August 2008

ADB cushions region's impact on the poor

Updated 29/08/2008 10:40:27

RAThe Asian Development Bank is to help Pacific Islands countries find ways to cushion the impact on the poor of soaring prices.

Vanuatu steps up security ahead of electionsAudio

Updated 28/08/2008 16:13:19

Vanuatu's Electoral Office is not taking any chances with security for next Tuesday's general elections in the country.

50 Humpback whales identified in NiueAudioTranscript

Updated 28/08/2008 16:24:38

A 10-day pilot survey of humpback whale migrations through the waters of Niue has identified almost 50 whales.

Solomon Islands conversationist badly beatenAudio

Updated 28/08/2008 16:27:17

In Solomon Islands, a prominent conservationist and Honiara city councillor claims to have been badly beaten because of his public stand against logging.

PNG police protect Ramu nickel mine after clashAudio

Updated 28/08/2008 16:29:41

In Papua New Guinea, police reinforcements have been sent to protect the Chinese-backed Ramu Nickel Mine in Madang Province.

PNG obmudsman ready to start investigationsAudio

Updated 28/08/2008 16:32:12

A man known as an anti-corruption campaigner has been appointed as Papua New Guinea's Ombudsman.

$A200-million for Pacific infrastructure projectsAudio

Updated 28/08/2008 16:36:10

The Pacific is to get up to 200-million Australian dollars for infrastructure projects over the next four years.

Investigation into donations to NZ Foreign Minister's partyAudio

Updated 28/08/2008 16:49:45

The Serious Fraud Office in New Zealand has announced it will investigate a 100-thousand dollar donation to the party of Foreign Minister Winston Peters.

WW2 airman found on PNG's Kokoda TrackAudio

Updated 28/08/2008 16:54:09

A group of trekkers might have found the remains of a World War Two airman hanging from the jungle canopy just metres above the historic Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea.

Fiji accuses Forum countries of ganging-upAudio

Updated 28/08/2008 16:54:19

Fiji's most senior representative to Australia has accused Forum countries of ganging-up on his country at the recent summit in Niue.

Nauru trying to attract a commercial bank operatorAudioTranscript

Updated 27/08/2008 15:53:15

Nauru is probably the only country in the world without a bank.

Academic says Fiji's suspension could impact on MSG RelationsAudioTranscript

Updated 27/08/2008 15:54:25

A leading Papua New Guinea political scientist says Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare's hardline stand on restoring democratic rule in Fiji could create tensions between the two countries.

Pacific farewells former Forum head Greg IrwinAudio

Updated 27/08/2008 15:58:13

The Pacific has farewelled one of its adopted sons, the former Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Greg Urwin.

Pacific athletes return home from Beijing

Updated 27/08/2008 16:03:16

With the Olympics over, teams from Pacific island countries are returning home - without any medals, but having competed alongside the best athletes in the world.

PNG job placement group denies running bogus schemeAudioTranscript

Updated 27/08/2008 16:30:54

An Australian company is denying taking money from job seekers in Papua New Guinea who want to work in Australia under the newly announced Pacific guest worker scheme.

Oxygen supplies to PNG hospitals reduce infant mortality rateAudio

Updated 27/08/2008 16:30:54

In Papua New Guinea a new study has found that child mortality rates from pneumonia can be cut by 35 percent if oxygen supplies to hospitals can be improved.

36 suspected cases of Dengue fever in the Cook IslandsAudio

Updated 27/08/2008 16:37:56

The Cook Islands Ministry of Health has tested 36 people for dengue fever.

Samoan PM says Fiji can avoid suspensionAudioTranscript

Updated 26/08/2008 15:46:37

RASamoa's Prime Minister is adamant the decision by the Pacific Islands Forum in Niue to suspend Fiji if it fails to hold elections in March is unanimous.

New program to expand banking services in the PacificAudio

Updated 26/08/2008 15:56:55

It's estimated that six-and-a-half million Pacific Islanders have no access to banking or finance services.

PNG says no flaws in gas project agreementAudio

Updated 26/08/2008 15:54:27

The Papua New Guinea government has rejected claims that a liquefied natural gas project agreement signed with Australian oil and gas developers is legally flawed.

