January 2010
Push to put cane toads on the global menu
Updated 29/01/2010 09:21:15
An Australian meat producer says he has come up with a way of dealing with the dreaded cane toad.
FIFO festival crowd drawn to documentary on climate change in PNG
Updated 29/01/2010 09:21:15
A doumentary about how climate change is affecting the inhabitants of Takuu in Papua New Guinea has drawn a full house at it's screening at the
7th Annual Pacific International Documentary Film Festival in Tahiti.
Expert says Pacific needs to coordinate disaster response plans
Updated 29/01/2010 09:21:15
A regional disaster response expert has called on the international community to consider coordinated teams that would be ready to respond to disaster situations.
Thousands could be made homeless by PNG housing crisis
Updated 29/01/2010 09:21:15
There are fears many Papua New Guineans will end up on the streets unless the country's acute housing crisis is urgently addressed.
Vanuatu's speaker resigns, dodging no confidence vote
Updated 29/01/2010 09:21:15
Vanuatu's Speaker, Maxime Carlot Korman, has resigned rather than face a scheduled vote of no-confidence.
Britain's Andy Murray makes it to Australian Open final
Updated 29/01/2010 09:21:14
Scottish tennis sensation Andy Murray is the subject of high expectations.
PNG civil groups prepare gay, sex work law challenge
Updated 29/01/2010 18:03:40
A range of powerful Papua New Guinea health and community service groups are preparing a case for the decriminalisation of homosexuality and sex work in the country.
Fiji customs chief says politics threatens border security
Updated 29/01/2010 18:03:40
Fiji's permanent secretary to the interim prime minister's office, Colonel Pio Tikoduadua, is urging Australia and New Zealand to not allow politics to interfere with regional border security.
Embattled Cooks PM investigating presidential-style system
Updated 29/01/2010 18:03:40
The prime minister of the Cook Islands says he is investigating changes from a Westminster-style political system to a more American presidential style, which would see the prime minister directly elected.
Public hearings display concern for Guam buildup
Updated 29/01/2010 18:03:40
A series of public hearings on Guam has revealed widespread concern at the scale and speed of the proposed US military buildup.
Guam governor officially requests troop relocation delay
Updated 29/01/2010 18:03:40
In breaking news this afternoon, the governor of Guam, Felix Camacho, has sent a formal request to the secretary of the United States Navy in Washington asking for a delay in the planned troop location from Japan to Guam beyond 2014.
Anticipation builds ahead of 2010 FIFO award announcement
Updated 28/01/2010 09:27:54
Some of the region's best-known film and documentary makers have attended the 7th Annual Pacific International Documentary Film Festival in Tahiti.
ANZ Bank expects unprecedented boom in PNG
Updated 28/01/2010 09:27:54
The ANZ Bank's Chief Executive Officer for Asia Pacific, Europe and America has reportedly predicted an unprecendented boom in Papua New Guinea.
FSM successfully challenges Czech power plant expansion
Updated 28/01/2010 09:27:54
Federated States of Micronesia has successfully pushed the Czech Republic to seek an independent international assessment of a planned expansion of a coal-fired power plant.
Australian commentator labels Fiji sanctions "counterproductive"
Updated 28/01/2010 09:27:55
An Australian academic and commentator says Canberra should tone down its rhetoric towards Fiji; ease travel bans on family members of those involved with the 2006 coup and re-engage with the Fiji military.
Pornographic picture messages spark tribal war in PNG
Updated 28/01/2010 09:27:55
A tribal fight has broken out in the Papua New Guinea's highlands over a set of pornographic images sent by mobile phone.
New scholarship to coax American Samoan students home
Updated 28/01/2010 09:38:08
American Samoa's House of Representatives is considering a bill that would force students who receive government scholarships to study off-island to return to the territory to work.
Croatian amateur radio enthusiasts travel to Vanuatu
Updated 28/01/2010 09:27:54
A team of amateur radio enthusiasts from Croatia has travelled to Vanuatu to make contact with other ham radio operators.
