PACNEWS ONE, Tuesday 4 August 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — UN Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix officially launches UN Police Peacekeeping course2. TONGA — Tonga to hold two by-elections after ministers quit over bribery
Pacific
Are social media algorithms killing Pacific news? — Part 1
FACEBOOK is strangling Pacific journalism, with some news organisations losing up to 70 per cent of their audience almost
PACNEWS THREE 31 JULY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — UNICEF Pacific Ambassador calls for action against deep-sea mining2. NZ — ‘Sign up to NZ’: Winston Peters defends citizens-only voting proposal amid Pacific concerns3.
PACNEWS TWO, 31 JULY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — Australia may be forced to loosen attendance requirements at UN climate event in Pacific, foreign officials say2. PACIFIC — Pacific nations secure millions to prepare for
Energy shift needs more than solar
THE Pacific’s energy dilemma is neither an abstraction nor a distant policy debate.
Green tone for Pacific summit
PALAU will use next month’s 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting to put sustainable development and investment in electric vehicles at the centre of its regional pitch, as it prepares to host up to 2000 visitors
Traffickers go digital, trapping victims in scam networks
TRAFFICKERS are increasingly using social media, fraudulent job ads and other digital platforms to trap people in forced labour and forced criminality.
Naoero returns: Pacific nation reclaims its ancestral name
THE Republic of Nauru has officially reclaimed its traditional name, Naoero, marking a historic shift that leaders say is about restoring national identity rather than creating a new one.
SWAP2 drives Pacific push against waste and pollution
PACIFIC countries have increased efforts to tackle waste and pollution through SWAP2, a regional project supporting cleaner waste management and pollution reduction across island countries and territories.
US-Solomon Islands shiprider agreement enhances maritime security
THE Solomon Islands’ Shiprider Agreement signed with the United States signals its intent to tighten control over its vast waters and crack down on illegal fishing and other sea-borne crime.
Germany’s new ambassador pledges stronger ties with Fiji and the Pacific
GERMANY has reaffirmed its commitment to Fiji and the wider Pacific with new Ambassador, Nicole Menzenbach, pledging to strengthen cooperation on climate action, education, trade and community development.
ADB says water security needs faster reform, more financing
THERE is an urgent need for faster reform and greater funding around water security in the region, says Asia Development Bank President Masato Kanda.
PACNEWS ONE, 30 JULY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — Pacific summit to put ‘human face’ on climate change2. PACIFIC — ‘Listen to the Pacific’: NZ urged to rethink regional approach3. SOL — Solomons PM says
Australia outstrips China in Pacific aid
AUSTRALIA has overtaken China to become the Pacific’s dominant source of lending and infrastructure investment according to the 2026 Lowy Institute Pacific Aid Map.
US Congressional leaders introduce resolution to celebrate 55 years of ties with Fiji
PACIFIC leaders in Congress have introduced a resolution to mark 55 years of diplomatic ties with Fiji while reaffirming the United States’ long-term commitment to regional security and environmental cooperation.
Pacific nations set sustainable controls for Albacore Tuna
PACIFIC nations are moving to turn a landmark South Pacific albacore tuna deal into enforceable rules, as the region begins work on the measures needed to put its new harvest strategy into
Samoa turns to new data system to guide education reform
SAMOA has launched an education management information system aimed at giving officials real-time data on students, teachers and schools.
PACNEWS TWO, 29 JULY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — Australia helps Pacific Islands dodge worst of aid cuts2. PACIFIC — Expert says Pacific seabed minerals becoming next test of regional sovereignty3. TONGA — Semisi Sika
PACNEWS SPORTS, 29 JULY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. RUGBY — Naihamu dominates Drua awards with triple crown2. COMMONWEALTH GAMES — ‘My bloodline’: teen boxer brings Tuvalu fire to Games3. COMMONWEALTH GAMES — Elliott
PACNEWS ONE, 29 JULY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. SOL — Solomon Islands, U.S sign Shiprider agreement to protect maritime domain2. PACIFIC — Pacific leaders ‘play both sides’ as China divides Forum over missile test –
UN Climate chief links clean power to jobs, security and stability
FASTER energy transitions are core to national security strategies, and renewables are central to economic security, peace and stability, says United Nations Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell.
Tonga to prepare as El Niño approaches
TONGANS have been warned to collect and store water as the country braces for significant changes in temperatures, rainfall patterns, drought, and tropical cyclone activity in the next three to six months.
Fiji receives Cook Islands’ new high commissioner
COOK Islands High Commissioner Michael Henry presented his credentials to Fiji President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu - a posting both governments say aims to deepen a growing Pacific partnership.
