AGP Executive Report

Pacific Nations Cup 2026: Fiji open the PNC semi-finals in Osaka tonight against Canada, with interim coach Senirusi Seruvakula urging discipline and focus as the Canadians improve after their Japan loss. Sports Funding: Labasa College gets a $12K gym equipment boost, while Taveuni Rugby Union secures Merchant Finance sponsorship to cover the $25,000 cost of hosting remaining Skipper Cup home matches. Youth Development: Youth and Sports Minister Jese Saukuru says more training centres for rural and outer-island communities depend on extra budget, with help from Methodist Church facilities. Martial Arts: Team Fiji Goju-Ryu Karate returns from the Oceania Goju-Ryu Karate Championship with medals, plus key dan grading recognition for Shihan Steven Brown and others. Community & Culture: Saint Joseph’s Secondary School alumnae mark 70 years with a Pacific Market Day in Fiji, and a Love Island-style “meet and greet” event brings campus community energy. Faith & Film: Fiji premieres “Hanuman Ansh,” a faith-and-culture cinema event led by the Indian High Commissioner.

Arts & Faith Reunion: Saint Joseph’s Secondary School alumnae reunite at the Fiji Museum deck for the school’s 70th anniversary, with 2000s and 2013 cohorts sharing music, laughter and emotional catch-ups across generations. Rugby Rivalry in the US: The Springboks and All Blacks bring “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” to Baltimore, with World Rugby framing it as a key step toward the 2031 World Cup while Fiji’s own links show through past US fixtures. Fiji on the field: Flying Fijians interim coach Senirusi Seruvakula names four uncapped players for the Canada PNC clash, including Drua’s Isoa Tuwai at No. 8, as the team aims to defend its title and build for November. Local football discipline: Fiji FA issues a final warning and fine to Ba coach Ravinesh Kumar after an incident involving a security guard, with a potential five-match bench ban if it happens again. Cinema with culture: The big-screen premiere of “Hanuman Ansh” in Fiji draws community support for faith, tradition and storytelling, backed by a traditional procession and Hanuman Chalisa sessions. Fashion with a cause: Zulfikar Ali relaunches Aza Man menswear with Tappoo Group, pledging sales support for children’s heart surgery. Community radio push: Acting PM Manoa Kamikamica launches Life FM 87.8, urging the new station to help tackle youth drug issues through family, school and community support. Sport development spotlight: Olympian Venice Traill becomes Fiji Taekwondo’s first coach selected for an international coaching enrichment programme in the US.

Drug Prevention & Youth Radio: Acting PM Manoa Kamikamica launched UCB Life FM 87.8 in Suva, urging the new station to help tackle illicit drugs by strengthening family, school, community and faith support for young people. Faith on Screen: The premiere of Hanuman Ansh brought faith, culture and cinema together, with Indian High Commissioner Suneet Mehta calling film a bridge for passing values to the next generation. Rugby Pathways: Flying Fijians interim coach Senirusi Seruvakula named four uncapped players for the Canada PNC clash, including Drua’s Isoa Tuwai, as Fiji aims to defend its title and build for November. Coaching Milestone: Olympian Venice Traill became the first Fiji Taekwondo coach selected for the International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Program, heading to the US next week. Community Sport & Culture: The Zespri AIMS Games wrapped up in Tauranga with 14,500 rangatahi, featuring Fiji’s Gospel Primary sevens team in cultural exchange. Football Discipline: Fiji FA issued a final warning and fine to Ba coach Ravinesh Kumar after an incident involving a security guard, with a five-match bench ban if repeated. Arts & Fashion for a Cause: Zulfikar Ali relaunched Aza Man menswear with Tappoo Group, pledging a sales share to children’s heart surgery. Human Rights on Film: A Pacific human rights film festival screened at USP Labasa, using movies and talanoa to spotlight women’s rugby and ocean community stories. Sports Journalism Dream: Nilufa Buksh graduated from USP with a Journalism degree, sharing how childhood “TV remote” reporting became her newsroom reality.

