Weekly Pacific Political Update
New Zealand
National Politics
The Government has signaled a shift in its management style by reportedly scrapping its quarterly action plans. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who previously championed these plans as a way to "drive focus and momentum," has not released a list for the current quarter, suggesting a move toward longer-term policy cycles (RNZ, 25 Feb).
In foreign affairs, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has issued a stern warning for New Zealanders to leave Iran immediately. This follows New Zealand joining a coalition of Western nations—including Australia and the US—in imposing travel bans on 40 Iranian individuals, including members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, following the violent suppression of protests (RNZ, 26 Feb). Additionally, New Zealand First has seen a surge in polling as Peters ramps up populist rhetoric concerning a proposed free-trade agreement with India and the use of Māori language in parliament (The Spinoff, 26 Feb).
Local Body Politics
Auckland Council is facing a significant internal rift as Mayor Wayne Brown defends a new funding model that has left eight local boards with a combined $6 million shortfall. While some councillors claim they were promised the gap would be filled, the Mayor has urged boards to make "trade-offs" and "find efficiencies" rather than expecting further handouts from the central office (Scoop, 26 Feb).
In the South Island, Environment Canterbury (ECan) has officially adopted its Draft Annual Plan 2026/27 for public feedback. The plan emphasizes community preparedness for natural hazards and public transport stability. ECan also moved to sell off several surplus buildings, including earthquake-damaged assets in Lincoln, to reduce maintenance costs (ECan, 25 Feb).
Australia
Australian politics this week was dominated by a surge in support for One Nation, with recent polling showing over half of Australians are open to voting for the party despite ongoing controversies. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pushed back, claiming the party "does not represent working people" (The Guardian, 24 Feb).
The media landscape was also rocked by a public feud between The Australian and the Australian Press Council. After the watchdog ruled that the paper published misleading articles about former prosecutor Shane Drumgold, the newspaper responded with a 4,000-word editorial questioning the Council's integrity (The Guardian, 27 Feb). On a somber note, it was confirmed that Anna Murdoch Mann, a foundational figure in the News Corp empire, passed away at age 81 (The Guardian, 27 Feb).
Pacific Islands
Fiji: Faith leaders have issued a dire warning that the country risks "losing a generation" to a growing drug crisis. Meanwhile, Fiji is yet to decide on a formal invitation to join a Gaza stabilization force (Islands Business/Fiji Sun).
Cook Islands: A strategic alliance has been forged with the US regarding critical minerals found in the deep sea. However, this has been met with internal friction over the presence of Russian vessels in the region (Cook Islands News/RNZ).
Samoa & Tonga: Both nations have participated in a regional "One Health" initiative to tackle the link between climate change and infectious diseases like Leptospirosis and Dengue (WHO, 13 Feb).
Vanuatu: The nation’s "Vernacular Architecture Revitalization Project" received special UNESCO recognition this week for its contribution to cultural conservation and disaster resilience (UNESCO, 24 Feb).
Regional: Tuvalu and the Solomon Islands have officially ratified the Pacific Resilience Facility Treaty, a landmark agreement aimed at streamlining climate finance for smaller island states (Pasifika Environews).
