February 2010

Atlantic Garbage Patch rivals Pacific counterpartAudio

Updated 26/02/2010 09:26:41

An accumulation of plastic debris, similar to the one known as the 'Great Pacific Garbage Patch' , has been growing in the North Atlantic Ocean.

Jellyfish and chips likely on menus of the futureAudioTranscript

Updated 26/02/2010 09:26:41

Experts in sustainable fishing are warning that much of our favourite seafood may soon become unavailable if over-fishing continues.

SPREP preparing for State of Environment ReportAudio

Updated 26/02/2010 09:26:41

Climate change and threats to the Pacific's environment have been a major talking point in recent months.

Australia's last tuna cannery to closeAudioTranscript

Updated 26/02/2010 09:26:41

Tuna quota cutbacks introduced in 2009 have started to bite with Australia's last tuna cannery announcing plans to phase out of production.

Farmers urged to plant more nutrient-rich taroAudioTranscript

Updated 26/02/2010 09:26:42

Pacific Island farmers are being advised to continue planting root crops, after a study confirmed they are significantly more nutritious than many imported foods like rice.

One in five Pacific women die during child birth and pregnancyAudio

Updated 26/02/2010 09:26:42

A study by the New Zealand Parliamentarians' Group on Population and Development has found that five women die each day in Pacific Island countries due to pregnancy or childbirth-related causes.

Native Hawaiian sovereignty bill passes US CongressAudio

Updated 26/02/2010 09:26:42

A bill granting sovereignty to indigenous Hawaiians has passed the US House of Representatives.

More arrests expected over Tonga's Princess Ashika disasterAudioTranscript

Updated 26/02/2010 09:26:42

The inquiry into the sinking of the MV Princess Ashika ferry has been extended again.

NSW junior rugby league introduces weight categoriesAudio

Updated 26/02/2010 09:26:41

Rugby League coaches look for players who are big, fast and strong, but in the junior leagues with children under 14 the weight difference between the players can be extreme.

Tonga's Shipping Secretary under fireAudio

Updated 26/02/2010 17:41:46

The Commission of Inquiry into the sinking of the MV Princess Ashika ferry in Tonga will now continue into the weekend.

PNG Customs loses millions in dutyAudio

Updated 26/02/2010 17:41:46

Papua New Guinea's Customs Services says it will introduce new legislation to tighten the process of issuing Customs License to prevent agents and companies from evading customs duty.

Efforts to uncover Pacific "war baby" historyAudio

Updated 26/02/2010 17:41:29

World War Two had a massive impact here in the Pacific, and the effects lasted long after the fighting stopped.

Another drop on PNG's stock exchangeAudio

Updated 25/02/2010 08:56:13

This week's roundup of trading on the PNG Stock Exchange.

WWF calls on Australia to get tough on whalingAudio

Updated 25/02/2010 08:56:13

A radical plan to overhaul the international whaling commission is gaining momentum.

UN condemns Australia's treatment of indigenous peopleAudio

Updated 25/02/2010 08:56:13

Australia has been found to have breached its international anti-race discrimination obligations through its intervention policies with indigenous communities of the Northern Territory.

Pacific tourism needs more mid-priced air faresAudioTranscript

Updated 25/02/2010 08:56:13

It has been suggested that the way the aviation industry operates is putting Pacific tourism at a disadvantage.

French Pacific health professionals share expertiseAudio

Updated 25/02/2010 08:56:13


Medical professionals from the three French Pacific territories met in Noumea New Caledonia this week to share information on some of the region's most common communicable and vector-borne diseases.

Accusations aid to Pacific does more harm than goodAudioTranscript

Updated 25/02/2010 08:56:13

There have been criticisms about the high wages paid to Australian consultants working in the Pacific.

Tonga's former transport minister gives evidenceAudio

Updated 25/02/2010 17:47:36

The Tongan Transport Minister at the time of last year's ferry tragedy has spent his second day giving evidence to the inquiry into the disaster.

Fiji court acquittal on conspiracy to murderAudio

Updated 25/02/2010 17:47:37

Fiji's High Court has acquitted eight men of the second and third counts of conspiracy to murder in the alleged 2007 assassination plot of senior public servants.

Australian Senate report on Pacific SecurityAudioTranscript

Updated 25/02/2010 17:51:16

An Australian Senate inquiry has found that if Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Island states did more to grow their economies, their security capacity and outlook would be better.

Solomon Islanders strongly support RAMSI presenceAudio

Updated 25/02/2010 17:47:37

Solomon Islanders are still happy with the presence of the Regional Assistance Mission, RAMSI, after nearly seven years.

PNG MP against Uni students strikingAudio

Updated 25/02/2010 17:47:36

Papua New Guinea's Deputy Leader of Opposition has called on students attending the Lae University of Technology in Morobe Province who may be considering industrial action not to strike.

Travel experts gather for Samoa conferenceAudio

Updated 24/02/2010 09:12:01

The two-day Paciific Asia Travel Association conference, TIDES Samoa, has concluded in Samoa's capital Apia.

IWC unveils plan to manage scientific whaling

Updated 24/02/2010 09:12:01

A radical plan to overhaul the international whaling commission is gaining momentum.

Proposal to change Guam to GuahanAudio

Updated 24/02/2010 09:12:01

Guam's Governor, Felix Camacho, would like to see Guam's name changed to Guahan, which he says is a more indigenous spelling and pronunciation of the island.

French Polynesian nuclear victims welcome outcome of Algerian meetingAudio

Updated 24/02/2010 09:12:01

Algeria, the site for French 14 nuclear tests between 1960 and 1965, has hosted a conference on nuclear testing in the capital Algiers.

Cholera continues to spread in PNGAudioTranscript

Updated 24/02/2010 09:12:01

Papua New Guinea is still struggling to cope with a serious outbreak of cholera.

Tongan PM never saw documents on Princess Ashika ferryAudioTranscript

Updated 24/02/2010 09:12:02

Tonga's Prime Minister Dr Fred Sevele has given hours of evidence to the inquiry into the sinking of the MV Princess Ashika.

Tuvalu prepares for inaugural King Tides FestivalAudio

Updated 24/02/2010 09:12:01

For a few days every year the King Tides rush over Tuvalu, one of the world's lowest lying nations.

CCF clains UN vindicates its stance on Fiji juduciaryAudio

Updated 24/02/2010 17:58:18

The head of a major NGO in Fiji has hit back at official criticism of his group for raising the subject of the independence of the country's judiciary.

Solomons Malaita police housing land problemAudio

Updated 24/02/2010 17:58:18

Lack of available land is hindering the construction of new residential houses for police in Solomon Islands' Malaita Province under a Regional Assistance Mission program.

US expert says PNG and Solomons can get better resources dealAudio

Updated 24/02/2010 17:58:18

One of the world's leading mining and resource NGO's says it could help Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands get more revenue from powerful transnational corporations.

PNG cholera outbreak compared to BangladeshAudio

Updated 24/02/2010 17:58:18

Meanwhile, a regional health expert says the cholera outbreak in Papua New Guinea is a bad one by international standards.

