Stories by Lydia Lewis
News
Fiji can't compete with Australia and NZ on teacher salaries - Deputy PM
However, Biman Prasad says the government is taking steps to retain Fijian teachers as the education system faces a teacher shortage problem. Audio
Detector dog Iti retires as NZ reviews its dog programme for Pacific Island nations
The eight-year-old explosives detector has been sniffing out crime in the region as part of New Zealand Police Pacific Detector Dog Programme.
'Every man and his dog is coming'
Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa says the geopolitical landscape in the Pacific "is becoming very contested".
Fijian Deputy PM rejects USP collusion claims, says 'no leadership crisis'
Biman Prasad has been accused of meeting with the regional university's "divisive" vice-chancellor at his home, raising concerns about a "conflict of interest".
New Caledonia's political future 'not a Pacific problem', says Ponga
The president of the government of New Caledonia says that "meddling in our domestic political affairs" is not welcome. Audio
New Caledonia riots one year on: 'Like the country was at war'
Stuck in a state of disbelief for months, journalist Coralie Cochin was one of many media personnel who inadvertently put their lives on the line as New Caledonia burned.
'Will take time': Manawanui's fate still to be decided
Samoa's Ministry of Works, Transport, and Infrastructure CEO also says there are ongoing discussions about compensation. Audio
'We need to adapt to the changing environment'
A Solomon Islands foreign affairs official says the "Pacific needs predictability in all our cooperation with everyone" amid geostrategic shifts. Audio
'Just take care of yourself out there'
Popo, Uto, Sonic and Shadow, Tokelau's turtle team, have made a dash into the big blue Pacific Ocean, leaving behind their young carers.
Tokelau's coral reefs show signs of recovery
This is according to a rapid assessment expedition led by Conservation International with New Zealand Geographic. Audio
Palau leader is all-in for Australia-led Pacific COP
President Surangel Whipps Jr fully supports a Australia-led Pacific United Nations climate change conference (COP31) next year.
Tokelau's trifecta of issues: Trump's tariffs, delayed tuna funds, and self-determination
The initial reaction from Tokelauans to President Donald Trump's tariffs of surprise and laughter has turned to sadness.
NZ tight-lipped over details of Kiribati aid review
A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson has confirmed New Zealand is not cutting its assistance to Kiribati.
Kiribati data bill will 'protect our people', MP says
Kiribati legislators unanimously passed a first-of-its-kind Data Protection Bill during its first reading in parliament on Tuesday.
Tokelau statistician says data gathering 'crucial'
A Tokelau statistician says it needs data to measure cost of living impacts amid "global economic and also regional economic crisis".
Tokelau is 'my heart and soul' - New Ulu-o-Tokelau
Fakaofo's Esera Fofō Tuisano takes on the Ulu-o-Tokelau, or Head of Government, for the second time. Audio
Pacific's top diplomat urges new cooperation amid US aid freeze
Baron Waqa says Pacific Islands Forum member countries must work together and identify "other alternatives for cooperation" amid the United States' freeze on development assistance. Audio
'Political status': Tokelau sets sights on a potential third referendum
Tokelau is a non-self-governing territory of New Zealand and will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its relationship with New Zealand next year. Audio
Seven decades on, Marshall Islands still reeling from nuclear testing legacy
The Micronesian nation experienced 67 known atmospheric nuclear tests between 1946 and 1958, resulting in an ongoing legacy of death, illness, and contamination. Audio
Tokelau's young turtle carers
Meet 'Popo' and 'Uto'- two turtles being looked after by five-year-old Pesi in Tokelau
'Reset' needed with Cook Islands, Winston Peters says
Foreign Minister Winston Peters wants to 'reset' New Zealand's relationship with Cook Islands.
'Clandestine' Cook Islands-China deal 'damaged' NZ relationship - Helen Clark
The former prime minister maintains that Cook Islands should have consulted Wellington before signing a "partnership" deal with China.
Top French diplomat confirms talks on 'unfreezing' New Caledonia's electoral roll
Véronique Roger-Lacan says part of the pro-independence group agrees unfreezing the electoral list "is the way to go", and it will be on the French Overseas Minister's agenda in Nouméa next week.
Nauru's citizenship scheme eyes AU$60 million in first year
The head of Nauru's citizenship by investment scheme hopes the initiative will bring in tens of millions of dollars for the island this year.