December 2008
Fiji New Zealand diplomacy sours
Updated 31/12/2008 15:24:03
After nearly a month of threats, and correspondence Fiji expelled New Zealand's acting High Commissioner Caroline McDonald.
Guams homeless population on the rise
Updated 31/12/2008 15:24:03
Guam's homeless population is on the rise.
PNG minister opposes highway compensation
Updated 31/12/2008 15:24:03
RAPeople living near the Highlands highway in Papua New Guinea have been warned not to demand compensation from the government over land given to build or extend the road.
PNG Disaster Center warns of pending high tides
Updated 31/12/2008 15:24:03
Authorities in Papua New Guinea are warning coastal communities to secure their homes and belongings ahead of the January high tides.
Storm concerns for Brisbane
Updated 31/12/2008 15:24:03
Many comminutes in the Pacific particularly in Marshall Islands, Bougainville, PNG and a number of other areas which have experienced aggressive weather patterns recently can identify with the concerns expressed by their neighbours in northern Australia.
PNG's poor mining investment ranking blamed partly on corruption
Updated 30/12/2008 10:06:21
Papua New Guinea has ranked in the bottom five nations as place to invest for mining on the index produced by Beare Dolbear, one of the oldest mineral consultancy companies in the world.
Indian firm's offer may put an end to CNMI's power crisis
Updated 30/12/2008 10:06:22
A major Indian energy company has offered to invest more than $60 million US dollars to solve the power crisis in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas.
Fiji police investigating source of illegal gun sale
Updated 30/12/2008 10:06:22
Police in Fiji are investigating how a high powered hand gun found its way into the country.
New Zealand publishes Fiji diplomatic letters
Updated 30/12/2008 10:06:21
As she began her forced departure from Fiji on the weekend New Zealand's outgoing acting High Commissioner Caroline McDonald released a statement, saying she was disappointed to be returning home as a result of an arbitrary and unwarranted decision by Fiji's Interim Government.
Samoan minister Joe Keil returns home after four months detention in US
Updated 30/12/2008 16:22:55
Samoa's Associate Minister Joe Keil has yet to decide if he will pursue legal action against the United States over his detention there on immigration charges.
PNG health minister against medical fees
Updated 30/12/2008 16:22:56
Papua New Guinea's health minister, Sasa Zibe has warned that disabled and elderly people should not be charged for medical care, at public hospitals in the country.
Leadership change mooted in Cooks
Updated 30/12/2008 16:22:56
Cook Islands, Foreign Minister Wilkie Rasmussen says if the Prime Minister is not enjoying his job he should step down.
Global financial crisis bites tourism industry
Updated 30/12/2008 16:22:55
As the global financial crisis bites, the region's international tourism market is headed for its worst downturn in two decades.
CNMI wants marine monument area extended
Updated 29/12/2008 11:00:40
A coalition of indigenous people in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas have asked US President George W Bush to extend the area being considered for a marine monument.
Festive season gives rise to domestic violence on Bougainville
Updated 29/12/2008 11:00:41
While many people are sitting back and enjoying the Christmas holidays - it's also a time when we see an increase in the incidence of domestic violence.
Slow start to cyclone season
Updated 29/12/2008 11:00:41
So far its been an uneventful start to the cyclone season.
Marshalls government declares state of emergency
Updated 29/12/2008 11:00:41
Marshall Islands has been mopping up after widespread flooding forced hundreds of people into temporary shelters and churches.
James Tanis new Bougainville President
Updated 29/12/2008 14:38:21
A former guerilla fighter James Tanis is the new president elect of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea.
New Zealand's acting High Commissioner expelled from Fiji
Updated 24/12/2008 12:25:35
olFiji's military backed government has expelled New Zealand's acting High Commissioner, Caroline McDonald.
Justice Gates appointment opposed as unconstitutional in Fiji
Updated 24/12/2008 12:24:33
Fiji's ousted opposition leader and the President of the Law Society believe the recent appointment of Anthony Gates as Chief Justice is unconstitutional.
