June 2010

Loopholes closed between draft and Fiji media lawAudio

Updated 30/06/2010 09:38:38

It is about two-and-a-half months since the Fiji's attorney-general released a draft of the Media Industry Development Decree 2010 and conducted what he described as consultations with those affected.

Renewed diversity in nominations for Cooks electionsAudio

Updated 30/06/2010 09:38:38

Nominations for the Cook Islands' primary elections have opened and the diversity of interested people has surprised local political analysts.

Constitutional convention underway in American SamoaAudio

Updated 30/06/2010 09:38:38

American Samoa's fifth constitutional convention is underway in Pago Pago which runs for two weeks.

New Australian govt claims continued Pacific focusAudio

Updated 30/06/2010 09:38:38

Australia's recently reappointed foreign minister Stephen Smith says the government still has enough people focused on the Pacific to not cause any concern to the region.

Attorney-general uses court to stifle PNG environment analysisAudio

Updated 30/06/2010 09:38:38

Media organisations in Papua New Guinea have been told not to discuss certain amendments to environment law that passed in parliament recently.

Tongan PM upset with reporting of monarchy fundingAudio

Updated 30/06/2010 09:38:38

Tonga's prime minister is upset with the way changes to the way the Kingdom's monarchy is funded have been reported.

Fiji ministry says media law reaction 'sensationalised'AudioTranscript

Updated 30/06/2010 09:38:38

Fiji's interim government has hit back at the barrage of criticism it has been getting from the Australian government and News Limited over its decision to ban foreign ownership of its media.

Big guns still firing heading into World Cup finalsAudio

Updated 30/06/2010 09:38:35

This morning the survivors of the round of sixteen for the World Cup finals series were established in South Africa with wins by Spain and Paraguay.

PNG Australia LNG ministerial meetingAudioTranscript

Updated 30/06/2010 17:05:12

Senior economic ministers from Papua New Guinea and Australia will hold the first PNG-Australia LNG meeting, in Melbourne this week.

Starkist American Samoa starts cutting 800 jobsAudioTranscript

Updated 30/06/2010 17:05:12

The Starkist cannery in American Samoa is starting to lay off staff as part of its plan to cut up to 800 jobs.

Pacific Early Childhood EducationAudio

Updated 30/06/2010 17:05:12

Early Childhood Development has been slow to get the attention it deserves in the Pacific but, this week in Port Moresby, experts from around the region have come together to make sure that doesn't continue to be the case.

Solomons candidates weigh China-Taiwan optionsAudioTranscript

Updated 29/06/2010 08:22:00

A former prime minister of Solomon Islands has told his supporters that if he wins government again he will be adopting the mainland's One China policy, while the its most recent former deputy PM prefers the status quo.

Tuna stock workshop explores current dataAudio

Updated 29/06/2010 08:22:00

The Pacific has recognised for some time now that collectively they are the custodians of one of the largest marine ecosystems in the world, including about half of the worlds total tuna catch.

Women journalists' safety a media freedom issueAudio

Updated 29/06/2010 08:22:00

Women media workers are now more than ever at the forefront of reporting in the field, but their safety and overall concerns when it comes to work versus family are often overlooked.

Guam environment report due late JulyAudio

Updated 29/06/2010 08:22:00

It has been suggested in some quarters that Guam's Environmental Impact Statement for its vast military buildup will not be ready until September, but the Guam governor's spokesman says it will be ready in July.

Media commentator rails against Fiji decreeAudioTranscript

Updated 29/06/2010 08:22:00

Fiji's controversial media decree has come into affect challenging one of the country's biggest newspapers.

Wealth of talent at Oceania Swimming ChampionshipsAudio

Updated 29/06/2010 08:21:59

The 2010 Oceania Swimming Championships in Samoa finished on the weekend.

Seventeen die from disease on PNG's Manam IslandAudio

Updated 29/06/2010 17:05:00

At least 17 people on Manam Island in PNG's Madang Province are reported to have died so far in less than two weeks from a disease believed to be cholera.

Australia's govt says News Limited is right to be angryAudio

Updated 29/06/2010 17:05:04

Just reappointed to his post in the Australian government, Australia's Foreign minister Stephen Smith has quickly joined in condemning Fiji's move against foreign ownership of the country's media.

Fiji Times owners will try to sell itAudio

Updated 29/06/2010 17:05:04

The owners of the Fiji Times, Australian-based News Limited, says they will try to sell the newspaper in order to keep it going.

New media laws in place in FijiAudio

Updated 29/06/2010 17:05:04

Today Fiji's media is getting used to a whole new set of rules which are governing its activities, with the gazetting, and enacting of the military backed regime's new "Media Industry Development Decree 2010".

Samoa's Deputy PM says PACER Plus is good for PacificAudio

Updated 29/06/2010 17:05:04

Samoa's Deputy Prime Minister, Misa Telefoni Retzlaff, says Australia and New Zealand have been attacked for all the wrong reasons over their attempts to negotiate the PACER Plus trade agreement with Pacific Islands.

Bemobile company fails to meet Solomons deadlineAudio

Updated 29/06/2010 17:05:04

The Solomon Islands government has today taken action against phone company bemobile, forcing it to pay one-point-five million US dollars for failing to launch a mobile service network as required under its licence.

International Journalists group condemns Fiji media decreeAudio

Updated 29/06/2010 17:04:59

An international NGO representing journalists has condemned Fiji's newly introduced media decree as a threat to free speech.

Monsoons spare reefs from bleaching eventsAudioTranscript

Updated 28/06/2010 08:02:10

After facing what appeared to be a gloomy outlook there is finally some good news for Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

Solomons Games rain delays stall opening eventsAudioTranscript

Updated 28/06/2010 08:02:10

Rain and bad weather has forced the delay of several events at this year's Solomon Island's Games currently underway in Auki.

Oceania junior tennis stars light-up NoumeaAudio

Updated 28/06/2010 08:02:10

The 6th New Caledonia International Junior Open Tennis Tournament finished on the weekend in Noumea.

Painkiller warning as NZ kids require liver transplantsAudio

Updated 28/06/2010 08:02:10

Two New Zealand children in the past three months have required liver transplants after being given painkillers containing paracetamol - one of them just two-years-old.

Report questions direction of Pacific aidAudio

Updated 28/06/2010 08:02:10

Many continue to ask if aid just big business now, and what impact are the millions of aid dollars to the Pacific having on social reform and poverty alleviation?

Suggestions of foreign job review under new Australian PMAudioTranscript

Updated 28/06/2010 08:02:10

Australia's foreign minister, Stephen Smith, is acknowledging he may have to stand aside from his job if Prime Minister Julia Gillard offers it to the man she ousted from the leadership last week, Kevin Rudd.

Disasters steal G8, G20 focus from poverty, climateAudioTranscript

Updated 28/06/2010 08:02:10

Adding to the challenges of fragile economies and climate change facing world leaders at the G8 and G20 summits in Canada are the succession of natural disasters that struck over the past year.

