Marine Rights & Tourism: Parliament has passed the Commercial Use of Marine Areas Bill 2025, giving iTaukei customary owners a pathway to control and benefit from qualifying commercial marine areas, with a process via the iTaukei Fisheries Commission and an appeals tribunal—while Opposition warns it could restrict public beach access. Tourism Tax Backlash: The Australian Travel Industry Association slams Fiji’s new Tourism Services Tax, saying retrospective billing turns settled bookings into fresh costs for travellers and businesses. Connectivity Push: Rural communities connected under the Connecting the Unconnected programme used 49TB of data in July; 311 more communities are now set for rollout phases 3–5. Trade & Markets: Fiji wants a bigger share of the New Zealand market, targeting NZ$2b two-way trade by 2030, and is also eyeing stronger air links to PNG to unlock investment. Education & Social Costs: Parliament hears 1,140 primary and 400 secondary students dropped out last year, with learning and economic pressures cited; 42 schools missed the Free Education Grant in 2025. Business & Policy Reform: Fiji’s Competition Bill consultation is criticised for being rushed, while the new Tourism Act 2026 sets a fresh regulatory framework for operators. Major Fraud Case: Edward Zimbardi, tied to a US$165m crypto Ponzi scheme, faces federal wire fraud and money laundering charges after deportation from Fiji. Local Economy & Jobs: Fiji targets at least 2% disability employment in tourism and aviation by 2029, and a Labasa industrial zone shutdown dispute highlights how power cuts can hit workers and manufacturers.