Latest news with #Fijian
Scoop
37 minutes ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Fiji FICAC Saga: Suspension Rescinded, Appointments Revoked
Fiji's prime minister says the country's president has reviewed his decision to suspend the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption, and rescinded the suspension. However, President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has instead revoked the initial appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner. Sitiveni Rabuka wrote on Facebook that this was to implement the first recommendation in chapter eight of a Commission of Inquiry (COI) report in accordance with legal advice. Lalabalavu has also withdrawn the rescission of the appointment of Lisiate Fotofili as acting deputy FICAC Commissioner and his return to his substantive position in the judiciary. Instead, he has revoked his initial appointment as acting deputy Commissioner - also "in accordance with the first recommendation in chapter eight of the COI report". The Fiji Law Society issued a statement on Sunday saying suspending the Commissioner of FICAC without the advice of the Judicial Services Commission is unlawful. Society President, Wylie Clarke said the prime minister has no constitutional role in the appointment or discipline of the Commissioner and acting deputy Commissioner of FICAC. Barbara Malimali - who was also the Electoral Commission chairperson - was revealed as the new FICAC commissioner last September. The announcement was causing a stir due to it being unclear if she held the Electoral Commission chairperson role at the time of for appointment - raising concerns about conflict of interest. Then, Malimali was taken for questioning by FICAC officers, sanctioned by the anti-corruption agency's acting deputy commissioner Francis Puleiwai. The Law Society statement this week said the "FICAC saga" has distracted the Fijian government for many months and the Society had hoped the COI report would bring that to an end. Fiji Opposition leader, Inia Seruiratu, has called on the Government to make the COI report public. Rabuka said he is committed to release of the report which is funded by the people of Fiji. "However this will be done in a manner to ensure that investigations are not prejudiced, civil rights of accused persons are respected and the rule of law maintained," he said.
Scoop
3 hours ago
- Business
- Scoop
Wellington Celebrates Sister City Canberra
Press Release – Wellington City Council HMAS Canberra, the Royal Australian Navys flagship, will take part in a series of events that includes a captivating naval parade through the city, Ships company volunteering at a soup kitchen and in community clean-ups, and a rugby match against … Wellington will be buzzing with activity this week as Pōneke celebrates its sister city partnership with Canberra. Australian Capital Territory Chief Minister Andrew Barr will be leading a delegation to Wellington, to celebrate the partnership and cooperation between the two capital cities. 'This week's celebration reflects the strength and significance of our city's relationship with Canberra, further deepening the bonds of friendship and collaboration between us,' says Mayor Tory Whanau. 'Our partnership is a source of great pride and a key element in Wellington's international engagements, fostering a continued exchange of ideas, culture, and goodwill.' Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the visit was an opportunity to reaffirm the deep and growing ties between Canberra and Wellington. 'Our sister city relationship with Wellington is one of genuine friendship and mutual respect. It's built on a shared commitment to sustainability, creativity, and inclusive growth,' says Mr Barr. 'From climate action and urban planning to arts and innovation, our two capital cities face many of the same challenges and opportunities. This visit allows us to share knowledge, deepen collaboration, and celebrate what we've already achieved together. 'It's also a chance to showcase the very best of Canberra – from our defence ties and creative industries to our thriving business and education sectors.' HMAS Canberra, the Royal Australian Navy's flagship, will take part in a series of events that includes a captivating naval parade through the city, Ship's company volunteering at a soup kitchen and in community clean-ups, and a rugby match against their New Zealand counterparts. Apart from these engagements, an agreement will be signed to foster closer cooperation between capital cities in the Pacific region, and a business mission from Canberra will meet with their New Zealand counterparts. The programme of activities aiming to further strengthen ties between the two capital cities includes: 5-9 June: Visit by the amphibious assault ship HMAS Canberra. 5 June: A business delegation, including representatives from the Canberra Chamber of Commerce and the Canberra Convention Bureau (responsible for attracting business events to the Canberra region), will attend an economic briefing organised by the Wellington City Council. 6 June: Signing of a tripartite agreement on regional cooperation between Wellington, Canberra, and the Fijian capital, Suva. 6 June: Ship's company from HMAS Canberra will volunteer at the Compassion Soup Kitchen from 10am to 12:30pm and participate in clean-ups from 12:30pm to 3:30pm at the Wellington Botanic Garden, Otari-Wilton's Bush, Wellington Zoo, Wellington Harbour (near the tugboat), and Owhiro Bay. 6 June, 9:00am-12:00pm: AFL match between the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal New Zealand Navy at Rugby League Park, Newtown. 7 June, 10:00am-10:30am: Freedom of Entry parade through Wellington by around 250 Ship's company of HMAS Canberra. The parade begins at Queens Wharf Square, proceeds onto Jervois Quay, then turns onto Brandon Street. It continues down Lambton Quay, turning right and proceeding along Lambton Quay towards Parliament. Just before Bowen Street, the parade will be 'challenged' by the Wellington District Commander of the New Zealand Police (a symbolic exchange where they will ask for identification and confirmation of permission, which will be provided via the Mayor's charter). Following this, the parade will continue, with participants saluting VIPs on the dais at the Cenotaph. The route then continues along Bunny Street and Thorndon Quay, concluding near Pipitea Marae. 7 June, 1:30pm-3:00pm: Royal Australian Navy band concert at Pukeahu National War Memorial. Under the sister city partnership agreement signed in 2016, Wellington and Canberra committed to promote business collaboration, tourism, educational and cultural exchanges, and the sharing of research and knowledge. Regular visits and the signing of agreements between their business chambers, screen industry organisations, zoos, conservation eco-sanctuaries, indigenous artist exchange programmes, and botanic gardens have enhanced city-to-city relations since then.
