Regional
China wants direct air link with French Polynesia, says Consul
Wednesday 1 November 2023 | Written by RNZ | Published in French Polynesia, Regional
In a rare interview, China’s Consul in French Polynesia, Tian Lixiao has told local media his country was in favour of a direct air link with Tahiti. He also shared his country's views on a wide range of topics directly affecting the Pacific region.
Cook Islands MP-elect Nicholas has her eye on Pacific peoples portfolio
Tuesday 24 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in National, New Zealand, Politics, Regional
The only Pacific MP-elect in New Zealand’s National Party has her eye on the Pacific peoples portfolio.
‘Concerns’ on amount of gun violence in Auckland central
Monday 23 October 2023 | Written by RNZ | Published in New Zealand, Regional
The day a construction site worker gunned down two people in Auckland’s city centre police also responded to a dozen other callouts across the region that resulted in firearms charges.
IAEA team gathers marine samples near Fukushima
Monday 23 October 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Pacific Islands, Regional
A member of the International Atomic Energy Agency team visiting Fukushima for its first marine sampling since the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant started releasing treated radioactive wastewater into the sea said Thursday, he does not expect any rise in radiation levels in the fish caught in the regional seas.
Vanuatu on high alert for early season cyclone Lola
Monday 23 October 2023 | Written by RNZ | Published in Regional, Vanuatu
A tropical cyclone warning was in place for Vanuatu's Torba and Senama, with tropical cyclone Lola a category 2 storm as of Monday morning (yesterday).
New Zealand’s banana ‘shortage based on seasonal demand’
Saturday 21 October 2023 | Written by RNZ | Published in New Zealand, Regional
New Zealanders are bananas for bananas, but the country relies on imports from Mexico, Ecuador and the Philippines for its supply. Some fruit growers hope to change that by sowing the seeds for a homegrown industry.
PNG-China common currency talks
Saturday 21 October 2023 | Written by RNZ | Published in Papua New Guinea, Regional
One of the matters on the table for Papua New Guinea's prime minister James Marape during his visit to Beijing is establishing for both countries to trade in their own currencies.
Indigenous Voice Referendum: ‘Constitutional change in Australia is challenging’
Friday 20 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Australia, Local, National, Regional
Australia has responded with a resounding no to a referendum seeking to change its Constitution and give indigenous people a voice. A Cook Islands voter says the result is deeply saddening.
Hipkins to remain an MP for full three years in ‘whatever role necessary’
Tuesday 17 October 2023 | Written by RNZ | Published in New Zealand, Regional
Chris Hipkins says he will remain an MP for the full three-year term, but whether and how long he remains Labour's leader remains uncertain.
IAEA to conduct marine environment sampling near Fukushima nuclear plant
Thursday 12 October 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Pacific Islands, Regional
Scientists with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), along with observers, will visit Japan next week to take marine samples near the defunct Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station.
Violence against women and girls ‘increasing’ in Papua New Guinea
Thursday 12 October 2023 | Written by RNZ | Published in Pacific Islands, Papua New Guinea, Regional
There was alarm in Papua New Guinea Parliament last week when MPs were told that gender based and sorcery violence was widespread and much higher than reported.
Friends of Fiji look forward to reconnecting with PM after 16 years
Wednesday 11 October 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in 52nd Pacific Islands Forum 2023, Fiji, Local, National
With most Pacific Island communities each organising a meeting with their own leaders during the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in November, the Fijian community is buzzing with excitement to welcome Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
Eligible Cook Islanders invited to vote in Aussie referendum to recognise First Peoples of Australia
Tuesday 10 October 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Australia, Economy, National, Regional
Cook Islanders holding Australian passport are being called on to vote today in a controversial referendum which seeks to recognise the First Peoples of Australia.
Fukushima nuclear waste water issue to be a standing agenda item at next PALM meeting
Wednesday 4 October 2023 | Written by RNZ | Published in Pacific Islands, Regional
As Japan will begin releasing a second batch of wastewater from the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant Thursday, the issue is expected to be a standing agenda item between the Pacific and Japan at the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) to be hosted next by the Asian nation. PACNEWS reports.
‘A big loss for the nation’: Fiji’s public prosecutor dies at 49
Wednesday 4 October 2023 | Written by RNZ | Published in Fiji, Regional
Fiji's attorney general has confirmed the acting director of public prosecutions (DPP) and acting commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) David Toganivalu, 49, has died.
Vanuatu PM loses majority, faces defeat in Friday vote
Wednesday 4 October 2023 | Written by RNZ | Published in Regional, Vanuatu
The opposition group in Vanuatu appears to have secured the support of more MPs than the government.
Direct Fiji flight during Forum meet praised
Wednesday 4 October 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in 52nd Pacific Islands Forum 2023, Fiji, Local, National, Regional
A charter flight between Nadi and Rarotonga, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI), has been praised by Fijians residing in the Cook Islands.
Bougainville unveils multibillion-dollar plan to deliver ‘transformative benefits’
Friday 29 September 2023 | Written by RNZ | Published in Pacific Islands, Regional
Bougainville's President Ishmael Toroama has signed an agreement aiming to deliver $US4.8 billion worth of critical buildings, roads, ports and airports.
United States confirms long-serving diplomat to lead a delegation to Pacific Islands Forum
Wednesday 27 September 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield will lead the United States Delegation at the Pacific Islands Forum in Rarotonga on November 10.
Vanuatu opposition files no-confidence motion against PM Sato Kilman
Tuesday 26 September 2023 | Written by RNZ | Published in Regional, Vanuatu
Vanuatu's opposition has filed a motion to call an extra-ordinary session of parliament Monday next week to debate a motion of no confidence against new Prime Minister Sato Kilman, who was elected for the top job.
