Pacific Waves for 3 March 2023

Already battered Vanuatu is bracing for its second cyclone in 24 hours. As Cyclone Judy a Cat 4 system at its peak departs Cyclone Kevin an intensifying Cat 1 storm is lining up for its run down the length of the country; Crimes such as last month's kidnapping of a New Zealand born academic and several local colleagues in the Papua New Guinea Highlands are becoming more common; For the first time since the start of the pandemic the Pacific region is forecast to see a return to economic growth this year; The Australian NRL kicks off on Thursday night with 17 teams, including newcomers the Dolphins.