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)….
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor China has intensified its criticism of the Philippines for allowing the US Typhon missile system to be stationed on its soil. This deployment has escalated tensions between the two nations and raised concerns about an arms race in the Asia-Pacific region. China’s foreign ministry has expressed strong opposition to the…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor In the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, amidst the rolling waves and the rhythmic ebb and flow of the tides, lies a structure that has baffled archaeologists and oceanographers alike: an ancient, underwater edifice that might hold secrets to human civilization and the enigmatic cultures that once thrived in…
Kiribati has launched a series of new environmental initiatives aimed at protecting its fragile ecosystems. The government is focusing on sustainable fishing practices and marine conservation to combat the effects of climate change. Local communities are being engaged in these efforts to ensure a collective approach towards environmental stewardship. As the year draws to a…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor 1. New Zealand’s Climate InitiativesNew Zealand has announced a new set of ambitious climate initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2030. The initiatives include significant investments in renewable energy, particularly in wind and solar power, as well as plans to phase out coal-powered energy generation by 2025….
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Fiji police has issued restrictions on movements in Ba, Tavua, and Rakiraki town due to major flooding Photo: Fiji Police An active trough of low pressure hoovering over the Fiji group has brought with it heavy rain, causing major flooding in parts of the country. The Director of the Fiji Meteorological Service…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Fiji police say those living in flood-prone areas in the Western Division should move to higher ground due to flooding. The police put the statement on social media just after 4pm, local time. Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Livai Driu said continuous rain from morning has seen flooding in some…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor ‘Aisake Eke is the new prime minister of Tonga. He won the secret ballot votes 16-8 at a special sitting on Tuesday. Vote results announced by Lord Fakafanua saw 16 votes for Eke and 8 for the other nominee, Viliame Latu, from a total vote of 24. King Tupou VI…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Transparency International in Papua New Guinea has expressed its fear another electoral disaster is on the way for PNG. The watchdog group was commenting on the lack of action to date to remedy the electoral failings in the election of 2022 and other earlier polls. The poor electoral process in…
Prime Minister Feleti Teo As the threat of climate change intensifies, Tuvalu is proactively preparing for potentially dire outcomes by digitizing its government and implementing various strategies to secure its future. Prime Minister Feleti Teo shared with Kyodo News that the extensive digitization initiative aims to transition government services and records to an online system,…