Regional
Storms brewing: Pacific outlook for 2020
Monday 20 January 2020 | Published in Small World
As a new decade dawns much of the Pacific is grappling with major upheavals from climate and health crises to political disruption and self-determination struggles. In a two part series, RNZ Pacific’s Jamie Tahana and Johnny Blades look at the state of play across the region’s countries and territories and what’s on the cards for 2020. This is the first part.
Leave the Marmite at home, aviation security warns
Monday 20 January 2020 | Published in Small World
A mountain of butter and Marmite are among some contraband items detected by airport security. By Ruth Hill/ RNZ
Pacific gives support in Australia climate crisis
Wednesday 8 January 2020 | Published in Regional
Pacific Islands Forum leaders, who argued with Australia’s prime minister at the Forum summit last year, have now extended the hand of friendship in that country’s time of need.
Two more children dead from measles
Wednesday 18 December 2019 | Published in Regional
SAMOA – Two more children have died in Samoa’s measles epidemic, bringing the toll to 75.
'Emptiness in my heart'
Wednesday 18 December 2019 | Published in Regional
Samoan woman tells of losing her husband and then a five-year-old child to measles.
First day without a death
Wednesday 11 December 2019 | Published in Regional
Officials hopeful new infections in Samoa’s measles epidemic may have peaked. The death toll from Samoa’s measles outbreak remains at 70 after no new fatalities were recorded over the last 24 hours, the ministry of health says.
'Calm, resourceful' Cook Islands fishing veteran rescued tourists from White Island
Wednesday 11 December 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Regional
When Paul Kingi was fishing off uninhabited Manuae for five days, his friends recall his calm leadership. And this week, as skipper on the White Islands Tours boat, his actions have been hailed as nothing short of heroic.
Epidemic was 'preventable'
Friday 6 December 2019 | Published in Regional
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
Thursday 5 December 2019 | Published in Regional
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
Thursday 5 December 2019 | Published in Regional
Samoa in lockdown with private vehicles banned from the streets.
Where does blame lie?
Wednesday 4 December 2019 | Published in Regional
Samoans question how a controllable virus has devastated the nation.
Samoans surged not to defy curfew
Tuesday 3 December 2019 | Published in Regional
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
Tuesday 3 December 2019 | Published in Regional
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.
Tonga close to hitting target
Saturday 30 November 2019 | Published in Tonga
TONGA – Health authorities in Tonga say they are close to having achieved their measles vaccination targets and are hopeful the rate of new cases will decrease soon.
Death toll rises to 42
Saturday 30 November 2019 | Published in Regional
Samoa’s top health official says the measles epidemic is yet to peak
Red Cross workers under pressure
Thursday 28 November 2019 | Published in Regional
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
Thursday 28 November 2019 | Published in Regional
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
Thursday 28 November 2019 | Published in Regional
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
Tuesday 26 February 2019 | Published in Regional
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
Tuesday 26 February 2019 | Published in Regional
Funding for infrastructure bank worries aid groups