Editor's Picks
Thriving in a man’s world
16 January 2021
‘Our reliance on New Zealand’
16 January 2021
Prospects for seabed exploration move forward in Cooks
16 January 2021
A ‘Whopper’ of an opportunity
16 January 2021
Pacific
Epidemic was 'preventable'
Immunisation expert says Samoa’s measles tragedy should not have happened Samoa’s measles epidemic is ‘tragic’ because it was ‘completely preventable’, according to an expert on global immunisation.
Japanese diplomat clears air on 'curing' water
SAMOA – Samoa’s ambassador designate of Japan, Genichi Terasawa, is eager to dispel any rumours touting the efficacy of a Japanese brand of filtrated water for treating measles.
Health workers go door to door
Samoa in lockdown with private vehicles banned from the streets.
Where does blame lie?
Samoans question how a controllable virus has devastated the nation.
Samoans surged not to defy curfew
SAMOA – Police in Samoa are warning people not to defy curfew orders under a state of emergency for the country’s measles outbreak.
Samoa in shutdown
Prime minister closes government offices in effort to fight measles Samoa’s government is to shut down on Thursday and Friday this week so all public sector workers can help with the country’s mass measles vaccination campaign.
Death toll rises to 42
Samoa’s top health official says the measles epidemic is yet to peak
Red Cross workers under pressure
SAMOA – Samoa’s measles epidemic and national efforts to immunise have put Red Cross workers under huge pressure as the death toll continues to rise.
Children under four most at risk
SAMOA – Children in Samoa between six months to four years of age remain the most vulnerable as Samoa’s measles emergency deepens.
High anxiety' in Samoa
Another child dies as Kiwi medic says situation is ‘incredibly serious’ There has been another measles death in Samoa bringing the total to 33. Sixteen of those to die were aged between one and four years, seven were between six and 11 months– and six were under six months old.
Forum to urged to recognise Taiwan
PACIFIC – The leaders of five Micronesian states have called on the Pacific Islands Forum to recognise Taiwan and China as equals at its meetings.
Pacific plan may drain aid budget
Funding for infrastructure bank worries aid groups
Fiji PM sends warning to developers
FIJI – Fiji’s Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama has issued a warning to foreign developers who plan to do business in the country.
Call to dissolve parliament
TONGA – Three petitions with over 10,000 signatures calling for the King of Tonga to dissolve parliament and launch an investigation into the government have been presented to the palace in Nuku’alofa.
Nauru restricts medical transfers
NAURU – Nauru’s government has rushed through new laws to prevent residents being granted medical transfers based on online recommendations.
Malolo a lesson for landowners
FIJI – A Fiji opposition MP says events on the island of Malolo should be a warning to all landowners in the country.
Islanders are ready to work
SOLOMON ISLANDS – More than 1000 Solomon Islanders are competing for 200 places in a “work ready pool” which could land them jobs in Australia.
284 Apec vehicles still missing
PAPUA NEW GUINA – Papua New Guinea police are still seeking the return of nearly 300 imported cars loaned to officials for driving world leaders around its capital during last year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting.
Tongan players keen to come home
TONGA – Some Tongan rugby players would return from Europe “in a heartbeat” to play for a Pacific Super Rugby team, Tonga head coach Toutai Kefu says.
PNG to ban Facebook for a month
PAPUA NEW GUINEA – The Papua New Guinean government is to ban Facebook for a month in a bid to crack down on “fake users” and study the effects the website is having on the nation’s population.