Significant gains for Pacific children in 2008
Updated 24/12/2008 15:16:55
SN2The United Nation's Children's Agency, UNICEF, says there have been significant gains for children in the Pacific Islands during 2008.
Expert believes diplomatic expulsions mean military in for long haul i
Updated 24/12/2008 15:16:55
Experts fear the latest round of expulsions from Fiji and New Zealand is evidence Fiji's interim government is turning to a more authoritarian style of leadership.
International condemnation over Fiji's expulsion.
Updated 24/12/2008 15:16:55
Fiji's decision to expel New Zealand's acting High Commissioner, Caroline McDonald, has attracted international condemnation.
Coronation boosts Tonga's economy by US$9.2 million
Updated 24/12/2008 15:16:55
RAResearch has repeatedly shown that special events can significantly boost a host country's economy.
Tonga grateful for Australia/NZ help towards democratic reform
Updated 23/12/2008 09:44:40
Tonga's government says it's grateful for 1.4 million US dollars from Australia and New Zealand to help pay for democratic reforms.
Port Vila urban land dispute
Updated 23/12/2008 09:44:40
RAA traditional land owning group in Vanuatu say there's no way settlers from other islands can claim customary ownership of land on another island.
Nauru to set up new Trust Fund
Updated 23/12/2008 16:14:56
Nauru is to establish a new Trust Fund with the help of the Asian Development Bank.
Count underway for new Bougainville President
Updated 23/12/2008 16:14:56
So far just ten percent of the vote to elect the new President of the autonomous Papua New Guinea island of Bougainville has been counted.
Fiji claims Australia and New Zealand is spying illegally.
Updated 23/12/2008 16:14:57
The diplomatic relationship between Australia and New Zealand has hit a new low, after allegations by the military backed regime in Suva, the two countries are spying on its activities, and tapping local phone lines.
Amnesty says human rights language not popular in Pacific
Updated 22/12/2008 14:12:19
Amnesty International has helped lead the international human rights consultations with Pacific Parliamentarians for the second time.
Pacific MPs say climate change biggest threat to human rights
Updated 22/12/2008 14:12:20
Parliamentarians from ten Pacific countries have identified climate change as one of the biggest challenges to human rights in the Pacific Islands region.
Solomons DPM warns against pressure group
Updated 22/12/2008 14:12:20
Solomon Islands' Deputy Prime Minister, Fred Fono has called on the Malaita Provincial government to dissociate itself from the Malaita Ma'asina Forum pressure group.
Two Vanuatu MPs jailed and bailed over prison breakout
Updated 22/12/2008 17:18:18
The Vanuatu Magistrates' Court has granted bail to two MPs, Ralph Regenvanu and Moana Carcases Kalosil, who have been charged in connection with a mass prison breakout in the capital on Friday.
US Air Force flies its 57th Operation Christmas Drop
Updated 22/12/2008 14:12:19
Operation Christmas Drop is the longest running and one of the largest charity events in the world.
160 Palauns left in financial difficulty after closure of US meat plan
Updated 22/12/2008 17:18:17
A group of Palauns in the United States are facing huge financial difficulties after losing their jobs at a kosher meat processing plant.
Bougainville government looking to reconcile Panguna
Updated 22/12/2008 17:18:18
A reconcilitation ceremony to resolve the lingering crisis at Panguna in Bougainville is set tentatively for Christmas Day.
Police eviction of squatter camp called "beyond the law"
Updated 22/12/2008 17:18:18
Papua New Guinea's Ombudsman says police have acted beyond the law by evicting hundreds of settlers from a settlement.
Cook Islands deputy PM crticises Fiji, Australia & New Zealand
Updated 19/12/2008 09:30:33
Meanwhile, the Cook Islands deputy prime minister has called for more dialogue between Fiji, Australia and New Zealand.
Ousted PM says Fiji's suspension from Forum still on the table
Updated 19/12/2008 09:30:33
Fiji"s ousted prime minister Laisenia Qarase says the pressure is still on the interim government to hold general elections next year.
