AGP Executive Report

Drones in Agriculture: A new push for drone spraying is gaining traction as farmers look to cut fuel costs, with operators saying they can cover 50–60 hectares a day but that pilots need Civil Aviation Authority Part 102 certification and training. Aviation Infrastructure: Work on Honiara International Airport’s Aviation Complex Building is nearing completion, including external façade installation and major progress on the access road and internal stormwater drainage. Mining Workforce Welfare: China Railway Construction Engineering Group says it has improved meals for local workers at Rotui on Isabel and disputes claims about overtime, allowances, and National Provident Fund contributions. Road Safety Reminder: Honiara’s roadworks along Mendana Avenue continue, with the Ministry of Infrastructure Development urging drivers and pedestrians to follow traffic management plans and treat controllers with respect. Tech for Sport in the Pacific: LiveU says it has enabled remote VAR for the OFC Pro League, bringing video assistant refereeing to Pacific islands for the first time. Water Supply Upgrade: Solomon Water reports major progress on three new concrete reservoirs in Honiara, moving from structure completion into testing, commissioning, and monitoring setup. Education & Skills: Papapi Technical School graduates 56 students, with officials stressing the gap between formal education and labour market needs, especially in technology and industry. Policy Watch: Western Province calls for review of Solomon Islands’ Special Economic Zones Act, arguing provinces and customary landowners are sidelined from key decisions.

Aviation Infrastructure: Work on Honiara International Airport’s Aviation Complex Building is nearing completion, with the external façade system installed and the access road about 80% done under the World Bank-funded SIRAP2 project. Urban Water Upgrade: Solomon Water is progressing on three new concrete reservoirs in Honiara (Tasahe, Titinge, Panatina), moving from disinfection into testing, commissioning, and final operational preparations. Workplace & Local Welfare: China Railway Construction Engineering Group says it has improved meals for Rotui mining workers on Isabel after complaints, and also rejects allegations over overtime, danger/dirty allowances, and NPF contributions. Education & Skills: Papapi Technical School graduates 56 students, with Western Province urging them to become productive citizens in tech and industry. Digital Sports Tech: LiveU says it delivered remote VAR to the Pacific for the OFC Pro League, solving the region’s connectivity and equipment hurdles. Public Health & Safety: Pacific agencies are monitoring coastal waters after a strong earthquake in the southern Philippines, with advisories issued for multiple Pacific countries including Solomon Islands. Research & Heritage Mapping: A Japanese-led project is building an interactive map of Japanese colonial-era sites on Tonoas (Chuuk), spotlighting wartime history beyond the famous dive spots.

Honiara Water Upgrade: Solomon Water says construction of three new concrete reservoirs at Tasahe, Titinge and Panatina is progressing, with major structures finished and work moving into disinfection, tank filling, leakage testing, pipe interconnections and commissioning. Aviation Infrastructure: Work on the Aviation Complex Building at Honiara International Airport is nearing completion under SIRAP2, including installation of the external façade system, about 80% completion of the access road, and ongoing stormwater drainage and internal wall framing. Workplace & Welfare Claims: China Railway Construction Engineering Group in Isabel and Gizo responds to allegations about overtime, allowances and NPF contributions, saying payments comply with Solomon Islands law and that NPF applications are still being processed. Roadworks Safety: MID urges Honiara road users to cooperate with traffic controllers during Mendana Avenue roadworks after an incident of a pedestrian slapping a controller. Tech for Sport in the Pacific: LiveU announces remote VAR for the OFC Pro League, aiming to bring video-assisted refereeing across island nations despite limited fixed infrastructure. Education & Skills: Papapi Technical School graduates 56 students, with Western Province pushing them toward productive, technology-linked careers. Health & Preparedness: Pacific agencies monitor coastal waters after a strong Philippines earthquake, with advisories issued for many Pacific countries including Solomon Islands.

