PINA

By Nic Maclellan In New Caledonia, Emmanuel Tjibaou has won a seat in the French National Assembly – the first time in 38 years that a pro-independence Kanak leader will serve in the French legislature in Paris. Emmanuel is the son of the late Jean-Marie Tjibaou, the charismatic founder of the independence coalition Front de Libération Nationale Kanak et Socialiste (FLNKS),...

Five New Caledonia pro-independence leaders will continue to serve a preliminary term in several jails in mainland France, pending their trial, a Nouméa court ruled on Friday. The five are part of a group who were initially arrested and indicted on 22 June, then transferred to metropolitan France on a specially-freighted plane that same day. Nouméa public prosecutor Yves Dupas said...

None of the positions or portfolios of Fiji Government cabinet ministers are threatened. This assurance comes from Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, as nine opposition members have declared their interest and shown support for Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. Rabuka said that the nine MPs will continue to sit in opposition. He said that they will participate in parliamentary debate and continue to represent...

Efforts to seek compensation for victims of Agent Orange in Guam inched closer to reality, while a similar attempt for Guam residents who were exposed to radiation from U.S nuclear tests in the late 1940s is not yet totally off the table, said Delegate James Moylan In his congressional address before the 37th Guam Legislature on Monday, Moylan reported that...

At a reception marking the 50th anniversary of Niue's self-governance, the premier of the tiny Pacific country offered an off-hand and off-script confession. “"I think it's the first time I've ever been busy as premier of Niue,” Dalton Tagelagi said. A procession of leaders from New Zealand and beyond have arrived on the postcard-perfect coral island through 2024. Last week, it was...

Tonga's first Anti-Corruption Commissioner, a New Zealander, Chris LaHatte, was sworn into office before the Tonga Cabinet on Friday 05 July 2024. LaHatte, a lawyer from Wellington, was appointed by the King in Privy Council on 28 March this year. In announcing the establishment of the Office of the Anti-Corruption Commissioner, the Tonga Government stated that it was a significant milestone...

The French general election in the Pacific on the weekend has produced new MPs in New Caledonia and French Polynesia, but in opposite directions. In New Caledonia, one of the two seats is now held by a pro-independence candidate, signalling a potential setback for the pro-French (loyalists) camp, while in French Polynesia, the pro-independence party (Tavini Huiraatira) has lost in...

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Friday that the prime ministers of the Republic of Vanuatu and Solomon Islands will pay official visits to China. Chinese experts anticipate that the visits will further strengthen the relations between China and the Pacific island countries to a higher level, as there is still great potential for further cooperation. At the invitation...

One of Papua New Guinea’s most senior ministers have stepped down from his post after being arrested for the alleged assault of a 31-year-old woman in Bondi. Jimmy Maladina, who was the country’s Minister for Petroleum, was charged with domestic assault on Saturday after police were called to an Imperial Avenue home at 10am after reports of a domestic dispute....

A half-century after pursuing self-government, Niue can count on New Zealand’s steadfast partnership and support, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters says. “New Zealand and Niue share a unique bond, forged over 50 years of free association,” Peters said. “We are looking forward to working together to continue advancing Niue’s human and economic development.” Peters, who also attended Niue’s 25th anniversary of self-government...