AGP Executive Report

Pacific Games Audit: An audit into the 2023 Pacific Games has flagged serious procurement, financial control, and record-keeping failures by the National Hosting Authority, including bypassed contractor competition, weak conflict-of-interest controls, and misuse of customs duty exemptions. OFC Football Fever: Central Coast FC are one win away from making Solomon Islands club history, after reaching the OFC Men’s Champions League final in Fiji and setting up a Saturday showdown with defending champions Auckland City FC. Semi-Final Build-Up: Central Coast booked their semi-final spot with a 2-0 win over AS Tiga Sport, while the tournament’s last four are now set for the Ba matches. Beach Volleyball Selection: Trials continue at SINIS for Oceania Beach Volleyball Championship squads, with senior men’s and women’s plus U20 players in the mix. Chess Gains NSC Access: The Solomon Islands Chess Federation has been formally recognised by the National Sports Council, opening doors to facilities, high-performance pathways, and grants. Peacebuilding Funding: The government has launched a US$3M, 24-month Peacebuilding Fund Programme to support peace, cohesion, inclusive governance, and decentralisation across all nine provinces.

OFC Champions League Final (Fiji): Central Coast FC have made Solomon Islands club history by reaching the OFC Men’s Champions League final after a run of three straight wins, including a dramatic 3-2 extra-time semi-final over Vanuatu’s Galaxy FC where Rafa Lea’i scored all three. They now face defending champions Auckland City FC at 4R Stadium Govind Park in Ba on Saturday, with Auckland chasing a record-extending 14th title. OFC Semi-Finals (Fiji): The tournament’s last four are set: Auckland City vs Rewa, and Galaxy vs Central Coast, with both semis live and free on FIFA+ via DAZN. Grassroots Athletics: The World Athletics Kids’ Athletics “Train the Trainer” course at SINIS has wrapped, with teachers and coaches now taking the curriculum into schools like Burns Creek Adventist School to build early movement skills. Beach Volleyball Trials: Solomon Islands Volleyball Federation trials continue at SINIS for senior men and women plus U20s ahead of the Oceania Beach Volleyball Championship in Rarotonga. Chess Gains NSC Backing: The Solomon Islands Chess Federation has been formally recognised by the National Sports Council, unlocking access to facilities and a clearer high-performance pathway for national squads. Peacebuilding Funding: Government has launched a US$3M Peacebuilding Fund Programme (April 2026–April 2028) to support peace, cohesion, inclusive governance and decentralisation across all nine provinces.

OFC Men’s Champions League Final (Fiji): Central Coast FC have made Solomon Islands club history by reaching the OFC final for the first time in 17 years, and now they’re chasing the trophy against defending champions Auckland City FC on Saturday in Ba after a run of three straight wins, including a dramatic extra-time 3-2 thriller over Vanuatu’s Galaxy FC where Rafa Lea’i scored all three. OFC Semi-final Build-up: Central Coast’s path continues after booking their semi-final spot with a 2-0 win over AS Tiga Sport, setting up a Galaxy vs Central Coast clash, while Auckland City and Rewa also meet in the other semi-final. Grassroots Athletics: Solomon Islands is strengthening early athletics development through the World Athletics Kids’ Athletics Train the Trainer course at SINIS, training teachers and coaches across the region to get children moving through age-appropriate skills. Sport Safeguarding: A Pacific Mini Games safeguarding review recorded 11 abuse-related cases last year, with most victims girls and women, and organisers noting some incidents may have gone unreported. Film & Culture: Pacific filmmakers are spotlighting identity at major festivals, including a Cook Islands short about weaving a kete as a creative identity journey. Peacebuilding Funding: The Solomon Islands Government launched a US$3M Peacebuilding Fund Programme to support peace, cohesion, and decentralisation across all nine provinces.