Tongan PM slams Counsel Assisting Ferry Royal CommissionAudioTranscript

Updated 24/02/2010 17:58:19

The Prime Minister of Tonga, Doctor Fred Sevele, has clashed with the counsel assisting the Royal Commission of Inquiry into last year's sinking of the MV Princess Ashika.

Canonisation of Australia's first saint sparks religious debateAudioTranscript

Updated 23/02/2010 09:43:31

Over the weekend it was confirmed that Australia would get it's first saint.

PNG women's role in agriculture underestimatedAudio

Updated 23/02/2010 09:43:31

Sweet potato is on of Papua New Guinea's staple crops and provides 43 per cent of total dietary intake.

Guam representatives in Washington for meeting of Western GovernorsAudio

Updated 23/02/2010 09:43:32

Guam's Governor, Felix Camacho, is currently in Washington for the winter meeting of the Western Governor's Association, which brings together the governor's of 19 states and the 3 Pacific Island territories.

International experts advise Samoa on post-stunami imageAudioTranscript

Updated 23/02/2010 09:43:32

Samoa is hosting "Tides Samoa", a conference for tourism operators both private and public sponsored by the Pacific Asia Tourism Association (PATA).

Tropical disturbance developing near TokelauAudio

Updated 23/02/2010 09:43:32

The cyclone seasons is continuing with a new set of severe weather systems developing in the Pacific region.

Current El Nino pattern is "worst in a decade"AudioTranscript

Updated 23/02/2010 09:43:32

The current El Nino pattern has been labelled "the strongest in a decade." El Nino refers to the extensive warming of the central and eastern Pacific that leads to a major shift in weather patterns across the Pacific, including an increased probability of drier conditions.

Tonga's economy hit by Cyclone ReneAudio

Updated 23/02/2010 17:46:56

Tonga's agriculture is likely to be the economic sector worst hit by Cyclone Rene, according to the Kingdom's Chamber of Commerce.

Australia's Pacific Worker Pilot Scheme "too expensive"Audio

Updated 23/02/2010 17:46:56

Phase two of the Australian Government's Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme has gotten off to a rocky start.

Tongan PM gives evidence to inquiry commissionAudio

Updated 23/02/2010 17:46:56

Tonga's Prime Minister Doctor Fred Sevele will continue with his evidence to the inquiry into the sinking of the MV Princess Ashika tonight.

The Global Fund assistance to PNG HIV victimsAudioTranscript

Updated 23/02/2010 17:46:56

The Global Fund will continue to provide life-saving anti-retroviral treatment to thousands of people living with HIV in Papua New Guinea until at least till 2012.

Fiji typhoid outbreak worries authoritiesAudioTranscript

Updated 23/02/2010 17:46:56

Fiji's health authorities are concerned the number of typhoid cases will rise if villagers don't follow health warnings.

Solomons Union wants plantation to reopenAudio

Updated 23/02/2010 17:46:48

The Solomon Islands National Workers Union has called on shareholders of the Russel Islands Plantation company to reinstate sacked employees and resume operations.

Call to extend sport development aid to minority sportsAudio

Updated 22/02/2010 08:27:46

When it comes to aid funds for sport development in the Pacific, there are just five main sports that secure the bulk of the funding.

Indigenous DNA added to global database for first timeAudioTranscript

Updated 22/02/2010 08:27:46


For the first time indigenous DNA sequences have been added to the existing human genome database.

Vatican officially announces first Australian saintAudioTranscript

Updated 22/02/2010 08:27:46

Celebrations have begun after the announcement of Australia's first Catholic saint, Sister Mary MacKillop.

Bank Governor who saved PNG economy retiresAudio

Updated 22/02/2010 08:27:46

The outgoing Bank of PNG governor took a trip down memory lane at his farewell dinner recently.

Cook Islands begin search for new secretary for financeAudio

Updated 22/02/2010 08:27:46

It's been almost two weeks since Cyclone Pat wrecked havock on Aitutaki in the southern Cook Islands.

Calls to justify Solomons' MP entitlementsAudioTranscript

Updated 22/02/2010 08:27:46

There are fresh calls for the Solomon Islands Parliamentary Entitlements Commission to justify wage increases and new entitlements awarded to Members of Parliament.

Fiji's Tuqiri helps Leicester extend rugby union leadAudio

Updated 22/02/2010 08:27:46

In the absense of international clashes, the focus is on Rugby Union.

Depression watched by meteorologistsAudio

Updated 22/02/2010 17:35:08

Pacific meteorologists are closely monitoring a tropical depression west of the Cook islands which could develop into a cyclone.

'Blue dog' Democrat says Hawaii voters want moderationAudio

Updated 22/02/2010 17:35:08

One of the Democratic Party candidates in the special election for Congressman in Hawaii says he's running as a centrist candidate, not an extremist.

Diabetes high on BougainvilleAudio

Updated 22/02/2010 17:35:08

Health authorities in PNG's autonomous region of Bougainville are worried about the alarming rates of diabetes and high blood pressure in the region.

Call to assist PNG's AIDS funding applicationAudioTranscript

Updated 22/02/2010 17:35:08

The world's major funder of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria programs - The Global Fund - has appealed to Australia and other aid donors to help Papua New Guinea produce a credible application for HIV/AIDS funding this year.

Breakthrough on Pacific Trade controversyAudioTranscript

Updated 22/02/2010 17:35:08

There has been a breakthrough in the long-running saga over the appointment of the region's Chief Trade advisor.

Fiji High Court asked to drop assassination chargesAudioTranscript

Updated 22/02/2010 17:35:08

Fiji's High court has been asked to drop the charges against eight men allegedly involved in the assassination plot against the interim prime minister.

Pacific needs to improve waste management strategiesAudio

Updated 19/02/2010 10:38:00

Countries around the Pacific are being encouraged to better manage their waste.

Groundbreaking study completed on wood-eating crabAudio

Updated 19/02/2010 10:38:00

The Pacific Ocean's sea floor is home to hundreds of rich, largely, unexplored ecosystems.

New Zealanders struggle to cope as heatwave continuesAudio

Updated 19/02/2010 10:38:00

New Zealand is in the midst of an unprecendented heat wave.

Hawaii notices increase in homeless Pacific IslandersAudioTranscript

Updated 19/02/2010 10:38:00

On a single night in January 2008, 1 out of every 200 people in Hawaii was found to be homeless and government officials say there has been an increase in the number of Micronesians and Marshallese on the streets.

Solomons anti-violence groups get US$5 million from EUAudio

Updated 19/02/2010 10:38:00

Solomon Islands Civil Society Groups have had a windfall with an injection of funds from the European Union.

Pacific to benefit from new trick to keeping vaccines coolAudio

Updated 19/02/2010 10:38:00

A scientific breakthrough in the UK is likely to ensure more children around the Pacific region are given effective vaccines.

Further delays in sending Australian police to PNGAudio

Updated 19/02/2010 10:38:00

A proposal for a significant number of Australian police officers to return to Papua New Guinea has been delayed further.

Sports development experts explain allocation of fundingAudio

Updated 19/02/2010 10:38:00

Sports development initiatives feature weekly on Pacific Beat.

