Speaker grants Tonga PM request to postpone reply to no confidence motion
The Legislative Assembly of Tonga has postponed the session to table the motion for a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni from 3 December to 9 December, 2024. TALANOAOTONGA reports that the
Australia and Fiji win HSBC SVNS in Dubai
International rugby sevens returned to thrill the huge crowds at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai as Fiji men and Australia women ran out winners to take an early lead in the HSBC SVNS standings. Fiji beat Spain 19-5 to lift
WCPFC head urges action on climate change and human rights
Rhea Moss-Christian, the executive director of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) has called for urgent action to address the impacts of climate change and human rights abuses in the fishing
Fiji PM Rabuka urges Pacific unity, Proposes regional Tuna management bloc
Fiji’s Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka called for a united front among Western and Central Pacific nations to manage their tuna resources, even suggesting the formation of a “tuna OPEC” to wield greater influence
Olympic stars and fresh faces ready to kick-off HSBC SVNS in Dubai
Following the sensational, record-breaking Olympic Games competitions, the wait is over for rugby sevens fans as HSBC SVNS 2025 kicks off with the Emirates Dubai 7s on 30 November – 1 December. With interest and
World record 225 tonnes of cocaine seized, and new Australia trafficking route uncovered
Colombian authorities working with dozens of other countries have seized 225 tonnes of cocaine in the space of six weeks, a global record for any single anti-narcotics operation, finding some of that haul on a “narco
Cook Islands Immigration to launch new online visa and permit system
Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) has announced the upcoming launch of its new online visa and permit application system, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing modernisation of
Vanuatu to launch ICJ hearings on climate and human right
It began five years ago, as an exercise amongst law students at the Emalus campus of the University of the South Pacific in Port Vila, Vanuatu. Now, in the Netherlands, the Republic of Vanuatu will open presentations
USP’s application for interim injunction refused
The University of the South Pacific’s application for an interim injunction to halt any further action for strike by the staff unions has been refused by the Civil High Court in Suva. This is in relation to a strike
NZ citizenship: Samoans flock to NZ High Commission
Beach Road, Apia transformed into a bustling hive of anticipation on Tuesday with an estimated 300 people visiting the New Zealand High Commission Office for the application for NZ Citizenship for Samoans born before
Chinese trade exhibition aimed to strengthen bilateral ties with Fiji
The Chinese Embassy in Fiji hosted its first-ever trade exhibition recently, with the aim of encouraging more Chinese investors to look at business opportunities in Fiji, establish factories, establish channels of
PNG census almost completed
Most of the counting for the Papua New Guinea National Census 2024 has been completed, according to Administrative Services Minister Richard Masere. “We have completed well over 333 local level governments (LLGs),
Zane Yoshida elected President of Australia Fiji Business Council
The Australia Fiji Business Council has elected Zane Yoshida, Founder of The Calmer Co, as it’s 15th President. His appointment, effective immediately, was confirmed at the Council’s 38th Annual General Meeting
Taiwan says President Lai to visit Pacific allies
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te will visit three Pacific Island nation allies from the end of this month in his first overseas trip since taking office, the presidential office said Friday. Presidential spokeswoman Karen
COP29 climate talks end with $300 billion annual pledge, Guterres calls deal a ‘base to build on’
Rich nations pledged to contribute at least US$300 billion annually to the global fight against climate change as UN climate talks came to a contentious end early Sunday morning in Baku. UN News Center reports that
Tonga’s PM Hu ‘akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni faces another no-confidence vote
Tongan Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni is facing a new no-confidence vote following recent political tensions and concerns raised by the King. Kaniva Tonga News reports the Speaker of Parliament, Lord
Emmanuel Tjibaou elected as Union Calédonienne president
Kanak cultural leader Emmanuel Tjibaou has been elected as president of Union Calédonienne, the oldest and largest political party in New Caledonia. His election came at the 43rd Union Calédonienne congress, held last
EU Parliament votes to Permanently end Vanuatu’s Schengen Visa waiver
The European Parliament has voted 62-1, with two abstentions, to end Vanuatu’s visa-free access to the Schengen Area. Parliament Rapporteur Paulo Cunha notes this marks “the first time we have removed a third
Family slain by Bougainville community leaders
Bougainville Police are investigating the brutal killing of a family of six over sorcery allegations. The Post Courier reports that the six included two uncles, two brothers, their sister and a nephew from Pakia
Junk cars becoming environmental concern in Samoa
The number of junk vehicles in Samoa’s ‘vehicle graveyards’ is growing posing an environmental concern with the absence of policies and laws to deal with the problem. The Samoa Observer reports that
PNG set to host Climate Change 42nd GCF Board Meeting in 2025
Papua New Guinea is set to host a high-level climate change meeting mid next year, being the second in the Pacific to host such an event after Samoa 10 years ago. The Post Courier newspaper reports that the Green
Australian migration laws crackdown blasted by experts, advocates
Australia’s plan to pay countries to accept its deported non-citizens is amongst a raft of measures under scrutiny at a Senate inquiry that legal experts and advocates have panned as undermining the rule of law.
China returns to Pacific with aid and influence push, report shows
China has regained its place as the second-biggest bilateral donor to the Pacific Islands, displacing the United States and targeting its spending to win influence, a Lowy Institute report on aid to the region found.
