PACNEWS ONE, 29 JUNE 2026
In this bulletin: 1. NEW|CALE — Pro-France loyalists lead in New Caledonia’s Southern Province election as turnout falls2. FIJI — Ocean of Peace Institute to be established in Suva3. PACIFIC —
Pacific
Milestone for Niue: Elected women signal new era of Pacific leadership
NIUE has marked a historic milestone in its democratic journey, with the election of seven women into Parliament.
PACNEWS THREE, 26 JUNE 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — Australia open to Pacific-wide security pact push2. VAN — Vanuatu, Australia to sign Nakamal Agreement next week3. PACIFIC — Marshall Islands to chair inaugural Pacific
Tahiti’s nuclear shadow: Health costs that never ended
BY the time the nuclear tests stopped in 1996, the Pacific had already carried the burden for three decades.
PACNEWS TWO, 26 JUNE 2026
In this bulletin: 1. COOKS — Cook Islands General Election set for 12 August2. PACIFIC— Strategic competition in Pacific here to stay, Australian Minister says3. FIJI — Fiji PM says next election due
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
PACNEWS ONE, 26 JUNE 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — Australia says China seeking permanent security presence in Pacific2. SOL — Solomon Islands urged to act Now as ‘Super El Niño’ threat looms3. PACIFIC — NOAA
“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
Investing in Pacific eye health
ACROSS the Pacific, more than one million people live with avoidable blindness. And cataracts are the leading cause. A 20-minute surgical procedure can fix the problem, and the impact is felt immediately.
Pacific must act on RHD now
RHEUMATIC heart disease (RHD) continues to place a significant burden on Pacific health
Australia’s huge nuclear dilemma
THE 2026 Lowy Institute Poll reflects an Australia uneasy about its place in the world.
Pacific knowledge takes centre stage in drive for health solutions
THE Pacific has the knowledge, wherewithal and expertise to deal with national health challenges.
PACNEWS THREE, 25 JUNE 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — Pacific Economic Ministers remain cautious on Iran-U.S deal as fuel price uncertainty persists2. PACIFIC — Forum expands effort to tackle Correspondent Banking challenges
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
PACNEWS THREE, 24 JUNE 2026
In this bulletin: 1. B/VILLE — Bougainville MP calls for managed transition toward self-government and Independence2. FIJI — NZ PM Luxon, PM Rabuka discuss fuel crisis and drug threats3. PACIFIC
Pacific advances efforts to strengthen banking links
PACIFIC nations are advancing efforts to secure critical banking links that keep trade flowing, families connected through remittances
US-led Exercise Valiant Shield showcases allied strength across the Pacific
A MAJOR military exercise is unfolding across the Northern Pacific as the United States and its allies flex their muscles in a show
Pacific democracy needs youth voice, Gavoka says
FIJI'S Deputy Prime Minister, Viliame Gavoka, delivered a strong message to Pacific youth this week:
Our sovereignty will not sink with the seas, Tuvalu declares
TUVALU’S Governor-General, Reverend Sir Tofiga Vaevalu Falani, has called for urgent global action on climate mobility, warning that the Pacific nation’s future cannot be separated from the rights, identity and
Trump reopens Pacific waters to commercial fishing
THE Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council has welcomed President Donald Trump’s proclamation, Restoring American Commercial Fishing in the Pacific.
Pacific Lab Professionals meet as brain-drain threatens services
MEDICAL laboratory scientists have converged in Fiji for a three-day conference aimed at modernising diagnostics and retaining skilled professionals in the face of a critical brain drain affecting the Pacific region.
