Stories by Eleisha Foon
News
Fijian-American woman aims for the stars
Neharika Gambhir is originally from Suva and is now based in Washington DC, where she joined the all-female crew of the Analog Expedition 92.
'Mega coral' discovered in Solomon Islands
The mega-coral measures 34 metres by 32 metres, making it larger than a blue whale. It is thought to be between 300 and 500 years old.
Abuse in care survivors seek meaningful redress
Survivors of abuse in faith and state-based institutions seek meaningful redress that restores their cultural identity, following the New Zealand government's formal apology. Audio
American Samoa voters to select governor, lieutenant governor, and US Congress rep
Polling stations opened at 6am and will close at 6pm, with results expected by midnight. The number of voters registered for the election is 15,945.
How the US election may affect Pacific Island nations
As the US election unfolds, American territories such as the Northern Marianas, American Samoa, and Guam, along with the broader Pacific region, will be watching the developments. Audio
'We are not barbaric': West Papua rebel leader denies bribery
General Egianus Kogoya, regional commander of the West Papua National Liberation Army, claims the group achieved their mission to raise international awareness for West Papua's independence from…
Guam Kingfisher in the wild gives 'hope for biodiversity protection'
International wildlife conservationists responsible for bringing a native Guam bird species back from the brink of extinction hope to do the same for more wildlife in the Pacific region.
Pacific defence ministers' approve creation of disaster response group
The 2024 South Pacific Defence Ministers Meeting was hosted by New Zealand with Chile, France, Fiji, Australia, Tonga attending as members for the three-day meeting.
Watch: Kiwi pilot Phillip Mehrtens released by captors in peaceful ceremony
New video footage has been released of a peaceful hand-over ceremony of Kiwi pilot Philip Mehrtens' release in West Papua.
Pasifika mental health org critical of govt's draft suicide prevention plan
A warning - some people may find parts of this content confronting or distressing... The head of a Pacific Mental Health organisation believes the government's first ever suicide prevention plan...
Tough new rules for prospective MPs in Nauru
Nauru's aspiring electoral candidates have just two weeks left to apply to contest next year's national elections.
Social media considered most harmful for Māori, Pacific peoples' and Muslims - research
About 56 percent Māori, 60 percent Pacific, 45 percent Asian, and 41 percent Muslim believed stronger limits on freedom of expression are needed to prevent harm. Audio
PNG to roll out red carpet for Pope Francis
It has been 30 years since a Pope stepped foot on the South Pacific nation. The last visit by a Pope to PNG was John Paul II in 1995.
'Help us': Guam's nuclear radiation survivors' plea to the United States
Sharing their stories for the first time, Guam cancer survivors of the nuclear radiation exposure, want the world to know how it has devastated their lives and their families. Audio
Public trust in Fiji police 'relatively low' due to corrupt practices - academic
A Pacific academic claims corruption is rife within the Fiji Police Force because officers "are not very well paid and temptations to take a bribe is quite strong". Audio
Land wars over Guam's militarised landscape - 'I want my freedom'
The battle for land rights continues in the US territory ahead of proposed long-range missile testing in December. Audio
Tough conversations needed on PIF membership - Colin Beck
The Solomon Islands foreign affairs permanent secretary says associate and full membership status of the largest regional body was originally set up for independent countries only.
'More military planes than birds': US militarisation in Guam; self-defence or provocation?
As Washington tries to bolster its defence capabilities in the US territory, Guamanians are questioning whether militarisation will help or harm the people, the environment and their future. Audio
Guam defends missile testing, nukes, to maintain 'peace'
Governor Lou Leon Guerrero says the US territory has no choice but to defend itself amid ongoing nuclear threats to the Asia-Pacific region. Audio
'It sucks': Guam's Chamorro people and their complex relationship with the US
Cultural historian and Guam museum curator Dr Michael Bevacqua says after liberation in July 1944, there was the strong desire amongst indigenous Chamorros to Americanise. Audio
Guam primary election - unofficial results
Voter turnout has been low, with just over 31 percent casting their ballots - despite there being over 60,000 registered voters.
One confirmed dead in Vanuatu plane crash
This is Air Taxi Vanuatu's second plane crash this year following its first in Sola, Vanualava Island, where the Finance Minister John Salong was a passenger on board the aircraft.
Public submissions on Samoa citizenship bill closed
The window for oral submissions has closed on the Samoa Citizenship Bill's first reading in Wellington.
US territories vying for Forum associate membership
Two US Pacific territories are steps closer to having their membership upgraded at the main political decision-making body in the region.
Pacific Coastwatchers finally recognised for World War II heroism
"It's been so long, over 80 years since the war, but it was really special for my family and other families."