Fiji Times must either sell up or closeAudio

Updated 28/06/2010 17:28:30

The Fiji Times newspaper has three months to change owners, or it will be forced to cease operations.

Australian mining union backs regulatuion of overseas minesAudioTranscript

Updated 28/06/2010 17:28:30

The Australian union covering the mining industry says the country's mining companies operating in the Pacific ought to obey Australian regulations on safety and conditions.

Controversial election of PNG Governor-GeneralAudio

Updated 28/06/2010 17:28:30

Papua New Guinea's parliament has returned its current Governor-General, Sir Paulias Matane for a second term without conducting a proper secret ballot.

Australian PM Gillard leaves Rudd out of cabinetAudio

Updated 28/06/2010 17:28:30

Australia's Prime Minister Julia Gillard has announced her new Cabinet which does not include the man she ousted, Kevin Rudd.

World Bank's IFC takes shares in Bank South PacificAudioTranscript

Updated 28/06/2010 17:28:27

The International Finance Corporation has signed a deal to take a 10% stake in the Bank South Pacific.

NZ leaves Cup with scoreless draw, remains unbeatenAudio

Updated 25/06/2010 07:33:05

New Zealand has gone out of the World Cup, despite remaining unbeaten at the end of its campaign.

Opening ceremony of Solomon Islands Games underwayAudio

Updated 25/06/2010 07:33:05

An estimated 1,700 athletes will be attending this year's Solomon Islands Games in Auki.

Reporting on environmental health gets a boostAudio

Updated 25/06/2010 07:33:05

Environmental governance and the important role of reporting is giving everyone from residents to governments an indication of the health of their natural environment.

New Zealand emissions trading scheme to debutAudio

Updated 25/06/2010 07:33:05

New Zealand's government has been hard at work selling its emissions trading scheme message to the public.

AOSIS, WWF persevere on climate in Germany, CanadaAudioTranscript

Updated 25/06/2010 07:33:05

The failure at the recent meeting on climate change in Bonn, Germany, to reach a binding agreement is a huge disappointment for Pacific island nations.

Tonga PM wants open lines of communication with FijiAudioTranscript

Updated 25/06/2010 16:47:46

Tonga's prime minister, Dr Fred Sevele, says it's vital Pacific nations keep lines of communication with Fiji open.

Solomon Islands' regional areas to be targetted by partiesAudioTranscript

Updated 25/06/2010 16:47:46

With campaigning underway in the Solomon Islands national election, two of the strongest contenders for the Prime Ministership, have signalled they will be focussing most of their efforts outside the towns and cities of the island nation.

World leaders congratulate PM Julia GillardAudioTranscript

Updated 25/06/2010 16:47:46

Congratulatory phone calls from world leaders have been flooding in to Australia's new Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, as she moves to decide her new cabinet to deal with a big domestic agenda ahead of elections.

PNG Christian mothers to make goodwill trip to FijiAudio

Updated 25/06/2010 16:47:46

A group of Christian mothers from Madang Province in Papua New Guinea is embarking on a "goodwill trip" to Fiji in September .

Deals fall apart at Morocco whaling meetAudioTranscript

Updated 24/06/2010 08:28:22

A deal that would have overturned a 24-year ban on commercial whaling has failed at the International Whale Commission meeting in Morocco.

Samoa, Solomons talks tackle workplace HIV-AIDSAudio

Updated 24/06/2010 08:28:22

The International Labour Organisation and its partners held a seminar on the fight against HIV-AIDS in the workplace in Samoa last week, and are currently convening in Solomon Islands to tackle problems there.

Socceroos win game but fail to progress at CupAudio

Updated 24/06/2010 08:28:22

It was a sad day for Australia's Socceroos in the World Cup match in Neispruit, South Africa, winning 2-1 against Serbia but not getting enough to go through to the next round.

Australian minister celebrates talks collapseAudioTranscript

Updated 24/06/2010 08:28:22

Australia's environment minister, Peter Garrett, is in Morocco at the International Whale Commission meeting and spoke to Tony Jones before the talks collapsed.

Deputy challenges Australian PM for leadershipAudioTranscript

Updated 24/06/2010 08:28:23

Today's vote will see the two MPs credited with bringing Australia's Labor Party back to power after 12 years in opposition face each other directly for the leadership of the country.

Women leading charge at Australian-owned PNG bankAudioTranscript

Updated 24/06/2010 08:28:16

This month the Westpac Bank is celebrating 100 years of operations in Papua New Guinea and the face of the bank could not look more different now than it did when it started in 1910.

Tongan government denies funding boost for KingAudioTranscript

Updated 24/06/2010 17:00:32

The Tongan government is denying claims by a pro-democracy MP that the King is getting a 200 per cent increase in the amount of money he gets.

Julia Gillard becomes Australia's new prime ministerAudioTranscript

Updated 24/06/2010 17:00:32

As we've been hearing in the news, Kevin Rudd has been dumped as leader of the ruling Labor Party and as Prime Minister, and replaced by his deputy Julia Gillard.

Complete liquor ban in PNG's Southern Highlands ProvinceAudio

Updated 24/06/2010 17:00:31

A total liquor ban is now officially in place in Papua New Guinea's Southern Highlands Province.

French dismay at ejection from World CupAudio

Updated 23/06/2010 08:31:17

Football powerhouse France and host nation South Africa have been knocked out of the World Cup, despite South Africa beating France 2-1 in its final group game.

PNG embarks on tuna tagging research programAudio

Updated 23/06/2010 08:31:17

Papua New Guinea's National Fisheries Authority says it is spending about $US3 million on a tuna tagging program over a three year period.

Fiji Methodist leader slams prophecy of disasterAudio

Updated 23/06/2010 08:31:17

Spreading rumours that Fiji will be hit by a disaster today has landed the head of the country's Rugby Union in police custody.

Lifestyle robs majority of Pacific islanders' healthAudio

Updated 23/06/2010 08:31:17

Pacific countries are under close scrutiny this week on how they are progressing in the fight to prevent non-communicable diseases, or NCDs.

Marshalls responsibility for Gulf oil rig uncertainAudioTranscript

Updated 23/06/2010 08:31:17

Marshall Islands holds the flag of convenience for the Deepwater Horizon oil rig which continues to spew at least 60,000 barrels a day into the Gulf of Mexico.

Crowds cheers league legend in PNGAudio

Updated 23/06/2010 08:31:16

Crowds gathered and cheered rugby league legend Phil Gould on his visit to Port Moresby at the invitation of the PNG NRL bid team this week.

PNG signs MOU with US museumAudio

Updated 23/06/2010 16:38:32

Papua New Guinea's minister for Culture, Charles Abel has just returned from signing a MOU with de Young museum in San Francisco in the US.