Vanuatu prisoners burn prison and escape
Updated 19/12/2008 16:19:28
In Vanuatu, the entire central prison complex in Port Vila was burnt down this morning and 63 high-risk prisoners have escaped.
Pacific shanty towns on the rise
Updated 19/12/2008 16:19:28
Nearly every Pacific island nation has squatter settlements in, and around, its cities and larger towns.
PNG squatter settlement demolished in response to Sir George's murder
Updated 19/12/2008 16:19:28
The Superintendent of Police Operations, Anderson Bawa, is in charge of the PNG police operation to demolish the Tete squatter camp outside the capital, Port Moresby.
PNG squatter settlement destruction upsets residents
Updated 19/12/2008 16:19:28
The Papua New Guinea Government and police have responded quickly to the murder of prominent busisnessman Sir George Constantinou.
Solomons Malaita province boycott reconciliation
Updated 19/12/2008 16:19:28
The Solomon Islands government views the Malaita Provincial government boycott of all reconciliation initiatives as potentially damaging to the national peace process.
Fire devastates main street in Tonga's second main center
Updated 18/12/2008 17:10:26
A severe blaze in Tonga's northern Vavau Island group has caused millions of dollars worth of damage to the central business district of the main town Neiafu.
Nautilus CEO explains job losses and delay to seafloor mining in PNG
Updated 18/12/2008 17:10:26
The international financial crisis has claimed another victim, this time in Papua New Guinea, with Nautilus Minerals delaying its plans for commercial seafloor mining and cutting staff by 30 per cent.
PNG squatter settlement may be razed
Updated 18/12/2008 17:10:26
The business community in Papua New Guinea says squatter settlements in cities should be ''wiped out'' as they are breeding grounds for gangsters who take innocent lives.
Fiji economy still suffering
Updated 18/12/2008 17:10:26
When Fiji's interim Government expelled New Zealand journalist Barbara Dreaver earlier this week it gave as a reason, her coverage of the state of the country's economy, and conditions for some of its poorest people.
Forum losing patience with Fiji's refusal to name election date
Updated 18/12/2008 17:10:26
The Premier and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum Toke Talagi has confirmed that the special Forum meeting to discuss progress being made by Fiji will take place in Papua New Guniea on the 27th January next year.
New Caledonia GDP per capita exceeds New Zealand
Updated 17/12/2008 14:33:24
RANew Caledonia has the second highest per capita Gross Domestic Product in Oceania, ahead of New Zealand and second only to Australia.
American Samoa fono passes right to die bill
Updated 17/12/2008 14:33:24
pkgTerminally ill patients in American Samoa now have the right to choose or deny treatment.
CNMI court finds against Governor over failure to remit contributions
Updated 17/12/2008 14:33:23
It's no secret that the CNMI government is short of money, but some payments are mandatory.
Ballot boxes taken off Bougainville by-election officials
Updated 17/12/2008 17:11:32
The Presidential by-election in Bougainville is coming to a close with reports of several ballot boxes taken from election officials.
Marshall Islands and Palau flooded by regional high tides
Updated 17/12/2008 17:11:32
Elsewhere in the region clean ups are underway after flooding caused by the recent king tides and storm surges.
Bird strike grounds RAAF relief flight in PNG
Updated 17/12/2008 17:11:32
Relief efforts in storm-surge affected parts of Papua New Guinea are continuing today.
Leading PNG businessman murdered by squatter gang
Updated 17/12/2008 17:11:32
Port Moresby is in uproar after the murder yesterday afternoon of leading local businessman, Sir George Constantinou, by a large mob of youths from the Tete squatter camp at Gerehu.
Australia supports NZ in Fiji diplomatic row
Updated 17/12/2008 17:11:33
Australia has acted to support New Zealand in its diplomatic rift with Fiji's military government.
PNG Disaster Centre assesses damage from storm surge
Updated 16/12/2008 11:06:06
Papua New Guinea's National Disaster Centre has now had an opportunity to survey the damage caused by last week's storm surge.
