Fiji

Fiji's Prime Minister has dismissed criticism regarding MPs enriching themselves following the government's tender for high-end laptops and mobile phones for legislators.

Even by Fijian standards of high political drama, the arrest of the country's new anti-corruption commissioner on her first day in the job was extraordinary.

Vasemaca Ema Tavola explores her heritage and identity through an exhibition in Auckland.

But Labour leader and former prime minister Mahendra Chaudhry said the government was yet to release 50 percent of the free education grant for Term 2.

Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu made comments in response to an MP, who is a descendant of blackbirded Pacific Islanders, which rights groups say were "racially charged" and "evil".

The Fijian Language Week kicked of on Sunday in Aotearoa and this year's theme is 'Vakamareqeta na vosa vakaviti' which means to 'nurture and sustain the Fijian language'.

The water cuts also resulted in the parliament session for Friday to be cancelled to ensure MPs "hygience standards" aren't compromised, but affected schools are open.

Fijian peacekeepers in the Middle East are "well, safe and in high morale" amid escalated tensions in the region, the country's acting home affairs minister says.

Navunikabi villagers in Namosi on the main island of Viti Levu are protesting Sitiveni Rabuka government's proposal to construct a hydro dam.

Former secretary general to parliament, Mary Chapman, who spent over 4 decades in the civil service wants "somebody to put their foot down" on MPs behaviour.

The Fiji Rugby Union has authorised a full audit of player payments before it will respond to claims of continuing non-payment or late payment of allowances by players.

Ratu Viliame Katonivere has told the United Nations that cultivating a culture of peace is now more urgent than ever.

This is the assurance given by the military chief Ratu Jone Kalouniwai following the presidential pardon of the main instigator of the May 2000 coup and the leader of the November 2000 mutiny. Audio

The Fiji Corrections Service said the two prisoners, who were employed in the facility's kitchen, were temporary removed from their duties following a dispute over the handling of food supplies.

Victoria University political scientist Jon Fraenkel has ruled out the possibility of the treasonist starting a new political career or joining Sitiveni Rabuka's People's Alliance Party ranks. Audio