OFC Men’s Champions League: Auckland City FC and Central Coast FC set for the final in Ba at 3pm Saturday (Fiji time), with Central Coast becoming the first Solomon Islands club to reach the showpiece in 17 years. Road to the final: Auckland City topped Group A and advanced with late goals, while Central Coast surged through the semis after a disciplined win over AS Tiga Sport and a semi-final clash lined up versus Galaxy FC. Local sport development: Solomon Islands athletics is getting a boost as teachers and coaches take part in the World Athletics Kids’ Athletics “Train the Trainer” course at SINIS to build grassroots skills early. Safeguarding in sport: Pacific Mini Games safeguarding work flagged 11 abuse cases in Palau, with most victims girls and women and many incidents involving athletes. Culture on screen: Pacific filmmakers are spotlighting identity at major festivals in NZ and Australia, including a Cook Islands short about weaving a kete to explore creative culture. Arts & governance: SIFF backs FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s leadership direction, while the Solomon Islands Government launches a US$3M peacebuilding fund programme across all nine provinces.

Kids’ Athletics: Solomon Islands is building grassroots sport by training teachers and coaches through the World Athletics Kids’ Athletics “Train the Trainer” course at SINIS, aiming to get children moving with age-appropriate skills before they specialise. Safeguarding in Sport: Pacific Mini Games safeguarding work in Palau recorded 11 cases (from bullying to sexual harassment), with Team Up noting some incidents may have gone unreported. Film & Identity: Pacific filmmakers are spotlighting Indigenous stories at major festivals, with short documentaries and cultural craft themes gaining attention across NZ and the region. Ecology Watch: A stowaway brown tree snake story highlights how one arrival can trigger major ecological damage, with conservation lessons resonating across Melanesia. Peacebuilding: Government launched a US$3M Peacebuilding Fund Programme (April 2026–April 2028) to strengthen peace, cohesion, inclusive governance and decentralisation across all nine provinces. Football (OFC): Central Coast FC and AS Tiga Sport results set up OFC Men’s Champions League semi-finals in Fiji, with Central Coast facing Galaxy FC and Auckland City taking on Rewa. Arts & Nature: A world-renowned wildlife photography exhibition is set to open at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery, bringing global nature images to local schools and youth groups.

Peace & Governance: Solomon Islands Government has launched a US$3M Peacebuilding Fund Programme, a 24-month push (Apr 2026–Apr 2028) to strengthen peace, social cohesion, inclusive governance and decentralisation across all nine provinces, delivered with UNDP, UNICEF and UN Women. OFC Football (SI focus): Central Coast FC booked their OFC Men’s Champions League semi-final spot after beating AS Tiga Sport 2-0, setting up a clash with Vanuatu’s Galaxy FC in Ba, while Rewa FC take on defending champions Auckland City FC after coming back to beat Tupapa Maraerenga 4-2. Sports & Culture: A preview for the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery’s upcoming world-renowned wildlife photography exhibition (from London’s Natural History Museum) says local schools and youth groups will visit, with a message of biodiversity and environmental fragility. Music Spotlight: The Pacific Music Awards in Auckland celebrated Sam V and Signature Choir among top winners, adding more momentum to the region’s arts scene. Agriculture: MALD has started its Pig Breed Improvement Program with breeding pigs arriving at KG VI Farm, aiming to tackle poor genetics and inbreeding.

OFC Champions League (SI clubs): Central Coast FC booked a semi-final spot after beating AS Tiga Sport 2-0, with captain Javin Wae scoring from a free-kick and Rafa Lea’i adding a second as the Solomon Islands champions set up a clash with Vanuatu’s Galaxy FC in Ba. OFC Semi-final line-up: Auckland City FC, Rewa FC, Galaxy FC and Central Coast FC are the last four, with Auckland vs Rewa and Galaxy vs Central Coast at 4R Stadium Govind Park, and both semis set to stream live for free on FIFA+ via DAZN. Rewa’s road to the semis: Rewa bounced back in Ba, coming from behind to beat Tupapa Maraerenga 4-2 after an opening loss, keeping their momentum going after a strong group run. Football governance (SIFF): The Solomon Islands Football Federation backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino, praising his decision to withdraw the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal and urging unity and good governance. Arts & culture (Honiara): A world-renowned wildlife photography exhibition is set to open at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery, bringing nature images from the Natural History Museum in London for schools and youth groups. Music (regional): Pacific Music Awards in Auckland saw Sam V and the Signature Choir take major wins, highlighting the region’s gospel and soul talent. Community (Malaita): Malaita’s Second Appointed Day celebration is planned as a week-long event in Auki from 11–18 November, with cultural performances, a mini trade fair, and entertainment.