Human Rights on Screen: A Pacific Human Rights Film Festival screening at USP Labasa used two films—Breaking Ground: The Rise of Women’s Rugby and Remathau: People of the Ocean—to spark talanoa on women’s empowerment and gender-based violence, with the event framed as a safe space for Pacific filmmakers and audiences. Fashion with a Cause: Suva designer Zulfikar Ali launched AZA MAN, a menswear range where part of sales supports children’s heart surgery via Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Heart Hospital Fiji. Local Rugby Focus: Suva women’s rugby coach Meli Tuifagalele says the team is sharpening set-pieces ahead of Lautoka in the Marama Championship, while Flying Fijians interim coach Senirusi Seruvakula names a young squad for the Pacific Nations Cup semi-final against Canada. Sports Spotlight: San Clemente’s Cole Houshmand won the Fiji Pro at Cloudbreak, and Fiji’s young diver Maori Pomeroy-Farrell clarified he wasn’t calling for diving infrastructure reopening—just backing the future of diving in Fiji. Arts & Entertainment: InsideOut Fiji’s new partnership with ZAR Logistics will take Resonance Entertainment artists on an Australia/NZ tour and launch the recorded performance series Tune Mai. Community & Culture: Saint Joseph’s Secondary School alumni marked their 90s night at the Fiji Museum Deck, with more jubilee events planned.

Rugby Pathways: Natabua High School flanker Alfred Cornish has been signed into the Fijian Drua Junior Development programme after a standout Deans Under-18 run that also included swimming at Oceania level. Flying Fijians Update: Interim head coach Senirusi Seruvakula is sticking with youth for the Pacific Nations Cup defence, naming a group of uncapped players as Fiji face Canada in Osaka on Saturday. PNC Build-Up: Canada coach Stephen Meehan says his side will try to disrupt Fiji with set-piece focus and detail as both teams chase World Cup momentum. Women’s Rugby on the Move: Fijiana and Manusina will fly the Pacific flag at the WXV Global Series Challenger in Hong Kong, with Fiji opening against Spain on 13 September. Sports Business: Rewa Rugby faces a $30,000-plus bill for Skipper Cup island trips to Kadavu and Taveuni, highlighting the real cost of provincial competition. Football (OFC U-16): New Zealand’s Bonnie Rice scored a late winner to beat Fiji 1-0 and send the Young Football Ferns into the semi-finals. Fashion for a Cause: Local menswear label AZA MAN launches with proceeds supporting children’s heart surgery via Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Heart Hospital Fiji. Music & Touring: ZAR Logistics backs InsideOut Fiji’s Australia and New Zealand tour and “Tune Mai” recorded performances featuring Resonance Entertainment artists. Community & Culture: A 78-year-old SJSS alumna in Suva urged students to keep volunteering, calling it the lesson that “keeps you young.”

Pacific Fashion & Identity: Pacific models Meiya Lemafa (Cook Islands) and Apaula Viliamu Tilialo (Samoa) turned New Zealand Fashion Week runways into a representation moment, using Pacific Fusion Fashion Show appearances to prove indigenous style belongs on mainstream stages. Pacific Music: Sāmoan-Fijian artist Soul Brown (Solomon Brown) opened his vault on unreleased work with “I Met a Girl,” written during cancer treatment and now released as a full-circle promise. Fiji Rugby League Development: Fiji National Rugby League is pushing new regional tournaments, including a Pacific 9s series and a 13-a-side format, aiming to create more competitive pathways for local resident players. Flying Fijians vs Canada (PNC): Fiji’s defending Pacific Nations Cup champions trained in Osaka with assistant coach Seremaia Bai saying preparations are steady; they face Canada in the first semi-final Saturday (7pm Fiji time). Drua Junior Pipeline: Swire Shipping Fijian Drua signed 17-year-old Alfred Cornish into its junior development programme after a standout Deans Under-18 performance for Ba. Local Sports Community: Marist Old Boys launched “Wellness Wednesday” to tackle rising non-communicable diseases, with weekly fitness, connection and wellbeing sessions at Marist Brothers High School tracks. Remembering Boxing: Fiji boxing mourns former national champion Joe Ravudi, remembered for nurturing young boxers after a decorated pro career.

