May 2010

Samoa ready to host Pacific's premier swimming competition

Updated 31/05/2010 08:39:45

More than eight months after the fury of an 8.3 magnitude earthquake and tsunami, Samoa will host the 8th Oceania Swimming Championships in June.

Tensions continue between Cook Islands Democratic Party members

Updated 31/05/2010 08:39:45

Tensions between two factions of the Cook Islands Ruling Democratic Party are continuing.

Australia begins legal action against Japan over whaling

Updated 31/05/2010 08:39:46

Tensions between Australia and Japan over whaling are set to increase after Australia's decision to file an international legal case against Japan's scientific whaling in the Southern Ocean.

Pacific announces Investment summit t in Sydney

Updated 31/05/2010 16:20:39

The fourteen Pacific Islands Forum nations will hold an Investment Summit with East Timor and the United States' and French Pacific territories, in Sydney, in August.

Gender issues highlighted by World Tobacco Day 2010

Updated 31/05/2010 08:39:45

Concerns have been raised that an increasing number of young women are taking up smoking.

Poll shows Australians want government to improve Pacific relations

Updated 31/05/2010 08:39:46

Australians want their government to do more to improve relations with the Pacific according to an opinion poll conducted by the Lowy Institute.

Solomons Speaker says no need to sack PM

Updated 31/05/2010 16:20:39

The Speaker of the Solomon Islands Parliament, Sir Peter Kenilorea, says he doesn't believe the prime minister should be sacked for prematurely announcing the national election date.

PNG's new law protects resource companies

Updated 31/05/2010 16:20:40

The Papua New Guinea government has passed a new legislation that stops landowners and third parties from suing resource developers over alleged environmental problems.

Volcanic eruptions in Vanuatu and CNMI

Updated 31/05/2010 16:20:40

A giant plume of volcanic ash is disrupting flights in the Pacific and threatening villagers in Vanuatu, echoing similar problems which caused air traffic chaos in Europe.

Mike McCluskey Radio Australia new CEO

Updated 31/05/2010 16:20:30

Changes are in place here at Radio Australia, with the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer, Mike McCluskey, who takes up his new role on Monday.

Rescue package needed for American Samoan tuna cannery

Updated 31/05/2010 08:39:46

The only remaining tuna cannery in American Samoa faces closure unless Congress approves a rescue package.

Public Health emergency declared in Fiji due to typhoid

Updated 31/05/2010 08:39:46

The typhoid outbreak in Fiji's central Navosa province has gone from bad to worse.

Review underway of Oceania Sports Education Program

Updated 31/05/2010 08:39:45

The Oceania Sports Education program's framework is currently being reviewed.

Australia takes Japan to court over whaling

Updated 28/05/2010 16:35:54

After years of threats, Australia is finally taking international legal action against Japan to stop it's scientific whaling program in the Southern Ocean.

SPREP: wetlands essential to Pacific livelihoods

Updated 28/05/2010 08:31:54

The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP) is working to promote international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.

Tongan rugby player investigated over slavery charge in France

Updated 28/05/2010 08:31:54

Police in Toulouse in the south of France are investigating allegations a Tongan-born rugby player kept an illegal immigrant at his house.

Sea snail more damaging to coral than bleaching

Updated 28/05/2010 08:31:54

A small sea snail is eating its way through a number of coral reefs in the Pacific.

Pacific most vulnerable to natural disasters

Updated 28/05/2010 16:35:54

Pacific Island countries are among the most vulnerable in the world when it comes to natural disasters.

French reporter allowed to stay in Indonesia

Updated 28/05/2010 16:35:54

Baudoin Koenig, a French independent TV documentary maker due to be expelled from Indonesia has today been allowed to stay in the country.

Republican wins Hawaii congressional election

Updated 28/05/2010 16:35:53

A Republican has won the special election in Hawaii's first congressional district.

Pacific shown how to use statistics to measure food security

Updated 28/05/2010 08:31:54

Statistics are being used in a new way in the Pacific: to measure progress toward food security and poverty reduction.

NGOs urge governments to act on climate change at Norway meeting

Updated 28/05/2010 08:31:54

A meeting of more than 30 international governments in Norway is discussing ways of advancing climate change initiatives through reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.

No tsunami, injuries or damage after strong earthquake off Vanuatu

Updated 28/05/2010 08:31:54

A 7.2 magnitude earthquake has hit Vanuatu in the early hours of the morning, closely follwed by a 5.2 magnitude quake.

Hawaii festival celebrates the hula

Updated 28/05/2010 08:31:54

Hawaiians have been struggling to preserve one of their most famous art forms: the hula.

French reporters deported for filming in Papua

Updated 27/05/2010 08:24:18

The Indonesian media freedom organisation, the Independent Journalists Alliance of Indonesia, has criticised the deportation of two French documentary-makers who were filming in the country's Papua province.

PNG tops list for number of new TB cases

Updated 27/05/2010 08:24:18

The World Health Organisation says Papua New Guinea has the highest rates of new TB cases in the region.

Vanuatu's N'Gol Season denounced as tourist trap

Updated 27/05/2010 08:24:18

The N'Gol season on Pentecost Island in Vanuatu attracts numerous tourists and more than a little controversy.

