Oceania
100 articles from 4 countries
Oceania grapples with escalating tensions and natural threats as fears of conflict ground flights in New Zealand and Tropical Storm Sinlaku strengthens near the CNMI. Meanwhile, a tragic assault case in Australia highlights the devastating consequences of violence, underscoring the region's complex challenges.
🇵🇬 Papua New GuineaMajor Tribal Group in Enga Province Moves to Surrender Illegal Firearms
- The Yakan tribe in Papua New Guinea's Enga Province is meeting to surrender illegal firearms used in tribal warfare. - The initiative aims to curb violence that has escalated since the 2022 national…
Justin Olam Delivers K30,000 in Medical Supplies to Remote Health Centers
- Rugby league star Justin Olam delivered K30,000 worth of medical supplies to two health centers in his home district of Chuave. - The donation, made through the Olam Foundation, aims to alleviate me…
New policy to recognize churches adopted in Morobe
- The Morobe Provincial Executive Council has adopted a new policy to recognize and cooperate with churches. - Governor Rainbow Paita acknowledged the significant contributions of Lutheran, Catholic, …
People's Party Confirms Continued Role in Papua New Guinea's Coalition Government
- The People's Party affirms its commitment as a member of the coalition government led by Prime Minister James Marape. - Party Leader Sir Peter Ipatas highlighted the party's history of providing sta…
Enga-Sepik Highway project progresses despite funding gap
- The Wabag District Development Authority (WDDA) is pushing forward with the Enga-Sepik Highway road project despite a lack of national government funding this year. - MP Dr. Lino Tom highlighted the…
24 police officers graduate from intelligence training in Lae
- Twenty-four police officers in Papua New Guinea graduated from a four-day intelligence training course in Lae. - The training, supported by the Australian Federal Police, focused on information coll…
Grade 8 Students Visit Sigma Construction for Educational Excursion
- Grade 8 students from Mercy Learning Centre visited Sigma Construction Limited for an educational excursion. - The visit was part of their "Making a Living" subject, focusing on maintenance. - The e…
Inhumane conditions at ICE detention camp, lawsuit says
- A lawsuit alleges inhumane conditions and human rights abuses at the largest U.S. immigration detention center, Camp East Montana. - Three deaths have occurred at the facility, operated by ICE and D…
Iran weekly briefing: Trump demands changes to peace plan
- Iran's lead negotiator stated Tehran will not sign any deal that doesn't secure Iranian rights, awaiting "tangible results" from negotiations. - US President reportedly demanded more amendments to a…
Roadside stalls boom in South Australia, with one online group reaching 45,000 members
- Roadside stalls selling baked goods and flowers are booming in South Australia's Adelaide Hills. - A dedicated Facebook group for these stalls has attracted over 45,000 members, fostering community …
Australian Man's Ribs Broken, Lung Punctured in Police Custody; Officers Charged Him With Assault
- Brad Kellson suffered fractured ribs and a punctured lung after being repeatedly kneed by a police officer during an arrest in Blacktown, Australia. - Police charged Kellson with assaulting police a…
Virgin Australia customers have one month to use COVID travel credits
- Virgin Australia customers have until June 30 to use COVID-19 flight credits, which must also be used for flights by that date. - The airline states over 90% of credits have been claimed, with remai…
Dozens killed by blast in rebel-held Myanmar village
- A blast in a rebel-held village in Myanmar killed over 45 people, according to rescue workers and media. - The explosion, believed to be from accidental detonation of mining explosives, injured abou…
Brisbane Olympic stadium construction to proceed as heritage applications rejected
- Federal authorities rejected two heritage protection applications for Brisbane's Victoria Park ahead of Olympic stadium construction. - The decision comes despite protests and a broken election prom…
Team 'astonished' as rider kicked out of Giro d'Italia Women
- Lorena Wiebes, winner of the first stage of the Giro d'Italia Women, was disqualified for riding a bike that was underweight. - Her team, SD Worx-Protime, expressed astonishment and questioned the a…
Thousands without power as intense storm lashes Western Australia
