AGP Executive Report

NRL & Rugby League Buzz: Roosters star Mark Nawaqanitawase is reportedly considering a return to league after his rugby union stint, with a Brisbane meeting last Friday between Roosters chairman Nick Politis and his management, and his mum Fiona Tovehi sounding hopeful. Cross-Code Spotlight: A new ranking looks at the biggest rugby league-to-union (and back) stars, highlighting how players like Chris Ashton and Lote Tuqiri reshaped both games. Fiji Youth & Faith: Suva’s “Walk With Me” Interfaith Youth Concert drew 500+ young people, urging them to respect differences, stay off drugs and violence, and build peace online through music and fellowship. Fiji Sports Safety: Health officials urged sporting bodies—especially in contact sports like boxing—to strengthen HIV safety protocols, including wider encouragement for testing and treatment. Fiji Law & Public Interest: Fiji’s Counter Narcotics Bill 2026 passed unanimously, setting up a Counter-Narcotics Bureau and new powers, including a specific narco-terrorism offence. Local Talent & Pride: Grace Khelan and triathlete Josiah Croker were named Fiji’s flag bearers for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. Arts & Community: Tauranga’s “Artful Mind” exhibition pairs artists with people living with dementia, turning personal memories into artworks for sale and connection.

Youth & Faith: Fiji’s Walk With Me Interfaith Youth Concert in Suva drew 500+ young people, urging them to respect differences, use their voices wisely online, and build peace through music and community service. Sports & Health: Fiji’s HIV emergency has prompted calls for stronger safety protocols in sport, especially contact codes like boxing, with officials urging testing and universal precautions. Flag Bearers: Swimmer Grace Khelan and triathlete Josiah Croker were named Fiji’s flag bearers for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games after medal-winning form. Local Rugby Pathways: Naitasiri’s Skipper Cup push gets a boost from Flying Fijians coach Senirusi Seruvakula’s on-the-ground input ahead of a key Round 10 clash with Nadi. Art & Memory: Tauranga’s Artful Mind exhibition pairs artists with people living with dementia, turning lived stories into saleable artworks. Culture & Entertainment: Fiji’s “Survivor 51” continues to draw attention after a contestant’s machete injury was shown on-screen, filmed in Fiji. Crime & Courts: Police say nearly 40kg of cocaine evidence was swapped for flour after going missing from Suva High Court custody, with investigations focused on exhibit handling.

NRL & Rugby League Culture: Mark Nawaqanitawase’s mum Fiona Tovehi reveals the playful, hands-on side of the Roosters star—plus how she once tried to stop him playing league, before his talent took over. Rugby Union vs League Branding: New Zealand Rugby’s Chiefs are pushing for an amicable fix with PNG’s incoming “Chiefs” league franchise, warning the shared name could confuse fans and sponsors. Fijian Rugby Pathways: Fiji’s Flying Fijians coaching hunt is heating up, with Warren Gatland reportedly among 31 applicants, while Watisoni Waqanisaravi extends with La Rochelle to 2028 and the Drua locks in Manasa Mataele for another year. Local Sport Spotlight: Suva futsal prepares for a semi-final against Labasa with fitness and tactics in focus, and Malolo eyes a bounce-back win over Tailevu. Arts & Storytelling: A Fijian academic urges Pacific families to record their own stories—songs, chants and memories—before they’re lost. Youth & Faith: Over 1,000 young Fijians are expected at Suva’s free “Walk With Me” Christian youth concert.

Rugby & Local Talent: The Flying Fijians coaching hunt is heating up after reports Warren Gatland is among 31 applicants for the head coach role, while Fiji’s own Drua keeps building—Manasa Mataele re-signs for 2027 and Mick Byrne is appointed as the club’s first head coach. Youth & Community Arts/Entertainment: Suva’s “Walk With Me” Christian Youth Concert draws more than 1,000 young people to FMF Gymnasium in Laucala Bay, with gospel music and local performers. Sport Spotlight: Grace Khelan wins three medals at New Zealand’s Short Course Championships, and Suva futsal prepares for a semi-final against Labasa with fitness and tactics in focus. Policy & National Life: Parliament clears the way for Fiji’s first national referendum by passing the National Referendum Bill, setting up the legal machinery for constitutional votes. Culture & Storytelling: A Fijian academic urges Pacific communities to record their own stories through Talanoa Vei Ira na Luveda, pushing oral memories into writing and digital archives. Health/Crime & Governance: Fiji’s Counter-Narcotics Bill passes, creating a Counter-Narcotics Bureau and new powers to tackle drugs, including narco-terrorism.

