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The News |
From the Obama Foundation (2 January 2026) John Taukave is 2025–2026 Obama Foundation Asia-Pacific Leader
Fijians were among the most powerful seafarers, but today their islands are threatened by climate change. Which is why John Taukave's work is so urgent. Today, John works as a cultural ambassador and technical advisor for Pacific delegations at the International Maritime Organization in London, where nations negotiate shipping regulations and greenhouse gas emissions from maritime shipping. He does this by bringing to the room the culture, practices, and identity of Pacific nation residents—descendants of the world's most advanced ocean voyagers. Growing up on Rotuma, he learned that identity isn't just inherited; it's lived and carried, even across oceans. Those early lessons in harmony and belonging became the foundation of how he sees the world today. John saw how climate change was reshaping life across the Pacific, threatening the very lands and traditions that had shaped him. He understood that the crisis wasn't just environmental; it was cultural. And he refused to let Pacific stories be sidelined. He began using his voice to bring those lived experiences into global conversations, urging world leaders to see climate action through the eyes of the communities most affected. Today, as a 2025–2026 Obama Foundation Asia-Pacific Leader, John weaves culture into climate diplomacy, proving that sustainable leadership must be rooted in place and people. His story reminds us that protecting the planet isn't only about data or policy. It's also about identity, memory, and the wisdom passed from one generation to the next. From Fiji Sun (23 December 2025) 'No dream is too big': Miss Hibiscus returns home to Rotuma Rhyelle Aisea honoured with traditional mamasa welcome after Miss Fiji Pageant. By Ivamere Nataro
"I want young girls from small islands to know that no dream is too big, especially when you stay grounded in your culture and believe in yourself," says reigning Miss Hibiscus 2025, Rhyelle Aisea. The 20-year-old commerce student at the University of the South Pacific returned to Rotuma at the first opportunity after completing the Miss Fiji Pageant. At this pageant she championed awareness of her island's biodiversity and natural beauty while promoting cultural pride. She was placed 2nd Runner-Up as Miss Suva. Today, she was honoured with a traditional mamasa welcome by her people.
Ms Aisea, who hails from Pepjei, Noatau, Motusa and Itumuta, and attended Christ the King Primary School, said coming home first was her way of thanking the villages, families and classmates who supported her journey. “Through both pageants, I carried Rotuma with me — its beauty, its environment, and the values I was raised with,” she said. “Coming home like this means everything. I wanted my first return to be about honouring my people and saying thank you.” She expressed pride in following the footsteps of Rotuman queens before her and hopes her journey inspires others. “Our islands may be small, but our stories, our environment and our dreams are not.” From Rotumans for Rotuma (19 December 2025) Congratulations to Rotuma High School Class of 2025
100% pass rate! Huge congratulations to Rotuma High School Class of 2025. A testament to your hard work and the incredible support from teachers and parents. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors! From Fijivillage.com (6 December 2024)
By Temalesi Vono With HIV cases emerging in Rotuma and fears that the festive season could accelerate transmission, youth representative Inoke Mani says urgent education and open discussion are needed, and the island’s young people must be the starting point. Speaking to fijivillage News during the Creative Content workshop organised by the National Youth Council in Flagstaff, Suva, Mani says even though only a few cases have been recorded on the island, the risk is serious, especially as people return home for the holidays. He says HIV remains a taboo topic in Rotuma, and stressed that by staying silent and having an old mindset will only make things worse. Mani says the Rotuma Youth Council hopes to push for greater awareness, testing and education, with young people being the easiest group to reach and influence. However, HIV is not the only concern. Mani says Rotuma’s youth are also navigating a sudden shift into the digital world after the island recently gained stronger internet access through Starlink. He acknowledged that while young people are open to guidance, addressing issues with older community members is more challenging. He says elders tend to look down on them because of their age, but with youths, it is easier to speak openly about these challenges. From Fiji Sun (5 December 2025) Alison Aisake is the Pride of Rotuma By Katherine Naidu
Swami Vivekananda College (SVC) dux, Alison Sandra Aisake, 18, says perseverance, faith, and balance helped her rise to the top. She is a role model among her peers, schoolmates and friends. The 18-year-old Rotuman from Fapufa and Fafaisina in Noatau with maternal links to Malhaʻa, was named the 2025 school Dux on Wednesday. Alison said her journey was grounded in a desire for constant improvement. “I’ve had set-backs, but I kept setting new goals and worked hard to achieve them,” she said. “My perseverance comes from my faith, God’s guidance and strength helped me move forward with confidence and purpose.” With a passion for Accounting, Economics, and ICT, she hopes to pursue a pathway in Business Intelligence and Data Analysis. Alison believes Fiji’s fast growing digital landscape makes these skills important. “These fields will help me analyse financial data and communicate insights clearly. Fiji is moving into a digitalised space, so there’s a lot I look forward to learning.” As the deputy head girl, she juggled studies between an impressive list of responsibilities. This year she represented SVC in swimming, fashion designing at the Fiji Fashion Week in 2023 and 2024, the International School Nadi Model United Nations this year, took part in the Year 13 Team Mathematics Competition (TMC), president for the SVC Financial Literacy Club and Art Club, and participated in various competitions the school took part in. Parents, Edwin Aisake, the Fiji Health Care executive director Culture and Performance, and mother Maureen Aisake helped carry her trophies. Mrs Aisake said she felt happy, blessed, and proud of her daughter. “I am thankful to the school for its support through the years, and I give all the glory back to the Lord,” she said. Mr Aisake thanked the teachers and students who supported and challenged his daughter. “There are valuable lessons to be learnt in life from challenges,” he said. Alison encouraged young people not to be discouraged by set-backs. “Failure is not the end,” she said. “See it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Stay consistent and keep striving to improve for yourself and for those around you.”
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