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The News |
From Fiji Times (15 August 2025) Editorial comment | Innovation and progress By Fred Wesley t’s good to know that the Government is pursuing the Rotuma Smart Island Project as part of the ITU Smart Islands Program. This was revealed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Communications Manoa Kamikamica. He confirmed this while speaking at the Pacific Fiber and Training conference at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Nadi this week. Work, he said, was underway to transform Rotuma into a model smart island by integrating innovative digital solutions that improve resilience, sustainability and quality of life for the community. This initiative, he said, would focus on areas such as smart energy management, digital health, e-education and sustainable infrastructure, demonstrating how smart technologies can be tailored to meet the unique needs of Pacific island communities. That’s well and good. In fact it’s the way to go, and we look up to the powers that be to ensure this is the first step in developing our other outer islands around the country. Innovation is no longer a futuristic concept reserved for large, developed nations. Under the Universal Service Scheme, Mr Kamikamica said, the Government recognised that connectivity must reach beyond urban centres. We’ve got to consider the fact that the future of our outer islands may depend on our willingness to innovate, adapt, and invest in sustainable, digital transformation. It is encouraging to know that the Government is serious about placing innovation at the heart of rural and maritime island development. So, in the face of this latest development, we reflect on the fact that many of Rotuma’s challenges are not new at all, from roads riddled with potholes, limited connectivity, and an inconsistent power supply which have long hindered economic activity and quality of life. But they are not insurmountable. The fact that the Government is considerate of opportunities through smart technologies is timely and commendable. We accept that development must be inclusive. In the end, it is not just about Rotuma. This should be about setting the pace for every outer island and remote community across the country. As Mr Kamikamica rightly pointed out, connectivity today is as vital as roads, ports, and electricity grids. Every subsea cable, every fiber optic line, and every activated communication tower is another step toward closing the digital divide and empowering communities to take part in the modern economy. While infrastructure is critical, we say innovation is what brings that to life. We say, innovation is what enables a child on Rotuma to access the same education resources as one in Suva. It allows remote medical consultations, renewable energy systems, digital financial services, and data-driven farming techniques, which create self-sufficient, resilient communities. In saying that, we also acknowledge the resilience of our people. Islanders have, for generations, adapted to harsh environments with resourcefulness and strength. The introduction of smart technologies should be about strengthening it, giving communities the tools to thrive in a changing world while preserving the values and traditions that define them. We hope what happens in Rotuma will set the tone for the rest of the country. We hope it will inspire similar initiatives in Lau, Kadavu, the Yasawas, and Lomaiviti for instance. In the end, the story of Rotuma can become a beacon of what’s possible when commitment meets creativity! From Fiji Times (14 August 2025) Government targets Rotuma for smart island initiative By Salote Qalubau THE government is pursuing the Rotuma Smart Island Project as part of the ITU Smart Islands Programme, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Communications Manoa Kamikamica. He cofirmed this while delivering his speech at the Pacific Fiber and Training conference at the Softel Fiji Resort and Spa in Nadi yesterday. "We are working to transform Rotuma into a model smart island by integrating innovative digital solutions that improve resilience, sustainability and quality of life for the community," he said. "This initiative will focus on areas such as smart energy management, digital health, e-education and sustainable infrastructure, demonstrating how smart technologies can be tailored to meet the unique needs of Pacific island communities." Mr Kamikamica said under the Universal Service Scheme, the Government recognises that connectivity must reach beyond urban centres. "To address this, Fiji is implementing the Connecting the Unconnected Project. Phase One of this national initiative will cover 126 sites across the country, "This is a key part of our commitment to ensure that all Fijians, regardless of location, have the opportunity to participate fully in the digital economy." Mr Kamikamica stressed that connectivity is no longer a luxury. "It is essential national infrastructure, as critical as our roads, portsand energy grids. Every subsea cable landed, every kilometer of fibre laid, every tower switched on brings us closer to a more connected, prosperous and resilient Pacific." From Fiji Times (7 August 2025) Scientists explore Rotuma seas By Jake Wise
