Mana Pasifika bid For NRL expansion unveiled
A new chapter in rugby league is set to unfold with the launch of new Auckland franchise Mana Pasifika, Auckland’s official expansion bid to join the National Rugby League (NRL). This bid aims to bring a Pasifika
Excellence in tourism honoured at FETA 2024
Dance and events company VOU was one of the big winners at the 2024 Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards (FETA) on Saturday night. The event, held at the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort in Denarau, brought together
Bougainville general election dates announced
Bougainville Speaker of the House of Representatives Simon Pentanu, has announced the official dates of the 2025 Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) General Election Wednesday. Pentanu said he would be issuing the
New Zealand chides Cook Islands for ‘lack of transparency’
New Zealand criticised its close Pacific partner the Cook Islands on Wednesday for showing a “lack of transparency”, following reports that it is about to sign a cooperation deal with China. AFP reports that
Opinion: Whose canoe? ‘Moana 2’ debate exposes AI threat to Pacific languages
As Moana sailed the Pacific late last year in her traditional canoe on the big screen, a heated debate raged online over the ownership of this potent symbol that unites Pacific islanders. The discussion of her canoe in
Global economy ‘shaky’: Kina Bank managing director
The global economy continues to navigate uncertainties, with a second Trump presidential term, China’s slowing growth, and geopolitical hotspots potentially sparking commodity price volatility, says a Papua New Guinea
Skilled construction workers return to contribute to Vatu Talei Resort development
Many skilled Fijian construction workers with experience abroad are returning to Fiji to help build Vatu Talei – The Jewel, a luxurious resort set to open in late 2026. The $230 million project on Denarau Island in
Over 10,000 left New Caledonia
Over 10,000 people left New Caledonia in 2024, according to New Caledonia’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) President David Guyenne. Guyenne told public broadcaster NC la 1ère these figures (10,713, or
As Trump deportations intensify, Pacific Island nations worry they could be overwhelmed
In his first term, Donald Trump deported far fewer people from the United States than his three predecessors: Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton. Just weeks into his second term, however, Trump is making the
Trump’s immigration crackdown brings cloud of uncertainty over FAS migrants
The freely associated states’ (FAS) diplomats have reminded the new US administration that migrants from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Palau and the Marshall Islands have legal rights to live in the US
Dr Masasso Paunga first TNU Vice Chancellor
The Tonga National University (TNU) has appointed Dr Giulio Masasso Tu’ikolongahau Paunga as its inaugural Vice Chancellor, effective this month. Talanoaotonga reports that this milestone coincides with the
Vanuatu businesses struggle to maintain wages after earthquake impact
A recent report by the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the Department of Labour (DoL) reveals that nearly half of the businesses affected by the 17 December earthquake can only afford to maintain
Opinion: President Surangel Whipps Jr.’s inaugural address – A visionary agenda or a familiar refrain?
Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr.’s 16 January inaugural address delivered a broad vision for Palau’s future, addressing the nation’s role in geopolitics, domestic challenges and environmental stewardship.
Fiji leader to press Pacific Islands concerns in Washington after US aid frozen
Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka will attend a presidential prayer breakfast in Washington on Thursday, the first opportunity for a Pacific Islands leader to press the region’s aid and climate
Marshall Islands seek US meeting as citizens ‘panic’ over Trump migrant crackdown
The Marshall Islands has warned citizens living in the US not to open the door to immigration officials without a judicial warrant, amid fears the community is being caught in President Donald Trump’s crackdown on
Opinion: Strong leader preferred – Fiji’s coup legacy
Complete democratisation will remain a challenge for Fiji while former military officers continue to dominate politics. Strong leaders that bend rules received higher approval ratings in the inaugural Fiji post-election
Credibility of the U.S in the Pacific at risk if USAID programmes cut – expert
A Massey University academic says the uncertainty over the U.S Agency for International Development (USAID) will have implications for the Pacific region. RNZ Pacific reports that Donald Trump is considering
Vanuatu’s only elected female MP seeks Ministerial role in new government
In a significant step for gender representation in Vanuatu’s political landscape, Marie Louise Milne, the only woman elected to Parliament, is advocating for a ministerial position in the new government. VBTC reports
Authority inks MoU with Bougainville government on transfer of powers
The Papua New Guinea Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to transfer the powers on investment promotion and business
RFK Jr as Secretary of Health will be a disaster for Samoa’s public health
The Samoa Director General of Health, Aiono Dr Alec Ekeroma, has described the nomination of Robert F Kennedy Junior as the U.S Secretary of Health and Human Services as a disaster for Samoa’s public health. Kennedy
‘It’s God’s purpose’ – Ardie Savea to lead Moana Pasifika
Ardie Savea has been named captain of Moana Pasifika for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season. Savea made the shock move to the Super Rugby minnows from the Hurricanes last July, after spending astint playing in Japan.
Nauru and Kiribati sign agreement to boost air connectivity
The governments of Nauru and Kiribati have signed an agreement aimed at boosting their aviation sector. A memorandum of understanding was signed by the presidents of both Micronesian nations on 01 February, according
CNMI governor says federal memo on funding freeze a ‘wake-up call’ for states and territories
CNMI Governor Arnold Palacios said the Office of the Budget Management’s rescinded memo that called for a pause on all federal assistance programmes served as a wake-up call for all states and