PINA

The world must step back from the brink of climate disaster to save the people of the Pacific from obliteration, the prime minister of Samoa has urged. On the eve of a landmark report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which is expected to deliver a scientific “final warning” on the climate emergency, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, Samoa’s prime minister,...

By Makereta Komai, PACNEWS Editor in Port Vila  An ambitious and historical call to action for a fossil fuel free Pacific was endorsed Friday in Port Vila – demanding a phase out of fossil fuel production from major economies that continue to produce coal, oil and gas. The Port Vila Call for a Just Transition to a Fossil Fuel Free Pacific...

By Makereta Komai, PACNEWS Editor in Port Vila The fight for a fossil fuel free Pacific will not be without its detractors and opposition – but Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) is optimistic it can be achieved if Pacific countries stay the course. Henry Puna was in Port Vila last week when six Forum Island Countries – Fiji,...

Fiji's Assistant Minister in the office of the Prime Minister Sakiusa Tubuna last week contributed to discussions at the 2nd Pacific Ministerial Dialogue on Pathways for the Global Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels, where Government Ministers and officials heard from other Pacific leaders and civil society organisations (CSOs) about a global goal to limit average temperature rise to...

The UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has approved US$1.7 million funding for recovery efforts in Vanuatu following twin Category-4 cyclones Judy and Kevin earlier this month. The funding, the Vanuatu Government have confirmed, will specifically support three key areas - food security, water and sanitation hygiene (WASH), and emergency shelter, targeted at the most vulnerable and most affected populations...

New research has found that most of the Commonwealth’s coastal and island states have mainstreamed ocean-based actions into their national climate commitments. The Commonwealth Secretariat commissioned a study of its 49 member countries that border the sea (out of a total 56) to find out how ocean activity had been integrated in their Nationally Determined Commitments (NDCs) – the five-yearly...

Brad Thorn was left smiling through gritted teeth after the sloppy Queensland Reds defied another fast Fijian Drua finish to hang on for a 27-24 Super Rugby Pacific win in Brisbane. The Reds led 24-3 midway through the second half on Sunday, but in a replay of last season's Suncorp Stadium clash, had to withstand a late Drua flurry and...

A heavy dose of lineout power has carried the Brumbies to a fourth straight Super Rugby Pacific win, seeing off Moana Pasifika in an entertaining, back-and-forth affair in Canberra. They were down 14-3 inside 10 minutes and couldn't shake off Moana until deep in the second half, winning 62-36 thanks to four tries off the back of their set piece. Flanker...

Penrith Brothers poured on the pressure in the second half to snatch a 17-16 win over the Kaiviti Silktails in the Leagues Clubs Australia Ron Massey Cup opening round at Cabramatta’s New Era Stadium. After scoring two unanswered tries midway through the second half, halfback Immanuel Tagaloamatua sealed the win with a 73rd minute field goal. The Silktails led 16-6 at...

Jennian Homes, a partner of the New Zealand Olympic Team since 2016, has launched the sale of the first of its two showcase properties, with all profits going to athletes preparing for Paris 2024. Two "New Zealand Olympic Houses" are being prepared - one of which is close to the Cambridge Velodrome and the other a short walk from Christchurch’s...