Fiji News
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Tanya Waqanika to contest FICAC charges over Facebook post about SODELPA
in Fiji NewsAn influential Suva lawyer faces a High Court challenge tied to a social-media post by a public official, with a stay application and a January return date on the horizon. The unfolding case touches on the limits of political commentary and accountability in Fiji.
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Bail Denied for Ex-Corrections Officer in Nausori Murder Case
in Fiji NewsThe High Court has denied bail for former corrections officer Epeli Laqeni in a murder case, citing concerns he may not surrender to face the charges. He remains in custody ahead of a December 23 plea, as remand-center conditions factor into the ongoing proceedings.
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Wicked Casting Takes Center Stage as Oscars Launch First-Ever Casting Prize
in Fiji NewsBehind the magic of Wicked’s highly anticipated adaptation lies a hidden art: casting. Veteran directors Bernard Telsey and Tiffany Little Canfield pull back the curtain on how they uncover the perfect faces to bring Oz to life. With a groundbreaking Oscar prize recognizing casting, the craft behind every unforgettable performance is stepping into the spotlight.
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Promising Fiji talent Asivorosi Rabo signs with Bula FC ahead of OFC Pro League 2026
in Fiji NewsAt 20, Asivorosi Rabo steps into a pivotal chapter as Bula FC’s 14th signing ahead of the OFC Pro League, carrying a fierce talent and a rich family football legacy. A remarkable comeback and ambitious hopes hint at big things ahead on the pitch.
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Fiji Rugby Elevates Referees Ahead of Tier-One Leap
in Fiji NewsFiji’s ascent to Tier-One rugby brings a new imperative for referees: ramp up officiating standards from grassroots pitches to the international arena. The high-performance chief signals a comprehensive drive to sharpen fairness and strengthen Fiji’s rugby ecosystem.
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Australia’s Care Shortage Fuels Brain Drain of Pacific Health Workers
in Fiji NewsBehind Australia’s care worker crunch lies a growing exodus of skilled health professionals from Pacific Island nations. De-skilling, low pay, and precarious conditions are threatening services in remote communities, while migrant workers face exploitation and visa uncertainty. The resulting strain on local health systems raises urgent questions about protection, policy, and sustainable care.
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Fiji’s Female Graduates Break Barriers in Trades and Tech
in Fiji NewsTrailblazing women are stepping into trades and tech once dominated by men, as graduates at Tavua’s Pacific Polytech push change across automotive, carpentry, plumbing and IT. Their breakthroughs signal a future where skill and family life reshape the workforce.
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New Midwives Set to Boost Rural Maternal Care
in Fiji NewsFourteen newly qualified midwives are joining the frontline, as a landmark nursing graduation spotlights progress in maternal care. The ceremony also celebrated 113 graduates, underscoring a nationwide push to boost health services in rural communities. Their stories reflect dedication, resilience, and hope for mothers and newborns.
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Brain drain risk as PALM scheme pulls Pacific health workers to Australia
in Fiji NewsAcross Pacific Island nations, skilled nurses and health workers are being drawn to Australia, leaving home health systems stretched to a breaking point. A new study flags deskilling, exploitation, and flawed recruitment practices that benefit wealthier nations at the expense of poorer ones. It calls for urgent reforms to protect workers and rebuild Pacific healthcare.
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FIFA World Cup Final Tickets Trigger Fan Outcry Over Sky-High Prices
in Fiji NewsNext year’s World Cup final could come with a jaw-dropping price tag, with the cheapest seats listed around £3,119. A new popularity-based pricing scheme and a heavy ballot process are drawing sharp criticism from supporters who fear the cost of following their team could soar. The debate over accessibility and affordability is heating up.
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Maika Dau Signs with Bula FC, Fiji’s Youngest Pro for the 2026 OFC Pro League
in Fiji NewsFrom the neighborhood pitches to a historic pro contract at 16, Maika Dau is rewriting Fiji football’s story. The rising star who captained Fiji on the world stage steps into a bold new chapter with a major club, signaling big things ahead.
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Bitila Tawake Becomes First Fiji Woman on Pacific Rugby Players Board
in Fiji NewsBitila Tawake’s historic appointment marks a turning point for Pacific rugby, elevating Fiji’s women players into leadership roles. A two-time Super W champion and vocal advocate for player welfare, she’s set to push for equal opportunities, stronger contracts, and a brighter future for women in the sport.
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Flying Fijians appoint Ifereimi Rawaqa as assistant forwards coach
in Fiji NewsFiji’s Flying Fijians welcome a strategic shift as Ifereimi Rawaqa steps into the role of assistant forwards coach and national contact coach. A veteran of Fiji rugby, his appointment signals a blend of traditional strength and modern high-performance planning as the team targets the 2026 season and the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
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Fiji Court Weighs Right to Reply to COI Findings in Malimali Case
in Fiji NewsA high-stakes court battle questions whether a commission’s findings can stand without a prior right to reply. As the hearing unfolds, the case probes natural justice, reputational risk, and the limits of public inquiries. The outcome could redefine how inquiries affect lives and careers.
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IHG Fiji Hotels Raise Funds for Lifeline Fiji Through Movember Campaign
in Fiji NewsFiji’s hotel community turned Movember into more than a fundraiser, pairing playful challenges with themed experiences to spark conversations about men’s health. The campaign supported Lifeline Fiji with a generous donation, boosting crisis support and mental health programs across the country. A shining example of hospitality meeting heart in action.
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Disney’s $1B OpenAI AI Video Bet Puts Its Iconic Characters in the Spotlight
in Fiji NewsHollywood’s AI frontier just got bigger: a $1 billion partnership aims to bring beloved Disney characters into AI-generated videos—without using their voices or likenesses. The move blends streaming ambitions with new guardrails for creators and intellectual property, spotlighting the bold future—and the tensions—of AI in storytelling. As discussions unfold, all eyes are on how this…
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Red Card Sparks Tide as Combine Brothers Edge Friends United in Fiji’s National Club Championship
in Fiji NewsDrama-filled National Club Championship clash ends 3-2 as Combine Brothers seize the win after a red card reshapes the game. Neerav Goundar nails the decisive strike late on, keeping the Suva side’s momentum alive and setting the stage for more high-stakes action.
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Fiji Boxing in Flux as IBA Returns, WBO Partnership Coexists
in Fiji NewsFiji’s boxing scene is at a crossroads as the country navigates two international bodies and a rising star under the IBA banner. Supporters tout new paths and big prize potential, while critics warn of governance and recognition battles that could reshape the sport here. The coming years may redefine how Fiji trains, competes, and dreams…
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Namaka Vape Raid Sparks Nationwide Crackdown on Unlicensed Vaping
in Fiji NewsAuthorities carried out a high-profile raid in Namaka, seizing 250 flavored vape products as part of a nationwide crackdown on unlicensed tobacco items. Investigations are ongoing, with officials weighing potential charges tied to unlawful imports and sales to safeguard public health.
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Fiji Cracks Down on Illicit Vape Trade as Health Ministry Seizes 250 Flavored Products
in Fiji NewsAuthorities launch a coordinated crackdown on illicit vape activity, signaling a renewed push for regulatory compliance and public health protection. The operation underscores ongoing efforts to curb the unlawful tobacco trade.
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Gaza Floods Hit Displaced Camps as Shelter Shortages Worsen
in Fiji NewsHeavy rains flood Gaza’s displacement camps, turning makeshift shelters into precarious havens and claiming an infant’s life. As floodwaters rise and aid struggles reach overwhelmed families, the toll of ongoing conflict becomes tragically clear.