Art & Community: Dementia Tauranga’s third annual Artful Mind pairs six local artists with people living with dementia in Tauranga, turning memories into paintings—one work links St Paul’s Methodist Church and the Milford Track, while another celebrates Fiji-born Liz Dooley in tapa-inspired style. Film & Pop Culture: A new look at Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid revisits how Fiji stood in for Borneo in the last big-screen snake sequel before the franchise reboot. TV Spotlight: Survivor 51’s “Open Era” is underway, with “permanent uncertainty” and a new twist set-up; the show also made headlines after contestant Brady Booker cut off part of his thumb with a machete during filming in Fiji. Fiji Policy & Safety: Fiji’s Counter-Narcotics Bill has passed, setting up a Counter-Narcotics Bureau and new offences including narco-terrorism. Sports Pathways: Fiji’s Under-19 girls basketball team is set to make history at the Summer Youth Olympics in Dakar, while the Fijian Drua appoints Mick Byrne as head coach and extends Manasa Mataele for 2027.

Rugby Leadership: Fiji Drua have appointed Mick Byrne as their first-ever head coach, with Nacanieli Cawanibuka joining as head of athletic performance, as the club builds toward the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season. Local Talent Pathways: Naitasiri captain Saula Qiolevu’s rise from school football to leading the Skipper Cup side highlights how Fiji’s rugby pathways are paying off. Youth Sport Spotlight: Fiji’s Under-19 girls basketball team is set to make history at the Summer Youth Olympics in Dakar, with preparations on track ahead of the Oct 31–Nov 13 event. Community Storytelling: A Fijian academic is urging Pacific families to record their own histories through Talanoa Vei Ira na Luveda, aiming to preserve elders’ knowledge for future generations. Sports & Society: Lae’s deputy PM John Rosso says the city is backing multiple codes—especially schoolboys rugby league—while also pushing to revive soccer and expand other sports. Arts & Culture: Pasifika TV is set to broadcast Pacific Climate Change Week and pre-COP31 stories across 30 channels, putting Pacific voices at the centre of the region’s climate conversation.

Fiji Rugby & sport pathways: Stonewriters has broken its silence over what it says are obstacles to building education and Rugby Sevens pathways for young athletes in Fiji, including setbacks around a proposed sports institute and academy, while pushing ahead with training plans linked to USP TAFE. Fijian football: Rewa has added Bula FC defender Scott Wara as it defends its FMF IDC title, with the squad focused on fixing finishing issues ahead of the National Stadium tournament. Women’s sport in the region: PNG’s Bilums surged to a 5-1 win over Solomon Islands in Suva to secure the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup final spot, keeping their unbeaten run intact. Music & community dignity: FIPRA and the Psychiatric Survivors Association Fiji urged the public to stop sharing a video circulating from the 2026 FIPRA Music Awards, saying a vulnerable moment should not be treated as entertainment. Climate media push: Pasifika TV is covering Pacific Climate Change Week and the pre-COP31 across Fiji and Tuvalu, aiming to amplify Pacific climate stories across 30 TV channels. Arts & culture: A Polynesian-focused museum feature highlights cross-cultural craftsmanship across Tonga and Fiji, including barkcloth and whalebone ornaments, while an AFI Fest 2026 lineup spotlights major international film selections.

Rugby Sevens Pathways: Stonewriters has broken its silence over what it calls obstacles to building education and Rugby Sevens pathways for young Fiji athletes, saying setbacks derailed plans for a sports institute, a Sevens academy and university links. Climate Media: Pasifika TV is set to broadcast Pacific Climate Change Week stories across 30 TV channels, with a pre-COP31 push in Fiji and Tuvalu as Pacific leaders and communities share lived climate impacts. Sports Governance & Safety: Fiji police are investigating a major court scandal after cocaine exhibits reportedly went missing from the High Court in Suva and were allegedly swapped for flour, with the case now focused on those managing evidence. Local Football: Rewa have added Bula FC defender Scott Wara as they defend their IDC title, with the squad aiming to fix finishing issues ahead of next week’s tournament. Arts & Community: FIPRA and the Psychiatric Survivors Association Fiji are urging the public to stop sharing a video circulating from the 2026 FIPRA Music Awards, saying a vulnerable moment should not be treated as entertainment. Entertainment & Travel: A beachfront Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa marks a year since opening its convention centre and says a new dining destination will launch in late 2026.

Pacific Arts & Identity: BYU–Hawaii theatre director Dr. Michael Morris is bringing two faith-and-identity works, “STAY.” and “Black Russian,” to the Edinburgh stage after last year’s Fringe push for more Pacific voices. Voyaging Update: Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia’s Fiji and Tuvalu visits have been postponed due to unsafe weather, with community engagements now potentially rescheduled until May 2027. Women’s Rights Spotlight: UN Women’s Alison Davidian, speaking from Fiji after years of conflict zones, warns that women’s rights gains are “more fragile than we think” amid climate pressure and aid cuts. Fiji Rugby & Sport: Fiji Drua has started expense reductions and paused investment plans as Super Rugby uncertainty and World Rugby funding changes bite; the FRU is also searching for a new Flying Fijians head coach after 31 applications. Music Awards Privacy: FIPRA and the Psychiatric Survivors Association Fiji are urging the public to stop sharing a circulated video from the 2026 FIPRA Music Awards, stressing dignity and compassion. Netball Rising Star: Evon Nalewabau shines for Suva, winning Best Player in the Women’s Open grade and setting her sights on the Fiji Pearls. Film & Community: Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa and Solomon teams are invited to watch and vote for entries in the POP48 48-hour People of Pasifika film challenge themed “Culture.”

