Cook Islands PM’s challenges go beyond China
It’s a cold weekend in one of the coldest cities in Northeast China. Just before heading back to Rarotonga from a controversial mission to China, Prime Minister Mark Brown stepped outside to film one of his regular
New Zealand’s strange diplomatic stoush with Kiribati
The squabbles between New Zealand’s Foreign Minister, Winston Peters and heads of government in Kiribati and the Cook Islands have been denounced by some as neo-colonial grandstanding but welcomed by others as
We say: It’s time to stop the rot
Five years ago, Pacific leaders recognised the worrying levels of corruption which existed throughout the region. To manifest their concern, the Teieniwa Vision was signed as a commitment towards rooting out systemic
Whispers
Kava questionsFiji is taking the battle for the kava market to the United States, of all places. A large delegation led by Assistant Minister Tomasi Tunabuna visited the US, apparently in response to the growing of kava
Providing stability and school
When a 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Vanuatu in December 2024, it left a trail of destruction, damaging schools, disrupting learning, and adding another layer of trauma to children already vulnerable to the impacts of
The tide turns: Fresh approach to regional education
On a bush track in the interior of Fiji’s mani island, Viti Levu, three weary colleagues trudge toward a village, barely visible through the mist. The team from the Regional Institute for Leadership Development is on
Envisioning ocean literacy across the Pacific
Students at the International School Suva (ISS) learn about the ocean from the moment they step through the school gates. Under the leadership of the Whole School Ocean Coordinator Hannah Nanovu, the school is not just
Trump’s foreign aid freeze: Who will step in for the Pacific
Programs addressing domestic violence, renewable energy, literacy, hospital infrastructure, fisheries management, media capacity building, transport and infrastructure, and health procurement are amongst the many
Fiji’s Garment Industry at (another) crossroads
Look at the label on your clothing, and chances are it will tell you it is made in China, India, Bangladesh, or Vietnam. If it is Pacific wear, the tag may read Fiji or one of her neighbours. Fiji once had a thriving
Pacific Designers: The survivors, young guns and patriarch
Pasifika designs, with their bold and unapologetic aesthetic, have become a powerful symbol of cultural identity for those seeking a deeper connection to the Pacific way of life. Showcased through clothing or
Briefs
American SamoaThe Department of Human and Social Services (DHSS) in American Samoa is investigating Samoans who have returned to Samoa but continue to receive food stamp benefits. DHSS Director Panisia Neueli told a
Super Rugby Pacific 2025: Island teams have a solid start
The 2025 Super Rugby season has kicked off, with Pacific teams Moana Pasifika and the Fijian Drua having decent start to the season, even if the scoreboards didn’t go their way. Judging from action in round one, the
We say: Prepare now for emergencies
Traditionally the Pacific cyclone season spans the months from November and March. But with temperatures rising constantly, every year brings a new facet to the climate change phenomenon and the potential for cyclones
Movers and Shakers
Jotham Napat has been elected as Vanuatu’s new Prime Minister, securing the top post unopposed. Former Prime Minister Charlot Salwai, leader of the Reunification Movement for Change, nominated Napat, the MP for Tanna.
Pacific Island leaders unite at Honiara Summit to strengthen regional tuna fisheries
Papua New Guinea Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Jelta Wong, has addressed the gathering of Pacific Island leaders to describe the East New Britain Initiative (ENBi) during a weeklong Honiara Fisheries
Vanuatu’s CBD partially re-opens more than two months after killer quake
Vanuatu authorities have reopened parts of Port Vila’s central business district more than two months after it was devastated by a massive magnitude-7.3 earthquake. Over 14 people were killed during the 17
Knee issue could force Tigers’ Olam into retirement
The NRL future of Papua New Guinea international Justin Olam is under a cloud as the Wests Tigers centre battles an ongoing knee injury. Olam has been absent from the Tigers’ two pre-season games and is
Samoa PM Fiame Mata’fa commands majority, vote of no-confidence fails
The vote of no confidence to unseat Samoa Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa and her cabinet failed when the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday voted with 34 members opposing the motion and 15 for it. It
A Silver Linings Playbook for the aid sector in 2025
In the midst of the swift and brutal dismantling of USAID there has been a swell of voices in defence of aid. They have pointed to the good that aid does for the world’s most vulnerable; the importance of aid to U.S
Solomon Islands PM welcomes delegates for the Honiara Summit
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele on Monday formally welcomes leaders converging in Honiara this week for the ‘Honiara Summit on the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)
Sir Arnold Amet appointed new PNG Ambassador to US
Former Papua New Guinea Chief Justice and Madang Governor Sir Arnold Amet has been appointed as the new PNG Ambassador to United States of America. Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko announced Sir
Pacific ‘not a chessboard for global competition’: Dr Aqorau
A proliferation of security deals in the Pacific may be harming rather than helping the region and increasing the risk of conflict, observers have warned. Geopolitical tensions were among the most hotly debated topics
‘Deplorable’ Nauru visa deal to face court challenge
A controversial Australian federal government bid to deport an immigration detainees to Nauru will face a High Court challenge after a legal not-for-profit launched proceeding. AAP reports that the man is one of three