Fiji tsunami and earthquake prophecy fails to eventuate

Updated 23/06/2010 16:38:32

In Fiji today at 2.30 pm local time, nothing happened.

PNG accused of being out of step on West Papua issueAudioTranscript

Updated 23/06/2010 16:38:32

A Vanuatu member of parliament says he's not worried about reaction from Indonesia to Vanuatu's attempts to get the question of West Papua raised internationally.

Campaigning begins in Solomon Islands' electionAudioTranscript

Updated 23/06/2010 16:38:32

Solomon Islands will go to the polls in early August.

Post-Cyclone Pat clean up continues in AitutakiAudio

Updated 22/06/2010 09:04:20

The reconstruction of homes after Cyclone Pat ripped through the Cook Islands in February continues, with New Zealand aid money soon to arrive to bolster efforts.

Suspected Agent Orange use concern for GuamAudio

Updated 22/06/2010 09:04:23

War veterans on Guam continue to be concerned about the suspected use of Agent Orange and other herbicide chemicals on the island.

Peace, security themes discussed with Fiji rural poorAudio

Updated 22/06/2010 09:04:23

The executive director of the regional media organisation for women FEMLINK is in Labasa meeting with rural women from disadvantaged communities.

Kiribati president answers whale bribery claimAudio

Updated 22/06/2010 09:04:24

Geraldine Coutts speaks with the Kiribati president, Anote Tong, about his country's position on whaling and the allegations of bribes from Japan.

Audio released of bribery details for whaling supportAudioTranscript

Updated 22/06/2010 09:04:24

For years there have been rumours that Japan has bought votes through aid, including to many Pacific countries, to lure support for its whaling activities.

Closed door sessions to mar whaling meetAudio

Updated 22/06/2010 09:04:24

Pacific Islands nations could play an important part in the outcome of the 62nd meeting of the International Whaling Commission in Morocco.

Attending the commemoration of Montevideo MaruAudio

Updated 22/06/2010 09:04:24

Australia has finally acknowledged its worst maritime disaster during World War Two when a Japanese prisoner-of-war ship carrying more than a thousand Australian servicemen and civilians from Papua New Guinea was sunk off the Philippines.

Nauru parliament still deadlockedAudioTranscript

Updated 22/06/2010 16:51:11

Nauru's parliament is still deadlocked, although attempts to get a new speaker and government appointed are continuing.

Microfinance could help PNG benefit from gas boomAudio

Updated 22/06/2010 16:51:11

Microfinance could play a key role in helping Papua New Guineans get the most out of the economic boom expected as a result of new gas developments, according to one of the world's leading microfinance experts.

Pacific Microfinance should offer insurance to the poorAudioTranscript

Updated 22/06/2010 16:51:11

One of the world's leading microfinance experts says Pacific microfinance organisations would do a better job if they broadened the range of services they offer their customers.

US accuses PNG for failing to control human traffickingAudioTranscript

Updated 22/06/2010 16:51:11

The U-S Department of State has accused Papau New Guinea of failing to meet the minimum standards to prevent human trafficking.

Aussie Rugby League legend supports PNG's NRL bidAudio

Updated 22/06/2010 16:51:07

One of Australia's Rugby League legends, Phil Gould is on a mission to promote Papua New Guinea's bid to have a team in the National Rugby League.

Fiji AG says penal changes comply with statuteAudio

Updated 21/06/2010 08:03:10

Fiji has told delegates at a meeting to review the Rome Statute that changes to Fiji's penal system comply with the terms of the treaty.

Kiribati president upbeat on conference, TaiwanAudioTranscript

Updated 21/06/2010 08:03:10

Kiribati will convene an international climate change conference in October.

No guaranteed result from Nauru electionAudioTranscript

Updated 21/06/2010 08:03:10

Despite a change in MPs in Nauru after the weekend election, it is still too early to tell if caretaker president Marcus Stephen will have the numbers to form a working government.

NZ All Whites shame reigning Cup champs ItalyAudio

Updated 21/06/2010 08:03:10

New Zealand have stunned the soccer world again with their 1-1 draw with the reigning World Cup champions, Italy.

Montevideo Maru commemorated in Australian parliamentAudio

Updated 21/06/2010 08:03:10

One of the worst maritime disasters in Australian history, the World War Two sinking of a Japanese transport carrying more than a thousand Australian prisoners of war and civilians from Papua New Guinea, will be commemorated in Canberra today.

PNG's PM Somare arrogant towards mediaAudio

Updated 21/06/2010 17:02:57

Covering politics can be a tough gig for journalists ...

Philemon slams new PNG environment legislationAudioTranscript

Updated 21/06/2010 17:02:57

Papua New Guinea's Deputy Opposition leader, Bart Philemon, has added his voice to those expressing concerns about recent amendments to PNG's Environment Act.

Vanuatu wants International Court to decide on West PapuaAudioTranscript

Updated 21/06/2010 17:02:57

Vanuatu's parliament has unanimously passed a motion calling for the International Court of Justice to investigate the the legality of West Papua becoming part of Indonesia.

Plastic boat Plastiki at sea now for almost three monthsAudio

Updated 21/06/2010 17:02:57

It has taking them longer than they thought and the navigation is tricky but the sailors making their way from the US to Australia on a boat made of plastic bottles are finally into their home stretch.

Nauru's newly elected MPs lobby to form new government.Audio

Updated 21/06/2010 17:02:57

Despite a change in MPs in Nauru after the weekend election, it is still to early to tell if caretaker President Marcus Stephen will have the numbers to form a working government.

SPC: Technology to bring Pacific Islands closer togetherAudio

Updated 18/06/2010 07:54:44


Government representatives from across the Pacific are meeting in Tonga to discuss ways to further develop information and communication technology in the region.

SPREP backed Va'a team sets sail from Samoa to TongaAudio

Updated 18/06/2010 07:54:44


The South Pacific Regional Environmental Program's Coral Reef Initiative has sponsored the Samoan team of one of the Va'as recreating a voyage across the Pacific.

Online videos prepare i-Kiribati students to study abroadAudio

Updated 18/06/2010 07:54:45


Every year, Kiribati sends some of it's brightest students to overseas universities.

Calls for PNG to do more to tackle child and maternal death rateAudioTranscript

Updated 18/06/2010 07:54:45

Official estimates of the number of women and children dying needlessly each year in Papua New Guinea place PNG at the bottom of world rankings, but Deputy Opposition Leader Bart Philemon says even these figures massively underestimate the toll.

Pacific Islanders warned of dangers of mercury in fishAudioTranscript

Updated 18/06/2010 07:54:45

Delegates from several Pacific nations have been negotiating a global treaty to reduce or eliminate mercury from their food sources.

Pacific told not to ignore NGO's in fight against povertyAudio

Updated 18/06/2010 07:54:45

A conference in Sydney has been told more effort needs to be made to involve civil society organisations if the region wants to meet the Millennium Development Goals by the 2015 deadline.

