PACIFIC — Australia helps Pacific Islands dodge worst of aid cuts2. TONGA — Tonga to prepare as El Niño approaches6. PACNEWS DIGEST — Pacific surveyors build GNSS skills for land, disaster and coastal workPAC – AID: AAP PACNEWS 2: Wed 29 Jul 2026Australia helps Pacific Islands dodge worst of aid cutsSYDNEY, 29 JULY 2026 (AAP)—International funding and financing for the Pacific Islands has largely avoided the worst of aid cuts as Australia leads the way, according to a new report. Pacific Islands Forum Acting Secretary-General Desna Solofa said differing views on deep sea mining reflected the region’s diversity while reinforcing the importance of Pacific-led decision-making. The eight inaugural fellows represented nursing educators and leaders from across Tonga, including Tongatapu, ‘Eua, Vava‘u, and Tonga National University facilities.