News
-

Authorities Warn Public as Walu Bay Oil Tank Leak Triggers Emergency Response
Walu Bay becomes the focus of a developing emergency as an oil-tank leak triggers cordons and a rapid response. Police urge public cooperation while fire crews work to secure the scene and assess safety.
-

Fiji Chief Titles Vacancies Across Provinces Spark Governance Debate
New data on Fiji’s chiefly titles reveals a sizable gap across provinces—over a thousand positions remain unfilled. As regions swing from near-full to significantly vacant, the story hints at how traditional leadership and community voices could be reshaped.
-

New Education Policy Links Progression to Attendance and Student Well-Being
A sweeping new policy reshapes how students progress and stay engaged in school. Built on broad consultations, it aims to balance accountability with strong, data-driven support to keep every learner on track.
-

Lautoka Death Under Police Probe After Suspected Hit-and-Run
Investigators are probing a suspected hit-and-run in Vitogo, Lautoka, after a man was found dead. A post-mortem has been planned and a suspect is in questioning as police continue to piece together what happened.
-

Fiji Sugar Exports Reach Peak Prices as Global Markets Shift
Fiji’s sugar export prices surged after 2021, peaking in 2023 and staying above pre-pandemic levels. A minister outlines the global forces behind the swing and what it could mean for farmers’ earnings as markets adjust.
-

Methodist Church in Fiji Urges Families to Reclaim Elder Care
Faith leaders warn of a changing tide—more elders in care homes and fewer hands at home. They say caring for aging family could strengthen bonds and communities, inviting reflection on our values today.
-

Six Arrested in Nadawa Unlicensed Liquor Crackdown
An early-morning raid in Nadawa led to six arrests over unlicensed liquor sales. With seizures made and investigations underway, authorities urge the community to stay vigilant and report anything suspicious to help curb illicit activity.
-

Fiji Home Fire Spike Prompts Urgent Safety Reminders
Last year brought a troubling rise in home fires, underscoring how everyday choices can have devastating consequences. Electrical faults and unattended cooking were major triggers, highlighting the need for preventive measures, safer storage of lighters and matches, and family-wide evacuation awareness.
-

Bougainville Targets Full Independence by 2027 as Economy Takes Shape
Bougainville is accelerating its bid for full independence from Papua New Guinea by 2027, led by a bold economic roadmap. From reviving key industries to boosting agriculture and fisheries, the plan hinges on jobs, revenue, and strong governance. As 2023 marks a milestone, the push emphasizes unity, accountability, and a active role for communities and…
-

Qiri Kava Lights Up the Capital as Youth Share Love for the New Year
Rhythmic tins and drums filled the capital as a Nakauvadra youth group brought Qiri Kava to life for Vakatawase. Beyond the performance, their message of love, unity, and gratitude echoes through the crowd, turning the New Year into a moment of reflection and celebration. A powerful glimpse into a tradition that binds community, faith, and…
-

What Keeps a 93-Year-Old Fiji Grandmother Going?
At 93, Bertha Jean Bharat faces each day with clarity, gratitude, and a deep love for family that has anchored her through decades of change. From dawn prayers and tending a garden to the simple joys of everyday life, her story blends resilience with warm, enduring faith. A portrait of living fully through small rituals…
-

Fiji Unites Churches, Chiefs and Government in Drug-Free Villages Campaign
Fiji’s fight against drugs may be taking a new, united turn as church groups, communities, and government ministries consider a village-based approach. The upcoming “Drug Free Village” initiative promises to fuse faith, leadership, and public awareness—targeting youth and the dangers of marijuana and meth.
-

Tacirua house fire prompts National Fire Authority safety warning
Tacirua’s first property blaze of the year has sparked a fresh fire-safety warning. As investigators search for the cause, officials urge families to review cooking habits, electrical safety, and overall preparedness for the year ahead.
-

Fiji Electricity Tariffs: The Political Theater Behind the Hike
Ro Naulu Mataitini questions the motives behind Fiji’s electricity tariff uproar, accusing top leaders of political hypocrisy and a lack of accountability. With a looming 25% price rise and memories of a controversial 2021 stake sale resurfacing, the piece teases the clash between public affordability and private profits.
-

From Fan to Fiji’s Top Hockey Official: Astral Smith’s Inspiring Rise
From a high school pastime to the global stage, Astral Smith’s journey proves that passion can rewrite a career. A turning moment in the stands set her on an unlikely path—from player to influential official—changing the pace and purpose of the game. A compelling look at how dedication can reshape hockey from the inside out.
-

