Timor-Leste music creates a storm
THREE major Timor-Leste albums and a single were released last week as the country took Pacific music by
Culture
PACNEWS THREE, 18 SEPTEMBER 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — Pacific-aligned AI means designing for refusal, says Pasifika AI creator2. UN — Pacific SIDS need stronger social Protection to build resilience: UN DESA3. FIJI —
PACNEWS TWO, 18 SEPTEMBER 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — Pasifika AI creator warns AI cannot speak for Pacific communities without a mandate2. MARSH — UN rapporteur flags nuclear legacy, climate threats to Marshallese rights
PACNEWS ONE, 16 SEPTEMBER 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — “Climate change is unraveling” Indigenous culture and rights: Aguon1. PACIFIC — “Anyone can say1.5 to stay alive, but it takes action to push for 1.5”: Marshall
Solomon Islands’ Tourism poised for new growth phase
In February this year, Tourism Solomons celebrated the Solomon Islands' best visitor arrival figures in the post-COVID period, with
Fiji delegation engages community in Palau
FIJI’S visiting delegation in Palau has met with members of the Fijian community in Koror to hear about their experiences, concerns and contributions to ties between the two
PNG landowners urged to keep customary land for tourism, small businesses
THE upgraded Gurney Airport in Papua New Guinea is set to serve as the gateway to a new era of tourism growth in Milne Bay, creating opportunities for customary landowners to generate sustainable income while preserving
From Ōtara to Elam: Tongan scholar’s journey comes full circle
TONGAN artist and University of Auckland alumnus Dr Sione Faletau has been appointed a permanent lecturer at the Elam School of Fine
Wame Blood nomination a victory for PNG’s creative industry
PAPUA New Guinea’s acclaimed music group Wame Blood has been hailed for representing the nation at the 2026 Pacific Music Awards in Auckland, New Zealand, despite not receiving an
Taylor calls for Pacific leadership grounded in culture and collective action
FORMER Pacific Islands Forum secretary general Dame Meg Taylor has called for Pacific leadership to be grounded in the region’s own philosophies, relationships and cultural values rather than borrowed models.
Kiribati’s ‘King’ Treasures a Gift Carrying His Nation’s Story
IANUALI Orme, the elite youth and schoolboy boxer known as the “Kiribati King,” was honoured during the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with a traditional Kiribati-woven mat from Ruth Cross Kwansing, the country’s
PACNEWS SPORTS, 06 AUGUST 2026
In this bulletin: 1. RUGBY — Fijiana’s physicality looming as key test for Springboks2. RUGBY — Former Manu Samoa coach’s application for stay of sentence denied3. FOOTBALL — Oceania football
Pacific linguist urges Cook Islanders to embrace heritage
MORE Cook Islanders call New Zealand home and that means holding on to their culture and traditions can be a challenge at the best of times. Senior lecturer in Māori Studies at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of
RMI and New Taipei seal museum pact
THE Republic of the Marshall Islands and New Taipei City have formalised a sister museum partnership to strengthen cultural cooperation and preserve Austronesian heritage. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed
Shangri-La Fiji Inspires the Next Generation Through Chinese Cultural Exchange
More than 100 Coral Coast students experienced the richness of Chinese arts and traditions through a cultural exchange programme
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.
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