The Sun
5 hours ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Fiji's Dakuwaqa joins third-tier Nice after bite sentence
FORMER Olympic rugby sevens champion Masivesi Dakuwaqa will join French third-tier club Nice for next season, a week after being handed a suspended prison sentence for biting a team-mate, a club source told AFP. In January, Rio 2016 gold medallist Dakuwaqa bit Pierre Pages' cheek during a night out when they were both at second-tier outfit Biarritz. Last week, Fijian 31-year-old Dakuwaqa was handed an eight-month suspended sentence and a 300 euros ($342) fine for the incident. The back-rower, who can also feature at centre and on the wing was sacked by the Basque side and joined third division Perigueux on a short-term deal. Nice finished bottom of ProD2 this season after just one campaign in the second division and will be coached by Gareth Baber, who was Fiji sevens coach between 2016 and 2021, next season. They have also signed Fiji captain Waisea Nayacalevu and ex-South Africa back-rower Uzair Cassiem for the coming campaign.
The Sun
6 hours ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Dakuwaqa Signs with Nice After Biting Incident Suspension
FORMER Olympic rugby sevens champion Masivesi Dakuwaqa will join French third-tier club Nice for next season, a week after being handed a suspended prison sentence for biting a team-mate, a club source told AFP. In January, Rio 2016 gold medallist Dakuwaqa bit Pierre Pages' cheek during a night out when they were both at second-tier outfit Biarritz. Last week, Fijian 31-year-old Dakuwaqa was handed an eight-month suspended sentence and a 300 euros ($342) fine for the incident. The back-rower, who can also feature at centre and on the wing was sacked by the Basque side and joined third division Perigueux on a short-term deal. Nice finished bottom of ProD2 this season after just one campaign in the second division and will be coached by Gareth Baber, who was Fiji sevens coach between 2016 and 2021, next season. They have also signed Fiji captain Waisea Nayacalevu and ex-South Africa back-rower Uzair Cassiem for the coming campaign.
Scoop
7 hours ago
- Business
- Scoop
Wellington Celebrates Sister City Canberra
Wellington will be buzzing with activity this week as Pōneke celebrates its sister city partnership with Canberra. Australian Capital Territory Chief Minister Andrew Barr will be leading a delegation to Wellington, to celebrate the partnership and cooperation between the two capital cities. 'This week's celebration reflects the strength and significance of our city's relationship with Canberra, further deepening the bonds of friendship and collaboration between us,' says Mayor Tory Whanau. 'Our partnership is a source of great pride and a key element in Wellington's international engagements, fostering a continued exchange of ideas, culture, and goodwill.' Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the visit was an opportunity to reaffirm the deep and growing ties between Canberra and Wellington. 'Our sister city relationship with Wellington is one of genuine friendship and mutual respect. It's built on a shared commitment to sustainability, creativity, and inclusive growth,' says Mr Barr. 'From climate action and urban planning to arts and innovation, our two capital cities face many of the same challenges and opportunities. This visit allows us to share knowledge, deepen collaboration, and celebrate what we've already achieved together. 'It's also a chance to showcase the very best of Canberra – from our defence ties and creative industries to our thriving business and education sectors.' HMAS Canberra, the Royal Australian Navy's flagship, will take part in a series of events that includes a captivating naval parade through the city, Ship's company volunteering at a soup kitchen and in community clean-ups, and a rugby match against their New Zealand counterparts. Apart from these engagements, an agreement will be signed to foster closer cooperation between capital cities in the Pacific region, and a business mission from Canberra will meet with their New Zealand counterparts. The programme of activities aiming to further strengthen ties between the two capital cities includes: 5-9 June: Visit by the amphibious assault ship HMAS Canberra. 5 June: A business delegation, including representatives from the Canberra Chamber of Commerce and the Canberra Convention Bureau (responsible for attracting business events to the Canberra region), will attend an economic briefing organised by the Wellington City Council. 6 June: Signing of a tripartite agreement on regional cooperation between Wellington, Canberra, and the Fijian capital, Suva. 6 June: Ship's company from HMAS Canberra will volunteer at the Compassion Soup Kitchen from 10am to 12:30pm and participate in clean-ups from 12:30pm to 3:30pm at the Wellington Botanic Garden, Otari-Wilton's Bush, Wellington Zoo, Wellington Harbour (near the tugboat), and Owhiro Bay. 6 June, 9:00am-12:00pm: AFL match between the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal New Zealand Navy at Rugby League Park, Newtown. 7 June, 10:00am-10:30am: Freedom of Entry parade through Wellington by around 250 Ship's company of HMAS Canberra. The parade begins at Queens Wharf Square, proceeds onto Jervois Quay, then turns onto Brandon Street. It continues down Lambton Quay, turning right and proceeding along Lambton Quay towards Parliament. Just before Bowen Street, the parade will be 'challenged' by the Wellington District Commander of the New Zealand Police (a symbolic exchange where they will ask for identification and confirmation of permission, which will be provided via the Mayor's charter). Following this, the parade will continue, with participants saluting VIPs on the dais at the Cenotaph. The route then continues along Bunny Street and Thorndon Quay, concluding near Pipitea Marae. 7 June, 1:30pm-3:00pm: Royal Australian Navy band concert at Pukeahu National War Memorial. Under the sister city partnership agreement signed in 2016, Wellington and Canberra committed to promote business collaboration, tourism, educational and cultural exchanges, and the sharing of research and knowledge. Regular visits and the signing of agreements between their business chambers, screen industry organisations, zoos, conservation eco-sanctuaries, indigenous artist exchange programmes, and botanic gardens have enhanced city-to-city relations since then.