Palau senator opposes full ban on tobacco, alcohol ads
Updated 28/01/2010 17:44:40
A bill that would outlaw almost all tobacco and alcohol advertising in Palau has been put on hold for at least three months.
Former French Polynesian leader denies cannabis quip
Updated 28/01/2010 17:44:40
The former French Polynesian President, Oscar Temaru, has denied calling for cannabis to be legally sold to tourists in the territory.
Australia stands by 5 per cent emissions cut
Updated 28/01/2010 17:44:41
Australia's Federal Government is to tell the United Nations that it will cut carbon pollution by no more than five per cent by 2020 in the absence of a world agreement on slashing greenhouse gases.
Loss of Fiji Constitution removed 'virtually any contraints'
Updated 28/01/2010 17:44:41
An Australian think tank has recommended that the Australian government abandon its current policy towards Fiji and adopt a new conciliatory approach towards the military-led government.
American Samoa copes well with Cyclone Nisha
Updated 28/01/2010 17:44:41
Tropical Cyclone Nisha, which affected both Samoas, is now heading away from Manu'a in American Samoa, causing little damage even as emergency alerts were issued for the US territory.
Pacific documentaries shortlisted for FIFO
Updated 27/01/2010 09:44:24
In French Polynesia thousands are currently attending the Pacific's answer to the Cannes Film Festival.
Eleven still on the run weeks after PNG jail break
Updated 27/01/2010 09:44:24
More details are emerging about the recent breakout from Papua New Guinea's Bomana prison.
Young Australian tackles sexual health issues in Samoa
Updated 27/01/2010 09:44:24
HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases are a growing problem across the Pacific but getting the message out on such a sensitive issues can be difficult.
Fiji admits controversial NZ diplomatic appointment is a test
Updated 27/01/2010 09:44:24
Fiji's Land Force Commander, Brigadier Pita Driti, has admitted his government is testing New Zealand by putting forward a senior military figure to be its representative in Wellington.
'Culture of fear' hinders Princess Ashika inquiry
Updated 27/01/2010 09:44:24
The inquiry into the sinking of the passenger ferry the Princess Asika in Tonga has heard that a culture of fear is preventing many people from coming forward with valuable evidence.
Hawaii-based Pacific islanders fear losing essential healthcare
Updated 27/01/2010 09:44:24
Pacific Islanders living in Hawaii say their concerns about new proposed health care regulations are not being heard.
Industry expert predicts good year for Pacific tourism
Updated 27/01/2010 17:51:51
Figures for 2009 are expected to show that tourism in the Pacific has escaped the worst of the global financial crisis.
Xstrata announces copper, gold find in PNG
Updated 27/01/2010 17:51:51
Papua New Guinea is one step closer to having another huge gold and copper project with the Swiss mining giant Xstrata announcing a large increase in its confirmed resources at its Frieda river prospect in PNG's north-west.
Debate for vote of no-confidence in Vanuatu speaker
Updated 27/01/2010 17:51:51
It has been confirmed that a motion for a vote of no-confidence in Vanuatu's speaker of parliament is scheduled to take place Thursday afternoon.
Cook Islands govt denies constitutional crisis
Updated 27/01/2010 17:51:51
The Cook Islands government denies it's undergoing a constitutional crisis, even as Prime Minister Jim Marurai says he will not call a meeting of parliament until September.
Fiji launches campaign to lure South Asian tourists
Updated 27/01/2010 17:51:50
Fiji is engaged in a major push to attract more tourists after declines last year in every major foreign market, except Australia.
New theory on how iguanas made it to Fiji and Tonga
Updated 26/01/2010 09:41:26
A scientist thinks he has solved the mystery of how iguanas arrived in Fiji and Tonga.
Fiji's cyclone-hit farms encouraged to plant threatened breadfruit
Updated 26/01/2010 09:41:26
Famers in Fiji are being encouraged to protect the biodiversity of breadfruit varieties by planting two key export varieties.
Pacific women's groups encouraged to apply for US grant
Updated 26/01/2010 09:41:26
American embassies around the world have launched a small grant initative for projects that boost women's political, economic and social advancement.