NZ whaling activist goes on trial in Japan

Updated 27/05/2010 08:24:18

A New Zealand anti-whaling activist is going on trial in Japan to face charges which could see him jailed for up to 15 years.

Australia's Opposition wants immigration Pacific Solution back

Updated 27/05/2010 17:07:13

If Australians opt to change their government at this year's general election, the so-called Pacific solution for asylum seekers arriving in Australia by boat will be back.

Concern many Solomon nurses will head to Vanuatu

Updated 27/05/2010 08:24:19

A group of 38 nurses from Solomon Islands have confirmed they are considering lucrative job offers in Vanuatu.

USP finalises partnership with Australia

Updated 27/05/2010 08:24:18

Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs has finalised a partnership framework with the University of the South Pacific.

Aust Opposition no talks yet with Pacific neighbours.

Updated 27/05/2010 17:07:12

The Australian Opposition says its not yet had any discussions with the nation's Pacific neighbours over its new immigration policy.

Hundreds of Pacific islanders in Australian jails

Updated 27/05/2010 17:07:13

At any given time, hundreds of young Pacific Islanders are in custody in Australia.

Fiji's economy suffering under military regime

Updated 27/05/2010 17:07:12

It's now nearly three and a half years since Fiji's fourth coup in December 2006, close to two years since the start of the Global Financial Crisis, and just over one year since the country's constitution was scrapped.

Tuvalu seafarers the focus of HIV prevention

Updated 26/05/2010 16:17:44

Despite its remoteness, Tuvalu has not been spared from H-I-V and AIDS.

Orange security level at Guam International Airport

Updated 26/05/2010 16:17:44

Recent terrorist threats around the world have prompted security to be tightened around Guam's International Airport.

El Nino change could intensify Pacific weather

Updated 26/05/2010 16:17:43

Scientists are trying to find out how a global temperature increase will affect the El Nino weather phenomenon.

PNG's OK Tedi mine's future being considered

Updated 26/05/2010 16:17:44

Papua New Guinea's Ok Tedi mine says a decision to extend the mine's life for another 10 years is a difficult one.

Palau working to clear unexploded WWII munitions

Updated 26/05/2010 07:35:30

The beautiful island of Palau was at the centre of a fierce battle during World War Two and is still the site for large quantities of unexploded munitions.

Call to action on plummeting commercial fish stocks

Updated 26/05/2010 16:17:44

Turning the tide on plummeting commercial fish stocks will take a world-wide effort and some new policies according to a landmark report by the United Nations Environment program - but it can be done.

UN finds evidence of police-inflicted torture in PNG

Updated 26/05/2010 07:35:30

A delegation from the United Nations has collected evidence of torture inflicted by members of the Police Force in Papua New Guinea.

PNG yet to respond to damning report on Australian aid delivery

Updated 26/05/2010 07:35:30

Papua New Guinea's government has yet to respond to an independent assessment criticising the way Australian aid is delivered to the country.

Frustration over rising prices in Fiji

Updated 26/05/2010 07:35:30

Consumers in Fiji have seen the price of imported goods increase sharply since the interim government devalued the dollar in April 2009.

Pacific needs to prepare for swine flu

Updated 26/05/2010 07:35:30

The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) says Pacific Island countries need to draw up preparedness and response plans to deal with future swine flu outbreaks.

New festival draws inspiration from first Hawaiians

Updated 25/05/2010 17:02:41

The first ever Na Hoku O Hawaii Music Festival gets underway later this week.

James Tanis leading in Bougainville Presidential race.

Updated 25/05/2010 17:02:42

Bougainville's incumbent president James Tanis has regained the lead as counting continues in the general elections.

Flosse accused of spying on another former French Polynesian president

Updated 25/05/2010 07:51:21

French Polynesia's veteran politician and former president, Gaston Flosse, is back in the news again for allegedly spying on another person's private life - that of another former president: Oscar Temaru.

Push to increase number of female decision makers in Tuvalu

Updated 25/05/2010 07:51:21

A grassroots campaign by the women of Tuvalu is working to get more women into decision-making positions.

ADB says Pacific governments must control their debt

Updated 25/05/2010 07:51:21

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) says Pacific island economies are continuing to battle the effects of the global economic crisis.

Solomons Premier wants govt action on jobs and services

Updated 25/05/2010 17:02:42

The Premier of Solomon Islands' Malaita Province wants more action from the national government to provide services and get big development projects up and running for his people.

New Zealand neglecting Pacific aid commitments

Updated 25/05/2010 07:51:21

New Zealand is being accused of falling behind in its foreign aid commitments to the Pacific.

Calls for probe into wasted AusAID resources

Updated 25/05/2010 07:51:21

Australia's government is under fresh pressure to do more about waste in its foreign aid program, with criticism being levelled at the use of highly paid consultants and private companies.

Intense lobbying to form a government in Nauru

Updated 25/05/2010 17:02:42

There's been intense lobbying taking place behind the scenes in Nauru in an effort to end the nation's ongoing political crisis that's dragged on for a month.

Guam bushfire takes over a week to contain

Updated 25/05/2010 09:56:56

Authorities in Guam have been working to contain a fire that's been threatening the northern-most village of Yigo for over a week.

