New Zealand’s concerns over Cook Islands’ shadow fleet revealed in OIA request
New Zealand is concerned about Cook Islands’ shipping registry following a link to Russia’s shadow fleet and has offered experts to help improve its standard, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
No deal for New Caledonia, talks to continue later this month
After four days of continuous talks with New Caledonia’s political forces, French Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls has returned to Paris Tuesday, without any deal as yet regarding the French Pacific
Bringing CEDAW closer to the Pacific: Leaders focus on ending gender-based violence
“Achieving gender equality is not the business of governments alone. It is something that needs to be addressed by all sectors of our Pacific.” Mereseini Rakuita, Principal and Strategic Lead for Pacific
Counter Terrorism Act: Facebook shutdown exposes Trojan horse for authoritarianism in PNG
Legal immunity for security forces, vague use-of-force provisions, spying on citizens all add up to legal overreach. Commentary by Michael Kabuni When Facebook was shut down by Papua New Guinea’s
Fiji Business Briefs
Minimum wages increase today Fiji’s national minimum wage rate increases from $4.50(US$2.25) to $5.00 (US$2.50) an hour from today. Minimum wages in ten different categories of work (under the National Minimum
Embraer E190 Brisbane-Port Vila route will add 150,000 seats annually with three weekly flights alongside Jetstar
The inaugural Embraer E190 flight from Brisbane to Port Vila took place on Sunday, 30 March, marking a key development for Vanuatu’s tourism and trade sectors. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Vanuatu Tourism
Capital Investment Immigration Plan money used for Airbus purchase safe: Vanuatu Government
The Vanuatu Government has received assurances that funds paid to Airbus for the purchase of A220 aircraft are safe and will be returned once the domestic service of Air Vanuatu is resolved to improve connectivity.
Papua New Guinea’s Peter To Rot to be canonised as first Melanesian saint
Pope Francis has passed a decree clearing the way for Papua New Guinea to get its first saint. The late Peter To Rot from East New Britain is to be canonised, making him the first Melanesian saint. The
‘Playing gods with the cradle of life’: French Polynesia’s president issues warning over deep-sea mining
French Polynesia’s president has issued a stark warning over the risks of deep-sea mining, saying it will be allowed in his territory “over my dead body” as he argues the potential for environmental damage
33 percent of Solomon Islands population have no access to basic drinking water, amongst lowest in world
A new report on access to water in Solomon Islands shows steadily declining numbers since 2000s with 33 percent of the current population having no access to basic drinking water and 65 percent being deprived of basic
Financial desperation is driving TMC’s reckless push to bypass International law inbox
The Deep Sea Mining Campaign (DSMC) has condemned The Metals Company’s (TMC) announcement that it will seek deep-sea mining permits through the United States as a cynical, desperate attempt to stay afloat, not a
Kiribati dodges aid cuts in NZ review
The New Zealand Government has decided against cutting its current foreign aid to Kiribati, following a review sparked by a diplomatic stoush between Foreign Minister Winston Peters and the island nation’s
‘One of the greatest’: PNG trailblazer Olam retires
Wests Tigers centre Justin Olam has announced his immediate retirement after struggling with a long-term knee injury. The decision means the premiership-winning centre won’t be available to play for the Papua
Moana Pasifika beat the Crusaders for the first time
Moana Pasifika have made history with an incredible 45 – 29 win over the Crusaders at Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch. They were a machine, aggressive at the breakdown and feisty on attack recording six
Palau gears up to host 2025 Pacific Mini Games
Preparations are nearing completion as Palau gets ready to host the 2025 Pacific Mini Games (PMG), scheduled from 29 June to 09 July. A total of 24 Pacific nations and territories, including Australia and New Zealand,
Poll position: What Australia’s election holds for the Pacific
Australia’s policies toward the Pacific will continue to be primarily driven by China’s resurgence, no matter who is elected. Commentary by Tess Newton Cain When Solomon Islands and China signed a
Tsunami warning lifted after 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Tonga
A strong 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit Tonga this morning prompting an initial tsunami warning that was later lifted. No casualties or damages have been reported. The U.S Geological Survey reported the quake
Hegseth: U.S committed to defence of Pacific territories against China
U.S Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has reaffirmed the United States is committed to defending the Pacific territories of Guam and Northern Mariana Islands and said any attack on them would be an attack on the
Seven more rugby legends to be inducted into Pasifika Rugby Hall of Fame in Auckland
The Pasifika Rugby Hall of Fame (PRHF) will induct seven former Pasifika rugby stars at the Eden Park Centre next month. It is the second induction since its inception 12 months ago. Former Black Ferns halfback Monique
Breaking the cycle of donor dependency in the Pacific
For decades, the Pacific Islands region has been heavily reliant on donor funding to support development, governance, and capacity-building initiatives. While donor support has played a role in strengthening
Micronesian Air maiden flight expected in April, but Guam routes up in the air
Micronesian Air Connection Services (MACS) is expected to have its maiden flight in April, but it will not include Guam in its route as it will only initially service Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. The startup carrier, which
Prompt for discussion released ahead of Fiji electoral system consultations
Fiji’s newly appointed commissioners to the Electoral Law Reform Commission have launched two vital documents in preparation for an elections process already being met with both hope and concern for the Fijian public.
Bougainville House of Representatives converts to Bougainville Constituent Assembly
It was an emotional end to the Bougainville Parliament Thursday as the Bougainville House of Representatives officially transitioned into the Bougainville Constituent Assembly. The House erupted in applause as the