- An intense storm has caused widespread power outages across Western Australia, affecting thousands of homes. - The storm brought strong winds and heavy rainfall, with more severe weather expected. -…
Gaming clubs offer remote Western Australia a new way to connect
- Gaming clubs are emerging as popular social hubs in remote Western Australia, offering alternatives to traditional sports. - In Kununurra, a weekly board game night attracts up to 50 people, fosteri…
Love Story: Reconnecting with the One That Got Away
- Carlie Davies reconnected with her teenage crush, Shannon Giles, two decades after they first met. - They had a close friendship in high school, occasionally dating and hooking up, and always "held …
Dozens arrested as Paris Champions League celebrations turn violent
- Dozens of people were arrested in Paris after celebrations for Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League title win turned violent. - Some fans attempted to storm a police station, vandalized shops, and…
Trump to headline 250th anniversary fair after musicians cancel
- US President Donald Trump will deliver a major speech at the Great American State Fair in Washington DC after several musical acts canceled their performances. - Trump criticized the withdrawing art…
Australian Dance Theatre's new work RISE uses the sun as its stage
- Australian Dance Theatre's new contemporary dance performance, RISE, uses the rhythm of the rising sun as its set and lighting. - The production, led by Indigenous artistic director Daniel Riley, ai…
Socceroos' Final World Cup Selection Showdown Against Mexico
- The Australian national football team, the Socceroos, will play their final match before the 2026 World Cup squad selection against Mexico. - Coach Tony Popovic has named a near full-strength starti…
Budget won't be to blame if house prices fall, housing minister says
- Housing Minister Clare O'Neil stated the government's federal budget will not be the primary cause of any potential 10% drop in house prices. - Analysts from Morgan Stanley and Westpac predict the b…
Under-strength Australia undone by debutant in first Pakistan ODI
- Debutant spinner Arafat Minhas starred with bat and ball, leading Pakistan to a five-wicket victory over Australia in the first ODI. - Minhas took 5-32 and hit the winning six as Pakistan successful…
Tasmanian Minister Madeleine Ogilvie Resigns After Admitting to Misleading Parliament
- Madeleine Ogilvie resigned as a minister in Tasmania after admitting to misleading parliament. - She had previously stated she was not involved in any Supreme Court matters, but later clarified she …
Should Taxpayers Fund Security for Politicians Amid Rising Threats in WA?
- Western Australian politicians are debating whether taxpayers should fund security for elected officials due to rising threats. - The Australian Federal Police reported a 63% increase in threatening…
Book tells story of Timorese asylum seekers' daring escape to Darwin
- A new book, "The Good Sea," chronicles the daring 1995 escape of 18 Timorese asylum seekers to Darwin, Australia. - The journey took six nights on a small fishing boat, the Tasi Diak, with no life j…
Mr Skelly: Artist finds global connection exploring love, death, and grief with animated skeleton
- American artist Christian Watson, based in Tasmania, creates art using an animated skeleton character named Mr Skelly. - Watson animates the skeleton over videos of his family, overlaying drawings o…
Man charged with arson after house destroyed north of Brisbane
- A 36-year-old man has been charged with arson as a domestic violence offense after a house was destroyed in Clontarf, north of Brisbane. - Police allege the man used accelerant to start the fire, wh…
Queensland Court Uses Harrowing Crash Videos to Deter Traffic Offenders Amid Rising Road Toll
- Queensland's road toll has increased significantly this year, with 111 deaths by early May, a 24-person rise from the same period last year. - A magistrate uses a harrowing video of car crash afterm…
Sydney students tackle Agent Orange chemicals in waterway
- University students are removing Agent Orange chemical remnants from a Sydney waterway. - The chemicals, including dioxins, originated from a Union Carbide plant that produced herbicides for the Vie…
PSG wins thrilling shootout for back-to-back Champions League crowns
- Paris Saint-Germain defeated Arsenal 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in extra time to win the Champions League final. - The victory marks PSG's second consecutive Champions League title, solidifyi…
New Zealand cracks down on gangs, pastor seeks to heal
