News
-
Wind-assisted, low-carbon ships urged to secure Pacific island lifelines
Pacific shipping—the lifeline for remote island communities—faces renewed pressure from rising costs and climate risk. Experts argue that wind-assisted propulsion could offer a practical near-term fix, paving the way for smarter investment and regulations to keep vital routes resilient.
-
Fiji’s Soko ni Nuinui: Anglican Voyage of Hope Trains 1,400 Leaders in Ocean Stewardship Aboard a Floating Canoe Classroom
Across Fiji, a 50‑day voyage aboard the canoe Uto Ni Yalo weaves ocean theology with Indigenous wisdom and practical climate action. Dubbed Soko ni Nuinui, it trains local leaders to safeguard coastal communities—multiplying resilience through a growing network that treats the ocean as guardian and guide.
-
Pacific Islands Bet on Wind-Assisted Shipping to Strengthen a Fragile Maritime Lifeline
Pacific island nations are juggling a rising tide of policy shifts, health crises, and governance concerns that threaten a fragile regional lifeline. From aging vessels and wind-assisted shipping fixes to new climate priorities, the week’s developments spotlight an urgent push for practical resilience across transport, health, and governance.
-
Papua New Guinea–Australia Defence Pact Sparks Debate Over Citizenship-for-Service in the ADF
Six months after a landmark PNG–Australia pact, a citizenship-for-service plan to recruit up to 10,000 Papua New Guineans into the Australian Defence Force is fuelling a sharp public debate. Supporters call it a much-needed jobs lifeline for a young nation; critics warn it could pull PNG nationals into foreign military theaters and reshuffle loyalties. As…
-
Fiji’s FEO launches Phase 1 recruitment for temporary election staff with pay from $150 to $450 (April 13–May 9, 2026)
Fiji’s Elections Office has unveiled pay scales for temporary polling staff and kicked off Phase 1 of nationwide recruitment. The notice lists roles from venue assistants to presiding officers, with a defined recruitment window from 13 April to 9 May 2026. This move signals a broader push to ready polling operations for the upcoming electoral…
-
Fiji to Hold State Funeral for Former President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau with Suva Procession, Albert Park Service and Bau Island Burial
Fiji readies a countrywide farewell for former President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, as a meticulously planned state funeral and public tributes blend ceremony, tradition, and national unity.
-
USP expands hardship fund to FJD 1 million to help students cope with rising living costs
Facing rising transport, food and energy costs, The University of the South Pacific is boosting its hardship and bursary support to help students stay on track. The plan broadens eligibility while preserving teaching quality and services, signaling a proactive cushion for cost-of-living pressures across its regional campuses.
-
Northern Vanua Levu Community Tourism Grants Rollout Faces Slow Start Despite Local Optimism
Community grants and a newly completed airport are heightening expectations for northern Fiji’s tourism, but operators say visible progress is still elusive. As plans advance, the real test will be clearer funding, stronger partnerships, and targeted training that can turn promise into sustainable, quality-focused growth.
-
Northern Fiji Pursues Growth With More Flights, Improved Roads and Cruise Ship Controls to Draw Australian and New Zealand Visitors
Northern Fiji brims with reefs, villages and authentic experiences, yet stubborn access and infrastructure hurdles keep its tourism from flourishing. With talks on more flights, better roads, and cruise-ship policy shaping the plan, the region stands at a decisive crossroads for growth.
-
Port Vila government fleet: only 20% pass roadworthiness inspections, underscoring a persistent compliance gap
Port Vila’s government fleet is facing a serious roadworthiness gap, with a large share of vehicles not meeting standards. Even enforcement vehicles are among those flagged, underscoring safety and readiness concerns as inspections continue.