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RNZ News
3 days ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
Flying Fijians eye improvements ahead of Pacific Nations Cup
Fiji will focus on defending their PNC title. Photo: AFP / Josua Buredua Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne believes his team will be better heading into the 2025 Pacific Nations Cup (PNC), following their recent Test matches against the Wallabies and Scotland. The Fijians lost a close match against the Wallabies in Sydney early July, but rebounded to win against Scotland a week later in Suva. In a review of the team's performance, Byrne told RNZ Pacific there were a lot of positives he and his coaching team picked up, with key areas also needing work also identified. "I think some of the key positives was our defence, especially in our back end," Byrne said. "Over the last season, we probably gave away some penalties there and gave teams easy opportunities to kick to the corner or to get points. I thought our defence really stepped up and we were able to withstand a little bit of pressure there, which was pleasing. "And I think also the work we are doing around the contact area, while we can always get better in that breakdown area, we felt that we made some good gains there as well." Byrne said finishing off moves and plays needed work as Fiji focuses on defending their PNC series title. "We created quite a few opportunities that we did not get across the line, or we just dropped the ball," he said. "Our handling was a little bit down, so, probably just finishing off our plays is something we can focus on, and that just comes about from having more training time. "Some players had not played for four or five weeks, so, the touch is a little bit out. But if we can get together for four or five weeks, I think we will see the improvement in our execution." Byrne used the two matches to test his players, while also trying out combinations. Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne Photo: Fiji Rugby Fiji needs to keep winning matches and gain on world rankings for better placing in the pool draws for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Fullback Salesi Rayasi and young halfbacks Phillip Baselala and Samuel Wye were three players who made their debut in the white jersey against the Wallabies and Scotland. "The pleasing thing is they did not look out of place with a white jersey on and that is always a good sign," Byrne said. "They certainly did not look out of place during the week of training, which is always a good indication from a coaching group, when you see the players come in and train and they fit right in, and they do their job really well. "I thought the three of them did themselves well when they came on, did their jobs that was required, and they've put their hand up for future selections." The next step now for Byrne and his coaching team is securing players to take them through the PNC series. The series starts off on 23 August with two pools of Pacific and Asia teams. Pacific includes Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, while Asia has Japan, Canada and USA. The Flying Fijians will kick off their campaign on 30 August against Tonga in Suva, before they meet Samoa in Rotorua on 6 September. Byrne said players have returned to their respective clubs after the two test matches against the Wallabies and Scotland. He and his staff are working through player availability for the PNC. "Hopefully, we can put some sort of extended squad together by the end of next week, and then we can probably name our squad the following week," he said. "We will just continue to work with our players to get everybody available. Obviously, we are going to put out the best team we can to defend our to defend the the PNC." He said one of the key areas for Fiji is to check on all its players availability. "We need the Northern Hemisphere players, there is a lot of them indicated they would like to come back and be part of PNC, but they need to get clearance from their clubs. "Once we have got an understanding of our players availability then we have to get them all on the same page in that short period of time." Meanwhile, Tonga's national rugby team, the 'Ikale Tahi, have also kicked off their PNC preparation with a team camp in Auckland. Head coach Tevita Tuifua said the camp has brough players together for the first time. Missing were some players who are currently committed to the National Provincial Championshop in New Zealand. But former All Black Salesi Piutau and France-based Ben Tameifuna are two of the senior players in the squad who are in camp. 'Ikale Tahi player Salesi Piutau (left) is in camp with the squad in Auckland. Photo: Tonga Rugby League "We have some players in camp while there are others who are tied up with club commitments at the moment," Tuifua said. "We hope that we can get everyone together before the PNC starts." Tonga will meet the Queensland Reds in Nuku'alofa on 15 August in their only warm-up game before they host Manu Samoa on 23 August. Both Tonga and Samoa will be fighting to secure spots at the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with the PNC doubling as a World Cup qualifier this year. With Fiji and Japan having already qualified, Samoa and Tonga will have to battle against Canada and USA for the three Oceania spots available.
RNZ News
3 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Pasifika Sipoti in brief for 29 July
Fijian rugby fans celebrate Photo: Photosport The Fiji Rugby Union has recorded a net income of FJ$105,962 (around US$47,000) for the financial year ended 31 December 2024. This is a drop from a net income of more than US$470,000 the previous year because of Rugby World Cup expenses. This was revealed at the union's 2025 Annual General Meeting in Suva. Total gross income reached around US$13 million, primarily driven by corporate sponsorships, government and World Rugby grants. Meanwhile, the AGM also approved the appointment of Lailanie Burnes as director of rugby. Solomon Islands women's football captain Ileen Pegi has joined the Labasa women's team in the Fiji Football competition. The 33-year-old striker led the Solomon Islanders to a win the Oceania Women's Nations Cup earlier this month in Suva. On Sunday she turned out for Labasa and scored a goal in the team's 3-0 win over Rewa. Pegi is expected to join her national side again for the Melanesian Cup tournament in November. A number of Pacific Islands swimmers are competing at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore. Countries that have swimmers at the meet include Fiji, Tonga, Palau, Papua New Guinea and Samoa. The competition started on Sunday and will run until the weekend. The Cook Islands Rugby Union is targeting a number of overseas-based players in their training squad, preparing for the Oceania Tournament later this year. Cook Islands News reported national coach Clive Nicholas and the team management are looking at how they can include the players. Rarotonga-based players have started their preparation with their first training session last Wednesday, at the National Stadium in Nikao.