Pacific Fashion & Identity: Pacific models Meiya Lemafa (Cook Islands) and Apaula Viliamu Tilialo (Samoa) turned New Zealand Fashion Week runways into a representation moment, saying Pacific culture belongs on mainstream stages. Music Spotlight: Māngere artist Soul Brown (Sāmoan-Fijian) released “I Met a Girl,” a song written during cancer treatment and now finally brought back to life. Women’s Sport in the Region: Oceania’s first Senior Women’s Handball Championship begins in Wellington with seven teams chasing a pathway to bigger global events. Youth Athletics: Te Kamo Intermediate’s Scarlett Nelson set a new Aims Games cross-country record, running 3km in 3m 35s per kilometre. Fiji Rugby Development: Swire Shipping Fijian Drua signed 17-year-old Alfred Cornish after a standout Deans Under-18 performance, adding him to the junior pathway. Flying Fijians Focus: Assistant coach Seremaia Bai says preparations in Osaka are going well ahead of the Canada semi-final in the Pacific Nations Cup. Community & Wellbeing: Marist Old Boys launched “Wellness Wednesday” to tackle rising non-communicable diseases with weekly fitness, connection and conversations. Solar Shift on Rabi Island: High fuel costs are pushing Rabi Island households and communities toward solar for everyday power needs. Fiji Football Veterans: The RC Manubhai/Apco Coatings Veterans Tournament returns in Ba, supporting former players’ education and wellbeing. Child Safety Call: Save the Children Fiji urged urgent national action to end sexual violence against children and strengthen protection systems.

Pacific Nations Cup Rugby: The Flying Fijians are set for Saturday’s PNC semi-final in Osaka against Canada, with assistant coach Seremaia Bai saying preparations are going well and the defending champions are ready to take on a Canada side looking to improve after a heavy loss to Japan. Local Rugby Development: Nadi Rugby is pushing ahead with plans for a new headquarters and training complex after NRU president Ponijese Lou gifted 2.24 acres at Voivoi, aiming to build facilities for players and the wider community. Skipper Cup Focus: Naitasiri U20 head coach Dan Ligairi says discipline will be the key as they host Navosa, with yellow cards and ground conditions still areas to fix. Women’s Sport Spotlight: Tonga hosts the Oceania Netball World Cup qualifier next week, with Fiji, Cook Islands, PNG and Samoa chasing two spots. Youth & Ambition: FMF has signed 14-year-old swimmer Grace Khelan as an ambassador, backing her Olympic dream. Arts & Culture: VOU’s Fijian Flying Circus brings a grass-skirted, aerial acrobatics twist to Brisbane Festival, mixing drumming, dance and folklore into a family-friendly show. Community Wellbeing: Marist Old Boys in Fiji are running “Wellness Wednesday” sessions to support health, fitness and connection for members.

Wellbeing at Marist Old Boys: Marist Old Boys are rolling out “Wellness Wednesday” to tackle rising non-communicable diseases, with free weekly sessions on fitness, brotherhood and wellbeing at Marist Brothers High School tracks (5:30–6:30pm). Oceania Netball World Cup qualifier: Tonga hosts the Oceania Netball World Cup qualifier in Nuku’alofa, with Fiji, Cook Islands, PNG and Samoa chasing two spots alongside New Zealand. Fiji footballers’ education support: The RC Manubhai/Apco Coatings Veterans Tournament returns in Ba, funding education for four former footballers while keeping retired players active. Rabi Island turns to solar: High fuel costs are pushing Rabi Island households and communities toward solar power for daily electricity needs. Drua development signings: Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has contracted a father-and-son link and also signed a young Macuata talent after standout Skipper Cup performances. Boxing mourns Joe Ravudi: Fiji boxing pays tribute to former national champion Joe Ravudi for his ring achievements and work nurturing young boxers. Pacific Cup golf prep: Nadi Open champion Raina Kumar is balancing MBBS studies with daily training ahead of the Pacific Cup in Tahiti. FNRL grows local rugby league: Fiji’s rugby league body is discussing a Pacific 9s series and a 13-a-side tournament to create more pathways for island club players. Arts & reintegration: The Yellow Ribbon Project and “Behind the Walls” art exhibition highlights how stigma can become a “second prison” for former inmates, with art used to rebuild lives. Online safety consultation: Fiji’s Law Reform Commission says any social media age limits need more consultation, especially with children, before rules can be shaped. Friendly North festival fundraising: Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North gross proceeds hit $341,015.75, with plans to support health and community projects in the North. Grassroots volleyball: Raiwai Rebels win the Genesis Volleyball Tournament soft launch, setting up the main national event in October with life-skills and financial literacy added.

