Waratahs wins Super W season
AFTER a successful season, the Fijian Drua women were forced to dig deep as they succumbed to relentless pressure from the NSW Waratahs in the final at the Four R Stadium in Ba.
News
Australia considers joint sea patrols, Forum remains silent on China missile tests
AUSTRALIA has not ruled out increased joint patrols of the South China after what it has described as a "destabilising" missile test in the Pacific.
Hopes fade for 24 missing in PNG sea mishap
THE search continues in Papua New Guinea's East New Britain province for 24 people missing at sea after two boats capsized while returning from a picnic at the weekend.
New Pacific paper calls land a growing fault line for peace and security
LAND governance must return to the centre of Pacific security policy as climate change, displacement and pressure on arable land intensify risks to social cohesion and sovereignty.
Energy crisis could cost Tonga budget up to TOP50 million
MIDDLE East tensions could cost Tonga’s national budget between TOP40 million and TOP50 million, as higher fuel prices and possible supply disruptions put fresh pressure on the economy.
Calls to revoke Solomons MPs pay rise
A CIVIL society organisation in Solomon Islands has called for a pay rise for Members of Parliament to be revoked.
Micronesia internet use surges twenty-fold after World Bank rollout
A WORLD Bank-backed push to connect one of the Pacific’s most scattered countries has driven a 99 per cent drop in entry-level fixed broadband prices.
Palau secures $12.5 million ADB financing for resilience drive
THE Asian Development Bank has approved $USD12.5 million in concessional financing for Palau to shore up public finances, improve disaster readiness and back sustainable growth.
New Zealand and PNG sign defence pact to boost military ties
NEW Zealand and Papua New Guinea have signed a new defence cooperation agreement aimed at deepening military ties, including more dialogue, training, exercises and personnel exchanges.
Naoero’s diplomatic leap towards Israel
THE Republic of Naoero (Nauru) plans to establish an embassy in Israel and has approved a scoping mission to examine the diplomatic, operational and logistical steps needed to open an embassy.
Taiwan reassesses PNG gas imports amid diplomatic tensions
TAIWAN is weighing possible economic steps against Papua New Guinea after Port Moresby ordered the closure of Taipei’s representative office, a move that could spill over into LNG trade and deepen an already sensitive
Solomon Islands and US move to restore Peace Corps partnership
PEACE Corps volunteers could strengthen specific areas of need in Solomon Islands after Prime Minister Matthew Wale and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau signing an agreement this week.
PNG eyes new wave of mining and gas projects
PAPUA New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister James Marape earlier this week pitched PNG as a stable destination for foreign capital, saying the country was “open for business” as it moves toward a wave of mining and gas
PNG and Solomon Islands expand economic ties
PAPUA New Guinea and the Solomon Islands will deepen cooperation in mining, fisheries, trade and investment after talks between Prime Ministers James Marape and Matthew Wale in Honiara.
Wale pushes for stronger US partnership in Washington
SOLOMON Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale has used an official visit to Washington, to advance priorities on development, investment and maritime security.
Air Niugini restores direct PNG-Japan route after pandemic suspension
AIR Niugini has restored direct flights between Port Moresby and Tokyo’s Narita airport, reopening a route that first linked Papua New Guinea and Japan in 2018.
Fiji’s coups, and the decrees that hollowed out the state from within
FIJI’S coups triggered a wave of decrees that transformed Fiji's public service.
Vengaboys lead proud of her Pacific roots
SOME of the most popular dance and disco songs of the nineties were sung by the Dutch group Vengaboys. “We like to Party” and “We’re going to Ibiza” are just two of their most well-known hits among a host of
2006 Militarisation left Fiji’s civil service fearful and broken
FIJI’S 2006 military takeover did more than topple a government.
Liberation of Fiji Party files registration
THE proposed Liberation of Fiji Party has submitted a fresh application to the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) after earlier failing
Australian survey finds dozens of wartime bombs in Nanumea lagoon
TUVALU has received the findings of an Australian underwater survey in Nanumea Lagoon which identified dozens of unexploded wartime bombs and other ordnance but found no immediate threat to residents.
Solomon MPs vote for pay rise
SOLOMON Islands MPs have voted themselves a second salary increase in two years – despite the economic
Cook Islands ready for election
ONE seat has been confirmed in the Cook Island general election after Agnes Helen Armstrong secured the Ivirua seat unopposed.