Privacy & Music Community: FIPRA and the Psychiatric Survivors Association Fiji have urged the public to stop sharing a video circulating from the 2026 FIPRA Music Awards, saying a vulnerable moment should never be treated as entertainment. Local Rugby & Talent Pathways: The Flying Fijians coaching search continues after Philippe Saint-André withdrew from talks, while the 68-member squad for the Japan Test includes new call-ups and sibling pair Setareki Turagacoke and Watisoni Waqanisaravi. Women’s Rugby Spotlight: Vodafone Fijiana XV edged the Netherlands 20-17 in Hong Kong to complete a clean-sweep in the WXV Global Series Challenger, with Merewairita Neivosa praising teamwork and a late Qoro penalty. Sports Round-Up: Seresio Colailago won the Fiji Golf Open despite tough weather; Evon Nalewabau was named Best Player as Rewa’s Fiji Pearls hopes grow after winning the Crest National Netball Championship. Arts & Media: Pacific media leaders adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, calling for better access to climate loss information and stronger government accountability. Reality TV (Fiji link): Survivor 51 coverage highlights the season’s Fiji filming and Fiji castaway connections, including a local premiere watch-party featuring a Survivor contestant.

Flood & Erosion in Nadi: Yavusania villagers in Sikituru say heavy rain is routine, but riverbank erosion is now swallowing homes and land, with four houses already lost and families scrambling to save livestock as the Nadi River cuts the community off. Reality TV & Culture: “Survivor 51” contestant Linnea Capobianco is making headlines for her unapologetic anti-astrology stance, even as the show leans into social bonding and fan speculation. Historic Search in the Pacific: A Purdue-led expedition is set to hunt for Amelia Earhart’s missing plane wreckage in Nikumaroro’s lagoon, using a satellite anomaly as the focus for fieldwork. Fijiana’s WXV win: Fiji beat the Netherlands 20-17 in Hong Kong to complete a clean sweep in the WXV Global Series Challenger, with Merewairita Neivosa praising teamwork and a late Qoro penalty. Flying Fijians squad updates: Siblings Setareki Turagacoke and Watisoni Waqanisaravi are named together in the 68-member Flying Fijians squad for the Japan Test, alongside other uncapped call-ups. Netball Rising Star: Evon Nalewabau aims for the Fiji Pearls after being named Best Player in the Women’s Open at the Crest National Netball Championship. Media & Climate Accountability: Pacific media leaders adopted a Savusavu declaration demanding better access to loss and damage information and stronger government accountability. Sports Development: Navatu Secondary School received $8,000 in gym equipment, supporting youth rugby after their Deans Trophy run highlighted a lack of proper training facilities.

WXV Rugby: Fiji beat the Netherlands 20-17 in a thrilling WXV Global Series Challenger decider in Hong Kong, sealing a clean sweep as Merewairita Neivosa and Selai Naliva’s impact helped Fiji weather a late Dutch surge and win on a Varanisese Qoro penalty. Flying Fijians Squad: Siblings Setareki Turagacoke and Watisoni Waqanisaravi have been named together for the first time in the Flying Fijians’ 68-member squad for the Oct 24 Test against Japan, with several uncapped players also called up. Fijiana XV: Vodafone Fijiana also held off the Netherlands 20-17, with Neivosa praising teamwork after a tense, penalty-filled match. Netball Pathway: Evon Nalewabau’s Crest National win has her aiming for the Fiji Pearls, after being named Best Player in the Women’s Open grade. Sports Development: Rewa has secured Scott Wara for next week’s FMF Inter District Championship, while Navatu Secondary received $8,000 in gym equipment to support youth rugby development. Climate Media: Pacific media leaders adopted a Savusavu declaration demanding better access to loss and damage information and stronger government accountability. Arts & Culture: Herbert Bayer’s legacy gets a spotlight in a “Bauhaus to bling” feature, while a UNESCO-Prada “ONE OCEAN” exhibition brings ocean-focused learning, thinking and action to the UN.