Fijian Flying Circus: VOU’s first-ever circus for Fiji is bringing a grass-skirt, drumming-and-aerial twist to Brisbane, with the story of Loma and stolen magical shoes turning folklore into high-energy stage spectacle. School & sport health: A routine screening for an active 13-year-old uncovered a heart condition, leading to an overseas operation and a quick return to normal life. Jubilee & fashion: Saint Joseph’s Secondary School kicks off its 70th jubilee with Mass, student entertainment and fashion, followed by an alumnae market day and “Pacific Elegance” at Vodafone Arena. Rehabilitation through art: Fiji’s President says former inmates face a “second prison” of stigma, highlighting Behind the Walls and the Yellow Ribbon Project’s push for reintegration support. Online safety debate: Fiji Law Reform Commissioner Valerie Narain says any social media age limits need more consultation, especially with children, before rules and enforcement can be shaped. Women in sport leadership: Applications are open for the second cohort of Wāhine Toa Oceania, a Pacific-wide leadership programme for retired elite female athletes, with workshops across Fiji, Greece and PNG. Pacific film buzz: Naoero’s (Nauru) first feature film, Far End of the Sea, has gone viral online, spotlighting island culture and history.

Rugby Spotlight: All Blacks scrum-half Cam Roigard is publicly called out after a clash with Cobus Reinach in Soweto, with Ben Youngs criticising the incident as not elite behaviour. Women’s Rugby Milestone: The Black Ferns made history in South Africa, beating the Springboks Women 52-20 despite four yellow cards. Public Health & Safety: Save the Children Fiji says child sexual violence must be treated as a national crisis, urging stronger prevention, protection, justice and accountability. Local Sports & Community: Fiji’s Tailevu men target discipline as they face Kadavu in Skipper Cup, while Suva, Nasinu, Rewa and Ba set for the B.O.G semi-finals after Labasa’s exit. Youth Pathways: ANZ and the Fijian Drua Foundation delivered financial literacy to Next Gen Drua Camp athletes, and a school screening uncovered a heart condition in an active 13-year-old. Leadership in Sport: Applications are open for the second cohort of Wāhine Toa Oceania, a Pacific leadership programme for retired elite women athletes. Rehabilitation Through Art: Fiji’s Behind the Walls exhibition highlights reintegration after prison, with the President warning stigma can become a “second prison.”

Tok Pisin Wik in NZ: Papua New Guinea’s Tok Pisin is celebrated as a living, unifying language in Wellington, with community members saying it keeps people connected across cultures. Fiji online safety debate: Fiji Law Reform Commissioner Valerie Narain says any social media age limits need more consultation, especially with children, and that enforcement would be tricky. Behind the Walls art: Fiji Corrections Service is using inmate artwork to support rehabilitation, with President Ratu Naiqama calling for accountability plus a fair pathway back to society. Friendly North festival results: Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North gross proceeds hit $341,015.75, with plans to back health and community projects in the North. Grassroots volleyball: Raiwai Rebels win the Genesis Volleyball Tournament soft launch, setting up a bigger Oct 2-3 national event plus youth life-skills. Fiji Bati and league pathways: Coach Mick Potter highlights local talent and rule understanding as key gaps, while FNRL discusses a Pacific 9s series and even a Vegas 9s push—though a $15,000 bond per player is a major hurdle. Pacific sport and culture on screen: A viral Naoero (Nauru) feature film, Far End of the Sea, brings island stories to a global audience. Rugby spotlight: World Rugby rankings see the Springboks hold top spot as the All Blacks close in, and Fiji’s own rugby league and union squads gear up for major fixtures.