Guam watches Japan for decision on relocation of US base
Updated 26/01/2010 09:41:26
The debate over the relocation of a US military base in Okinawa Japan is continuing, with the country's prime minister and newly-elected mayor of Okinawa asking for more time to make a decision.
NZ tour operator reprimanded for hiring fake Maori
Updated 26/01/2010 09:41:26
A New Zealand tour operator is in trouble after employing foreigners to dress up and pretend to be Maori to attract tourists.
Australian law students publish guidelines for Vanuatu authorities
Updated 26/01/2010 09:41:26
A group of law students from Australia's Melbourne University has been studying ways traditional law and western law can be used in Vanuatu's juvenile justice system.
Guam Catholics fight proposed gay marriage law
Updated 26/01/2010 09:41:26
The Catholic Church in Guam has submitted a petition opposing plans to legalise same-sex civil unions in the US territory.
446 make it onto 2010 Australia Day Honours list
Updated 26/01/2010 09:40:51
A total of 446 people have made it onto the 2010 Australia Days Honours list.
PNG villagers encouraged to provide for LNG workers
Updated 26/01/2010 18:18:02
A new approach to pulling people out of poverty is about to be tested in Papua New Guinea's remote Southern Highlands.
Blame denials as more shot near Papua mine
Updated 26/01/2010 18:18:02
Indonesian police are hunting for the gunmen responsible for a shooting near the Freeport mine in Indonesia's majority-Melanesian Papua province.
Japan municipal election win bad for Guam
Updated 26/01/2010 18:18:02
A municipal election in Japan has thrown American plans to reorganise its military forces in the Pacific, including its proposed buildup on Guam, into disarray.
Pacific trade advisor sees sense in PACER Plus delay
Updated 26/01/2010 18:18:02
The man selected to take on the role of Chief Trade Advisor to the Pacific island nations says there is a case for suspending negotiations for the PACER Plus trade agreement until his office is established.
Former Cooks speaker urges constitutional change
Updated 26/01/2010 18:18:02
The political crisis in Cook Islands has prompted a former Speaker of Parliament to call for changes in the country's constitution.
Flag under scrutiny for another Australia Day
Updated 26/01/2010 18:17:59
Today is Australia Day and as with most country's national days it is an obvious occasion for some introspection, but once again the Australian flag is a target.
Breakthrough in search for WW2 Capt Templeton's remains in PNG
Updated 25/01/2010 09:25:46
One of the enduring mysteries of Australia's military campaign in Papua New Guinea during World War II may be close to being solved.
Young Australian helps reduce drowning risk in Tonga
Updated 25/01/2010 09:25:45
Tara Neige, a psychology student and swimming instructor with Surf-lifesaving Australia, recently travelled to Tonga under the Australian Youth Amabassadors for Development program.
Multiracial cooperative established to help impoverished Fijians
Updated 25/01/2010 09:25:46
For the struggling rural communities of Fiji's northern division help is on the way.
Out of work fisherman could turn to people smuggling
Updated 25/01/2010 09:25:46
There has been a sharp and sustained drop in illegal fishing in Australian waters.
No sitting of Cook Islands' parliament until September election
Updated 25/01/2010 09:25:46
There have been calls for political reform in Cook Islands after weeks of turmoil.
Marshallese watch US healthcare reform debate closely
Updated 25/01/2010 09:25:46
Pacific Islanders living in the United States are watching the debate on health care reforms intently.
Asian company suspected of smuggling valuable Solomon Islands' logs
Updated 25/01/2010 09:25:46
The Solomon Islands Forestry department is investigating the alleged attempted illegal shipment of seven containers of highly priced round logs by an Asian logging company.
Regional olympic body pushes to keep sporting stars at home
Updated 25/01/2010 09:25:45
The Oceania National Olympic Committee says it will use 2010 to build on attempts to establish an education framework for sporting bodies around the region.
Queens Rep needs Cooks crisis to deepen for dismissal
Updated 25/01/2010 17:53:54
A constitutional law expert says the Cook Islands' Queens Representative probably can not intervene in the country's political crisis until things get much worse.