Australia looks at greater aid independence

Updated 24/05/2010 17:25:48

Australia's government is considering greater independence in the way it assesses the effectiveness of foreign aid with more tabloid headlines about waste adding to public pressure.

SPC lays out five year aid plan for Vanuatu

Updated 24/05/2010 08:26:58

The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) is working on a program of assistance for Vanuatu.

IMF loan could force Fiji to cut spending

Updated 24/05/2010 08:26:58

There is concern that Fiji's interim government may have to cut spending even further if its application for a loan from the International Monetary Fund is approved.

ONOC: Developing Australian-recognised sports in Tonga

Updated 24/05/2010 08:26:57

The Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) is conducting a series of workshops in Tonga.

Vanuatu police warn against harbouring escapees

Updated 24/05/2010 17:25:48

Police in Vanuatu say anyone harbouring four dangerous escapees will be dealt with harshly by the authorities.

Fiji government restores critics' pensions

Updated 24/05/2010 17:28:52

Fiji's Interim Government has removed a ban on pension payments to those it regards as opponents to its policies and direction.

Nauru's parliamentary deadlock could have been avoided

Updated 24/05/2010 17:25:48

The people of Nauru have become accustomed to lengthy post-election stalemates that have delayed the early formation of a government.

Australia's Tiwi Islands' fishing permits spark dispute with amateurs

Updated 24/05/2010 08:26:58

A dispute has arisen over amateur fishing in Australia's Northern Territory.

More accusations against sect planning move to Vanuatu

Updated 24/05/2010 08:26:58

More details have emerged about the doomsday plan by the religious group, Agape Ministries International, to flee Australia and set up a community in Vanuatu.

Indigenous business makes a come-back in Solomon Islands

Updated 24/05/2010 08:26:58

It's almost seven years since the Pacific's Regional Assistance Mission arrived in Solomon Islands and people started rebuilding their lives after the years of ethnic violence.

Pacific islands urge Security Council to address climate change

Updated 24/05/2010 08:26:58

The Pacific Small Island Developing States say the United Nations Security Council needs to put climate change security threats officially on its agenda.

Nauru's opposition maintains stand on politics

Updated 24/05/2010 17:28:46

There's still no end in sight to the political stalemate in Nauru a month after elections returned a hung parliament.

Plan to protect agricultural bio-diversity

Updated 21/05/2010 09:48:32

May 22nd is Biodiversity Day.

Research team finds mounting evidence of ocean warming

Updated 21/05/2010 09:48:32

The oceans cover more than two thirds of the planet and are so large and amorphous, that it's very difficult to get a clear idea of what's happening to them across the globe.

Solomons court jails former RAMSI officer over nurse's death

Updated 21/05/2010 16:16:47

The Solomon Islands High Court has sentenced a former RAMSI police officer from Samoa to three and a half years in jail for the death of a young woman in 2008.

Bougainville election ends today

Updated 21/05/2010 16:16:46

Voting has ended in the Papua New Guinea region of Bougainville and the results could be in by Monday or Tuesday.

Sustainable power viable in Australia

Updated 21/05/2010 09:48:27

Sustainable energy campaigners say now is the time to start switching Australia over to renewable power plants.

Solomons' Malaita Province - Israel relations

Updated 21/05/2010 16:16:47

They may be worlds apart, but the people of Solomon Islands and Israel have been celebrating a special bond that's brought them a little closer together.

Cult leaders planned to move to Pacific

Updated 21/05/2010 09:48:32

Australian police are hunting three leaders of an international religious group after raids in Adelaide uncovered a stash of guns, detonators and ammunition.

PNG Opposition against reserved seats for women

Updated 21/05/2010 09:48:32

The camaign to get women into PNG"s national parliament has hit another speed bump.

Chinese nationals duped by CNMI visa scam

Updated 21/05/2010 09:48:32

Chinese nationals are being lured to the CNMI with the promise of a US visa.

Violence against women reports escalating in Tonga

Updated 20/05/2010 10:52:35

The Commander of Tonga Police, Chris Kelley, says the reported rate of violence against women in Tonga has almost quadrupled in the past ten years.

Birthing kit tries to address PNG's high maternal mortality

Updated 20/05/2010 10:52:22

In rural Papua New Guinea, women have a one in seven risk of dying during childbirth.

Indigenous Australians victims of telemarketers

Updated 20/05/2010 17:08:52

For most of us, telemarketers and door to door sales people are a nuisance.

UN aims to bolster sovereignty of small territories

Updated 20/05/2010 17:08:53

A UN committee on decolonisation is meeting in New Caledonia this week to assess the rights of small territories and how they are governed.

Pacnews may have exclusive censorship freedoms

Updated 20/05/2010 17:08:53

Foreign media in Fiji may not be subjected to the same restrictions as local media, once the country's new media decree is enacted.

18 feared dead in PNG maritime tragedy

Updated 20/05/2010 17:08:53

A desperate search is underway off Papua New Guinea's northeast coast for survivors from an overloaded boat that has capsized in rough seas.

PINA to press media freedom question in Fiji

Updated 20/05/2010 10:52:35

PINA President Moses Steven and Fiji's Interim Government will be meeting later today to dicuss the affect of the media decree on PINA and its PACNEWS service.

