temporarily stand down two players facing rape and sexual assault charges until court proceedings finish. Language & culture in schools: Opposition MP Virendra Lal calls for stronger teaching of standard Hindi in Fiji—more qualified teachers, proper materials, and treating it as a living language, not just an exam subject. Holiday safety push: Parents are warned to supervise kids closely during school holidays, especially around roads, rivers, sea and online risks. Hospitality & events: VT1S Live Suva (Sept 5) adds Bounty Rum as official bar/VIP sponsor, while VT1S Live West in Nadi (Sept 26) brings Tribe Apple naming rights. Oral health milestone: The Pasifika Implantology Conference 2026 wrapped in Suva with new implant units at CWM Hospital and a CBCT imaging system installed. Music spotlight: One-man performer Wais Katubadrau is profiled as a reggae jukebox-style storyteller blending guitar, foot drum beats and original songs.

Fiji fashion on the international runway: Temesia Tuicaumia (TEMESIA) and Zulfikar Ali (AZA) will showcase at New Zealand Fashion Week 2026, with “Waves of Legacy” and “Island Prism” bringing Fijian motifs, ocean inspiration and Pacific identity to a global audience. Indigenous design spotlight: NZFW’s Kāhui Collective closes with a full-house showcase built around Te Taiao, blending taonga puoro, whakapapa storytelling and contemporary Indigenous craft. Rugby league retirement: Fiji Bati captain Tui Kamikamica has announced immediate retirement from the NRL on medical grounds after a stroke, ending a 142-game Storm career and 23 Fiji Tests. NRL match drama: Penrith Panthers’ win over Melbourne Storm came with chaos and multiple sin bins, while Brian To’o moved up the club try-scorers list. Sports pathways in focus: Fiji Secondary Schools netball leaders say school competitions are key to a national pathway, while Navatu netters push through facility and funding hurdles to compete. Safeguarding in sport: Pacific Mini Games safeguarding work recorded 11 cases last year, with bullying and sexual harassment among issues. OFC football final: Auckland City and Central Coast meet in the OFC Men’s Champions League final in Ba on Saturday.

Pacific Fashion Spotlight: Two Fijian designers, Temesia Tuicaumia and Zulfikar Ali’s AZA, are taking Pacific creativity to New Zealand Fashion Week in Auckland, backed by the Fiji High Commission and Kāhui Collective, with collections rooted in ocean identity and modern tailoring. School Netball Pathway: The Crest Fiji Secondary Schools Netball Championship at Jai Narayan College is being framed as a talent pipeline, with Fiji Secondary Schools Netball Association leaders pushing closer links to Netball Fiji so more girls can progress to national teams. Deans U18 Showdown: Lelean Memorial School is preparing for a tough Under-18 Vodafone Super Deans final against Suva Grammar, with a focus on discipline and decision-making against a big forward pack. NRL Retirement: Fiji Bati captain Tui Kamikamica has announced immediate retirement from the NRL after a stroke, ending a 142-game Storm career and his World Cup hopes. Safeguarding at Mini Games: Pacific Mini Games safeguarding reporting recorded 11 cases at Palau’s event, with bullying, harassment and abuse among issues and concerns about under-reporting. Pacific Film Voices: Pacific filmmakers are spotlighting Indigenous and lived experience at NZ and Pasifika film festivals, including a Cook Islands kete-focused short. Sport Development: Powerlifting Fiji is set to host Oceania Powerlifting Regional Championships for the first time in 20 years (Nov 2–6), while Fiji’s Suva Open tennis returns with new Under-7/8/10 categories.

Indigenous fashion value: At NZ Fashion Week’s Indigenous Fashion Symposium, 16 Indigenous designers (including Fiji and Rotuma) unpack what buyers are really paying for—craft time, cultural knowledge, and voices often missing from mainstream fashion. Fijian culture abroad: SokoFest in Basingstoke (Aug 6–8) brought Fijian food, music and fashion to the UK, with rugby sevens at the heart and the Fiji High Commission on site. Shark selfie backlash: Viral footage of an influencer bitten while chasing a shark “moment” is reigniting debate about wildlife selfies and the risks of getting too close. El Niño warning: A major El Niño event is brewing in the Pacific, with forecasts pointing to potentially record-breaking heat and disruption. Health alert: Syphilis cases are rebounding across East Asia, with South Korea reporting 1,300 cases so far this year. Rugby league partnership: Fiji has formally joined the Pacific Rugby League Partnership, aiming for safer community and school competitions and Pacific-led talent pathways. Super Rugby homecoming: Olympic gold medallist Leone Nakarawa returns to join the Fijian Drua for the 2027 season. Netball pathway: The Crest Fiji Secondary Schools Netball Championship is pushing stronger links to Netball Fiji’s national programme. Deans U18 third-place: Ra High and Nasinu meet in the new U18 bronze playoff as Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union pilots the format. Payments upgrade: BRED Bank customers can now pay directly at M-PAiSA QR merchants via the BRED Fiji Connect app. Hibiscus Festival buzz: Demand for stalls at the 70th FMF Hibiscus Festival is surging, with only a handful left for Albert Park.