Solomons launches project to grow own riceAudio

Updated 26/08/2008 16:01:02

The Solomon Islands government has embarked on a project aimed at producing local rice crops with the long term goal of replacing imported rice.

Tongan airline collapses stranding passengersAudioTranscript

Updated 26/08/2008 16:02:58

A domestic airline in Tonga has suspended operations indefinitely after its parent company in Fiji had to ground its planes at the weekend.

Leading academic says law has failed FijiAudio

Updated 26/08/2008 16:07:55

RAA leading acadamic on Fiji politics says it's not democracy that has failed the country, it's the rule of law.

Consultations start on Fiji's draft people charterAudio

Updated 26/08/2008 16:14:14

In Fiji, consultations are underway about a document the island's interim regime is promoting as the people's charter.

Commission to investigate human rights actrocities in Solomons

Updated 26/08/2008 16:28:33

The Solomon Islands government has put forward a bill aimed at setting up a truth and reconciliation commission.

Concern over Australian involement in shark fin industryAudio

Updated 25/08/2008 16:15:28

Conservationists say they have major concerns about Australia's contribution to the shark fin industry.

Solomon Islands attracting investment from PNGAudio

Updated 25/08/2008 16:15:28

Solomon Islands is tapping into the economic boom in neighbouring Papua New Guinea.

Pacific political party officially launched in NZAudio

Updated 25/08/2008 16:18:52

A New Zealand MP who has set up a Pacific political party, denies he is taking revenge on the ruling Labour Party.

PNG PM raises the possibility of sanctions against FijiAudio

Updated 25/08/2008 16:20:26

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister, Sir Michael Somare, has raised the possibility of regional sanctions against Fiji, if there's no progress in convincing the country's military leader to return to democratic rule in 2009.

Warning over bogus agents ripping off seasonal workersAudio

Updated 25/08/2008 16:24:21

The Australian government has warned that people should not be fooled by bogus immigration agents extracting large fees from those hoping to be part of Australia's guest workers scheme.

Economic Ministers act to improve region's financial servicesAudioTranscript

Updated 25/08/2008 16:30:43

Pacific Island Finance Ministers and Reserve Bank Governors are meeting in Sydney to find ways to give their people better access to sophisticated new finance products.

Northern Marianas schools asked to delay classes due to power crisisAudio

Updated 25/08/2008 16:32:08

School authorities on the Northern Marianas Island of Saipan have been asked to delay the start of term, because of an ongoing power crisis.

Solomon Islands to open new diplomatic mission in FijiAudio

Updated 25/08/2008 16:33:46

The Solomon Islands government says the establishment of its new diplomatic mission in Fiji is long overdue.

Pacific Forum firm in threat to suspend FijiAudio

Updated 25/08/2008 16:35:58

Members of the Pacific Islands Forum remain firm in their resolve to suspend Fiji unless it keeps its promise to hold elections in March next year.

PNG volcano emissions threaten respiratory healthAudio

Updated 22/08/2008 09:17:27

The people of Rabaul Town in Papua New Guinea have been continually exposed to sulphur dioxide fumes and volcanic ash fall, posing a health risk to those with respiratory problems.

Samoa's cabinet to consider abortion law reformAudio

Updated 22/08/2008 09:17:26

The Samoan Family Health Association has welcomed a draft policy that will make it easier for women to obtain an abortion.

Fiji given last warning over return to democracyAudioTranscript

Updated 22/08/2008 09:35:11

Fiji is facing suspension from the Pacific Islands forum if it does not move towards holding promised elections early next year.

Controversial Niue doctor stands by HIV/Aids commentsAudio

Updated 22/08/2008 16:32:18

Niue's director of health says his recent controversial comments about quarantining people with HIV/Aids might cost him his job.

Fiji reacts to final Forum statementAudio

Updated 22/08/2008 16:32:18

The Fiji Government says it's adopting a 'wait and see response' to the Pacific Forum's statement that it will consider suspending the country, if there's no return to democratic rule by March.

