The Government is actively exploring spending cuts to finance its upcoming 2026 Budget, according to Associate Finance Minister David Seymour. In his statements, Seymour expressed a goal to match or even exceed the savings achieved in the previous two budgets, specifically Budget 2024 and Budget 2025. The focus on cost-cutting comes as the Government seeks to realign its economic strategy amidst growing scrutiny.

In Budget 2025, significant savings of $4.8 billion were identified, primarily by reforming the pay equity regime. Similarly, Budget 2024 yielded $4.4 billion in annual savings. These financial adjustments were instrumental in financing substantial spending and tax relief packages amounting to $6.7 billion in 2025 and $9.1 billion in 2024.

During a brief interaction with reporters on his way into the House, Seymour emphasized the need for fiscal prudence. He stated, “It would be totally irresponsible not to look for places where we can save money where it’s not doing good, and put it somewhere else.” This statement underscores the Government’s commitment to reassessing its expenditure priorities in light of economic pressures.

As the Government prepares for the 2026 Budget, it faces the challenge of balancing fiscal responsibility with the need to support key public services and initiatives. The upcoming budget discussions will likely involve debates over which spending lines can be trimmed without compromising essential services.

The economic landscape continues to evolve, and the Government’s strategy will be closely monitored by various stakeholders, including the public and financial analysts. The outcomes of these budgetary decisions will have lasting implications for the country’s economic health and social welfare programs.

Overall, the Government’s focus on identifying savings reflects a broader trend among leaders to prioritize fiscal discipline amid fluctuating economic conditions. As new proposals emerge, the public will await clarity on how these budgetary strategies will unfold in the months leading up to the formal announcement of Budget 2026.

The Fiji Rugby Union announced a net income of FJ$105,962 (approximately US$47,000) for the financial year ending December 31, 2024. This figure marks a significant decline from the previous year’s net income of over US$470,000, largely attributed to expenses incurred during the Rugby World Cup. The financial details were disclosed during the union’s 2025 Annual General Meeting held in Suva.

Total gross income for the Fiji Rugby Union reached around US$13 million, driven primarily by corporate sponsorships and grants from the government and World Rugby. The AGM also saw the approval of Lailanie Burnes as the new director of rugby, indicating a continued commitment to enhancing the sport in Fiji.

In other sports news, Ileen Pegi, the captain of the Solomon Islands women’s football team, has joined the Labasa women’s team for the ongoing Fiji Football competition. The 33-year-old striker led her national team to victory at the Oceania Women’s Nations Cup earlier this month. Pegi made an immediate impact by scoring a goal in Labasa’s 3-0 victory against Rewa on Sunday. She is expected to rejoin her national team for the Melanesian Cup tournament scheduled for November.

Pacific Islands Swimmers Compete in Singapore

Meanwhile, several Pacific Islands swimmers are participating in the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore. Countries represented include Fiji, Tonga, Palau, Papua New Guinea, and Samoa. The competition commenced on Sunday and will continue through the weekend, showcasing the talents of athletes from the region.

In rugby news, the Cook Islands Rugby Union is actively scouting overseas-based players for their training squad in preparation for the upcoming Oceania Tournament. According to Cook Islands News, national coach Clive Nicholas and the team management are exploring ways to include these players in their plans. Local players based in Rarotonga have already begun preparations, having held their first training session last Wednesday at the National Stadium in Nikao.

These developments highlight the vibrant sports scene in the Pacific Islands, with local teams and athletes making strides in their respective disciplines. As the sporting calendar progresses, both rugby and football in the region continue to gain momentum, promising an exciting season ahead.

A serious assault occurred in the suburb of Manukau, South Auckland, leaving one person with severe injuries. Emergency services were called to the scene on Manukau Station Road at approximately 20:15 on March 15, 2024.

According to a police spokesperson, initial reports indicate that the injured individual was promptly transported to a hospital for treatment. “One person has serious injuries,” the spokesperson confirmed, noting that law enforcement is actively working to identify and locate individuals believed to be involved in the incident.

Police Response and Investigation

Authorities have cordoned off the area to facilitate their investigation. Officers are conducting inquiries and gathering evidence from witnesses present at the time of the assault. The police have urged anyone with information related to this incident to come forward.

This incident has raised concerns within the local community regarding safety and security. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.

As the investigation unfolds, police are expected to provide updates on the condition of the injured individual and any developments related to the case. The authorities are committed to ensuring a thorough investigation and bringing those responsible to justice.

The seriousness of this incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by communities in maintaining public safety. Stakeholders are keenly observing the police’s response and the measures that will be put in place to prevent future occurrences.

Police have arrested a man in connection with an armed robbery at the Kensington Tavern in Whangārei, where a shot was discharged and a patron sustained injuries. The incident occurred around 22:00 on Friday, March 15, 2024, when the suspect entered the bar, fired a weapon into the ceiling, and demanded money from the patrons.

Detective Senior Sergeant Michelle Harris of the Whangārei Criminal Investigation Branch reported that the police launched an extensive investigation immediately following the robbery. She noted that officers worked diligently throughout the weekend to locate the suspect, leading to a significant police operation outside a business on Okara Drive on the afternoon of Monday, March 18, 2024.

During this operation, a 35-year-old man was apprehended. He is expected to face serious charges related to the robbery when he appears in the Whangārei District Court on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. The police have not disclosed the identity of the suspect but emphasized the importance of community safety in the wake of such incidents.

Officials are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the robbery, including the motive behind the suspect’s actions and any potential connections to other crimes in the area. The police have encouraged anyone with information related to this case to come forward, reinforcing their commitment to ensuring the safety of local residents and businesses.

The incident has raised concerns about safety in the community, prompting discussions among local residents and officials about measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. As the investigation progresses, authorities remain focused on providing updates and ensuring justice for those affected by the robbery.