Torres Islands leaders want treaty with PNG reviewedAudioTranscript

Updated 18/06/2010 16:40:38

Senior leaders of Torres Strait islands in the north of Australia have demanded that Canberra review the Torres Strait Treaty, even if it risks a diplomatic incident with Papua New Guinea.

Controversial Biwat mask fails to sell at Paris auctionAudio

Updated 18/06/2010 16:40:38

A collection of rare artefacts from Oceania has fetched almost 3 million U-S dollars at an auction in Paris.

PNG customs seize oil tanker in BougainvilleAudio

Updated 18/06/2010 16:40:38

Authorities in Papua New Guinea have seized a foreign ship allegedly carrying oil stolen from abandoned fuel tanks in PNG's Autonomous Bougainville region.

Pacific NGO's want new partnership with AustraliaAudioTranscript

Updated 18/06/2010 16:40:38

Pacific non-government organisations say they want a new partnership on development aid with Australia.

Public forum in Sydney on Australian aid to Pacific.Audio

Updated 18/06/2010 16:40:38

A public forum on aid innovation has brought in the Australian public to help the Pacific region achieve the UN's Millennium Development Goals.

Tongan-Australian actor recommends Shakespeare to schoolchildrenAudio

Updated 18/06/2010 16:40:37

A Tongan-Australian actor starring in the lead role in a Shakspeare's play in Melbourne says Pacific island schoolchildren shouldn't be afraid to be labelled nerds by getting into drama and music.

Search for Australian navy sailor in Tonga continues

Updated 17/06/2010 09:13:25


In Tonga, the search for an Australian navy sailor who failed to return from a swim is resuming.

Education: 70 attend young people's Pacifika climate workshopAudio

Updated 17/06/2010 09:13:25


About 70 young people from seven Pacific Island countries are attending the Pacifika Climate Leadership Workshop in Suva.

Some progress in global climate change talks in Germany

Updated 17/06/2010 09:13:25

Negotiations to get a new global agreement to replace the Kyoto protocol on climate change are at a curious stage.

Proof cleaner fish in Polynesia consider consequences of their actionsAudio

Updated 17/06/2010 09:13:26

A Zoologist says there's evidence Polynesia's cleaner fish can consider the consequences of their actions.

Kiribati denies accepting bribes to back Japan at IWCAudioTranscript

Updated 17/06/2010 09:13:26

Kiribati has strongly denied allegations printed in a British newspaper that it was bribed to back Japan's pro-whaling vote at the International Whaling Commission.

Leaking Gulf of Mexico oil rig registered in Marshall IslandsAudioTranscript

Updated 17/06/2010 09:13:26

The Gulf of Mexico oil spill is being described as the worst environmental disaster on record.

US government funds Atlantic Garbage Patch surveyAudio

Updated 17/06/2010 09:13:25


For the first time, the US government is funding an expedition to study a cluster of marine debris in the Atlantic Ocean.

PNG economy is overheatingAudio

Updated 17/06/2010 17:15:44

There are concerns the Papua New Guinea economy is overheating.

Progress in 19 year long Fiji mine strikeAudio

Updated 17/06/2010 17:15:44

Mineworkers in Fiji are hopeful there could be progress in finally resolving the world's longest-lasting strike.

Palau abandons Japan on whalingAudio

Updated 17/06/2010 17:15:44

Now to the International Whaling Commission meeting in Morocco and the brave decision by Palau, which some say could have a real impact on the future of Japanese whaling.

Kiribati President to attend MSG to talk with FijiAudioTranscript

Updated 17/06/2010 17:15:44

Kiribati President Anote Tong says his government's position on engaging in dialogue with the military-led interim government in Fiji has not changed.

UNDP wants more effort to reach MDGAudioTranscript

Updated 17/06/2010 17:15:44

The United Nations Development Program Head, Helen Clark, says new energy needs to go into reaching the Millennium Development goals in the lead up to a major meeting of world leaders in September.

Confidence in Fiji govt at risk because of FNPF issueAudio

Updated 17/06/2010 17:15:43

A leading Fijian economist says if the interim government does not show it serious about charging those responsible for causing a major reduction in the value of the country's only pension fund, it will lose the confidence of all Fijians.

Maoris now able to appeal for customary title of foreshore and seabedsAudio

Updated 16/06/2010 08:11:25


The New Zealand Government and Maori negotiators have agreed to settle their differences over the contentious issue of foreshore and seabed rights.

Calls for greater emphasis on Melanesian traditional economyAudioTranscript

Updated 16/06/2010 08:11:24

An international conference on The Traditional Economy is taking place in Port Vila, Vanuatu.

Palau considering environmental impacts of oil explorationAudioTranscript

Updated 16/06/2010 08:11:25

The Gulf of Mexico oil disaster is having repercussions in Palau where plans to drill test wells to see if there is any oil below Palau's northern atoll island of Kayangel have been on the drawing board for some time.

New Zealand and Slovakia draw one all in World Cup soccerAudio

Updated 16/06/2010 08:11:25


In the World Cup in South Africa, New Zealand's Winston Reid has scored a dramatic late equaliser to earn his side a one all draw against Slovakia in the World Cup.

Hawaii unveils revised health plan for Pacific IslandersAudioTranscript

Updated 16/06/2010 08:11:25

A month's long legal battle to secure the right to healthcare for Pacific Islanders living in the US state of Hawaii has resulted in the unveiling of a new, revised plan for low income migrants.

French Polynesia strike ends

Updated 16/06/2010 08:11:14

The general strike that has grounded international flights and paralysed public services across French Polynesia since Thursday, local time, has ended.

NZ Union supports Fiji mineworkersAudio

Updated 16/06/2010 17:03:01

One of New Zealand's largest private sector unions has voiced support for a Fiji union involved in a long running dispute.

Qantas to fly own planes to PNG for first time since 2002AudioTranscript

Updated 16/06/2010 17:03:01

Qantas's newly-announced air service from the Australian city of Cairns to Papua New Guinea is receiving strong interest, even before the first plane has taken off.

Why other Pacific countries are invited to MSG summitAudioTranscript

Updated 16/06/2010 17:03:01

Fiji will host the next Melanesian Spearhead Group meeting which is scheduled for July the 22nd to 23rd.

Australia wants Pacific to stop domestic violence.AudioTranscript

Updated 16/06/2010 17:03:01

Australia says urgent and determined action is needed to tackle growing levels of domestic violence in the Pacific.

Fiji rugby worried about Rugby World Cup bansAudio

Updated 16/06/2010 17:03:00

Next year Rugby's most important moment will arrive in New Zealand, as it hosts the sport's World Cup.

New Cooks' party pushes for Sunday flights to AitutakiAudio

Updated 15/06/2010 08:22:07

A new political party has been established in the Cook Islands.

Investigating the accents of penguinsAudio

Updated 15/06/2010 08:22:06


The New Zealand accent is a constant source of entertainment for many Australians.

