Australia and Tonga launch “Kaume’a Ofi” to deepen alliance

Australia has formally committed to a new bilateral pact, Kaume’a Ofi, during this week’s historic Tongan royal visit. From 18 to 24 September, His Majesty King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u are in Australia as Canberra seeks a “peaceful, stable...

Germany marks reunification, strengthens Pacific partnerships

DOCTOR Paula Vivili has been appointed Director-General of the Pacific Community. His appointment was announced in Nuku’alofa today. The decision was announced at the end of the 14th Conference of the Pacific Community. Dr Vivili will be the 23rd...

WHO Pushes Asia-Pacific Health Systems Toward Low-Carbon, Climate-Resilient Future

Cambodia’s Nationally Determined Contribution recognizes the impact of climate change on health, especially affecting children and the elderly, setting out five priority actions for adaptation. Photo: WHO Cambodia/Aforative Media PHNOM PENH—The...

Youth vote guide relaunched ahead of polls

Tonga’s youth-led Take The Lead (TTL) has introduced a new digital Tonga Youth Vote Handbook, backed by island-wide outreach. The relaunched guide gives first-time voters clear, accessible tools on how to register, vote and engage politically....

PROFILE: Joel Katz says cruise industry faces 25-26 Wave Season with strong demand but sustainability challenges

Following the hugely successful Cruise360 held in Brisbane recently and on the eve of Wave Season, Cruise Line Industry Association Australasia Managing Director Joel Katz finds time to sit down with Travel Weekly Editor Grant Jones, to talk about...

Pacific Islands News Roundup – October 10 – 16, 2025

Editor’s Note: We are undergoing a web host migration process and may need to make necessary modifications to our format and frequency over the next several weeks. Thank you in advance for your understanding. Political Leadership and Regionalism,...

Pacific entrepreneurs honoured at awards for innovation, resilience

Pacific entrepreneurs were honoured at the 2025 Pacific Business Trust (PBT) Awards during a lavish event in Auckland on Wednesday. Auckland-based TROW Group took out the Frances Hartnell Supreme Award for its sustainable approach to demolition,...

Opening remarks from SPC's Director-General at the 14th Conference of the Pacific Community, Friday 17 October 2025

Theme – Pasifiki: Rooted in Heritage, Honouring the Past, United for a Resilient Future Your Royal Highness, The Crown Prince Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister Responsible for His Majesty's Armed Forces. Mr Vice President of the Federated...

Pacific must stand together, says Tuvalu CRGA 55

Tuvalu’s Permanent secretary for Foreign Affairs, Pasuna Tuaga, has called for Pacific nations to stay united and innovative in tackling the region’s challenges as he officially opened the 55th Committee of Representatives of Governments and...

This week brings a bumper harvest of brand new books

Some weeks in the books world, a headliner or emergent theme happily suggests itself right away. This is not one of those weeks. Below, you'll find quite a variety: memoir, comics journalism and speculative fiction, horror and humor, in climates...

Protection of Minors: Second Report proposes restorative measures against abuse

The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors publishes its second annual Report, which presents guidelines for “informed listening” and for economic, psychological, and spiritual support to victims, while highlighting the need for more...

Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala opens SPC Conference

The 14th Conference of the Pacific Community officially opened yesterday in Nuku’alofa, led by the Crown Prince. His Royal Highness Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala, who also serves as the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister responsible for His...

Reimagining Commercial Underwriting in the Age of AI

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EU to fund green energy projects in the Pacific

A EUROPEAN Union-funded 15million euro ($F39.56m) regional electrification agreement with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) will advance inclusive, sustainable, and resilient socioeconomic development in Pacific Island countries, said EU...

Timor-Leste Community Voices Highlight Tourism’s Promise and Challenges

The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), in collaboration with Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Tourism and Environment (MTA), released the findings of the 2024–2025 Community Attitudes Survey (CAS)—Timor-Leste’s first comprehensive national study on...

Eke secures bigger disaster cover, presses World Bank for SIDS aid

Prime Minister Eke urges tailored global support for Tonga’s resilience and development partnerships. At the 2025 World Bank–IMF Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C. this week, Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Aisake Valu Eke held talks with World Bank...

The GP doing the heavy lifting

A powerful mix of Māori and Tongan heritage, Karlina Tongotea has been raising the bar and lifting her sport to new heights. The 32-year-old powerlifter achieved a new open world record in Chengdu, China on her way to winning gold in the 76kg...

INSIDE STORY: Kerzner’s landmark project in Fiji

INTERNATIONAL developer and operator of luxury resorts Kerzner International Holdings Limited has announced the signing of the first One&Only resort and community of private homes to be developed in Fiji. The landmark development is a testament to...

Punchy ultrasound training boosts emergency care

Tonga health professionals have completed a key POCUS training at Vaiola Hospital. The Ministry of Health delivered the PEARLS (POCUS for Emergency and Acute Care in Resource-Limited Settings) workshop at Vaiola Hospital last week. The course...

Pacific News In Brief For 14 October

Article – RNZ A round up of news from around the region, including a new mental health strategy in Tonga. Tonga – mental health Tonga’s health ministry has launched its long-awaited National Mental Health Strategy and Policy at Vaiola Hospital....