March 2009
New Zealand appeals for more migrants as recession bites
Updated 31/03/2009 10:38:03
In the face of the global recession and falling tourist numbers, New Zealand hopes to attract more migrants, with business and investment migrants top the list in the Government's efforts to boost its intake and undo the cuts of previous years.
New whale watching regulations suggested for Pacific Island countries
Updated 31/03/2009 10:38:03
An international animal welfare group has released a set of guidelines to assist Pacific Island nations to create legislation to manage the growing whale watching industry.
Australia/NZ website helps Pacific people send remittances
Updated 31/03/2009 10:38:06
A new internet site has been set up by the Australian and New Zealand Governments to help Pacific Islands people send remittance money back to their home islands more efficiently after complaints from some Pacific communities in both countries over the high costs involved in transferring money overseas.
Dispute between squatters and Fiji Catholic Church may go to court
Updated 31/03/2009 10:38:09
A dispute between a Fiji Squatter Settlements and its landlord the Catholic Church looks like heading to court.
Papua New Guinea's sole woman MP to quit in 2012
Updated 31/03/2009 15:59:14
Papua New Guinea's only female MP Dame Carol Kidu, has announced that she will not stand again in 2012, saying her decision to quit politics makes it imperative that the bill to nominate three women to the House is passed in the May session of Parliament.
Guam dump issue leads to constitutional showdown
Updated 31/03/2009 15:59:15
A legal argument over the fate of a dump on Guam has escalated into a constitutional showdown between the island's legislature and the US judicial system and threats to force public servants to work only four days a week.
PNG Trade Union plans to fight increased allowances for MPs
Updated 30/03/2009 10:51:39
The Papua New Guinea Trade union movement is calling on the Government to stop a recent increase in MPs' car and accommodation allowances, after Parliament voted unanimously to increase the allowances by about 50 per cent earlier this month.
Tough economic times contribute to poor Pacific Islander diets in NZ
Updated 30/03/2009 10:51:41
New Zealand has been in recession now for more than a year and it's having a big impact on people's diets across the Tasman, with the Government's new report on obesity, revealing that a growing number of Pacific Islanders in New Zealand are malnourished because they simply can't afford healthy food.
Queensland's new Attorney General practised law in Tuvalu
Updated 30/03/2009 10:51:44
The Pacific Islands have gained a friend in a senior ministerial post in Australia, with former Tuvalu Attorney General Cameron Dick securing the same job in Queensland's newly re-elected State Government.
Cook Islands use of NZ money to repay Chinese loan faces opposition
Updated 30/03/2009 10:51:47
The Cook Islands opposition wants a full public inquiry into a massive loan from China after Deputy Prime Minister Sir Terepai Maoate said he hoped New Zealand would help it pay back a $NZ50 million dollar Chinese loan towards work on roads and waterworks.
Fiji Employers welcome Australian skilled migrant cuts
Updated 30/03/2009 16:15:43
Fiji's Employers Federation says the cuts announced to Australia's skilled migration intake earlier this month, are good news for Fiji as it will slow the country's "brain drain".
Kiwi appointed as new Solomons Police Commissioner
Updated 30/03/2009 16:15:43
The Solomon Islands has a new Police Commissioner after the Government appointed New Zealander Peter Marshall to the job, almost a year after his predecessor Jahir Khan had his tenure in the job was cut short by the Sikua Government.
27 men appear in court after brawl at Fiji prayer meeting
Updated 30/03/2009 16:15:47
27 men from a remote village in Fiji appeared in court on Monday, two of them charged with rape, after a mass brawl broke out in opposition to a prayer session being held by an Assemblies of God church.
NZ Samoan MP wants more openness about sex after newborn dumped
Updated 27/03/2009 11:00:38
Following an incident in which a woman on a flight from Samoa to New Zealand gave birth in the plane's toilets and dumped the baby in the bin, a New Zealand MP of Samoan descent wants Samoan families to be more open about sex, to prevent young women getting rid of their newborns.
Trade watchdog worried about Vanuatu's WTO plans
Updated 27/03/2009 11:00:41
Pacific trade watch group Pacific Network on Globalisation is raising concerns about Vanuatu's decision to re-start the process to become a member of the World Trade Organisation, saying the country has "Least Developed Country" status and has little to gain.