For the first time in history, the deep and biodiverse waters surrounding Rotuma are being formally explored. Last month, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change confirmed that no prior scientific research had been conducted in Rotuma’s deep-sea ecosystems. That changed with the launch of a new expedition in partnership with National Geographic’s Pristine Sea team, who arrived in Rotuma as the first stop on a months-long marine study across Fiji. The expedition, which runs from April to September, is being conducted at the invitation of the Fijian Government and the Council of Rotuma, and involves collaboration with the ministries of Environment, Fisheries and Forests, and iTaukei Affairs, as well as Blue Prosperity Fiji. In a statement, National Geographic said the team would collect ecological data and produce two documentary films that explore the deep connection between Fijian communities and the sea. Council of Rotuma chairman Gagaj Manav welcomed the effort, describing it as a “milestone achievement” for the island. “Exploring our ocean under the stewardship of Rotuma and her people is a milestone achievement,” he said. “Rotuma is committed to protecting our cultural heritage anchored in the ocean that surrounds us and to safeguarding our people’s wellbeing through science, education, awareness, cooperation-assistance, and well-meaning dialogue.” The project aimed to gather crucial data about Rotuma’s marine life while promoting sustainable conservation and protection efforts. Senior Director for Pacific Ocean Policy at Pristine Seas, Kevin Chand, said the project would support Fiji’s national efforts to strengthen marine protections by 2030. “The expedition aims to leverage and complement this work and support Fiji as it seeks to achieve its conservation goals,” Mr Chand said. The findings from the expedition are expected to inform future marine protection strategies while showcasing the ecological and cultural significance of Rotuma’s ocean territory. Archdiocese of Wellington (21 July 2025) At the 10:00 am Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral (40 Hill Street, Thorndon in Agnes provided administrative support in the Archdiocese of Suva until 1979. In 1983 she took up the role of providing secretarial support to the Rector at the Pacific Regional Seminary. On moving to New Zealand - for over 34 years - Agnes provided secretarial and PA support to the Archbishops in the ADW offices.
From Fiji Times (19 July 2025) $2.1m support for domestic air travel By Elena Vucukula
TOURISM and Civil Aviation Minister Viliame Gavoka says $2.1million has been provided to support domestic air travel subsidies to airlines operating uneconomical routes. In Parliament this week Mr Gavoka said this would ensure the continued provision of essential services to remote and maritime communities — from Kadavu and Lau to Rotuma and Lomaiviti. He said these routes often faced commercial viability challenges due to low passenger volumes and high operating costs. "By subsidising these services, the Government is ensuring residents of these islands retain vital air links for accessing healthcare, education, government services and economic opportunities," Mr Gavoka said. "These interventions reflect a clear commitment to geographic equity and inclusive national development, ensuring that no Fijian is left behind." Mr Gavoka said the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF) remained at the forefront of ensuring Fiji's skies remained among the safest and most reliable in the region. In his response on the 2025-2026 National Budget, he said a $6.8m allocation to CAAF will strengthen regulatory oversight, safety compliance, and international airworthiness standards. "Building on impressive achievements like modernising air traffic management and earning global safety approvals, this funding will ensure Fiji continues to soar as a trusted hub for safe and seamless air travel in Fiji and the World," he said. From Pacifica Arts Centre (15 July 2025) Manaroa Artist in Residence - Rotuma In Partnership with Pacific Arts Trust
We are deeply honoured to welcome Rotuman knowledge-holders Gagaj Taimanav and öʻhön ta Kelear as our Moanaroa Artists in Residence 2025, in partnership with the New Zealand Rotuman Fellowship Gagaj Taimanav, Sub-Chief of the Ituʻmuta District in Rotuma, is a highly respected composer, writer, teacher, and community leader. He is widely renowned for his deep knowledge of Rotuman arts, culture, language, and protocols - both within his local community and internationally. He will be accompanied and supported by his wife, öʻhön ta Kelear, herself a recognised knowledge-holder. She brings with her a rich lived experience and a deep understanding of customary practices and protocols specific to Rotuman women. As part of the residency, free community workshops will be held in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. These workshops are open and welcoming to all members of the Rotuman community, as well as the wider public. The residency will run from 3–24 September 2025. From PMN News (11 July 2025) Rotuma's coral reefs show resilience in National Geographic Pristine Seas survey The expedition to Fiji's Rotuma Island finds healthy shallow coral reefs despite recent heatwaves.