Cook Islands parliament stasis called unconstitutional
Updated 25/01/2010 17:53:54
The prime minister of Cook Islands, Jim Marurai, is reported to have said he will not call parliament together until September when he has to call an election, which the leader of the opposition calls unconstitutional.
Tribal dispute claims eleven lives in PNG highlands
Updated 25/01/2010 17:53:54
Eleven people have been reportedly gunned-down in the Papua New Guinea highlands over a longstanding tribal dispute.
Bodies of two boys found following Solomons flood
Updated 25/01/2010 17:53:53
Police say the bodies of two boys, aged one and two, who went missing in the floods that hit Solomon Islands last week were recovered over the weekend.
Hotel guests cleaner, greener and healthier than in 2000
Updated 22/01/2010 07:04:01
International Hotel group Novotel has surveyed clients at its 30 hotels in Fiji, New Zealand and Australia.
PNG government criticised over multi-million dollar airport upgrade
Updated 22/01/2010 16:17:09
Papua New Guinea's government, led by Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare and his deputy Sir Puka Temu, is being criticised over plans to upgrade Jacksons International Airport in the capital, Port Moresby.
CNMI petition calls for US green cards for non-residents
Updated 22/01/2010 16:17:09
Thousands of people in the Northern Marianas have signed a petition urging the American government to give green cards to non-resident workers.
Torrential rain and flooding force evacuations in Solomon Islands
Updated 22/01/2010 16:17:09
Flooding brought on by torrential rains in Solomon Islands has prompted authorities to ask people to move out of flood-prone areas permanently.
Amnesty details repression by Fiji government
Updated 22/01/2010 16:17:09
The human rights watchdog, Amnesty International, says Fiji is suffering an intensified wave of repression at the hands of the coup-installed interim government.
Former Fiji PM's pension cancelled
Updated 22/01/2010 16:17:09
Former Fiji prime minister and coup leader, Sitiveni Rabuka, has had his government pension cancelled by the interim government.
Human immune system could be effective against malaria
Updated 21/01/2010 07:32:29
Scientists hunting for an effective vaccine against one of the world's biggest killer diseases Malaria believe the answer could lie within the body's own immune system.
Concerns over soaring rates of teen pregnancy in Vanuatu
Updated 21/01/2010 07:32:29
There are concerns about the growing number of teenage pregnancies in Vanuatu.
NGO calls for suspension of PACER Plus trade talks
Updated 21/01/2010 17:12:22
A leading NGO has called for the immediate suspension of negotiations for a PACER Plus aid and trade agreement between Australia and New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
Proposed Fiji diplomatic appointment to New Zealand "a provocation"
Updated 21/01/2010 17:12:22
Fiji's interim government has announced plans to appoint its military spokesman, Lt Col Neumi Leweni, as a diplomat to its High Commission in Wellington, New Zealand.
Heavy flooding in PNG's West New Britain Province
Updated 21/01/2010 17:12:22
Papua New Guinea's West New Britain Province is preparing to assess the extent of damage caused by flooding after a week of heavy rainfall.
PNG Corrections Minister stripped of portfolio after prison break
Updated 21/01/2010 17:12:22
Papua New Guinea's Correctional Services Minister, Tony Aimo, has been stripped of his portfolio after the latest jail break at Bomana Prison near Port Moresby.
Pacific makes mark at Sydney festival
Updated 21/01/2010 17:12:21
The annual Sydney Festival attracts world renowned artists and performers and this year is no different.
Bob McMullan to retire from Australian politics
Updated 20/01/2010 07:37:59
The Australian government politician who's been leading the country's international development effort has moved his retirement plans forward.
Fiji extends moratorium on harvesting turtles to 2018
Updated 20/01/2010 16:24:54
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) says a moratorium on the harvesting of turtles in Fiji has been extended until 2018.
Independent state of Pakumotu declared in French Polynesia
Updated 20/01/2010 16:24:54
It's been another turbulent week in French Polynesian politics but while the territory's representatives bicker over a proposed vote of no confidence against the government that was installed just three months ago, another group has had enough and formed it's own state.
