May 2009
Ciguatera forced Polynesian migration: Scientists
Updated 29/05/2009 16:11:54
Marine scientists believe they may be able to shed light on one of the Pacific region's greatest mysteries, and poisoned fish may hold the key.
Samoa NGOs say govt neglects their climate fears
Updated 29/05/2009 16:11:54
Environment lobbyists in Samoa have come out strongly against their government's disregard for dialogue with non-government organisations on climate change.
Emergency regulations control Fiji shop hours
Updated 29/05/2009 16:11:54
All shops in Fiji's capital, Suva, have been directed to close at 6pm on business days.
Fiji, PNG condemned in Amnesty report
Updated 29/05/2009 16:11:54
Amnesty International has used it's 2009 annual report to condemn Fiji's interim government over the suspension of democratic and legal processes, and a continuing climate of fear.
Tuvalu, Fijian mariners taken by Somali pirates
Updated 29/05/2009 16:11:54
Twelve Tuvaluans and one Fiji citizen are continuing to be held hostage by Somali pirates.
PNG landslide victims feared dead
Updated 29/05/2009 16:11:55
The 16 people still missing following Monday's landslide in Papua New Guinea Morobe Province are feared dead.
Fiji prepares precautions for swine flu
Updated 29/05/2009 16:11:55
Seventy cruise liners are expected to visit Fiji within the next few months, and a task force has been set up to ensure that proper health checks are carried out at all ports of entry.
Fears in New Caledonia of swine flu transmission from cruise
Updated 29/05/2009 16:11:55
It is now known that some passengers and crew were carrying the swine flu virus when they disembarked the Pacific Dawn cruise liner in Sydney, just days after visiting New Caledonia.
Saving New Zealand's kakapo
Updated 29/05/2009 16:11:53
In a recent survey of New Zealanders, the Kakapo - a large, bright green, flightless parrot - was voted "bird of the year".
Australia, NZ build housing for Solomons police
Updated 28/05/2009 16:40:02
For the first time since independence almost 31 years ago, members of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force could soon be living in decent quarters.
Solomons campaign for women's parliamentary seats
Updated 28/05/2009 16:40:02
Women in Solomon Islands are hoping to have representation in the country's parliament by next year's general elections.
Fiji democracy lobby to protest to Australian-based missions
Updated 28/05/2009 16:40:02
A Sydney-based Fijian lobby group is targeting the member nations of the Pacific Islands' Forum, as well as China and India, to try and force an early return to democracy on the island nation.
Crisis services struggling to get to PNG landslide
Updated 28/05/2009 16:40:03
The Morobe provincial Disaster Centre has left for the area of a killer landslide in Papua New Guinea today in a chopper and has not yet returned.
Australia, Pacific concerned by lax traveller health checks
Updated 28/05/2009 16:40:03
Australia, with more than 100 confirmed swine flu infections, is struggling to curb community transmissions with a second batch of suspected cases after an outbreak on cruise ship Pacific Dawn.
PNG mine announces increase in gold, silver resources
Updated 28/05/2009 16:40:01
Allied Gold has announced a big increase in the size of its gold resource at its Simberi mine in Papua New Guinea.
Fiji High Court reopens
Updated 27/05/2009 11:28:32
Fiji's High Court is again open for business having been closed since Good Friday following the dropping of the constitution and sacking of the the judiciary.
Concerns for landowners over PNG LNG signing
Updated 27/05/2009 11:28:32
After months of talks, local landowners and politicians have signed a benefit sharing agreement for Papua New Guinea's multi-billion dollar liquefied natural gas project this week.
Regional law groups condemn Fiji Legal Practitioners Decree
Updated 27/05/2009 15:30:45
Regional bodies are beginning to voice opposition to Fiji's latest presidental decree.
Call for rioters, looters to have say in PNG inquiry
Updated 27/05/2009 15:30:47
A senior member of Papua New Guinea's parliament says the people involved in the rioting and looting which left several dead need to be heard during the parliamentary inquiry into the violence.