Women's soccer fever hits HawaiiAudio

Updated 15/06/2010 08:22:06


With the World Cup now well underway, everyone seems to have football fever, or if you're in Hawaii, soccer fever.

Concern about a potential oil spill in PNGAudio

Updated 15/06/2010 08:22:07

As oil continues to spew into the Gulf of Mexico, there are fears about the potential for another, smaller, oil spill in Papua New Guinea.

Pacific Community in Australia tackles high youth crimeAudioTranscript

Updated 15/06/2010 08:22:07

A public forum has been held to discuss the growing problem of young Pacific Islander offenders in Australia.

Guam update: labour for military buildup and drinking ageAudio

Updated 15/06/2010 08:22:07

Some weeks have passed since Yukio Hatoyama stepped down as Japan's Prime Minister, but the move is still having repercussions for the US Pacific territory of Guam.

Marshall Islands traditional court hearings delayAudioTranscript

Updated 15/06/2010 08:22:07

A problem with the appointment of judges to Marshall Islands Traditional Courts has resulted in a 12 month delay in hearing some cases.

ONOC takes Pacific sports development issues to CommonwealthAudio

Updated 15/06/2010 08:22:04

The Manager of Regional Sport Development for the Oceania National Olympic Committees, Brian Miniken has just returned from the 3rd Commonwealth Sport for Development Seminar in Glasgow, Scotland.

High costs of internet use in Fiji to come downAudio

Updated 15/06/2010 16:32:10

Anyone who has travelled to Fiji will know that the cost of using the internet there is exorbitant.

PNG Carterets reaction to growing Pacific islands reportAudio

Updated 15/06/2010 16:32:10

For years we've been told that small pacific islands are about to disappear as a result of climate change.

Bligh Pacific voyage recreation arrives at destinationAudio

Updated 15/06/2010 16:32:10

A voyage recreating Captain William Bligh's famous open boat trip after being put off the Royal Navy ship the Bounty has just arrived at its destination in Kupang, in Indonesian Timor.

PNG's Mt Ulawun Volcano awareness urgedAudio

Updated 15/06/2010 16:32:10

Disaster officials in Papua New Guinea's West New Britain Province are on alert as one of PNG's highest active volcano shows signs of an eruption.

Law enforcement crucial to saving CNMI fruit batAudio

Updated 14/06/2010 08:25:31

A lengthy campaign to preserve the endangered fruit bats in the CNMI is being abused by poachers.

Australian ecologists discover surfing abilities of crocodilesAudio

Updated 14/06/2010 08:25:30

The surfing abilities of the saltwater crocodile have been discovered by a group of Australian ecologists.

Fiji beats Japan in opening round of Pacific Nations CupAudio

Updated 14/06/2010 08:25:30


In the first round of Pacific Nations Cup Rugby Fiji has defeated Japan 22 to eight.

World Cup update: Australia loses 4 nil to GermanyAudio

Updated 14/06/2010 08:25:31


Australia has suffered a massive four-nil loss in its opening World Cup match to Germany.

UN Climate Chief insists Bonn talks made progressAudio

Updated 14/06/2010 08:25:31

The latest round of U-N Climate Change Forum talks in Bonn, Germany wrapped up over the weekend.

Fresh impetus for trans pacific trade dealAudioTranscript

Updated 14/06/2010 08:25:31

Talks resume this week on a proposed trans Pacific trade deal, with United States' backing appearing to give the idea significant momentum.

National consultations held on PNG childcareAudioTranscript

Updated 14/06/2010 08:25:31

Papua New Guinea has just completed its first ever national consultation forum on child care and development in the PNG highlands.

Talks to end strike in French Polynesia continuingAudioTranscript

Updated 14/06/2010 08:25:31

It's Sunday in French Polynesia, but government labour officials and trade unionists have had to report to work regardless.

Fast food burgers linked to asthmaAudio

Updated 14/06/2010 08:25:30

Too many fast food burgers could give kids asthma, that's a key finding from an international study of diet and asthma in children.

Fiji and Samoa draw first blood in Pacific Nations' Rugby CupAudio

Updated 14/06/2010 16:28:59

Fiji and Samoa's national rugby teams have darwn first blood in the opening round matches of the Pacific Nations Cup.

Solomon Islands' Malaita Premier wants mining act amendedAudio

Updated 14/06/2010 16:28:59

The premier of Solomon Islands' Malaita Province says the Mineral Act urgently needs to be reviewed once a new government is elected in a couple of months' time.

Sydney Talanoa discusses Pacific island offendersAudio

Updated 14/06/2010 16:29:00

A public forum was held in Sydney today (Monday) to discuss the growing problem of young Pacific Island offenders in Australia.

Concern over Tongan MPs voting for non-existent amendmentAudio

Updated 14/06/2010 16:29:00

Did Tongan MPs vote for an amendment to a bill that hadn't even been written?

Commonwealth Women's Affairs Ministers back ILO ConventionAudio

Updated 11/06/2010 10:56:49

The Commonwealth Women Affairs Ministers Meeting has moved to endorse a new International Labour Organisation standard protecting the rights of domestic workers.

Interest rates rise in response to NZ economic recoveryAudio

Updated 11/06/2010 10:56:49

New Zealand's Central Bank has announced the first interest rate hike since the global financial crisis took hold.

SPREP preparing for the onset of climate changeAudio

Updated 11/06/2010 10:56:50

Delegates at the UN Climate Change Forum in Bonn, Germany have been continuing debate on how they might work to reduce carbon emissions this week.

Supermarket chain in Fiji says it did not dump productsAudio

Updated 11/06/2010 10:56:50

Fiji's largest supermarket chain, Morris Hedstorm, has come out denying allegations of product dumping in its stores.

Mass strike underway in French Polynesia

Updated 11/06/2010 10:56:50

In French Polynesia, a mass strike is now underway across the country.

Tabuaeran Atoll in Kiribati a rare pristine exampleAudio

Updated 11/06/2010 10:56:50

It's a while since we've heard the term pristine and pacific atoll in the same sentence.

Traditional crops possible key to improving life on fragile atollsAudioTranscript

Updated 11/06/2010 10:56:50

Scientists are pinning their hopes on agriculture and a return to traditional crops to improve life on some of the Pacific's more fragile atolls.

Solomon Islands appeals for climate agreement in time for CancunAudio

Updated 11/06/2010 10:56:50

It's the last day of the UN Climate Change Forum talks in Bonn, Germany and hopes are fading of having a legally binding agreement in time for the next, major meeting in Cancun, Mexico next December.

Rebuilding still continuing in Samoa eight months after tsunamiAudioTranscript

Updated 11/06/2010 10:56:50

It is now just over eight months since Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga were hit by the devastating underwater earthquake and tsunami.

