AGP Executive Report

Pacific Fisheries: Forum Fisheries Committee talks wrapped in Wellington, with ministers backing the next chair, Shane Jones, and adopting a communiqué on the future of Pacific fisheries cooperation. Security & Sovereignty: Australia and Vanuatu signed the Nakamal Agreement in Canberra, banning foreign military bases on Vanuatu soil but watering down limits on third-party investment, while China warned such pacts shouldn’t target “third parties” as it deepens its own ties with Port Vila. Nauru Identity: Nauru’s parliament has moved toward a referendum to formally adopt “Naoero,” reviving the island’s indigenous name and reframing how the country presents itself. Education Data: Samoa launched the SEMIS system, giving schools and the education ministry real-time data to spot support needs early and improve children’s learning. Deep-Sea Mining: Legal fights are heating up as Nauru and Tonga-linked companies challenge the International Seabed Authority over due process and transparency, raising stakes for seabed governance. Health Spotlight: A global look at obesity highlights Nauru as the world’s most obese nation, with major health implications for a small population. Regional Climate: SPREP says El Niño can bring both risks and opportunities, with guidance for Pacific communities on what to expect. Immigration Update (Nauru): Australia’s OSB reporting notes UMAs transferred to regional processing and resettled, with Nauru handling protection claims.

Nauru Sovereignty: Nauru has moved to formally adopt “Naoero,” with parliament passing the proposal unopposed and a referendum set to decide the change, framed locally as a return to the island’s indigenous identity. Remembrance & History: Naoero marked 29 June Remembrance Day with a wreath-laying ceremony, flag lowering and a minute’s silence for the 83rd anniversary of wartime exile to Chuuk. Deep-Sea Governance: Nauru Ocean Resources Inc. (NORI) and Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd. have filed parallel cases at ITLOS challenging the International Seabed Authority’s due process and transparency in an ongoing compliance inquiry—an issue that could shape seabed mining rules for the region. Pacific Security Deals: Australia and Vanuatu have signed the Nakamal Agreement, banning foreign military bases and infrastructure in Vanuatu while watering down limits on third-party investment via a consultation-only approach. Regional Climate Outlook: SPREP says El Niño has been declared, with implications for rainfall and ocean conditions across the Pacific—alongside potential opportunities for some island communities. Pacific Mobility: New Zealand hosts Pacific fisheries ministers for the Forum Fisheries Committee meeting, focusing on sustainable management of the region’s fisheries. Health Snapshot: A global ranking highlights Nauru among the world’s highest obesity-rate countries, underscoring major chronic-disease pressure.

Nauru Sovereignty & Identity: Nauru has moved to hold a referendum to formally adopt “Naoero,” reviving the island’s indigenous name after parliament passed the proposal unopposed, with the vote framed locally as a return rather than a break. Regional Security Talks: Australia and Vanuatu have signed the Nakamal Agreement after months of tense negotiations, with Vanuatu agreeing no foreign military bases or infrastructure will be allowed on its territory, while the deal was watered down so Vanuatu will only consult Australia on third-party involvement in critical infrastructure. Pacific Climate Outlook: SPREP says El Niño has been declared and could bring below-normal rainfall for parts of the western Pacific, while also creating opportunities depending on local conditions. Nauru Offshore Policy Scrutiny: A UN special rapporteur report says Australia still can’t avoid responsibility for asylum seekers sent to Nauru, criticising offshore detention and pointing to Australia’s $408 million Nauru deal. Deep-Sea Mining Legal Fight: Nauru-backed NORI and Tonga’s TOML have filed cases against the International Seabed Authority, challenging due process and transparency in the ISA’s compliance inquiry. Sports & Hosting: Nauru will host the 11th Micronesian Games in January 2028, after Kiribati was selected to host the 2030 edition.