New Indian community newspaper launched in New Zealand
Updated 27/03/2009 11:00:34
A new Indian community newspaper has just been launched in New Zealand, and editor Dev Nadkarni says it will take a strong political stance against further sanctions against Fiji by New Zealand and Australia.
Origin of gun found by Fiji teenager unknown
Updated 27/03/2009 16:11:24
Fiji Police are concerned that a hand gun a teenager was showing off at school may have come from Iraq or Afgahanistan, and Police liaison officer Corporal Suliano Tevita says the investigation has stalled while they wait for the teenager's father to return home from Iraq.
Tongan sedition charges dropped
Updated 27/03/2009 16:11:27
Tonga's Supreme Court has acquitted six men who were charged with inciting the 2006 riots which destroyed the centre of the capital Nuku'alofa.
PNG Minister confirms no agreements on Hides Gas project
Updated 27/03/2009 16:11:24
The Papua New Guinea Government confirms that no agreement has yet been reached with the landowners of the proposed multi-billion dollar Liquid Natural Gas Project in the Southern Highlands Province, as the landowners threaten a Bougainville-style revolt if their demands are not met.
Military leader calls for closure of Fiji Times newspaper
Updated 26/03/2009 11:27:57
One of the most senior leaders of the Fiji military, Colonel Pita Driti says he wants the Fiji Times newspaper closed down, claiming the paper is the "most non-cooperative and biased newspaper in the country".
Nuclear workers union unhappy with offer of French compensation
Updated 26/03/2009 11:27:54
The organisation which represents former workers at France's nuclear testing site in the Pacific says it does not believe the French government is sincere when it offers compensation.
EU may withdraw millions in funding if PNG can't show plan to spend it
Updated 26/03/2009 16:14:42
The European Union says it may take back almost $US53 million dollars intended for Papua New Guinea's education sector after the Government failed to detail plans on how it would use the money which was meant to improve teacher training and purchase text and library books for PNG schools.
Landowners predict uprising in PNG's southern Highlands oil fields
Updated 26/03/2009 16:14:46
Tension is simmering in Papua New Guinea's southern Highlands over the PNG Liquid Natural Gas project led by Exxon Mobil with landowners from Hides converging on the Department of Petroleum and Energy in Konedobu, threatening to disrupt the project unless their demands are met.
Pacific Economist defends proposed regional free trade deal
Updated 26/03/2009 16:14:42
One of the region's top economists Professor Biman Prasad says Pacific Island countries have a lot to gain from the proposed free trade deal with Australia and New Zealand, and rather than worrying about the impact of trade negotiations Pacific Island countries should look at how to boost their export sectors.
Samoa businesses report massive drop in sales, blame Govt policies
Updated 25/03/2009 10:52:28
Samoa's business community is reporting downturns in sales of up to 60 per cent last month, with the Samoa Chamber of Commerce says a survey of its members shows there's been a steep decline in business activity, much more than usual in February.
Students and teachers decry state of dilapidated schools
Updated 25/03/2009 16:13:36
Students and teachers in Papua New Guinea complain they're struggling to study and teach in the country's increasingly run-down and dilapidated schools, with crumbling walls in classrooms and halls of residences have led students at one school in the Central Highlands to go on strike.
Human trafficking suspect arrested in Hawaii
Updated 25/03/2009 16:13:40
According to a recent report by the United Nations, human trafficking currently ranks among the world's most thriving criminal activities with an estimated 2.5 million victims at any given time.
Pacific does not need Pacer-plus trade deal says key NGO
Updated 25/03/2009 16:13:44
An Fiji based anti-Globalisation group says the Pacific doesn't need a free trade deal with Australia and New Zealand to gain benefits from the global economy.
Vaccinations in Vanuatu to fight cancer causing virus
Updated 25/03/2009 16:13:36
Health authorities in Vanuatu have started a program to vaccinate 1,000 girls between the ages of 10 to 12 on the island of Efate, against a virus which can sometimes lead to cervical cancer.
New Caledonia housing crunch highlights rich and poor divide
Updated 24/03/2009 10:56:02
In New Caledonia, an increasing number of lower income earners are struggling to find affordable accomodation in the capital with high demand driving prices up, pushing many families into the suburbs and in some cases squats in the surrounding countryside.