- New Zealand has banned gang patches and insignia in public spaces as part of a crackdown on gang activity. - Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated that gangs are no longer above the law. - Pastor …
Grieving mother retraces steps into outback where son and ex-husband died, urges PLB use
- Kelly Townsend is traveling to the remote Murchison region of Western Australia to find the site where her son and ex-husband died. - James Townsend and Ray Dempsey died in 2024 after becoming disor…
After nearly 80 years, the actors in this film have finally been understood
- The 1949 film "Bitter Springs" featured over 100 Indigenous actors who improvised their dialogue in the Pitjantjatjara language. - For nearly 80 years, the Anangu actors' words were untranslated, se…
How clay-court chaos is a return to the norm at the French Open
- The French Open at Roland-Garros is experiencing unusual chaos, with top contenders like Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Novak Djokovic out of the tournament. - This unpredictability opens the do…
Periods stopped Vanessa participating in sport and she's not alone
- Disabled athletes, particularly women, are disproportionately skipping sports due to challenges managing menstruation, according to new research. - A study found 68% of disabled girls and women regu…
As Jane Austen turns 250, four new productions take on Pride and Prejudice
- Four new Australian theatre productions are adapting Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" for contemporary audiences. - These adaptations explore themes relevant to modern Australia, such as the hous…
After five days in a dark cave, a scientist emerged with life-changing insights
- Bioengineer Kiana Aran underwent a five-day sensory deprivation experience in a "darkness cabin" in Poland as a scientific experiment. - She aimed to study the effects of removing external stimuli o…
US won't let China impose 'hegemony' in Asia, Hegseth says
- U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth vowed the Trump administration would prevent China from establishing "hegemony" in Asia. - Hegseth urged allies in Europe and Asia to increase their defense spend…
Hindley conquers 'epic' day to climb onto Giro podium
- Jai Hindley moved into third place at the Giro d'Italia after a challenging queen stage in the Dolomites. - He praised his teammate Giulio Pellizzari for his selfless support during the stage. - Hin…
'Ridiculous increases': Cattle market surges amid rain
- Cattle prices surged significantly this week due to rain in key Australian production areas, particularly New South Wales. - The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator reached its highest level since 2022, …
Australia's marathon queen thought she might never walk again
- Kaz Thorburn, an Australian woman told she would never play sports or have children, has completed 551 marathons, the most by any Australian. - After undergoing spinal fusion surgery at age 12 for s…
Pam Bondi refuses to answer Trump-Epstein questions in congressional probe
- Former U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi declined to answer congressional questions regarding Donald Trump's knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein's activities. - Bondi also refused to confirm if Trump directe…
Karate teacher's 'hair pulls and chokeholds' combat gender-based violence
- A 12-year-old girl in Australia, Savannah Last, was inspired to join a self-defense program after being attacked by teenagers. - The Guardian Girls Karate program teaches practical skills like hair …
Western Australia Eyes Defense Manufacturing Hub for Coal Heartland
- Western Australia's government is exploring transforming its coal mining heartland in Collie into a defense manufacturing hub. - The proposal, announced by Premier Roger Cook, aims to create jobs an…
US judge orders removal of Trump name from Kennedy Center
- A US judge ordered the removal of President Donald Trump's name from the Kennedy Center and blocked its planned closure. - Trump announced his administration would transfer control of the center to …
'Like I'd been ripped off': Life after a Parkinson's diagnosis at 41
- Hayley Milne was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson's disease at age 41, a condition typically affecting older individuals. - The diagnosis significantly impacted her life, forcing her to stop wor…
Trump concludes meeting on potential Iran deal without announcing decision
- President Trump concluded a meeting with advisors on a potential Iran deal but made no announcement. - The proposed deal reportedly aimed to extend the Iran ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz…