Nakamal Agreement Fallout: Australia and Vanuatu have finally signed the long-delayed Nakamal security pact, but it’s been watered down: Vanuatu will bar foreign military bases and keep critical infrastructure “free from militarisation,” while dropping earlier clauses that could have restricted Chinese investment—replacing them with consultation with Australia. Pacific Security Watch: Australia’s Pacific Affairs minister says China is seeking a permanent security presence, pointing to policing cooperation as the main route, as Canberra pushes a “security from the Pacific” approach. Nauru Sovereignty Move: Nauru has announced a referendum to formally adopt “Naoero,” reviving the indigenous name after an unopposed parliamentary push. Visa Progress: The Pacific Engagement Visa is gaining momentum, with 1,953 visas granted between July 2025 and March 2026 and strong early results for the latest cohort. Health Spotlight: A new look at global obesity rankings puts Nauru at the top, with extremely high overweight/obesity rates and major health stakes for the island. Human Rights Pressure: A UN report says Australia can’t escape responsibility for asylum seekers sent to Nauru, renewing calls to end offshore detention. Regional Fisheries: New Zealand hosted Pacific fisheries ministers for the Forum Fisheries Committee meeting, focusing on sustainable management of the region’s tuna and ocean resources.

Nauru Sovereignty & Identity: Nauru has moved to hold a referendum to formally adopt “Naoero,” reviving the island’s indigenous name after parliament passed the proposal unopposed, with officials framing it as a return rather than a break. Regional Security Deals: Australia and Vanuatu have signed the long-awaited Nakamal Agreement, but it’s been watered down from earlier drafts—Vanuatu won’t allow foreign military bases or militarisation, while Australia’s role is strengthened through policing and support, and third-party investment is handled via consultation rather than a hard veto. Nauru in the Spotlight on Offshore Processing: A UN report says Australia can’t avoid responsibility for asylum seekers sent to Nauru by outsourcing obligations, renewing pressure on the offshore detention system. Deep-Sea Mining Legal Fight: Nauru and Tonga-linked deep-sea mining cases have been filed against the International Seabed Authority, challenging due process and transparency in the ISA’s compliance work. Pacific Fisheries Cooperation: New Zealand hosted Pacific fisheries ministers for the Forum Fisheries Committee meeting, focusing on sustainable management of the region’s tuna and ocean resources. Pacific Migration Pathways: New Zealand’s Pacific Engagement Visa numbers show faster progress, with more visas granted in 2025–26 than the prior cohort. Health & Community Impact: The Fred Hollows Foundation says it has delivered more than 100,000 sight-restoring surgeries across the Pacific, including outreach in Nauru.

Nauru Sovereignty & Identity: Nauru (Naoero) is moving to a referendum to formally adopt “Naoero,” after parliament passed the proposal unopposed, with officials framing it as a return to an indigenous name tied to language and home. Nauru Remembrance Day: Naoero marked 29 June Remembrance Day with a ceremony honouring the 83rd anniversary of the wartime exile of Nauruans, including a half-mast flag lowering and a one-minute silence. Pacific Immigration Policy Watch: A UN report says Australia remains responsible for the wellbeing of asylum seekers it sent to Nauru, rejecting the idea that obligations can be shifted through contracts. PEV Progress for Nauruans: New Zealand’s Pacific Engagement Visa pathway is accelerating, with 1,953 PEV visas granted between July 2025 and March 2026 and a strong outlook for the 2025-26 cohort. Regional Security Deals: Australia and Vanuatu signed the Nakamal Agreement, banning foreign military bases and requiring consultation on third-party critical infrastructure engagement, while China’s police presence in Port Vila continues amid the broader security tug-of-war. Deep-Sea Governance: Nauru-backed NORI and Tonga’s TOML have filed cases against the International Seabed Authority, challenging due process and transparency in the seabed compliance inquiry. Health Spotlight: Nauru is highlighted as the world’s most obese nation, with WHO estimates putting 94.5% of Nauruans overweight or obese. Regional Fisheries: Ministers from PNA countries met in Majuro for the 21st Nauru Agreement ministerial meeting, backing progress on tuna management and a tuna value-chain development pathway.

