PINA

By Nic Maclellan  New Caledonian political leaders and the French government are scheduled to resume political status talks on 29 April, when France’s Overseas Minister Manuel Valls returns to Noumea. For Valls, “the objective of this phase will be to reach an overall agreement on the institutional future of New Caledonia.” After initial discussions in Paris in February, then two rounds...

The next pathway event on the road to the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 in Zimbabwe and Namibia begins on Thursday with the best young players from three nations vying for a World Cup spot through the East-Asia-Pacific Qualifier. Six matches in double round-robin format will be held across six days, with hosts Japan competing alongside Fiji and...

Without urgent action, climate change could be linked to one in every ten cases of intimate partner violence by the end of the century. That is the warning from a new report by the UN Spotlight Initiative, which finds that climate change is intensifying the social and economic stresses that are fuelling increased levels of violence against women and girls. The...

Vanuatu’s Constitution will soon be amended to recognise only two sexes—male and female—at birth. However, the question remains as to how this will impact the constitutional law of freedom of expression and why other sins are not being put under the microscope, especially if the amendment is based on the constitutional preamble of ‘Christian Principles’. Vanuatu Christian Council (VCC) Chairman and...

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen ties that have allowed their nations to navigate an “increasingly uncertain and turbulent world”. “In this increasingly uncertain and turbulent world... it has become more vital than ever for like-minded countries like us to come together – to collaborate for mutual benefit and...

Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders have drafted a letter to the Trump administration, addressing concerns about the United States' support in the region. Solomon Islands Foreign Affairs Ministry permanent secretary Collin Beck told RNZ Pacific that there are significant gaps between what Washington has committed to and what it has actually delivered in the region. The Biden administration promised US$200 million...

Fiji is at risk of a new and far more dangerous drug crisis as experts are now warning about the rise of fentanyl. The drug is a synthetic opioid that's killing thousands overseas and could soon affect Fiji if strong actions are not taken. Jemesa Lave from the Narcotics Bureau warned that Fiji's battle against drugs can be challenged further if...

New Zealand’s Police Commissioner, Richard Chambers, is travelling to Fiji and Sāmoa this week for the first time without a specific event prompting the visit. In November, the Government announced that Chambers, a three-decade veteran of the police force, would take over from Andrew Coster, who accepted a new role at the Government's Social Investment Agency. Chambers' visits to Sāmoa and...

The U.S is harming Pacific Islanders, destroying its relationships in the region, and letting China win the competition for influence. By Camilla Pohle The Trump administration’s withdrawal from the Pacific Islands – because that’s what is happening – benefits China at the expense of U.S national security. Washington’s latest series of policy blunders comes at a crucial time when China is seeking...

Four young exciting talents from the Fijian Drua setup, Josivini Naihamu, Litiana Vueti, Isabella Koi, and Carletta Yee headline the list of potential debutants named in the Fijiana XV extended squad to face the Wallaroos in 2025. The quartet only joined the Drua this season as professional rugby players and have now been handed a shot at national honours following...