Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
Bougainville - mine
The secretary of Bougainville's Department of Minerals and Energy Resources says the Papua New Guinea autonomous region will be moving closer to a re-opening of the Panguna mine this year.
Peter Kolotein has launched the department's strategic objectives for the next five years.
He said the department has redirected its focus towards delivering on the government's growth priorities.
Kolotein said with the sweeping support for independence in the 2019 referendum Bougainville needs a high impact development project as an economic catalyst.
Tonga - influenza outbreak
Three children in Tonga who died from viral pneumonia caused by Influenza B were aged 1, 3 and 13.
CEO of the Ministry of Health, Dr Siale 'Akau'ola, told Matangi Tonga the outbreak of influenza-like illnesses has been going on in Tonga for the last eight-to-nine weeks.
He said incidences have been monitored at 10 surveillance sites throughout Tonga, and a trend of new cases appeared to have peaked on week eight of the outbreak, with an average of 30 cases per day.
The number of cases for last week, week nine of the outbreak, appeared to show an 18-percent reduction, but he warns these numbers are likely to be under-estimated.
PNG - crime
Taxi drivers are due to go on trike after a driver was killed in the Central province of Papua New Guinea.
Provincial police commander Superintendent John Midi said the killing near Boera village was done by "some insane people".
The National reports the taxi driver, identified as 37-year-old Wanpis Kondua, was a father of four.
His nephew told the newspaper Kondua "came to Port Moresby to give his family a better life and started working as a taxi driver".
Another media outlet reports taxi and bus drivers are planning to strike next Monday, and their spokesperson has called on city authorities to look into the death.
Samoa - food safety
Samoa's Ministry of Health has closed five restaurants in central Apia for unhygienic conditions.
TV1Samoa reports the Director General of Health, Aiono Dr Alec Ekeroma, has confirmed the closures but did not name the eateries.
He also said five other restaurants have been warned to clean up their facilities or face closure.
The ministry is also looking at the conditions of roadside food stalls, especially barbecues.
American Samoa - measles
American Samoa will consider closing its borders to Samoa if a suspected case of measles is confirmed.
An 11-month-old suspected of measles was hospitalised in Samoa, and samples were sent to New Zealand to confirm whether it was measles.
The American Samoa director of health Motusa Tuileama Nua told media they will not take any chances.
Tonga - drug crime
Tonga Police report that on Wednesday they intercepted a vehicle they believe was distributing illicit drugs at Veitongo.
The suspect, a 31-year-old male from Ha'asini, attempted to flee but was arrested after a brief pursuit.
A search at his residence at Ha'asini revealed a quantity of cannabis, a drug utensil containing methamphetamine, guns and test tubes.
Two other males were arrested and charged in connection with the same offences.
Fiji - Drua
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Fijian Drua are expecting a ruthless Crusaders team when the two sides play on Saturday at Churchill Park, Suva in round three of Super Rugby Pacific.
Coach Mick Byrne says with the Drua coming off a loss against the Waratahs last week, the side is also hungry for a win as they want to put smiles on the faces of home fans.
FBC reports Byrne saying they had a disappointing final 20 minutes last week against the Waratahs, and this is an area they have worked on for this crucial first home game of the season.
Flying Fijians winger Eroni Sau will make his Super Rugby Pacific debut with the Drua in the game.
PNG - cricket
The Papua New Guinea men's cricket squad are in Nepal to play two games against the hosts and two against the UAE.
The Post Courier reports this follows their Cricket World Cup League 2 Dubai series, where they came away with two wins and two losses.
Head coach Mark Coles said he was impressed with the team in their five-wicket win over UAE on Sunday, and the side aimed to maintain that form in Nepal.
Meanwhile, the Papua New Guinea women's cricket team will aim to improve its world ranking in the upcoming Pacific Islands Cricket Challenge in Fiji.
Head coach Kath Hempenstall said it had been six months since the Lewas competed in an ICC-sanctioned event and they are looking forward to the tournament next week.