"Land for Inmates" progam to be extended across Fiji
Updated 20/01/2010 16:24:54
Fiji's Prison and Correction service is planning to expand its "Land for Inmates" program, which is aimed at preventing former prisoners from re-offending.
New fibre optic cables for PNG
Updated 20/01/2010 16:24:54
Telikom Papua New Guinea and PNG Power have joined forces to bring fibre optic telephone and internet links to much of the rural population on the mainland.
Fiji police investigate brutal double murder
Updated 20/01/2010 07:37:59
Fiji police have charged two men over the murders of two Indian Nationals who had been missing for a month.
PNG government warned internal security is on the brink of collapse
Updated 19/01/2010 16:41:40
Another mass break-out at Papua New Guinea's Bomana Prison has led many to speculate that the country's prison system may be on the brink of collapse.
Three prison guards arrested over PNG prison break
Updated 19/01/2010 16:41:40
Police in Papua New Guinea have arrested and charged three prison guards over the escape of 12 detainees, including one who allegedly masterminded a series of high profile bank robberies.
Kangaroo meat a healthy alternative to lamb flaps?
Updated 19/01/2010 16:41:39
Pacific Island countries which import fatty cuts of meat such as lamb flaps could help combat the epidemic of obesity in the region if they replaced those cuts of meat with kangaroo.
Opposition leader forms new political party in Solomons
Updated 19/01/2010 16:41:40
Eight Opposition and Independent Members of Parliament in Solomon Islands have created a new political party ahead of this year's national elections.
Indigenous people still battling poverty and health problems
Updated 18/01/2010 09:18:18
The United Nations says persistent poverty, dire health problems, widespread human rights abuses and land dispossession continue to plague the world's 370-Million indigenous people.
Samoa increases efforts to move towards renewable energy sources
Updated 18/01/2010 09:18:18
Samoa has long prided itself on its efforts to move towards using renewable sources of energy rather than fossil fuels.
Britain's Prince William visits New Zealand
Updated 18/01/2010 09:18:18
Britain's Prince William will continue his tour of New Zealand on Monday.
Search for long-lost Tongan "war baby"
Updated 18/01/2010 16:58:37
Diane Gudgell-Holmes from the American state of Alaska is looking for her long-lost cousin in Tonga.
Solomon Islands quake-hit school given tent classrooms
Updated 18/01/2010 16:58:38
In Solomon Islands the primary school children who lost their classrooms as a result of this month's earthquakes will be returning to school as scheduled.
PNG bank offers reward for help in finding bank robber
Updated 18/01/2010 16:58:38
Papua New Guinea's biggest bank is offering a reward for any information on the whereabouts of the country's most-wanted criminal.
GEC causing malnutrition in Tonga and Tuvalu
Updated 18/01/2010 16:58:38
The latest figures on the impact of the global economic crisis show more than 80 percent of families in the most vulnerable communities in Tonga and Tuvalu do not have enough money for food.
America Samoa feeling effects of tuna cannery closure
Updated 18/01/2010 16:58:38
American Samoa's Chamber of Commerce says small businesses are starting to suffer from the closure of the Chicken of the Sea Samoa Packing plant.
Solomon Islands to electronically scan census forms
Updated 15/01/2010 07:54:56
The Solomon Islands National Statistics Office says it's training 26 people in Honiara to use new scanning technology to process data for its latest census.
Tuvalu hopes presence in Copenhagen will boost tourism
Updated 15/01/2010 07:54:56
The small island nation of Tuvalu is hoping its high profile at the United Nation's Climate Change talks in Copenhagen will attract visitors from around the world.
Fiji health officials warn of high dengue risk
Updated 15/01/2010 07:54:56
Fiji is bracing for a serious outbreak of dengue fever.
Fiji Methodists concerned about spy probe
Updated 15/01/2010 07:54:56
Fiji's Methodist Church has asked for a meeting with interim Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama to discuss a police investigation into allegations of espionage.