Forum communique issues ultimatum to FijiAudio

Updated 22/08/2008 16:32:18

The Pacific Islands Forum has wrapped up in Niue with its usual comprehensive communique covering a host of issues from climate change to a unanimous vote for a push to have rugby included in the Olympics.

Beijing experience over for Pacific athletesAudio

Updated 22/08/2008 16:32:18

For Pacific athletes competing in the Beijing Olympics, their races have been run.

Scientists launch new investigation in Pacific plastic patchAudio

Updated 21/08/2008 14:30:28

Scientists fear a giant floating plastic patch in the Pacific Ocean may be much bigger than previously thought.

Pacific education results need to improveAudioTranscript

Updated 21/08/2008 14:30:28

The educational achievement of Pacific Island schoolchildren in New Zealand is to be carefully measured to see if they are catching up with European students.

Condemnation continues over Fiji's Niue no-showAudioTranscript

Updated 21/08/2008 14:30:28

There's been no let up in the condemnation of Fiji following the decision by the country's military ruler to boycott the summit of the 16-nation Pacific Islands Forum.

Solomons farewells central bank chief Rick HouAudioTranscript

Updated 21/08/2008 16:19:56

The Solomon Islands has farewelled its central bank governor Rick Hou who leaves for a job with the World Bank in Washington on Monday.

Aids Foundation shocked by Pacific "leper colony" commentsAudioTranscript

Updated 21/08/2008 16:19:56

A call for people with HIV/Aids to be locked up in leper-style colonies has been strongly criticised by Aids activists.

Australia, New Zealand options limited over Fiji, says analystAudio

Updated 21/08/2008 16:19:57

While Australia and New Zealand have been the drivers of tougher action against Fiji's interim government, both countries are aware their room for manoeuvre is limited.

Ousted Fiji leader welcomes Forum suspension warningAudioTranscript

Updated 21/08/2008 16:19:57

Fiji's ousted prime minister, Laisenia Qarase, who wrote to the Forum asking for intervention in returning Fiji to democratic rule is pleased with the statement issued by the leaders in Niue, saying he hopes Fiji's military leader will now have a change of heart on the early restoration of democracy.

Forum countries ramp up pressure on FijiAudioTranscript

Updated 21/08/2008 16:19:57

The leaders at the Pacific Islands Forum have warned Fiji's post-coup government that it faces suspension from the forum if it doesn't honour its promise to hold fair and free elections.

WHO issues Fiji dengue warningAudio

Updated 20/08/2008 13:55:44

There are fears about the spread of dengue fever in the Pacific, with several countries experiencing higher numbers of outbreaks.

Vanuatu election primer launchedAudio

Updated 20/08/2008 13:55:44

In the run up to next month's national election in Vanuatu, a new political handbook has been launched in Port Vila detailing the parties and their platforms.

Forum leaders arrive in Niue for summitAudio

Updated 20/08/2008 13:55:44

Regional leaders are gathering in Niue for this year's Pacific Islands Forum.

Vanuatu police attempt mutinyAudio

Updated 20/08/2008 16:08:06

Vanuatu police say that a number of senior officers have been involved in a plot to oust the force's top two commanders.

PNG gives cautious welcome to seasonal workers schemeAudioTranscript

Updated 20/08/2008 16:08:06

Fiji may dominate the forum discussions, but one other issue that sure to come up in the talks is Australia's pilot scheme to import seasonal workers
from a number of Pacific countries.

Fiji defends forum boycottAudioTranscript

Updated 20/08/2008 16:08:06

Fiji's military government is continuing to defend its decision not to show up in Niue for the Pacific Islands Forum.

Pacific Forum opens under Fiji boycott cloudAudioTranscript

Updated 20/08/2008 16:08:06

The Pacific Island Forum Summit in Niue is sure to be dominated by discussions of the boycott by Fiji's military leader Frank Bainimarama.

Fiji police seize big highlands marijuana cropAudio

Updated 20/08/2008 16:08:06

Fiji police have seized around seven thousand marijuana plants, in what's believed to be the biggest drug hauls of its type in the country's history.

Indonesian military linked to US teachers' deathsAudioTranscript

Updated 19/08/2008 16:48:33

rtbA new report accuses the Indonesian military of being behind the murder of two US schoolteachers and an Indonesian colleague in Papua in 2002.