Unique features of Hawaii's Congressional special election.Audio

Updated 19/02/2010 17:05:41

A special election to replace a Us Congressman from Hawaii looks set to attract a lot of interest from the rest of the United States.

NZ Tongans unhappy at delay in call for helpAudio

Updated 19/02/2010 17:05:42

It may be some time before the total damage caused to Tonga by Cyclone Rene is known.

Police called to contain Goroka University unrest.Audio

Updated 19/02/2010 17:05:42

Hundreds of police have been called to the University of Goroka campus in PNG's Eastern Highlands to force students to attend class.

Gizo hospital rebuilding three years after tsunamiAudio

Updated 19/02/2010 17:05:41

Work has begun building a new hospital in the capital of Solomon Islands' Western Province, Gizo, nearly three years after a tsunami virtually destroyed the old one.

Detention of anti-whaling activist sparks tensions with JapanAudioTranscript

Updated 18/02/2010 08:37:35

Japan's Foreign Minister has confirmed an anti-whaling activist from New Zealand being held onboard a Japanese whaling vessel in the Southern ocean will be taken to Tokyo.

PNG Kina Securities Index closes lowerAudio

Updated 18/02/2010 08:37:35

The CEO of Kina Securities in Papua New Guinea says he isn't concerned about a new report that ranks PNG as one of the worst places to invest for mining.

Melbourne considered unsafe by international studentsAudioTranscript

Updated 18/02/2010 08:37:35

A study released by an Australian university has found that a large number of international students think the city of Melbourne is unsafe and about 50 per cent of the students surveyed believed race or religion were a factor when they felt threatened.

Plastic surgery skills passed on to PNG doctorsAudio

Updated 18/02/2010 08:37:35

In most developed countries plastic surgery is usually associated with self-obsessed celebrities trying to make themselves look younger and prettier.

Outrage over sentencing of two Tongans to whippingAudio

Updated 18/02/2010 08:37:36


A British Judge working in Tonga has sparked a national debate after sentencing two local men to lashes with a whip.

Tonga's sunken ferry paid for by Chinese AidAudio

Updated 18/02/2010 17:36:35

The Inquiry into the sinking of the Princess Ashika in Tonga has been told the ferry was paid for using aid funding from China.

Vava'u Governor says islanders need overseas help with cyclone reliefAudio

Updated 18/02/2010 17:36:35

The Royal Governor of the northern Tongan island group of Vava'u says his people definitely need overseas assistance in the wake of Cyclone Rene.

ANZ Bank says Pacific recovery has startedAudio

Updated 18/02/2010 17:36:36

The ANZ Bank's latest Pacific quarterly report says the region has started to recover from the global economic crisis.

Australia explains its technical assistanceAudioTranscript

Updated 18/02/2010 17:36:36

Australia's Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance Bob McMullan says less of the country's aid budget should be so-called "technical assistance".

PNG'S Goroka Univertsity students boycottAudio

Updated 18/02/2010 17:36:35

Thousands of students at the University of Goroka in Papua New Guinea have boycotted classes over claims the university misused funds and unfair selection of new intakes.

Increasing number of Australians make switch to barefoot runningAudioTranscript

Updated 17/02/2010 10:02:04

Barefoot running is nothing new to Pacific Islanders.

Visting Samoa MP impressed by Vanuatu wind farmAudio

Updated 17/02/2010 10:02:04

Samoa has been taking an interest in how Vanuatu is using wind farms to generate electricity.

PNG to ban liquor in Southern HighlandsAudio

Updated 17/02/2010 10:02:05

A ban on liquor is to be introduced in Papua New Guinea's resource-rich Southern Highlands Province in May.

Cook Islanders launch global appeal for Aitutaki cyclone reliefAudio

Updated 17/02/2010 10:02:05

The storm that hit Aitutaki in the southern Cook Islands over the weekend is being described as the worst seen in 50 years.

Guantanamo Bay Uighurs do not want to move to PalauAudioTranscript

Updated 17/02/2010 10:02:05

The lawyer representing one of the last five Uighurs held at the Guantanamo Bay detention centre in Cuba says they are unlikely to accept an offer to be temporarily resettled in Palau.

Nauru government accused of scheming to prevent no confidence voteAudioTranscript

Updated 17/02/2010 10:02:05

The former Nauru minister and Opposition member, David Adeang , says police have been given orders to keep him out of parliament.

First Chamorro federal court judge diesAudio

Updated 17/02/2010 10:02:04

Guam is mourning the death of the first indigenous Chamorro to be appointed to a federal court bench.

Digicel Pacific moves into French Polynesian marketAudio

Updated 17/02/2010 17:59:22

The French Polynesian government's monopoly of the telecommunications market is about to come to an end.

Solomon airlines will not risk passenger safetyAudio

Updated 17/02/2010 17:59:22

Solomon Islands' national airline, Solomon Airlines says safety is not being compromised by tourists carrying surf boards in the planes cabin.

Power being restored in TongaAudio

Updated 17/02/2010 17:59:22

The lights are starting to go back on in Tonga in the wake of Cyclone Rene.

Cooks MP demands PM resign over cyclone decisionsAudio

Updated 17/02/2010 17:59:22

The leader of the opposition in Cook Islands wants the prime minister to either resign or be sacked over his response to the cyclone damage on the island of Aitutaki.

PNG ranks low as a place to invest in miningAudioTranscript

Updated 17/02/2010 17:59:22

Papua New Guinea has again ranked in the bottom five nations as a place to invest in mining.

Nauru's president survives no-confidence motionAudioTranscript

Updated 17/02/2010 17:59:22

The President of Nauru has dismissed claims by former minister now opposition member, David Adeang that the government was trying to prevent him from attending parliament.

Olympic luge death raises questions about competitors' safetyAudio

Updated 16/02/2010 08:58:27

The Winter Olympics in Vancouver have been marred by the death of Georgia's lugar, Nodar Kumaritashvili, on a trainining run.

Solomon Islands committed to promoting eco tourismAudio

Updated 16/02/2010 08:58:27

The eco tourism industry in Solomon Islands is rapidly expanding and gaining world recognition.

Clark criticises PNG for delay in addressing inequalities

Updated 16/02/2010 08:58:27

The head of the United Nations Development Programme, Helen Clark, says Papua New Guinea has a long way to go in meeting targets in areas such as poverty eradication and gender equality.

Deadline for public submissions on Guam buildup loomsAudio

Updated 16/02/2010 08:58:28


The spokesman for the Governor of Guam has denied suggestions that there is growing opposition to the relocation of the U-S marines there.

CNMI pushes for role in relocation of US troops from JapanAudio

Updated 16/02/2010 08:58:28

The Governor of Tinian in the Northern Marianas says a US military base would be good for the island.

Fiji responds to Human Rights Council recommendationsAudioTranscript

Updated 16/02/2010 08:58:28

Fiji has given its draft response to 103 recommendations on managing human rights issued by the UN Human Rights Council.

Cyclone Rene downgraded to category twoAudio

Updated 16/02/2010 11:57:34

Cyclone Rene has been downgraded to a category two as it moves away from Tonga.