Solomons political candidate wants to see development spreadAudio

Updated 11/06/2010 16:25:29

A political candidate in the upcoming Solomon islands election says he wants to see economic development spread throughout the country.

New Tongan political party hoping to attract standing MP's to its rankAudio

Updated 11/06/2010 16:25:30

Tonga's newest political party is hopeful it can attract some of the countries standing people's representatives to contest the November election in their name.

Trade Unions threaten to disrupt French PolynesiaAudio

Updated 11/06/2010 16:25:30

Attempts to avert a major general strike in French Polynesia have failed.

State of emergency and fresh elections on NauruAudio

Updated 11/06/2010 16:25:30

But first, the people of Nauru will go back to the polls on Saturday week.

Hawaiian culture preserved through foodAudio

Updated 11/06/2010 16:25:26

Teenagers dedicated to preserving their customs and culture through food sustainability projects have gathered at Waimanalo in Hawaii this week.

Buildup to World Cup reaches fever pitchAudio

Updated 10/06/2010 08:19:01


The countdown to the biggest event of the sporting calender is almost over.

Head of UN Climate Change Forum gives final speechAudio

Updated 10/06/2010 08:19:01

Over to the Bonn now, for the latest from the United Nations Climate Change Forum talks.

Only one Pacific delegate at Commonwealth Women Minister's meetingAudio

Updated 10/06/2010 08:19:01

The Commonwealth Women's Affairs Ministers Meeting is wrapping up in Barbados.

Call for govts to do more to stop spread of HIVAudio

Updated 10/06/2010 08:19:01

Delegates at a high level regional meeting have passed a resolution asking for better government to government action to prevent the spread of HIV.

Business: BSP explains 50% share price dropAudio

Updated 10/06/2010 08:18:55

Bank South Pacific says it is peforming well despite its share price dropping more than 50 per cent.

RAMSI runs innovative community consultation in the SolomonsAudioTranscript

Updated 10/06/2010 08:19:02

The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands is running an innovative community consultation program that visits Solomon Islanders where they live whether that be a remote village or a tough squatter settlement in the capital.

Relocation of adult entertainment providers proposed in GuamAudioTranscript

Updated 10/06/2010 16:28:56

The Guam government is proposing that adult entertainment providers be moved out of tourist hotspots under draft legislation debated in parliament last week.

Fuel shortages in CNMI spark state of emergencyAudioTranscript

Updated 10/06/2010 08:19:02

The Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas is facing having its water and electrical service cut off.

Bougainvileans welcome election of President John MomisAudio

Updated 10/06/2010 16:28:55

The people of Papua New Guinea's autonomous region of Bougainville have welcomed the election of the former provincial governor, John Momis as their new President.

PNG's New Guinea Energy takes delivery of its first oil rigAudio

Updated 10/06/2010 16:28:55

New Guinea Energy's first oil rig arrived in Papua New Guinea's Western Province today, having left Townsville in late last week.

Australia's NSW Premier's "silly" comments on KokodaAudioTranscript

Updated 10/06/2010 16:28:56

The legend of the Kokoda trail has inadvertently been thrust into the Australian political limelight after comments by the New South Wales Premier, Kristina Keneally.

CAN International explains Bonn controversy over logging loopholeAudioTranscript

Updated 10/06/2010 16:28:56

The rift over the so-called logging loophole at the U-N Climate Change Forum meeting in Bonn Germany is deepening.

Australian Rules Football spreading across Asia Pacific regionAudio

Updated 10/06/2010 16:28:54

Australian rules football has for some time been spreading its wings across the Asia Pacific region.

Environmentalists call for more ocean-scale national parksAudio

Updated 09/06/2010 08:17:11

The Pew Environment Group is calling for more countries to establish "ocean-scale" national parks.

PNG Prime Minister uses media conference to berate journalistsAudio

Updated 09/06/2010 08:17:11

The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Sir Michael Somare has held a rare media conference.

Palau: 17 governments for 20,000 peopleAudio

Updated 09/06/2010 08:17:11

Palau's former president, Tommy Remengesau has agreed the tiny Pacific island is over governed.

NZ failure to ratify ILO domestic workers convention "shameful"AudioTranscript

Updated 09/06/2010 08:17:11

A leading academic has condemned New Zealand's failure to ratify a proposed International Labour Organisation Convention protecting the rights of domestic workers.

Former Fiji Prime Minister concerned elections may be delayedAudioTranscript

Updated 09/06/2010 08:17:11

A former Prime Minister of Fiji fears the date for elections may be delayed beyond 2014.

Complaints about official soccer ball for World CupAudio

Updated 09/06/2010 16:49:39

The soccer World Cup in South Africa doesn't start until Friday, but already there are complaints about the official soccer ball.

Fiji mobilise to stop spread of typhoidAudioTranscript

Updated 09/06/2010 16:49:39

Health officials in Fiji have begun a nationwide awareness campaign to help stop the spread of typhoid.

PNG PM admits giving in to Chinese Ramu nickel projectAudio

Updated 09/06/2010 16:49:39

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister has admitted that the controversial environment legislation was passed for the benefit of the Chinese owned Ramu Nickel mine in Madang Province.

Regional law enforcement bodies fight transnational crimesAudioTranscript

Updated 09/06/2010 16:49:40

Regional law enforcement bodies have agreed to work together to tackle major crime issues, including terrorism, money laundering, commercial fraud, human trafficking and drug smuggling.

Children die in PNG floodsAudio

Updated 09/06/2010 16:49:40

Four children have died and two others are missing after their homes were washed away by severe flooding in Papua New Guinea.

Yvo de Boer says climate change agreement unlikely before 2020Audio

Updated 08/06/2010 07:25:27


The chances of an agreement at the U-N Climate Change Forum in Bonn being reached in time to be signed in Cancun next December seem increasingly slim.

Guam update: Cancelled Obama trip and Hatoyama's resignationAudio

Updated 08/06/2010 07:25:26

Last week, Japan's prime minister announced he was standing down in the face of plunging popularity ratings.

Civil society groups increasingly frustrated by Bonn climate talksAudio

Updated 08/06/2010 07:25:26

Media conferences held by various non governmental organisations and advocacy groups in Bonn have repeatedly expressed concerns about the lack of progress being made.

SPREP says key countries refusing to compromise at Bonn talksAudio

Updated 08/06/2010 07:25:26

Delegates from 182 countries at the United Nations Climate Change Forum in Bonn, Germany are in their second week of closed-door talks to draft agreement on cutting carbon emissions.

New party to encourage more women MPs in the SolomonsAudioTranscript

Updated 08/06/2010 07:25:27

The motivation behind a new political party in Solomon Islands is to get more women into parliament.

New test to better diagnosis HIV in PNG childrenAudioTranscript

Updated 08/06/2010 07:25:27

A new diagnostic test may help contain the rate of HIV infection in children by allowing for earlier detection and earlier treatment.

