Pacific

NIWA has taken delivery of the brand-new research vessel Kaharoa II, to "support cost-effective, safe, and more environmentally friendly research of the highest quality".

PNG is hoping - with the backing of Australia providing up to $600 million in funding - they can start playing in the NRL as the 18th team in the competition as early as 2028.

A Pacific Islands Forum high-level mission was expected to travel to New Caledonia this week to speak to all sides involved in the ongoining violence in the French territory.

Polls opened at 7am for almost 53,000 eligible voters to elect 19 candidates, after 25 MPs confirmed their seats in the 45-seat Maneaba ni Maungatabu following the first round on 14 August. Audio

Six MPs from the last parliament, including one cabinet minister, are reported to have lost their seats, according to election results from the Ministry of Culutre and Internal Affairs.

Indonesian security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets in clashes with protestors marking the 62nd anniversary of a UN agreement that paved the way for Jakarta's annexation of the Papua region. Video