World TB day marked in PNG with discussion on how to stop the disease
Updated 24/03/2009 16:21:32
March 24 was World Tuberculosis day, and Scientists, health bureaucrats and aid organisations gathered in Port Moresby to discuss the disease, which claims about three-thousand lives every year in Papua New Guinea.
Hidden Valley Gold mine says operations unaffected by tribal clash
Updated 24/03/2009 16:21:35
The Hidden Valley Gold mine in Papua New Guinea has resumed operations after a tribal clash over the weekend that left three people dead and 10 houses destroyed.
New Zealand miner defends Solomons' gold proposal
Updated 24/03/2009 16:21:39
The New Zealand businessman behind a new gold minining proposal for Solomon Islands is defending it against union criticism and his lack of mining experience, saying he aims to improve the living standards of the local landowners.
No arrests in Fiji firebombing investigation
Updated 24/03/2009 16:21:43
Fiji police say they've got no leads on who's responsible for a series of bombings and stonings that have occurred over the past couple of weeks, including the firebombing of the homes of Fiji Times Editor Netani Rika and Colonel Sakiusa Raivoce.
Cyclone Jasper may affect New Caledonia, but avoiding Fiji
Updated 24/03/2009 16:21:31
An ABC weather report has caused concern in New Caledonia and Fiji, with Director of the Fiji Meteorological Service in Nadi Rajendra Prasad saying confusion arose when regional jurisdication for Tropical Cyclone Jasper was handed over from the Brisbane Met office to the Fiji Met office in Nadi, which was mistakenly broadcast as warning that the category two Cyclone itself was heading toward Fiji.
NGO rejects criticism over failure to nominate women MPs to Parliament
Updated 23/03/2009 10:59:12
The President of the Papua New Guinea NGO National Women in Politics says accusations by Dame Carol Kidu that her organisation is responsible for derailing the nomination of three women to Parliament is wrong after repeated efforts last week to get the motion passed failed, with the Government failing to get enough MPs in the House at one time to vote.
Tongan Govt newspaper to be managed by former anti-Govt publisher
Updated 23/03/2009 10:59:15
Tongan newspaper publisher and pro-democracy supporter Kalafi Moala will take over the publication of the Government-owned Tonga Chronicle, despite being jailed several times for articles published in his Times of Tonga newspaper.
Cook Islands hope NZ will help repay massive Chinese loan
Updated 23/03/2009 10:59:18
China has given the Cook Islands a $US28 million dollar loan to fund upgrading of the water supply system and roads on Rarotonga, and $US11 million dollars in grants for projects in the outer islands, with the Cook Islands Government hoping New Zealand aid will help them pay it back.
Union raises questions over Solomon Islands gold mining licence
Updated 23/03/2009 10:59:22
The Solomon Islands National Union of Workers (SINUW) has serious concerns about the Director of Mines granting an alluvial gold mining licence to what they call a "highly questionable firm", Pheonix International.
Fiji Auditor General quits prior to report over Bainimarama back pay
Updated 23/03/2009 15:36:56
There are concerns in Fiji that a report into allegations over a large backpay claim from coup leader and interim prime minister Frank Bainimarama won't be made public after the country's Auditor General, Eroni Vatuloka resigned.
PNG Gold mine suspends work after tribal clash leaves 3 dead
Updated 23/03/2009 15:37:00
The Hidden Valley Gold mine in Papua New Guinea has suspended operations following tribal clashes which left three people dead and more than 90 houses burned over the weekend.
Houses of prominent Fijians attacked with firebombs
Updated 23/03/2009 15:36:53
The houses of Fiji Times editor Netani Rika and pro-democracy movement member Colonel Saikusa Raivoce have been firebombed by a group of masked men in the early hours of Sunday morning.
PNG Parliament fails for the last time to nominate women to house
Updated 20/03/2009 11:36:12
Papua New Guinea's Parliament has failed yet again to vote on a motion to nominate three women to the house, with Parliament's only woman MP Dame Carol Kidu saying she felt humiliated after the Government consistently failed to get enough MPs in the house at any one time to push the vote through.
