Mt Ulawun eruption could continue indefinitely, the Rabaul Volcano Observatory said. 22 November 2023 Photo: NBC West New Britain
Papua New Guinea - relief
Papua New Guinea aid officials have had to wait a month before flying tonnes of relief supplies for people affected by the eruption of Mt Ulawun in West New Britain more than two months ago.
The Benar news agency reports the National Disaster Office director, Lusete Mana, saying the government could not provide an aircraft to move the 17 tonnes of supplies so the Defence Force liased with Australian Defence, which was able to provide an aircraft.
When Mt Ulawun erupted on 20 November, about 26,000 people were displaced.
Meanwhile the Rabaul Volcano Observatory said it is continuing to monitor Ulawun with one seismic station after the station closest to the volcano was knocked out of action on Nov. 20 by a powerful pyroclastic flow of superhot gas and volcanic debris.
Benar reports it was the largest pyroclastic flow on record for the volcano and devastated a vegetated area of seven square kilometres, according to the observatory.
Solomon Islands - roads
The Former Solomon Islands opposition leader claims road conditions in Honiara are the worst they have ever been.
Matthew Wale said the pot holes reflect a "sick government" and an "ailing economy".
Wale, who is also the Solomon Islands Democratic Party wing leader, said this is not the first time he has raised the issue.
He calls on the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development to address the situation with urgency because it's having a 'very negative' impact on the economy, the private sector and vehicle owners.
Cook Islands - inflation
New figures show inflation increased 7.4 per cent in the Cook Islands between the September 2022 and 2023 quarters.
Cook Islands News reports across the 12 months to September 2023, it was noted the annual percentage contribution of food and non-alcoholic beverages was 13.4 percent.
The cost of fish and seafood skyrocketed by 60 percent.
Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce chair Addrienne Hosking-Tinirau said multiple factors were influencing ongoing increases in prices.
Those included the cost increases due to the flooding in Hawkes Bay in New Zealand, the scarcity of fish locally, and the changes to New Zealand's rules around importing only free-range eggs.
American Samoa - styrofoam
The American Samoa government has passed a bill to ban styrofoam.
People could be fined up to US$1000 for its importing, sale and use.
In 2019, a bill was drafted to outlaw all styrofoam products but it failed to gain traction.
The new bill, proposed by the Lemanu Talauega Administration, has passed this week.
Polystyrene contains a chemical called styrene that has been linked to cancer as well as reproduction and developmental disorders by the National Research Council.
Importers and sellers of polystyrene foam products will have six months to sell any stock.
Exempted from the proposed ban are imported pre-packed food and trays used for raw meat, poultry, fish or frozen food.
New Zealand/Pacific - research
The first New Zealand university research centre, Te Poutoko, dedicated solely to Pacific and global health solutions now has a governing body.
Founding co-directors Sir Collin Tukuitonga, Professor Judith McCool, and Dr Roannie Ng Shiu formed the group to offer guidance around the Pacific's most pressing challenges.
These include non-communicable diseases, the health impact of the climate crisis, pandemic preparedness and the health of children and young people.
The man who guided New Zealand's Covid-19 response, Sir Ashley Bloomfield, is the chair.
Alongside him are Lord Viliami Tangi, Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau, Dr Audrey Aumua, Professor Papaarangi Reid, Tevita Funaki, Dame Teuila Percival, Dr Paula Vivili, Dr Donald Wilson, Aiono Professor Alec Ekeroma and Debbie Sorenson.
Te Poutoko is one of seven new research centres at Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland.
Guam - nuclear
Guam's Governor Lou Leon Guerrero wants to keep her options open to nuclear power for now.
The Guam Daily Post reports the territory is debating a nuclear ban.
Governor Guerrero said she does not want to completely shut the door just yet.
She said she wants to thoroughly understand how nuclear energy works before deciding whether she would veto a measure proposing to ban nuclear energy on the island, should the bill come to pass.
The bill would prohibit the production and use of nuclear energy on Guam.
Tonga - renewable
Tonga's energy department says the kingdom is using 27 per cent renewable energy.
In 2021, Tonga launched a plan to reach 70 percent renewable electricity by 2030, and 100 percent by 2035 with vast improvements in energy efficiency, transportation, and resilience.
Matangi Tonga reports Tonga's clean energy goals include reducing the total amount of diesel imports in 2035 by 10 percent.
Meanwhile, a team from China is set to arrive this month to officially begin the US$23 wind power project funded by Beijing.
Japan/Pacific - meeting
The Japanese government is making final arrangements to host the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) for mid-July in Tokyo.
At the summit, Japan plans to launch support measures based on the needs of Pacific island countries, such as climate change countermeasures.
Japan also plans to provide weather data and support, such as the development of information infrastructure to aid evacuation in the event of a cyclone.
Japan has been hosting the meeting every three years since 1997.
