Pacific Flash News

30/04/2026

30/04/2026

Rise in Sexual Offence Reports Doesn’t Guarantee Justice, Warns Kiran

While Fiji recorded 18 sexual offence cases in March 2026 and has seen an upward trend in reported incidents over the past decade—signs that public trust in the legal system may be growing—experts caution that higher reporting rates do not automatically translate into real justice for survivors.

A shocking 2025 finding revealed that all r**e victims who appeared before the High Court were children. Yet, many survivors still face major obstacles: geographic isolation, financial dependence on abusers, and deep-rooted societal stigma. These barriers often prevent victims from coming forward, and even when they do, the path to a conviction remains difficult.

Women and Children Minister Sashi Kiran acknowledged that these ongoing challenges are also highlighted in the CEDAW Committee’s 2025 Concluding Observations on Fiji. She stated that the government is taking deliberate and concrete steps to address the issue.

Kiran outlined several measures, including continued enforcement of the Domestic Violence Act 2009. The government is also expanding access to justice through legal aid, safe shelters, helplines, community outreach programs, mobile services, and stronger coordination between police, health providers, and social services.

In addition, the Ministry is training frontline responders to adopt survivor-centered and gender-sensitive approaches. Prevention efforts remain a key focus. The National Action Plan for the Prevention of Violence Against All Women and Girls (2023–2028) is being implemented, alongside nationwide awareness campaigns aimed at changing harmful social norms and educating women and girls about their rights.

Kiran made these remarks while providing an update on Fiji’s participation in the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women.

[Picture: Parliament of Fiji/ Facebook]

Pacific Flash News Parliament Fiji

30/04/2026

Weather Bulletin

Issued from the National Weather Forecasting Centre Nadi
at 5:30am on Friday the 1st of May 2026


Forecast to midnight tonight for the Fiji group:

Cloudy with some showers over Serua-Namosi, Navua-Suva-Nausori,
Tailevu-Naitasiri-Ra, Cakaudrove, southern Bua, Taveuni and nearby
smaller islands, Lau and Lomaiviti groups, Kadavu and nearby smaller
islands.
Elsewhere, fine apart from isolated afternoon or evening showers.
Isolated afternoon or evening thunderstorms possible especially in
the interior of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.
Moderate to fresh southeast winds.
Moderate to rough seas.
Outlook for Saturday : Cloudy periods with some showers over
Serua-Namosi, Navua-Suva-Nausori, Tailevu-Naitasiri-Ra, Cakaudrove,
southern Bua, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Lau and Lomaiviti
groups, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands.
Elsewhere, fine apart from isolated afternoon or evening showers.
Isolated afternoon or evening thunderstorms possible over Viti Levu
and Vanua Levu.

For Navua / Suva / Nausori :

Cloudy with some showers.
Tomorrow: Min: 22, Max: 31.
Outlook for Saturday : Cloudy periods with some showers. Min: 22,
Max: 31.

For Natadradave/Korovou:

Cloudy with some showers.
Tomorrow: Min: 22, Max: 31.
Outlook for Saturday: Cloudy periods with some showers. Min: 22, Max:
31.

For Yasawa/Mamanuca group:
Fine apart from afternoon or evening showers.
Tomorrow: Min: 23, Max: 31.
Outlook for Saturday: Mainly fine. Min: 23, Max: 31.

For Sigatoka/Coral Coast:
Fine weather apart from afternoon or evening showers and possible
isolated thunderstorms.
Tomorrow: Min: 22, Max: 31.
Outlook for Saturday: Fine weather apart from afternoon or evening
showers and possible thunderstorms. Min: 22 Max: 31.

For Nadi / Lautoka / Ba :
Fine weather apart from afternoon or evening showers and possible
isolated thunderstorms.
Tomorrow: Min: 22, Max: 33.
Outlook for Saturday : Fine weather apart from afternoon or evening
showers and possible thunderstorms. Min: 22 Max: 33.

For Tavua/Rakiraki :
Fine weather apart from afternoon or evening showers and possible
isolated thunderstorms.
Tomorrow: Min: 22, Max: 32.
Outlook for Saturday: Fine weather apart from afternoon or evening
showers and possible thunderstorms. Min: 22 Max: 32.

For Labasa :
Fine weather apart from afternoon or evening showers and possible isolated thunderstorms.
Tomorrow: Min: 22, Max: 33.
Outlook for Saturday : Fine weather apart from afternoon or evening
showers and possible thunderstorms. Min: 22 Max: 33.

