Pacific Region • Cook Islands • ChinaCook Islands prime minister to attend inauguration of new vessel in ChinaMark Brown will travel to China next week for the launch of the MV Tuitui Moana, a new vessel designed to improve transport links between Rarotonga and the outer islands.PMN NewsThu, 21 May
Environment • Solomon IslandsNew Solomons PM moves to reinstate dolphin export ban days into leadershipSolomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale reverses a controversial pre-election decision that briefly lifted long-standing protections and sparked concern over the country’s fisheries reputation.PMN NewsWed, 20 May
Law & OrderPacific leaders warn rising organised crime cannot be tackled alone More than 17 tonnes of drugs have been seized across the region since January as leaders warn criminal networks are expanding their reach.Khalia StrongTue, 19 May
Election • NiueTagelagi secures third term as Niue PM after tight Assembly voteThe 57-year-old returns after a narrow 11-9 leadership vote, with the new Assembly divided and focus turns to how the government will function.Renate RiversThu, 14 May
Business • SāmoaSāmoa ministers pictured with crypto promoters as Pacific scam warnings growQuestions are being raised in Sāmoa after photos surfaced showing cabinet ministers alongside people linked to a cryptocurrency scheme regional regulators are warning the public about.Renate RiversThu, 14 May
Politics • West Papua‘Unthinkable’: Calls for Pacific leaders to act after shooting at West Papua school paradeWest Papua advocates are urging New Zealand and Pacific leaders to speak out after reports Indonesian police opened fire during a graduation parade where the banned Morning Star flag was displayed.Renate RiversMon, 11 May
Election • NiueAnd then there were seven: Niue votes in record women MPsNiue has shattered the 35 per cent ‘critical mass’ threshold and unseated veteran ministers in a major shake-up.Renate RiversMon, 04 May
Pacific RegionFiji’s media win overshadowed by threats and court summons - reportThe World Press Freedom Index warns of a global decline in journalism safety driven by legal pressure, political scrutiny and AI-powered fake news. Khalia StrongMon, 04 May
Election • NiueNiue voters stick with experience as Tagelagi eyes top job againNiueans have voted for stability in a world of rising costs, returning the majority of their MPs to Parliament.Renate RiversSun, 03 May
PoliticsWater, roads and ‘party-hopping’: Vaimauga III voters head to the pollsA high-stakes by-election in Sāmoa is putting the spotlight on a controversial question: do you have to vote for the government to get basic services?Renate RiversThu, 30 Apr
