The devastating 7.3-magnitude earthquake that struck Vanuatu on Monday, claiming the lives of at least 14 people and injuring more than 200, has sent shockwaves around the world, with Ni-Vanuatuans residing in Rarotonga praying for the safety of their loved ones at home.
The Niue Community and Friends Inc, Society were overwhelmed to finally host their Groundbreaking ceremony for their Fale Niue Kūki ʻĀirani hostel in Tupapa.
SAMOA – Samoa’s Rugby World Cup hopes face another major hit after World Rugby delayed their upcoming qualifiers.
NEW ZEALAND – The family of a young Tongan father killed in a gang suspected shooting in Mangere on Tuesday fear for their lives as the gunmen remain on the loose.
SAMOA – A top Chinese diplomat says the relationship between China and Samoa has become the model for Beijing’s co-operation with Pacific Island countries.
NEW CALEDONIA – A leading New Caledonian anti-independence politician says the territory is too small to assume all the powers of an independent state.
NEW CALEDONIA – Strategic ties and the “Indo-Pacific axis” were high on the agenda when French President Emmanuel Macron met with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in Sydney this week.
NEW CALEDONIA – Two opinion polls published by media outlets in New Caledonia show that a majority is against independence from France.
NEW ZEALAND – Pacific Island midwives in New Zealand are among hundreds who joined a march in Wellington today to get fair wages and working conditions.
TONGAN MEDIA’S FREEDOM AT ALL TIME LOW
Hawai‘i – The island that is synonymous with suntan lotion has become the first US state to pass a bill banning the sale of any sunscreens that have chemicals known to harm coral reefs.
VANUATU – The Pacific nation of Vanuatu is preparing to permanently evacuate the entire population of one of its islands.
CUSTOMARY LAND REFERENDUM NEEDED
AMERICAN SAMOA – Maori elders have performed a traditional service at a graveside ceremony in American Samoa before the repatriation of the remains of a New Zealand sailor.
AUSTRALIA – French President Emmanuel Macron likely had food on the brain when he thanked Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and his “delicious wife” Lucy for their hospitality.
TONGA – A group of Tongans is preparing a petition which calls for the resignation of Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva.
SOLOMON ISLANDS – A Solomon Islands official has hit back at reports that a proposed Chinese-backed development project could challenge Australia’s strategic dominance in the region.
HEALTHCARE CONTRACTOR LEAVES MANUS
FIJI – An arch critic of the Bainimarama government in Fiji says its reasons for not allowing him to leave if he visits Fiji are highly questionable.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA – Anti-corruption police investigating Papua New Guinea’s National Statistical Office have reportedly been unable to find the acting national statistician.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA – United States security and military investigators have flown to Papua New Guinea to investigate the death of a special forces soldier in diplomatic accommodation.
FIJI – The United Nations is investigating senior staff based in Fiji over allegations of sexual misconduct.