Cyclone Rene strikes Tonga with full forceAudio

Updated 16/02/2010 11:57:34

Cyclone Rene has passed directly over Tonga's main island of Tongatapu and battered the Vava'u and Ha'apai island groups.

Kiribati minister says women need more protection from economic crisisAudio

Updated 16/02/2010 09:54:18

Some of the delegates at the Human Face of the Global Economic Crisis in Vanuatu focused on the impact the crisis continues to have on women and children.

PNG plans social protection policyAudioTranscript

Updated 16/02/2010 17:22:12

Papua New Guinea's Community Development Ministry plans to introduce a "Social Protection Policy" to safeguard vulnerable people.

NZ military helps Aitutaki cyclone cleanupAudio

Updated 16/02/2010 17:22:12

The first Royal New Zealand Air Force relief flight to the cyclone-batter island of Aitutaki, in Cook islands, has landed.

Tonga escapes worst of Cyclone Rene damageAudio

Updated 16/02/2010 17:22:12

Tonga seems to have come through Cyclone Rene with less damage than many feared.

Call for statement to Australian parliament on FijiAudioTranscript

Updated 16/02/2010 17:22:12

There's been a call for Australia's Foreign Minister, Stephen Smith, to make a comprehensive statement to parliament on Australia's relations with Fiji.

Fiji leader, NGOs have say on UN rights recommendationsAudio

Updated 16/02/2010 17:22:11

Fiji's draft response to the UN's 103 recommendations on managing human rights has drawn comment from its leader and a leading NGO.

Changes to luge track after athlete's death in VancouverAudio

Updated 15/02/2010 10:01:00

The 2012 Winter Olympics in Vancouver have been overshadowed by the death of one competitor during training.

Samoa looks to Victoria for health promotion ideasAudio

Updated 15/02/2010 18:04:46

A top level delegation from Samoa is visiting the Australian state of Victoria to see if the state's Health Promotion Foundation, known as VicHealth, could help the country fight lifestyle diseases such as diabetes.

Palau visa reforms to cut cost of foreign recruitersAudio

Updated 15/02/2010 10:02:06

Concerns have been raised about the number of unscreened workers coming into Palau through overseas recruiters.

PNG city dwellers consider insurance as funeral costs riseAudio

Updated 15/02/2010 10:02:06

An insurance company in Papua New Guinea has urged people living in the capital city, Port Moresby, to take out insurance to help relatives pay for funeral costs.

Clark calls for action on MDG's and climate changeAudio

Updated 15/02/2010 10:02:06


The head of the United Nation's Development Agency's, Helen Clark, has called for climate change to be put at the very centre of international development thinking, during her 2-day visit to Australia.

Vanuatu conference agrees on economic crisis action planAudioTranscript

Updated 15/02/2010 10:02:06

Delegates attending the Conference on the Human Face of the Global Economic Crisis in Vanuatu have drafted a plan of action which will be presented at the next Pacific Island Forum Leaders meeting.

Experts says China is preparing to make military mark on PacificAudioTranscript

Updated 15/02/2010 10:02:06

A recent report by Dr Marcus Hellyer for the Academic Research Centre claims China's military ambitions in the Pacific are not a cause for concern.

Cyclone Pat damages 80% of Aitutaki homes in Cook IslandsAudio

Updated 15/02/2010 10:05:00

The extent of damage from Cyclone Pat is filtering through from Aitutaki in the Southern Cook Islands.

Tonga braces for Cyclone ReneAudio

Updated 15/02/2010 10:04:30

Cyclone Rene is bearing down on Tonga's Vava'u island group.

France overpowers Ireland in Six NationsAudio

Updated 15/02/2010 10:00:00

In the Six Nations, France has beaten Ireland, the reigning champion, 33-10 at the Stade de France.

Aitutakian morale badly hit by Cyclone PatAudio

Updated 15/02/2010 18:04:52

Some people on the cyclone-hit island of Aitutaki in Cook islands are so despondent at the damage that they're talking about selling up and leaving for Australia or New Zealand.

Cyclone Rene forecast to weaken.Audio

Updated 15/02/2010 18:04:52

As we've heard, Cyclone Rene is reported to be directly over the main Tongan island of Tongatapu at the moment.

Radio Tonga stays on air through cycloneAudio

Updated 15/02/2010 18:04:52

Tonga's national broadcaster has been staying on air and broadcasting cyclone warnings and information right through the disaster.

Cyclone Rene hits Tongatapu.Audio

Updated 15/02/2010 18:04:52

Cyclone Rene has hit Tonga's main island, Tongatapu.

Cyclone Rene forms on same course as Pat, OliAudio

Updated 12/02/2010 10:27:18

The Fiji met service has issued another tropical cyclone warning for the northern Cook Islands with Cyclone Rene the fourth cyclone to form there, currently to the south of Nassau.

Call for return of Fiji constitution, bill of rightsAudio

Updated 12/02/2010 10:27:18

Fiji's report to the United Nations Human Rights Council was watched and scrutinised by other countries - as well as non-government organisations.

Rights groups criticise Fiji document sent to UNAudioTranscript

Updated 12/02/2010 10:27:19

Yesterday on Pacific Beat we heard how Amnesty International believes Fiji has misrepresented its human rights record in an official report to the United Nations.

Fiji rights defence challenged by UN reps in GenevaAudioTranscript

Updated 12/02/2010 10:27:19

Fiji has told the United Nations Human Rights Council it is defending human rights as its delegation spoke positively about the current situation in Fiji and its plans for the future.

UNICEF calls for strong education funding in PacificAudio

Updated 12/02/2010 10:27:18

The Regional Director of the United Nations' Children's Agency says maintaining government funding for education and training should be a priority, despite tough economic times.

Australia expanding microfinance help to PacificAudio

Updated 12/02/2010 10:27:18

Australia says it will spend $A10 million dollars over the next four years to improve marketing opportunities and boost agribusiness in the Pacific.

PNG soldiers demand attention to promised pay riseAudio

Updated 12/02/2010 10:27:18

Members of the Papua New Guinean Defence Force staged a protest march at Murray Barracks in Port Moresby on Thursday, demanding a pay increase promised to them in 2008.

NZ tourists full of praise for Cooks locals in cycloneAudio

Updated 12/02/2010 10:27:18

Tourists are being evacuated from islands hit in Cook Islands, and are full of praise for the locals who looked after them as Cyclone Pat hit yesterday morning.

Pacific environment body pushes biodiversity awarenessAudio

Updated 12/02/2010 10:27:15

The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Program is concentrating on the Pacific Year of Biodiversity campaign which falls in line with the International Year of Biodiversity.

Tokelau mourns loss of three men in storm conditionsAudio

Updated 12/02/2010 18:31:45

A number of countries in the Pacific are recovering from a week of cyclones.

Fiji rejects criticism of its human rights at UN meetingAudio

Updated 12/02/2010 18:31:45

The Fiji interim government has responded to criticism of it's human rights record by the United National Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Fiji PM will not stand down as military commanderAudio

Updated 12/02/2010 18:31:45

Fiji's interim Prime Minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, has denied media reports that he will retire as military commander after the 2014 elections.

