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.
NEW ZEALAND – Joseph Parker was well supported by leaders of Samoa at the Vector Arena in Auckland on Saturday night when he created history by becoming the first New Zealand-born heavyweight champion, taking the World Boxing Organisation championship – one of four official world heavyweight titles – in a split points decision, 115-113, 115-113 and 114-114.
FIJI – People living in flood prone areas have been warned to prepare for the worst after a low pressure system near Fiji developed into a tropical disturbance.
GUAM – The US Senate has passed a bill which includes war reparations for those who suffered during Japan’s occupation of Guam.
SOLOMON ISLANDS – The Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has warned that seven more arrests related to corruption will be made in the coming days.
PACIFIC – The Pacific Tuna Commission has voted to improve safety for observers who work on fishing vessels in the region.
Disaster preparedness sees no lives lost
- The Civil Aviation Authority is investigating an agricultural aircraft crash, which killed two men near Wairoa and knocked out power to Gisborne. The aircraft, operated by Farmers Air, hit powerlines near Tiniroto, just after 9am yesterday. About 20,000 customers in the area are without power, and it could take two days to repair the damaged lines. Police said they were working to recover the two men's bodies and were in contact with their families. The men have not yet been formally identified. Three accident investigators would fly from Wellington tonight to start combing the crash site, joining the other personnel already at the scene. The Civil Aviation Authority said its initial indications were that the aircraft hit powerlines and then crashed to the ground 2.5km further on. The aircraft was burnt out as a result of the accident. The authority said the wreckage was in inhospitable terrain, 33km northeast of Wairoa. The investigators would have to be lowered from a helicopter to reach the site. Civil Defence said six powerlines had been brought down, in an area that was difficult to access, and repairs were unlikely to start until late tomorrow. Gisborne mayor Meng Foon said the plane crash had caused significant damage to the city's electricity infrastructure. "It's broken... about four major pylons, 800m worth of powerlines." The whole city, and some rural areas, were without power, he said. Civil Defence spokesperson Sheridan Gundry said people should conserve water. "Keep flushing the toilet to a minimum, don't water the garden, and the biggest advice is to prepare and think about how you'll be cooking," she said. "We hope some people may have a gas back-up, but we have lifted the fire ban for those who need to cook in their backyards with a fire if they absolutely have to. "We obviously urge people to do this as safely as possible." She said people should keep their fridges and freezers closed as much as possible. Gisborne Hospital chief executive Jim Green said its back-up generators were running, and had the capacity to do so for five days. "We're phoning around rest homes to see what their arrangements are and the emergency plans they have in place," he said. "We're also contacting general practices to see how they're placed to provide general care for people." Civil Defence said generators were being sent to two petrol stations and some fast food restaurants to allow them to keep operating. - RNZI
NEW ZEALAND - Finance Minister Bill English has been selected as the country's new leader after the ruling National Party voted him to power in a special caucus meeting.
PACIFIC – The United Nations General Assembly has voted today to make May 2 World Tuna Day annually.
Joseph Parker vs Andy Ruiz set to go at Vector
TONGA – Pita Taufatofua, the sculpted taekwondo fighter who caused a sensation when he carried Tonga’s flag at the Rio Olympics earlier this year, has announced plans to go to the 2018 Winter Games as a cross-country skier.
Latest Fiji expulsion ‘reeks of authoritarianism’
FIJI – A group representing some foreign landowners in Fiji says it’ll be mounting a campaign against travel to the country as a protest over land law changes.
FIJI – Churches have failed in their primary role in providing individuals with spiritual counselling and grounding, according to Fiji’s Ministry of iTaukei Affairs training officer Ro Aca Mataitini.
AUSTRALIA – A sick Iranian asylum seeker on Manus Island missed a flight to Port Moresby because of “visa issues”, an inquest into his death in Australia has heard.
New law to make hospital births compulsory
A 22-YEAR-old man drug grower was sentenced to 18 months probation and a fine of $600 at the Cook Islands High Court.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA – A human rights group in Papua New Guinea has congratulated US President-elect Donald Trump on his victory – optimistic that he will correct alleged US atrocities in relation to historic disease research in the Eastern Highlands 60 years ago.
Ministerial changes in Vanuatu pose challenges for organisers
Mobile police unit burns 200 homes in reprisal