Regional
Samoa considering taxing church ministers
Tuesday 28 March 2017 | Published in Regional
SAMOA – Samoa’s government is eyeing up the millions of tala it will collect from church ministers if they are required to pay taxes.
Oceans conference to be 'game-changer'
Tuesday 28 March 2017 | Published in Regional
FIJI – Fiji says it’s crucial that members of the United Nations reach a consensus at this year’s Ocean Conference, saying it could be a game-changer for the future of the Pacific.
New coach heartened by Fijian effort
Tuesday 28 March 2017 | Published in Regional
FIJI – Fiji coach Christophe Gamel remains proud of his players despite two errors gifting New Zealand a 2-0 victory in the FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Lautoka at the weekend.
Potential Philippines Isis threat
Tuesday 28 March 2017 | Published in Regional
AUSTRALIA – The Islamic State terrorist group could establish a caliphate in the southern Philippines, according to Australia’s Foreign Minister Julie Bishop.
Queensland braces for the worst
Tuesday 28 March 2017 | Published in Regional
AUSTRALIA – Tropical Cyclone Debbie intensified to category four as it hit the north Queensland coast yesterday morning
Sugar mill petition refused
Friday 24 March 2017 | Published in Regional
fiji – The Fiji government has refused to consider a petition from the National Federation Party calling for the Penang Sugar Mill to be repaired. The petition was compiled on behalf of more than 300 cane growers in the districts around Rakiraki.
Actor appeals against domestic violence
Friday 24 March 2017 | Published in Regional
SAMOA – A star of critically acclaimed film One Thousand Ropes has pleaded with the heads of Samoan families to take a lead against domestic violence.
99 on trial for sorcery killings
Friday 24 March 2017 | Published in Regional
PAPUA NEW GUINEA – Ninety-nine men have appeared in court in Papua New Guinea to stand trial for the brutal killing in 2014 of five men and two children they believed were conducting sorcery.
Pasifika celebration marks 25 years
Friday 24 March 2017 | Published in Regional
NEW ZEALAND – Auckland’s Pasifika Festival will celebrate it’s 25th anniversary this weekend with special programming to mark the significant milestone.
Move to block reserve lease
Friday 24 March 2017 | Published in Regional
Residents of the Karikari Peninsula in the Far North are trying to block the lease of a public reserve to a Chinese developer.
Adele concert 'best one ever'r
Friday 24 March 2017 | Published in Regional
The reviews are in and according to her fans, Adele’s show in Auckland on Thursday night (New Zealand time) was the “best concert” ever.
Dairy owners say they've had enough
Friday 24 March 2017 | Published in Regional
Dairy and liquor store owners in Auckland want cigarette companies to pay for security to protect them from attacks.
Police getting prepared for PNG's national elections
Wednesday 22 March 2017 | Published in Regional
PAPUA NEW GUINEA – Papua New Guinea’s police commissioner says provincial and divisional police commanders will have support from the national headquarters in managing potential hot-spots during the elections.
Vanuatu kava growers chase the US dollar
Wednesday 22 March 2017 | Published in Regional
VANUATU – Kava growers in Vanuatu are working hard to produce more noble varieties of kava for a fast growing market in America.
Food queue barriers amount to torture
Wednesday 22 March 2017 | Published in Regional
PAPUA NEW GUINEA – Amnesty International says a barrier installed at Manus Island’s detention centre in Papua New Guinea could be tantamount to torture if it is making it difficult for detainees to access food.
Fiji looks to Singapore
Wednesday 22 March 2017 | Published in Regional
FIJI – The Fiji government is looking to Singapore for ideas on how to better improve its urban planning blueprint.
MP's parole bids rejected
Wednesday 22 March 2017 | Published in Regional
VANUATU – One of 14 former Vanuatu MPs jailed for corruption says his application for parole on medical grounds has been rejected four times.
Temaru has no regrets
Wednesday 22 March 2017 | Published in Regional
FRENCH POLYNESIA – An advisor of French Polynesia’s pro-independence leader Oscar Temaru says he has no regrets about the failed campaign to get him to stand in the French presidential election.
Papua's MSG inclusion talks 'fruitful'
Wednesday 22 March 2017 | Published in Regional
WEST PAPUA – The Melanesian Spearhead Group chairman Manasseh Sogavare says his talks in Papua New Guinea were fruitful, with West Papua membership and labour mobility issues covered.
Officials check out Tonga stadium
Wednesday 22 March 2017 | Published in Regional
TONGA – A delegation from World Rugby is visiting Tonga this week and will assess the state of Teufaiva National Stadium.