Solomons prepares for post-logging futureAudioTranscript

Updated 19/08/2008 16:48:33

Solomon Islands Forests Minister, Sir Alan Kemakeza, has been defending his country's logging industry policy, saying the government is responding to the serious economic and climate change issues it poses.

Pacific AIDS fight needs new directionAudioTranscript

Updated 19/08/2008 16:48:33

When a humanitarian organisation comes knocking on the door of government, it is fairly safe to presume that there will be a request for more money.

New media group critical of FijiAudioTranscript

Updated 19/08/2008 16:48:33

A new online network of journalists and media professionals from around the region is calling on Pacific governments and people to stop what it calls the 'deafening silence' about intimidation and harassment of the media and civil society in Fiji.

Fiji boycott talk of NiueAudio

Updated 19/08/2008 16:48:33

Niue, the host nation for this week's Pacific Islands Forum, is still buzzing with the news that Fiji's delegation has decided to boycott the meeting.

Solomons government seeks further budget fundingAudio

Updated 19/08/2008 16:48:33

Four months after the Solomon Islands parliament passed a historic one billion Solomon dollars budget, the government is back seeking a further 201 million dollars to fund its operations until the end of the year.

Fiji police seize big marijuana cropAudio

Updated 18/08/2008 16:30:53

Police in Fiji have praised local communities in the rugged highlands of the main island of Viti Levu for their support in recent anti-drug raids in the region.

Oxfam Australia calls for new approach to PacificAudioTranscript

Updated 18/08/2008 16:30:53

Ahead of the Niue summit of Pacific Islands, many non-government groups have been putting forward what they want to see emerge from the leaders' meetings.

Tuvalu upset over exclusion from trial guest worker schemeAudioTranscript

Updated 18/08/2008 16:30:53

Tuvalu has expressed shock at Australia's decision to omit it from the Pacific seasonal workers pilot scheme.

Mixed reaction to Pacific guest worker schemeAudio

Updated 18/08/2008 16:30:53

Australia has announced a three-year Pacific Islander guestworker scheme which will start later this year.

Forum delegates to get health care packageAudio

Updated 18/08/2008 16:30:54

Fiji may be boycotting the Pacific Islands Forum, but preparations for the Niue summit are still in full swing.

Commonwealth urges Fiji to recommit to election timetableAudioTranscript

Updated 18/08/2008 16:30:54

The prospects of Fiji's return to democratic rule, have been exercising a wider, Commonwealth audience and the international grouping's new secretary general Kamalesh Sharma will be in Niue for this week's forum.

Fiji boycotts Niue summitAudioTranscript

Updated 18/08/2008 16:30:54

Interim prime minister Frank Bainimarama has ended days of speculation with the announcement that Fiji's delegation will not be attending the Pacific Island Forum in Niue.

Solomons Opposition attacks gun compensation schemeAudio

Updated 18/08/2008 16:30:53

A plan by the Solomon Islands government to compensate gun owners has come under fire from the Opposition MPs.

Pacific churches want say in Australian free trade negotiationsAudio

Updated 15/08/2008 16:08:51

The Pacific Conference of Churches says any free trade agreement with Australia and New Zealand should NOT exacerbate the growing discrepancy between rich and poor in the region.

Call to empower Pacific youth on climate change issuesAudio

Updated 15/08/2008 16:08:52

The Secretariat of the Pacific Community wants regional governments and organisations to engage young people in dealing with climate change issues.

Pacific dance crew take out world hip hop titleAudio

Updated 15/08/2008 16:08:52

A small group of Pacific Island hip hop dancers received a hero's welcome at Auckland Airport this week after winning the world Hip Hop dance competion in Las Vegas.

Solomons upgrades maritime surveillance capacityAudio

Updated 15/08/2008 16:08:52

Solomon Islands has received a major boost in its capacity to crack down on illegal activity in its waters.

PNG inmates call off hunger strikeAudio

Updated 15/08/2008 16:08:52

Papua New Guinea prison authorities say a hunger strike by 180 remandees has been abandoned after the inmates were given an assurance their cases would be looked at.

