Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
Avaroa taps Hawaiki to boost Pacific communications, connect Samoa and Australia
Avaroa Cable Limited (ACL) has today announced the selection of Hawaiki Submarine Cable LP (Hawaiki) for the turnkey provision of international capacity from Samoa to Australia. A state-owned enterprise of the Cooks Islands Government, and funded...
Pacific news in brief for 16 July
Tonga's Health Minister Dr ʻAna ʻAkauʻola said that the system has been fully restored. Photo: 123RF Tonga - attack Tonga's National Health Information System - hacked three weeks ago in a cyber attack - is now back in action. Health Minister Dr...

Auditor General highlights recurring challenges in the recent audit report of the government
While recognising recent improvements, the Auditor General’s report to the Niue Assembly highlighted recurring issues and challenges for the Niue government in terms of its capability and capacity to prepare its financial statements for annual...

Cook Islands Pocket Guide Launches Major Update Following Latest Research Trip
Cook Islands Pocket Guide, the leading online travel guide for the Cook Islands, has released a major update to its content following an in-depth research trip across Rarotonga, Aitutaki and Atiu. The trip, carried out in March 2025, was made...

Government plans for Fualahi include new flats for growing expatriate community
In its efforts to address the ongoing challenges of housing expatriate workers, the government has informed the local Niuean tenants at Fualahi that they have up to two years to vacate the properties. The minister of the Public Service Commission...
Pacific news in brief for 7 July
Artisanal miners search for gold in the waters downstream from the Panguna mine in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea. Photo: OCCRP / Aubrey Belford Bougainville - mining The Bougainville House of Representatives amended the Mining Act last week. The...
Pacific news in brief for 1 July
Niue government buildings Photo: RNZ/ Sally Round Niue - budget Health, education, social welfare and government salaries have receives a boost in the Niue government's new NZ$12.5 million (US$7.6m) deficit budget. Last week, the island's finance...

Pacific Islands News Roundup – July 4 – July 10, 2025
Editor’s Note: We are undergoing a web host migration process and may need to make necessary modifications to our format and frequency over the next several weeks. Thank you in advance for your understanding. Political Leadership and Regionalism,...
They need to listen and act now: Pacific countries ramp up…
Pacific countries have taken a critical step to finalise their priorities as they ramp up the call for a high-ambition treaty that addresses the full life cycle of plastic. Ahead of the second part of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental...
Japan risks its reputation in Oceania with Fukushima discharge
A rollcall of Pacific Island nations have very different views on the release of treated radioactive wastewater. By Derek Grossman Japan’s decision last month to begin discharging treated radioactive wastewater into the Pacific Ocean from its...

Regulatory Standards Bill hearing, day three: ‘Pissing on people and telling them it’s rain’
The finance and expenditure committee heard the Regulatory Standards Bill could impact animal welfare, the environment and the Woke Lesbo Symposium, and received advice from the Clerk. Read our explainer on the Regulatory Standards Bill here and...
Need for independent science during plastic treaty negotiations
Poor science heard during the negotiations for a new Plastics Treaty has caused concern for the Scientists Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty. A group of approximately 240 scientists representing over 250 independent scientists across the...

Pacific Islands Forum head: Island region 'must remain a beacon of hope and unity'
The Pacific Islands Forum's secretary general has reaffirmed the region’s commitment to a united, resilient and inclusive Blue Pacific Continent. “In a world increasingly marked by turbulence, the Pacific must remain a beacon of hope and unity,"...
Pacific Islands Forum head: Island region ‘must remain a beacon of…
The Pacific Islands Forum’s secretary general has reaffirmed the region’s commitment to a united, resilient and inclusive Blue Pacific Continent. “In a world increasingly marked by turbulence, the Pacific must remain a beacon of hope and unity,”...

Pacific News Briefs: Award-Winning Māori Short Film
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — An award-winning short film, which honors the resilience of Māori youth, has been named a finalist at the New Zealand International Film Festival. Written and directed by Aroha Awarau (Ngāti Maru, Ngāti Porou, Niue,...

Māori Youth Story Earns Film Festival Recognition
Monday, 23 June 2025, 7:45 am Press Release: Puti Film An award-winning short film, honouring the resilience of Māori youth, has been named a finalist at the Whānau Mārama - New Zealand International Film Festival. Mia Van Oyen in the powerful...

Groundbreaking gay Samoan-Aussie drama launches on SBS
New Australian drama Moni, about a gay Samoan man navigating life in Western Sydney, premiered overnight on NITV and SBS On Demand. The series follows its title character, Moni — a 30-something gay Samoan man who returns home after ten years away...

Pacific Mini Games 2025 draws regional viewership, offers wide access to sports coverage
By: Eustoria Marie Borja KOROR, Palau (July 1, 2025) — The Pacific Mini Games 2025 opened with vibrant color, traditional dances, and a dazzling fireworks display on Sunday, marking the Games’ return to Palau after 20 years. Despite a rain shower,...

Ranked 100th – Celebrate Like #1
After a year of economic turbulence, Pakistan’s economy seems to have crawled out of intensive care. Inflation has cooled. The current account is no longer haemorrhaging. The rupee has stopped fainting. The doctors in charge—whoever and wherever...

Our voyage to Statehood, 60 years on: understanding the nature and practice of free-association as we reflect on our development journey
Prime Minister Mark Brown. SUPPLIED. This year, the Cook Islands marks 60 years of self-governance, an historic milestone in our voyage to statehood, by Mark Brown, Prime Minister of the Cook Islands. In 1965, our people chose to shape our own...