Pacific cruise ship disembarks swine flu cases
Updated 27/05/2009 15:30:49
Australian medical authories are reeling with the realisation that the swine virus is expected to blow-out to epidemic proportions on Australian soil in the next couple of weeks.
New Testament translated into Tokelauan
Updated 27/05/2009 15:30:43
The New Testament has finally been translated into Tokelauan - 160 years after the island nation converted to Christianity.
NZ bank windfall fugitives believed to be in Asia
Updated 26/05/2009 10:03:50
International police are still trying to catch up with a couple of cashed-up Kiwis who are believed to be living it up in Asia, after Westpac bank mistakenly put ten million New Zealand dollars in their bank account.
Indigenous AFL players superstars of the competition
Updated 26/05/2009 10:03:50
There are more aboriginal football players in the Australian Rules Football competition than ever before.
Samson and Delilah director pines for home
Updated 26/05/2009 10:03:50
It's a long way from the dusty streets of the Australian outback near Alice Springs to the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival, and on Monday morning Aboriginal director, writer and cinematographer Warwick Thornton was feeling the distance.
Opposition Fiji politicians cool on 2014 poll date
Updated 26/05/2009 10:03:50
Two of Fiji's leading oppostion politicians say they don't believe the committment made by the country's leader's to allow a return to democratic rule in 2014.
Japan strengthens Pacific partnerships at PALM5
Updated 26/05/2009 15:29:56
The Japanese Government has proposed an array of financial and technical partnerships with Pacific countries at the Fifth Pacific Islands Leaders Forum in Japan.
Australian business wants genuine talks with Fiji
Updated 26/05/2009 15:30:01
Australian business is calling for genuine discussion with Fiji's interim government to help avert a further serious slide in the economy.
PNG PM admits to corruption in immigration dept
Updated 26/05/2009 15:30:02
The Papua New Guinea Prime Minister has revealed that immigration officials in PNG have asked for gifts from people before they could process their visas and passports.
Helicopter crew rushes to PNG landslide victims
Updated 26/05/2009 15:30:02
The Papua New Guinea National Disaster Centre is sending a crew by helicopter to assess damage after a landside in Morobe Province.
Guam military build-up not so open for foreign firms
Updated 26/05/2009 15:29:56
An Australian construction company says its attempts to do business on Guam are proving more difficult than first thought.
PNG officials take aid worker pay issue to business forum
Updated 25/05/2009 16:10:26
While tension between Papua New Guinean locals and ethnic-Asian businessmen erupted across PNG last week, it emerged that some Australian aid workers there earn more than Australia's Prime Minister.
Fiji blog readers worried about being detected
Updated 25/05/2009 16:10:26
People in Fiji are reportedly scared to be seen using the internet in case they are thought to be reading anti-government blog sites.
Fiji attorney-general says Law Society file seizure legal
Updated 25/05/2009 16:10:26
Lawyers in Fiji will have to reapply for licences under the terms and conditions of the President's latest decree, which stipulates that annual licences issued in February will now expire at the end of June with applications for new ones closing on June the 15th.
Australian Indigenous film wins Cannes Camera d'Or
Updated 25/05/2009 16:10:26
Indigenous Australian film director Warwick Thornton is celebrating today having just won a prestigious award at the Cannes Film Festival.
Defence jobs for Indigenous Australians way out of poverty
Updated 25/05/2009 10:16:40
For young indigenous adults in Australia's Northern Territory, signing up to seven months training with the Defence Force could be a way out of a lifetime of unemployment.
Interim government deregisters Fiji Law Society
Updated 25/05/2009 16:10:27
Fiji's interim government has deregistered the country's Law Society, with membership now voluntary and the body losing responsibility for issuing practising licences.