Regional mission makes difference in Solomons
Updated 20/03/2009 11:36:14
One of the most central figures in the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands says goodbye to the country on Friday, as Dr Jonathan Austin completes his two year posting as Deputy Special Coordinator for RAMSI.
Martime Security analyst warns low Pacific fish stocks pose risk
Updated 20/03/2009 16:22:54
An Australian maritime security analyst is renewing his warning that declining fish stocks in the Pacific are a potential threat to regional stability.
SDL National Director questioned by Fiji military over unrest rumours
Updated 20/03/2009 16:22:58
The National Director of the one of Fiji's major politial parties, the SDL party, says he does not think the military meant to intimidate him when he was invited to the barracks for questioning again this week.
Eruptions continue in Tonga but not linked to earthquake
Updated 20/03/2009 16:23:02
Vulcanologists are dismissing any connection between an undersea earthquake near Tonga and the volcanic eruptions off the coast of the island nation's capital Nuku'alofa.
Solomon Islands dolphin export forum described as a "farce"
Updated 20/03/2009 16:22:51
Solomon Islands' outspoken environmentalist, Lawrence Makili is describing a forum on the dolphin trade in the country as a farce, after a Government organised debate on the controversial industry became heated.
Stateless and poor Melanesians in Fiji face costly land purchase
Updated 19/03/2009 10:56:45
The descendants of Solomon Islands migrants whose forefathers had settled on the Namara land near Suva for more than 100 years, have now been given the opportunity to buy plots of that land, but may find that difficult as most live below the poverty line.
Australian diplomatic network needs major revamp says report
Updated 19/03/2009 10:56:48
In the first major public review of Australian diplomacy in 20 years, a new report claims the country's diplomatic network is crumbling and needs a major revamp, recommending greater investment in Pacific language skills, the opening of 20 new diplomatic mission, and an injection of extra funding for Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Former Solomon Islands Police officers leave squat after 5 year battle
Updated 19/03/2009 10:56:52
Eleven former Solomon Islands police officers have vacated police houses they have been occupying rent-free since leaving the force almost five years ago after the High Court gave them notice to leave.
Tongan eruption described as an awesome sight up close
Updated 19/03/2009 16:16:12
One of the first people to travel to Tonga's underwater eruption describes it as an awe inspiring sight, describing dead fish floating on the ocean surface and a blackened and charred landscape on the nearest island.
Pacific Forum head rejects allegations of Australian domination
Updated 19/03/2009 16:16:16
Claims that Australia and New Zealand dominate the 16-nation Pacific Islands Forum have been angrily rejected by the region's chief public servant, with
former Samoan Ambassador to the United Nations, Tuiloma Neroni Slade, saying the Forum has a track record of significant achievements.
Former PNG Prime Minister pulls out of Fiji post after criticism
Updated 19/03/2009 16:16:20
Former Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Sir Rabbie Namaliu has withdrawn his name from the list of candidates proposed to chair the President's political dialogue forum in Fiji, telling Radio Australia he decided to step aside after criticism from Fiji's political parties that he was a "puppet" of Australia and New Zealand.
Woman gives birth enroute from Samoa to NZ and abandons baby
Updated 19/03/2009 16:16:07
A woman has given birth on a flight from Samoa to New Zealand without any other passengers or the airline crew noticing, and then disembarked leaving her new born baby in a trash recepticle in the aircraft's toilet, where it was discovered by air crew.
American Samoan Bill to ban plastic bags comes step closer to law
Updated 18/03/2009 11:13:25
America Samoa could soon become the first US State or Territory to ban plastic bags, with a bill passing its second reading in the House of Representatives on Monday.
CNMI financial crunch means Government layoffs loom
Updated 18/03/2009 11:13:29
The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands government is going to have to lay off contracted workers to cope with a lack of money with Governor, Benigno Fitial blaming the legislature for passing what he describes as a fiscally irresponsible budget which did not include austerity measures.
Farmers not convinced by the launch of Vanuatu's first rice project
Updated 18/03/2009 11:13:23
Vanuatu's Ministry for Agriculture is launching the country's first rice project in a bid to reduce the dependency on imported grains, encouraging local farmers to move away from traditional root crops and plant rice instead.