Solomons Sun Party claims it has the answers
Updated 15/01/2010 16:55:55
The newly formed Solomon Islands United Nationalist Party or Sun party says it has the answers to the country's economic and cash-flow problems.
Vanuatu records record population increase
Updated 15/01/2010 16:55:55
New figures have confirmed Vanuatu has experienced one of the most dramatic population rises in the Pacific region.
PNG doctors alarmed at rise in cholera cases
Updated 15/01/2010 16:55:55
Health authorities in Papua New Guinea are concerned about an alarming increase in the number of cholera cases in Morobe Province over the past six weeks.
FSM opposes Czech power plant extension
Updated 14/01/2010 08:00:28
The Federated States of Micronesia has decided to challenge plans to extend and modernise a massive coal-fired power plant.
Pacific scouts make an impact in Australia
Updated 14/01/2010 08:00:29
For the past week, well over 100 Pacific Island scouts and their leaders have been camping out with 11,000 others at the Australian Jamboree 2010 which is taking place just south of Sydney.
Australian journalists not allowed to attend Clinton briefing
Updated 14/01/2010 08:00:29
Australian journalists have been told they can't attend the US Secretary of State's media briefing in Papua New Guinea today reportedly for security reasons.
USTKE welcome release of union president from New Caledonia jail
Updated 14/01/2010 16:46:12
New Caledonia's second largest trade union, the USTKE is describing the release of it's president from prison as a "double victory".
Pacific better able to survive a quake that Haiti
Updated 14/01/2010 16:46:12
In some ways, Pacific Island countries are better equipped to survive an earthquake of the type which has just devastated the Haitian capital, Port Au Prince.
40 dead in PNG double bus smash
Updated 14/01/2010 16:46:12
Forty people have been killed in one of Papua New Guinea's worst road accidents, when two buses collided along the highlands highway on Tuesday.
New technology aids Solomons census
Updated 14/01/2010 20:13:05
The Solomon Islands National Statistics Office says it's training 26 people in Honiara to use new scanning technology to process data for its latest census.
New Zealand lawn bowlers found guilty of match fixing
Updated 13/01/2010 09:47:20
New Zealand's best male lawn bowlers have been found guilty of bringing the game into disrepute by deliberately losing at last year's Asia-Pacific championships.
Work to begin on private space port in Tonga
Updated 13/01/2010 09:47:20
A California based company Interorbital Systems has secured the funding it needs to build a private space port in Tonga and launch its first rocket load of satellites by the end of this year.
PNG prepares for US Secretary's visit
Updated 13/01/2010 09:47:20
The Papua New Guinea government has applauded US President Barrack Obama's decision to allow Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to visit PNG as part of her tour of the Pacific.
No reason given for Fiji deporation of Padma Lal
Updated 13/01/2010 09:47:20
The Fiji government has deported Dr Padma Lal, wife of Dr Brij Lal, one of the authors of the country's 1997 constitution, who was himself deported earlier this year.
Fiji cancels pensions of regime critics
Updated 13/01/2010 17:18:35
Fiji pensioners who criticise the coup installed interim government will have their pensions stopped.
Fiji A-G warns Jalal against making media comments about her trial
Updated 13/01/2010 17:12:19
Fiji human rights lawyer Imrana Jalal has been warned by a senior figure in the interim government not to comment about a court case brought against her by the Independent Commission Against Corruption.
NZ and Fiji agree to improve diplomatic relations
Updated 12/01/2010 17:27:50
New Zealand appears to be breaking with it's earlier hard-line approach to Fiji an approach also favoured by Australia and the wider Commonwealth over Frank Bainimarama's refusal to return to democracy.
New Cook Islands Finance Minister faces tough year
Updated 12/01/2010 07:05:07
Cook Islands new Finance Minister, Wilkie Rasmussen, has warned 2010 will be a difficult year economically and he has pledged to put in maximum effort to tackle the situation.
Cook Island Opposition appeals to Queen's representative
Updated 12/01/2010 07:05:07
In the Cook Islands 19 of 24 members of parliament have written to the Queen's representative seeking the recall of parliament so they can move a no confidence motion against Prime Minister, Jim Marurai.
