Niuean primary children in open air school assembly under cover of roof. Photo: 123RF
Niue - teachers
Niue is facing a significant teacher shortage going into 2025.
According to the Broadcasting Corporation of Niue, there are 15 teacher vacancies; 11 at Niue High School and four at Niue Primary.
The shortage is being blamed on health challenges, non-renewal of contracts, and a lack of adequate accommodation.
The Niue Public Service Commission acting director Hagen Siosikefu said accommodating teachers from overseas is a long-standing issue for Niue.
Niue's Department of Education director Natasha Tohovaka said prioritising long-term solutions is crucial in addressing the teacher shortage.
Papua New Guinea - road
An emergency access road at Mulitaka in Enga Province in Papua New Guinea, that has been used for emergency purposes since a landslide in May this year, is now being opened for temporary public use.
The landslip cut off large parts of the region in Enga, including the mining town, Porgera.
The Post-Courier reported the new road will be open for light vehicles only until the new bypass road is completed.
Up to now, food supplies into Porgera have been carried across the slip, adding substantially to the prices businesses are forced to charge.
Papua New Guinea - NRL
The people of Papua New Guinea will decide the name of their new NRL team, according to PNG National Rugby League (PNGNRL) bid chairman Wapu Sonk.
The National reported Sonk said the PNGNRL is working out the process, where the people of PNG will be involved.
PNG's inclusion in the NRL in 2028 was announced by Prime Minister James Marape and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese in Sydney on Thursday.
Tonga - NZDF
A Tongan has been named the New Zealand Defence Force's Person of the Year.
Leading Marine Technician Joe Mataele is also the Royal New Zealand Navy's Sailor of the Year.
His citation, read out during a ceremony, noted his professionalism, resilience and unwavering dedication to his Navy environment and the recruits he trains.
He joined the Royal New Zealand Navy in 2015.
Northern Marianas - environment
The Commonwealth of Northern Marianas (CNMI) has been awarded a US$1 million grant to protect and preserve its environment.
Governor Arnold Palacios said the natural beauty of the Northern Mariana Islands is a treasure that must be protected for future generations.
He said the grant not only allows the CNMI to restore critical ecosystems, but it empowers locals to embrace the knowledge and traditions of our indigenous people.
The grant was made possible by 'America Beautiful Challenge' initiative.
Guam - airbase
The partial transfer of US Marines from their base in Okinawa in Japan to Guam began at the weekend.
The US Marine Corps and Japan's Defence Ministry said in a statement the relocation started with 100 members of III Marine Expeditionary Force stationed on Okinawa moving to the Pacific island for the initial logistical work.
AP reports Japan has paid up to US$2.8 billion for the building of infrastructure at the US bases on Guam, and the US government will fund the remaining costs.
The statement said the Marines and Japan Self Defence Forces will conduct joint training in Guam.
Guam - termination
A Guam-based air cargo company has been ordered to pay one of its pilots millions of dollars for wrongful termination.
Investigators from the US Department of Labour found Asia-Pacific Airlines dismissed safety concerns raised by one of its pilots and fired them for refusing to fly a plane they believed had an unreliable engine.
The pilot's concerns were later verified, but the airline insisted its disciplinary actions were justified.
The Department of Labour has now orded the airline to pay the pilot more than US$2 million in wages, damages, and legal fees.
It was also ordered to expunge the employee's record and provide training to all staff on their rights.
Asia Pacific Airlines may appeal the order to the department's Office of Administrative Law Judges.
NFL - Pasifika
Five players of Pasifika heritage have been drafted into the American NFL Player Pathway Program Class of 2025.
Former Wallaby Jordan Petaia heads the list, after he announced a few weeks ago he was leaving rugby union to pursue a contract in the NFL.
He is joined by Laitia Moceidreke, Janeiro Wakeham, Laki Tasi and Nathaniel Salmon.
The NFL said the IPP program aims to provide elite international athletes with the opportunity to improve their skills and ultimately work to earn a spot on an NFL roster.
Hockey - Fiji
Fiji's national women's hockey team has won both the Oceania Pacific Cup and the Intercontinental Cup at the National Hockey Centre in Suva.
Fiji Hockey said the team also claimed the Oceania Pacific Cup after a tight 4-2 win over New Zealand in the final last Thursday.
In the Intercontinental Cup final, the side defeated Samoa 6-2 in the final.
The Fijian men's national side also claimed the Intercontinental Cup in their final, beating Solomon Islands 6-3.
However, the side lost to the New Zealand Fijians in the Pacific Oceania Cup final.
The Oceania Pacific Cup tournament concluded on Friday.