OFC Men’s Champions League: Four clubs are set for the semi-finals in Fiji after the group stage, with Auckland City FC to face Rewa FC and Galaxy FC to meet Central Coast FC at 4R Stadium Govind Park in Ba; both semis are free to watch on FIFA+ via DAZN. Solomon Islands club spotlight: Central Coast FC booked their semi-final spot with a 2-0 win over AS Tiga Sport, scoring through Javin Wae and then Rafa Lea’i, setting up a clash with Galaxy. Rewa’s road to the last four: Rewa bounced back in Ba, coming from behind to beat Tupapa Maraerenga 4-2, and will now tackle defending champions Auckland City. Youth and community: Blue Light Life Skills Camp returned to Waiouru Military Camp with sub-zero conditions and snow, awarding Overall Excellence to Tumai Murray, Overall Merit to Sophie Shaw, and Peers’ Choice to Nathan Muller. Arts and culture: A world-renowned wildlife photography exhibition is previewed for the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery, bringing nature images from the Natural History Museum, London, to local schools and youth groups. Malaita entertainment: Malaita’s Second Appointed Day celebration is set for 11–18 November in Auki, promising a week of cultural performances, music, and community events.

OFC Champions League: Rewa FC (Fiji) set up a semi-final with defending champion Auckland City after a 4-2 comeback win over Tupapa Maraerenga, with the earlier Honiara draw last year reminding Rewa they can trouble Auckland. SI Football Spotlight: Central Coast FC (Solomon Islands) booked their OFC Men’s Champions League semi-final spot by beating AS Tiga Sport 2-0, with captain Javin Wae scoring from a free-kick and Rafa Le’ai adding the second. Local Sports Build-Up: Central Coast now face Galaxy FC (Vanuatu) in the next round, while Rewa’s semi-final clash is set for FOUR R Stadium in Ba. Arts & Culture: A world-renowned wildlife photography exhibition is previewed ahead of its opening at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery this month, with schools and youth groups lined up to visit. Community & Entertainment: Malaita’s 43rd Second Appointed Day celebration is planned as a week-long Auki event (Nov 11–18) featuring a mini trade fair, cultural and musical festival, dances, and community services. Youth & Skills: Blue Light’s Life Skills Camp returned to Waiouru Military Camp with participants facing snow and sub-zero conditions, plus awards for Overall Excellence, Merit, and Peers’ Choice.

OFC Champions League: Central Coast FC booked a semi-final spot with a disciplined 2-0 win over AS Tiga Sport, with captain Javin Wae scoring from a free-kick in the 15th minute as AS Tiga pushed for goals but couldn’t break through. OFC Matchday Buzz: In the same tournament run, Central Coast also bounced back in Lautoka with a 3-0 win over AS Venus, while Auckland City’s late surge saw them overturn Central Coast 2-1. SIFF & FIFA Governance: Solomon Islands Football Federation backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino, praising his move to withdraw the FIFA Forward Enterprise plan and urging unity across football stakeholders. Sports Funding Watch: Solomon Islands Ministry of Home Affairs is seeking an extra $5m for the Oceania Rugby Sevens, lifting the sports grant line to $7m after a PAC funding clarification. Malaita Culture & Entertainment: Malaita’s 43rd Second Appointed Day celebration is set for 11–18 November in Auki, promising a week of music, dance, a mini trade fair, and community services. Arts & Community: A world-renowned wildlife photography exhibition is set to open at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery, with schools and youth groups visiting ahead of the public run. Football Development: Japan donated 50 footballs to SIFF to boost grassroots and youth participation, citing strong local support during the FIFA Club World Cup.

