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.
Politics
Liberation of Fiji Party files registration
THE proposed Liberation of Fiji Party has submitted a fresh application to the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) after earlier failing
Cook Islands ready for election
ONE seat has been confirmed in the Cook Island general election after Agnes Helen Armstrong secured the Ivirua seat unopposed.
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
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
A rude awakening: New Caledonia at political impasse
AFTER a lacklustre electoral campaign for New Caledonia’s provincial assemblies and Congress, the French dependency remains at an impasse over its political future.
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 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.
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 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 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, Friday 10 July 2026
In this bulletin: 1. NEW|CALE — Pro-France Virginie Ruffenach elected New Caledonia Congress president2. PACIFIC — NZ must consider cost of joining Pacific defence alliance3. FIJI — Former coup leader
Ex-coup figure calls for major constitutional reforms
A JOURNALIST who spent 24 years in prison for his role in Fiji's 2000 coup has called for radical constitutional reform, proposing the abolition of the Prime Minister's office and ending the country’s standing army.
PACNEWS TWO, 03 JULY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. SOL — Solomon Islands GREAT coalition to unveil policy blueprint on Monday 2. AUST — Australian Parliament opens inquiry into Australia-Vanuatu Nakamal agreement 3. COOKS — Cook
PACNEWS TWO, 02 JULY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. FIJI — Fiji may go to polls under current Constitution: PM Rabuka2. VAN — Former Vanuatu PM blasts Nakamal agreement3. SOL — Tribunal appointed to investigate Solomon Islands
Loyalist surge in New Caledonia, but Congress remains balanced
IN a poll marked by low voter turnout, New Caledonia’s provincial elections have seen a significant increase of vote
NeXTGEN ALLIANCE PARTY Registered – Fiji Now Has Nine Political Parties
The Registrar of Political Parties (Registrar), Ms Ana Mataiciwa, has approved the registration of the NeXTGEN ALLIANCE PARTY
Fiji registers ninth political party
FIJI'S political landscape has expanded with the registration of the NeXTGEN ALLIANCE PARTY (NGAP), bringing the total number of registered political parties in the country to nine.
PACNEWS ONE, 25 JUNE 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC— Forum Economic Ministers back regional action on Energy crisis and Economic inclusion2. PACIFIC — Negotiators fail to find agreement in numerous areas at Bonn climate talks3.