Journalists need prior clearance to enter Fiji
Updated 16/12/2008 17:02:16
The deportation of a New Zealand journalist from Fiji has highlighted the diplomatic tension between the two countries.
TVNZ reporter deported from Fiji
Updated 16/12/2008 17:02:16
Earlier in the day, amidst the diplomatic tension between New Zealand and Fiji, a TV New Zealand correspondent was expelled from Nadi.
NZ-Fiji diplomatic tension continues
Updated 16/12/2008 17:02:16
The diplomatic tension between Fiji and New Zealand continues.
Samoan Minister may still sue US immigration over his arrest
Updated 16/12/2008 17:02:16
Samoan Associate Minister for Commerce Hans Joachim Keil says he's leaving open the possibility of legal action against United States immigration authorities.
Ausaid changes the way it tackles violence against women in Melanisia
Updated 15/12/2008 11:21:38
The Australian Government's development agency AUSAID will change the way it tackles violence against women in Melansia and East Timor, following the release of a new report.
Vanuatu bus fare increase puts extra pressure on workers wages
Updated 15/12/2008 11:21:38
RAWorkers' unions in Vanuatu have condemned a decision to increase bus fares on the main island of Efate by 50 percent.
Solomons' Malaita Province Independence Push
Updated 15/12/2008 11:21:38
The Malaitan Ma'asina Forum is determined to pursue the decision by a Malaita Leaders' Summit for the province to become independent from the rest of Solomon Islands.
Lost I-Kiribati fishermen return home tomorrow.
Updated 15/12/2008 16:16:14
In the Kiribati Capital, Tarawa, there will be tears or joy and celebrations tomorrow when families and friends welcome back four men who were lost at sea for more than a month.
UN may up the push for Fiji's return to democracy
Updated 15/12/2008 16:16:14
Fiji's media is reporting today that the United Nations will discontinue drawing on Fiji's security forces for peackeeping duties.
Pacific Tuna talks secure conservation breakthrough
Updated 15/12/2008 16:16:14
The Pacific Tuna talks held in the city of Busan, in South Korea, over the past week have concluded with an historic agreement to cut the catch of overfished tuna species.
Fiji tells NZ remove santions or High Commissioner will be expelled
Updated 15/12/2008 17:17:02
Fiji's interim prime minister Frank Bainimarama has delivered an ultimatium to New Zealand - remove the travel santions or your High Commissioner in Suva will be expelled.
Samoan MP in NZ allowed to take oath in Samoan
Updated 12/12/2008 13:38:12
Samoan is the third most commonly spoken language in New Zealand after English and Maori but when a New Zealand MP wanted to use the language to take the oath of office, he was told he couldn't.
Interim attorney-general investigated by Fiji Law Society
Updated 12/12/2008 16:55:33
The Fiji Law Society is anxious to bring closure to a complaint against interim attorney-general Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.
Palau attends Climate Change Conference in Poznan
Updated 12/12/2008 13:38:12
The Micronesian state of Palau is one of the Pacific's small island states hoping to be heard at the 14th Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change currrently underway in Poznan, Poland.
Polynesian voyaging history focus of Sydney exhibition
Updated 12/12/2008 16:55:33
Australia's Governor General, Quentin Bryce, has opened an exhibition at the Australian Maritime Museum telling the story of the ocean voyages made Pacific Islanders as they expolored and settled their islands.
Australia prepares to send help to king tide affected parts of PNG
Updated 12/12/2008 16:55:33
Australia is mobilising to support relief efforts in the parts of PNG affected by the king tide.Australia's Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs, Duncan Kerr, says the government is liasing with PNG about what assistance is needed by those affected by the disaster.
PNG provinces face another king tide battering tonight
Updated 12/12/2008 16:55:33
Papua New Guinea's disaster striken provinces of New Ireland and Bougainville could face another battering from king tides tonight.
Australian PM strongly criticises Fiji reigime as undemocratic
Updated 12/12/2008 16:55:33
Australia's Prime Minister has strongly criticised Fiji's interim authorities, saying democracy in the Pacific is not optional and further measures will be taken against Fiji.
