Non-government organisations are frustrated with the Cook Islands government seabed mineral consultations that are being held in New Zealand, calling for a 10-year moratorium to allow for independent research and capacity building within the Cook Islands.
The University of the South Pacific Students’ Association (USPSA) from 14 campuses spanning 12 member countries convened in Rarotonga yesterday representing the voice of 14,000 students.
A group representing Maori economic interests is concerned about a poll showing a preference for schoolchildren to learn Chinese.
In a surprise move Labour’s Maori seat MPs have opted to stand as electorate MPs only, and not go on the party list.
Iwi leaders have raised concerns about the risks of using Māori words in legislation without proper context.
TONGA – Tonga can finally say it has an Ombudsman after years of legislative preparation.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA – Officials from the US Department of Homeland Security are set to begin fingerprinting refugees on Manus Island and Nauru in preparation for resettlement in America under the US-Australia refugee deal.
A graduate student spent a night sheltering in Victoria University's library with her partner, amid reports of students couch-surfing, sleeping on floors and living in tents while they struggle to find homes.
A Child, Youth and Family privacy breach is being brandished as proof the government cannot be trusted with people's private information.
Auckland mayor Phil Goff is embarking on a major shake-up of council functions, including water and stormwater, which have been in the spotlight following last week's devastating downpours.
SAMOA – The moment Samoa has been waiting for is only a few days away now.
FRENCH POLYNESIA – The founder of Tahiti-Pacifique magazine Alex du Prel has died on Moorea after an illness at the age of 73.
NEW ZEALAND – New Zealand’s bees are being stolen and traded by organised crime syndicates seeking to profit from skyrocketing honey prices thanks to surging demand in China, police and beekeepers say.
TONGA – A Noble Representative in Tonga’s parliament says closing down the nation’s state broadcaster would be unconstitutional.
Secret diplomatic cables describe a frustrated country filled with testosterone-fuelled working-class men clamouring for a new populist leader.
Councils vulnerable to activist lobbying are pushing for the Ministry of Health to take over decision-making powers on the future of water fluoridation.
VIETNAM – Hanoi’s municipal government has rejected a plan by Vietnam’s culture ministry to erect a “life-size” King Kong statue by an iconic lake in the city.
USA – A Patriot missile priced at about US$3 million was used to shoot down a small quadcopter drone, according to a US general.
AUSTRALIA – Australian authorities have warned about the dangers of using battery-powered devices on flights after a woman’s headphones caught fire.
FRANCE – The right wing French presidential candidate François Fillon has been placed under formal investigation for misuse of public funds.
USA – US President Donald Trump paid $38 million in tax on more than $150 million income in 2005, a leaked partial tax return shows.
NEW ZEALAND – Pipes in New Zealand’s capital are leaking a million litres of water a day as a result of the powerful November 2016 earthquake.