by Martin Haffner Associate Editor A man has been charged with the rape and sexual assault of a Virgin Airlines flight crew member during New Year’s Eve celebrations in Fiji. Fijian Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong confirmed to the ABC that a local suspect was in custody over the alleged attack, which occurred in the…
Tusi Tala, Staff Writer A man has died after a shark attack near the small town of Koumac on Grande Terre, New Caledonia. While his family enjoyed a picnic at a nearby beach, the father of two went spear fishing on Thursday afternoon close to Kendek islet. According to witnesses, he was bitten on the…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor As Papua New Guinea prepares to mark 50 years of independence from Australia in 2025, the government faces a host of matters that need to be sorted, urgently.Duck Waters spoke with Scott Winston, to gauge his take on the country’s situation. Duck Waters: 2025 is just two years away from…
Richard Sanders, Staff Writer, Honiara Solomon Islands As the world reflects on the sacrifices made during the Second World War, the valor of the Solomon Scout Coastwatchers stands out as a testament to courage and resilience. These brave individuals played an indispensable role in the Pacific theater, using their intimate knowledge of the islands to…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Tonga’s new Prime Minister won’t be in power long enough to achieve much and is likely to be ousted by his predecessor at the 2025 general election, claims a political expert. Tonga correspondent, Kalafi Moala said many believe that establishing a new government under ‘Aisake Eke is a waste of…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor An emergency 231-million-Euro French package for New Caledonia has been reduced by one third because of the French Pacific territory’s current political crisis. The initial French aid package was endorsed early December 2024, in an eleventh-hour vote at the French National Assembly, minutes before French Prime Minister Michel Barnier and…
by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer, Honiara Jan 2, 2025 In an increasingly multipolar world, small island nations like the Solomon Islands find themselves at a crossroads in the realm of international relations. The country’s government is currently honing its ability to play a complex geostrategic game, skillfully balancing relationships with both China and Western nations….
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer In Samoa, two men from the village of Afega are in custody and facing charges after police seized 10 illegal power rifles and a significant amount of cash during two separate raids on Christmas Eve. Hugo Fata and Fata Voi Selafi, both from Afega, are the individuals involved in the…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Suspended Fiji Chief Prosecutor Demands Release of Findings Amid Controversy In a significant development in the legal landscape of Fiji, the country’s suspended chief prosecutor has called for the immediate release of findings related to his suspension. The contentious situation has sparked discussions about transparency, governance, and the rule of…
by Marton Haffner Associate Editor The Pacific will be the first in the world to welcome in the new year, with fireworks shows and outdoor gatherings planned. As the first major international centre to welcome in the New Year, the landmarks of New Zealand’s largest city Auckland will light up at midnight (1100 GMT Tuesday)….