Stories by Lydia Lewis
News
Vanuatu's Kalsakau resigns, wants referendum postponed
Vanuatu's former prime minister and opposition leader MP Ishmael Kalsakau has stepped down - just two days after he confirmed he was the rightful opposition leader. Audio
Baron Waqa negotiating - No start date for incoming PIF boss yet
The incoming head of the Pacific region's main political body is yet to sign his contract, almost six months after the 2023 Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting in Rarotonga.
New Caledonian pro-independence activist issues dire warning to France
A pro-independence activist in New Caledonia is warning France to immediately halt planned constitution amendments or face "war". Audio
PNG Highlands affected by flooding 'feeling the impact'
Food rationing is underway in remote areas in Papua New Guinea's Highlands following torrential rain and flash flooding.
'Chopped him with a bush knife': A PNG massacre killer says 'revenge' is the only way
Warning: This story contains details that may be distressing to some readers.
'People screaming for accountability' - PNG opposition
A vote of no confidence in Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape is set to be moved on 29 May.
PNG leader claims opposition abusing process
James Marape is referring a second motion of no confidence paper to the Parliamentry Privileges Comittee following allegations of forgery.
'I don't know what kind of country we call ourselves'
Women's rights advocates in Papua New Guinea are calling for peace and for the men in Parliament to act on the violence the country.
US must 'find a way to deliver' COFA
China is knocking in the North Pacific as the United States are slow to pass a major strategic agreement. Audio
PNG massacre: 'Pregnant mothers fled for their lives'
A man housing people who fled a massacre in Papua New Guinea's Enga province says pregnant mothers and children are displaced.
'Psychological powerplay': Vote of confidence in PNG PM Marape
The opposition group in Papua New Guinea's Parliament staged a walkout Thursday after a fiery exchange, amid ongoing political ruckus in the country.
Motion of no confidence in PNG PM James Marape stalled
A Supreme Court reference has stalled an attempt by PNG's opposition to progress on a vote of no confidence in the James Marape government.
'Matter of national importance' - motion of no confidence in PNG PM
A motion of no confidence in Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has been lodged at the first parliamentary session since the deadly riots.
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.
'Standing together': What Waitangi Day means for a Samoan Māori woman
For Valeria Gascoigne, it is an emotional moment. "It's a celebration of being Māori and also Samoan, and being proud of both." Audio
Niue lightning strike damage extensive - 'Huge concern' in cyclone season
Power concerns on Niue remain in the wake of a lightning storm a just over a week ago which took out much of the island's generating capacity.
'Christmas nightmare': Help people in need this festive season, Pacific community leader says
A Pacific community advocate and a former professional heavyweight boxer is giving back to families doing it tough this Christmas.
Survivor says gender-based violence ‘is a pandemic', calls on Pacific govts to act
Pacific governments have a lot to prove in the fight against gender-based violence, a Papua New Guinean survivor and activist says.
'Empowering' and 'beautiful': Next generation of te reo Māori speakers say knowledge is power
Members of an Aotearoa New Zealand whānau (family) have been found in Rarotonga as they try to preserve their language and identity for the next generation. Audio
'It's tragic': Palau's Whipps Jr slams NZ govt's oil and gas exploration plans
Palau's President has slammed New Zealand's new government for its oil and gas exploration plans, as the COP28 global climate summit gets underway. Audio
'Focused on Tuvalu's priorities': Australia says falepili union about 'shared interests'
Australia says the Falepili Union is "to achieve shared interests" in response to comments from former Tuvalu prime minister's comments that he will flush the treaty if he gets into office.
Ex-Tuvalu PM running for office in 2024 will 'throw away' falepili treaty
Enele Sopoaga says he will scrap the Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union treaty if elected to lead government in the upcoming election. Audio
'No voice': Protecting children's rights in the Pacific
More action is needed to stop the rights of children in the Pacific being violated, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child chair Ann Marie Skelton says. Audio
FSM 'faced with a fiscal cliff', President Simina says
Federated States of Micronesia President says his country could be staring down a "fiscal cliff" very soon if the US Congress does not approve its compact agreement. Audio
Pacific is a top priority for France - Véronique Roger-Lacan
France's new ambassador to the Pacific says her focus will be on peace and freedom for the region, but would not comment on independence of the French territories. Audio