Scoop
4 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Fiji: Concerns Over Suspected Price Manipulation Ahead Of VAT Reduction
26 July As Fijians anticipate relief from the upcoming VAT reduction, slated to drop from 15% to 12.5% on 1 August 2025 - discovery of unjustified price increases by some eateries have sparked serious concern. The Consumer Council of Fiji has uncovered evidence suggesting businesses are pre-emptively raising prices to offset the tax cut, effectively depriving consumers of the intended financial benefits. Through 530 market surveillances conducted before and after the National Budget announcement, the Council identified a troubling trend: certain food establishments have deliberately inflated prices in recent weeks leading up to the VAT reduction, in order to negate effectivelythe intended consumer benefit. 'This is a strategic manipulation of pricing,' said Seema Shandil, CEO of the Consumer Council of Fiji. 'By raising prices now, these eateries can later claim to have passed on savings while keeping actual costs the same or even higher, undermining the intended financial relief for consumers. This behaviour is not only unethical but directly sabotages the government's policy intent to alleviate the cost-of-living burden for ordinary Fijians'. Notable examples include a fast-food outlet's curry meal rising from $2 to $3, a Suva restaurant's two-person meal increasing from $49.95 to $54, and menu hikes at multiple food courts. A prominent restaurant chain also raised its king-sized pizza price to $56.30, while a major supermarket's chicken pie now costs $9.95 up from $7.95. The Council urges transparency and accountability to ensure the VAT reduction delivers its promised advantages to the public. 'We are extremely concerned that such behaviour not only rips off consumers but also erodes public trust in the fairness of the market. The VAT reduction has been announced to provide financial relief to Fijians, not to pad the margins of restaurants and eateries,' Ms. Shandil said. The Council notes that food establishments are often harder to monitor due to variable pricing and the ease with which cost justifications, such as ingredient or labor costs, can be used to mask unjustified increases. When traders manipulate prices to suit their own interests, especially under the guise of 'justified' cost increases, it sends a clear message that consumer welfare is secondary. This erosion of trust damages the relationship between businesses and the public, and if left unchecked, can weaken confidence in the broader market system. The Council firmly believes that ethical conduct and transparency must be upheld, particularly during times when government initiatives are aimed at easing the cost-of-living burden for ordinary Fijians. The Council is urging all traders and businesses to act responsibly and ensure that the benefits of the upcoming VAT reduction are fully passed on to consumers. This is not just a matter of regulatory compliance, it reflects their broader duty of care and ethical responsibility to the public. As essential players in the economy, businesses must align their pricing practices with the government's objective of easing the cost of living for all Fijians. Absorbing the VAT cut for profit undermines consumer trust and defeats the purpose of a policy designed to provide financial relief. Consumers are the backbone of every business, and treating them fairly through transparent and ethical pricing is vital, not only for maintaining customer loyalty and brand integrity, but also for upholding the principles of a just and fair marketplace. Consumers are also encouraged to retain receipts and, where possible, compare past and present prices of the same item or meal. If a price increase is suspected, consumers should keep both the old and new receipts or take photos showing the change and report the matter to the Consumer Council of Fiji by calling toll-free 155 or emailing complaints@
RNZ News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
George 'Fiji' Veikoso: The iconic voice that united the Pacific
George "Fiji" Veikoso was one of the Pacific's most beloved musical voices. Photo: Facebook / Homecoming Music Festival "I knew that it was that time" Those were the quiet words of Dave Stevens, one of George 'Fiji' Veikoso's closest companions. Stevens told RNZ Pacific he cared for the island reggae icon for "over a year" and was by his side in Suva when he passed away last Wednesday at the age of 55. Speaking from Suva, Stevens' voice quivered as he tried to find the right words to talk. "I'm feeling ok, at the same time I'm like, he knew it was his time to go, right now we don't have anything to say in terms of hearts are achin', but he knew his time was right." The Pacific has lost one of its most beloved musical voices. 