Pacific news in brief for 28 October

Angau Memorial Hospital (file image) Photo: RNZI Papua New Guinea Power outages in Papua New Guinea is affecting Angau Memorial General Hospital in Lae, Morobe province, the regional hospital's chief executive says. The National newspaper reports...

Peter Dutton’s climate policy backslide threatens Australia’s clout in the Pacific – right when we need it most

Australia’s relationship with its regional neighbours could be in doubt under a Coalition government after two Pacific leaders challenged Opposition Leader Peter Dutton over his weak climate stance. This week, Palau’s president Surangel Whipps Jr...

LETTER: Addressing the growing concerns of drug use in Tonga

With great concern, I am writing to raise awareness about the growing issue of drug abuse in Tonga. As a student of the University of the South Pacific studying human rights, one of my assignments is to write a letter to express my concerns in one...

Tsunami warning lifted after 7.1 magnitude earthquake hits near Tonga

I don't want to travel there. It's hurricane season. Visiting Aunt Carol in the summer. Oh no, wildfire risk. Knowing where and when natural disasters may occur can help you plan your moves. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration...

Solomon Islands wins bid to host 2026 Council of Tourism Ministers’ Meeting 

Solomon Islands will host the 2026 Council of Tourism Ministers’ Meeting following a successful bid by Minister of Culture and Tourism (MCT), the Hon. Choylin Yim Douglas who is attending the 2025 event in Tonga this week. The event presents a...

NZ Deputy PM’s Pacific mission, first stop in Tonga

A high-level New Zealand delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, is to start a Pacific tour, with Tonga as the first stop. “Given New Zealand’s place and influence in the region, our visit will also reinforce our commitment to...

Scientists to set sail for Tonga to map sea floor following eruption

NIWA scientists are sailing to Tonga next week to survey the ocean around the Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Ha’apai volcano after the devastating eruption in January. Thousands of square kilometres of the sea floor will be surveyed, with video capturing the...

New modelling shows children born today set for more climate-induced disasters

There are warnings that children born today can expect to live through up to 24 times more extreme weather events than their grandparents will have experienced, and there are dramatic predictions for those in the Pacific. The authors say their...

Tonga strengthens Toloa rainforest restoration efforts

Tonga has ramped up efforts to restore the Toloa Rainforest Reserve, focusing on invasive species management after work was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative, led by the Tonga Department of Environment, has partnered with the...

Winston Peters leads delegation to Tonga, Vanuatu and Hawai’i  

Photo: MFAT / Facebook Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters is heading back to the Pacific leading a high-level delegation from across New Zealand’s Parliament. The delegation leaves New Zealand on Thursday (10 April), and includes time in Tonga,...

Tonga allocates emergency funds for Vanuatu earthquake relief

Tonga’s acting Prime Minister, Samiu Vaipulu, announced today that the government has approved financial aid to support Vanuatu following the devastating earthquake. Cabinet approved $100,000 for the Vanuatu government and an additional $50,000...

In the depths of the ocean, a new contest between the U.S and China emerges

By Prianka Srinivasan RAROTONGA (THE GUARDIAN) —Around the Cook Islands, the world’s two most powerful countries are exploring the possibility of deep-sea mining for critical minerals Deep below the surface of the Pacific Ocean, the seafloor is...

Tonga elects new prime minister after predecessor’s sudden resignation 

Tonga has elected a new leader by secret ballot in parliament, two weeks after the previous prime minister abruptly resigned, following a power struggle with the Pacific nation’s royal family. Veteran politician ‘Aisake Valu Eke secured 16 votes...

Tongan parliament chooses Aisake Eke as new Prime Minister

Tonga's parliament elected Aisake Eke as the country's new prime minister on Tuesday in a special session of the house on Christmas Eve, after his predecessor quit earlier this month just ahead of a no-confidence vote by lawmakers. Eke assumes...

NZ Deputy PM to lead Pacific Mission to Tonga this week

New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Rt. Hon. Winston Peters will be leading a Pacific Mission to Tonga this week. This mission will include a cross-party delegation of approximately 40 members, including three...

Tonga's parliament elects new PM after Sovaleni quits

Tonga's parliament has elected Aisake Eke as the country's new prime minister in a special session. The Christmas Eve vote followed the resignation earlier this month of Siaosi Sovaleni who quit just ahead of a no-confidence motion by lawmakers....

Evident Dangerous and Threatening Impacts of Climate Change: Melting Glaciers and Island Vulnerability

Climate Change Evident Impacts: Melting Glaciers and Island Vulnerability When considering whether there really is a scientific consensus on climate change, consider that the only people who are actually qualified to determine if it is real are...

Queen Elizabeth II’s 2007 Range Rover estimated to go for up to £60k at auction

Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our...

Islands.Co Reinforces Commitment To Island Safety Following Tonga Earthquake

(MENAFN- GetNews) In light of the recent Tonga earthquake, Islands reaffirms its commitment to island safety, encouraging preparedness, sustainability, and responsible travel across its private island listings. In response to the recent...

Islands.Co Reinforces Focus On Preparedness After Tonga Earthquake

(MENAFN- GetNews) Following the Tonga earthquake, Islands renews its call for preparedness and responsible tourism across private island listings. In response to the recent 7.1-magnitude earthquake near Tonga , Islands is reaffirming its...