Former PNG PM warns of looming dictatorshipAudio

Updated 15/08/2008 16:08:52

A former Papua New Guinea Prime Minister has called for the scrapping of legislation governing the conduct of political parties and candidates, saying it's a dangerous law that opens the way for an elected dictatorship.

Northern Marianas faces total power failureAudio

Updated 15/08/2008 16:08:52

RAThe Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas is facing total power outages if the territory's remaining generators fail.

Fiji threatens to boycott Pacific Forum summitAudioTranscript

Updated 15/08/2008 16:08:52

Fiji's interim government is threatening to pull out of next week's Forum Leader's meeting in Niue.

NZ police hunt teenage boy's killerAudioTranscript

Updated 15/08/2008 16:08:51

Police in New Zealand are still trying to find two men who fatally attacked a 14 year old boy during a birthday party earlier this week.

Police deny arrest warrant issued for Solomons PMAudioTranscript

Updated 14/08/2008 16:34:19

Police in Solomon Islands have denied local media reports a warrant has been issued for the arrest of Prime Minister, Derek Sikua.

Obama party raises 1.3 million dollars in HawaiiAudio

Updated 14/08/2008 16:34:19

The presumptive Democrat US presidential candidate, Barack Obama, has attended a fund raiser in the state of his birth, Hawaii.

US honours Fijians killed in IraqAudio

Updated 14/08/2008 16:34:19

The dangers of Fiji citizens working in Iraq as private security guards has again been highlighted by a solemn ceremony at the American embassy in Suva.

NGO summit endorses new strategy for working with Pacific govtsAudio

Updated 14/08/2008 16:34:19

Pacific Island Non-government Organisations have decided on a new, more sophisticated strategy for engaging with regional leaders and institutions.

PNG hospitals struggling with the unclaimed deadAudioTranscript

Updated 14/08/2008 16:34:19

Papua New Guinea's public hospitals face many resource battles, but perhaps none grimmer than the spectre of mortuaries overflowing with unclaimed corpses.

Detained Fiji businessman criticises police over questioningAudio

Updated 14/08/2008 16:34:18

A Fiji businessman has described the recent detention of both himself and a Fiji Times reporter as an attempt to harass and suppress his views.

Regional intervention in PNG gets academic thumbs downAudio

Updated 13/08/2008 16:18:50

One of the Papua New Guinea's leading political scientists has criticised recent calls for the introduction a RAMSI-style intervention to help tackle the nation's law and order problems.

Fiji tuna industry needs more than fuel price cutsAudio

Updated 13/08/2008 16:18:50

The failure of the Fiji cabinet to cut taxes imposed on its local fishing industry has angered the Tuna Boat Owners Association, who say their industry is being driven to the wall.

Bougainville questions Australian adviser roleAudioTranscript

Updated 13/08/2008 16:18:50

Papua New Guinea's Autonomous Bougainville government is protesting against Australian plans to post political and economic advisers to the regional administration.

Record number of candidates vie Vanuatu general electionAudio

Updated 13/08/2008 16:18:50

Candidate applications for Vanuatu's general election have closed with a record number of people vying for the September the second polls.

PINA condemns detention of Fiji journalistAudioTranscript

Updated 13/08/2008 16:18:50

The umbrella organisation of journalists in the Pacific is writing to the Pacific Islands Forum to complain about the treatment of reporters in Fiji.

Marianas lieutenant governor faces corruption chargesAudio

Updated 13/08/2008 16:18:50

The second highest elected official in the Northern Marianas has been charged with corruption, and if convicted faces up to 10 years jail.

Faith groups in Pacific climate change appealAudioTranscript

Updated 13/08/2008 16:18:50

Religious leaders from various faith groups and organisations have challenged the Australian government to take decisive and immediate action on climate change to aid the Pacific's small island nations and low-lying areas.

First Australian Pacific Forum Secretary General diesAudio

Updated 12/08/2008 13:00:06

The first Australian Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum has died.

Fiji police detain journalist over contentious articleAudio

Updated 12/08/2008 13:00:06

Police in Fiji detained a journalist from the Fiji Times for questioning over the weekend.

