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
Politics
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.
Building the middle ground in New Caledonia’s south
WITH days to go before New Caledonia’s provincial elections, it’s hard to judge the support for the 11 competing electoral lists in
PACNEWS TWO, 23 JUNE 2026
In this bulletin: 1. FIJI — Banaban leaders accused of using proposed pinnacle extraction as “quick fix” for Banaban Trust Fund corruption crisis2. PACIFIC — Palau President Whipps pushes Climate
Toroama reaffirms Bougainville’s self-determination
BOUGAINVILLE President Ishmael Toroama has reaffirmed the region’s commitment to its political aspirations, economic development, and peacebuilding efforts, while urging greater recognition of its history and the
Pacific leaders prove education has no expiry date
AGE is no barrier to learning, and the Pacific has long shown that education can be a lifelong pursuit.
PNG’s democracy problem starts with its party law
AS my father would tell me growing up – “Political parties in PNG are like empty bottles with different labels” – a reflection on the absence of doctrine or a foundational belief.
New Caledonia split over freedom fighters’ case
A FRENCH court's decision to drop all charges against pro-independence leader Christian Téin and 13 others has produced mixed reactions across New Caledonia, with the public prosecution now appealing the ruling.
PACNEWS ONE, 10 JUNE 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PNG — Bougainville MP backs sessional order, says PNG Parliament must first agree on process2. B/VILLE — PNG Government strategy aimed at blocking Bougainville Independence: Vice
Tonga’s political crisis deepens, third minister guilty of election bribes
TONGAN Lands Minister, Dr Taniela Fusimalohi, has been found guilty of electoral bribery – the third cabinet member linked to misconduct in the 2025 general election.
Young Fijians speak: Distrust, and a demand for accountability
A RECENT survey of young Fijians between 18 and 35 paints a revealing picture of how the next generation views governance. It
PACNEWS TWO, 04 JUNE 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — Australia, Solomon Islands back Pacific-led security and stronger Forum cooperation2. PACIFIC — Pacific Women leaders push for stronger voice on energy, violence and
Next Generation ideas
IN a political landscape dominated by well-known parties with old faces and entrenched ideas, new politicians often struggle to gain traction.
Survey finds Samoa youth feel shut out of political processes
A RECENT governance survey has laid bare a disconnect between Samoa’s political leadership and its people.