For Savusavu : Cloudy with some showers.
Tomorrow: Min: 22, Max: 31.
Outlook for Saturday : Cloudy periods with some showers. Min: 22,
Max: 31.

For Nabouwalu:
Cloudy with some showers.
Tomorrow: Min: 22, Max: 31.
Outlook for Saturday: Cloudy periods with some showers. Min: 22, Max:
31.

For Taveuni:
Cloudy with some showers.
Tomorrow: Min: 22, Max: 31.
Outlook for Saturday: Cloudy periods with some showers. Min: 22, Max:
31.

For Lau and Lomaiviti group:
Cloudy with some showers.
Tomorrow: Min: 22, Max: 31.
Outlook for Saturday: Cloudy periods with some showers. Min: 22, Max:
31.

For Kadavu:
Cloudy with some showers.
Tomorrow: Min: 22, Max: 31.
Outlook for Saturday: Cloudy periods with some showers. Min: 22, Max:
31.

For Rotuma :
Situation: A southeasterly wind flow prevails over Rotuma. Meanwhile,
a trough of low pressure lies just to the north of the island.

Occasional showers and isolated thunderstorms.
Moderate to fresh southeasterly winds.
Moderate to rough seas.

Tomorrow: Min: 24, Max: 32.
Outlook for Saturday : Cloudy periods with some showers. Min: 24,
Max: 32.

RSMC-NADI-Tropical Cyclone Centre, designated by WMO in 1995, provides official "first-level" tropical cyclone information for the South-West Pacific Ocean.

30/04/2026

The University of Fiji Swings Through the Night with 24-Hour Jazz Marathon for International Jazz Day

SUVA, Fiji – May 1, 2026 – The University of Fiji campus was alive with the soulful sounds of syncopation yesterday as Vox Populi Radio successfully concluded its 24-hour "Jazzathon" in celebration of International Jazz Day.

Broadcasting live from the Suva Central Campus Studio from 8 am on April 30, the marathon adhered to this year's global theme, “Education through Jazz.” Students, staff, and jazz enthusiasts tuned in via the online stream to witness a full day of storytelling, live chit-chats, and musical dedications.

The event featured a stellar lineup of Fijian artists who credit their careers to the humble beginnings of jazz, including Laisa Vulakoro, Tom Mawi, Ken Janson, and Eni Kumar. Each guest shared personal stories of how the genre shaped their musical journeys.

In a unique cultural crossover, the station also featured H.E. Nestor Torres Olivera, the Cuban Ambassador to Fiji, who educated listeners on the deep rhythms of Cuban jazz and its parallels with Pacific musical traditions.

The marathon concluded this morning, leaving the university community with a renewed appreciation for jazz as a tool for education and cultural connection.

https://onlineradiobox.com/fj/thevoxpopuliunifijicampus/

The University of Fiji

17/04/2026

The University of Fiji Celebrates Graduation Ceremony at Saweni Campus🙌

BY Pacific Flash News
17th April, 2026

LAUTOKA – The University of Fiji held its graduation ceremony today, April 17, 2026, at the Saweni Campus in Lautoka, celebrating students who successfully completed their studies.

Graduates from Semester 2, 2025; and the Flexi period of 2025-2026 received their degrees and certificates. Families, friends, and staff gathered to share in the joy of the occasion.

University officials, including the Vice-Chancellor, congratulated the graduates for their hard work and resilience, especially during recent challenges like online learning.

The Vice-Chancellor encouraged the graduates to be proud of their achievements and to represent the University well in their future careers.

Faculty members and families extended their best wishes to the graduates. Parents cheered proudly as their children walked across the stage to receive their awards.

The University expressed gratitude to the students for choosing the University of Fiji and for their contributions to campus life.

The ceremony included the turning of tassels, academic awards, and a traditional Fijian celebration. Graduates took photos with their degrees and embraced their loved ones.
The celebration continued with food, laughter, and happy reunions.

Best wishes to all graduates of the Class of 2026!🤩🤩🤩


The University of Fiji

16/04/2026

Regional Weather
https://www.met.gov.fj/fiji-weather/regional-weather/

Weather forecasts, marine conditions and observation data for Niue, Kiribati, Nauru, Tokelau, Tuvalu and Cook Islands.
Niue

Weather Bulletin issued from NWFC Nadi Apr 161342 UTC.


