Education & Skills: A Ministry of Education consultation on replacing NCEA found strong support for improving the senior secondary system, with independent analysis of 8,292 submissions showing about four in five educators and industry want changes—but many teachers, students and families still prefer refining NCEA over scrapping it. Renewables & Energy Jobs (Niue): Sunergise won the 2026 SEANZ Trailblazer Award, with its Niue solar-and-storage project (2.79MW solar plus 8.19MWh batteries) cited as key to reaching Niue’s 80% renewable target, including 80% local labour and STEM education. Regional Policy & Trade Links: The Philippines used the Pacific Islands Forum to push closer collaboration and deeper regional integration, highlighting the “Philippine-Pacific Initiative” and reaffirming ties with Niue and other Pacific states. Climate Risk to Food & Water: ChildFund NZ warns Pacific communities facing fuel pressure should prepare for a stronger El Niño, with 100% odds it continues through 2026—raising drought risk in some places and heavier rain in others, stressing drinking water, food and children’s health.