Tuvalu tries to save Air Fiji from bankruptcy
Updated 22/05/2009 15:18:46
Tuvalu wants to get Air Fiji flying again which was grounded earlier this month because of financial problems.
Solomons opposition wants RAMSI review before new deal
Updated 22/05/2009 15:18:47
The Solomon Islands opposition leader wants an immediate suspension of the partnership framework agreement between the Government and the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands, or RAMSI.
China's PNG ambassador condemns violence
Updated 22/05/2009 15:18:47
China's most senior diplomat in PNG has expressed regret over the recent widespread looting of Chinese, Korean, and other Asian businesses and shops in the country over the past fortnight.
UN says Pacific farmers need proper pay
Updated 22/05/2009 11:06:49
The head of the UN's peak food body, the Food and Agriculture Organisation, says the world can only meet it's escalating food needs if farmers are better paid.
Solomons spared hard drugs problem
Updated 22/05/2009 11:06:49
While many countries in the world are grappling with the problems of hard drugs, Solomon Islands' Police Commissioner says the country doesn't have any such problem.
Fiji Attorney General predicts lowering of voting age
Updated 22/05/2009 11:06:49
Fiji's Attorney General says the country's voting age will soon be lowered from 21-years-of-age to 18.
Claims Papuan repatriation figures inflated
Updated 22/05/2009 15:18:47
The repatriation of West Papuans who now reside in Papua New Guinea continues to be an ongoing issue for both PNG and Indonesia.
Huge pay for Australian aid consultants
Updated 22/05/2009 15:18:47
While tension between Papua New Guinean locals and ethnic-Asian businessmen continues across PNG, it's emerged that some AusAid contractors there earn more than Australia's Prime Minister.
Australia announces Coral Sea Conservation Zone
Updated 22/05/2009 11:06:44
The Australian government has announced the protection of nearly one million square kilometres of ocean off its north-eastern coast, while it considers whether to set up new marine parks in the region.
Lack of opportunity, not racism behind PNG-Asian attacks
Updated 21/05/2009 15:00:33
What is behind these recent attacks in Papua New Guinea?
Eco-friendly future theme of PALM5 Japan-Pacific meet
Updated 21/05/2009 10:07:43
Leaders of Japan and the Pacific Islands Forum countries are meeting in Tokyo on Friday for the Pacific Islands Leaders' Meeting, PALM5, with the theme 'We Are Islanders - Towards an Eco-Friendly and Rich Future'.
Fiji drinking age lowered to 18
Updated 21/05/2009 10:07:43
Fiji's Cabinet has agreed to lower the alcohol drinking age from 21-years-of-age to 18, angering the country's Methodist Church.
Opportunists take advantage of PNG-Asian attacks
Updated 21/05/2009 10:07:43
Violence across parts of Papua New Guinea throughout the past few weeks is being seen as a backlash against Asian business interests, and in particular Chinese-owned businesses.
Academic says Australia, NZ pressure Pacific on trade
Updated 21/05/2009 10:07:39
A leading New Zealand academic, Auckland University Professor Jane Kelsey, believes Australia and New Zealand have been putting an unrealistic amount of pressure on Pacific island nations to enter into negotiations for a closer economic relations agreement.
Visa issues inflame PNG citizens against new arrivals
Updated 21/05/2009 15:00:33
One of Papua New Guinea's most senior church figures says there needs to be a review of how visas are granted to people looking to invest in the country.
Kwaso homebrew new scourge of Solomon Islands
Updated 20/05/2009 16:25:10
Solomon Islands is battling the scourge of a highly potent home-brewed spirit drink known locally as Kwaso.
Grassroots crime rising as Fiji law in limbo
Updated 20/05/2009 16:25:20
Outside the courts, on the streets of Fiji, the nation's legal community says it is taking note of the slow decay of justice at the grassroots level.
Solomons, RAMSI mission still open ended
Updated 20/05/2009 16:25:30
Pacific leaders are expected to endorse last week's agreement between the Solomon Islands' Government and the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands, RAMSI.
