Photo: RNZ/ Dan Cook
Papua New Guinea - violence
A PNG politician says a ban on gambling will help reduce gender-based violence.
MP for Middle Ramu, Kansol Kamdaru, told parliament that gambling is a significant contributing factor to violence against women.
He said when men lose their money they lash out at their wives.
The Post Courier reported the MP has urged the government to take decisive action by halting the sale of playing cards and banning businesses that promote gambling, such as horse race betting and pokie machines.
Fiji - health
Fiji's largest private hospital has reduced GP consultation charges to FJ$7.50 (about US$3.25) for all Fijians.
Pacific Specialist Healthcare is a 130-bed specialty private hospital.
The hospital's founder and chief executive Parvish Kumar said the new rate is a result of thorough discussions with the recently appointed board members, including representatives of the Great Council of Chiefs and various faith-based organisations, to make healthcare more accessible.
Fiji - drugs
Two corrections officers in Fiji have been dismissed after being implicated in a drug ring.
The Fiji Sun reported that authorities seized drug-related paraphernalia, including digital scales, sealers, and zip-lock bags with suspected meth residue from a property.
An internal investigation has revealed the two officers had been renting accommodation at the premises, which is owned by a known drug dealer and former Suva Remand Centre inmate.
Corrections Commissioner Jalesi Nakarawa has reiterated the service's strict zero-tolerance policy on misconduct.
West Papua - boycott
West Papua's indigenous people have called for a boycott of several chocolate products, including Kit Kats and Smarties, and two cosmetic brands, over what they are calling ecocide.
The campaigners said the products contain palm oil and are made by companies that source the ingredient directly from West Papua, which has been under Indonesian control since 1963.
They said thousands of acres of rainforest are being cleared for agriculture.
The Guardian reported a spokesperson for Nestlé, which produces Kit Kats and Smarties, saying the company has strict standards towards ensuring a deforestation-free palm oil supply chain.
The spokesperson said any such allegations are taken very seriously and duly investigated.
Papua New Guinea - politics
The Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, James Marape, has reshuffled his cabinet.
Wake Goi becomes the new Civil Aviation Minister with his old post as Minining Minister going to Marape's former opposition rival, Rainbo Paita.
The Finance Minister Miki Kaeok will also take over transport.
The Post Courier reported the prime minister saying the reshuffle is about better utilising ministers' talents and experience.
Solomon Islands - farming
Malaita business, Goshen Enterprise, is getting help from Australia to assist taro farmers with increasing production to meet a growing demand for the product in Honiara.
The support will mean the farmers can scale up operations.
Director of Goshen Enterprises, Ruth Maukera, said Australia's help will allow them to significantly boost processing capacity and meet growing market demand, allowing it to provide opportunities for local farmers and ensure it can sustainably increase production while maintaining high-quality standards.
Founded in 2017, Goshen Enterprises started as a retail and wholesale business before it moved into taro farming.
More recently, the business established a farm in Adeliua and built a packhouse but it was incomplete so the new partnership will address that.
Cook Islands - police
Cook Islands Police Service are intending to restart recruiting soon to address the pressure they face on weekends.
Police spokesperson Trevor Pitt told Cook Islands News police have been struggling to make road safety arrangements.
Pitt said the number of road crashes this month surpassed last month.
He told RNZ Pacific earlier in the year the service was short by about 40 staff.