FICAC denies any involvement in magistrate sackings
Updated 12/01/2010 07:05:07
The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption, FICAC, says it had nothing to do with the recent sacking of three magistrates.
Women urged to vote other women into Solomon islands parliament
Updated 12/01/2010 17:27:50
The Solomon Islands National Council of Women is urging people to consider voting for women in the general election later this year.
CNMI school volunteers to maintain historic lighthouse
Updated 11/01/2010 08:04:28
A school in the Northern Marianas wants to help maintain the Japanese Lighthouse on Navy Hill in Saipan.
Conditions at New Caledonia's prison prompt concern in France
Updated 11/01/2010 08:04:28
There are concerns that conditions at New Caledonia's only prison are now worse than at any other facility in France.
Fiji hopes Japan can build flood relief canal
Updated 11/01/2010 17:01:01
Fiji's Department of Lands has been consulting flood mitigation experts from Japan on a proposal to construct a river diversion canal to prevent flooding in Nadi.
Solomons main hospital a national disgrace
Updated 11/01/2010 17:01:01
The condition of Solomon Islands' National Referral Hospital in Honiara and medical services its provides are labelled as sub-standard and worse than a national disgrace.
Many households affected by Solomon Island quakes
Updated 11/01/2010 17:01:01
Solomon Islands National Disaster Management Office has completed its assessment of Rendova Island, which was hit by a series of earthquakes last week .
Nauru's phosphate exports in jeopardy
Updated 11/01/2010 17:01:01
Nauru faces the prospect of flat economic growth, this year, as phosphate exports continue to be affected by port damage and lower world prices.
24 Chinese arrested in CNMI enroute to US
Updated 08/01/2010 07:25:40
In the Northern Marianas, 24 Chinese nationals have been arrested for attempting to enter the US illegally using Saipan as a stop off point.
US Secretary of State to visit Pacific
Updated 08/01/2010 07:25:40
The US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will head to the Pacific next week visiting Hawaii, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.
US Secretary of State to visit PNG
Updated 08/01/2010 16:57:31
When the U-S Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visits Papua New Guinea late next week, she'll be focussing on the empowerment of women, combatting social violence and environmental issues ..
PNG customs crackdown on smugglers
Updated 08/01/2010 16:57:31
A revamped Papua New Guinea Customs service has embarked on a mission to vigorously crackdown on syndicates that facilitate smuggling activity in the country.
PNG Doctors threaten mass walkout over pay
Updated 08/01/2010 16:57:31
About five hundred doctors working in Papua New Guinea's public hospitals have threatened to resign en-mass in protest over the government's failure, to put them on a new salary structure.
FICAC denies singling out Fiji government critic
Updated 08/01/2010 16:57:32
The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption, FICAC, is denying human rights lawyer Imrana Jalal's claims she has been singled out for prospecution because of her anti-reigime stance.
Fiji regime critic claims she's being singled out for prosecution
Updated 08/01/2010 16:57:32
A Fiji-based human rights activist says she's been singled out for prosecution because of her opposition to the coup-installed interim government.
Anti whaling group accuses Japan of ramming vessel
Updated 07/01/2010 07:37:10
There's been a serious escalation in the whaling war in the waters of Antarctica.
Solomon Islands PM promises earthquake aid
Updated 07/01/2010 07:37:10
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Derek Sikua says it will be the government's priority to help those affected by the quakes.
Female albatross pair up to incubate egg
Updated 07/01/2010 07:37:10
In New Zealand, the modern family is constantly evolving.
Calls for Australian intervention in whale clashes
Updated 07/01/2010 17:01:36
Australia's Federal Opposition is increasing its pressure on the Federal Government to send an observer vessel to the Southern Ocean after the sinking of a New Zealand anti-whaling vessel yesterday.
Brown tree snake could wreak havoc in Hawaii
Updated 07/01/2010 17:01:36
The brown tree snake has been wreaking havock on Guam's eco system for over half a century.