David Szalay wonders whether AI could write hockey smut
- Hungarian-British author David Szalay discussed his Booker Prize-winning novel "Flesh" and the challenges of articulating the "unsayable." - Szalay shared his thoughts on Australian literature, reco…
Australian shell company frontman faces US extradition on money laundering charges
- An Australian man, Ian Taylor, faces extradition to the US on money laundering charges. - Taylor allegedly helped set up offshore shell companies linked to Mexican drug cartels and North Korean arms…
'Perfect storm' for corruption: IOC petition targets Brisbane's 2032 Olympic stadium plan
- A petition with 10,000 signatures was presented to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Lausanne, Switzerland, opposing Brisbane's 2032 Olympic stadium plan. - The petition argues the propos…
New Isuzu D-MAX pickup arrives in Argentina, touting strength and robustness
- Isuzu has launched its new generation D-MAX pickup in Argentina, aiming to compete on strength and robustness in a market where pickups are historically significant. - The D-MAX, with over five mill…
Mount Isa mum calls for more support after birth of premature twins
- A mother from Mount Isa, Australia, faced a challenging pregnancy with premature twins, requiring an emergency flight to Townsville for specialized care. - She spent months away from her older daugh…
WHO: 223 suspected deaths, 906 cases in Ebola outbreak
- The World Health Organization reports 906 suspected Ebola cases and 223 suspected deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). - The outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain has spread to Uganda, with…
Gambling Ads to Remain Visible to Australian Kids Despite New Laws
- Australian draft laws aim to restrict gambling advertising, but critics argue they don't go far enough to protect children. - Gambling ads could still appear during half-time and weather delays in s…
Tony Abbott elected unopposed as Liberal Party president
- Tony Abbott has been elected unopposed as the new president of the Liberal Party. - He stated his priorities are rebuilding the party and helping Opposition Leader Angus Taylor win the next election…
Queensland prisoner loses appeal to freeze eggs
- A Queensland prisoner, Rachel Smith, lost her appeal to have her eggs frozen while in custody. - The Corrective Services Act prohibits prisoners from applying for assisted reproductive technology. -…
Victorian MP's office sorry for mistakenly saying alleged koala killer had died
- A Victorian MP's office mistakenly announced the death of a man under investigation for animal cruelty. - The man was investigated for allegedly dragging a koala by a rope behind his vehicle, leadin…
Eels reveal Moses injury outlook ahead of Origin II
- Parramatta Eels are hopeful their star playmaker Mitchell Moses will be fit to play against the Canterbury Bulldogs on June 8. - Moses missed the State of Origin opener due to a hamstring injury, ru…
Pilot survives fiery plane crash after crawling 2km for help
- An Australian pilot survived a plane crash after his engine failed and caught fire, crawling 2 kilometers to get help. - Investigators could not determine the cause of the engine failure because the…
Fiji men’s 7s finishes fourth in Spain
- The Fiji Airways Men's National 7s team finished fourth at the Valladolid 7s tournament in Spain. - They lost the third-place playoff 17-28 to Argentina after being defeated by Australia in the cup …
Fiji minimum wage hike needs formal review: Finance Minister
- Fiji's Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel stated that any proposal for an $8 minimum wage must undergo a formal review process. - The Fiji Trades Union Congress is advocating for the higher wage, citin…
Women disproportionately affected by lupus in Fiji, Minister highlights
- Fiji's Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, highlighted that women, especially indigenous iTaukei women, are disproportionately affected by lupus. - Kiran emphasized the…
4-month Kawakawa and Donu ban begins today
- Fiji's Ministry of Fisheries has implemented a four-month ban on fishing, selling, and exporting Kawakawa (Grouper) and Donu (Coral Trout). - The ban, effective from today until September 30th, aims…
Fiji has ratified WTO legal advisory agreement
- Fiji has ratified the agreement establishing the Advisory Centre on WTO Law, receiving unanimous approval in Parliament. - This ratification strengthens Fiji's access to legal advice and representat…
