South Pacific
Penny Wong tells Pacific nations ‘we have heard you’ as Australia and China battle for influence
Foreign minister uses speech in Fiji to declare ‘this is a different Australian government’ that will act responsibly on climate change
Daniel Hurst, Kate Lyons and Lice Movono in Suva
26, May, 2022 @9:14 AM
Jacinda Ardern says New Zealand ‘ready to respond’ to Pacific’s security needs as China seeks deal in region
Prime minister says ‘the Pacific is our home’ as Beijing plans a regional security pact with almost a dozen island nations
Tess McClure in Wellington
25, May, 2022 @11:40 PM
Watch out for the Sharkcano! What happens when an underwater volcano erupts?
An active crater in the South Pacific – in which hammerhead and silky sharks have been found – is about to blow. Could this be a real-life sequel to the sci-fi hit Sharknado?
23, May, 2022 @2:48 PM
Vanuatu police crack down with arrests over ‘slander’ of MPs accused of breaking Covid lockdown
At least four people have been arrested and face charges of cyber-stalking, cyber slander and cyber libel for Facebook comments
A reporter in Vanuatu
11, May, 2022 @9:00 PM
Vanuatu’s push for legal protection from climate change wins crucial support
1,500 civil society groups from 130 countries back Vanuatu’s move to seek protection from the international court of justice
Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson
10, May, 2022 @9:00 PM
New Zealand foreign minister blames ‘relationship failure’ for China-Solomons security deal
Nanaia Mahuta confirms ‘unwelcome and unnecessary’ deal came as a surprise to New Zealand and Australia, saying the Solomons must provide transparency
Tess McClure in Auckland
04, May, 2022 @11:34 PM
Pacific nations walk geopolitical tightrope over Ukraine war, as nuclear legacy looms
Pacific leaders have broadly lambasted the Russian assault, but some countries have resisted outright condemnation of the superpower
Jon Letman
03, May, 2022 @2:32 AM
Vanuatu government launches inquiry into labour schemes after testimony from workers in Australia
The inquiry comes after Vanuatu seasonal workers made allegations of bullying and exploitative working conditions in the Australian scheme
Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson
23, Feb, 2022 @3:13 AM
Tonga volcano: 84% of population affected by ashfall and tsunami
Some residents relocated after homes destroyed as communication remains ‘an acute challenge’ and more international relief on its way
Kate Lyons
24, Jan, 2022 @12:58 AM
Australia records 77 deaths on deadliest day of pandemic; national medical stockpile activated – as it happened
Follow all the day’s news
Stephanie Convery (now) and Matilda Boseley (earlier)
18, Jan, 2022 @7:02 AM
World No 1 issues statement saying he ‘respects’ court ruling – as it happened
This blog is now closed
Nino Bucci (now) and Christopher Knaus (earlier)
16, Jan, 2022 @8:45 AM
Australia offers assistance to tsunami-hit Tonga after undersea volcano eruption
Minister for the Pacific says a surveillance aircraft would help gather information about the extent of the damage
Australian Associated Press
16, Jan, 2022 @7:29 AM
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