PNG authorities issue counterfeit condom warningAudioTranscript

Updated 12/08/2008 13:00:06

Authorities in Papua New Guinea have warned of counterfeit condoms being imported from China, which could derail the country's efforts to prevent the spread of HIV/Aids.

Right-to-left driving switch upsets SamoansAudioTranscript

Updated 12/08/2008 17:02:21

More than a century of motoring history is being overturned in the Pacific Island nation of Samoa.

Plastic surgeons head to SamoaAudio

Updated 12/08/2008 17:02:21

The image of plastic surgeons in developed countries can often be seen as an indulgence -- being paid for by people who just want to look that little better.

Solomons reviewing outdated laws.Audio

Updated 12/08/2008 17:02:21

The chairman of the Solomon Islands Law Reform Commission says the country's criminal laws are out of date and have to be reviewed.

Australia's migrant workers plan creates odd bedfellowsAudioTranscript

Updated 12/08/2008 17:02:21

The question of guest workers from Pacific nations coming to Australia is throwing up some unusual alliances.

Pacific NGO peak body gets new lease of lifeAudio

Updated 12/08/2008 17:02:21

The Pacific Islands Association of Non-government Organisations has been given a new lease of life with a new Board and promises of stable funding over three years from AusAID and NZAid.

Papuan refugees deny claims they want to returnAudioTranscript

Updated 12/08/2008 17:02:21

Refugees from Indonesian Papua now in Australia are denying claims by Jakarta that some of them want to return home.

Fiji police investigate race allegationsAudio

Updated 12/08/2008 17:02:22

Fiji's interim government and the head of the council drafting Fiji's new People's Charter, John Samy, have been unhappy with some of the criticism of the document.

Fiji's draft People's Charter defendedAudioTranscript

Updated 12/08/2008 17:02:22

The head of the Council which is drafting Fiji's new People's Charter, John Samy, has called for a balanced debate on some of its draft recommendations.

Updated 12/08/2008

Partnerships the future for Australian aid, but conditions unclearAudio

Updated 11/08/2008 10:10:52

By the end of next week the member nations of the Pacific Islands' Forum, will know if Australia will go ahead with a trial unskilled seasonal worker's scheme.

Carbon trading alone won't solve warmingAudio

Updated 11/08/2008 10:10:52

A visiting American expert on climate change agrees carbon trading is an innovative way of reducing carbon emissions.

Glue sniffing on the rise in FijiAudioTranscript

Updated 11/08/2008 10:10:52

Fiji is looking at adopting legislation from Australia to address problems with children glue sniffing.

Australia shifts military towards relief workAudio

Updated 11/08/2008 10:10:53

Regional natural disasters and man-made crises have seen increased co-operation between the different military and non-government organisations of the Asia Pacific.

Mixed reaction to common name for people of FijiAudio

Updated 08/08/2008 13:42:35

There's been a mixed reaction to the recommendation by the National Council for Building a Better Fiji to have a common name for the people of Fiji.

Solomons delegation in PNG to discuss politicial systemsAudio

Updated 08/08/2008 13:42:35

A Solomon Islands government delegation is in Papua New Guinea studying laws governing the country's political party system and candidates.

UNAIDS role in combatting HIVAIDS in the regionAudio

Updated 08/08/2008 13:45:34

The United Nations AIDS 2008 report has warned that although there have been substantial increases in HIV prevention efforts producing results, they're not enough to turn back the epidemic.

Partnerships the future for Australian aid, but conditions unclearAudioTranscript

Updated 08/08/2008 13:47:22

With around 10 days to go before the Forum Leaders meeting in Niue, Australia's government has started talking seriously about its proposed Pacific Partnership Agreements.

Ousted Fiji Prime Minister under surveillanceAudio

Updated 08/08/2008 13:49:52

Fiji's military led government has admitted to holding ousted prime minister Laisenia Qarase under close surveillance.

Pacific athletes waiting for opening of Olympic GamesAudio

Updated 08/08/2008 14:23:41

Pacific Island athletes eagerly await the Beijing Games opening ceremony, and their chance to finally walk inside China's National Stadium, the Bird's Nest.

