Stories by Eleisha Foon
News
Category 1 cyclone to make landfall in Rarotonga
A category one cyclone is expected to make landfall overnight in Rarotonga and heavy rain could cause flash flooding.
Cook Islands 'entitled to look at possibility' of deep sea mining - Winston Peters
New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters says the Cook Islands should have the freedom to investigate deep sea mining before being criticised.
Pacific wants open discussion on AUKUS to ensure region is nuclear free
Keeping the Pacific nuclear-free, in line with the Rarotonga treaty, was a recurring theme from the leaders of Tonga, Cook Islands and Samoa to New Zealand last week. Audio
NZ-Samoa renew partnership for cooperation
NZ Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Samoa's Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa have signed a renewed Statement of Partnership in Apia today.
Tonga seeks NZ's support to address pharmacist shortage
Tonga's head pharmacist says although she welcomes the opening of a new pharmacy building, a shortage of health staff to meet the nation and outer islands needs is her greatest concern.
Pacific Mission: NZ Foreign Minister and Pacific Peoples Minister in Tonga
Winston Peters and Dr Shane Reti landed in Nuku'alofa on Tuesday night amid domestic political ruction in Tonga. They will have a day of bilateral meetings on today.
To honour the Treaty: Māori and Pacific unite 'like the in-laws' to redefine NZ's future
Waitangi Day is one of the most important days on the calendar for Māori. Pacific people across Aotearoa are engaging with Māori and uniting on how to honour the Treaty of Waitangi. Audio
Fiji Military 'stand by Colonel Naliva' accused of human rights abuses
The Fijian military forces "stands by" one of its senior officers, who is taking on a role with the Australian Army, despite the officer being accused of committing human rights abuses. Audio
Fiji house fires leave 16 families without a place to live
Fire Authority chief executive Puamau Sowane is urging people to be careful and "use use qualified electricians to do their wiring in their homes".
Rabuka 'trying to assert himself' by axing Cabinet minister - Ratuva
Fjii's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka sacked former Education Minister Aseri Radrodro to "avoid looking weak", a political sociologist says.
Fiji MPs urged to uphold decorum
Fijian MPs' should know they are "paid by taxpayers" and behave with decorum, the People's Alliance Party, chief executive says. Audio
Tuvalu goes to the polls
Tuvaluans will cast their votes to fill the 16-member parliament when polls open from 8am till 4.00pm Friday, local time.
Pope Francis to visit PNG in August
The Pope will visit Port Moresby and one other city. His visit is "great importance for PNG," Father Victor Roche from the Catholic Bishops Conference of PNG and Solomon Islands says.
Criticise 'stars of Fiji politics' on performance 'not other things', political expert says
An expert on comparative politics says the "stars of Fiji politics should be criticised on how they perform their ministerial duties" after allegations of a sex and drug scandal between two ministers… Audio
Lea Tupu'anga: Tongan short film about language moves audience to tears at Sundance
A Tongan story has made it to Sundance - one of the biggest film festivals in the world. Audio
Fiji's deputy PM stays clear of commenting on allegations
Fiji's deputy prime minister says "I don't want to add anything more" on the alleged affair between the sacked education minister and women's minister. Audio
'It is fake news': Fiji ministers embroiled in sex and drug scandal
The allegations published by FijiLeaks blog site have divided public opinion in the country. One MP concerned says: "It is fake news."
ACT 'not in a position to dictate' to unpaid Pacific Senate members – Tukuitonga
Sir Collin Tukuitonga says the ACT Party is "not in a position to dictate" whether individuals should resign from their positions.
Pacific leaders and advocates back Sir Collin Tukuitonga after resignation
Pacific leaders and medical practitioners in Aotearoa New Zealand say they are saddened and "surprised" but supportive of Sir Collin Tukuitonga's decision to resign from his government advisory roles.
Prominent health leader resigns from roles, citing no confidence in NZ government
One of New Zealand's most prominent Pacific health leaders says he has "no confidence" in the government after stepping down from almost every advisory role. Audio
Pasifika 'standing with Māori', govt critic says, as Reti welcomes Pacific peoples role
A Tongan community leader says the New Zealand government is "sending all the wrong signals" to Māori and Pasifika, but Pacific Peoples Minister Dr Shane Reti disagrees. Audio
Pacific women 'breaking glass ceiling' in New Zealand, but challenges remain
Pacific women in New Zealand are rising to the top and smashing glass ceilings on their way up, a new report on Pacific women's wellbeing in Aotearoa says.
Displaced people need to be on COP28 agenda - human rights group
A new legal framework to support climate-displaced people and guarantee their human rights is being served up ahead of COP28. Audio
Divergent views on deep sea exploration and mining in the Pacific
Pacific leaders have taken different positions on the issue of mining of the ocean floor for minerals. While some are calling for a total ban, others view it as an opportunity.
'It’s not as colourful': Cook Islanders working to make tourism regenerative
Visitors to the Cook Islands are being encouraged to look beyond the picture perfect postcard and give back to the environment when holidaying there. Audio