Underwater volcano erupts in sight of Tongan capital
Updated 18/03/2009 16:06:30
An underwater volcanic eruption has sent up spectacular clouds of smoke, steam and ash within sight of the Tonga capital, Nukualofa, and a team from the Tongan Ministry of Lands is heading to the area west of the main island of Tongatapu by boat on Thursday to investigate the phenomenon, which began with an earthquake on Monday.
Papua New Guinea Government fails to get numbers to nominate women
Updated 18/03/2009 16:06:34
The Papua New Guinea Government says it can't get enough MPs in the house at one time to pass a motion which would see three women nominated to Parliament.
PNG MP introducing internet service in his constituency
Updated 18/03/2009 16:06:29
Schools and surrounding communities in the Bulolo district of Papua New Guinea's Morobe Province have now entered the era of internet communication, with the MP for Bulolo, Sam Basil starting to provide internet services to schools in his constituency.
PNG farmers asked to grow more vanilla
Updated 17/03/2009 09:30:19
A New Zealand food import company is trying to persuade more farmers in Papua New Guinea to plant vanilla as the bean is the second most expensive spice after saffron, but its cultivation can be very labour intensive.
SkyAirWorld air carrier collapses
Updated 17/03/2009 09:30:22
SkyAirWorld, one of the newer carriers to service the region, has collapsed owing tens of millions of dollars to more than a hundred creditors and with all five of its Embraer aircraft repossessed, it's unlikely the carrier will fly again.
Students at USP brace for tougher economic and academic conditions
Updated 17/03/2009 09:30:16
Over the past two years, the University of the South Pacific has experienced turbulent times, recording a deficit for two years in a row and declining enrolment.
NZ Aids report shows gay men aids continues to rise
Updated 17/03/2009 15:59:26
The New Zealand AIDS Foundation annual report shows the rate of infection remains high among gay men, with a report due out this week showing
an increase in the percentage of people presenting at the full blown AIDS stage of the illness.
Marshall Is report shows alarming level of incest and teenage suicide
Updated 17/03/2009 15:59:26
Alarming statistics uncovered in a survey of high school students in Marshall Islands revealed that one in five students has been raped by a relative.
Fiji's political party leaders finally meet to discuss Fiji's future
Updated 16/03/2009 11:12:03
The second meeting of Fii's political party leaders was finally held last Friday, with the 45 representatives taking part discussing the proposed agenda for the President's Political Dialogue Forum and most delegates agreeing the exercise was worthwhile after initial concerns that opposition politicians would be left off the list of invitees by the interim military Government.
Landslip and land dispute impacting severely on PNG Highlands
Updated 16/03/2009 11:12:05
Businesses in the Papua New Guinea Highlands face fuel shortages after a major landslip blocked the Highlands highway, and efforts to clear the road are being hampered by land owners demanding cash for access to their land.
Researcher claims women marginalised in Solomons land rights disputes
Updated 16/03/2009 11:12:00
The question of land rights and ownership has at times sparked violence in parts of the Pacific, with logging in particular highlighting the conflict between traditional ownership and a market economy brought on by overseas demand for timber products.
Fiji unionist claims vandalism attack was political
Updated 16/03/2009 16:19:32
Large stones have been thrown through the windows of the home of Attar Singh, chairman of the Movement for Democracy, in what he believes was a politically motivated attack.
Hunt for three murder suspects in Solomon Islands linked to sorcery
Updated 16/03/2009 16:19:36
In Solomon Islands, local police as well as Regional Assistance Mission police and military personnel are involved in the hunt for three murder suspects in Malaita Province accused of ritually stabbing to death a pagan priest in East Kwaio three weeks ago for allegedly practicing sorcery.
Vote to nominate women to PNG Parliament goes back to vote
Updated 16/03/2009 16:19:40
A vote to nominate three women directly to Papua New Guinea's Parliament will go back to MPs on Tuesday, after the motion was defeated last week.
Fiji's political party leaders postive about Friday's meeting
Updated 16/03/2009 16:19:32
Fiji's politicians say they are happy with the outcome of Friday's meeting with the interim government in Suva, which was held to set an agenda for a political dialogue forum, hosted by the President, and to be jointly facilitated by the Commonwealth and the United Nations.