Confidence motion in Solomons Parliament defeatedAudio

Updated 08/08/2008 16:46:13

RAAn Opposition motion of no confidence in Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Derek Sikua, has been defeated on the floor of parliament in Honiara.

Bill to promote economic growth in SolomonsAudio

Updated 07/08/2008 15:57:48

Solomon Islands Parliament is discussing a bill aimed at fuelling economic development by improving access to capital for small businesses and individuals.

Saipan residents to wait till September before power blackouts endAudio

Updated 07/08/2008 16:00:56

It's expected to be at least next month before power supplies are back to normal for Saipan residents who've been having power cuts for years.

Tuvalu exhibition in Melbourne tells climate change storyAudio

Updated 07/08/2008 16:03:28

An exhibition called "Waters of Tuvalu - A nation at Risk" has opened in Melbourne.

Drugs washing ashore on northern Pacific IslandsAudioTranscript

Updated 07/08/2008 16:06:13

Bales of illegal drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamines are washing ashore on islands in the North Pacific.

Chinese officials halt interview with Guam governorAudioTranscript

Updated 07/08/2008 16:08:03

Chinese foreign ministry officials in Beijing have prevented an Australian journalist from interviewing the Governor of Guam.

Samoa asked to surrender jurisdiction in accident caseAudio

Updated 07/08/2008 16:29:10

The Solomon Islands government has asked Samoa to surrender jurisdiction over the case of a Samoan police officer allegedly involved in a fatal road accident in Honiara.

Australian Opposition against seasonal workers schemeAudio

Updated 07/08/2008 16:38:48

When Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd heads to the Pacific Forum later this month in Niue it is widely anticipated he will announce a pilot seasonal workers scheme.

British Duke makes historic address to Solomons paliamentAudio

Updated 06/08/2008 15:57:20

The Duke of Gloucester called on Solomon Islanders to embrace democracy as he wrapped up his tour of Solomon Islands.

Solomons PM confident of defeating No-confidence motionAudio

Updated 06/08/2008 15:58:43

The Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Derek Sikua says he's confident of defeating Friday's motion of no-confidence.

PNG magistrate denies lashing sentenceAudio

Updated 06/08/2008 16:00:24

A Papua New Guinea magistrate has denied sentencing a man for abusing his wife to 20 lashes of the cane.

Three candidates named for top Forum jobAudio

Updated 06/08/2008 16:03:34

Three candidates have been named for the secretary-general of the South Pacific Forum.

Fiji addressing glue sniffing problemsAudio

Updated 06/08/2008 16:05:26

Fiji is looking at adopting legislation from Australia to address problems with children glue sniffing.

PNG trade unions criticise threat by banks to closeAudio

Updated 06/08/2008 16:10:43

Papua New Guinea trade unionists are angry over threats by two leading banks to close operations because of growing fears over bank robberies.

Fiji interim government releases draft peoples charterAudio

Updated 06/08/2008 16:14:19

A summary of the final draft of Fiji's People's Charter for Change has been released by the interim government.

Parts of the Honiara riots inquiry report may not be releasedAudio

Updated 06/08/2008 16:36:05

The Prime Minister of Solomon Islands says the full report of the Commission of Inquiry into the April 2006 riots may not be released to the public.

US submarine leaks radioactive water in PacificAudio

Updated 05/08/2008 15:41:55

A U-S navy nuclear submarine has been travelling around the Pacific leaking radioactive water for weeks before being detected.

Australia accused of bullying Pacific trade ministersAudio

Updated 05/08/2008 15:41:55

Australia has been accused of bullying Pacific Island Trade Ministers to fast-track work on a new Free Trade Agreement.

Farewell to SPC deputy Secretary-GeneralAudio

Updated 05/08/2008 16:03:08

About 500 people in Fiji joined staff of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community's Suva office to farewell the Community's deputy secretary general in a memorial service today.

Solomons confident of labour scheme with New Zealand.Audio

Updated 05/08/2008 15:59:41

The Solomon Islands government is negotiating a formal seasonal labour scheme with New Zealand.

Protest organisers forced to postpone Solomons marchAudio

Updated 05/08/2008 16:03:02

In Solomon Islands, organisers of a so-called protest for good governance say they will hold their march in Honiara at a later date.