UN conference on impact of GFC wraps up in VanuatuAudio

Updated 12/02/2010 18:31:40

The United Nations' Pacific's Conference on the Human Face of the Global economic Crisis in the Pacific is wrapping up in Vanuatu.

Northern Marianas offers to take entire Futenma US baseAudioTranscript

Updated 11/02/2010 10:04:44

There has been an unexpected development overnight in the movement of US troops from Okinawa, Japan, with Northern Marianas expressing interest in taking the entire Futenma air base at the same time as Guam is pushing back on the suggestion.

Safe bus drivers in PNG get chance of a lifetimeAudio

Updated 11/02/2010 10:04:43

A competition in Papua New Guinea is hoping to get the country's notoriously reckless bus drivers to slow down by appealing to their passion for rugby league.

NZ trauma counsellors head to post-tsunami SamoaAudio

Updated 11/02/2010 10:04:43

It is now almost five months since the tsunami which crushed Samoa's southern coastline killing more than 170 people.

Security upgrade stalls LNG construction in PNGAudio

Updated 11/02/2010 10:04:43

Work in Southern Highlands province on the PNG liquefied natural gas project has been halted by ESSO to adjust security plans in response to violent incidents.

Amnesty accuses Fiji of lying over human rights recordAudioTranscript

Updated 11/02/2010 10:04:43

Fiji is being accused of falsifying its human rights record in a report it submitted to the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Aitutaki suffers direct hit of Cyclone PatAudio

Updated 11/02/2010 10:04:44

The southern Cook Islands are currently experiencing a direct hit from Cyclone Pat.

Hot, dry summer threatens New Zealand's kiwiAudio

Updated 11/02/2010 10:04:42

A long dry spell in the North Island of New Zealand is causing problems for the country's iconic bird, the kiwi.

Pacific poor need help from govts says ADBAudioTranscript

Updated 11/02/2010 16:46:40

The Asian Development Bank says there are lessons to be learnt from the Asian crisis of the 1990s that could protect poor communities in the Pacific from the fall-out of the global financial crisis.

Canberra pressed on vacant Pacific postAudioTranscript

Updated 11/02/2010 16:46:40

Almost three months after Duncan Kerr resigned as Australia's Parliamentary Secretary for the Pacific, the failure to fill his vacant post continues to raise questions.

Palau president stands by offer to resettle Guantanamo UighursAudio

Updated 11/02/2010 16:46:40

The President of Palaua, Johnson Toribiong, says he's standing by his offer to temporarily resettle five Uighurs still being held at the Guantanamo Bay detention centre.

Cyclone Pat weakening, but fresh storm formingAudio

Updated 11/02/2010 16:46:40

There is the possibility of yet another cyclone forming near Samoa, in the same area where three other recent cyclones have spawned.

State of disaster declared on Cook Islands' cyclone-hit AitutakiAudio

Updated 11/02/2010 16:46:41

A state of disaster has been declared on Aitutaki in the Cook Islands, after Cyclone Pat carved a trail of destruction across the island last night.

PNG landowners reopen Kokoda tracks after talksAudio

Updated 11/02/2010 16:46:36

The Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea has reopened after landowners at Mt Kodu ended a standoff on the track's southern section.

Post-tsunami Samoa fears mongoose pest riseAudio

Updated 10/02/2010 09:23:33

Months after the tsunami that destroyed much of Samoa's south coast a new issue is emerging - mongoose infestation.

Economists to tackle farm-to-table ease at conferenceAudio

Updated 10/02/2010 09:23:33

A major agriculture conference gets underway in Adelaide, South Australia, later this morning with the annual Australian Agricultural and Resource Economists Conference.

UN economic, social chief reviews Vanuatu preambleAudioTranscript

Updated 10/02/2010 09:23:33

The Pacific seems to have a new champion in the boss of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific.

Key meeting of Pacific officials to begin in VanuatuAudio

Updated 10/02/2010 09:23:34

This morning, the official meeting of officials from fourteen Pacific countries begins on how their economies can cope with the impacts of the global economic crisis.

Pacific diplomatic appointment in Australian PM's courtAudioTranscript

Updated 10/02/2010 09:23:34

There have been grumblings by senior Pacific diplomats that a replacement for Australia's outgoing Parliamentary Secretary for the Pacific, Duncan Kerr, has been slow to be announced.

Cyclone Pat likely to strenghten to a hurricaneAudio

Updated 10/02/2010 09:23:34

The Cook Islands are being told to expect strong winds and high tides as tropical cyclone Pat continues to head towards its southern islands.

Police redfaced as notorious PNG criminal nabbed under noseAudio

Updated 10/02/2010 09:23:34

Papua New Guinea police and prison officials are embarrassed as the nation's most notorious criminal, William Kapris, was captured not far from where he escaped a month ago.

PNG bank security increase continues after Kapris recaptureAudio

Updated 10/02/2010 09:23:34

As we reported earlier this week, Papua New Guinea's most notorious criminal is back behind bars after police captured William Kapris at a lodge in Port Moresby on Saturday.

Guam Senator defends massive tobacco tax hikeAudio

Updated 10/02/2010 16:15:31

Within the next two months, Guam's cigarette tax will go up 200 percent - meaning a packet of cigarettes will cost as much as five dollars.

Pacific ministers join forces to fight jobs crisisAudio

Updated 10/02/2010 16:15:32

Labour Ministers from eight Pacific countries have signed up to a new plan to tackle the jobs crisis across the region.

Helen Clark, new UNDP head, addresses Pacific leadersAudioTranscript

Updated 10/02/2010 16:15:32

New Zealand's former Prime Minister, Helen Clark, who now heads the United Nations Development program, has given a keynote address at the "Human Face of the Global Economic Crisis" conference underway in Vanuatu.

Cyclone likely to cost French Polynesia millionsAudio

Updated 10/02/2010 16:15:32

In French Polynesia, the damages bill from last weekend's Cyclone Oli could exceed $US20 million.

Atoll residents told to tie themselves to cocnut trees if cyclone hitsAudio

Updated 10/02/2010 16:15:32

Residents of an isolated atoll In the Cook Islands are being told to tie themselves to coconut trees if Cyclone Pat hits them.

PNG University 'misspent' New Zealand aid fundsAudio

Updated 10/02/2010 16:15:30

The Timber and Forestry Training College at Lae University of Technology in Papua New Guinea has been accused of mis-spending thousands of dollars worth of aid funding from New Zealand.

Pacific states get UN praise for poverty fightAudio

Updated 09/02/2010 09:10:47

The United Nations has congratulated Pacific countries for the progress they have made on a strategy - the so-called Mauritius Strategy - to help small island developing states combat poverty.

Solomons dolphin trader says planned release genuineAudioTranscript

Updated 09/02/2010 09:10:47

A dolphin dealer in the Solomon Islands planning to release 17 dolphins into the wild says criticism against him is unwarranted.

Coast destroyed on French Polynesia's Tubuai by OliAudioTranscript

Updated 09/02/2010 09:10:47

As Cyclone Pat threatens to follow in the footsteps of Cyclone Oli, one French Polynesian community is struggling to cope with the aftermath.