Fijiana Rugby: Fijiana XVs held their nerve to beat the Netherlands 20-17 in Hong Kong, surviving a red card and late pressure to keep momentum in the WXV Challenger Series. Flying Fijians: Skipper Cup standouts Etonia Rokotuisawa and Kavekini Boselawa are named in the 68-member Flying Fijians squad for the October 24 Test against Japan, alongside several uncapped call-ups. Women’s Futsal: The Bula Business House Futsal Championship is praised for creating real pathways for women in sport, with six women’s teams set to continue pool matches before elimination rounds at Vodafone Arena. Local Sport Development: Navatu Secondary in Cakaudrove received $8,000 in gym equipment after its Under-19 rugby run to the Deans Trophy final, highlighting how facilities shape youth performance. Health & Care: Dr Vaigalo Eddie McCaig says joint replacement is increasingly needed for younger Fijians due to obesity, sports injuries and road crashes, not just age. Arts & Culture: Primanavia and the Shenzhen Star Bright Choir brought Mid-Autumn Festival harmony to Suva with a cross-cultural concert at the Civic Centre. Media & Streaming: “Survivor” returns for Season 51, but fans will notice a budget-cut change to a fan-favourite segment. Music in the Region: Sonu Nigam’s Revolution Tour lands in Auckland on Oct 2, with Fiji diaspora and mainstream fans expected to pack Spark Arena.

Flying Fijians Call-Ups: Skipper Cup standouts Etonia Rokotuisawa and Kavekini Boselawa have been named in the 68-member Flying Fijians squad for the Oct 24 Test against Japan, alongside eight uncapped players. Hockey Turf Reality Check: With Fiji’s single artificial turf, the Marist Eastgate Memorial Hockey Tournament is a costly challenge for hosts, even as teams push for better performance on grass. Women in Futsal: The Bula Business House Futsal Championship is giving women a real platform, with six teams competing at Vodafone Arena and the Goodman Fielder Fiji women praising the confidence boost. FIPRA Music Night: Liz Vamarasi swept the 2026 FIPRA Awards with three wins, while Paradise Rootz, Kuki and others also took major honours in Suva. Soccer Pathways: Ridgeline’s Aliana Vakaloloma returns after Fiji national team and US club experience, showing how young talent is being fast-tracked. Sports Governance Watch: Fiji Police confirm they’re investigating sexual harassment allegations involving an FNRL board member, with due process ongoing. Ocean Arts Crossover: Disney Music Group teamed up with the USA Artistic Swimming Team for a Moana “We Know the Way” performance video, blending Pacific storytelling with sport. Viksit Bharat Run: More than 120 joined the Viksit Bharat Run in Suva, with fitness and community clean-up themes led by the Indian High Commission and SVCC.

Operation Rosny Awards: Fiji audiences get a taste of global arts-and-entertainment drama as Sydney’s ICAC inquiry wraps, with “lucky and unlucky” recipients named in a blockbuster-style awards rundown. Music & Culture: Suva’s Mid-Autumn concert brought Primanavia and the Shenzhen Star Bright Choir together for a harmony across seas programme, while Disney Music Group spotlights Moana’s “We Know the Way” via a USA Artistic Swimming Team collaboration. South Asian Live Music: Sonu Nigam’s Revolution Tour lands at Auckland’s Spark Arena on Oct 2, with tickets from $89–$299. Fiji Music Industry: Liz Vamarasi swept the 2026 FIPRA Awards with three wins, as the awards spotlight creativity and debate how AI may reshape authorship. Sport for youth & women: Bula Business House Futsal Championship backs women’s participation; Flight Club Fiji returns from Australia with medals; and Navatu Secondary gets $8,000 in gym gear after a Deans Trophy run. Fiji Rugby & Netball: Fiji Pearls map a three-year plan after missing the 2027 World Cup, and Fiji Rugby pushes development fees and compensation as talent moves overseas.

Moana x Water Ballet: Disney Music Group teamed up with the USA Olympic Artistic Swimming Team for a new “We Know the Way” performance video, blending Polynesian storytelling with pool choreography. Women in Sport: The Bula Business House Futsal Championship is expanding opportunities for women, with teams praising the platform for confidence and teamwork. Local Sport Boost: Navatu Secondary received $8,000 in gym equipment after its Under-19 rugby success, while Flight Club Fiji’s young aerobic gymnasts returned from Australia with medals and awards. Fiji Rugby Pathways: Fiji Rugby is seeking development compensation from overseas clubs for players trained locally, and the Fiji Pearls have mapped a three-year plan after missing the 2027 Netball World Cup. Music Spotlight: Liz Vamarasi swept three top honours at the 2026 FIPRA Awards, as Fiji’s music industry also debates how AI may affect creativity. Entertainment Watch: Streaming picks include “Survivor” Season 51 (set in Fiji) and other new releases, as the show cuts a fan-favourite segment amid budget changes. Regional Games: The MSG Games Charter is endorsed for the first MSG Games in 2029, with a four-year cycle ahead.