Pacific Security & Diplomacy: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese keeps pushing through the Pacific, striking a new defence alliance with Fiji and now turning to the Solomon Islands, where leaders back a comprehensive bilateral treaty and more intelligence sharing as strategic competition grows. Tongan Culture in Global Spotlight: A Tongan-born costume designer behind Disney’s live-action Moana says the film is a “Polynesian Disney princess” moment, with thousands of hand-made pieces drawn from real island materials. Matariki Through Music: Tongan-Māori sisters in Aotearoa win a national children’s music award for a bilingual waiata teaching tamariki about Matariki traditions. Tonga Governance & Connectivity: Tonga formally launches the Communications Commission Tonga headquarters, with Crown Prince Tupouto‘a ‘Ulukalala stressing independent regulation for fairness, transparency, and reliable access to education, health, and emergency services. Sports & Community: Tonga’s Heilala 9s returns at Teufaiva Stadium, bringing men’s and women’s teams from across Tongatapu and the outer islands together for the King’s Birthday festival. Pacific Livelihoods & Food: A USP researcher tackles climate pressures on taro, focusing on soil health and how farmers can keep producing despite flooding, saltwater intrusion, and changing rainfall. Regional Life & Leisure: ANZ names new Pacific country heads, including Samoa, while Samoa prepares Apia Park renovations for major international rugby fixtures.