PINA

New Zealand has an important role to play in keeping the Pacific region on a peaceful pathway, deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters says. He said the coalition government is deeply committed to the Pacific and to ensuring Aotearoa has the connections and relationships to help the region succeed. Peters is on a four-nation tour of Fiji, Marshall Islands, Palau and the...

Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine says progress has been made towards issues affecting women in the Pacific, such as economic empowerment and domestic violence, but there’s still a long way to go. Last month, the Marshall Islands hosted the 15th Triennial Conference of Pacific Women and the 8th meeting of the Pacific Ministers for Women. The event, which is held every...

New Caledonia, climate finance, U.S territories and lack of banking services – key issues when leaders meet this month. Commentary by Tess Newton Cain For a glimpse of what’s going through the minds of Pacific leaders ahead of their annual get-together, Suva has been the place to be for the past two weeks. Ahead of the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum...

Despite the soaring humidity, World Rugby Hall of Fame legend turned coach, Waisale Serevi, is thoroughly enjoying his time at India’s Rugby Sevens camp in Kolkata, West Bengal. Serevi, affectionately known as the ‘King of Sevens,’ expressed his excitement on Facebook, stating that he is looking forward to the upcoming weeks of training both the men’s and women’s teams in...

The Embassy in Suva, in partnership with Basketball Fiji, is proud to announce that two star players from the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters, Will "Bull" Bullard and Cherelle "Torch" George, will embark on a Sports Diplomacy tour through Fiji and Nauru. As part of their tour, the Globetrotters will hold a special public event at Yat Sen School on Friday, 16...

The Marshall Islands will receive $6.2 million (US$4 million) from Aotearoa’s foreign minister to adapt to climate change, as rising sea levels and strengthening typhoons put the island nation at greater risk. “New Zealand is committed to addressing the ‘Blue Continent’ challenges, including those in the Marshall Islands. For that reason, we are investing more in supporting a resilient and...

Australia has increased its investments in maritime initiatives in Pacific Island countries. Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong during the Pacific Islands (PIF) Foreign Ministers Meeting in Fiji Friday announced that Australia will invest around AUD$18.5 million (US$12.15 million) towards the construction of a Pacific-owned oceans and fisheries research vessel. Minister Wong announced that this is a top priority for the Pacific...

Palau's President Surangel Whipps Jrs’ nominating petition for re-election was filed on Monday 05 August at Palau Election Commission. Since Whipps is currently off-island, his petition was filed by his family and supporters on his behalf. “In signing the petition, we vow our strong support and belief in our President Surangel Whipps, Jr.to continue to lead our country for another four...

As Papua New Guinea prepares for a historic visit from Pope Francis in September 2024, incumbent Pacific Islands Forum Chair and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has hinted that the event could extend beyond PNG's borders, potentially involving leaders from across the Pacific. Speaking on the upcoming visit, Brown shared, “I do recall that the Prime Minister of Papua...

Incumbent Pacific Islands Forum Chair and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has confirmed that a high-level Troika delegation will visit New Caledonia before the end of August. The mission, which has received strong support from French President Emmanuel Macron, aims to assess the escalating situation on the ground and promote dialogue in the politically sensitive French territory. “I can confirm...