Situation:
A northwesterly wind flow prevails over Niue. Winds expected to
gradually turn southerly later today.

Forecast to midnight tonight for Niue:
Cloudy periods with some showers, easing to brief showers later
today.
Moderate northwesterly winds. Winds turning southerly later today.
Moderate seas.

Further outlook: Mainly fine.

Marine Weather Bulletin for Niue


Forecast to midnight tonight for all Niue waters:
Northwesterly winds 10 to 15 knots. Winds gradually turning and
becoming southerly by later today.
Moderate seas.
Moderate southerly swells.
Further outlook: Southerly winds 10 to 15 knots.
Moderate seas.
Moderate southerly swells.

RSMC-NADI-Tropical Cyclone Centre, designated by WMO in 1995, provides official "first-level" tropical cyclone information for the South-West Pacific Ocean.

16/04/2026

Weather Bulletin
https://www.met.gov.fj/fiji-weather/fiji-weather/public/

Weather Bulletin
Issued from the National Weather Forecasting Centre Nadi
at 5:30am on Friday the 17th of April 2026

Situation: A trough of low pressure with cloud and showers remain
slow moving over Fiji. It is expected to affect the northern and
eastern parts of the group until tonight. Meanwhile, a moist east to
southeast wind flow prevails over the country.

Forecast to midnight tonight for the Fiji group:
Occasional showers with isolated thunderstorms and heavy falls over
Interior, Southern and Eastern parts of Viti Levu [ From Serua/Namosi
through Naua-Suva-Nausori upto Tailevu North], Yasawa group, Eastern
and Interior parts of Vanua Levu [ Southern Bua and Cakaudrove
province including Taveuni and nearby smaller islands], Lau and
Lomaiviti groups. Elsewhere, partly cloudy with afternoon or evening
showers and thunderstorms with heavy falls.

Localised heavy falls may lead to flash flooding of low lying and
flood prone areas.

Moderate east to southeast winds, fresh at times.
Moderate to rough seas.

Outlook for Saturday : Cloudy periods with some showers over
Navua-Suva-Nausori, Tailevu-Naitasiri, Ra-Rakiraki, Kadavu and nearby
smaller islands, Cakaudrove and southern Bua Provinces, Taveuni and
nearby smaller islands, Lau and Lomaiviti groups.

Elsewhere, fine apart from afternoon or evening showers.
Afternoon or evening thunderstorms and heavy falls possible.
Localised heavy falls may lead to flash flooding of low lying and
flood prone areas.

For Navua / Suva / Nausori :
Occasional showers and isolated thunderstorms with heavy falls.
Min: 23, Max: 30.
Outlook for Saturday : Cloudy periods with some showers. Min: 23,
Max: 32.

For Natadradave/Korovou:
Occasional showers and isolated thunderstorms with heavy falls.
Min: 23, Max: 30.
Outlook for Saturday: Cloudy periods with some showers. Min: 23,
Max: 32.

For Yasawa/Mamanuca group:
Occasional showers and isolated thunderstorms with heavy falls over
Yasawa group. Partly cloudy afternoon or evening showers and isolated
thunderstorms over Mamanuca group.
Min: 23, Max: 30.
Outlook for Saturday: Mainly fine. Min: 23, Max: 31.

For Sigatoka/Coral Coast:
Partly cloudy with isolated showers especially in the afternoon or
evening. Afternoon or evening thunderstorms with heavy falls likely.
Min: 23, Max: 30.
Outlook for Saturday: Fine weather apart from afternoon or evening
showers and thunderstorms. Min: 23. Max: 32.

For Nadi / Lautoka / Ba :
Partly cloudy with isolated showers especially in the afternoon or
evening. Afternoon or evening thunderstorms with heavy falls likely.
Min: 23, Max: 32.
Outlook for Saturday : Fine weather apart from afternoon or evening
showers and thunderstorms. Min: 23. Max: 32.

For Tavua/Rakiraki :
Some showers and isolated thunderstorms over Rakiraki. Elsewhere,
partly cloudy with isolated showers especially in the afternoon or
evening. Afternoon or evening thunderstorms with heavy falls likely.
Min: 23, Max: 31.
Outlook for Saturday: Fine weather apart from afternoon or evening
showers and thunderstorms. Min: 23. Max: 32.

For Labasa :
Cloudy periods with some showers. Showers increasing and becoming
occasional and heavy with few thunderstorms in the afternoon or
evening.
Min: 23, Max: 32.
Outlook for Saturday : Cloudy periods with afternoon or evening
showers and thunderstorms. Min: 23. Max: 32.