Pacific countries tackle lifestyle diseases

Updated 20/05/2010 10:52:35

A team of health experts with the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) are in Port Vila for the joint Vanuatu SPC country strategy.

Solomon Islands Chancery opening in PNG

Updated 20/05/2010 17:08:53

The Prime Minister of Solomon Islands Derek Sikua has arrived in Papua New Guinea to officially open Solomon Islands' new High Commission chancery in Port Moresby.

Action needed to save Fiji super Fund

Updated 19/05/2010 10:23:14

One of Fiji's leading economists says urgent action is needed to save Fiji's only superannuation fund from future losses.

Mobile phones and cancer controversy

Updated 19/05/2010 10:23:10

There's a cautionary tale to be told following the release of a study on mobile phones and cancer.

Ethnic violence in PNG's Morobe Province

Updated 19/05/2010 16:40:16

In Papua New Guinea, two people have been killed and thousands left homeless following an ethnic clash between villagers and settlers in Morobe province.

International economists concerned about Fiji's pension fund

Updated 19/05/2010 16:40:16

International economists have expressed concern about the huge losses announced by Fiji's National Provident Fund and warned of future problems if the government continues to borrow so heavily from the fund.

'Pinocchio' frog discovered in Papua

Updated 19/05/2010 10:23:14

The world's smallest kangaroo and a frog with a Pinocchio-like nose are among the animals unearthed by scientists in the remote rainforests of Indonesia.

Nauruans likely to have elections again soon.

Updated 19/05/2010 16:40:16

There's no early end in sight to the political stalemate in Nauru.

Nauru's Speaker resigns, causing more turmoil

Updated 19/05/2010 10:23:14

There's more political turmoil in Nauru after the sudden resignation of the parliamentary speaker, Godfrey Thoma.

French Polynesia's President not allowed at UN decolonisation meeting

Updated 19/05/2010 16:40:16

The President of French Polynesia's National Assembly has been refused admission to the United Nations special regional committee meeting on decolonisation in New Caledonia.

Australian citrus grower welcomes Tongan workers

Updated 19/05/2010 16:40:12

An Australian citrus grower has embraced the controversial Pacific Island worker scheme.

Recyled plastic boat raises awareness on ocean pollution

Updated 19/05/2010 10:23:15

A campaign drawing attention to the amount of garbage disposed of in our oceans moved into the South Pacific this week with the arrival of the Plastiki catamaran.

Program tackles HIV risk among athletes

Updated 19/05/2010 10:23:15

The Oceania National Olympic Committee is using some innovative training methods to help combat the rise of HIV in the region.

Kava use causing school performance to drop

Updated 19/05/2010 10:23:14

Kava is consumed in many Pacific countries for relaxation, religious, political and cultural purposes.

Media barred from court appearance of William Kapris

Updated 19/05/2010 10:23:15

William Kapris has been described as a criminal mastermind and he's the alleged ringleader of several high-profile robberies.

Compromise needed to break Nauru's power deadlock

Updated 19/05/2010 10:23:15

Nauru faces an uncertain political future after the last elections resulted in a deadlock in the 18 seat parliament.

Women a natural fit for politics in matrilineal Bougainville

Updated 18/05/2010 10:58:43

Magdalen Toroansi is running for president - women are also campaigning for the reserved seats as well as the local electoral seats.

Illegal dump catches fire in Guam

Updated 18/05/2010 10:58:43

An illegal dump site in Guam has caught fire, causing nearby residents to be evacuated because of poisonous air.

Builder accuses Titans rugby club of refusing to pay

Updated 18/05/2010 10:58:43

A Gold Coast builder is embroiled in a fight with the Titans rugby league club, over what he says is its failure to pay him for work done on a new high performance training centre at Robina.

Pacific lifestyle under microscope in Geneva

Updated 18/05/2010 10:58:43

Pacific Island Health Ministers and senior officials are in Geneva now for the first planning meeting of the Healthy Islands Forum.

Some upmarket development forges ahead in Fiji

Updated 18/05/2010 10:58:43

Fiji's upmarket Naisoso Island development is progressing well, with most units being sold.

Solomons and Kiribati look at farm produce trade

Updated 18/05/2010 17:05:32

Solomon Islands farmers are backing an ambitious plan to sell their crops in Kiribati.

Australia presses opportunities in Pacific trade agreement

Updated 18/05/2010 10:58:43

The Australia-Papua New Guinea Business Forum the annual meeting of Australian and PNG business leaders has attracted a record crowd to its meeting in Townsville this week.

Tautua Party Leader defeated in Samoan by-election

Updated 18/05/2010 10:58:43

The opposition in Samoa has been dealt a severe blow.

Presidential candidate promotes investment agenda

Updated 17/05/2010 10:30:51

Voting continues until 21st May in the Bouganiville elections.

Australia tightens immigration policy

Updated 17/05/2010 17:41:43

In a further tightening of Australia's immigration policy, the government is releasing a new list of occupations required for migrants seeking to come to the country without the support of business.