General strike called to bring French Polynesia to a haltAudioTranscript

Updated 08/06/2010 16:43:33

Thousands of workers across French Polynesia are gearing up for a major general strike scheduled to begin at midnight on Thursday, local time or Friday on this side of the dateline.

John Momis declared Bougainville PresidentAudio

Updated 08/06/2010 16:43:33

Papua New Guinea's autonomous region of Bougainville has declared former governor, John Momis as the newly elected President.

Pacific islands leaders invited to Pacific Arab SummitAudio

Updated 08/06/2010 16:43:33

Middle Eastern countries have turned to the Pacific to garner support for issues affecting the Arab world.

UN climate change humanitarian concernsAudio

Updated 08/06/2010 16:43:32

The United Nations' top humanitarian official is warning that climate change will drive more and more crises and cause more and more humanitarian crises.

Drug discovered which could change treatment of MalariaAudio

Updated 07/06/2010 09:08:48

Australian scientists have made a discovery about a common blood thinning drug that may change the way Malaria is treated.

Fiji confident of winning its first Pacific Nations Rugby CupAudio

Updated 07/06/2010 09:08:48


The Flying Fijians will play Japan in the Pacific Nations Rugby Cup competition on Saturday.

Fiji and Samoa through to netball World Cup 2011Audio

Updated 07/06/2010 09:08:48

The Cook Islands has just hosted the Pacific Series Netball.

Climate change talks enter second week in BonnAudio

Updated 07/06/2010 09:08:48

Talks at the United Nations Forum on Climate Change, in Bonn, Germany will enter a second week later today.

Conservation groups concerned about logging loopholeAudioTranscript

Updated 07/06/2010 09:08:48

Time now for an update on the climate change talks in Bonn, Germany.

Street prostitutes on the increase in French PolynesiaAudioTranscript

Updated 07/06/2010 09:08:48

Some blame the economic crisis, others the Western influence and a shift in cultural standards.

Bougainville election result delayed by technical problemsAudioTranscript

Updated 07/06/2010 09:08:48

The result of the Bougainville elections in Papua New Guinea is due to be announced today.

Using the Hawaiian art of poking funAudio

Updated 07/06/2010 09:08:47


There is no beer from Hawaii, or so goes the famous German drinking song, Es gibt kein Bier auf Hawaii.

Greenpeace accuses PNG govt over new environment lawsAudioTranscript

Updated 07/06/2010 17:18:13

The environmental group Greenpeace has accused the Papua New Guinea government of legitimising illegal logging and mining activities by making changes to the country's Forestry Act and Environment acts.

Solomon Islands establishes National Transport FundAudioTranscript

Updated 07/06/2010 17:18:03

More roads, more ports, more airfields - Solomon Islanders need the lot, just to get around their country.

Scientists assess Vanuatu's Yasur volcanoAudio

Updated 07/06/2010 17:18:13

Three scientists will travel to Vanuatu's rumbling Mount Yasur volcano on Tuesday to assess the threat it poses to nearby villagers.

John Momis expected to be next Bougainville PresidentAudio

Updated 07/06/2010 17:18:13

The former Governor of Papua New Guinea's Autonomous Bougainville Province, John Momis is expected to be declared the next President of Bougainville.

New Zealand to host Rugby World CupAudio

Updated 07/06/2010 17:18:03

Next year New Zealand will host the biggest event in Rugby, the World Cup.

Claims Fiji is missing out on illustrating democratic progressAudioTranscript

Updated 04/06/2010 08:29:03

The decision by Fiji's military regime to retract an invitation to the Forum's Ministerial Contact Group to visit the country is now a familiar pattern of behaviour according to a political observer.

Bonn delegates still a long way off climate change text agreementAudio

Updated 04/06/2010 08:29:03

The Alliance of Small Island States, AOSIS has called on climate change negotiators meeting in Germany to push for a legally binding outcome.

Pacific islands growing in response to climate changeAudio

Updated 04/06/2010 08:29:03

There's a new twist to the impact of rising sea levels in a study which states that some islands are fighting back and are growing.

NZ to house prison inmates in shipping containersAudio

Updated 04/06/2010 08:29:03

New Zealand has come up with an innovative way of dealing with its burgeoning prison population.

Union concern at proposed civil workers entitlements cuts in SolomonsAudio

Updated 04/06/2010 08:29:03

Unions in Solomon Islands are gearing up for a fight with the government over a proposal to slash the entitlements of thousands of public servants.

New leader and fresh start for Cook Islands' ruling partyAudioTranscript

Updated 04/06/2010 08:29:03

The ruling Cook Islands Democratic Party has elected a new leader.

New Caledonian president indicted over misuse of power claimsAudio

Updated 04/06/2010 08:29:03

The New Caledonia President has been indicted on suspicion of misusing his position.

No leads on identity of robbers behind fatal PNG airport shootingAudioTranscript

Updated 04/06/2010 08:29:03

In Papua New Guinea, a robbery at the domestic airport in the capital Port Moresby has ended in a fatal shoot out.

PNG govt accused of selling out to foreign companiesAudioTranscript

Updated 04/06/2010 15:53:18

A Papua New Guinea lawyer says the Somare government has sold out to foreign mining companies by passing controversial environmental legislation.

British rower Roz Savage completes row across PacificAudioTranscript

Updated 04/06/2010 15:53:19

The first woman to row solo across the Pacific has ended her epic journey.

Futenma broken promise main trigger for Japan PM resigningAudio

Updated 03/06/2010 07:51:02

With his approval ratings in free-fall, Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has resigned in tears, less than a year after winning a landslide election.

Cook Islands workshop to improve disaster response systemsAudio

Updated 03/06/2010 07:51:02

Emergency management authorities in the Cook Islands have conceded they could have dealt with Tropical Cyclone Pat more effectively.

Business: PNG's Nasfund critical of BSP performanceAudio

Updated 03/06/2010 07:51:02

In Papua New Guinea, Bank South Pacific has seen it's share price plummet more than 50 per cent since it's peak a few years ago.

Poor sanitation and water quality fuelling PNG choleraAudioTranscript

Updated 03/06/2010 07:51:03

The cholera epidemic in Papua New Guinea's capital Port Moresby is spreading.

Palau urges Australia to allow permanent resettlement for six UighursAudioTranscript

Updated 03/06/2010 07:51:03

The President of Palau is appealing to Australia to accept for permanent resettlement, six Uighurs from north western China who late last year were given temporary residence in Palau following eight years of detention in Guantanamo Bay.

Brij Lal observes Bougainville ElectionAudioTranscript

Updated 03/06/2010 17:33:00

Results from the Bougainville elections are expected in around a week's time.

Transparency Vanuatu disappointed about govt delayAudioTranscript

Updated 03/06/2010 17:33:00

Transparency International says it's disappointed by a delay in the tabling of a controversial Coroner's report that's highly critical of the Vanuatu police and its paramilitary wing, the Vanuatu Mobile Force.

