Reading PALM numbers with care – pay, deductions and hours edition
A PACIFIC worker putting in 30 hours on an Australian farm, earning $AUD937 and taking home just over $100 after deductions, as put to a Senate committee in 2022, became, for many people, a defining image of the Pacific
UNESCO recognises Nino Konis Santana as Timor-Leste’s first biosphere reserve
TIMOR-LESTE'S Nino Konis Santana National Park has been designated Timor-Leste’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, marking an international recognition of the park’s ecological and cultural value and giving the
Vanuatu, Australia close to revised Nakamal Agreement
VANUATU Prime Minister Jotham Napat is expected to lead a delegation to Canberra this weekend ahead of the planned signing next week of the revised Nakamal
Timor-Leste welcomes Aero Dili’s new Darwin service
TRAVEL to Timor-Leste becomes easier with the introduction of Aero Dili’s direct flights between Dili and Darwin.
TNG Holdings Fiji appeals rejection of energy-from-waste project
EARLIER this month, Fiji’s Department of Environment rejected the EIA for The Next Generation Holdings (Fiji) Pte Limited’s proposed Energy-from-Waste plant and private port at Vuda Point, saying the assessment did
UN urged to treat New Caledonia elections as part of decolonisation pathway
UNITED Nations decolonisation talks on New Caledonia have come under renewed pressure after Pacific church leaders called for urgent action over unrest that killed at least 13 people in 2024.
Fiji spends big on education in 2026–27 Budget
EDUCATION received the largest single allocation in Fiji’s 2026–27 National Budget, with $FJD883 million earmarked for
Fiji budget described as responsible amid fiscal challenges
FIJI’S Coalition Government has tabled a $FJD4.87 billion spending plan which has been described as "responsible" and
Fiji launches $500 million hospital transformation
FIJI has allocated $FJD647 million to the health sector, with a major $500 million transformation project FIJI has allocated $FJD647
Wale, Marape to meet today
SOLOMON Islands Prime Minister will meet Papua New Guinea counterpart James Marape for one day of talks to deepen
China pushes Pacific presence
CHINA has started to increase its Pacific presence using a two-pronged approach – subtle and openly obvious.Last week, Vice-Governor
“Total elimination within reach” – Pacific health leaders on cervical cancer
GLOBAL trends show that the elimination of cervical cancer in the Pacific is a realistic and attainable goal, regional health
Australia’s huge nuclear dilemma
THE 2026 Lowy Institute Poll reflects an Australia uneasy about its place in the world.
Fiji registers ninth political party
FIJI'S political landscape has expanded with the registration of the NeXTGEN ALLIANCE PARTY (NGAP), bringing the total number of registered political parties in the country to nine.
Bougainville presses for self-government by 2027, independence by 2030
BOUGAINVILLE President Ishmael Toroama has set out a firm timetable for the territory’s next political steps.
Homestay expansion gives Rotuma Tourism a lift
ROTUMA, located about 465 north-northwest of Fiji’s main islands, has seen its thin tourism sector get a small but significant boost.
Naoero’s east Micronesia cable goes live, ending reliance on satellite internet
NAOERO has entered a new phase in its telecommunications development.
Pacific knowledge takes centre stage in drive for health solutions
THE Pacific has the knowledge, wherewithal and expertise to deal with national health challenges.
New Caledonia’s Northern Province debates economy, services and the future
FOR decades, Paul Neaoutyine of the Parti de Libération Kanak (Palika) has led New Caledonia’s Northern
Minister threatens to revoke Samoa Observer’s license
REVENUE Minister Pauga Talalelei Pauga has threatened to revoke the Samoa Observer’s business licence.
Pacific leaders told to move on financial exclusion, not just discuss it
MARSHALL Islands President Hilda Heine opened the (PIF) 2026 Forum Economic Ministers Meeting (FEMM) in Majuro this week, urging
Be proactive, not reactive – Ministers warn
THE Forum Economic Ministers Meeting has wrapped up in Majuro, with a key takeaway that the region's pattern of reacting to crises