Australian Youth Ambassador tackles mental illness stigmaAudio

Updated 09/02/2010 09:10:43

Depression, anxiety and other mental health issues often don't get the attention they deserve, but for one young Australian who spent time in Fiji with the Australian Youth Ambassadors program, Mental Health Week was the highlight of her stay.

First Solomon Islander to referee FIFA World CupAudio

Updated 09/02/2010 16:15:22

Soccer referee Matthew Taro has made football history - becoming the first Solomon Islander to be appointed to officiate in the FIFA World Cup.

Australian High Commissioner to PNG praises bilateral tiesAudio

Updated 09/02/2010 16:15:22

Australia's new High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, says he is looking forward to his posting at a time when the bilateral relationship between the two countries is in excellent shape.

New Fiji law to stop infant formula 'freebies'Audio

Updated 09/02/2010 16:15:22

The Fiji government has passed a new law banning milk retailers from offering free giveaways that could discourage women from breastfeeding their babies.

Fiji miners appeal for foreign help with 19-year strikeAudio

Updated 09/02/2010 16:15:22

Fiji's Mineworkers Union has appealed to both the International Labour Organisation and the International Human Rights Council for help, as they continue their 19-year strike action at the Vatukoula gold mine.

Pacific leaders hear from youth on global crisisAudio

Updated 09/02/2010 16:15:22

The global economic crisis is hurting everyone in the region, but particularly the poor and the vulnerable.

Pacific Islanders needed to recreate Polynesian migrationAudio

Updated 09/02/2010 16:15:22

More than 6,000 years ago, a group of sailors who went on to become the first settlers of French Polynesia settlers set out from China in outrigger canoes.

Cyclone Pat 'may hit' southern Cooks and NiueAudio

Updated 09/02/2010 16:15:22

Tropical Cyclone Pat is starting to alter it's course, and forecasters say it may threaten the southern Cook Islands.

Cyclone Pat developing off Cook IslandsAudio

Updated 09/02/2010 09:10:47

The cyclone season continues with Cyclone Pat hot on the heels of last week's devastating Cyclone Oli.

Pacific anti-doping expertise to assist Vancouver GamesAudio

Updated 09/02/2010 09:10:46

The Oceania National Olympic Committee is sending two anti-doping control officers from Fiji to Vancouver to assist with testing and education programs as part of the Winter Games and Winter Paralympic Games.

High demand for Vanuatu screen print tutorAudio

Updated 09/02/2010 09:10:46

A woman in Vanuatu teaching unemployed people the art of screen printing has expanded her project to Solomon Islands and Fiji.

PNG closer to NRL team with corporate supportAudio

Updated 09/02/2010 09:10:46

Papua New Guinea's dream of a team in Australia's National Rugby League has got a corporate boost after Airlines PNG and Coca Cola Amatil pledged their support.

Japan diet to visit Guam to investigate base relocationAudio

Updated 09/02/2010 09:10:47

Members of the Japan's parliament, the diet, are to visit Guam later this week on a fact finding mission to investigate if the entire Futenma US air base can be relocated to Guam.

Pacific questions Australia's diplomatic vacuumAudio

Updated 09/02/2010 09:10:47

It has been three-and-a-half months since Australia's Parliamentary Secretary for the Pacific, Duncan Kerr, stepped down from the position and there has been no announcement of a replacement.

Development of Pacific cricket part of funding boostAudio

Updated 08/02/2010 08:43:31

The Australian government, Cricket Australia and the International Cricket Council is to distribute $1.6 million worth of support over four years in cricket development to initially focus on Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa and Solomon Islands.

ANZ bank upbeat on Pacific outlookAudio

Updated 08/02/2010 08:43:35

The ANZ Bank's Asia-Pacific head says he is optimisitic about the Pacific's ability to repond to the global economic crisis and sees a positive outlook for most regional nations.

Year's first dengue case in AustraliaAudioTranscript

Updated 08/02/2010 08:43:35

Public information campaigns to prevent the spread of dengue fever are well underway around the region.

PNG targets immunisation for measles elimation by 2012Audio

Updated 08/02/2010 08:43:35

The motality rate of children under five years-of-age in Papua New Guinea is the highest in the Western Pacific region.

Cook Islands takes part in Paris Declaration aid reviewAudio

Updated 08/02/2010 08:43:35

This week sees the latest evaluation of the Paris Declaration on aid effectiveness to 23 territories.

UN Pacific economics chief previews Vanuatu keynoteAudioTranscript

Updated 08/02/2010 08:43:35

Government ministers and officials from fourteen Pacific countries are gathering in Vanuatu for a week-long series of meetings on how their economies can cope with the impacts on them from the global economic meltdown.

Australia conducts dramatic migration changesAudioTranscript

Updated 08/02/2010 08:43:35

Australia's skilled migration program is undergoing a dramatic overhaul and will affect thousands of overseas students hoping to study their way to permanent residency.

Assessment of Cyclone Oli underway in Bora Bora, TubuaiAudio

Updated 08/02/2010 08:43:35

Authorities in French Polynesia have begun to survey the damage after the worst storm to hit the territory in years.

State of calamity called in cyclone-hit French PolynesiaAudioTranscript

Updated 08/02/2010 08:43:35

French Polynesia is getting back on its feet after being battered by one of the worst storm in years this weekend, but Radio Australia has just learned that a state of calamity has been called as damage assessments come in.

Regional NGO group gets support despite huge debtAudio

Updated 08/02/2010 16:17:07

The Pacific Islands Association of Non Government Organisations, PIANGO, has been given the support of its members despite incurring massive debts.

Anger in Tonga over stalled ferry serviceAudio

Updated 08/02/2010 16:17:07

Tonga's outer islands are struggling to cope with the loss of their ferry service.

Cholera, drought and floods hit PNG's East Sepik provinceAudio

Updated 08/02/2010 16:17:07

Health authorities in Papua New Guinea's East Sepik province say cholera is spreading through the province 'like wildfire', and that a prolonged dry-spell is making things worse.

Police recapture notorious PNG criminalAudio

Updated 08/02/2010 16:17:07

Papua New Guinea's most wanted fugitive, William Nauna Kapris, was recaptured at the weekend.

Compensation sought over deadly PNG land battleAudio

Updated 08/02/2010 16:17:08

The developers of Papua New Guinea's first Liquefied Natural Gas-LNG project have been asked to pay compensation following the deaths of five people in ethnic violence.

Extra volcanic activity in Vanuatu being monitoredAudio

Updated 08/02/2010 16:17:08

The Vanuatu government is sending monitoring teams to some of the country's active volcanoes to monitor an apparent increase in their activity.

Cyclone eye to cross French Polynesia's Austral groupAudio

Updated 05/02/2010 10:43:54

Thousands of people have been evacuated from coastal areas overnight across French Polynesia.

NZ still quiet on proposed contentious Fiji diplomatAudio

Updated 05/02/2010 10:43:54

The closed-door meeting of Australia, New Zealand and Fijian foreign ministers has raised many questions across the Pacific.

Men At Work lose copyright case over 'Down Under'AudioTranscript

Updated 05/02/2010 10:43:54

Australia's Federal Court has ruled that the musical group Men At Work used part of a popular children's tune in their biggest hit, and that they will have to pay damages.

