PINA

Australia stands ready to support Papua New Guinea authorities in quelling violence after more than 60 people were killed in a “very disturbing” massacre. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government was ready to assist the Pacific nation, after more than 60 people were reportedly killed in the country's northern highlands region. “That is very disturbing the news that has come...

Papua New Guinea police say at least 53 people have died in a massacre in the country’s Highlands. A ghastly sight as a picture of bodies piled high on top each other on a police vehicle was shared on online platforms Sunday. The bodies were alleged to belong to men who fought in a fight between two tribes in Wapenamanda. The grassland...

Fourteen Pacific countries have taken a step closer to finalise their preparations, with a common understanding of key issues, for the next round of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (INC-4) in Canada. It follows the four-day Pacific Regional Preparatory Workshop held at the Auckland Office of...

The president of Palau has called on Australia to intervene in negotiations with Washington over funding for the Pacific as he warns that Beijing is aggressively pursuing its interests across the region with the goal of forcing the islands to “sacrifice” Taiwan. Surangel Whipps jnr, who has led the strategically important island nation that divides Hawaii from Asia for the...

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has confirmed the appointment of Albert Nicholas as the country's Deputy Prime Minister (DPM). The Avatiu–Ruatonga–Palmerston MP holds the Infrastructure Cook Islands, Cook Islands Investment Corporation, National Environment Services, Business Trade and Investment Board, and Transport portfolios. In a statement, the Office of the Prime Minister said: “Through his work in these portfolios Nicholas will...

The fight against climate change is no longer a scientific issue but also a political one, as the mitigation and adaptation needs of the Pacific Island countries will not go away anytime soon. This has been highlighted by Director of Programmes and Initiatives at the Pacific Islands Forum, Zarak Khan, considering the continued funding support from other countries. Khan said though...

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has doubled down on his support for ARLC chairman Peter V’landys’ National Rugby League (NRL) expansion bid, calling for a 20-team competition. V’landys is reportedly keen to have 20 teams in the NRL in the next decade, with Papua New Guinea the favourite to secure the 18th franchise licence. PNG’s push has been aided by the...

Fullback Andrew Kellaway has marshalled Melbourne to a morale-boosting 26-21 victory over Fijian Drua in their final Super Rugby Pacific trial, ending a tough week on a bright note. The Wallabies utility is set to start in the No.15 jersey for the Rebels' opening round match against the ACT in Melbourne next Friday night, after also impressing in their previous...

Zarak Khan, Director of Programmes and Initiatives at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Friday laid out the roadmap for the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) during a briefing in Fiji. The primary objective was clear – establish and operationalise the PRF with utmost urgency. “The main priority for the Pacific Islands Forum and the Forum Secretariat is to get the Pacific Resilience...

The American Samoa delegation this week met with Forum Deputy Secretary General, Esala Nayasi at the Forum Secretariat in Suva. The focus of the meeting was American Samoa's bid for Associate Membership in the Pacific Islands Forum, with an eventual goal of achieving full membership in accordance with protocol. Lieutenant Governor Talauega, leading the delegation, portrayed the Pacific Islands Forum as...