Vanuatu–Australia Security Deal: Vanuatu and Australia have signed the Nakamal Agreement in Canberra, banning foreign military bases and militarisation of Vanuatu’s critical infrastructure, but watering down limits on Chinese investment—Vanuatu will instead consult Australia on any third-party engagement. Regional Climate Outlook: SPREP says El Niño has been declared and could bring drier conditions for parts of the western Pacific, while also creating opportunities for some islands—communities are being urged to plan ahead. Nauru Agreement Fisheries Talks: Ministers from PNA members met in Majuro for the 21st PNA Ministerial Meeting, backing progress on tuna management and endorsing a tuna value-chain development pathway. Deep-Seabed Governance Challenge: Nauru Ocean Resources Inc. and Tonga Offshore Mining have filed parallel cases at ITLOS over ISA due process, transparency and non-discrimination in its compliance inquiry—an early test of seabed rules. Offshore Detention Scrutiny: A UN report says Australia remains responsible for asylum seekers sent to Nauru, rejecting the idea it can shift obligations by contracting out. Pacific Safety & Response: NZDF joined an ADF-led operation in Papua New Guinea to destroy about 2,200 WWII-era explosives, reducing long-running risks to communities. Cybercrime Cooperation: Tonga joined an INTERPOL regional cybercrime initiative, with Nauru among participating Pacific states, aiming to boost intelligence sharing and coordinated operations.

Nakamal Agreement: Australia and Vanuatu have finally signed a revised Nakamal security pact in Canberra, with Vanuatu agreeing its territory won’t be used for any foreign military base or infrastructure, while Australia and partners will provide $500 million in policing and development support. The deal was watered down after sovereignty concerns and fears it could restrict Vanuatu’s ability to work with other countries on ports, airports and telecoms—Vanuatu will instead consult Australia on third-party engagement, and critical infrastructure must stay “free from militarisation” and unauthorised access. Pacific security pressure: Australia’s Pacific Affairs minister says China is seeking a permanent security presence across the region, including through policing cooperation, as Canberra pushes for Pacific-led security. Nauru offshore detention: A UN report says Australia remains responsible for the wellbeing of asylum seekers sent to Nauru, rejecting the idea that obligations can be outsourced to other states or contractors. Cybercrime push: Tonga has joined an INTERPOL regional cybercrime initiative, with Nauru among participating Pacific nations, aiming to strengthen law enforcement and cyber resilience. Regional economy hit by fuel crisis: A new look at the fuel shock shows diesel and electricity costs spiking across Pacific islands, with leaders urging support for renewables like solar to avoid future crises.

Nakamal Agreement Update: Australia and Vanuatu have finally signed the revised Nakamal Agreement in Canberra, with Vanuatu confirming it will not allow any foreign military base or militarisation of its territory, while also agreeing to consult Australia on third-party involvement in critical infrastructure like ports and airports—after Port Vila pushed back on tighter limits that could have restricted Chinese investment. China in the Pacific: The deal lands as China’s surveillance ship is tracked north of Papua New Guinea conducting ocean research in sensitive Pacific waters, keeping security concerns front and centre. Nauru Offshore Detention Scrutiny: A UN report says Australia remains responsible for the wellbeing of asylum seekers sent to Nauru, rejecting the idea that obligations can be outsourced, as new parliamentary submissions also criticise the secrecy and potential long-term detention arrangements. Regional Security & Tech: Tonga has joined an INTERPOL cybercrime initiative alongside Nauru and other Pacific states, aiming to strengthen intelligence sharing and law enforcement responses to scams and ransomware. Pacific Cooperation: Finance ministers from across the Pacific are set to meet in the Marshall Islands for the 2026 FEMM, with regional resilience and the Pacific Resilience Facility on the agenda.

