PINA

The Tongan Crown Prince has urged Pacific leaders to define peace beyond security at a major regional summit in Suva this week. Speaking at the 2025 Pacific Regional and National Security Conference in Fiji, Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala emphasised the need for a unified Pacific vision built on peace, not just security. “I think wording it as an Ocean of Peace...

More than 400 candidates have put their hands up to contest the Bougainville general election in September, hoping to enter parliament. Incumbent President Ishmael Toroama is among the 404 people lining up to win a seat. Bougainville is involved in the process of achieving independence from Papua New Guinea - an issue expected to dominate campaigning, which lasts until the beginning...

New Zealand’s top political leaders skipping the Cook Islands’ 60th Constitution anniversary, seen as a rebuke over closer ties with China, has sparked widespread disappointment and calls for the Cook Islands government to mend relations. The confirmation that none of the senior New Zealand Government leaders will attend the Cook Islands’ 60th self-governance anniversary on August 4th has ignited public...

Barely a month ago, Solomon Islands Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau, was the darling of the government. He earned the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in this year’s King’s Birthday award for “his distinguished leadership, dedication, and long-standing service to policing and public safety in the Solomon Islands”. His deputy, Ian Vaevaso also received the Member of the Order of the...

Fijians with biometric e-passports can now use Australia’s SmartGate system at all international airports. Immigration Minister Viliame Naupoto states this shows Australia trusts Fiji’s passport security. He said talks are underway with New Zealand to offer the same access. “Using SmartGate, Fijian travellers will enjoy faster, more convenient and contactless processing at major Australian international airports, significantly reducing wait times and enhancing...

New Zealand Minister of State for Trade and Investment Nicola Grigg will travel to Fiji this week to attend the Pacific Island Forum’s Trade Ministers Meeting (FTMM). “Trade plays a critical role in getting more money into your back pocket, helping you and your family to thrive. It drives employment, economic growth, and lifts the standard of living in New Zealand...

Political leadership is needed on climate change, experts say following the rejection of a landmark case in the Australian Federal Court. On Tuesday, the court rejected the case led by Uncle Pabai Pabai and Uncle Paul Kabai, which argued the Commonwealth owed a duty of care to protect their Torres Strait homelands from the impacts of climate change. The uncles filed...

New Zealand Prime Minister is defending his decision to not send any representatives from the Government to the Cook Islands’ 60th celebration of self governance in a few weeks. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the attendance of the Governor-General is sufficient, and he reiterates the lack of transparency from the Cook Islands Government. “Our issue is with the Cook Islands Government...

French Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls landed in French Polynesia on Wednesday (Tuesday local time) for his first official visit to the territory. The one-week visit comes on the heels of the conclusion of a deal with New Caledonia, where the notion of “New Caledonian State” within the French Republic has been mentioned. The deal struck with New Caledonia's politicians has...

A legal expert and environment advocate says Tonga’s public dialogue last Friday brought urgent concerns around deep sea mining into focus. Lori Osmundsen is one of several panellists invited to Tonga's Parliament talanoa, which drew a packed room of government officials, mining representatives, civil society and local citizens. Speaking on Pacific Mornings, Osmundsen describes the event as “a shining example of...