In French Polynesia, boom in whale-based tourism sparks concern
A giant whale stole the show at the Summer Olympic Games, shooting out of the water as athletes competed in women’s surfing semi-finals on the French Pacific island of Tahiti last month. It is for spectacular
Star Marianas seeks federal probe into Commonwealth Ports Authority’s ‘coercive’ rules and ‘arbitrary fees
Star Marianas Air on Monday said it would ask the Federal Aviation Authority to launch an investigation into the Commonwealth Ports Authority for allegedly imposing “coercive fee-setting practices” that circumvent
Thousands of migrant workers in Australia ‘trapped in slavery’
Migrant women escaping exploitative work conditions are delivering babies prematurely then being slugged with hefty medical bills, while male counterparts are sleeping in tents in parks in regional New South Wales (NSW)
Tuvalu PM moves into newly completed $2.7 million residence
Tuvalu’s Prime Minister Feleti Teo has moved into a newly renovated residence. The renovation, which also included the Governor General’s residence, was initially launched by former Prime Minister Enele Sopoaga in
PNG authorises lethal force to quell deadly violence near Porgera mine
Papua New Guinea security personnel have been authorised to use “lethal force” to quell violence between illegal miners and traditional landowners near the economically important Porgera gold mine. Fighting in the
“Literacy is the skill we build to communicate”: Celebrating World Literacy Day
Literacy is not just about reading or writing was the message to teachers, students and policy makers marking International Literacy Day in Suva earlier this month. Former Pacific Community (SPC) Director of Educational
Australia sends expert teams to Fiji as Chinese state-backed hackers attack Pacific Islands Forum
The Australian government sent expert teams to Fiji this year to help the Pacific’s top regional body after its networks were infiltrated by Chinese state-backed hackers, the ABC has learned. The cyber attack on
PNG PM Marape survives Vote of No confidence motion
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has survived the Vote of No confidence against his leadership 75 to 32. Government numbers supported maintaining PM Marape with the Opposition unable to gain favour to have
Gary Seddon confirmed as CEO of Air Niugini
Air Niugini has announced the appointment of Gary Seddon as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Seddon has been serving in an acting capacity and has now been confirmed by the National Executive Council
Guam business leader warns ’25 budget bill constitutes crisis waiting to happen
The Guam Chamber of Commerce was taken aback by the US$1.3 billion spending measure narrowly passed by the legislature last week, predicting it would entail crisis management in the coming fiscal year. The business
Citizenship by Investment Bill: Solomon Islands PM
The draft Solomon Islands ‘Citizenship by Investment’ bill is complete and is subject to further review before it is submitted to Cabinet for consideration. Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele revealed in
Qantas takes off on first flight to Vanuatu
Qantas has taken off from Brisbane to Port Vila, the harbourside capital of Vanuatu, for the first time in its history. The inaugural service, QF159, was at full capacity Tuesday with holidaymakers and business
Unrest-hit New Caledonia airlines in search of new markets
New Caledonia‘s domestic carrier Air Calédonie is set to launch a bi-weekly international connection to neighbouring Vanuatu. The new link is set to start operating from 3 October with two return flights, one
Cook Islands Opposition welcomes regulations, warns against premature mining
The Cook Islands Opposition leader has welcomed the regulatory framework for deep-sea mining but maintains the stance against any mining activities until ‘environmentally friendly technology’ is available and Cook
Former NZ Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae appointed moderator for Bougainville Peace talks
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape and Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama have jointly appointed Sir Jerry Mateparae as the independent moderator to help resolve the ongoing discussions about
Landmark settlements for children detained in Nauru
Two children who were detained offshore in Nauru have won federal court settlements from the Australian government for medical negligence and abdicating its duty of care. The judgments for the two cases, identified as
Kolinisau to continue as Fiji 7s Coach, Fuli’s contract concludes in December
Osea Kolinisau has been confirmed to continue as the head coach of the Fiji 7s team for the next four years, leading up to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. The announcement comes after thorough discussions involving
Tonga Law Society members petition for removal of first gay Chief Justice
A group of Tonga’s legal professionals have launched a petition calling for the removal of the newly appointed Chief Justice, Welshman Malcolm Bishop. Some members of the Tonga Law Society argue the appointment
Pacific islands submit court proposal for recognition of ecocide as a crime
Three developing countries have taken the first steps towards transforming the world’s response to climate breakdown and environmental destruction by making ecocide a punishable criminal offence. In a submission to
Palau election commission affirms Remengesau’s eligibility for Presidential run
Former Palauan President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr is eligible to run again for the Office of the President, according to a legal opinion from the Attorney General provided to the Election Commission (PEC). The
Regional law enforcement initiative launched amid rising maritime crimes in the Pacific
The United States and the Pacific island states have rolled out a regional initiative to boost maritime patrol and curb criminal activities around the region, which has gained notoriety as a “drug highway.” The
World Bank President Banga sees Climate crisis up close in Tuvalu
World Bank President, Ajay Banga made a historic visit to Tuvalu Friday, becoming the first head of the global financial institution to set foot in the climate-threatened Pacific nation. During his visit, Banga
New Caledonia Loyalists welcome choice of French PM
Anti-independence politicians in New Caledonia have welcomed the appointment of Michel Barnier as the new French Prime Minister in Paris. A member of the conservative political party Les Républicains (LR), Barnier has