Aviation Infrastructure: Work on Honiara International Airport’s Aviation Complex Building is nearing completion under the World Bank-funded SIRAP2 project, with the external façade installed and the access road about 80% done; internal partitions and stormwater drainage are also progressing. Workplace Welfare: China Railway Construction Engineering Group says it has improved meals for local workers at Rotui on Isabel after complaints, and also rejects allegations of unpaid overtime, danger/dirty allowances, and missing NPF contributions. Water Supply Upgrade: Solomon Water reports major progress on three new Honiara concrete reservoirs at Tasahe, Titinge and Panatina, moving from completed structures into disinfection, testing, commissioning and monitoring setup. Digital Payments in Malaita: A US consultant visited Auki for a TrigaCash consultation, gathering feedback on how people learned about the initiative and why registrations fell short of expectations ahead of a second phase. Education & Skills: Papapi Technical School graduates 56 students, with officials urging graduates to become productive citizens in technology and industry; separate support in West Makira also delivered laptops and smartphones to tertiary students to boost digital learning. Genetics Research (Oceania): A Yale-led study published in Science expands human genetic diversity research across Near Oceania and highlights how DNA from extinct hominins still shapes modern immunity and health. Regional Safety: After a powerful earthquake in the southern Philippines, Pacific agencies placed coastal monitoring on alert; New Zealand says there’s no tsunami threat to Aotearoa, but advisories cover many Pacific islands including Solomon Islands. Football Tech: LiveU says it has delivered remote VAR to the OFC Pro League for the first time, aiming to make officiating tech workable across Pacific islands.

Aviation Infrastructure: Work on Honiara International Airport’s Aviation Complex Building is nearing completion under SIRAP2, with the external façade system finished and the access road about 80% done; crews are also installing internal partitions and stormwater drainage pipes. Water Security: Solomon Water says three new concrete reservoirs in Honiara—Tasahe, Titinge and Panatina—have completed major structures and are moving into disinfection, tank filling, leakage testing, and commissioning, with flow meters and monitoring instruments being installed. Workplace Welfare: China Railway Construction Engineering Group denies claims of unpaid overtime, danger/dirty allowances, and missing NPF contributions at its Rotui mining operation on Isabel, saying payments follow Solomon Islands law and NPF registrations are still being processed. Road Safety: MID is urging patience on Mendana Avenue roadworks after an incident where a pedestrian slapped a traffic controller, reminding road users to obey signs and cooperate with on-site teams. Digital Payments Check-in: A US consultant visited Malaita for TrigaCash consultations, gathering feedback on how people heard about the initiative and why registrations fell short of expectations. Education & Skills: Papapi Technical School in Gizo graduated 56 students, with officials stressing technical training as a pathway into the labour market and further study. Science & Health (Global): A Yale-led genetics study published in Science expands human DNA coverage across Oceania and highlights how DNA from extinct hominins still shapes modern immunity. Regional Disaster Monitoring: After a powerful Philippines earthquake, tsunami monitoring is on alert across many Pacific countries including Solomon Islands, though New Zealand says there’s no threat to its coasts.

Aviation Infrastructure: Work on Honiara International Airport’s Aviation Complex Building is nearing completion under SIRAP2, with the external façade installed, an access road about 80% done, and stormwater drainage and internal partitions underway. Workplace Welfare: China Railway Construction Engineering Group says it has improved meal menus for local workers on Isabel after complaints, and also rejects allegations of unpaid overtime, danger/dirty allowances, and missing NPF contributions at the Rotui mining operation. Water & Health Tech: Solomon Water reports major progress on three new Honiara concrete reservoirs (Tasahe, Titinge, Panatina), moving into disinfection, testing, commissioning, and installation of monitoring instruments. Digital Learning: West Makira Constituency supported 53 students with 41 laptops and 12 smartphones to boost digital study access. Sports Tech: LiveU delivered the first remote VAR deployment across the Pacific for the OFC Pro League, solving customs and connectivity barriers. Disaster Monitoring: After a powerful Philippines earthquake, tsunami monitoring is on alert across many Pacific coasts including Solomon Islands, though New Zealand says there’s no threat to it. Agriculture & Research: KIK’s coconut R&D review highlights replanting elite palms, hybridisation to lift productivity, and tackling pests/diseases as it feeds into a new coconut policy plan.