Rotuma's coral reefs show resilience in National Geographic Pristine Seas survey A weeks-long expedition surveying the shallow reefs in Rotuma, Fiji, has wrapped up with encouraging findings. National Geographic Pristine Seas recently wrapped up their months-long Tuvalu expedition, identifying signs of biodiversity and distress in coral reefs, marking the country's first thorough marine survey to inform national ocean protection policy. Rotuma is a remote volcanic island and a self-governing dependency of Fiji. Pristine Seas' research is part of a wider multi-month Pacific mission, which has included surveys in Tuvalu and Rotuma, and is now shifting to Fiji's mainland and outlying islands. Expedition director Ryan Jenkinson says this most recent visit is their second time around Rotuma, as they had an earlier leg in May, focussed on deep-sea habitats. "The thing we're most happy about is that the coral reefs here are alive," Jenkinson says. "We've seen in this area that the warming water has bleached and killed a lot of the coral reefs. Like anywhere there's some bleaching and damage, but for the most part they're intact coral reef ecosystems around the island," he says. "That is by far our biggest takeaway, we're so excited to see that. It does not appear that this island and these shallow water systems have been impacted as much by the warm water events over the past few years. It doesn't mean it still could not happen here, but so far that's a really good sign." He says another exciting discovery was a "huge" manta cleaning station, where manta rays gather to have parasites and dead skin removed by smaller fish. Jenkinson says such stations are common across the Pacific, but the size of this one is significant. "It's a great thing you can use for advocacy, for protection. Those are important parts of the world and that's one little part of the ocean here at Rotuma. All of it helps explain to the people here, who are the ones who ultimately make decisions, how special it is. Everything from the mantas to the beautiful reefs are what makes this island so special." The expedition's main goal is to build scientific and community understanding to guide future ocean protection efforts. This involves working "hand-in-hand" with local partners who contributed to site selection and participated in each research stage. During the expedition in Rotuma, three community members joined the team, including two divers and Fanny Tolo-Taukave, a local teacher. Tolo-Taukave played a key role in educating the youth about their local ocean ecosystem and providing hands-on experiences. Local chiefs also visited the ship to observe the scientific work. "It's been a really great mix to have them involved in helping us get through this," Jenkinson says. Reflecting on the Rotuma leg, Jenkinson says what stands out most is the locals' passion and duty of care for their environment. "We're so fortunate that we get to visit a lot of the communities and islands of the Pacific. Rotuma is one of the most special places that we have visited. I've gotten to meet most of the people, local collaborators, and the Council of Chiefs. The ocean around Rotuma is beautiful, and spectacular. "We found all kinds of manta cleaning stations, sharks, and deep water discoveries on the first leg, and that is all great. But what's so special about this island is the passion of the people, and how much they care about this place, their history, their families, and their communities. "It is what stands out more than anything, so I know I speak for our team that we're so thankful they invited us to come here, trusted us to collect this information, share with them, and be able to tell their stories." The team's next destination will be near Kadavu Island, Fiji, followed by deep-sea surveys around the Great Sea Reef. "We're going to bring our team and try to access some of the areas that don't have as much information, and look at the coral reefs down there. We have a bunch of local partners coming on, Fijian divers, to lead us through that one. "We'll be there until September. We're doing two separate education periods, one is with a training thing across the Pacific, where we're bringing instructors and teachers in to think about teaching marine science. "Then we're going to have a period at the end with some educators and students getting to come on the ship as well, so it's going to be a fun two or three months - really exciting." From https://www.v8sleuth.com.au (18 June 2025) Evans celebrates Rotuman heritage with Darwin special By Connor O'Brien
BRAD Jones Racing and SCT Logistics have taken the chance to That will see the #12 Camaro of Jaxon Evans take on a stunning new The design is based off Russell-Watling's 'Wings of the Ancestors' "This whole collab with Nakita has been something really inspiring," said "For someone from Rotuma, being seen and represented like this, "Nakita's artwork isn't just an amazing piece to look at, it tells a deeper Russell-Watling explained: "A friend that I grew up with reached out to "It really just came from a friend saying, 'hey, what do you think of this?' "When I first started the conversation, my brain just went into overdrive. "I just knew the frigate bird and what it stands for. As in frigate birds' "So I thought the bird could be a nice guide for Jaxon. And then I just "I also feel that whatever comes of this artwork locally here in Fiji will "My mum sent me a snippet of an interview with Jaxon where talks |