Some PNG MPs show support for anti-Asian sentiment
Updated 20/05/2009 16:24:40
The Papua New Guinea government has been urged to address the widespread looting of Asian shops and businesses in the country.
Madang governor trying to control PNG violence
Updated 20/05/2009 16:24:50
While most of the current attacks on Asian businesses in Papua New Guinea are centred in the Highlands and Momase provinces, over the past couple of weeks there's been similiar conflict in other parts of the country.
Mapping technology brings oceans to web browser
Updated 20/05/2009 16:25:00
Computer technology is helping to de-mystify the oceans in a way that could help protect the marine environment from pollution and climate change.
Mariana Trench Monument still years away
Updated 19/05/2009 16:20:23
It could be another two years at least before the guidelines for the marine protection area known as the Mariana Trench Monument - near Saipan and Guam - is finalised.
World Bank says Pacific can act to boost investment
Updated 19/05/2009 16:20:23
A new report by the World Bank has found 70 per cent of government investment promotion agencies miss out on job-creating opportunities by failing to provide information to investors.
PNG population set to double
Updated 19/05/2009 16:20:23
Papua New Guinea's population is set to double over the next 20 years if the current trend continues.
Fiji lawyers sidelined as justice deteriorates
Updated 19/05/2009 16:20:23
It's just over a month since Fiji's president scrapped the constitution and sacked the country's magistrates and judges, but with the media censored, no new judges appointed, and less than half the magistrates working it appears while there may be some order there is no law.
Solomons set for economic grief: Central Bank
Updated 19/05/2009 16:20:23
The Governor of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands says his country is facing an unprecedented economic downturn, and people should prepare for a very difficult year ahead.
Endearment of NZ fugitive waning after siege
Updated 18/05/2009 15:40:11
Police in New Zealand are still looking for a fugitive who's been on the run for more than 90 days, and is making headlines around the world.
Huge iceberg set to break off Mertz Glacier
Updated 18/05/2009 15:40:18
A massive iceberg with enough freshwater in it to fill Sydney Harbour 135 times is about to break off the Mertz glacier in Antarctica.
Call for leaders to resolve Fiji conflict Pacific style
Updated 18/05/2009 15:40:18
Former Vanuatu President Ati George Sokomanu has criticised Australia and New Zealand's approach to Fiji's military regime.
Australian Greens say aid contribution falls short
Updated 18/05/2009 15:40:18
Australia's veteran Greens party leader, Bob Brown, says the Rudd government has failed in its foreign aid responsibilities despite a slight increase for aid in last week's Federal budget.
Detained Fiji Reverend unrepentant over criticism
Updated 18/05/2009 15:40:18
One of the leaders of Fiji's Methodist Church, Reverend Manasa Lasaro, says despite spending two days in detention for his criticism of the country's military backed interim regime, he will continue to speak out.
Widespread looting of Asian businesses in PNG
Updated 18/05/2009 15:40:18
There has been widespread looting and damage to Asian-owned businesses in Papua New Guinea's Highlands and Momase regions over the weekend.
EU cancels 2009 Fiji sugar assistance
Updated 18/05/2009 15:40:18
The European Union has confirmed it will not be paying a subsidised price for this year's Fijian sugar crop worth over $US30 million per year to Fiji.
EU furious at erronous Fiji media item of support
Updated 15/05/2009 15:48:10
The European Union has reaffirmed its total opposition to the Fiji military's refusal to allow a return to democracy for at least another five years.
Experts say a million in extreme poverty in PNG
Updated 15/05/2009 15:48:10
More than 1 million people in Papua New Guinea live in extreme poverty according to latest assessments presented at a conference in Sydney this week.