Wartime Heritage Mapping: A Japanese maritime archaeology researcher has teamed up with an Australian professor to publish an interactive map and website documenting Japanese colonial and World War II sites on Tonoas island in Chuuk, highlighting locations often missed by divers. Road Safety & Civics: Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Infrastructure Development is urging patience and respectful behaviour during ongoing Mendana Avenue roadworks in Honiara after a traffic controller was slapped by a frustrated pedestrian. Water Infrastructure: Solomon Water reports major progress on three new concrete reservoirs in Honiara—Tasahe, Titinge and Panatina—with disinfection done and testing/commissioning underway. Digital Learning Support: West Makira Constituency backed 53 students with 41 laptops and 12 smartphones to boost digital study access. Education & Ethics in Sport: Solomon Islands National University students visited the National Institute of Sport to study how ethics shapes leadership and decision-making in sport. Tech for Football Officiating: LiveU says it has enabled remote VAR for the OFC Pro League across Pacific nations, solving long-standing equipment and connectivity barriers. Disaster Monitoring: After a powerful Philippines earthquake, Pacific coastal monitoring systems were placed on alert; New Zealand says there’s no tsunami threat to it, while advisories cover many Pacific islands including Solomon Islands.

Interactive History & Heritage: A Japanese maritime archaeology researcher has published an interactive map and website highlighting Japanese colonial-era buildings and wartime sites on Tonoas in Chuuk, using a prewar and WWII lens to guide visitors beyond Chuuk’s famous dives. Road Safety & Public Respect: Honiara’s roadworks on Mendana Avenue are ongoing, with the Ministry of Infrastructure Development urging drivers and pedestrians to obey traffic controllers and signs after an incident of violence against a controller. Water Infrastructure: Solomon Water says construction of three new concrete reservoirs in Honiara—Tasahe, Titinge and Panatina—has reached major structural completion, moving into disinfection, testing, commissioning and monitoring setup. Digital Education Support: West Makira Constituency backed 53 students with 41 laptops and 12 smartphones to boost digital learning and access to study modules. Sports Ethics Learning: Students from Solomon Islands National University visited the National Institute of Sport to interview staff on ethics in sport, linking values to leadership and decision-making. Tech for Football Officiating: LiveU reports the first remote VAR deployment across the Pacific for the OFC Pro League, aiming to bring refereeing tech to island nations despite infrastructure limits. Food Safety for Exports: Fisheries officials from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained in Suva on new EU freezer-vessel rules that tighten cold-chain requirements for tuna exports. Earthquake Monitoring: After a strong Philippines quake, regional tsunami monitoring was placed on alert, with advisories covering Solomon Islands and much of the Pacific while New Zealand reported no threat.

Road Safety in Honiara: The Ministry of Infrastructure Development is urging patience and respect after a roadworks incident on Mendana Avenue, reminding drivers and pedestrians to follow approved traffic management plans and obey on-site controllers. Digital Education Support: West Makira Constituency backed 53 students with 41 laptops and 12 smartphones to boost digital learning and skills for tertiary study. Cash Transfer Tech Check (Malaita): A US consultant visited Auki for a TrigaCash consultation, collecting feedback on how people heard about the initiative and why registrations lagged expectations before a planned second phase. Water Infrastructure Upgrade (Honiara): Solomon Water is progressing on three new concrete reservoirs at Tasahe, Titinge and Panatina, moving from completed structures into disinfection, testing and commissioning. Sports Ethics in Practice (SINU): Solomon Islands National University students visited the National Institute of Sport to study how ethics shapes leadership and decision-making in sport. EU Food-Safety for Seafood Exports: Fisheries officials from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained on new EU freezer-vessel rules that tighten cold-chain requirements for tuna exports. Pacific Earthquake Monitoring: After a strong Philippines quake, regional agencies including Solomon Islands were placed on tsunami monitoring alert, with New Zealand reporting no threat to its coast.