Samoa lifts ban on inter-school sport imposed after student violence
Updated 13/03/2009 12:15:40
Samoa's Cabinet has lifted a ban on inter-school sports with warnings to Principals that they must stop the endemic violence between students, which has spilled into the markets and onto the streets, threatening public safety.
Samoans not using left-hand drive training area
Updated 13/03/2009 16:19:04
Drivers in Samoa don't seem to be using a special area of the capital, Apia, set aside to help train them for the switch from driving on the right hand side of the road and the Editor of the Samoa Observer, Mataafa Keni Lesa, says it's confusing using the special driving course.
Austrade predicts low impact from financial crisis in PNG
Updated 13/03/2009 16:19:04
The Australian government agency Austrade is predicting the current global financial crisis will have a minimal impact on businesses in Papua New Guinea, saying a sound banking sector and economic reforms in Australia should help increase trade and investment in the Pacific region including PNG.
Vanuatu Supreme Court starts hearing election petitions
Updated 13/03/2009 16:19:08
In Vanuatu the Supreme Court has disqualified a member of parliament in the first of five election petitions now before the court, finding MP for Tanna, Judah Issac guilty of bribing voters in last September's elections.
Fiji Court of appeal allows lowering of retirement age to 55
Updated 13/03/2009 16:19:12
The Fiji Public Service Association believes about 1,000 people will be affected by the Appeal Courts decision to lower the age of retirement for public servants from 60 down to 55.
Fiji political agenda meeting concludes
Updated 13/03/2009 17:48:37
A long delayed agenda setting meeting aimed at charting the future of Fijian politics has wrapped up in the capital Suva, with an agreement that 23 politicians from across Fiji's political spectrum and 15 non-Governmental Organisations will contribute to the President's dialogue forum.
Tourism Fiji hoping promotion campaign will lead to recovery
Updated 12/03/2009 16:20:56
Fiji's Bureau of Statistics has not yet released visitor arrival figures for February, but Tourism Fiji is concerned they may reflect a 25% fall for the quarter, and is responding by offering attractice packages and fares targetted at Australian and New Zealand travellers.
Concern that Fiji agenda setting meeting may exclude crucial players
Updated 12/03/2009 16:20:59
Two of Fiji's major political parties may not be in attendance at Friday's agenda setting meeting for the President's Political Dialogue Forum, with Interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama threating to ban National Federation Party and SDL party leaders for their comments in support of elections this year.
Emergency services feeling strain of New Caledonia's dengue epidemic
Updated 12/03/2009 16:21:05
The dengue epidemic in New Caledonia is showing no signs of improving, with a more than 3,000 people contracting the mosquito borne disease and two people dying, putting an immense strain on the health recources.
History of violence in PNG's Mt Hagan may be coming to a close
Updated 12/03/2009 16:20:56
The Nebilyar Valley in PNG's Central Highlands has been the scene of tribal war since the 1940s, and though there's been no major violence since early 2008, the violence has made people wary of travelling through the territory.
Fiji Police launch curious search for non-confidential leaked letter
Updated 12/03/2009 16:21:14
Fiji's Police have searched the offices of the Fiji Times newspaper in an attempt to find the source of a leaked letter which was published in the newspaper this week, despite the letter being a non-confidential courtesy note issued to participants at the last Commonwealth UN meetings in early February, thanking them for their contributions.
Doubts remain over political forum effectiveness
Updated 12/03/2009 16:21:17
Fiji's politicians are questioning how serious the country's military backed interim Government is about listening to anyone else's opinions about the best path back to democracy, with it still unclear whether or not all the country's major political parties will be invited to attend a political forum in Suva on Friday, intended to set the agenda for a United Nations Commonwealth facilitated forum later this year.
Crean says PACER plus good for the Pacific
Updated 12/03/2009 16:21:09
Australia's Trade Minister, Simon Crean is reacting strongly to claims made over the past week by the former Director of Economic Governance at the Pacific Islands Forum secreatariat, Dr Roman Grynberg, who criticised Australia and New Zealand's treatment of their Pacific nieghbours in trade negotiations.
NZ cuts aid money to Pacific programs
Updated 11/03/2009 09:52:03
New Zealand's Labour Party spokesman on Foreign Affairs is challenging the Department of Foreign Affairs to a debate on cuts to aid programs for the Pacific after New Zealand's Minister for Foreign Affairs Murray McCully slashed almost two million dollars a year to its Pacific aid budget.