Contact Group Ministers wrap up Fiji visit
Updated 11/12/2008 09:12:16
The Pacific Islands Forum ministerial contact group has wrapped up its second mission to Fiji.
Climate effects on populations focus of Canberra discussions
Updated 11/12/2008 09:12:16
One of the Papua New Guinea atoll groups affected by this week's king tide is the Cartarets, but there's little information yet about the impact of the disaster there.
Bougainville homes destroyed by King Tides
Updated 11/12/2008 09:12:16
Initial reports from the Papua New Guinea island of Bougainville say the king tide there rose 50 meters inland and washed away some homes on the northern part of the island.
No warning of PNG king tide
Updated 11/12/2008 09:12:17
There were no warnings about possible damage from high tides in Papua New Guinea this week.
Australian foreign minister in Fiji to press for return to democracy
Updated 11/12/2008 09:12:16
After two years of empty promises, many Fijians have given up hope that democracy will ever be restored to their country.
Dolphin exporters defend export against killing
Updated 10/12/2008 13:38:39
The company that exports dolphins from Solomon Islands has accused its critics of hypocrisy.
Climate Change conference in Canberra
Updated 10/12/2008 16:57:06
Its now well known that sea level rise is affecting countries like Kiribati and Tuvalu and some islands of Papua New Guinea.
Fiji military supports UN Human Rights Day
Updated 10/12/2008 16:57:06
Today is the United Nations 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
King tides leave thousand homeless in PNG islands
Updated 10/12/2008 16:57:06
Several thousand people have reportedly been left homeless and one person is reported missing after a surge storm hit island provinces in Paoua New Guinea.
Dual-card scheme reduces cost of sending remittances
Updated 09/12/2008 16:52:44
A campaign by the New Zealand government to put pressure on banks and financial institutions to reduce the cost of sending remittances to the Pacific is meeting some success.
PNG seasonal workers to arrive in Australia next year
Updated 09/12/2008 16:52:44
The Papua New Guinea government says it plans to send the first group of seasonal workers to Australia by the end of next year.
Fiji Chief Justice accepts payout, quits
Updated 09/12/2008 16:52:44
In Fiji, after being suspended for two years, Chief Justice Daniel Fatiaki has accepted a pay-out from the interim government and retired.
Samoan minister allowed to return home by US
Updated 09/12/2008 16:52:44
Samoan cabinet minister Han Joachim Keil will be allowed to return home while his immigration fraud case in the United States is dealt with by the courts.
Australia warns Fiji of consequences if no elections are held
Updated 09/12/2008 16:52:44
Australia has warned of unspecified consequences if Fiji does not honour a pledge to hold democratic elections early next year.
Pacific Island states pushing for reduction in gas emissions
Updated 09/12/2008 16:52:43
Pacific Island countries are going face to face with the industrialised world at the 14th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change being held in Poznan, Poland.
Pacific tells tuna summit it will act to save fish stocks
Updated 09/12/2008 16:55:23
Eight Pacific Islands nations have vowed to take tough action to stop overfishing of the region's valuable tuna resources.
Samoan diplomat wants Aust to learn from NZ guest worker experience
Updated 08/12/2008 16:12:32
Samoa's High Commissioner to Australia Doctor Leiataua Kilifoti says if Australia's seasonal workers scheme is to succeed, officials from the countries involved need to maintain close contact with the workers selected and also the communities that they are living and working in.
New Zealand government sworn-in
Updated 08/12/2008 16:12:47
In New Zealand, Parliament has convened for the first time since the country's election a month ago which saw the end of Helen Clark's nine year reign as Prime Minister.
PNG prime minister offers electoral assistance to Fiji
Updated 08/12/2008 16:13:01
Papua New Guinea's prime minister Sir Michael Somare says his meeting with Fiji's interim prime minister Frank Bainimarama was to the point and very useful.
Fishing nations look set to agree to 30% cut in Pacific tuna catch
Updated 08/12/2008 16:13:18
Crucial talks on the future of the Pacific's overfished tuna resources look set to agree on a 30-per cent cut in the catch of bigeye tuna.