Vaccine Supply: Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine donations to Pacific nations passed 1 million doses, with 63,000 delivered to the Solomon Islands as Fiji races to respond to a Delta outbreak, alongside broader COVAX support. Road Safety & Civics: Honiara road users are urged to stay patient and treat traffic controllers with respect during ongoing Mendana Avenue roadworks after an incident where a pedestrian slapped a controller. Digital Education Boost: West Makira Constituency backed 53 students with 41 laptops and 12 smartphones to support digital learning and skills for future work. Water Infrastructure: Solomon Water is progressing on three new concrete reservoirs in Tasahe, Titinge and Panatina, moving from disinfection and testing toward commissioning to improve urban supply. Cash Transfer Feedback: A US consultant visited Malaita for TrigaCash consultation, collecting feedback on how people heard about the initiative and why registrations fell short of expectations before phase two. EU Seafood Compliance: Fisheries officials from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained in new EU freezer-vessel rules that tighten cold-chain requirements, aiming to protect access to the EU tuna market. Earthquake Watch: A 5.1 quake hit Solomon Islands, while regional tsunami monitoring stayed on alert after a strong Philippines earthquake, including advisories covering Solomon Islands. Agriculture & Food Security: Rice experts from China’s JAAS began a two-month mission with Solomon Islands’ agriculture ministry to strengthen rice production and push mechanized commercial farming. Technical Training Milestone: Papapi Technical School graduated 56 students, with education leaders stressing the link between technical skills, employment, and community development. Sport Ethics Learning: Solomon Islands National University students visited the National Institute of Sport to study ethics in leadership and decision-making in sport.

Infrastructure & Water Security: Solomon Water says major structures are complete for three new concrete reservoirs in Honiara—Tasahe (3ML), Titinge (3.05ML) and Panatina (2.5ML)—with disinfection, leakage testing, and commissioning now underway under the Urban Water Supply, Sanitation Sector Project. Road Safety & Public Cooperation: Honiara’s Mendana Avenue roadworks (Heritage Park to Honiara City Council roundabout) are continuing, and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development is urging drivers and pedestrians to follow traffic controllers’ instructions after an incident of violence against a controller. Digital Skills for Students: West Makira Constituency supported 53 students with 41 laptops and 12 smartphones to boost digital learning across USP, SINU and other local institutions. Cash Transfer Tech Check (Malaita): A US consultant visited Auki for a TrigaCash consultation, collecting feedback on how people heard about the initiative and where registration fell short ahead of a second phase. Food Safety for EU Seafood Exports: Fisheries officials from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained in Suva on new EU freezer-vessel rules that could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels. Education & Employment Pathways: Papapi Technical School in Gizo graduated 56 students, with education leaders stressing technical training as a route into the labour market and further study. Health & Sanitation: UNICEF WASH highlights ongoing sanitation and hygiene gaps, linking open defecation and unsafe school toilets to diarrhoea risk and missed classes. Agriculture Research: Rice experts from China’s Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences began a two-month mission with Solomon Islands’ agriculture ministry to support mechanised commercial rice farming and reduce reliance on imported rice. Regional Tech in Sport: LiveU says remote VAR has been delivered across the Pacific for the OFC Pro League, aiming to solve customs and connectivity barriers that previously blocked VAR in island settings. Disaster Monitoring: After a powerful Philippines earthquake, Pacific coastal monitoring systems were placed on alert for possible tsunami impacts, including Solomon Islands, though New Zealand reported no threat to its coast. Coconut Industry R&D: KIK’s R&D review points to work on replacing aging palms, boosting productivity, and tackling invasive pests and diseases under a new coconut policy and strategic plan. Coral Triangle Conservation: Updates from Coral Triangle partners highlight community-led marine protected area progress, including Green List steps for Arnavon Community Marine Park in the Solomon Islands. Chess Gains International Recognition: The Solomon Islands Chess Federation says its president’s invitation to a Manila bughouse championship reflects growing global recognition for local chess. Earthquake: GFZ reported a 5.1-magnitude quake in Solomon Islands on Friday. Doc Edge Festival (Regional Media): Doc Edge Festival 2026 announced international documentary finalists and immersive projects, with screenings across Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch plus a virtual cinema option.

