World Press Freedom Day: When journalists are targets, we all suffer
Autocrats know that controlling the media is the first step in controlling the population. It’s why journalists are increasingly in the firing line, writes Professor Peter Greste. As we mark the 30th anniversary
World Press Freedom Day: The threats astroturfing has on the media’s future
Without relying on the media to put them in good light, politicians are finding ways to influence people through digital astroturfing, says Benjamin YH Loh. In 2022, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr won the
Biden to visit PNG on May 22, says PM Marape
United States President Joe Biden will visit Papua New Guinea on 22 May, says Prime Minister James Marape. Biden will have a meeting with Marape during his three-hour stop-over in Port Moresby. Marape did not say what
Cultural importance behind decision not to restrict kava use in NZ, as Australia tightens rules urgently
A Pacific kava expert has praised the government for not restricting its use, despite the Australian government urgently tightening their rules. Last year, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) agreed to amend
Samoa Health Director confident no repeat of 2019 measles epidemic
The Director General of Health, Aiono Dr Alec Ekeroma is confident that Samoa will not see a repetition of the measles crisis of 2019. The Ministry has put in place stringent travel requirements as neighbouring American
China surprised by Fiji move
China was surprised when the new Fijian Government scrapped the deal between the Chinese police and their own police force. Chinese Government Special Envoy for Pacific Island Countries Qian Bo told the Samoa Observer
Olympic champion Adams urges Brisbane 2032 to ensure legacy for Oceania
New Zealand’s double Olympic shot put champion Dame Valerie Adams has urged organisers of the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics in Brisbane to ensure the Games benefit the entire Oceania region and not just Australia.
Pro-independence forces win elections on French Polynesia
Pro-independence forces won elections on France’s Pacific territory of French Polynesia, giving them control of affairs on the archipelagos for the next five years and opening the way to a possible referendum on
Suspended PNG Immigration Minister dismissed from office
Suspended Member for Madang and Papua New Guinea Immigration Minister, Bryan Kramer has been dismissed from office Monday by the Leadership Tribunal inquiring in to charges of misconduct in office against him. He has
Vanuatu chief urges countries to clean up climate change mess
“My people have not caused this climate change and we challenge those (countries) that have caused it to clean it up. “I thank Denmark for standing with Vanuatu at the United Nations General Assembly on its
Tax the rich, not the poor: former RBF governor Narube
Unity Party leader, Savenaca Narube, is concerned that proposed goods tax increases punishes the people for the sins of the previous government. The former Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji says a proposed
Blues get crucial Fijian Drua win
The Blues have kept pace with the top four with a 30-14 win over the Fijian Drua. It’s the first time the Drua have been defeated at home in 2023 as Leon McDonald’s men get their third win in a row. Both teams
Tonga earn third PacificAus Sports Netball Series title against Malawi
Tonga earned their third PacificAus Sports Netball Series title on the Gold Coast in Australia, beating Malawi by 13 goals in the final. The tournament at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre served as a warm up for
Fijiana Drua stun Waratahs to book place in Super W Final
The fourth-ranked Fijiana Drua scored 20 unanswered points to stun the previous unbeaten Waratahs in a rematch of last year’s final. Centre Vana Arei scored a double, including the match-winner in the 69th minute to
PALM departures: 147 workers bound for aged care, horticulture and other jobs
Last week, 147 Fijians underwent pre-departure training prior to working in Australia, amongst them, 56-year-old Ema Navunisaravi, who is going as carer to Western Australia. She says looking after the vulnerable in the
Niue goes to polls with 30 percent of seats already decided
A total of 1,167 Niuean voters get a chance to elect a new parliament this weekend. They will choose from the 17 candidates lining up for the six common roll seats, while six of the 14 village seats have already
Influenza B Flu outbreak closes schools in Samoa
Schools in Samoa have been closed for a further week as more than two thousand cases of the Influenza B flu have been recorded affecting mainly children. The public notice was issued Thursday by the Director of
PNG climate change officials accused of skimming US$1.3 million in public funds
Senior staff at the government body responsible for carrying out Papua New Guinea’s climate change response are facing major criminal proceedings after the alleged misappropriation of more than $2 million (US$1.3
Six killed in Porgera
Porgera in Enga is in disarray following the killing of six people on Wednesday night, forcing the closure of schools and businesses as the “guerilla warfare” continues. Porgera gold mine Lease for Mining Purpose
UNAIDS: Cook Islands’ original path toward equality
On 14 April, members of the Cook Islands rainbow community assembled at parliament with colourful flags and cautious optimism. It turned out to be the day they’d been working toward for the last twelve years.
Solomon Airlines and Air Vanuatu strengthen partnership
Solomon Airlines has confirmed the next phase of partnership cooperation with next-door neighbour Air Vanuatu, establishing a wet lease (ACMI) agreement as the carriers take an important step in improving synergies and
Palau anticipates Compact to be signed next month
Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr unveiled some of the details of the new economic package under the renegotiated provisions of the nation’s Compact of Free Association with Washington. Palau stands to receive
More recruitment by StarKist anticipated
There could be employment for Samoans in the neighbouring country of American Samoa as the Starkist fish processing plant looks for workers. This was one of the outcomes from the third Atoa o Samoa Executive Meeting.
