‘Greenwashing’: Cook Islands Environment group slams ‘mineral harvesting’ in Seabed Mining Act
The introduction of the term ‘mineral harvesting’ in the legislation governing seabed minerals in the Cook Islands is an attempt to ‘greenwash this destructive industry’, says a local environment group. Te
Secrets in the canopy: scientists discover 8 striking new bee species in the Pacific
After a decade searching for new species of bees in forests of the Pacific Islands, all we had to do was look up. We soon found eight new species of masked bees in the forest canopy: six in Fiji, one in French
Opinion: What can the Pacific learn from the EU Parliament vote against Norway’s decision to advance deep-sea mining
On February the 7th, the European Union (EU) Parliament voted against Norway’s recent decision to advance deep-sea mining in the Arctic by reaffirming its moratorium position and called for the European Commission and
Taiwan envoy says Tuvalu ties ‘rock solid’ post-election
Lawmakers in Tuvalu have selected Feleti Teo as the Pacific island nation’s new prime minister, weeks after an election that put ties with Taiwan in focus. Former Attorney General Teo secured the support of
U.S. cautions Pacific nations after Kiribati gets Chinese police
The United States on Feb 26 cautioned Pacific Island nations against receiving assistance from Chinese security forces after Reuters reported that Chinese police are working in the remote atoll nation of Kiribati.
Kīngi Tūheitia to attend inaugural meeting of Pacific traditional leaders in Fiji
Kīngi Tūheitia has accepted an invitation to meet with Pacific traditional leaders in Fiji. Fijian paramount chief Epenisa Seru Cakobau will host the meeting of leaders from Samoa, Tonga, Hawai’i and Fiji,
Feleti Teo elected unopposed as Tuvalu’s new Prime Minister
Feleti Teo secured the position of Tuvalu’ new Prime Minister without facing any opposition Monday. He was elected to the Parliament of Tuvalu after the 2024 general election in January. Tuvalu MP Simon Kofe took to
FSM launches first Citizens Budget
A first-of-its-kind Citizens Budget has been launched in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). FSM’s Department of Finance and Administration (DOFA) in a statement today said the National Government Fiscal
Nauru Airlines upgrades its fleet
Nauru Airlines has upgraded its fleet with a new 189-seat passenger aircraft. The blessing of the aircraft took place last week at the airline’s hangar in Brisbane, conducted by Rev David Deluckner, who is also a
Fiji Business Briefs: NRL trophy, Vatuvara Foundation, VIL director resigns, FMF results
The NRL trophy visits Fiji Fiji Airways Premium Lounge at Nadi International Airport hosted the prestigious NRL Provan-Summons Trophy last week, the first time it had travelled outside Australia. Fiji Airways CEO Andre
Regional tuna expert sounds caution in developing seabed mining
Leading Pacific tuna industry expert, Dr Transform Aqorau, has drawn from the region’s experiences with its massive tuna fisheries industry to sound caution in the development of the “next frontier” of deep seabed
ANZ anticipates Fiji population growth as overseas migration slows
Fiji is poised to witness an increase in labour force expansion and economic activity, starting in 2025, due to changes in trends in international migration, says the ANZ Bank. A new report from ANZ Research projects a
USP students with big dreams
Hundreds of students from around the region this week filled the Australia Pacific Lecture Theatre at the University of the South Pacific (USP) Laucala Campus, with much eagerness to further their studies. Every year,
PNG vote of no confidence not entertained
The Papua New Guinea Parliamentary Private Business Committee (PBC) has denied the notice of the motion of the Vote-of-No-Confidence. In advising Parliament, Acting Speaker Koni Iguan said, “The PBC deliberated on the
Cook Islands Parliament makes changes to seabed mining law
The Cook Islands has made amendments to its Seabed Minerals Act this week, including replacing the term “mining” with “minerals harvesting … to reflect the actual activity that takes
Vanuatu referendum seeks to instill stability after revolving-door governments
An upcoming referendum in Vanuatu to outlaw political-party hopping by legislators has sparked lively debate in the Pacific island country, which has faced three changes of government in the past year. Dissatisfaction
Fiji, Samoa and Tonga all options for future NSW Cup NRL
The NSW Rugby League has set their sights on fielding teams from Fiji, Samoa and Tonga in their main competition as part of the game’s push into the Pacific. The code’s Pacific expansion remains a key
Palau Development Bank pushes for deposit-taking license to fill funding gap
The National Development Bank of Palau (NDBP) is seeking to expand its role in the island nation’s financial system by offering deposit services and potentially issuing savings bonds. This move aims to address a
‘Ball is in PM’s court’: Tonga’s former attorney general says communication is key
A former Attorney General of Tonga says there’s still a chance to resolve matters between the two main authorities in Tonga. ‘Aminiasi Kefu was the acting Attorney General of Tonga from 2014 to 2019. His
Continue aviation fuel supply, PNG court tells fuel supplier Puma Energy
Papua New Guinea National Court has ordered Puma Energy to continue supplying aviation fuel to Air Niugini until 27 February as per their agreement, describing the fuel supply issue as of national importance. Judge
Clashes between pro-independence protesters, police as three French ministers visit New Caledonia
Militants and protesters clashed with police in downtown Nouméa on Wednesday as New Caledonia plays host to three French government ministers this week. The crowd – an estimated 2,000 according to
Mobil will supply fuel in PNG: Managing director
Fuel supplier Mobil Oil New Guinea Limited is committed to supplying fuel to the country during the current fuel crisis, says ExxonMobil PNG managing director Tera Shandro. “For the past 102 years, an ExxonMobil
Kiribati’s government not responsible for viral post, sorry
It was too good to be true. The government of Kiribati on Wednesday said it was not responsible for a light-hearted social media smackdown that went viral, prompting laughs around the world. Earlier this week,
