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.
Pacific
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.
‘Pacific Towing Marks 30 Years of the International Salvage Convention’
Pacific Towing (PacTow) is joining the international maritime community in marking the 30th anniversary of the International
PACNEWS THREE 22 JULY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — China warned Pacific missile sparks ‘strong concerns’2. NZ — Prime Ministers of Samoa and New Zealand reaffirm enduring partnership3. PACIFIC — Minister
PACNEWS THREE 21 JULY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — SPC official calls for Pacific Education systems ready for Climate, AI and labour mobility2. PACIFIC — Australian media report questions $4.2 million cost of Fiji Climate
PACNEWS TWO, 21 JULY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. ACP — OACPS Ministers adopt reform agenda, Back Malabo declaration and resource mobilisation2. PACIFIC — Pacific Climate Ministers meet ahead of key regional and global talks3. SOL
Church leaders call for genuine peace
IN an impassioned plea, church leaders have called for national leadership in the Pacific to lean toward courses of action that facilitate lasting and meaningful peace in our region.
PACNEWS ONE, 21 JULY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. SOL — Solomon Islands warns of Climate crisis at UN, pledges sustainable urban growth2. FIJI — New Constitution could be ready before next election: Fiji Acting AG3. USA/SOL—
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 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.