Waqainabete marks return with three medals for MBHS
- Ezra Waqainabete won two silver and one bronze medal at the National Schools Age Group Swimming Championship. - His performance helped Marist Brothers High School secure second place overall. - Waqa…
Australia stun South Africa 26-19 to win Valladolid 7s
- Australia secured a dramatic 26-19 victory over South Africa in the Valladolid 7s rugby tournament. - The win ended Australia's title drought, marking their first HSBC SVNS tournament win in over th…
Fiji's Tourism Growth Faces Scrutiny Over Community Benefits
- Fiji's tourism growth is under scrutiny, with calls for clearer evidence that benefits reach rural and iTaukei communities. - The government is implementing reforms, including the Tourism Bill 2026 …
Cabinet green lights sovereign aviation capability for Fiji
- Fiji's Cabinet has approved a plan to develop a national aviation capability. - The initiative aims to enhance national security, disaster response, and service delivery to remote islands. - The gov…
Melanesian festival plans put on hold in Fiji until 2027
- Fiji's hosting of the 8th Melanesian Arts and Cultural Festival has been postponed to 2027 due to national programs and financial pressures. - The festival, initially approved for this year, faced s…
FEO flags key election challenges
- Fiji's Elections Office identifies information management, operational readiness, and public confidence as key challenges for the upcoming General Election. - The office is simplifying electoral inf…
NFP Aims to Lead Fiji's Unification Under 'Weaving Fiji Together' Campaign
- The National Federation Party (NFP) aims to lead Fiji's unification under its "Weaving Fiji Together" campaign. - Party leader Professor Biman Prasad highlighted the NFP's 63-year legacy and its rol…
Fiji to Host Oceania Customs Organisation Conference on Regional Security and Trade
- Fiji is set to host the 28th Annual Conference of the Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) next month, marking its return after a decade. - The conference theme, “Scaling up the commitment of customs …
Lomaiviti Province Eyes Expansion in Property, Tourism, and Fisheries
- Lomaiviti Province plans to expand its commercial operations through property development, tourism, and fisheries investment. - The province aims to strengthen its business arm, Lomaiviti Holdings, …
National handball side set to create history
- Fiji's Under-18 women's handball team is set to make history by competing in the International Handball Federation (IHF) Women's Youth World Championship in Romania. - This marks the first time a Pa…
PM cites data gap on rural poverty
- Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka stated Fiji lacks updated national poverty figures to measure the impact of government initiatives. - The last official data from 2019-2020 showed nearly 30% of Fijian…
Fiji's tourism spending questioned amid MSME support concerns
- Fiji is facing scrutiny over its financial commitment to regional tourism promotion and support for small businesses. - The South Pacific Tourism Exchange 2026 saw record participation, but oppositi…
Fiji's productivity growth uneven, services sector leads as agriculture and manufacturing lag
- Fiji's overall productivity has grown over eight years, primarily driven by the services sector, while agriculture and manufacturing lag. - Productivity growth averaged 2.5-3.0% between 2016-2019, w…
Beche-de-mer fishery reopening earns communities $4.1 million
- Fiji's beche-de-mer fishery has generated an estimated $4.1 million for resource-owning communities since reopening on February 1. - The Eastern Division led earnings with $1.3 million, followed by …
Patel issues warning over rejected national call-ups
- Fiji Football president Rajesh Patel warned players who rejected national team call-ups for a tour of Vanuatu. - Patel stated that refusing a call-up could lead to restrictions on playing for Bula F…
Tobacco misconceptions raise concerns
- Tobacco use causes approximately 1,200 deaths annually in Fiji, with health officials concerned about its link to harder drug use among youth. - Analysis shows 'suki' (roll-your-own tobacco) contain…
Fiji's Black Soldier Fly Farming Project Faces Approval Delays
- The rollout of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming in Fiji faces delays due to slow approval processes at the Solicitor General's office. - Trials have shown BSF larvae are a viable, low-cost protein so…