Ten die in mudslide at remote PNG gold mine
Updated 08/12/2008 16:13:45
Ten people died when heavy rain caused a hill to give way above an accommodation camp at a remote gold mine in Papua New Guinea.
Police work together to try to combat family violence
Updated 08/12/2008 16:46:22
Efforts in the Pacific region to help combat family violence include a police training and mentoring program.
Study finds Pacific mothers more likely to gamble
Updated 08/12/2008 16:47:42
A study involving Pacific Islanders has discovered that a person's ethnicity has a lot to do with whether or not they gamble.
Bougainville by-election delayed by security problems
Updated 08/12/2008 16:48:26
The Bougainville Presidential by-election which was to due to start on Saturday has been delayed because of security concerns.
Proposal to cut yellowfin tuna catch by 30%
Updated 05/12/2008 16:46:15
The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission has proposed a 30-per cent cut in the catch of yellowfin tuna in the central and western Pacific.
Pilot scheme successful in reducing Maori in prison
Updated 05/12/2008 16:44:17
In New Zealand, Maori make up 15-per cent of the population but they make up more than half of the prison population.
Pacific Island countries unfairly perceived as corrupt
Updated 05/12/2008 16:44:17
The Fijian media has had a very complex role to play in anti-corruption campaigns in that country according to an Australian academic and author.
Brain drain lures Fiji's senior meteorologists
Updated 05/12/2008 16:45:26
Like many countries in the Pacific region, Fiji is affected by a 'brain drain' - the term used to describe the emigration of skilled workers to other countries in search of better conditions.
Samoa to experiment with daylight saving
Updated 05/12/2008 16:48:41
Samoa is introducing daylight saving next year.
Bougainville ready for Presidential by-election.
Updated 05/12/2008 16:49:59
Papua New Guinea's autonomous region of Bougainville is ready for tomorrow's Presidential by-election.The Acting Chairman of Bougainville's Electoral Commission, Mathias Pihei says the issue of funding for security during the election has been resolved.
Voting starts tomorrow for new President of Bougainville
Updated 05/12/2008 16:49:43
Now to Papua New Guinea's autonomous region of Bougainville where the population of around 200-thousand will start voting tomorrow for a new president to replace the late Joseph Kabui who died from a heart attack earlier this year.
PNG Justice Minister receives death threat
Updated 05/12/2008 16:51:06
The Papua New Guinea Justice Minister Allan Marat says he is fears for his life after a death threat from a group claiming to represent former servicemen.
PNG says mining must be done with care for the environment
Updated 04/12/2008 14:17:40
Papua New Guinea has told a meeting in Sydney that mining is important but it must be done with due care for the environment, stakeholders and future generations.The 10th Papua New Guinea Mining and Petroleum Conference is a major promotional event for the PNG government.
Solomons speaker awarded honorary doctorate in Australia
Updated 04/12/2008 16:54:57
The Speaker of the Solomon Islands Parliament has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Queensland.Sir Peter Kenilorea has been a major figure in the Solomons since Independence and played a significant role in the peace process.
Solomons Police crackdown on settlement criminals
Updated 04/12/2008 16:52:35
Solomon Islands police say they are determined to deal with criminal behaviour by some residents of squatter settlements on the fringes of the capital, Honiara.
Aust reaffirms security relationship with US & NZ
Updated 04/12/2008 16:55:27
Australia is still hooking its security policy very closely to the United States while acknowledging that the region's stability will also depend very much on China and increasingly the rise of India.
Fiji newspaper contempt sentencing next year
Updated 04/12/2008 16:54:36
The publishers and editors of two of Fiji's main daily newspapers won't find out their sentences for contempt of court until next year.
Aust war plaques sold for scrap in PNG
Updated 04/12/2008 16:52:34
The Australian High Commission has expressed concern over reports plaques from Australian war memorials in Papua New Guinea are being stolen and sold as scrap metal.
Pacific warned to adapt to climate change
Updated 03/12/2008 16:38:20
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Office is warning pacific islands to take urgent action to adapt to looming climate change.
