PINA

Outgoing Forum Secretary General, Henry Puna has expressed concern over the unrest in New Caledonia, reflecting on the sensitive issue that has been brewing since the referendum in December 2021. “I was there to monitor the referendum when it was taken," he stated. “And it was unfortunate that it was allowed to go ahead during that time.” Puna lamented the lack of...

Australia will fund new undersea telecommunications cables for Solomon Islands, provide a $600 million (US$397 million) bailout for Papua New Guinea and spend $400 million (US$264 million) to expand diplomatic posts in the Pacific in the contest with China for regional influence. In the budget announced on Tuesday, the Department of Foreign Affairs will also get $188 million (US$124 million)...

A group belonging to New Caledonia's pro-independence movement, UNI (Union Nationale pour l'Indépendance), has released a communiqué saying they were “moved by and deplored the exactions and violence taking place”. UNI member of New Caledonia's Northern provincial assembly, Patricia Goa, said the violent unrest "affects the whole of our population". She said it was “necessary to preserve all that we have...

The winners of Fast Company’s 2024 World Changing Ideas Awards were announced today and the Ocean Conservation Commitments (OCCs) concept was named the winner of the contest’s Nature category, with Niue Ocean Wide (NOW) Trust and Conservation International honoured on behalf of the project. OCCs were rolled out in the South Pacific nation of Niue late last year, with each...

French authorities imposed a curfew on New Caledonia’s capital Noumea and banned public gatherings after supporters of the Pacific island’s independence movement blocked roads, set fire to buildings and clashed with security forces. Tensions in New Caledonia have been inflamed by the French government’s plans to give the vote to tens of thousands of French immigrants to the Melanesian island...

The Bougainville Constitutional Planning Commission (BCPC) has released the first draft of the autochthonous constitution for an independent Bougainville, marking a significant step in the region's path towards political independence. This draft has been made available for download on the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) website. Ahead of its upcoming consultation rounds this month, the BCPC made this initial draft of the...

The Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC) Officials have concluded the 133rd FFC Officials Annual Meeting (FFC133) held in Nauru from 06 – 10 May. The meeting brought together fisheries officials from the 17 Members of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), as well as observers from regional and international organisations, to deliberate and agree on ways forward for Pacific tuna...

Fijiana 15’s Head Coach, Mosese Rauluni, has unveiled his extended squad for the upcoming 2024 Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship scheduled for the end of this month. Keeping faith in the core players from the Fijian Drua Women’s team, Rauluni has also introduced three overseas talents into the mix. Doreen Narokote and Iris Verebalavu, fresh off their Super W campaigns with Queensland...

By Iliesa Tora Moana Pasifika will continue to work with all partners in taking games to their home islands of Samoa and Tonga. Chief executive Pelenato Sakalia said while they want to play more games in front of their home fans in the islands, the reality is such games are expensive to take across the ocean. “Without a doubt Moana Pasifika...

Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, Henry Puna is embarking on a pivotal mission, focusing on Pacific regionalism for the future. SG Puna's visit to Rarotonga is part of a Forum programme of national missions aimed at fostering stronger ties and understanding of regional unity and how the Forum delivers on its mandate. This mission also carries emotional significance in that it...