Road Safety & Infrastructure: Honiara’s Mendana Avenue roadworks continue, with the Ministry of Infrastructure Development urging drivers and pedestrians to cooperate with on-site traffic controllers after an incident where a pedestrian slapped a controller, reminding the public that approved traffic management plans are in place to protect everyone. Digital Education: West Makira Constituency supported 53 students with 41 laptops and 12 smartphones to boost digital learning and help students rely less on limited study access. Water Systems: Solomon Water is progressing on three new concrete reservoirs in Honiara—Tasahe, Titinge and Panatina—moving from completed structures into disinfection, tank filling, leakage testing, and commissioning preparations. Public Health & WASH: UNICEF WASH reporting highlights ongoing sanitation problems, including open defecation and unsafe school toilets that contribute to illness, missed classes, and barriers for girls during menstruation. Food & Fisheries Compliance: Pacific fisheries authorities, including Solomon Islands officials, trained on new EU freezer-vessel rules that tighten cold-chain requirements, with the aim of protecting access to the EU seafood market. Seismic Watch: After a strong Philippines earthquake, tsunami monitoring was placed on alert across much of the Pacific, including Solomon Islands, though New Zealand reported no threat. Tech for Sport: LiveU announced remote VAR for the OFC Pro League, designed to work across Pacific islands where fixed infrastructure is difficult. Agriculture & Rice: Chinese JAAS rice experts began a two-month mission with Solomon Islands’ MALD to support mechanised commercial rice farming and reduce reliance on imported rice. Coconut Industry R&D: KIK’s R&D review points to ongoing work on replanting old palms, boosting productivity, and tackling invasive pests and diseases under the new coconut policy direction.

Road Safety in Honiara: The Ministry of Infrastructure Development is urging patience and respect during ongoing Mendana Avenue roadworks, after an incident where a pedestrian slapped a contractor’s traffic controller—reminding road users to follow traffic plans and signs. Digital Money Feedback in Malaita: A US consultant visited Auki for a TrigaCash consultation at the Council of Women Centre and Kilu’ufi Hospital, collecting feedback on how people heard about the service and where access gaps remain before a second phase. Technical Education Milestone: Papapi Technical School in Gizo graduated 56 students, with education officials stressing that practical skills in technology and industry are key to employment and community development. Water Infrastructure Update: Solomon Water says construction of three new concrete reservoirs in Tasahe, Titinge and Panatina is progressing, with structures completed and work moving into disinfection, testing and commissioning. EU Seafood Compliance Training: Fisheries authorities from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained on new EU freezer-vessel rules, aimed at meeting colder freezing standards to protect food safety and keep EU market access. Earthquake Monitoring: After a powerful Philippines quake, Pacific agencies—including systems covering Solomon Islands—were placed on tsunami monitoring alert, though New Zealand reported no threat to its coast. Subsea Internet Resilience Research: A new global study highlights that subsea cable faults affecting small islands often occur near coastlines, pointing to where resilience planning and investment should focus.

