Latest Magazine Articles
Paradise Lost: Eight years later, Freesoul site still a mess
A company found guilty of destruction on Malolo Island is still to rehabilitate the site, years after the judgement. While the case against Freesoul Real Estate Development (Fiji) over destruction on Malolo Island was
Kangava community demands justice for 2019 oil spill
The customary landowners of Kangava Bay in the Solomon Islands have filed a claim with the Solomon Islands High Court for damages caused by a 2019 oil spill, the worst of its kind in the nation. The claim was filed
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.
The clock ticks: Five years on, Bougainville waits
Bougainville voted for independence from Papua New Guinea in an overwhelming referendum in 2019. Five years have passed, and little progress has been made towards severing ties with Port Moresby. Former freedom fighter,
Eyes on the prize: Will Trump take Toroama’s bait?
Under the rich, black soil of Bougainville lie copper deposits worth close to US$60 billion. It’s enough copper to create over 4000 jobs in an economy desperate to be free of Papua New Guinea and propel the world’s
Trump withdraws from Paris Agreement on day one
US President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders on his first day in office on 20 January that will impact Pacific Island nations – including the planned deportation of irregular migrants from the United
Trump and Pacific Island States: New possibilities
Leaders across the Pacific Island states are ready for the return to Oval Office by President Donald Trump. They are both anxious and hopeful. There is turbulence ahead in the Pacific Island States and the US
Take them off: Concern over teen social media use
Australia’s bold move to ban social media for children under 16 years, a world-first law, has sparked a global debate. The policy is now a topic of conversation and consideration in many countries, including those in
Information and Empathy
Cook Islands was the first Pacific nation to pass laws relating to right to information, but Ombudsman Niki Rattle says it may be time to review it and “have a look and see how we can do things better”. The Freedom