For Savusavu : Occasional showers, heavy at times and few
thunderstorms.
Min: 23, Max: 30.
Outlook for Saturday : Cloudy periods with some showers. Min: 23,
Max: 31.

For Nabouwalu:
Occasional showers with isolated thunderstorms and heavy falls.
Min: 23, Max: 30.
Outlook for Saturday: Cloudy periods with some showers. Min: 23,
Max: 31.

For Taveuni:
Occasional showers, heavy at times and few thunderstorms.
Min: 23, Max: 30.
Outlook for Saturday: Cloudy periods with some showers. Min: 23,
Max: 31.

For Lau and Lomaiviti group:
Occasional showers with isolated thunderstorms and heavy falls.
Min: 23, Max: 30.
Outlook for Saturday: Cloudy periods with some showers. Min: 23,
Max: 31.

For Kadavu:
Occasional showers with isolated thunderstorms and heavy falls.
Min: 23, Max: 30.
Outlook for Saturday: Cloudy periods with some showers. Min: 23,
Max: 31.

For Rotuma :
Situation: An easterly wind flow prevails over Rotuma.

Fine apart from brief showers.
Moderate easterly winds.
Moderate seas.
Min 24, Max: 32
Outlook for Saturday : Brief showers. Min 24, Max: 32.

16/04/2026

Pacific churches launch climate justice decade in erosion-hit Togoru

BY Pacific Flash News
17th April, 2026

TOGORU, NAVUA – Church leaders from across the Pacific have launched the Ecumenical Decade of Climate Justice Action in the coastal community of Togoru, a village in Navua that is slowly being swallowed by the sea.

The launch took place during the Pacific Church Leaders’ Meeting organised by the Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC), with the setting chosen to highlight the harsh realities facing frontline communities.

Togoru is losing up to 1.5 metres of land each year to severe coastal erosion. Homes, plantations, and even burial grounds have been submerged, forcing residents to consider relocation.

PCC general secretary Reverend James Bhagwan said the choice of location was deliberate, stressing the urgency of the situation. He noted how dramatically the coastline has changed in recent years.

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Reverend Jerry Pillay described the visit as deeply moving, saying it was meaningful to pray and walk alongside those directly affected by the climate catastrophe.

Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Sivendra Michael, acknowledged that climate impacts are no longer a distant threat. He said they are already disrupting food systems, water sources, coastlines, and livelihoods across Fiji and the wider Pacific.

The ceremony included prayers, hymns, and the reading of a declaration that calls on churches and communities to unite in action. “We invite you to bring your dreams, your voice, and your actions to bear on this groaning world,” the declaration urged.

Organisers say the decade-long initiative aims to mobilise Pacific churches in faith-based climate action, supporting vulnerable communities on the frontlines of environmental change.

16/04/2026

Stark to debut for Fiji at Hong Kong 7s; Ratuva, Rugu feature in 10s

By Pacific Flash News Team😊

HONG KONG – Yaro Chiefs winger Tomasi Stark will make his international sevens debut for the Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s side at the HSBC SVNS Hong Kong 7s today.

Head coach Osea Kolinisau confirmed Stark’s inclusion, praising his consistent performances in local tournaments and backing him for a strong debut. Kolinisau added that several new players are travelling overseas for the first time and are excited for the challenge. The team held a productive scrimmage with the Hong Kong Rugby Football Club after arriving last week and is eager for a strong weekend campaign.

Kolinisau also confirmed that Yaro Chiefs pair Wame Ratuva and Isaia Rugu will play in the Hong Kong 10s tournament.

Fiji heads into the event with a record 19 Hong Kong 7s titles since 1976, though their last victory came in 2019, ending a five-year winning streak.

The men’s side opens pool play against Germany at 5:11pm today, followed by Great Britain at 8:21pm, before facing France at 4:13pm tomorrow. The Cup quarter-finals begin at 10:03pm tomorrow, semi-finals at 6pm Sunday, and the final at 11:14pm Sunday.

The Fijiana 7s side starts against Japan at 8:44pm today, then plays Brazil at 12:01am tomorrow and New Zealand at 5:01pm tomorrow. Their Cup quarter-finals start at 9:13pm tomorrow, semi-finals at 5:14pm Sunday, and the final at 10:35pm Sunday.

16/04/2026

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