PINA

-The Australian government decided to publicly release information about problems with Pacific patrol boats despite a warning from defence officials that this could harm important regional relationships. In previously secret advice, the Department of Defence also raised fears that potential publicity about the problems “may then be exploited by criminal networks or malign actors”. Pacific island countries rely on the Guardian-class...

UN member states are meeting in New York from Monday with the aim of launching a long-berthed high-seas treaty, a crucial step toward the goal of protecting 30 percent of the planet by 2030. After more than 15 years of informal and formal talks, the meeting is the third time in less than a year that negotiators are gathering for...

Fiji's Opposition Leader Voreqe Bainimarama was suspended for three years from Parliament effective Friday for statements he made against the President last Monday. When the motion for his suspension was first introduced by Leader of Government in Parliament Lynda Tabuya, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said while it was “a very serious matter”, he wished the Privileges Committee had put in...

New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs Carmel Sepuloni will travel to Fiji for the Pacific Islands Forum Special Leaders’ retreat. It will be her first opportunity in both roles to meet Pacific leaders face-to-face and discuss regional priorities and issues. “New Zealand is proud to participate in meetings such as the Special Leaders’ Retreat, where we...

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said New Zealand has accepted international help from multiple countries to support its cyclone recovery efforts, announcing that Fiji will be lending a hand in the coming days. At a press conference, Hipkins said the Pacific nation will be sending 10 defence force personnel, four National Fire Authority crew, and four National Disaster Management Office officials. He...

Following the release of the Indo-Pacific Strategy in February 2022, the United States, in coordination with allies and partners, has taken historic strides to advance our common vision for an Indo-Pacific region that is free and open, connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient. The United States continues to demonstrate U.S. leadership and commitment to the Indo-Pacific, reinforcing the region’s capacity and...

A stunning opening goal has seen Papua New Guinea go down to Panama 2-0 in their FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Qualifier in Auckland. The OFC Women’s Nations Cup 2022 champions came up against an unknown quantity in Panama from the CONCACAF federation. The PNG players spoken to in the build up to the game admitted that they only had...

Most of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua players stuck to their roles in the last two Super Rugby Pacific warm-up matches against the Rebels and Force. This is the view of Head Coach Mick Byrne who believes the next few days are vital for the side. Byrne said this week is a crucial part of their season because they’ll play their...

Several members of Papua New Guinea parliament have thrown their support to change the laws that govern how the Prime Minister is being elected in the country and allow the people to elect the Prime Minister. The Members who open supported the call for a Constitutional Review and other legislations include the Member for Kandep and Minister for Higher Education...

Australia and Papua New Guinea are on track to increase defence co-operation and sign a new security agreement by April. The foreign ministers are co-chairing the 29th ministerial forum in Canberra on Friday, bringing together nine Australian ministers and 16 from PNG to discuss security, development and economic potential. Defence Minister Richard Marles lauded PNG as an important neighbour and security...