PINA

The Pacific region, with its prevalence of low-lying islands, is especially vulnerable to climate change. Football is not immune, and is affected at all levels, but at the same time, it can also play a role in helping to draw attention to climate change and taking action against it. With that focus in mind, ten OFC Member Associations (MAs) will...

Drought conditions in parts of the Micronesia region have been upgraded from severe to extreme. The U.S Drought Monitor has upgraded drought conditions in the Federated States of Micronesia from severe to extreme, on the island state of Yap. Also facing extreme drought is the atoll of Wotje, in the Marshall Islands. Assessment teams and residents from Yap state are reporting...

Fiji and Papua New Guinea held a significant meeting on the sidelines of the 2024 Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Budget Foreign Ministers Meeting in Port Vila, Vanuatu last week. PNG’s Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko met with Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs of Fiji, Lenora Qereqeretabua, on 28 March , acknowledging the increased bilateral engagement, particularly after the recent visits by...

By Nic Maclellan As the French National Assembly and Senate debate changes to New Caledonia’s electoral laws, there are protests in the streets of Noumea from both supporters and opponents of independence. Backed by local conservative politicians, French President Emmanuel Macron wants to open up the electoral rolls for New Caledonia’s three Provincial Assemblies and Congress. To relax current restrictions...

The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) is prioritising deeper engagement with its member countries through active and direct dialogue, according to Deputy Secretary General Esala Nayasi. During a visit to Palau last week, Nayasi participated in numerous meetings with government stakeholders at various levels. The goal, he explained, is to gain a clearer understanding of each member country’s specific needs, challenges,...

Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland has arrived in Tongatapu, on her first visit to Tonga, leading a Commonwealth team to discuss future initiatives and key challenges in the region In a bilateral meeting with the Tongan delegation, headed by the Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, they discussed issues that are visible both in Tonga as well as other small island...

Lakapi Samoa has confirmed the appointment of Mase Mahonri Schwalger as the new Head Coach of Manu Samoa following its recent Board Meeting. This decision follows a thorough selection and recruitment process, during which the Board convened to confirm the report and recommendations from the Selection Panel. Mase has been appointed for a four-year term, starting from 2024 and extending through...

-The Fijian Drua have managed the horrific conditions to take a 31-13 victory over the Western Force in Laukota. There were puddles aplenty as it poured down with rain for the majority of the game. The hosts thrived in the wet, taking an 18-5 lead before a red card to Tevita Ikanivere presented a chance for the Force to strike. They hit...

Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) Chair and Samoan Ambassador to the United Nations, Fatumanava Dr Pa’olelei Luteru, affirms that the group has stood firm in their request for the development of a multidimensional vulnerability index. “We have done so even when we were told our request was unrealistic and unreasonable. “Our unwavering commitment to our own development drove our ambition...

Approximately 2,000 Marines and sailors deployed to Australia's Northern Territory this week to participate alongside their counterparts in the annual iteration of Marine Rotational Force-Darwin, the Pentagon announced today. “Over the next six months, MRF-Darwin will conduct a series of exercises and training events with the Australian Defence Force and other regional allies and partners to establish a forward-postured crisis...