Outside reporters criticised for one-sided Fiji coverage
Updated 07/01/2010 17:01:36
An Indo-Fijian journalist in Australia has criticised outside media reporting on Fiji, describing it as unbalanced and uninformed.
World's first undersea mine granted enviro permit by PNG
Updated 07/01/2010 17:01:36
The world's first commercial seafloor mining project has been given the environmental go-ahead.
Fiji judicial sackings undermine rule of law
Updated 07/01/2010 17:01:36
Recent unexplained sackings of magistrates and prosecutors in Fiji have undercut the rule of law, according to the head of the country's Law Society.
Another earthquake in Solomon Islands
Updated 06/01/2010 12:50:32
In Solomon Islands there has been another shallow earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 and a small tsunami registered in the capital, Honiara.
Tuvalu to argue for a stronger commitment to emission cuts
Updated 06/01/2010 12:50:32
Australia's prime minister used his new year's address to defend the outcomes of the Copenhagen climate change conference.
Morobe Governor wants crash pilot charged
Updated 06/01/2010 17:24:52
The Governor of Papua New Guinea's Morobe province has accused the pilot of an aircraft which crashed just before New Year of negligence and has called on authorities to charge him with manslaughter.
Subdued growth expected for Kirbati and Tuvalu in 2010
Updated 06/01/2010 17:24:52
Kiribati and Tuvalu can expect a better year in 2010 but, according to the Asian Development Bank, economic growth will be very subdued.
Seismic activity continues in Western Solomons
Updated 06/01/2010 17:24:52
Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Derek Sikua spent the day visiting parts of the earthquake stricken areas in Western Province.
Henry Kila, well-known PNG citizen, dead at 58
Updated 06/01/2010 17:24:51
Well-known Papua New Guinean Henry Kila has died at the age of 58.
Coconut Rhinocerous Beetle pest reaches CNMI
Updated 05/01/2010 16:48:24
The coconut rhinocerous beetle is already a well-known pest in Palau, Samoa, Fiji and more recently Guam.
PNG calls for assistance to fight AIDS epidemic
Updated 05/01/2010 16:48:24
Papua New Guinea's National Aids Council has called on the United Nations to help countries with a high HIV prevalence rate like PNG to stop it spreading and treat people living with the virus.
PNG government warned about Asians.
Updated 05/01/2010 16:48:24
A civil society leader in Papua New Guinea has warned the government to take the issue of Asians taking up businesses and jobs that could be done by PNG citizens, seriously.
Mystery over Fiji Magistrates sacking
Updated 05/01/2010 19:52:47
The sacking of three magistrates in Fiji has come as a surprise to the legal profession.
Aid agencies assessment after Solomons quakes
Updated 05/01/2010 16:48:24
International aid agencies are helping Solomon Islands authorities carry out assessments in the Western Province following Monday's two strong earthquakes and small tsunami.
Australian PM states his committment to climate change
Updated 04/01/2010 16:27:35
Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has used his annual New Years address to focus on the positives from the Copenhagen Climate Change summit, and commit his government to continue trying to reduce emissions.
Marshall Islands faces Compact challenge
Updated 04/01/2010 16:27:35
As the Marshall Islands goes into 2010, it's grappling with how to prepare for the end of the drip feed of money it gets from its Compact of Free Association with the United States.
Maori language teaching should concentrate on East Coast first
Updated 04/01/2010 16:27:35
A university linguist in New Zealand says efforts to revive the Maori language are backfiring.
PNG police concerned about possible triads
Updated 04/01/2010 16:27:35
Police in Papua New Guinea have expressed concerns over alleged Chinese Triad operatives in the country involved in drug smuggling, prostitution and murder.
Police say Solomons quake caused little damage
Updated 04/01/2010 16:27:35
The earthquakes struck in a part of Solomon Islands which is still recovering from a large 8.1 magnitude quake and subsequent tsunami which killed 52 people in 2007, and leaving thousands homeless.
Two earthquakes hit Solomon Islands
Updated 04/01/2010 16:27:35
Authorities in Solomon Islands are still carrying out preliminary assessment of any damage or serious injuries or deaths following two strong earthquakes this morning.