Warriors look to defend Pacific Rugby Cup

Updated 17/05/2010 10:30:50

Record turn-out for Aust PNG Business meeting

Updated 17/05/2010 17:41:35

The Australia-Papua New Guinea Business Forum - the annual meeting of Australian and PNG business leaders - has attracted a record crowd.

Panguna mine may bankroll Bougainville independence

Updated 17/05/2010 10:30:51

There's a growing feeling on Bougainville in Papua New Guinea that a copper mine at the centre of the island's violent past, may have an important role to play in its future.

Quality mark to promote goods from the Pacific

Updated 17/05/2010 10:30:50

A new Pacific Quality Mark is being developed to promote goods from Pacific Island countries.

New Party to launch in Cook Islands

Updated 17/05/2010 10:30:51

A new political party in the Cook Islands which has been causing a bit of confusion.

Delays to boarding schools for Indigenous children

Updated 17/05/2010 10:30:51

The people of the Tiwi Islands just north of Darwin have big hopes that a boarding college for Indgenous students will help secure the islands' economic future.

Cannery cuts jobs in American Samoa

Updated 17/05/2010 10:30:51

Last week the President and CEO of the Star Kist cannery, Don Binotto, addressed American Samoa's Legislative assembly.

Solomons learn from PNG/Indonesia border management

Updated 17/05/2010 17:41:43

A high level delegation from the Solomon Islands has returned from a fact finding mission to the Papua New Guinea/Indonesia border.

Solomons resumes truth and reconciliation hearings

Updated 17/05/2010 17:41:32

Solomon Islands is preparing for the first regional public Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings next week - as part of a healing process after five years of ethnic conflict.

Norfolk Island's autonomy to be reviewed in legislation

Updated 14/05/2010 09:52:37

Norfold Island, where the residents are Australian citizens, pay no income tax to the Commonwealth.

Bougainville election poses new threat to Panguna mine

Updated 14/05/2010 09:52:37

Voting is underway for the Bougainville elections the second for the province since a peace agreement ended a decade-long civil war in 2001.

Yachties contradict Kiribati claims over food shortage

Updated 14/05/2010 16:46:38

Yachtsmen in the central Pacific are disputing claims by the Kiribati government that it has not received requests for food aid from remote Canton island.

Regional program aims to 'climate proof' Pacific infrastructure

Updated 14/05/2010 09:52:37

Adapting to the adverse effects of current and future changes in climate is a reality that a five year regional project will help Pacific communities put into action.

Real time volcano monitoring planned for Guam

Updated 14/05/2010 09:52:37

Volcano monitoring in Guam and CNMI is about to get a serious injection of funds through the US Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Narau speaker demands fresh election

Updated 14/05/2010 09:52:37

Nauru's opposition has ended the deadlock by appointing one of its members as Speaker.

Ulithi dictionary to help FSM students learn English

Updated 14/05/2010 09:52:37

Until recently, the Ulithian language - one of six spoken throughout the Federated States of Micronesia - existed only in verbal form.

Genes unlock secret to cigarette addiction

Updated 14/05/2010 09:52:37

An international team of researchers has found that genes may have a role to play in how difficult it is for a smoker to quit.

Uncertain future for Solomon's economy

Updated 13/05/2010 11:50:23

Solomon Islands faces an uncertain economic future.

Vanuatu hard-core prison escapees still at large

Updated 13/05/2010 16:50:02

In Vanuatu, the seven hard-core inmates who escaped from the maximum security prison in Port Vila last Friday are still at large.

Voting continues in Bougainville elections

Updated 13/05/2010 16:50:02

It's nearly a week since the polling booths opened for elections in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

Kiribati government says no food aid requested from Canton

Updated 13/05/2010 16:50:02

The Kiribati government says it's not received any requests for food aid from residents on remote Canton Island.

Australian hunting initiative benefits homeless

Updated 13/05/2010 16:50:01

Wild wallaby, bush turkey and goose killed by Aboriginal hunters is being served up in a nursing home in Australia's Northern Territory.

PNG a long way from becoming an aid donor

Updated 13/05/2010 11:50:17

A Papua New Guinea think tank says Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare's suggestion that PNG should become an aid donor, is nothing but wishful thinking at this stage.

Vanuatu trialling mobile birth registration

Updated 13/05/2010 11:50:23

In some parts of the Pacific, the majority of births are going unregistered.

PNG forest resource owners angry at new regulations

Updated 13/05/2010 11:50:23

The Papua New Guinea parliament has passed a controversial amendment to the country's Forestry Act- which governs the way timber permits are issued.

CNMI: US report on federalisation "serves no purpose"

Updated 12/05/2010 09:12:56

The government of the Northern Marianas has dismissed a U-S Goverment Accountability Office progress report on the take-over of the islands' immigration system as "serving no purpose".

American Samoan village first to declare no-take marine zone

Updated 12/05/2010 09:12:56

The American Samoan village of Fagamalo has become the first in the territory to have a designated no-take protected marine area.

Pacific Island Filipinos watch elections closely

Updated 12/05/2010 17:06:56

Thousands of Filipinos across the Pacific have been watching the elections in the Philippines with interest.

New Zealand preserves its Internet history

Updated 12/05/2010 09:12:52

It's harvest time in New Zealand and no we don't mean wheat or barley, or any other such crops.

