Timor Leste army builds all-women unit
NEW Zealand has deployed eight army instructors to Timor-Leste where they will help build foundational soldier skills in an all-female Timor-Leste Defence Force platoon group.
News
Traffickers go digital, trapping victims in scam networks
TRAFFICKERS are increasingly using social media, fraudulent job ads and other digital platforms to trap people in forced labour and forced criminality.
Naoero returns: Pacific nation reclaims its ancestral name
THE Republic of Nauru has officially reclaimed its traditional name, Naoero, marking a historic shift that leaders say is about restoring national identity rather than creating a new one.
Fiji raises alarm over scams, labour abuse
FIJI is stepping up efforts to fight human trafficking, forced labour and online exploitation as digital scams and fraudulent job offers increasingly lure vulnerable young people.
Fiji launches climate insurance cover for MSMEs
FIJI has launched a new parametric insurance product to help micro, small and medium enterprises recover faster from climate-related disasters.
Solomon Islands and Hong Kong to begin visa-free travel
TRAVEL between the Solomon Islands and Hong Kong will become easier from August 26, when a reciprocal visa-free arrangement takes effect.
SWAP2 drives Pacific push against waste and pollution
PACIFIC countries have increased efforts to tackle waste and pollution through SWAP2, a regional project supporting cleaner waste management and pollution reduction across island countries and territories.
Solomon Islands coalition backs business law overhaul
THE Great Coalition government has stepped up its push to overhaul business and labour rules in the Solomon Islands.
Samoa Airways aircraft veers off runway in American Samoa
A SAMOA Airways aircraft veered off the runway while landing at Fitiuta Airport, American Samoa, on Tuesday morning, leaving one passenger injured and prompting an investigation into the incident.
U.S.-Solomon Islands shiprider agreement enhances maritime security
THE Solomon Islands’ Shiprider Agreement signed with the United States signals its intent to tighten control over its vast waters and crack down on illegal fishing and other sea-borne crime.
Germany’s new ambassador pledges stronger ties with Fiji and the Pacific
GERMANY has reaffirmed its commitment to Fiji and the wider Pacific with new Ambassador, Nicole Menzenbach, pledging to strengthen cooperation on climate action, education, trade and community development.
Solomon Islands, Japan forge key development partnership
THE Solomon Islands has signed a loan deal with the Japan to support fiscal stability and economic resilience, as it pushes ahead with reforms to strengthen governance and broaden growth.
ADB says water security needs faster reform, more financing
THERE is an urgent need for faster reform and greater funding around water security in the region, says Asia Development Bank President Masato Kanda.
Two Tongan MPs to lose seats
TWO Tongan parliamentarians will lose their seats on Monday, guilty of election
One dead in Solomons mine mishap
AT least one person is dead after a mine collapse on Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands.
Australia outstrips China in Pacific aid
AUSTRALIA has overtaken China to become the Pacific’s dominant source of lending and infrastructure investment according to the 2026 Lowy Institute Pacific Aid Map.
US Congressional leaders introduce resolution to celebrate 55 years of ties with Fiji
PACIFIC leaders in Congress have introduced a resolution to mark 55 years of diplomatic ties with Fiji while reaffirming the United States’ long-term commitment to regional security and environmental cooperation.
Australia appoints New High Commissioner to Naoero
AUSTRALIA has appointed career diplomat Lisa White as its next high commissioner to Naoero (Nauru).
AIIB-World Bank provide $230 million budget support for Fiji
THE Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved $USD80 million in sovereign-backed financing for Fiji, joining the World Bank in a package worth $USD230 million.
Pacific nations set sustainable controls for Albacore Tuna
PACIFIC nations are moving to turn a landmark South Pacific albacore tuna deal into enforceable rules, as the region begins work on the measures needed to put its new harvest strategy into
Samoa turns to new data system to guide education reform
SAMOA has launched an education management information system aimed at giving officials real-time data on students, teachers and schools.
UN Climate chief links clean power to jobs, security and stability
FASTER energy transitions are core to national security strategies, and renewables are central to economic security, peace and stability, says United Nations Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell.
Tonga to prepare as El Niño approaches
TONGANS have been warned to collect and store water as the country braces for significant changes in temperatures, rainfall patterns, drought, and tropical cyclone activity in the next three to six months.
