PINA

By Nic Maclellan in Noumea, New Caledonia “You belong to the family and the household of the Pacific more than you belong to Europe. We do not need to invite you in order to welcome you. You have been a Pacific people right from the beginning.” Reverend Dr Tevita Havea, the moderator of the Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC), made this...

There is a push to do away with corporal punishment of children and refraining from the use of violence to discipline children as Samoa and 12 other Pacific island countries concluded a meeting with the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC). One of the key elements discussed at the follow-up visit by the CRC on the extraordinary CRC84th...

As the COP28 meeting approaches, Fiji will take a bold stance in advocating for regional solidarity and a vision for a resilient and peaceful Pacific that thrives while we respond to the challenges of climate change. In a statement, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka reiterated the importance of collective action and a transformative vision for the Pacific amidst the challenges posed...

China's top legislature held a seminar on Tuesday with representatives from five Pacific Island countries on the practice of democracy in legislation, policymaking and social governance, with exchanges of ideas on how to better serve the people and promote development in a democratic way. A total of 21 parliamentary representatives from Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, the Solomon Islands and...

Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says he challenged the United States of America and China to promote global peace. Speaking in Parliament, Rabuka said he made the approach during his recent attendance at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in the U.S. Rabuka revealed that he encouraged the two leaders to work together. He said the two superpowers have been at loggerheads...

Details of the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger 2024 have been announced with three rounds taking place over three continents between January and May, providing a clear promotion pathway to reach the pinnacle HSBC SVNS in 2025. The top four placed men’s and women’s World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger 2024 teams, based on cumulative series points at the conclusion of...

Australian archers have proven their marksmanship again as they bagged gold medals during the second day of archery at DC Park on Wednesday. Australian Olympian Ryan Tyack bagged gold, Peter Boukouvalas settled for silver and Tahitian Jean-Pierre Winkelstroeter won bronze in the men’s single 720 round 70m recurve bow. In a double win for Tyack, he and Australian teammate Laura Paeglis...

Vanuatu's President Nikenike Vurobaravu issues an ultimatum to MPs, telling them they have until 2pm local time today to resolve the political instability that is rocking the country. RNZ Pacific correspondent Hilaire Bule said reliable sources from both the government and the opposition said Vurobaravu on Tuesday summoned Prime Minister Charlot Salwai and the leaders of all political parties in...

Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has confirmed his attendance to attend the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, next week. The Leader of Government conceded to attending the meeting in Dubai, after the Speaker of Parliament Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu and the Leader of the Opposition Inia Seruiratu pleaded with the Prime Minister to attend the...

Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Henry Puna has bluntly told the Seventh Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development in Suva Tuesday, that the time for ‘talk and discussions’ are over. “We need to be working towards meaningful partnerships that will deliver the results that we need to see.” “It is crucial that we translate our decisions into actions that bring about genuine...