Catholic Bishops meet in Sydney

Updated 12/05/2010 09:12:56

Catholic Bishops from across the Pacific, Australia and New Zealand are participating in the Federation of Catholic Bishops Conference of Oceania in the Australian city of Sydney this week.

Vanuatu to ratify UN Convention Against Torture

Updated 12/05/2010 17:06:57

Vanuatu is set to become the first Pacific Island nation to ratify the United Nations Convention Against Torture.

US Coastguard need Kiribati request to help islanders

Updated 12/05/2010 17:06:56

A possible emergency airlift of food to hungry inhabitants of a remote atoll in Kiribati is on hold while American authorities await a formal request from the Kiribati government.

Australia's smaller budget for Pacific.

Updated 12/05/2010 17:06:57

Indonesia and Africa are receiving increases in aid from Australia, after the country's Federal budget was unveiled.

Pacific heritage celebrated in the United States

Updated 12/05/2010 09:12:56

A US presidential proclamation has declared this month Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Australia increases aid budget

Updated 12/05/2010 09:12:57

Australia's Treasurer Wayne Swan has delivered the Rudd government's third federal budget and it includes a big increase in overseas aid.

Bulk of aid increase not for the Pacific

Updated 12/05/2010 09:12:57

While Australia's treasurer delivered aid increases in the federal budget, only a small proportion of that will go to the Pacific.

Potential diabetics subject to dramatic weight gain

Updated 11/05/2010 07:42:29

Diabetes researchers in the Australian city of Sydney have produced some food for thought, especially for people with a family history of the disease.

Mass prison escape in Vanuatu

Updated 11/05/2010 16:46:43

Residents of the Vanuatu capital Port Vila and the island of Efate have been warned to take precautions following a mass escape of high-risk prisoners last Friday.

No end to parliamentary standoff in Nauru

Updated 11/05/2010 16:46:43

Nauru is still without a functioning parliament, nearly three weeks after national elections.

Series highlights migrant experience of Australia

Updated 11/05/2010 07:42:29

A new Lifestyle television program looking at Australia through the eyes of recent arrivals to the country has just been launched.

Workshop tackles media perception of agriculture stories as "boring"

Updated 11/05/2010 07:42:29

More people in the Pacific depend on agriculture for a living than any other industry and yet media coverage of agriculture is slim at best.

Kokoda villagers want safe airstrip for all

Updated 11/05/2010 16:46:43

Villagers from Kokoda in Papua New Guinea have called on the governments of Australia and PNG to seal the Kokoda airstrip to make it safer for larger planes to land.

'End of the Line' documentary highlights overfishing in Asia

Updated 11/05/2010 07:42:29

A new documentary is being released in Australia after enjoying considerable success in Europe and North America.

Workshop helps Tongan women make their mark in business

Updated 11/05/2010 07:42:29

Like in many countries in the world, women in Tonga can find it difficult to make their mark in the business world.

Guam: census frauds, military buildup and Philippines elections

Updated 11/05/2010 07:42:29

A number of people in Guam are reportedly posing as Census enumerators to extract sensitive information from residents.The Guam Governor's spokesman Shawn Gumataotao says the census workers are currently carrying out their count across the island.

Project plans to document violations of Pacific media rights

Updated 11/05/2010 07:42:30

The International Federation of Journalists is planning to run workshops in the Pacific to increase awareness among the region's journalists of their rights.

Slow start to Bougainville election

Updated 11/05/2010 07:42:30

Elections in Papua New Guinea's autonomous region of Bougainville have been underway since last Friday.

British yachtie finds food shortage on remote Kiribati atoll

Updated 11/05/2010 16:46:42

A British yachtsman has sparked international efforts to get food to people on a remote island in Kiribati.

Republican leads in Hawaii special election

Updated 10/05/2010 07:53:30

With only three weeks left in the special election in Hawaii, a Republican Party candidate is ahead in the polls.

Opinions divided over sacking of Cook Islands Parliamentary Leader

Updated 10/05/2010 07:53:30

Opinions are divided in Cook Islands, over the Prime Minister, Jim Marurai's decision to sack the leader of the house, John Tangi.

Decision on Marianas Trench visitor centre by July

Updated 10/05/2010 17:06:26

The Northern Marianas representative to Washington D-C says a decision on building of a visitor's centre for the Mariana Trench Marina National Monument could be reached as early as June.

PNG needs constitutional amendment for new legislation

Updated 10/05/2010 17:06:26

The Papua New Guinea government is running out of time to pass important legislation to establish two new provinces and 20 reserved seats for women before the next elections in 2012.

Guam warns mumps could spread to neighboring islands

Updated 10/05/2010 17:06:26

Health authorities in Guam are urging their neighbours to step up their vigilance against mumps.

Records broken at Oceania Weightlifting Championships

Updated 10/05/2010 07:53:30

Fiji's capital has just hosted the biggest Oceania Weightlifting Championships to date.

Australian scientists find frog genome similar to humans

Updated 10/05/2010 07:53:30

Scientists have sequenced the genome of a frog for the first time and have made an interesting discovery.

US entrepreneur says corporations should help address poverty

Updated 10/05/2010 07:53:30

Should corporations play a greater role in helping the world's poor?