'Fiji' was a the legendary artist known for blending soul, R&B, and island harmonies that redefined Pacific music. He is being remembered by fans and leaders across the region. His music spanned generations, with hits like 'Lonely Days' and 'Come On Over' becoming anthems not just in Fiji, but across the entire Pacific diaspora. To many, he was not just an entertainer; he was the soundtrack to family barbecues, long drives, heartbreaks, and homecomings. His passing marks the end of an era, as he now joins a pantheon of Pacific greats such as Daniel Rae Costello, another Fijian-born singer who died on 22 July 2019. George 'Fiji' Veikoso helped shape the sounds of Island reggae and R&B. Photo: ABC Pacific / Penina Momoisea Another one of his closest childhood friends Akuila Qumi said their relationship began long before Fiji catapulted into fame. "We were brought up in the same neighbourhood in Raiwaqa. I first heard of him when I was 13; he was much older." "As a person, he was very humble, very intelligent, a good brother. "He took off to Hawaii in the late 80s and came back in 1996 when his grandfather passed away. That's when we connected; he was staying over at my place. "Just an experience that I went through with him that sort of solidified our friendship, saying nah this guy is on another level, he's special," Qumi said. According to Qumi, Veikoso's grandfather instilled in him his Fijian roots. After the passing of his grandfather, Qumi and Veikoso experienced a supernatural phenomenon. "There was this experience I'd never forget," Qumi said. "Suddenly, the doors busted open, the curtains were parallel, there was a strong wind, I mean, I was freaking out, and then I was looking at [Veikoso] and he was staring up in the air, and there were tears in his eyes, going 'my grandfather's here to see me'. "So out of the blue this butterfly flew in and right in front of him, by that time the curtains were just parallel, waving out and then he told his grandfather that he would do his best, that he would honour him and take the music, take the culture out to the world. "When that happened, the butterfly flew out and everything went normal, so that kicked off his friendship and from then on I said this guy is special, he's got some mana with him, and he's gifted. So, over the years, I was fortunate to see him in his element." Veikoso was born in Fiji, and later moved to Hawai'i where his music career truly began, starting out as a member of the band Rootstrata in the 1980s, then eventually going solo, carving out a distinctive sound that blended reggae, soul, gospel, and island rhythms. Fiji released hit albums including 'Born and Raised' , 'Indigenous Life', 'Love and Roots', 'Xperience' and his last album 'Coconut Island' and 'Indigo' to name a few. Veikoso was a huge inspiration for local musicians in Fiji who would look forward to seeing him back on the island. One in particular is Big Wils, who described his first gig alongside Veikoso as a career-defining moment. "The last time I met him was last month, his cousin Dave was playing at the Crown Plaza, that was the last time and I didn't think it would be the last time" Big Wills said Veikoso was preparing for the upcoming 'Homecoming Festival' in Nadi this September. "He was talking about homecoming, about how excited he was, and how busy he was. We were all excited and looking forward to it. It's so sad to hear the news. Big Wills said everyone in Fiji is in mourning. "He put Fiji on the world map," he said. New Zealand Fijian poet and relative Daren Kamali said while the loss is painful, there's a sense of peace knowing Fiji had been unwell for some time. "When he's here in Aotearoa, he always has my name at the door. He said the family are all content that Veikoso is no longer suffering. "We are all sort of content he's now at rest now, he's been in pain a long time, although he didn't show it, he was actually suffering as well. "We're glad he's resting now". Fijian Prime Minister Sitveni Rabuka posted a tribute online, describing Veikoso as "one of the greatest musicians of all time". "I am saddened to learn of the passing of one of the greatest musicians of all time, George Fiji Veikoso a proud son of Fiji, a legend in his own right - his voice inspired so many across the Pacific and around the world. "A true ambassador of Fiji on the regional and international stage, his music inspired generations and his legacy will live on in the hearts of thousands of people. "On behalf of the government and the people of Fiji, I extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and fans around the world, Rest in peace, Fiji." Rabuka wrote. New Zealand Labour Party deputy leader, Carmel Sepuloni reflected on her time with the late artist who impressed her with his extensive knowledge of Pacific history. She considered herself lucky to have shared moments with Veikoso who she nicknamed 'Porgy'. "Fiji is a legend to our whole pacific region and our pacific community, we've all spent many years as the backdrop to our lives. "We were fortunate to be in Samoa at the time of the homecoming concert there, I was there for work and we stayed on to spend time with George. "The thing many people didn't know about George is the man was like a historian he was incredibly intelligent, he knew about the history about our Pacific region, he was so good with our Pasifika languages. "He will be sadly missed, he was a great supporter and mentor to other Pacific musicians and I've heard and seen from so many of them, they're really feeling it right now. Sepuloni said that he will be greatly missed by many, and his passing marks a significant loss for the music industry. The last time Veikoso visited Aotearoa was during the Moana Pasifika match versus the Hurricanes, a game their team won. He was photographed celebrating with the team.
RNZ News
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Pacific musical giant 'Fiji' dies age 55
Tributes are pouring in from across the Pacific following the death of one of the region's most influential musicians. George 'Fiji' Veikoso a pioneer of island reggae passed away in Suva this week at the age of 55. Tags: To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