PNG, Australian leaders discuss new police deployment
Updated 15/05/2009 15:48:10
Following a discussion between the Prime Ministers of Papua New Guinea and Australia on the issue, a member of the PNG parliament wants Australian police redeployed to key policing areas to help fight the country's increasing law and order problems.
Action declared at World Ocean Conference
Updated 15/05/2009 15:48:06
Seventy-five of the world's nations have adopted the so-called Manado Declaration on the final day of the World Ocean Conference talks in Indonesia.
Fiji, not leader, issued invitation to Japan's PALM
Updated 15/05/2009 15:48:10
Japan has issued an invitation to Fiji's Ambadassador in Tokyo to represent the country at the Pacific Island Leaders Meeting, PALM 5, later this month.
Talk of nationalising American Samoa tuna cannery
Updated 15/05/2009 15:48:10
Concerns have been raised by the American Samoa Government over the future operations of the island's biggest tuna cannery, StarKist.
Fiji military regime pitches new TV show
Updated 15/05/2009 15:48:10
Fiji's interim regime has confirmed it wants a new television show dedicated to what it's doing.
Journalist, priest targeted in latest Fiji actions
Updated 15/05/2009 15:48:10
Another journalist in Fiji was taken in by police for questioning yesterday despite the story being cleared by the censors.
PNG govt asks for UN help for Manam refugees
Updated 14/05/2009 15:52:15
The Papua New Guinea government has asked for outside help to deal with thousands of people left homeless by volcanic eruptions.
Claims Fiji regime 'panicking' in arresting priest
Updated 14/05/2009 15:52:15
Dr Keith Suter from the Department of Politics at Australia's Macquarie University is an authority on military governments, and believes that the detention of Reverend Lasaro is a sign that the Fijian military regime is panicking.
Fiji church resorts to rumour to get information
Updated 14/05/2009 15:52:15
The interm government's strict censorship of Fiji's media is making it difficult for the Methodist Church to get accurate information about Manasa Lasaro's detention by police.
Fijian Methodist Church leader detained by police
Updated 14/05/2009 15:52:15
It has been confirmed that Fiji police have detained one of the country's highest profile religious leaders, former Methodist Church president The Reverend Manasa Lasaro.
Report states climate warming to heighten disease
Updated 14/05/2009 15:52:15
The first major report investigating the effects of climate change on people's health describes the increase in greenhouse gases as the biggest global threat to health in the 21st Century.
Argument over the cost of climate change
Updated 14/05/2009 15:52:15
Conservationists have urged delegates at the World Ocean Conference to forge a united position on climate change.
Solomons reiterates priorities in RAMSI meet
Updated 14/05/2009 15:52:15
The Solomon Islands' Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister says ongoing work with the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands must match the changing situation in Solomon Islands.
Community refuses water charges in French Polynesia
Updated 14/05/2009 10:52:31
A community group in French Polynesia is being threatened with legal action for refusing to pay water charges.
Pacnews move from Fiji welcomed by regional media
Updated 14/05/2009 15:52:15
A decision by the Pacific Island's News Association, PINA, to relocate its Suva-based newswire service Pacnews has been welcomed around the region.
Australian researchers find kava is safe
Updated 14/05/2009 10:40:16
An Australian research team has found that kava can be a safe and effective treatment for anxiety.
Leading Pacific news service PINA to move from Fiji
Updated 13/05/2009 10:36:34
The Pacific Island's News Association, PINA, has confirmed it is relocating its Pacnews newswire service outside Fiji.
New Northern Mariana visas to stifle Asia crime gangs
Updated 13/05/2009 10:36:31
As garment factories disappeared in the Northern Marianas, its growing tourism industry seemed to hold a bright future for this US-Pacific territory - but even that is to take a hit later this year as changes to visas regulations come into effect.
Pacific sees slight aid rises in Australian budget
Updated 13/05/2009 15:31:46
The Australian Treasurer allocated an increase in foreign aid in this year's budget, Australia Network's Jim Middleton asks Pacific correspondent Sean Dorney whether the Pacific's allocation is enough.