AusAID scrutinised by Parliamentary committeeAudioTranscript

Updated 03/06/2010 17:33:00

Australia's international development assistance agency, AusAID, has faced scrutiny before a Parliamentary committee in Canberra over its use of technical assistance in the delivery of aid.

McMullan sees opportunities for Pacific Islanders in PNGAudioTranscript

Updated 03/06/2010 17:33:00

Australia's Parliamentary Secretary for Development Assistance, Bob McMullan, says the ExxonMobil gas project in Papua New Guinea offers enormous opportunities for Pacific Islanders.

British adventurer Roz Savage arrives in PNGAudio

Updated 03/06/2010 17:32:59

British adventurer Roz Savage is expected to paddle into Papua New Guinea's town of Madang tomorrow on her epic rowing voyage across the Pacific from Kiribati.

Palau hopeful direct flight to Australia will boost trade and tourismAudio

Updated 02/06/2010 08:59:22

A new air link between Palau and the city of Brisbane on Australia's east coast is growing in popularity.

Australian tourist wins Hawaiian music competitionAudio

Updated 02/06/2010 08:59:22

An Australian song writer has won the Kaui Music festivals Song Writer Competition in Honolulu.

Calls to protect French Polynesia's manta ray from tourismAudio

Updated 02/06/2010 08:59:22

Among French Polynesia's many tourist activities is the opportunity to swim with manta rays.

UN climate change chief hopeful of progress in BonnAudio

Updated 02/06/2010 08:59:23

Closed door meetings on an international agreement to tackle climate change are now underway in Bonn, Germany.

Amendments to Environment Act stir controversy in PNGAudioTranscript

Updated 02/06/2010 08:59:23

Papua New Guinea's government has passed a series of controversial amendments to its Environment Act.

Fiji's PM says Forum meeting in NZ changes nothingAudio

Updated 02/06/2010 08:59:23

Fiji's interim prime minister says this week's Pacific Islands Forum Ministerial Contact Group meeting in New Zealand has done nothing to convince him to push forward the date for democratic elections.

Family wanted money to give evidence against Julian MotiAudioTranscript

Updated 02/06/2010 08:59:23

The Court of Appeal in the Australian state of Queensland has been told a complainant and her family threatened not to give evidence against the former Solomons Island Attorney General, Julian Moti unless they received payment from the Australian Federal Police.

Niue steps up efforts to deal with asbestos in homesAudioTranscript

Updated 02/06/2010 08:59:23

Niue's government is considering taking court action to allow for the demolishment of vacant homes, many of which may be contaminated with asbestos.

PNG lawyer says new law takes away basic rightsAudioTranscript

Updated 02/06/2010 16:36:18

The founder of Papua New Guinea's anti-corruption website ACT NOW, Effrey Dademo says the amendments to the Environment Act 2000 passed by the PNG parliament last Friday, takes away citizens' basic rights.

Fiji's military leader angry at further criticism from Australia and New ZealandAudio

Updated 02/06/2010 16:36:18

Fiji's coup leader, and interim Prime Minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, has indicated a delegation of Foreign Ministers from Pacific Islands' Forum member nations, is no longer welcome to visit his country.

Momis confident of becoming Bougainville PresidentAudioTranscript

Updated 02/06/2010 16:36:18

Former Papua New Guinea Ambassador to China, John Momis is leading the incumbent President, James Tanis in Bougainville's presidential race as counting of votes continues.

Sheedy defends decision to poach Falau from NRLAudio

Updated 02/06/2010 16:36:14

He's a top rugby league player will he be able to apply his skills to the A-F-L?

Fiji development bucking depressed investment trendAudio

Updated 02/06/2010 16:36:15

While Fiji, like the rest of the Pacific, is suffering the effects of the Global Financial Crisis, there is one development which has continued to attract interest, and money from overseas.

Sub-standard Australian groceries found in Fijian shopsAudioTranscript

Updated 01/06/2010 08:08:05

An international supermarket chain has launched an investigation into how its damaged and expired products have ended up on supermarket shelves in Fiji.

Annual Hawaii music and arts award heldAudio

Updated 01/06/2010 08:08:04

The 33rd Annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards Show was held at the Hawaii Convention Centre in Honolulu last night.

FEMLINK wants more Pacific women to have input in civil society policyAudio

Updated 01/06/2010 08:08:04

For our women's segment this week, we are finding out the latest on FEMLINK's activities.

Guam update: Japan decision to keep Okinawa baseAudio

Updated 01/06/2010 08:08:04

After months of negotiating, the Japanese government has agreed to allow the United States to keep its military base on the island of Okinawa.

UN climate chief urges action at latest Bonn talksAudio

Updated 01/06/2010 08:08:04

The latest round of talks aimed at reaching an agreement on tackling climate change is about to get underway in Bonn, Germany.

ASAMOA Governor wants his nation to keep US Territory statusAudio

Updated 01/06/2010 08:08:04

American Samoa's Governor says he doesn't want the country's status as a US dependency to change.

Pacific Forum talks to Fiji about inaction on restoring democracyAudioTranscript

Updated 01/06/2010 08:08:05

The Pacific Island Forum's special group on Fiji met in Auckland on Monday.

Fiji Warriors retain Pacific Rugby Cup titleAudio

Updated 01/06/2010 08:08:04


The Fiji Warriors have won the 2010 Pacific Rugby Cup title beating the Fiji Barbarians 26 to 17 in Suva.

Young Solomon's footballers hopeful of making it in the AFLAudio

Updated 01/06/2010 16:59:47

Solomon Islands first national representative in Aussie Rules football will travel to Australia next month to compete in the Australian National Championships.

AFL snares top league playerAudioTranscript

Updated 01/06/2010 16:59:48

One of Rugby League's biggest stars, Brisbane's Israel Folau is set to switch to Australian Rules.

Vanuatu volcano threat passesAudio

Updated 01/06/2010 16:59:48

Scientists will continue to monitor the threat from an erupting volcano in Vanuatu that's put air traffic on alert over the Pacific.

Julian Moti faces renewed court action over child sex offencesAudioTranscript

Updated 01/06/2010 16:59:48

The case of the former Solomon Islands attorney-general accused of Child Sex Offences is back before a court in Brisbane.

Tensions continue among Cook Islands DemocraticsAudio

Updated 01/06/2010 16:59:48

In the Cook Islands, and the Ruling Democratic Party's general conference will go ahead, but a day later than planned.

Positive response to ministerial meeting on FijiAudio

Updated 01/06/2010 16:59:48

The Pacific Islands' Forum Ministerial Contact Group, tasked with forming a continuing dialogue with Fiji's military backed regime, has accepted an invitation to visit the island nation.

Nauru appoints parliamentary speakerAudio

Updated 01/06/2010 16:59:48

The political deadlock in Nauru has finally been broken with the appointment of a parliamentary speaker.