Ocean Conservation Funding: The Bezos Earth Fund has announced US$25 million in new grants to protect tropical Pacific waters, backing marine protected areas across the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, and supporting Pacific-led cooperation on high-seas protection. Niue in the Spotlight: Niue and Barcelona are named Earthshot Prize 2026 finalists in the “Revive our Oceans” category, with Niue Ocean Wide Trust proposing long-term Ocean Conservation Commitments to help fund protection at scale. Earthshot Prize Momentum: Prince William has unveiled the 2026 Earthshot Prize finalists, with the awards set for Mumbai in November and Karan Johar confirmed as host. Pacific Travel & Family Ties: Labour is promising expanded visa-waiver travel for Pacific Islands Forum citizens to make it easier and cheaper for whānau to reconnect in Aotearoa for major cultural moments. Pasifika Tech & Culture: A Pasifika AI creator warns Pacific-focused AI can’t speak for communities without proper mandate, arguing “aligned” systems may be less flashy but more respectful.