Tonga signs deal to explore undersea mineral resources
Updated 11/03/2009 16:19:45
Tonga is preparing to exploit its undersea resources, signing a deal with Australian firm Blue Water Metals South Pacific in the hope of striking gold, silver, copper and zinc under the sea bed in Tongan waters.
Opposition to proposal to nominate women to PNG Parliament
Updated 11/03/2009 16:19:55
An attempt to have three women nominated to Papua New Guinea's Parliament has failed with the motion voted down 60 to 16, 13 votes short of the number required.
Police disperse protesters at New Caledonia's international airport
Updated 11/03/2009 16:20:03
Police in the French territory of New Caledonia have used tear gas to dispersed a group of about 300 protesters threatening to blockade the country's international airport.
PNG, Micronesia and Solomons seek joint deal on Continental Shelf
Updated 11/03/2009 16:19:49
Papua New Guinea, the Federated States of Micronesia and Solomon Islands have agreed to make a joint submission to the United Nations for the development of their extended continental shelf, the Ontong Java Plateau, a shallow region between them which is believed to have potential for minerals prospecting.
Power situation brightens for the CNMI
Updated 10/03/2009 09:42:25
There's seemingly a brighter future for residents in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas after years of running blackouts, with the price of fuel falling and a major Indian energy company offering to invest more than $US60 million to solve its ongoing power crisis.
Australia reverses ban on aid to groups providing abortion
Updated 10/03/2009 16:31:03
Australia's aid community and family planning advocates are celebrating a Government decision to overturn a ban on giving aid to groups that provide abortion.
Australian Foreign Minister says Fijians hurt by lack of democracy
Updated 10/03/2009 16:31:06
International pressure is continuing to mount on Fiji's interim Government to chart a return to democracy, with the United States ambassador to Fiji Steve McGann calling on the people of Fiji to band together and challenge the interim Government and Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith repeating the Pacific Islands Forum call for Fiji to name an election date by the first of May.
Fiji Census results show Indo-Fijian population collapsing
Updated 10/03/2009 16:31:09
The number of Indo-Fijians in Fiji is dropping, and it's predicted to fall even more in future, with statistics from the just released 2007 census showing the Indo-Fijian proportion of the country's population is now only 37.5%.
Underperforming Solomon Islands students lose scholarships
Updated 10/03/2009 16:31:03
The Solomon Islands Government is cracking down on under-performing students, terminating the scholarships of 105 Solomon Islands students at the University of the South Pacific's main campus in Fiji.
EU trying to ban prayers at Forum meetings
Updated 09/03/2009 09:20:00
Before Dr Roman Grynberg left his post as Director of Economic Governance for the Pacific Islands Forum, he raised another issue which had been concerning him.
Forum Director believes his contract was not renewed under pressure fr
Updated 09/03/2009 09:20:03
There are claims that Australia's alleged "heavy handed" approach to trade negotiations with Pacific Island countries is damaging Australia's standing in the Pacific.
IFAW aiding Fiji's animal flood victims
Updated 09/03/2009 09:20:00
In natural disasters, it's not only people who suffer.
Call for Pacific team in expanded Super Rugby competition
Updated 09/03/2009 16:34:51
For years now the New Zealand All Blacks and the Australian Rugby teams have relied on the talents of Pacific islanders.
Political showdown in Marshall Islands looms
Updated 09/03/2009 16:35:31
Marshalls Islands politics is set to enter unchartered waters on Tuesday when the President announces a new Cabinet.
Tinian in the CNMI to get a new casino resort development
Updated 06/03/2009 09:20:50
The Government of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas is gambling on a casino-led recovery to fill its fast dwindling coffers.
Solomons legislating for political stability
Updated 06/03/2009 09:20:50
The Solomon Islands Government is introducing a bill aimed at creating political stability in the country.
Greenpeace opposes nuclear shipment through Pacific
Updated 06/03/2009 16:14:57
The environmental watchdog group Greenpeace wants a planned shipment of nuclear fuel through the Pacific abandoned.
New Zealand to axe Immigration Department's Pacific Division
Updated 06/03/2009 16:15:01
In New Zealand, Pacific Island immigration has become the focus of a political brawl following a decision to dismantle the Immigration Department's Pacific Division.