OFC Champions League: Central Coast FC booked a semi-final spot with a disciplined 2-0 win over AS Tiga Sport, scoring from a Javin Wae free-kick (15th minute) and a second strike by Rafa Lea’i, setting up a clash with Vanuatu’s Galaxy FC. OFC Group Drama: Earlier, Auckland City rallied to beat Central Coast 2-1, while AS Venus fell 1-0 to AS Tiga—so the Solomon Islands clubs are clearly in the thick of it. Football Governance: SIFF backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino after FIFA withdrew the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise plan, stressing unity and good governance. Malaita Culture & Community: Malaita’s Second Appointed Day is set for 11–18 November in Auki, with a week-long mix of trade, music, dance, religious programmes, and services. Arts & Nature: A world-renowned wildlife photography exhibition is previewed for Honiara, with schools and youth groups set to visit. Sports Funding Watch: Home Affairs is seeking an extra $5m for the Oceania Rugby Sevens, lifting the sports grant line to $7m. Music Spotlight: Pacific Music Awards in Auckland saw Sam V and Signature Choir take major wins, celebrating Pacific excellence.

OFC Champions League: Central Coast FC edged AS Tiga Sport 1-0 in a tense Group A clash, with captain Javin Wae curling home a free kick in the 15th minute as Tiga pushed hard for an equaliser. OFC Champions League: In the same tournament, Auckland City came from behind to beat Central Coast 2-1, extending an unbeaten run to 28 matches, while AS Venus fell 1-0 to AS Tiga Sport. Football Governance: SIFF has backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s leadership and the push for unity after FIFA withdrew its proposed Forward Enterprise plan. Grassroots Football: Japan donated 50 footballs to SIFF to boost youth participation and grassroots programmes in Honiara. Music & Culture: Malaita’s Second Appointed Day celebration is set for 11–18 November in Auki, promising a week of cultural performances, music, and community events. Sports Funding: Home Affairs is seeking an extra $5m for the Oceania Rugby Sevens, lifting the sports grant line to $7m. Art & Environment: A world-renowned wildlife photography exhibition is previewed for Honiara, with schools and youth groups set to visit ahead of its opening at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery. Football Talent Pathway: SIFF’s Youth Championship crowned Academy U15 champions and highlighted selection opportunities for future national squads. Heritage Protection: An MP calls for stronger laws to protect Solomon Islands’ cultural heritage, including customary and sacred sites.

UFC & Local Sports Buzz: Dana White’s Contender Series is back on Aug 11, but the UFC roster purge continues—six fighters have been cut, including Jessie Rosas, Raul Rosas Jr’s brother, pulled from his debut days after a late medical mix-up. Arts & Culture: A world-renowned wildlife photography exhibition (on loan from London’s Natural History Museum) is set to open at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery, with schools and youth groups lined up for visits. Football (OFC Champions League): Central Coast FC thrashed AS Venus 3-0 in Lautoka, while Auckland City edged Central Coast 2-1 after a late comeback; elsewhere, Rewa bounced back to beat Tupapa Maraerenga 4-2 and Vanuatu’s Galaxy FC opened with a 4-1 win over Rewa. Community & Heritage: Malaita’s Second Appointed Day celebration is planned for Nov 11–18 in Auki with music, dance, and a mini trade fair; meanwhile, MP Choilyn Yim Douglas urged stronger laws to protect Solomon Islands’ cultural heritage and sacred sites. Remembering Red Beach: A memorial liturgy marked 64 missing after the RCS Melanesia disappearance in 1958. Grassroots Football: Japan donated 50 footballs to SIFF to boost youth participation.