Climate accountability lacking in Australian budget
Updated 13/05/2009 15:31:46
Despite tough economic times, Australia has increased its overseas aid budget for 2009-10.
Ocean scientists warn of Coral Triangle refugees
Updated 13/05/2009 15:31:46
Australian scientists are warning there could be a wave of economic refugees from South-East Asia and the Pacific if climate change is allowed to devastate the so-called Coral Triangle.
Call to abolish PNG agriculture, livestock department
Updated 13/05/2009 10:36:34
The Governor of Papua New Guinea's Morobe Province, Luther Wenge, wants the Department of Agriculture and Livestock abolished.
Customary land bill could be disaster for PNG: NGO
Updated 13/05/2009 10:36:34
The Papua New Guinea parliament introduced the Land Groups Incorporation and Customary Land Registration Bill in March this year to get landowners to 'voluntarily' register and develop their land, but an environment group claims the new land registration bill could cause people to lose rights to their land after it is registered.
Calls for French broadcasting review in Pacific
Updated 12/05/2009 15:34:53
Media professionals in New Caledonia have repeatedly expressed their frustration at the lack of media outlets available to them.
Intensive pig, chicken farming a viral stew
Updated 12/05/2009 15:34:53
Pig farming practices have changed in recent years with some farms housing thousands of the animals in a small space.
Vanuatu's UNESCO listing under threat
Updated 12/05/2009 15:34:54
A United Nations body says it's writing to Vanuatu's government asking it to explain why land has been cleared in a world heritage site buffer zone.
Not too late for Fiji constitutional rule: HRW
Updated 12/05/2009 15:34:54
Human Rights Watch says it is not too late for Fiji's interim government to reverse the path it has taken, and return the country to consitutional rule.
PNG volcano refugees' resettlement money goes missing
Updated 12/05/2009 15:34:54
Five years ago the inhabitants of Manam Island, off the north coast of Papua New Guinea, fled to the mainland after a series of volcanic eruptions devastated their homes - now the organisation created to find them a new home seems to have disappeared.
New rugby league sexual assault cases shock Australia
Updated 12/05/2009 15:34:50
Australia's National Rugby League is in damage control as more details emerge about the sex scandals involving some of its most high-profile players.
PNG volcano refugees left stranded
Updated 11/05/2009 12:16:09
Five years ago the inhabitants of Manam Island, off the north coast of Papua New Guinea, fled to the mainland after a series of volcanic eruptions devastated their homes.
Wait for Pacific maritime boundary claims
Updated 11/05/2009 12:16:11
Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Federated States of Micronesia have submitted a joint continental shelf claim to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf.
Tuna cannery closure rocks American Samoa
Updated 11/05/2009 12:16:12
Two thousand workers at an American Samoa tuna cannery could be unemployed by the end of September.
Drug haul in Tahiti puts Pacific on ice alert
Updated 11/05/2009 12:16:12
Police on the French Polynesian island of Tahiti have seized more than 340 grams of the drug methamphetamine - known as ice.
Fiji says forum suspension suits Australia, NZ stranglehold
Updated 11/05/2009 15:42:46
The acting head of Fiji's interim government says Australia and New Zealand wanted the interim regime suspended from the Forum to maintain their political stronghold on the region.
Record turtle hatchlings excite scientists
Updated 11/05/2009 12:16:08
Conservationists in Solomon Islands are celebrating the hatching of a record number of endangered turtles on the uninhabited Tetepare Island in the Western Province.
No change at the top following New Caledonia election
Updated 11/05/2009 15:42:46
Pro-French political parties have retained their majority in New Caledonia's Congress following the weekend's provincial elections.
Australia's Crean happy with Pacific trade talks
Updated 11/05/2009 15:42:46
The Pacific is edging closer to starting formal negotiations for PACER Plus - the proposed free trade agreement with Australia and New Zealand.
