The Tongan way
KING Tupou VI’s increased involvement in governance, framed as a political regression, rests on a narrow interpretation of democracy and a misreading of Tonga’s cultural and political landscape.
Culture
PACNEWS TWO 22 JULY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — Australia defends Fiji pre-COP spending, says Climate talks critical for Pacific2. SOL — China ally Solomon Islands invites U.S Coast Guard patrols3. PALAU — Palau Senate
European film festival returns with focus on culture and connection
THE European Union has officially launched the 5th European Film Festival in Fiji, bringing eight acclaimed European films to audiences across Suva, Pacific Harbour, Lautoka and Labasa.
EU Film Festival expands with first outdoor screening in Fiji
THE fifth European Film Festival in Fiji will introduce its first-ever outdoor cinema screening this year, as organisers seek to bring European culture to more communities across the
Rarotonga hosts Pacific leaders to strengthen traditional governance for nature
RAROTONGA woke up earlier this month to a different kind of Pacific gathering.
USP brings Pacific legend to the stage
THE University of the South Pacific's Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture & Pacific Studies will premiere its first major theatrical production since December 2023, bringing the Pacific legend of Sina and the Eel to the
VITI Reggae Festival unveils 2026 lineup, launches talent search for indigenous artists
THE VITI Reggae Festival at Prince Charles Park in Nadi from October 8–10 will boast a regional lineup headlined by South African reggae star TK Dube, son of the legendary Lucky
Nauru’s cinematic breakthrough
NAURU has released its first short feature film online, a production officials and creators say marks a cultural milestone for the
France grants €1,890,000 in grants to support regional cooperation projects for the benefit of the populations of French territories and Pacific States
The Pacific Fund is funded by appropriations from the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE) and helps to finance
Vanuatu unveils collection of rare Pacific books
THE Vanuatu Cultural Centre this week unveiled a major new exhibition, titled the “,000 Collection,” at the National Library and
The last voices: The urgent race to save a piece of Pacific heritage
IN the archives of the Vanuatu Cultural Centre, thousands of magnetic tapes are slowly deteriorating into dust.
Pacific women in business shine at inaugural exhibition
CULTURE and entrepreneurial talent were on display as vendors from six Pacific countries displayed unique
People before profit
SOLOMON Islands is reshaping its tourism sector, putting people, culture, and sustainability at the heart of
Emotional return to Tokelau for Royal New Zealand Navy sailor
RETURNING to her spiritual home of Tokelau was a profound experience for Petty Officer Christina Sola, who visited the island
Voyagers plan sail to connect with communities
THE crew and partners of the Uto Ni Yalo voyaging canoe have been reminded that their vessel is more than just a mode of
Emperor Naruhito’s birthday marks a milestone in Fiji–Japan relations
A FORMAL toast marked the 66th birthday of Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and highlighted the strong and respectful diplomatic ties between
Time to do better
THE outpouring of vitriol before, during, and after the recent Miss Pacific Islands Pageant should be a matter of concern to leaders throughout the
Village faces climate change head-on
“WE will never leave this land, no matter what. It is a vow we made to our paramount
Racism, fear, reality?: A view of Niue and disappearance
NIUE has been called xenophobic, and at times, Niueans themselves use harsher words—even “racist”—to describe their own fears and
Samoa Minister champions digital safety
THE Minister of Tourism for SamoaFata Ryan Schuster has called for stronger regional unity to protect Pacific cultures and dignity in the digital
FIPRA Awards return with focus on culture amid AI challenge
THE Fiji Performing Rights Association (FIPRA) Awards are back after three
Learning a new weave
BUILDING strong ties with regional universities and churches ensures climate education reflects local realities and cultural
Fijian art takes flight
FIJI’S national carrier is elevating its in-flight experience by highlighting the work of local artisans in its latest “Meet the Makers”