Condoms expire in PNG amid claims not enough being done to fight AIDS
Updated 06/03/2009 16:14:57
While Papua New Guinea wrestles with an AIDS epidemic which has left up to 50 thousand people infected, it's emerged that two million condoms have been left to expire in a Port Moresby warehouse.
Counter currents: the Pacific Connection taking Whare and Fale abroad
Updated 05/03/2009 13:40:08
The idea of moving house was discussed quite literally at the University of Melbourne last month.
Federated States of Micronesia wait on election results
Updated 05/03/2009 13:40:11
The people of Micronesia went to the polls over the weekend, although the final results are yet to be known.
PNG Opposition accuses Government Minister of hire car corruption
Updated 05/03/2009 16:38:16
Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare is promising to investigate his Internal Security Minister over an alleged conflict of interest.
Fiji rejects Commonwealth deadline
Updated 05/03/2009 16:38:12
Fiji's military backed interim Government is indicating it has no intention of meeting an election ultimatum from the Commonwealth.
New Zealand assists Bougainville women's rights.
Updated 04/03/2009 10:32:08
Women's rights in Papua New Guinea's autonomous region of Bougainville are about to receive a big boost.
Fiji Attorney General rejects International Bar Association criticism
Updated 04/03/2009 17:05:18
Fiji's number one law officer has accused the International Bar Association of having "dropped the ball" over its report on the country's judiciary.
International Bar Association critical military influence on Fiji law
Updated 04/03/2009 17:05:15
The International Bar Association has raised concerns about the influence on Fiji's judiciary by the military backed interim Government.
Tonga appoints first High Commissioner in New Zealand
Updated 04/03/2009 17:05:13
Tonga has announced the appointment of its first ever diplomatic representative in New Zealand.
Fears death toll could rise in PNG landslide
Updated 04/03/2009 17:05:12
Seven people have so far been confirmed dead after a major landside in Papua New Guinea's Eastern Highlands Province.
Outlook for Fiji rating downgraded to negative
Updated 03/03/2009 16:49:35
International ratings agency Standard and Poors has revised the outlook on Fiji's long-term credit rating downwards, from stable to negative.
Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce raises concerns over port congrestion
Updated 03/03/2009 16:49:35
Vanuatu's Chamber of Commerce has urged the Government and stevedoring companies to urgently address the increasing congestion at the countries main ports in Port Vila and Santo in Lugainville.
Mining companies fund reef transplantation projects in New Caledonia
Updated 03/03/2009 16:49:36
In New Caledonia, it's hoped that two reef transplantation projects could help protect valuable ecosystems from industrial pollution.
Former Fiji Diplomat critical of military leadership
Updated 03/03/2009 17:17:11
One of Fiji's most experienced diplomats says coup leader Commodore Frank Bainimarama's military background makes it difficult for him to accept advice and it is contributing greatly to the uncertainity of how the government is presently being run.
Guam to debate massive increase in foreign worker fees
Updated 03/03/2009 17:17:11
A Democratic senator on Guam is asking lawmakers to debate a bill pushing the hire fee for a temporary foreign worker from $1,000 a year to $40,000 a year.
PNG troops deployed to curb Highlands lawlessness
Updated 02/03/2009 16:41:44
The Papua New Guinea government is sending more than 200 police and soldiers to curb a breakdown of law and order at the Porgera Gold Mine in the highlands.
Three PNG women could be selected as MPs
Updated 02/03/2009 16:53:01
Papua New Guinea's parliament is going to be asked to vote on a plan to nominate three women to be MPs.
Fiji A-G says previous government to blame for economic woes
Updated 02/03/2009 16:53:01
Fiji's interim attorney-general, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, says the previous government has to share much of the blame for the country's economic situation.
Residents and bar owners frustrated by violence in New Caledonia's cap
Updated 02/03/2009 16:53:01
In New Caledonia, tensions are brewing in the capital's tourism hot spot.
Rudd and Key announce Pacific study on financial crisis
Updated 02/03/2009 16:53:01
Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and his New Zealand counterpart, John Key, have announced a joint study on the implications of the global economic downturn on the Pacific Islands.
