Navigating Representation: Disney’s Moana and the Pacific
As millions of children around the world rush to cinemas to catch the much-awaited sequel to Disney’s Moana, some adults from islands represented in the film have paused to question its impact. Ethnic and cultural
Movers and Shakers
Alex Herman, the Seabed Minerals Commissioner at the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority has resigned. Herman will take up a regional role with the Pacific Community (SPC) in early 2025. Under Herman’s five-year
Samoan teen photographer captures his culture on camera
William Sauaso-Rasch is an extraordinary young photographer who is already making waves in the art world with his powerful work, deeply rooted in his Samoan culture. At just 16 years old, he’s not only a talented
Vanuatu update: World Bank fast tracks emergency response
The World Bank has fast-tracked US$12 million to the Government of Vanuatu for emergency response and recovery, following a devastating 7.3 magnitude earthquake on December 17. This support comes through a Rapid
Palau’s Immigration crackdown raises concerns over oversight and economic impact
Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr signed Presidential Directive No. 24-65 on Wednesday, December 18, instituting immigration controls for a 90-day period in an effort to combat criminal activity linked to foreign
Opinion: Trump’s relations with the Blue Pacific
The second Trump administration will find a region different from when last in office. Pacific Islands countries view Donald Trump’s impending return as US president with hope and apprehension. Trump’s attention on
Starlink approved to revolutionise Tonga’s Internet access
Tonga’s Ministry of MEIDECC has granted official approval for Starlink to deliver high-speed internet across Tonga. The move is expected to transform connectivity and boost digital inclusion throughout the
Opinion: Another ‘small death’ for local journalism
Seven years ago, one of Saipan Tribune’s contributors asked me if there was some sort of collusion between the Saipan Tribune and its competitor, the Marianas Variety. Did the two newspapers share information and have
New Zealand rejects Cook Islands passport plan
New Zealand has rejected a proposal by the Cook Islands to allow the creation of its own passports and citizenship, but said it could discuss independence. A spokesperson for New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs
How Solomon Islands’ donor-funded water plant became a costly failure
A major donor-funded water plant in the capital of Solomon Islands was supposed to fix a clean water crisis. But people involved in the project said it was doomed by the Asian Development Bank’s insistence on taking
Services still out in Vanuatu as second earthquake hits
A second earthquake has hit Vanuatu, a day after a strong 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Port Vila. Yesterday’s quake severely damaged several buildings in the capital, crushing cars, and
‘Red wave’ will secure more wins for Guam: Moylan
James Moylan, a Republican, is upbeat about continuing his unfinished work in Washington, DC, and looks forward to more smooth-sailing work to benefit Guam. He is about to start his second two-year term as Guam’s
What’s in store for Pacific Island nations under Trump 2
Depending on who you ask, Donald Trump’s impending return to the White House holds a promise or poses a threat. Trump is one of the world’s most polarizing figures. He can bring excitement; he can trigger anxiety.
Australia gains effective veto over Nauru security pact
Australia will get an effective veto right over Nauru entering a security agreement with another country under a pact that will prop up the Pacific nation’s budget. AAP reports that the two countries will have to
Tonga to name new PM on Christmas eve after Sovaleni’s resignation
Tonga will select a new Prime Minister on Christmas eve, 24 December following the resignation of Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, which was accepted by King Tupou VI Monday. During Monday’s Parliament session,
Fiji Defence Minister reassures nation on Golan Heights peacekeepers’ safety
Fiji’s Defence Minister, Pio Tikoduadua has assured the nation that Fijian peacekeepers stationed in the Golan heights remain safe amidst escalating tensions in Syria and its surrounding regions. “I wish to reassure
PNG to turn pipeline NRL dream into bona fide reality
Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister has confirmed he expects his nation’s entry to the NRL to get the green light on Thursday, as officials prepare to turn a pipeline dream into a bona fide rugby league club.
Fiji-Canada Business Council to launch, strengthening economic ties
The newly-established Fiji-Canada Business Council hopes to tap into the opportunities presented by the 100,000 plus diaspora in Canada. “We are here to help Canadian businesses and investors navigate the
Panguna human rights report fuels Bougainville demands for Rio Tinto-funded mine clean-up
The first large-scale environmental impact assessment of Rio Tinto’s abandoned Panguna mine in Papua New Guinea has found local communities face life-threatening risks from its legacy. The independent study was
Kiribati Court of Appeal hears deported Judge Lambourne’s appeal
The Kiribati Court of Appeal on Friday heard an appeal from High Court Judge David Lambourne, who was forced out of the country earlier this year following a dispute with the government. RNZ Pacific reports that
Lilo moves to dethrone Solomon Islands PM Manele with no-confidence vote
After weeks of speculation, it’s now confirmed that Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele will face a no-confidence vote in the current sitting of parliament. Notice of the motion, which will be moved by
Taiwan president, in Guam, says: We won’t bow to totalitarianism
Taiwan will not bow down to totalitarianism, President Lai Ching-Te said on Thursday in the U.S territory of Guam, calling Taiwan and the United States “brothers”. Lai arrived in Guam, a major U.S military base,
Opinion: Trusted partner to the Pacific, or giant fossil fuel exporter? This week, Australia chose the latter
Australia has long tried to be two things at once – a trusted friend to Pacific nations in a bid to reduce China’s influence, and a giant exporter of fossil fuels. This diplomatic tightrope has become increasingly
Vanuatu’s Climate Change envoy blasts major emitters Australia, US at ICJ Climate case
Vanuatu’s Special Envoy for Climate Change, Ralph Regenvanu, has slammed Australia, the United States, and other major polluters for their stance during the International Court of Justice (ICJ) climate hearings in The