Nakamal Agreement on the brink: Australia and Vanuatu are set to sign a revised strategic pact in Canberra after months of tense talks, with key “third party” limits on Chinese involvement in ports, airports and telecoms softened from the original Mount Yasur deal. Water access gap: A new global map highlights that more than 2 billion people still lack safely managed drinking water, with access near-universal in wealthy regions but far below 20% in several low-income countries. Nauru Agreement talks: Ministers from PNA members met in Majuro for the 21st annual gathering, backing progress on tuna management and the PNA tuna development pathway. Offshore detention scrutiny: A UN report says Australia remains responsible for the wellbeing of asylum seekers sent to Nauru, rejecting attempts to shift duties to other states or contractors. Pacific fuel fallout: Coverage revisits how the fuel crisis drove sharp diesel and electricity price rises across the Pacific and pushed leaders toward renewables like solar. Cybercrime push: Tonga has joined an INTERPOL regional cybercrime initiative, with Nauru listed among participating Pacific nations. Health in the Pacific: The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ reports more than 100,000 sight-restoring surgeries delivered across the region, including outreach work reaching Nauru.

Offshore detention scrutiny: A UN report says Australia can’t dodge responsibility for asylum seekers it sent to Nauru, after a $408m deal to resettle more than 350 non-citizens. Nauru Agreement talks: Ministers met in Majuro for the 21st PNA Ministerial Meeting, backing progress on tuna management and a tuna development pathway. Pacific security and China: Australia’s Pat Conroy says China is seeking a permanent security presence in the Pacific, including through policing cooperation. Cybercrime push: INTERPOL reports a sharp rise in cybercrime across Asia and the South Pacific, with Tonga joining a regional cybercrime initiative that includes Nauru. Fuel crisis fallout: A new look at the fuel crisis shows diesel and electricity costs spiking across the Pacific, with leaders urging renewable energy support. Health and community impact: The Fred Hollows Foundation says it has delivered over 100,000 sight-restoring surgeries across the Pacific, including Nauru. Regional news: Micronesian Games Council confirms Kiribati as host for the 2030 Games. Safety operations: NZDF personnel joined an ADF-led mission in PNG to destroy about 2,200 WWII explosive remnants.

WWII Cleanup in PNG: Six NZDF personnel joined an ADF-led operation in Papua New Guinea to safely destroy about 2,200 unexploded World War II explosives, disposing of roughly 7,550kg of explosive remnants across Gazelle, Kokopo and Rabaul after 80 years of risk in hot, humid jungle conditions. Nauru Agreement Fisheries Talks: Ministers from PNA members met in Majuro for the 21st PNA Ministerial Meeting, backing progress on tuna management and endorsing a tuna development pathway focused on value-chain benefits. Offshore Detention Scrutiny: A UN report says Australia can’t avoid responsibility for asylum seekers sent to Nauru, renewing criticism of offshore processing and indefinite detention practices. Fuel Crisis Fallout Across the Pacific: A regional timeline shows diesel and electricity costs spiking as countries leaned on donors and neighbours, with calls for renewable energy like solar to reduce future shocks. Cybercrime Push: INTERPOL says cybercrime is surging across Asia and the South Pacific, with Tonga joining a regional joint operations programme that also includes Nauru. Local Spotlight: Nauru’s President David Adeang took part in International Yoga Day events, highlighting community and diplomatic participation.

Explosive Removals: Six NZDF personnel joined an ADF-led multinational operation in Papua New Guinea to safely destroy about 2,200 WWII-era unexploded explosives, disposing of roughly 7,550kg of explosive remnants across Gazelle, Kokopo and Rabaul. Fuel Crisis Fallout: A new regional timeline shows how the Pacific fuel crunch drove sharp diesel and electricity price hikes, with Fiji, Samoa and Tonga raising diesel ceilings, while leaders pushed for solar and other renewables to avoid future shocks. Nauru Agreement Talks: Ministers from Pacific nations met in Majuro for the 21st PNA Ministerial meeting, backing progress on tuna management and endorsing a pathway for tuna value development. Offshore Detention Scrutiny: A UN report says Australia can’t dodge responsibility for asylum seekers sent to Nauru, renewing calls over the harm linked to offshore detention and resettlement arrangements. Cybercrime Push: Tonga joined an INTERPOL regional cybercrime initiative, with Nauru listed among participating Pacific states as scams and ransomware threats rise. Local Spotlight: Nauru President David Adeang took part in International Yoga Day events, alongside officials and community members.

