Stories by Lydia Lewis
News
A 'significant' moment for Pacific unity? Leaders keeping ‘fingers crossed’
The future of regionalism in the Pacific will be discussed and determined today within the precincts of a luxury resort on Denarau Island in Fiji.
Rabuka backs call for Papua group to fully join MSG
Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is the first Fijian leader in 16 years to hold a one-on-one meeting with the head of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP).
Puna and Maamau embrace as Pacific unites once again
Pacific leaders from around the region are meeting in Fiji to discuss and resolve issues affecting regionalism.
'Our future looks secure': Pacific Islands Forum unite
Regional leaders will meet this week at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Special Leaders Retreat in Fiji.
'We felt for her': Ardern's dad relieved she's stepping aside
The former administrator of Tokelau, Ross Ardern, is pleased his daughter also has 'former' in front of her title.
Japan assures PIF nuclear waste discharge will be safe
Japan has affirmed it will not discharge treated nuclear wastewater into the Pacific Ocean until it is safe to do so.
'Take Japan to court' to stop nuclear waste plan says law expert
An international law expert believes Japan is passing the risk of its upcoming release of treated nuclear wastewater into the ocean onto Pacific leaders. Audio
Human rights researcher pleads for release of NZ pilot
A researcher at Human Rights Watch in Jakarta is calling for the immediate release of the hostages including a New Zealand pilot being held by a rebel group in Indonesia's Papua region. Audio
Pacific Forum and Japan going head-to-head over nuclear wastewater dump
Japan hopes to smooth out concerns surrounding the looming release of more than one million tonnes of radioactive nuclear wastewater into the Pacific Ocean.
'We trust in the govt of Japan' says FSM President on Pacific nuclear waste dump
Micronesia is not 'fearful or concerned' about Japan's nuclear wastewater release into the Pacific.
New Zealand PM to look into Pacific overstayer petition
New Zealand's new Prime Minister has agreed to look at an overstayer petition that was launched by Pacific community leaders almost three years ago.
Results are in for the 2023 Tokelau national election
The Government of Tokelau has declared the results of the 2023 national general elections.
A first for Tokelau as all three atolls vote in same electoral process
It is election day in Tokelau, with the population of about 1400 voting across four electoral locations. It is election day in Tokelau, with the population of of about 1400...
Henry Puna wants another crack at Pacific Islands Forum top job
The current Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) wants another term in the job.
Nauru refugee pleads: 'New Zealand, get me off this island'
Four refugees detained in offshore Australian detention camps have arrived in New Zealand.
'Every election is important': Tokelau prepares to hit the polls
For the first time in Tokelau's history, all three atolls will take part in the same electoral process.
'Ofa Atu Tonga': New Zealand remembers volcanic eruption
This time last year Tongans around the world were desperately trying to call their loved ones at home immediately after hearing of the devastating Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcanic eruption. Audio
Tokelau dodges Covid-19 in community after scare at the border
Tokelauan health officials say they've learned several lessons after the country experienced its first cases of the virus at the border.
Pacific Island Forum could sideline Japan over nuclear waste plan
Japan is at risk of losing its status as a Pacific Islands Forum Dialogue Partner over Tokyo's nuclear waste dumping plan.
'Earth is trembling': Vanuatu residents describe earthquake
Vanuatu residents have been left rattled following Sunday night's magnitude-7 earthquake.
'This is for you': 24 Pasifika New Year's honours recipients
At least 24 Pacific people have been recognised in the 2023 New Zealand New Year's honours list.
Hiroshima survivor pleads for halt of radioactive waste dump
Japan is standing its ground over the planned discharge of treated radioactive waste from Fukushima into the Pacific Ocean in 2023 despite strong opposition from Pacific leaders. Audio
Tokelauans urged to remain vigilant to retain covid-free status
Health officials say there's no room for complacency in Tokelau even though the country has so far escaped the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dawn Raids apology a stand-out moment for outgoing politician
After more than a decade in the New Zealand Parliament, Minister for Pacific Peoples, Aupito William Sio is retiring. Audio
'Really excited' at two new major flight routes into Cook Islands
The Cook Island Tourism Industry Council is elated at the government's announcement of two new airline partnerships; however the benefits will not kick in until mid-2023.