One person has died and more than 30 people are missing at sea after an inter-island ferry sank off the coast of Vanuatu in rough seas, according to the nation’s government. The MV Matui went down on Friday while traveling between the islands of Ambae and Santo with more than 40 passengers and crew on … Read more
Foreign Minister Winston Peters committed New Zealand to hosting the Pacific Islands Forum in 2027 without first securing Cabinet approval, according to Treasury documents. The financial commitment, which led to a $20 million allocation in Budget 2026 for this year and the next to host the annual PIF summit, bypassed formal ministerial sign-off before the … Read more
Kiribati faced a diplomatic snub at the Pacific Islands Forum closing ceremony in Palau when its delegation was omitted from the official roster and left unannounced in the front row, according to reporting by 1News. The island nation, which maintains close links to China, sent David Teeabo—its special envoy, public servant and head of the … Read more
According to 1News, leaders from 18 member countries are gathering in Palau for the annual Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), where regional unity faces severe strain following a Chinese ballistic missile test and a diplomatic boycott by Kiribati. The crisis highlights deepening geopolitical fault lines over ties with Beijing and Taiwan as the forum opens its … Read more
A fisherman on the remote Cook Islands reef of Mitiaro discovered 19 packages of cocaine weighing more than 26 kilograms on July 28, according to RNZ Pacific. Cook Islands Police later confirmed the contents through testing in Rarotonga, as local authorities investigate the origin of the illicit shipment and Customs strengthens vessel monitoring across the … Read more
Air New Zealand international flights to Fiji face severe disruption due to a jet fuel shortage at Nadi International Airport, forcing carriers to implement emergency logistical measures including fuel tankering, flight cancellations, and aircraft upgauging, according to airline statements and regional reporting. Air New Zealand Implements Emergency Fuel Tankering and Flight Changes Air New Zealand … Read more
Six people missing in a small boat amid rough seas in Fiji were rescued by a Royal New Zealand Air Force crew after failing to reach their destination, according to the NZ Defence Force. The group departed Namuka Island for Fulaga in the Lau Group on Thursday morning before disappearing in waters marked by strong … Read more