PNG mine closes as local, foreign workers clash
Updated 11/05/2009 15:42:41
A mining project in Papua New Guinea has been shut down after a violent clash between local and foreign workers.
Voters undecided ahead of New Caledonia elections
Updated 08/05/2009 15:51:16
With just days to go until New Caledonia's provincial elections, one third of voters say they're still undecided.
Australia, NZ driving trade wedge through Pacific: NGO
Updated 08/05/2009 15:51:16
According to a leading regional non-government organisation, Australia and New Zealand are trying to drive a wedge between Pacific island trade ministers and their officials.
Flu scare delays US Pacific Fleet mission
Updated 08/05/2009 15:51:16
At least one crew member on board a US Navy ship bound for the Pacific region has become ill with swine flu, or Influenza A, H1N1.
Fiji extends Emergency Regulations
Updated 08/05/2009 15:51:16
Fiji's interim government has decided to extend the Emergency Regulations - even before the first one is due to expire.
Concerns for future of Pacific media freedom
Updated 08/05/2009 15:51:16
The celebration of World Press Freedom Day this week has raised the concerns of many in the Pacific media about how that freedom is being curtailed.
NZ watches gunman in Napier siege
Updated 08/05/2009 15:51:16
A gunman remains holed up in a house in New Zealand, more than 24 hours after he shot three police officers - killing one of them.
Gang insignia banned in NZ city
Updated 08/05/2009 15:51:15
The New Zealand parliament has given one of its cities the power to outlaw gang insignia in public places.
Tongan, Pacific guest work safe after firm collapse
Updated 07/05/2009 10:47:32
There have been fears throughout this week that the Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme could be in trouble.
Solomons PM reshuffles cabinet
Updated 07/05/2009 10:47:32
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Derek Sikua has terminated the appointments of two of his senior ministers and reshuffled six other cabinet ministers.
Fiji loses another High Court judge
Updated 07/05/2009 10:47:32
One of the Australian judges hired by Fiji's Chief Justice has left Suva, vowing never to return until the constitution is re-instated.
Prison release of convicted Fiji soldiers, police abhorred
Updated 07/05/2009 15:33:43
Radio Australia has received confirmation that this week Fiji's Minister of Prisons has allowed the conditional release of eight soldiers and one policeman found guilty of manslaughter in March, and sentenced to four years in prison.
Australian dengue outbreak reflects Pacific spread
Updated 07/05/2009 10:47:29
Health authorities in the north eastern Australian state Queensland are struggling with the worst outbreak of dengue fever in years.
ADB approach unchanged since Fiji scraps constitution
Updated 07/05/2009 15:33:43
The Asian Development Bank says it had to develop a new approach to Fiji following the 2006 coup.
PNG braces for flu outbreak
Updated 07/05/2009 15:33:43
The Papua New Guinea government has stepped up efforts to detect and prevent swine flu from entering its country.
China, Fiji walking diplomatic tightrope
Updated 06/05/2009 15:49:33
Despite economic sanctions and a cut in aid by many nations, many say interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama's confidence has been bolstered by a continuing stream of aid from Fiji's relatively new and powerful friend, China.
UN says no change in Fiji's peacekeeping status
Updated 06/05/2009 15:49:33
A claim by Australia's Prime Minister that Fijian soldiers will no longer be recruited for United Nations operations appears to be at odds with the view of the the United Nations' peacekeeping department.
Fiji leader no 'guest of honour' in Indonesia
Updated 06/05/2009 15:49:31
The Asian Development Bank denies that Fiji coup leader Commodore Frank Bainimarama has received special treatment at its annual Board of Governors meeting in Indonesia.
Call for recognition of PNG Montevideo Maru disaster
Updated 06/05/2009 11:15:50
Relatives of the more than 1,000 Australians who died on the Japanese World War 2 ship Montevideo Maru on July the 1st, 1942, want them to be recognised.