Uncompensated landowners close PNG Kokoda TrackAudio

Updated 05/02/2010 10:43:54

Landowners along Papua New Guinea's Kokoda Trail have closed the historic path to trekkers until a promise to develop the area is fulfilled.

Solomons dolphin release 'obnoxious publicity stunt'AudioTranscript

Updated 05/02/2010 10:43:54

Chris Porter has drawn much controversy over the years for his business of exporting dolphins from Solomon Islands, but now he says he is prepared to make a change and release 17 dolphins into the wild.

Calls for Bougainville inclusion in reconciliationAudio

Updated 05/02/2010 10:43:54

The Chair of Solomon Islands Truth and Reconciliation Commission says the 2008 compensation bill needs to be more comprehensive.

Subsidised airfares behind Air Caledonie's financial woesAudio

Updated 05/02/2010 10:43:54

Serious concerns have been raised in New Caledonia about the future of the territory's only domestic airline.

Kiribati president pushes Australia on climate planAudioTranscript

Updated 05/02/2010 10:43:54

The President of Kiribati, Anote Tong, says the credibility of international systems are under question as Australia's political leaders continue to be undecided about how best to deal with climate change.

Cyclone Oli hits French PolynesiaAudio

Updated 05/02/2010 10:43:54

French Polynesia is still on red alert after being battered by Cyclone Oli overnight.

High-end dialogue a win for Pacific at CopenhagenAudio

Updated 05/02/2010 10:43:50

With Copenhagen's climate conference now many weeks past, the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme says the least that it took away from the meet was strong bilateral dialogue.

French Polynesian President views cyclone damage on Bora BoraAudio

Updated 05/02/2010 16:35:14

Tahiti's high commission says Tropical Cyclone Oli, which hit the north of Cook Islands earlier this week, has been battering French Polynesia's islands of Bora Bora and Maupiti.

Cyclone Oli threatens Austral Island groupAudio

Updated 05/02/2010 16:35:14

Tropical Cyclone Oli is now heading for the Austral Islands, where it's expected to arrive at 2am local time.

Tongan ferry sinking Royal Commission to begin final public hearingsAudio

Updated 05/02/2010 16:35:13

Next Monday the Tongan Royal Commission of Inquiry into the sinking of the MV Princess Ashika will begin its final session of public hearings.

'Artificial pancreas' invention to help diabeticsAudio

Updated 05/02/2010 16:35:14

Parents who have children with juvenile diabetes are on a daily basis forced into a delicate balancing act to keep their child healthy.

New internet technology for PNG academicsAudio

Updated 05/02/2010 16:35:14

Academics in Papua New Guinea will soon have an easier way to access the internet.

High Commission in French Polynesia to send cyclone relief to TubuaiAudio

Updated 05/02/2010 16:35:14

Tropical Cyclone Oli is forecast to make direct landfall on the Austral Islands later tonight.

Pacific on course for mobile phone bankingAudio

Updated 05/02/2010 16:35:13

By the end of this year, thousands of people in the Pacific may be able to do their banking using a mobile phone.

Early year stutter for PNG stocksAudio

Updated 04/02/2010 10:16:05

The Papua New Guinea stock exchange is continuing its early 2010 decline with more bad news from Bank South Pacific.

New Pacific fisheries chief strengthens Nauru groupAudioTranscript

Updated 04/02/2010 10:16:05

A group of eight Pacific countries have chosen the person who will be leading their campaign to capture a bigger slice of the economic benefits from the Pacific's multi-billion dollar tuna fisheries.

Scientists unlock malaria tactics when invading humansAudio

Updated 04/02/2010 10:16:05

Malaria is still a major problem for many Pacific countries, particularly Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.

French Polynesia bracing for major stormsAudio

Updated 04/02/2010 10:16:05

French Polynesia is bracing what could be one of the worst storms in a decade, with tropical storm Oli strenghtening and heading for the main islands of Tahiti and Moorea.

Expert says Australia's credibility at stake over FijiAudio

Updated 04/02/2010 10:16:05

According to a Lowy Institute expert, Australia has backed itself into a diplomatic corner with its tough stance on Fiji and is now risking its crediblity in the region.

Decree lessens crime of treason in FijiAudioTranscript

Updated 04/02/2010 10:16:05

A new decree gazetted in Fiji this week reduces the penalty for coups and treason.

Alleged misuse of Solomons trusts ruining reputationAudioTranscript

Updated 04/02/2010 10:16:02

The Solomon Islands Bar Association has called for new laws on trust accounts after two lawyers were accused of misusing thousands of dollars of their clients' money.

Nauru to hold referendum on constutional changeAudio

Updated 04/02/2010 17:01:04

On February 27th, the people of Nauru will vote on changing the country's constitution.

Landowners block Kokoda Track in PNGAudio

Updated 04/02/2010 17:01:04

Landowners along PNG's Kokoda Track have closed the historic track to trekkers until a promise to develop the area is fulfilled.

More Fiji Methodist Church ministers arrestedAudio

Updated 04/02/2010 17:01:05

Fifteen more Fiji Methodist Church ministers have been arrested and charged with breaking the Public Emergency regulations.

French Polynesia braces for cyclone impactAudio

Updated 04/02/2010 17:01:05

French Polynesia is bracing for what could be one of the worst storms in a decade.

Solomons bid to end development in disaster-prone areasAudio

Updated 04/02/2010 17:01:04

The head of Solomon Islands Disaster Council wants government ministries and agencies to take the lead on preventing development in areas prone to floods and earthquakes.

Tongans targeted in NZ immigration scamAudio

Updated 04/02/2010 11:24:26

Hundreds of Tongan overstayers in New Zealand are reportedly travelling to Waitangi this Saturday, expecting to be granted New Zealand citizenship, in what authorities are describing as a scam.

French Polynesian politician criticised for cannabis sale suggestionAudio

Updated 03/02/2010 18:59:54

Last week former French Polynesian president Oscar Temaru suggested selling cannabis to tourists, to solve unemployment.

Australia, PNG hold wide-ranging aid reviewAudio

Updated 03/02/2010 18:59:54

Australia and Papua New Guinea are reviewing the treaty which governs the way Australian aid is utilised in PNG, and the public's getting a chance to have its say.

Fiji, Australia and NZ hold closed door talks in CanberraAudioTranscript

Updated 03/02/2010 18:59:54

Australia has waived its travel ban against a senior member of Fiji's military-led government, enabling him to travel to Canberra for talks tonight aimed at restoring frayed diplomatic ties.

France moves to address political instability in French PolynesiaAudio

Updated 03/02/2010 18:59:54

France has taken a significant step towards addressing political instability in French Polynesia.

French Polynesia prepares for two storm systemsAudio

Updated 03/02/2010 18:59:55

Having battered Cook Islands yesterday, Tropical Cyclone Oli is now heading towards French Polynesia, where it could hit Tahiti tomorrow.

Climate, economy issues kick-off Australia parliament yearAudioTranscript

Updated 03/02/2010 09:18:08

Climate change politics have dominated the start of a new year in the Australian parliament.