UFC & Sports Buzz: Dana White’s Contender Series 2026 run is underway, but the UFC roster purge continues—six fighters reportedly cut, including Jessie Rosas, Raul Rosas Jr’s brother, who was pulled from his debut days after a late medical mix-up. Arts & Culture: A world-renowned wildlife photography exhibition opens at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery this month, with schools and youth groups set to visit. Football (OFC Champions League): Central Coast FC and Auckland City FC traded late blows in Group A, while AS Venus and AS Tiga Sport also featured in the opening action; the tournament is streaming free on DAZN. Malaita Culture: Malaita’s Second Appointed Day celebration is set for 11–18 November in Auki, promising a week of music, dance, trade fairs, and community services. Sports Funding: Solomon Islands’ Home Affairs is seeking an extra $5m for the Oceania Rugby Sevens, after a PAC budget mix-up. Heritage Protection: MP Choilyn Yim Douglas calls for stronger laws to protect Solomon Islands’ cultural heritage, including customary and sacred sites. Community Remembrance: Red Beach marked 64 people lost aboard the RCS Melanesia in a memorial liturgy. Agriculture (Pig Program): MALD’s Pig Breed Improvement Program is moving forward with breeding pigs delivered to KG VI Farm under the SIART-supported push to improve genetics.

OFC Champions League (Fiji): Central Coast FC’s Solomon Islands run nearly stole the show, but Auckland City came from behind to win 2-1, while AS Venus and AS Tiga Sport also delivered a tight 1-0 result; meanwhile, Vanuatu’s Galaxy FC made an early statement with a 4-1 win over Rewa in Lautoka. Malaita Culture & Community: Malaita Province’s proposed 43rd Second Appointed Day celebration is set for 11–18 November 2026 in Auki, with a week of music, dance, trade fair activities, and community services. Football Development (SIFF): Japan donated 50 footballs to the Solomon Islands Football Federation to boost grassroots youth participation, and SIFF’s Youth Championship crowned Academy U15 champions as a pathway toward future national squads. Sports Funding (Rugby Sevens): The Ministry of Home Affairs is seeking an extra $5m to lift its sports grant line to support the Oceania Rugby Sevens tournament in Solomon Islands. Cultural Heritage Protection: MP Choilyn Yim Douglas called for stronger laws and a national cultural policy to protect “living inheritance,” including customary and sacred sites. Arts & Exhibitions (Honiara): A world-renowned wildlife photography exhibition opens at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery this month, with schools and youth groups set to visit. Remembering Red Beach: A memorial liturgy marked 64 people who disappeared aboard the RCS Melanesia on 10 July 1958.

UFC Roster Shake-Up: Dana White’s UFC continues trimming veterans, cutting six fighters as the Contender Series kicks off—big roster churn, small-time opportunities. Politics Meets Performance: A Solomon Islands opinion piece argues the line between leadership, theatre, and cultism is dangerously thin, using “Change is Coming” as a local example. Wildlife & Culture: A world-renowned wildlife photography exhibition lands in Honiara on loan from London’s Natural History Museum, with schools and youth groups set to visit. Football (OFC Champions League): Central Coast FC thrashed AS Venus 3-0 in Lautoka, while Auckland City edged Central Coast 2-1; meanwhile Rewa bounced back to beat Tupapa 4-2 and Vanuatu’s Galaxy opened with a 4-1 win over Rewa. Youth Football: SIFF Youth Championship crowns Academy U15 champions after a 2-0 final win over KOSSA Yellow. Heritage Protection: MP Choilyn Yim Douglas calls for stronger laws to protect Solomon Islands’ cultural heritage, including customary and sacred sites. Sports Funding: Home Affairs seeks an extra $5m for the Oceania Rugby Sevens, with governance and approval questions raised at a PAC hearing. Markets & Community: Seghe Market construction hits 75% completion, aiming to support 120 vendors and boost Marovo’s local economy.