New Caledonia unveils thermal camera to detect flu
Updated 06/05/2009 11:15:50
With nearly 1,500 swine flu cases now confirmed around the world, Pacific island countries are stepping up their efforts to keep the virus at bay.
Solomons going easy on stadium land squatters
Updated 05/05/2009 15:38:58
The chief executive officer of the Solomon Islands National Sports Council says squatters have agreed to vacate the site of a proposed national sports stadium.
ADB warns Pacific of sharp downturn
Updated 05/05/2009 15:38:58
The Asian Development Bank has told Pacific Islands finance ministers that the impact of the global financial crisis on the region is worse than expected, and country-specific action plans are now needed.
Concerns Solomons forgotten in Australian defence paper
Updated 05/05/2009 15:38:58
Australia's new defence policy paper has sparked debate about whether the country is doing enough to ensure capacity for operations like Solomon Islands, East Timor and even Afghanistan.
Pacific economic group called to bridge Fiji
Updated 05/05/2009 15:38:59
The Melanesian Spearhead Group has been strongly urged to be a bridge between the Pacific Islands Forum and Fiji.
Forum chair says Fiji not lost cause
Updated 05/05/2009 15:38:59
The chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, Toke Talagi, says it will take some time before Fiji feels the full impact of its suspension from the regional body.
Civil Society groups worried about suspension
Updated 04/05/2009 16:50:54
Civil society groups in Fiji are concerned the Pacific Islands Forum suspension will end communication between their country, and the region.
Fiji's suspension from the Forum will impact other nations
Updated 04/05/2009 16:28:45
While the interim regime is confident it will not be to badly affected there are concerns the suspension will affect other nations, in particular other Forum member nations.
New Zealand's Maori politicians say they will intervene
Updated 04/05/2009 16:49:46
New Zealands Maori Party is considering sending a delegation to Fiji to speak with interim-Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama.
Fiji says suspension will have little impact
Updated 04/05/2009 16:49:46
On Friday May the first, midnight Suva time, Fiji became the first member nation of the Pacific Islands' Forum to be suspended.
Pacific braces for loss of large Forum partner
Updated 01/05/2009 16:26:47
Australia's government has repeatedly backed the move to expel Fiji from the Pacific Islands Forum, but how will a decision on Fiji's expulsion affect other Pacific Island nations?
NZ, Australia express disappointment in Fiji case
Updated 01/05/2009 16:26:47
Australia and New Zealand have reacted with disappointment to Fiji's impending suspension.
Fiji's future covered in Bainimarama interview
Updated 01/05/2009 16:26:47
Fiji's military backed interim prime minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, has made it clear he is prepared to go it alone if the Forum pushes ahead with its suspension deadline.
Fiji expulsion detrimental to Forum: Acting PM
Updated 01/05/2009 16:26:47
The acting Fiji prime minister, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, speaks to Radio Australia and says Fiji has exchanged correspondence with the Forum chair ahead of the deadline.
Media bares brunt of lack of Fiji constitution
Updated 01/05/2009 16:26:47
Concerns of potential human rights abuses in Fiji are mounting among observers who fear the lack of a constitution and a judiciary, combined with overt media censorship, are further reducing the accountability of those in power.
Hopes croc meat to feed off fears of pork
Updated 01/05/2009 11:09:22
In light of the current swine flu outbreak, just how many people do you think will baulk at buying pork for dinner?
Australian defence, aid agencies pen agreement
Updated 01/05/2009 11:09:22
The Australian defence department has announced a strategic partnership agreement with the Australian international aid agency, AusAid, but analysts say the partnership could reduce AusAid's role as the nation's primary aid body.
Claims PNG police torched houses near mine
Updated 01/05/2009 11:09:22
Papua New Guinean villagers have alleged police sent to restore law and order at the Porgera Gold mine in the PNG highlands have destroyed their houses.
