The Shepards: Spreading kindness in Fiji and the world
Twenty-six years ago, Judy and Dennis Shepard’s son, Matthew, was killed in a hate crime. More than two decades later, they continue to share a message of kindness, most recently during a visit to Fiji. They are
NZ commits $20m to Cook Islands budget, $10.5m for public service
Cook Islands has secured $20 million (US$12.30 million) in Core Sector Budget Support and an additional $10.5 million (US$6.45 million) for continued public sector strengthening during the 8th Cook Islands-New Zealand
PNG landslide: Thousands more to evacuate as death toll mounts
Six villages down hill from the landslide disaster that has claimed an estimated 670 lives in Papua New Guinea’s highlands will be evacuated over fears more of the mountainside will crush them. The landslide in
Opinion: Manele’s leadership in Solomon Islands: opportunities and challenges
Solomon Islands’ new prime minister Jeremiah Manele brings a new leadership style to the position, compared to the abrasive approach of his predecessor, Manasseh Sogavare. However, policies are unlikely to change, and
Solomon Airlines to start scheduled services between Vanuatu and NZ
Solomon Airlines has confirmed the airline will commence direct flights between Port Vila and Auckland from 27 May, using Solomon Airlines aircraft to continue air services linking Vanuatu and New Zealand. Solomon
Death penalty for drugs to be debated as King calls for MPs to find solution
Tonga Parliament will host a debate on the death penalty on Tuesday, 28 May. The debate is being sponsored by the Speaker, Lord Fakafanua, and will discuss the topic ‘Capital punishment as a deterrent for illicit drug
More than 670 people now feared dead following PNG landslide
A United Nations agency has confirmed more than 670 people are presumed dead following a landslide in Papua New Guinea’s highlands on Friday. The International Organisation for Migration’s Chief of Mission
PNG ruling Pangu party split, I will not resign says PM Marape
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has declared that he will not resign from his position despite the recent defection of Pangu Pati and Government MPs to the Opposition. In a statement he emphasised that any
Macron flies home from New Caledonia without breakthrough
Following ten days of riots and clashes between protestors and police in New Caledonia, French President Emmanuel Macron travelled to Noumea to meet with politicians, community leaders and business associations.
Opinion: Fiji’s three-speed economy
Fiji’s swift rebound from the pandemic-induced downturn has been impressive. The economy is doing better than it was in 2019 with tourism leading the rebound. Visitor arrivals in 2022 exceeded most expectations and
Palau Airport jetway repairs disrupt United Airlines flights
United Airlines passengers faced disruptions in Palau and Guam on 19 – 20 May after the airline canceled flights due to safety concerns. The Palau International Airport’s two jetways were inoperable for
PNG’s Kina Bank invests in Brisbane’s sustainable fintech future
Rapidly growing Queensland fintech and neobank startup WLTH has secured a $7 million (US$4.62 million) investment from Papua New Guinea’s Kina Bank. Trade and Investment Queensland has been seeking trade and
Tongan appropriation Bill 2024 for $899.2 million budget passes first reading
The Legislative Assembly of Tonga passed the first reading of the 2024/2025 Appropriation Bill 2024 today. They are planning for expenditure of $899.2 million (US$ 380.24 million) with $452.3 million (US$191.37 million)
Rio Tinto Limited and Bougainville Copper Limited facing multi-billion dollar class action lawsuit
Lawyers representing over 3,000 residents of Bougainville, an island of Papua New Guinea, have filed a class action lawsuit against Rio Tinto and Bougainville Copper, seeking compensation, expected to be in the billions
Telstra says PNG workforce will not be impacted by job cuts
Telstra announced measures to begin the reset of its Enterprise business, simplify its operations and improve productivity. Some of the proposed measures, which require consultation with employees and unions, would
Qantas pounces on Vanuatu as its flag carrier flounders
Qantas and Jetstar are looking to move in on Australia-Vanuatu services following the collapse of flag carrier Air Vanuatu. The Flying Kangaroo has applied for 1,798 seats per week in each direction for five years,
France’s Macron delays New Caledonia voting reform after protests
French President Emmanuel Macron says he will delay a voting reform in New Caledonia that the Indigenous Kanak people on the French-ruled Pacific islands say would dilute their votes and undermine their struggle for
PNG eyes Coates for NRL bid
State of Origin star Xavier Coates has been earmarked as the face of the franchise if Papua New Guinea’s bid for an NRL club is approved. Papua New Guinea is in a battle to become one of the newest teams, with Perth
New Caledonia and Vanuatu withdraw from FestPAC amid deadly unrest
A festival planner announced Monday that a Pacific country and an island territory of France have withdrawn their participation in the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture. The announcement comes as Hawaii is
Opinion: PNG’s gold bill implications for the central bank
PNG’s proposed National Gold Corporation Bill 2023 has attracted lots of debate, objections, and protests. Just last week, the government agreed to amend the immensely long bill (currently over 500 pages!) and consult
Opinion: Why is New Caledonia on fire? According to local women, the deadly riots are about more than voting rights
New Caledonia’s capital city, Noumea, has endured widespread violent rioting over the past 48 hours. This crisis intensified rapidly, taking local authorities by surprise. Peaceful protests had been occurring across
Cook Islands Bill to safeguard Manatua Cable passed with fines up to $250,000
A monetary fine will be imposed on anyone who breaches the Manatua Cable Protection Bill 2024 in Cook Islands. The bill, passed by Cook Islands Parliament last Thursday, safeguards the Manatua One Polynesian Cable from
Starlink is now live across Fiji
The SpaceX satcoms service Starlink is now live across the more than 300 islands in Fiji, marking, the company says, the 99th country, territory or market around the world where Starlink’s high-speed internet service