UN Accountability on Nauru: A UN special rapporteur says Australia can’t dodge responsibility for asylum seekers it sent to Nauru, after a $408m deal and offshore processing/resettlement arrangements; the report condemns the “cruel system” and says Australia remains responsible for harm. Operation Sovereign Borders Update: For 1–31 May 2026, OSB says one smuggling venture was resolved, no people were returned to origin, and eight UMAs were transferred to a regional processing country; Nauru is noted as handling protection claims. Pacific Security and China: Australia’s Pacific Affairs minister Pat Conroy warns China is seeking a permanent security presence in the Pacific, including via policing cooperation, while stressing security should be provided by Pacific countries. Nauru Agreement Talks: Ministers meeting for the 21st PNA Ministerial Meeting in Majuro backed progress on tuna management and endorsed a tuna development pathway framework. Cybercrime Push: Tonga has joined an INTERPOL regional cybercrime initiative, with Nauru included among participating Pacific nations as scams and ransomware rise. Fuel Crisis Fallout: A timeline and analysis track how the fuel crisis drove sharp fuel and electricity cost hikes and forced Pacific leaders toward tough choices and renewable energy appeals. Local Spotlight: Nauru’s President David Adeang joined International Yoga Day events in Abu Dhabi.

Offshore Processing Update: Australia’s Operation Sovereign Borders monthly figures for 1–31 May 2026 show one smuggling venture disrupted, no returns to countries of origin, eight UMAs transferred to a regional processing country, eight UMAs voluntarily returned from regional processing, and five resettled in a third country (none direct from Nauru). UN Accountability: A UN special rapporteur says Australia can’t dodge responsibility for harm caused by offshore detention, including the Nauru deal resettling 350-plus people, after a High Court ruling found indefinite detention unlawful. Pacific Security & China: Australia’s Pacific Affairs Minister Pat Conroy says China is seeking a permanent security presence in the Pacific, including through policing cooperation, while arguing security should be provided by Pacific countries first. Nauru in the Spotlight: Nauru’s role in the offshore system is again under fire, with parliamentary submissions alleging secrecy and inhumanity around detention and 30-year visas tied to payments. Health & Community Impact: The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ reports more than 100,000 sight-restoring surgeries delivered across the Pacific, including outreach reaching Nauru. Regional Climate Watch: SPREP urges Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño after it was declared underway.

Micronesian Games 2030: The Micronesian Games Council has named Kiribati the host of the 2030 Micronesian Games after a competitive bidding process, with Chuuk, Kiribati, the Northern Mariana Islands and Palau submitting bids; Nauru is set to host the 11th edition in 2028. Offshore detention scrutiny: A UN report says Australia remains responsible for the wellbeing of asylum seekers sent to Nauru, rejecting attempts to “contract out” obligations, as Australia’s $408m Nauru deal continues to draw criticism. Fuel crisis fallout: A new timeline shows how the Pacific fuel crisis drove sharp rises in diesel and electricity costs, pushing island governments to seek help from donors and accelerate renewable energy plans. Regional security and diplomacy: Pacific leaders are pushing for new approaches to security and cooperation, including moves to rethink policing and treaty arrangements across the region. Cybercrime push: Tonga has joined an INTERPOL regional cybercrime initiative, with Nauru among participating Pacific states as scams and ransomware threats grow. Nauru in the spotlight: Nauru’s President David Adeang took part in International Yoga Day activities, highlighting ongoing cultural and diplomatic engagement.