Solomons appreciate Aussie ABV volunteers

Updated 10/05/2010 17:06:26

Solomon Islands has been benefiting annually from the expertise of up to 20 short term volunteers under the Australian Business Volunteer or ABV agency.

Congressman says new GDP data could help CNMI recover

Updated 10/05/2010 07:53:30

The first ever report on Gross Domestic Product for the American territories has confirmed the worst for the Northern Mariana Islands.

Bligh voyage re-creation heading for Vanuatu

Updated 10/05/2010 17:06:26

A replica of the epic voyage across the Pacific by Captain Bligh after the famous mutiny on the Bounty has left Fiji waters, headed for Vanuatu.

Mission run restaurant in New Caledonia popular with tourists

Updated 10/05/2010 07:53:29

New Caledonia's capital Noumea is well known for its fine restaurants.

Voting starts in second Bougainville elections

Updated 07/05/2010 16:47:09

The Autonomous Region of Bougainville has begun voting for the MPs who will make up its next government.

Fiji National Provident Fund writes off millions in member's funds

Updated 07/05/2010 07:55:02

Fiji's National Provident Fund has announced it is writing off millions of dollars in member's funds.

Pacific islands talk conflict resolution

Updated 07/05/2010 16:47:09

The need to prevent violence in Pacific Island nations has brought together fifty representatives from Bougainville, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Tonga.

US reports on Pacific territories' GDP

Updated 07/05/2010 16:47:05

The United States' Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs has released the first ever report on the gross domestic product of its Pacific and Carribean territories.

Hawaii legislature passes bill legalising same sex civil unions

Updated 07/05/2010 07:55:02

The Hawaii legislature has passed a bill legalising civil union between same sex adults.

Elections begin in PNG province of Bougainville

Updated 07/05/2010 07:55:03

Elections for the autonomous province of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea get underway today.

PNG illegal coffee trade crack-down

Updated 07/05/2010 16:47:09

The Papua New Guinea Coffee industry Corporation has warned that the industry's regulated cherry trade policy is in force and there's already been some arrests for breaches.

Pacific arts a big contributor to New Zealand culture

Updated 07/05/2010 07:55:02

Manukau is considered the Pacific arts capital of the Auckland region in New Zealand and its currently holding its Pacific Arts Summit.

Australia's Chief Scientist wants government on climate change

Updated 07/05/2010 07:55:02

Ten days after the Australian government shelved its emissions trading scheme, the country's chief scientist has called for governments everywhere to show more leadership on climate change.

American Samoa to get 60 new police officers

Updated 07/05/2010 07:55:02

American Samoa's police force is about to be significantly boosted with the recruitment of 60 new officers.

30 former airline employees sentenced in Tahiti

Updated 07/05/2010 16:47:09

A court in French Polynesia's capital, Papeete, has sentenced 37 former employees of the national airline Air Tahiti Nui.

Illustrated book to portray WWII from a Pacific perspective

Updated 06/05/2010 16:57:28

A New Zealander of Samoan descent is working on an illustrated book for young people about the experiences of Pacific Island people during World War II.

Solomons paves the way for female workers

Updated 06/05/2010 16:57:28

Solomon Islands is paving the way for equal employment opportunities in what could be a model for the rest of the region.

PNG Coalition Against Corruption warns government

Updated 06/05/2010 16:57:28

Anti-corruption groups are calling on the PNG government to stop the proposed changes to the Ombudsman Commission laws.

Nauru government and opposition still in deadlock

Updated 06/05/2010 16:57:29

Nauru's opposition politicians have asked President Marcus Stephen to call another election in a bid to break the political deadlock.

French Parliament passes bill to repatriate Maori heads

Updated 06/05/2010 08:45:12

The French Parliament has passed a bill allowing 16 Maori heads held in various French museums to be repatriated to the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum in Wellington.

Australian PM's wife calling for purchase of maternal health kits

Updated 06/05/2010 08:45:12

It's Mothers' Day in Australia and across the region this weekend and businesswoman, Therese Rein who's also the Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd's wife is urging Australians to forego the usual gifts of flowers and chocolates.

Australian researchers optimistic of new diabetes treatment

Updated 06/05/2010 08:45:12

Australian researchers are hopeful they've found a new way to treat type 2 diabetes.

Traditional canoeing could keep Marshallese teens off streets

Updated 06/05/2010 08:45:12

Marshall Islanders have been using the moon and the stars to navigate their canoes for thousands of years and the practice is far from dying out.

US exercise plan to benefit Hawaii's health initiative

Updated 06/05/2010 08:45:12

The United States launched a National Physical Activity Plan this week which encourages people to get active to improve their health and prevent disease.

First ever report released on GDP of US Pacific Territories

Updated 06/05/2010 08:45:13

The United States' Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs has released the first ever report on the gross domestic product of it's Pacific territories.

Portable radio station to be tested in the Pacific

Updated 06/05/2010 08:45:12

It's the size of suitcase and costs just a few thousand dollars, but the designers of a new portable radio station believe it could one day be a priceless tool in helping in the aftermath of a natural disaster.

Pacific journalists discuss media freedom

Updated 05/05/2010 08:26:23

An international conference to mark World Press Freedom Day has been held in the north eastern Australian city of Brisbane this week.

