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.
Castro: David to America’s Goliath
Islander families bereft after fishing trip tragedy
VANUATU – A man is dead and two homes were set on fire after a fight broke out a wedding on the island of Erakor, a small island in the Efate lagoon off Port Vila, last Friday evening.
NEW ZEALAND – A new film about a New Zealand-born Samoan strongman is aimed at inspiring Pasifika youth to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals.
NEW CALEDONIA – A New Caledonian anti-independence party has called for the French army to be deployed to contain the lawlessness south of Noumea where gunmen have repeatedly attacked road users and blocked the main road.
Bainimarama invites climate change sceptic to Fiji
FIJI – Fiji TV has been asked by Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) chief executive Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum to retract a story which he says wrongly portrays him by saying he called all social media commentators in Fiji “idiots.”
PAPUA NEW GUINEA – The lawyer representing refugees detained on Papua New Guinea’s Manus Island says the government has indicated it will settle his clients’ claims for compensation.
PACIFIC – A US foreign policy scholar says a Trump presidency would bring uncertainty and instability to the broader Pacific region while a Clinton reign would refocus US efforts.
NEW ZEALAND – What does the Trump win mean for New Zealand’s relationship with the US, and how will one of the dirtiest campaigns in recent history influence our own election next year?
AUSTRALIA – A burglar in Australia shot in the backside with a bow and arrow by an angry homeowner has been arrested.
AMERICAN SAMOA – In American Samoa, the incumbent team of Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga and his Lieutenant Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga won yesterday’s general election, according to unofficial results from the Election Office.
TONGA – The New Zealand Prime Minister, John Key, says he hasn’t received any advice about whether holders of illegal Tongan passports are smuggling drugs into New Zealand.
Skateboard programme addresses youth issues
SAMOA – Samoa’s “flash new” international airport has become the subject of excitement for travellers who refuse to depart or arrive without taking that quick snapshot or even a selfie for their social media page, the Samoa Observer reports.
PACIFIC – A spokesperson from the Secretariat for the Pacific Regional Environment Programme says the Paris Agreement represents a great first step in the global commitment to addressing climate change.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA – The acting speaker of Papua New Guinea’s parliament has died of a heart attack on the morning of a scheduled sitting.
AUSTRALIA – The Australian government may have to compromise if it wants its legislation banning refugees who are in offshore detention from ever visiting Australia to pass the Senate.
Syrian one of three who volunteered for transfer
NAURU – Australia’s ambassador for people smuggling, Andrew Goledzinowsk, has never travelled to Nauru in the two years since his appointment, freedom of information documents show.