Pacific Break 2026: Entries for the region’s biggest music competition reopen this Friday (Aug 28), with judges including PNG-born neo-soul star Ngaiire and Fijian-born Joji Malani pushing for honest storytelling and fresh sounds from across the Pacific. Kava in the spotlight: Calmer Co is expanding its “sober-curious” kava push into the US, arguing for better production standards and citing studies on kava’s anxiety benefits—while pointing to Vanuatu and Fiji as cultural roots. Renewables vs diesel: A new UNSW study says Pacific nations could save nearly $1b a year by swapping fossil fuel imports for renewables, with the report covering countries including Vanuatu and linking the shift to faster, cheaper power. Sports & culture on TV: Live global listings for major football matches (Tottenham v Newcastle; Newcastle v Liverpool) and a TVNZ coastal property series (“Coastal Wonders”) add more entertainment angles for readers.