NFA Urges Fire Safety After First 2026 House Fire
2026 opens with a stark reminder about fire safety after the year’s first house blaze in Tacirua. A three-bedroom lean-to home was destroyed, with investigators probing the cause and no injuries reported. Officials urge families to review safety measures and stay prepared as the new year unfolds.
-

Meth Arrests Across Several Locations Prompt Police Crackdown on Drug Trade
Authorities have intensified their crackdown on methamphetamine, with arrests in several locations and ongoing investigations into the drug trade and hidden wealth. As seized substances undergo analysis, the focus remains on dismantling networks and protecting communities.
-

Kontiki Vehicle Gift Could Transform Diabetes Care in Rural Fiji
New support is driving diabetes care deeper into rural Fiji. A donated vehicle will take health workers straight to hard-to-reach villages, bringing screenings, education, and follow-up care to those who need it most.
-

Gokals Debris Lingers as Suva Braces for Cyclone Season
Six months after a devastating warehouse fire, hazardous debris remains at a Suva site as cyclone season looms, sparking health and safety concerns for nearby businesses and pedestrians. Authorities are coordinating a cleanup amid ongoing investigations, leaving residents waiting for clarity.
-

Meth arrests spark broader probe into drug profits
Authorities have escalated their crackdown on illicit drugs with three separate arrests for alleged methamphetamine possession across different neighborhoods over the New Year weekend. Forensic testing is underway as investigators focus not just on the street trade but the profits that fuel it. A parallel inquiry at Nadi International Airport signals a broader push to…
-

Nadi Airport cash seizure sparks anti-money laundering probe
Authorities are widening a cash haul investigation at Nadi Airport, now handed to the Anti-Money Laundering Unit as investigators probe connections to criminal activity. The focus is expanding to assets and unexplained wealth tied to drug trafficking, even as three suspects were questioned and released. The case signals a broader crackdown on the financial side…
-

Suva methamphetamine arrests spark Fiji drug crackdown
Three men have been detained in Suva as police widen their crackdown on illicit drugs. Seizures linked to methamphetamine and related paraphernalia have authorities looking into the money behind the trade, part of a broader push to curb crime and protect communities. More details on the evolving investigations and enforcement efforts.
-

Pacific Foundation Donates to Mobile Kindy Fiji, Boosting Early Childhood Education
New resources are opening doors to early learning in Fiji’s remote communities, equipping Mobile Kindy Fiji with books, games, and classroom supplies. Backed by devoted partners and volunteers, the initiative aims to empower teachers and nurture the next generation of leaders in marginalized areas.
-

Fiji Courts Tackle Post-Coup Constitution Dilemma: Balancing Legitimacy and Law
A judiciary caught between law and politics after upheaval, Fiji’s courts navigate a delicate path where legitimacy and authority are constantly tested. This piece explores how judges balance constitutional rules with the messy reality of public consent, democracy, and crisis. A quiet, hopeful thread runs through rulings that seek to preserve democratic processes amid deep…
-

Faith Leaders Push for a Greater Role in Shaping National Policy
Faith leaders are urging a bigger role in shaping national policy, arguing that many social challenges can’t be solved by government alone. Their call for open dialogue among churches, traditional authorities, and officials hints at fresh collaborative paths to address issues affecting families and communities.
-

Lautoka Police Investigate After Unidentified Man Found Dead in Vitogo Drain
An unidentified man was found dead in a drain in Vitogo, Lautoka, prompting a police investigation. With house-to-house inquiries underway, authorities are probing the circumstances and gathering details for the community.
-

Declassified Australia-Fiji Files Hint at Bainimarama Risk Ahead of the 2006 Coup
Newly declassified cabinet papers reveal a tense moment in Fiji’s politics, as Australian planners weighed risks around Bainimarama and rising ethnic tensions ahead of the 2006 elections. The records hint at behind-the-scenes security planning, democracy support, and careful diplomacy aimed at keeping Fiji on a stable path despite the uncertainty ahead.
-

Unidentified Man Found Dead in Vitogo, Lautoka; Police Investigate
An unidentified man was found dead in a drain in Vitogo, Lautoka, prompting a police investigation and door-to-door inquiries. Authorities say the case remains under investigation as they work to identify the victim and uncover what happened.
-

Seaqaqa Opens New Bookshop to Elevate Local Education
Seaqaqa welcomes a new bookshop that promises easier access to books, stationery, and learning resources for students and the wider community. Inspired by local roots and a family legacy, this venture marks a hopeful turn for education in the town.
-

Fiji Forgiveness Ceremony Bridges Military and Qarase Family
A ceremonial gesture of forgiveness unfolds at the Qarase family home, as a traditional kamunaga becomes a symbol of reconciliation. A moment of healing and renewed unity offers a hopeful glimpse into the community’s path forward.