News

Fiji prepares to restore democratically elected municipal councils after more than two decades. With voter registration planned for April and education campaigns starting mid-March, the move signals a renewed, participatory approach to local governance and accountability.

Two tugs, one milestone: a refurbished Solomon Islands-flagged vessel returns to service to team up with a powerful partner, enabling the region’s first two-tug harbour maneuvers in Honiara. The move underscores local crews, safer operations, and a broader push to strengthen the Solomon Islands’ maritime infrastructure.

Dates, hosts and the lineup are out for the OFC U-19 Championship 2026. With Samoa staging the main event in September and the Cook Islands hosting the qualifier in June, the 25th edition promises fresh talent, rising rivalries, and a new path to the regional showpiece.

Samoa unveils its first Digital Media Hub in Apia, a modern step to boost how farmers, fishers, and communities access timely, practical information. Backed by international partners, the hub promises smarter outreach, stronger transparency, and broader digital inclusion across agriculture and fisheries.

Fiji Kula step into the FIFA Women’s World Cup Oceania Qualifiers with a sharpened edge. Under new head coach Nicola Demaine, the team has honed fitness and speed, setting the stage for a high-stakes campaign that could redefine their trajectory.

A proposed path for Fiji’s drug policy envisions a tough stance on traffickers while shielding young people from harsh penalties. It pairs stronger enforcement with education, family support, and mental health resources to cut supply and reduce demand, aiming for long-term community safety with a rights-based approach.

Japan plans to place surface-to-air missiles on Yonaguni, its westernmost island near Taiwan, by 2031. The move highlights a shifting defense posture as tensions with China rise and the Taiwan question takes center stage. On Yonaguni, residents weigh the security implications of becoming a focal point in regional tensions.

Pacific leaders are signaling a Pacific-led path to stronger investment and security partnerships, aiming to turn Summit discussions into concrete regional gains. With regional frameworks and new collaborative mechanisms in focus, the message centers on action, shared prosperity, and closer ties with partners in the United States.

– Fiji is facing a surge in tangled online crimes, where cyberbullying, harassment, and doxing often collide and touch families. A new push for digital safety is underway. – Investigators say online offenses can mushroom from a single post into a web of suspects, underscoring the hidden costs for victims and communities. – The rapid…

An independent inquiry into Fiji’s Sports Council is widening as governance concerns mount. With the chief executive heading into leave and suspension still possible, two firms—one local and one Australian—are in the running to lead the probe, funded at under $50,000. Details of the terms of reference are expected soon.

Opposition MP Premila Kumar questions the government’s handling of Fiji National University, accusing the Prime Minister of indecisive and inconsistent leadership. She warns against turning a key national institution into a political football and calls for greater stability and accountability in decision-making.

Bougainville’s government tightens its grip on a historic mining titan, signaling a new chapter for the Panguna project. With notable hurdles in place, the plan points to a lawful, transparent restart aimed at delivering long‑term benefits for Bougainville’s people.

France maintains a far-reaching Pacific presence that links sustainable fisheries with regional security and disaster response. From joint surveillance and enforcement to humanitarian drills with regional partners, its efforts span New Caledonia, French Polynesia, and beyond, shaping governance, capacity, and readiness across a vast EEZ.

An empty Lautoka house was destroyed by fire, prompting a warning to owners about the dangers of unattended properties. As investigators look into the cause, the incident highlights the importance of timely alerts and regular maintenance for vacant homes.

A tropical disturbance near Vanuatu is strengthening and could become a cyclone within 24 hours, potentially bringing heavy rain and gusty winds to Fiji over the weekend. While a direct hit isn’t expected, squally conditions and flood risks are on the cards for parts of the Western Division and Kadavu. Forecasters emphasize staying prepared as…

Concerns are rising over how religious platforms in Fiji are being used to spread stigmatizing messages about LGBTQI+ communities. Leaders are urged to make faith a source of unity, with renewed calls for accountability and safer public broadcasts.

Digital literacy is no longer optional in Fiji. A new push warns that misinformation, online abuse, and scams threaten individuals and communities, as mobile devices become powerful yet risky tools. The message: think critically, verify before you share, and join a nationwide effort to build safer, more responsible online spaces.