Water & Sanitation Upgrade: Solomon Water is progressing on three new concrete reservoirs in Honiara—Tasahe (3ML replacing a 0.9ML tank), Titinge (3.05ML) and Panatina (2.5ML)—with structures completed and work moving into disinfection, filling, leakage tests, and commissioning. Disaster Monitoring: After a powerful Philippines earthquake, Pacific agencies including Solomon Islands were placed on tsunami monitoring alert; New Zealand says there’s no tsunami threat to it, while regional advisories note forecast waves under 0.3m. Education & Skills: Papapi Technical School held a graduation for 56 students, with Western Province officials urging graduates to become productive citizens and bridge the gap between formal schooling and labour-market needs. Food Safety for Fisheries: Solomon Islands, Fiji, Kiribati and Tuvalu officials trained in Suva to meet new EU freezer-vessel rules (Delegated Regulation EU 2025/1449), aimed at tighter cold-chain requirements for tuna exports. Rice Development Push: Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences experts began a two-month mission with Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development to support mechanised commercial rice farming and reduce reliance on imported rice. Regional Security Reset: New PM Matthew Wale says Solomon Islands will negotiate a strategic treaty with Australia and review its China security pact.

Education & Skills: Papapi Technical School in Gizo marked the graduation of 56 students, with Western Province education officials urging graduates to turn technical training into jobs and community development. Digital Learning Support: West Makira Constituency backed 53 students with 41 laptops and 12 smartphones to boost digital education and internet-based study. Water Infrastructure: Solomon Water is progressing on three new concrete reservoirs in Honiara—Tasahe, Titinge and Panatina—moving from completed structures into disinfection, testing, commissioning and monitoring setup. Disaster Monitoring: After a powerful Philippines earthquake, Pacific coastal monitoring systems were placed on alert; New Zealand says there’s no tsunami threat to it, but regional advisories include Solomon Islands. Food Safety for Fisheries: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials trained in Suva to meet new EU freezer-vessel rules that could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels exporting to Europe. Coconut R&D: KIK’s R&D review highlights work on replanting old palms, boosting productivity and tackling invasive pests and diseases under a new coconut policy plan. Climate Resilience Finance: GEF approved new adaptation projects including support for Solomon Islands to reduce flood and coastal risks and strengthen food and water security. Regional Security Reset: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says he will negotiate a strategic treaty with Australia and review the country’s China security pact, after talks in Canberra.

Tsunami Watch: A powerful 7.8 quake struck Mindanao in the southern Philippines, prompting Pacific-wide coastal monitoring alerts; New Zealand says there’s no tsunami threat to Aotearoa, but the US Tsunami Warning Centre issued advisories for many Pacific coasts including Solomon Islands, with expected wave heights under 0.3m above tide levels. Food Safety for Exports: Solomon Islands and other Pacific states are training national fisheries authorities in Suva to meet new EU freezer-vessel rules (Delegated Regulation EU 2025/1449), aimed at preventing unsafe tuna temperatures and protecting access to the EU market. Regional Security Reset: Solomon Islands’ new PM Matthew Wale says he will negotiate a comprehensive strategic treaty with Australia and review the 2022 security pact with China after taking office, with talks in Canberra focused on security, development and regional stability. Digital Learning Boost: West Makira Constituency supported 53 students with 41 laptops and 12 smartphones to improve digital education and study access. Rice Development Mission: Chinese rice experts from JAAS began a two-month technical mission in Solomon Islands with MALD to strengthen rice production and plans for mechanized commercial farming. Public Health & Schools: UNICEF highlights ongoing sanitation and hygiene gaps, including open defecation and unsafe school toilets, linking them to diarrhoea outbreaks and missed school days. Undersea Connectivity Risk: New research warns subsea telecom cables serving small islands are most vulnerable near coastlines, where most faults occur—raising stakes for internet, banking, health and emergency communications. Climate Adaptation Funding: GEF approved new LDCF/SCCF projects including Solomon Islands, targeting flood/coastal risks, food and water security, and ecosystem resilience. Coconut Industry R&D: KIK’s R&D review flags key issues—aging palms, low productivity and invasive pests—driving replanting and hybridisation programmes under a new coconut policy plan.