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
Politics
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.
PACNEWS THREE, 29 MAY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — ‘Budget for the greedy, not the needy’: Pacific leaders clash over who wins in Budget 20262. PACIFIC — Fuel crisis on agenda as Vaovasamanaia visits Samoa3. FIJI
PACNEWS THREE, 28 MAY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — Pacific leaders warn the Government’s ‘cold Budget’ risks putting numbers before people2. PACIFIC — Solomons leader to visit Australia in first official
It’s election campaign season in Fiji
FIJI has announced that the general election campaign period started yesterday.
Change is coming – Wale’s promises to Solomon Islands
SOLOMON Islands' new Prime Minister, Matthew Cooper Wale, has promised the country that "change is
Niue makes historic shift towards greater female leadership
NIUE has elected seven women to its 20-member legislative assembly in a dramatic and historic shift in leadership
Briefs
THE Port Administration of American Samoa (PAAS) has partnered with Bluesky Communications to launch free
Whispers
WHICH Pacific head of state was apparently more than a little cheesed off over the size of the aircraft
Solomons MPs to decide Manele’s future
THE Solomon Islands parliament must meet by Thursday to debate a vote of no confidence against Prime Minister Jeremiah
Scrum time in Hapi Isles
THE Solomon Islands has been gripped by a protracted leadership crisis since March 2026. Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has
Movers and Shakers
CHIEF Secretary Kearnneth Nanei has been appointed Chairman of Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL), succeeding Sir Melchior Togolo.
Solomons MPs in buy-out claim
SOLOMON Islands Members of Parliament claim they have been offered money to join Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele’s minority