Australian to be extradited from Solomon Islands
Updated 03/12/2008 16:16:30
An Australian fugitive wanted for a murder four years ago is to be extradited from Solomon Islands on Friday.
French nuclear compensation law rubbished
Updated 03/12/2008 16:38:20
A French Polynesia community leader has dismissed the French government's move to compensate those suffering illnesses from nuclear testing as a load of rubbish.
New US Ambassador says Fiji sanctions to stay in place
Updated 03/12/2008 16:00:55
The United States new ambassador to Fiji says his country's sanctions on the interim reigime won't be lifted.
Kiribati maritime surveillance strengthened
Updated 03/12/2008 16:11:33
The United States and Kiribati have signed an agreement which will see Kiribati law enforcement officers working with the U-S Coast Guard.
European Union delegation not happy with Fiji
Updated 02/12/2008 16:54:48
A delegation of European Union Parliamentarians has expressed unhappiness with Fiji's interim Prime Minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama's refusal to allow elections next March.
Thousands of girls miss cervical cancer vaccine in Fiji
Updated 02/12/2008 16:58:16
A paediatrician in Fiji says thousands of girls have not received the vaccine which can prevent cervical cancer.
Solomon Islands tables record budget
Updated 02/12/2008 16:54:48
The Solomon Islands government has tabled the country's biggest budget since independence 30 years ago.
UN Climate talks in Poznan vital for Pacific
Updated 02/12/2008 17:00:28
Crucial United Nations climate change talks have begun in Poznan, Poland.
American Samoans lend their genes to alcohol study
Updated 02/12/2008 17:03:05
American Samoa has been chosen as the focal point of a study into the causes of alcoholism because it has a small gene pool.
Australian PM to make new national security statement
Updated 02/12/2008 17:06:07
A broad National Security Statement is likely to be made in Australia this week covering terrorism along with issues like failed Pacific states, climate change and the economy.
Papua New Guinea police kill three bank robbers
Updated 02/12/2008 17:09:09
Police in Papua New Guinea have killed three gunmen who tried to rob the Bank South Pacific in West New Britain province.
Seven officers injured in attack in Solomon Islands
Updated 02/12/2008 19:01:39
In Solomon Islands, seven officers have been injured in an attack near a squatter camp in the capital Honiara.
More money to fight preventable diseases in the Pacific
Updated 01/12/2008 16:36:41
Pacific Island communities wanting to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS now have an opportunity to access funding to do so.
PNG leading the way on AIDS awareness
Updated 01/12/2008 16:36:59
World AIDS week has been hard to miss in Papua New Guinea with a commitment to spreading the word about safe sex.
Discrimination rife against HIV/AIDS infected people in the Pacific
Updated 01/12/2008 16:37:11
A new report has found that discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS in Pacific island countries is rife.
Difficulties in Pacific distribution for HIV/Aids drugs.
Updated 01/12/2008 16:36:40
As the number of HIV infections continues to grow in the Pacific region and around the world, there is a vast international effort underway to develop a vaccine.
Worrying trend in Guam's public schools
Updated 01/12/2008 16:48:26
Guam's education authorities have given a mark of C to the US territory's public school system.A report on the state of education in the US territory by the public school superintendent shows only one-third of public high school students in Guam go on to tertiary education.
Samoan diplomat wants Autralia to learn from NZ guest worker experienc
Updated 01/12/2008 16:58:21
Samoa's High Commissioner to Australia Dr Leiataua Kilifoti says if Australia's seasonal workers scheme is to succeed, officials from the countries involved need to maintain close continuous contact with the workers selected and also the communities that they are living and working in.
UN wants PNG to prevent spread of AIDS
Updated 01/12/2008 16:58:22
The United Nations has urged Papua New Guinea to prevent the rapid spread of the HIV/Aids disease in rural areas of the country, following a recent visit.
Giant Squid finds new home in NZ
Updated 01/12/2008 16:58:22
To the New Zealand capital Wellington now, where a giant squid has literally stopped traffic.
