Vanuatu strengthens measles outbreak defences
VANUATU has moved to sharpen its measles outbreak response as Pacific countries work to protect communities from the disease which was declared eliminated in the region in 2025.
Pacific
Pacific moves to turn climate finance promises into bankable projects
PACIFIC leaders have taken a major step towards closing the region's climate finance gap after concluding a regional workshop aimed at turning long-standing climate finance commitments into investment-ready projects.
Tahiti: Beach soccer powerhouse
AS the FIFA World Cup returns and captures global attention, the 2026 tournament marks a significant moment for Oceania football.
PACNEWS TWO, Monday 20 July 2026
In this bulletin: 1. A/SAMOA — The U.S plans to auction off sections of water around American Samoa in a push for deep-sea mining2. PACIFIC — U.S moves ahead with American Samoa seabed mining plan amid
PACNEWS ONE, Monday 20 July 2026
In this bulletin: 1. COOKS — Cook Islands general election: Candidates spending big on billboards to win over voters2. PNG — PNG ousts Taiwanese officials, seeks to ‘reassure’ China after
Movers and Shakers
MICHAEL “Mike” Henry has been appointed as the new Cook Islands High Commissioner to Fiji, a role he describes as “both a challenge and a very interesting opportunity”.
PACNEWS-THREE, Monday 20 July 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — Pacific voices condemn U.S plan for offshore mineral extraction off American Samoa2. PACIFIC — Quiet change to Nauru’s policing laws could impact NZYQ legal challenges3.
PACNEWS SPORTS, Monday 20 July 2026
In this bulletin: 1. FOOTBALL — Spain wins FIFA World Cup2. RUGBY — All Blacks shine at Eden Park while Fiji, Samoa and tonga suffer on the road3. RUGBY — Fijian Drua to host historic Super Rugby
PACNEWS THREE, 17 JULY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — MCC touts Pacific, Fiji partnerships as strategic alternative to China’s Belt and Road2. VAN — Vanuatu Opposition demands Gov’t apology over failed Matthew and
PACNEWS TWO, 17 JULY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. NZ — New Zealand, Fiji renew Duavata Partnership with focus on Trade, Security and Climate2. ACP — OACPS Ministers begin Brussels meeting with focus on Samoa Agreement3. SOL —
PACNEWS SPORTS, 17 JULY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. RUGBY — McDowall to lead much-changed Scotland as Vakatawa makes Fiji debut2. RUGBY — Flying Fijians Coach vows to make changes3. RUGBY — Fiji Drua coach wary of Reds tactic4.
PACNEWS ONE, 17 JULY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PNG — Papua New Guinea says it will shut Taiwan’s rep office, winning praise from China2. PACIFIC — West losing battle for influence in Asia-Pacific, warns Australian envoy3. FIJI
First Tongan set to serve in Utah Senate
A TONGAN-AMERICAN politician has made history in the United States after winning his primary election to become the first Tongan state senator in American history.
Pacific disaster insurer opens Suva hub
THE Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company (PCRIC) has opened a regional office in Suva, marking 10 years since Pacific leaders established the region’s first sovereign disaster risk insurance facility.
PACNEWS TWO, 16 JULY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea advance maritime boundary treaty discussions2. FIJI — Australia treaties to return to Parliament for ratification: Fiji PM Rabuka3. COOKS
PACNEWS ONE, 16 JULY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — Pacific pushes for faster access to Climate finance2. PACIFIC — Pacific Climate Finance agenda progresses ahead of Inaugural Investment Forum3. PACIFIC — Leaders want
PACNEWS TWO 15 JULY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — NZ’s Pacific Islands Forum budget could face a $10m squeeze, OIA reveals2. TUVALU — Tuvalu calls for stronger UN support to tackle Pacific security threats3. SOL — Dr
PACNEWS SPORTS, 15 JULY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. RUGBY LEAGUE — ‘Our Origin’: Tonga veteran targets revenge on Samoa2. RUGBY LEAGUE — Samoa welcomes Australia-backed multi-million-dollar Rugby League deal3.
PACNEWS THREE 14 JULY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. VAN — Vanuatu Government turns to independence pioneers after Matthew-Hunter talks stall2. PALAU — Palau ramps up security, lodging plans as 55th PIFLM nears3. PACIFIC — Peace
PACNEWS TWO 14 JULY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — Dr Aqorau questions whether military expansion fits Pacific’s Ocean of Peace vision2. PACIFIC — UN warns Pacific digital boom opening door to cybercrime3. PACIFIC —
Pacific CSOs: Our ocean is not a battleground
PACIFIC civil society organisations want regional leaders to reject growing militarisation and have warned that the region must not become a battleground for geopolitical
PACNEWS ONE, 14 JULY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — Australia’s Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs says China missile test was ‘destabilising’ as Pacific leaders speak out2. UN — UN readies US$100 million as
PACNEWS THREE, 13 JULY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — Pacific strategy targets bigger share of Climate finance by 20302. PACIFIC — Tongan PM says China missile test has ‘caused a stir, created tension’3. TUVALU — Tuvalu