Tokelau still to approach NZ on whale sanctuary plan

Updated 05/05/2010 08:26:24

Tokelau recently announced itself as the 11th whale sanctuary in the region.

French Polynesia described as sinking ship with no captain

Updated 05/05/2010 08:26:24

Instability has been a feature of French Polynesia's political landscape for over a decade.

Book on Fiji sets new record at Oxfam auction

Updated 05/05/2010 16:43:27

A rare book on Fiji has set a new record at an auction for the charity Oxfam in the United Kingdom.

Thousands oppose proposed changes to PNG's Ombudsman laws

Updated 05/05/2010 08:26:24

More than 5,000 people have protested against what they say are plans by the Papua New Guinea government to weaken the country's anti-corruption watchdog.

Australian company looks ready to take over PNG's Lihir Gold

Updated 05/05/2010 08:26:23

Australia's largest goldminer, Newcrest looks set to takeover Papua New Guinea's Lihir Gold forming the fourth largest gold miner in the world.

Pacific biologists consider climate monitoring for coastal fisheries

Updated 05/05/2010 08:26:23

The Secretariat of the Pacific Community wants to establish a program to monitor the impact and vulnerability of climate change on coastal fisheries.

Pacific nations facing midwife shortage

Updated 05/05/2010 08:26:23

Today is International Midwives Day.

Hundreds of fish beached in Fiji after abnormally low tides

Updated 05/05/2010 10:56:55

In Fiji, the Nadi Meteorological Centre says it can confirm that unusually low tides are behind a surge in the number of beached sea life reported in Rotuma.

Fiji home builders housing government grant

Updated 05/05/2010 16:43:30

Fiji's government says it will provide 10 million Fijian dollars, or just over 5 million U-S dollars, to assist home builders.

Drug-resistant TB strains threaten Pacific

Updated 05/05/2010 16:43:30

The World Health Organisation says the emergence of drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis and concentration of the disease in parts of the Pacific islands region is a continuing threat.

Solomons caretaker Deputy PM wants action on logging

Updated 05/05/2010 16:43:30

Solomon Islands' caretaker deputy Prime Minister, Fred Fono, says he will back a moratorium on commercial logging if he is returned to government after upcoming elections.

Former Tongan Justice Minister explains why she quit

Updated 05/05/2010 16:43:30

A former Tongan Minister of Justice and Attorney-General says she was forced to resign last year because she objected to political interference in the judiciary.

Guam recycling organisation wins Women's award

Updated 04/05/2010 07:54:12

A recycling organisation on Guam has won "The Women of Movement Awards" most inspirational mover trophy.

Environmental program in Solomons promoting women's leadership

Updated 04/05/2010 07:54:12

An innovative environmental program in Solomon Islands is promoting women in leadership roles.

Japan protests could cause delays in relocation of US troops

Updated 04/05/2010 07:54:12

Protests in Japan could cause delays in the movement of U.S bases and troops.

Tokelau announces itself a whale sanctuary

Updated 04/05/2010 16:40:49

Tokelau, a territory of New Zealand that consists of three tropical coral atolls with a combined land area of 10 square kilometres, recently announced itself as the 11th whale sanctuary in the region.

Fiji welcomes record number of competitors for Weightlifting Champions

Updated 04/05/2010 07:54:12

The Oceania Weightlifting Championships get underway in Fiji's capital later today.

More responses to Tongan A-G resignation

Updated 04/05/2010 16:40:54

There have been more responses in Tonga today to the shock resignation of the country's attorney-general.

PNG demonstrate against Ombudsman law changes

Updated 04/05/2010 16:40:54

More than 5,000 people staged protest march in Port Moresby this morning against changes to the Papua New Guinea Ombudsman Commission laws, which govern leaders' conduct.

Survey shows 100 per cent of working journalists censored in Fiji

Updated 04/05/2010 07:54:12

One hundred per cent of working journalists surveyed in Fiji say they had had stories censored in the past year because of censorship imposed by the military regime.

PINA to consider moving Pacnews out of Fiji again

Updated 04/05/2010 16:40:54

The President of the Pacific Island News Association says it will be reconsidering its decision not to leave Fiji.

Waka fleet uses ancient canoe designs and modern materials

Updated 04/05/2010 07:54:12

A fleet of four ocean-going canoes sailing from New Zealand to French Polynesia is unique in how it has combined old and modern boat building techniques.

More reactions to Tonga's attorney-general quitting

Updated 03/05/2010 17:24:03

New Zealand's foreign minister Murray McCully says the matter is one for the Tongan government to work out.

Cholera spreads to PNG capital Port Moresby

Updated 03/05/2010 17:24:03

After spreading across Papua New Guinea's north coast, the cholera disease has arrived in the country's capital Port Moresby and killed three people.

Australia concerned at interference in Tonga's judiciary.

Updated 03/05/2010 17:24:03

Australia's government says it's concerned about all the elements of a democratic transition in Tonga, including an independent judiciary, after the country's attorney general John Cauchi resigned on Friday, alleging political interference in the judiciary.

Subscribe to podcast

Listen to latest program

+61 427 72 72 72