Trump says he will soon decide on Iran deal, demands reopening of Hormuz Strait
- U.S. President Donald Trump is set to decide on a proposed deal to extend the ceasefire with Iran, which would prolong an early-April truce for another 60 days. - Key sticking points include Iran's …
Police Bill introduces new disciplinary tribunal
- Fiji's Police Bill 2026 will establish an independent disciplinary tribunal to review decisions made by the Police Commissioner. - The reforms aim to enhance accountability, fairness, transparency, …
Fiji's Tourism Bill Promises Stronger Investor Confidence Through Clearer Accountability
- Fiji's recently passed Tourism Bill 2026 aims to strengthen investor confidence by establishing clearer government accountability and legal certainty. - The legislation defines responsibilities and …
Stronger airport screening under new immigration Bill
- Fiji has introduced an Immigration Amendment Bill 2026 to enhance border security and traveler screening. - The new bill implements advanced passenger information systems and restructures visa categ…
Immigration Reforms to Modernise Border Security and Travel Documents in Fiji
- Fiji's Parliament has tabled three amendment bills to modernize its immigration, travel document, and citizenship systems. - The reforms aim to strengthen border security, improve administrative pro…
Drugs Erode Fiji's Future, Deputy Prime Minister Warns
- Fiji's Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka warned that drugs are eroding the nation's future by weakening families and discipline. - He stressed that combating illegal drugs requires a collective e…
Fijiana 7s Secure Opening Win Against USA in Spain
- The Fijiana 7s team began their Spain Sevens campaign with a victory over the United States, winning 26-19. - Fiji established an early lead, but the USA responded, taking a 12-7 lead into halftime…
Big Money Pledged to Tackle Fiji's Power Failures Amid Rising Outages
- Unplanned electricity outages in Fiji increased in 2025, though restoration times improved. - Energy Fiji Limited recorded 1,829 outages last year, up from 1,656 in 2024. - A $522.66 million capital…
Fiji's Yellow Ribbon Program Funding Steady Amid Scrutiny
- Fiji's Yellow Ribbon Program, a rehabilitation framework for ex-inmates, operates with a steady annual budget of $200,000 to $225,000. - Actual spending on the program has remained close to allocati…
Pacific eyes low-carbon shipping future at key maritime meeting
- Pacific nations will meet to advance plans for transitioning regional shipping from diesel to low-carbon transport. - The initiative aims to secure climate finance and support a coordinated shift to…
Drua coach's departure begins to sink in
- Swire Shipping Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson described his upcoming departure from the team as an emotional moment after five years with the club. - Jackson apologized to fans for not deliveri…
Drasa Avenue School aims to defend swimming title at national championship
- Drasa Avenue School aims to defend its girls' primary school division title at the Fiji Schools National Swimming Championship. - The Lautoka-based school is competing with a team of 28 swimmers and…
Letters: Health budgets, lobbyists and Auckland Harbour Bridge turns 68
- A reader suggests New Zealand should transition away from fossil fuels, citing the recent heatwave in Europe as a catalyst. - The letter also criticizes the recent health budget allocation as insuff…
Broccoli Budget is exactly what we needed after years of fast food – Editorial
- New Zealand's Finance Minister Nicola Willis presented a budget focused on fiscal responsibility, likened to a healthy diet of vegetables rather than 'handouts'. - The budget prioritizes economic st…
We all know we won’t return to surplus, right? - Heather du Plessis-Allan
- The article questions the credibility of the government's forecast for a budget surplus, suggesting it is unrealistic. - It argues that the projected surplus is a 'fabrication' and not indicative of…
Mum says she learned of Tauranga Kaleidoscope Childcare Centre abuse from a news report
- A mother learned of her child's harm at the Tauranga Kaleidoscope Childcare Centre through a news report. - The teacher involved, Sean Charles Quinn, was subsequently banned for two years due to his…
Hundreds of Motorcyclists to Protest on Auckland Harbour Bridge Over ACC Levies
- Approximately 400 motorcycle riders are expected to participate in a protest ride across Auckland's Harbour Bridge today. - The demonstration is organized by Motorcycle Advocacy Group New Zealand (M…
