A tentative date of June 15th 2019 has been set for a referendum on possible independence in the Autonomous Papua New Guinea region of Bougainville. Photo: RNZI / Johnny Blades
Papua New Guinea - Voting underway in by-elections
Two key by-elections are being held this week in Papua New Guinea.
First up is voting in the Bougainville North seat, which starts on Monday and runs until Friday, October 6th, with a result due by October 18th.
Voting in the East Sepik capital's Wewak seat starts on Tuesday and is expected to take up to seven days to complete.
The by-election in North Bougainville came after the winner of last year's election, William Nakin - who had been the incumbent - died during the vote count.
The elected member in Wewak, Tomait Kapili, died two months after he was elected.
Fiji - Bainimarama case in court Wednesday
The Suva Magistrates Court has adjourned the case of former Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama and suspended Commissioner of Police Sitiveni Qiliho.
Bainimarama is charged with one count of attempting to pervert the course of justice, while Qiliho is charged with a count of abuse of office.
Fiji Live reports the case has been adjourned to October 4th.
Samoa - Police search continues after hit-and-run incident
Samoa police are continuing to search for two motorists who were allegedly racing along the road, after a woman was killed.
The accident happened around 5am on September 24th, with a witness saying the deceased was tossed into the air by the force of the speeding car.
Police Commissioner Auapa'au Logoitino Filipo said they obtained CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts to assist in their investigation.
The woman, a Chinese national, later died in hospital.
She has yet to be named.
Guam - Utility rates increase
Water rates in Guam are set to be increased by 16.7 per cent.
The Guam Daily Post reports the territory's Public Utilities Commissions authorized a request for an increase by Guam Waterworks Authority.
Guam's Consolidated Commission on Utilities Chairman, Joey Duenas, said the water company needed to increase its revenue to facilitate the territory's rebuild from Typhoon Mawar.
Duenas said the rate hike would also cover revenue for more personnel.
Niue - Climate project announced
Four new projects addressing climate change have been announced for Niue, Nauru, Timor Leste and Papua New Guinea.
The Kiwa Initiative and the International Union for Conservation of Nature are behind the projects.
Kiwa said the projects include reforestation, disaster risk management, and re-educating communities on using coconut trees in Nauru.
Solomon Islands - More funding for Tina River hydro
The World Bank has provided more money for the Solomon Islands Tina River hydro project, with a grant of $US5 million dollars to ensure the delivery of resources and improve access to services in and around the site.
To make sure communities can build on returns from the Tina River facility, a benefit-sharing project will invest in essential skills for 800 people through literacy and numeracy programs.
This will enable beneficiaries, particularly women, to increase incomes and earnings potential through small businesses and new opportunities.
The World Bank's Annette Leith said this prioritises the close consultation of land holders, so lasting benefits are secured in neighbouring communities.
Samoa - Pageant contestant highlights discrimination
A Miss Samoa contestant, Miracle Afele, says there is widespread discrimination against disabled people in Samoa.
Ms Afele made history earlier this month when she became the first deaf person to participate in the pageant.
She told RNZ Pacific that during the pageant, she endured online bullying.
The eventual winner of the contest, Moemoana Schwenke said she was aware of negative comments being directed at the contestants.
Papua New Guinea - Will Smith in New Ireland
Hollywood movie star Will Smith is in Papua New Guinea to front a documentary for National Geograhic.
Government officials involved in the visit have signed non-disclosure agreements to ensure there is little publicity around the visit.
Mr Smith will be shooting the documentary in New Ireland and East New Britain.
The Post Courier reported he was due to fly into Kavieng in New Ireland by private jet, direct from Sydney.
The paper said there were 60 people involved in the ground work for the shooting of the documentary.