Gender & Safety: Rev. Dr Cliff Bird urged men and fathers across the Pacific to challenge traditional gender roles, including how scriptures are read, as part of efforts to curb gender-based violence—also noting violence can occur within churches. Northern Charity & Culture: The Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North raised $341,015.75 in gross proceeds, with a charity chest contribution of $57,611.75, and plans to back Labasa Hospital and the Labasa Town Council. Youth Skills to Livelihoods: Youth and Sports Minister Jese Saukuru challenged 50 trainees in horticulture, sports and first aid to turn certificates into businesses, with Youth Grant applications opening next day. Grassroots Sport: Raiwai Rebels won the Genesis Volleyball Tournament soft launch, beating the Avengers in straight sets, ahead of the Oct 2–3 national event plus youth life-skills. Rugby League Pathways: Fiji Bati coach Mick Potter says local competition is producing talent, while FNRL discusses a Pacific 9s series and a Vegas 9s plan faces a $15,000 bond hurdle per player. Film & Identity: Naoero’s first feature film, Far End of the Sea, has gone viral online, spotlighting Nauru’s people, culture and landscape. Rehabilitation Through Art: Fiji Corrections’ Yellow Ribbon Project showcased inmate artwork in “Behind the Walls,” with President Ratu Naiqama calling it a fair pathway back to society. Fashion & Heritage: Miss Fiji Rugby Union Suliana Latianara won Best Traditional-Inspired Attire at Hibiscus, with her masi-and-natural-material look crafted over three days by Lavalani Designs. Surf on TV: Organisers described the “death defying” Cloudbreak logistics—judges and lunches delivered by boats and jet skis—highlighting why the Fiji Pro is so hard to broadcast.

Pacific Islands Forum: Leaders in Palau reproached China over an intercontinental ballistic missile test, urging 24-hour advance notice for future tests and calling for unity on regional sovereignty. Rehabilitation Through Art: Fiji’s Corrections Service is using its “Behind the Walls” exhibition to support inmate rehabilitation and reintegration under the Yellow Ribbon Project. Food & Culture: The FFA and SPC launched “Tuna Bites” for UN World Tuna Day and Pacific Tuna Month, with a country-by-country tuna dish competition broadcast on TV. Fashion & Heritage: Miss Fiji Rugby Union Suliana Latianara won Best Traditional-Inspired Attire at the Hibiscus Festival, with her masi-and-natural-material look crafted over three days by Lavalani Designs. Sport Spotlight: Fiji confirmed a 40-man Rugby League World Cup squad for October, while Fiji Bulikula coach Jone Wesele says unity will drive the women’s campaign. Tourism Update: Fiji introduced a 5% Tourism Services Tax from Sept 1, with rules depending on what you book and who sells it.

Arts & Rehabilitation: Fiji Corrections Service’s “Behind the Walls” exhibition is using art to help inmates rehabilitate and reintegrate, with President Ratu Naiqama urging the public to look beyond offences to the chance for change. Education & Women’s Legacy: Saint Joseph’s Secondary School marks 70 years of empowering women with a week-long Platinum Jubilee starting tomorrow, featuring masses, fitness, talks and cultural nights across Suva. Women’s Rugby on the Big Stage: Springbok Women host the Black Ferns in Johannesburg for the first Greatest Rivalry Test on South African soil, with Georgia Ponsonby captaining New Zealand’s historic clash. Local Sport Spotlight: Fiji Bulikula coach Jone Wesele says unity will drive their Rugby League World Cup push, aiming to compete—not just make up numbers. Film & Creative Independence: Pasifika TV’s POP48 48-hour film challenge is challenging Fiji filmmakers to take control of Pacific storytelling, with teams racing to produce short films in two days. Weekend Watch & Community: Fiji Police will ramp up presence for back-to-school crowds and Hibiscus Festival wrap-ups, while Suva Touch hosts the 70th Vodafone Hibiscus Koroturaga tournament to grow the sport.

Fiji Tourism: Fiji has introduced a new 5% Tourism Services Tax, with rules that depend on what you buy and who sells it, and a key exemption for bookings made before Sept 1. Surfing Spotlight: Canada’s Erin Brooks won the Fiji Pro for a second straight World Surf League Championship Tour title after Isabella Nichols withdrew with an ankle injury, keeping Fiji’s surf stage firmly in the global spotlight. Hibiscus Festival Fashion: Miss Fiji Rugby Union Suliana Latianara took Best Traditional-Inspired Attire on iTaukei Night, with her masi-and-natural-material look built over three days by a team of about 10. Film & Culture: Pasifika TV’s Nicole Rex Taofinu’u is in Fiji for POP48, urging local filmmakers to “tell their own stories” as teams race to produce short films in 48 hours. Sport Development: Badminton Fiji is pushing badminton into primary schools via a new national primary tournament, aiming to build stronger fundamentals for future players. Community Safety: Fiji Police will ramp up presence across towns and cities for the busy weekend, including roadblocks and snap checks around Hibiscus Festival and major sporting events.