Pacific NGO's boycott Pacific Islands ForumAudio

Updated 05/08/2008 16:04:56

Pacific non-government organisations say they are so disapppointed by regional leaders lack of willingness to listen, that they will NOT be producing their usual communique for this year's Pacific Islands Forum meeting, in Niue.

Anger growing over PNG corruption scandalsAudioTranscript

Updated 05/08/2008 16:10:05

The anti-corruption watchdog in Papua New Guinea, Transparency International has warned that people might become angry and even violent over allegations of high-level corruption.

PNG Ombudsman Commission to investigate dealsAudioTranscript

Updated 05/08/2008 16:12:42

Papua New Guinea's Ombudsman Commission says it will investigate allegations of secret deals between two government officials and Asian logging companies totalling millions of dollars.

British royals tour Solomon IslandsAudio

Updated 04/08/2008 16:21:24

Thirty years after he last visited Solomon Islands, the Duke of Gloucester has been awarded one of the country's highest honours, the Star of Solomon award.

Aust GG urges PNG young people to keep cultureAudio

Updated 04/08/2008 16:24:40

The Governor General of Australia Michael Jeffrey has urged the young people of Papua New Guinea to keep their culture alive and not to lose it.

French Polynesia argues against French military cutsAudioTranscript

Updated 04/08/2008 16:28:19

French Polynesian government officials are trying to get France to change its mind about reducing its military presence in the territory.

Investors warned about fake share traders in PNGAudio

Updated 04/08/2008 16:30:01

The Port Moresby Stock Exchange is warning that fake share agents are preying on would-be investors taking their money and giving the stock market a bad name.

Vanuatu finance industry questions Australian tax inquiriesAudioTranscript

Updated 04/08/2008 16:33:38

Vanuatu's financial sector is continuing to question the right of Australia's law enforcement officals to conduct investigations into tax evasion.

Fiji gets new business organisation to fight HIV/AIDSAudio

Updated 01/08/2008 10:04:24

The Australia Fiji Business Council has signed an agreement with UN-AIDS and a funding deal with the Australian government to set up a new business organisation to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS in Fiji.

Scientologists allowed to continue in Cook IslandsAudio

Updated 01/08/2008 13:45:41

A delegation from the Church of Scientology is to be allowed to continue its activities in the Cook Islands.

Polynesian rugby star about to arrive in FranceAudio

Updated 01/08/2008 13:45:41

There's still plenty of speculation about whether Australia's star National Rugby League footballer, Sonny Bill Williams will be joining a French rugby union club.

Fiji scientists and journalists discuss cooperationAudio

Updated 01/08/2008 13:49:05

Breaking down barriers was the purpose of a workshop in Fiji this week involving local marine scientists and journalists.

Threat of power disconnection remains for Solomons broadcasterAudio

Updated 01/08/2008 13:55:42

RAIn Solomon Islands, the national broadcaster the SIBC is still waiting to hear if it will have the power cut off over outstanding debts.

Fiji family still waiting for answers over death of young sonAudio

Updated 01/08/2008 13:52:33

RAIt was a case that got Fiji talking, how a young family lost their five year old son in what was suppose to be a minor hospital operation.

Vest might have saved Australian peacekeeper in SolomonsAudio

Updated 01/08/2008 14:27:09

RAAn inquest has been held into the death of an Australian member of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands who was shot dead while on duty in 2004.The Coroner was told that if Adam Dunning had been wearing a bullet proof vest he probably would have survived the shooting.

Tonga's King George Tupou V crownedAudio

Updated 01/08/2008 14:27:09

King George Tupou the fifth has been crowned the 23rd King of Tonga.

Solomons authorities trying to recapture fugitiveAudio

Updated 01/08/2008 16:00:03

RAAuthorities in Solomon Islands are trying to recapture a fugitive who escaped when villagers attacked police who were forced to fire warning shots.

Plan to make Nauru self-sufficentAudio

Updated 01/08/2008 16:00:03

The Government of Nauru has signed an agreement with Australia which both countries hope will help it once again become economically self sufficent.