Hopes to overturn PNG law allowing child punishmentAudio

Updated 03/02/2010 09:18:08

An international advocacy organisation for children is calling on the Papua New Guinea government to ban the corporal punishment of children.

Amnesty claims police evicting people near Porgera mineAudio

Updated 03/02/2010 09:18:08

Amnesty International is saying police in Papua New Guinea have illegally evicted people living near the Porgera gold mine, owned by the world's biggest gold miner.

Cyclone Oli weakens after striking Cook IslandsAudio

Updated 03/02/2010 09:18:09

Parts of Cook Islands have been battered overnight by strong winds, high seas and flooding from Tropical Cyclone Oli.

Micronesia mourns passing of Chief Justice AmaraichAudioTranscript

Updated 03/02/2010 09:18:09

To Federated States of Micronesia where we pay tribute to Chief Justice Andon L Amaraich who died recently and is regarded as one of the founding fathers of the nation.

Senior French official in Tahiti to address instabilityAudioTranscript

Updated 03/02/2010 09:18:09

The French minister for overseas affairs, Marie Luce Penchard, is in the French Polynesian capital Papeete today amid fresh concerns about political instability in the territory.

US president confirms Guam visit in MarchAudioTranscript

Updated 03/02/2010 09:18:09

In yesterday's program we confirmed that the US president, Barack Obama, will be visiting Guam in March, where it is understood he will use the trip to discuss the proposal that the US military build-up be delayed.

Inquiry hears another unseaworthy Tongan ferry sailingAudio

Updated 03/02/2010 09:18:09

The Royal Commission of Inquiry into the tragic loss of 74 lives when the Tongan Shipping Corporation's ferry MV Princess Ashika sank in rough weather last August is on a week's recess.

Blockbuster 'Avatar' language has Polynesian rootsAudio

Updated 03/02/2010 18:59:54

Since its release in December, Jim Cameron's movie Avatar has broken box office records.

Pacific preview of Beijing+15 women action planAudio

Updated 02/02/2010 10:20:31

The fifteen year review of the implimentation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action for the advancement of women is coming up in March this year.

Fresh efforts to tackle high suicide rate in GuamAudio

Updated 02/02/2010 10:20:31

Guam has been seriously impacted by the number of its young people who have died by suicide.

Another error knocks climate change lobbyAudio

Updated 02/02/2010 10:20:32

The credibility of the world's climate change authority has taken another hit with accusations it based a claim about disappearing forests on a report by environmental activists.

Major world polluters submit emissions plans on timeAudio

Updated 02/02/2010 10:20:32

The world's biggest greenhouse gas emitting countries have met a Copenhagen summit deadline to lodge their domestic plans for cutting emissions.

No infrastructure stall as Guam suggests troop delayAudioTranscript

Updated 02/02/2010 10:20:32

Late last week we revealed that the Governor of Guam, Felix Camacho, had lodged a request to delay the movement of US troops from Japan to Guam.

Marshall Islands consider special TB quarantine lawsAudioTranscript

Updated 02/02/2010 10:20:32

The Marshall Islands parliament is considering legislation giving the Director of Health special powers of quarantine to stop an outbreak of tuberculosis.

Push for sport education across the PacificAudio

Updated 02/02/2010 10:20:31

The Oceania National Olympic Committee in Suva, Fiji, is continuing to develop the best ways to increase sport participation through the region, and today we will look at sports education.

NZ cop 'hoons' caught on filmAudio

Updated 02/02/2010 17:37:06

Two New Zealand police officers are in hot water after being caught on film driving like hoons at a school fundraising event.

Climate change sceptic says Pacific has nothing to fearAudio

Updated 02/02/2010 17:37:06

A prominent British climate change sceptic, Lord Monckton, says the Pacific has nothing to fear from sea level rise.

USP Institute of Education moves to TongaAudio

Updated 02/02/2010 17:37:06

The University of the South Pacific's Institute of Education has been relocated from Fiji to Tonga.

Bougainville rattled by offshore earthquakeAudio

Updated 02/02/2010 17:37:06

Tremors have been felt in Papua New Guinea this morning, after a moderate 6.5 magnitude earthquake.

Samoans 'frustrated' at pace of post-tsunami rebuildingAudio

Updated 02/02/2010 17:37:06

There is frustration in Samoa over the slow pace of rebuilding after last September's tsunami.

Tropical Cyclone Oli brings heavy rain to Cook IslandsAudio

Updated 02/02/2010 17:37:06

Parts of Cook Islands are being battered by strong winds and heavy rain due to Tropical Cyclone Oli.

PNG confirms first cholera case in Port MoresbyAudio

Updated 02/02/2010 17:37:07

Five months into Papua New Guinea's cholera outbreak, and the first case of the disease has been reported in the capital Port Moresby.

Misuse of technology not just a PNG problemAudioTranscript

Updated 01/02/2010 08:42:19

Tribal violence in Papua New Guinea's Southern Highlands flared-up last week when a young man from the Tapo clan in Tari sent a pornographic SMS to a woman in the Pipi clan.

Australian nuclear test victims take case to UKAudioTranscript

Updated 01/02/2010 08:42:19

Nuclear test veterans of South Australia's Maralinga site, like their counterparts in French Polynesia and Fiji, have called for compensation for decades.

US Navy aims for force without fossil fuelAudioTranscript

Updated 01/02/2010 08:42:19

The United States Navy - the world's largest naval force comprising more than 900,000 personnel and expenditure of more than $US150 billion per year - is preparing for a future without fossil fuels.

Onset of winter to signal new swine flu surgeAudioTranscript

Updated 01/02/2010 08:42:19

Epidemiologists are warning that a second wave of Swine Flu is likely to sweep through the region.

Voters seemingly fine with no Cook Islands parliamentAudio

Updated 01/02/2010 08:42:19

The delay in any sitting of parliament in Cook Islands does not seem to be worrying a majority of voters.

Debate on the pros and cons of Fiji sanctionsAudio

Updated 01/02/2010 08:42:19

The diplomatic standoff between Fiji's coup-installed military government on one hand and western democracies Australia and New Zealand on the other shows no signs of abating.

Pacific telco looks to Ireland to hireAudio

Updated 01/02/2010 08:42:16

A company which is distributing mobile phone top-up cards in the Pacific for Digicel is hoping to recruit sales people from Ireland.

Fiji union warns Sugar Corporation move could 'cripple' operationsAudio

Updated 01/02/2010 16:17:06

The Fiji Sugar Corporation has stopped deducting union subscriptions made by the country's sugar farmers.

Pensions threat 'may influence' Fiji's judgesAudio

Updated 01/02/2010 16:17:06

The President of Fiji's Law Society says new laws will make it a criminal offence for anyone to criticise the Fijian government - either inside or outside the country.

Tongan luger narrowly misses out on Winter OlympicsAudio

Updated 01/02/2010 16:17:04

Tongan athletes don't get many chances to hurtle down an icy slope at 140 kilometres per hour.

Palau welcomes new $250m aid packageAudio

Updated 01/02/2010 18:15:10

Palau has welcomed a $250 million aid package from the United States.