PAC - Pacific Islands Broadcasting Association articles from April 2006

PAC - Pacific Islands Broadcasting Association archives from April 2006

One parliamentary seat in the Samoan goes to a recount.
April 3, 2006... 03 APRIL2006 APIA (Pacnews) - The ruling Human Rights Protection Party in Samoa (HRPP) has been returned to power, according to provisional general election results, with a majority of 32 seats. The Samoa Democratic United Party has secured...

200 Mobile squad charged.
April 3, 2006... 03 APRIL2006 PORTMORESBY (Pacnews) - Police in Papua New Guinea have confirmed that its Highlands-based mobile squad members, who allegedly took part in a stand-off in Port Moresby last year, have been all been charged. Police...

Wallis chiefs moot land tenure modelled on Fiji system.
April 3, 2006... 03 MARCH 2006MATA'UTU(Pacnews) - Wallisian landowners have recommended the establishment of what would be the French Pacific territory's first indigenous land trust, a concept borrowed from Fiji's Native Land Trust Board (NLTB), RFO-Wallis...

Palau officers deployed to Solomon Islands.
April 3, 2006... 03 APRIL2006 KOROR (Pacnews) - Two Division of Patrol law enforcement officers have been selected to represent Palau in the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI), Marianas Variety reports Alvin Ingerekleii and Byrson...

Papuans 'vanishing' after mine protest.
April 3, 2006... 03 APRIL 2006 JARKATA (Pacnews) At least 11 West Papuans have disappeared during reprisals by Indonesian authorities following a recent violent demonstration, it was claimed yesterday. Reverend Peter Woods, an Anglican minister recently...

PINA condemns attack on the media in Vanuatu.
April 3, 2006... 03 APRIL 2006 PORT VILA (Pacnews) --- The Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) has condemned recent attacks on media personnel in Vanuatu. Last week, the publisher of the Vanuatu Daily Post, Marc Neil Jones was detained for seven hours...

PACNEWS DIGEST: NZ may open short-stay jobs to Pacific islanders.
April 3, 2006... By STUFFNZ 03APRIL2006 WELLINGTON (Pacnews) - The New Zealand Government is considering a plan to open New Zealand temporarily to unskilled migrants from the Pacific Islands to save our smaller neighbours from economic ruin. Foreign...

Me'ekamui warns Musingku to stop.
April 3, 2006... 03 APRIL 2006 BUKA (Pacnews) - The Me'ekamui faction in Bougainville has warned Noah Musingku and his U-Vistract money scam to immediately stop all its operations, Post courier reports. In a letter to Musingku signed by the Me'ekamui...

Solomon Islands Government writes off Soltai's $19m debt.
April 3, 2006... 03 APRIL 2006 HONIARA (Pacnews) - Solomons islands only canned tuna exporter, Soltai has been relieved of almost SBD$19 million (US$2.6 million) debt it owed the national Government, Solomon star reports The removal of Soltai's debt follows...

First of 2,500 Filippino workers arrive in New Caledonia.
April 3, 2006... 03 APRIL2006 NOUMEA(Pacnews) - Forty six of an expected 2500 Filippinos had arrived in New Caledonia to work as skilled construction workers on the Goro Nickel mining site for about 18 months. Radio New Zealand International reports The...

French minister offers cool response to idea of independence for French Polynesia.
April 3, 2006... 03 APRIL2006 PAPEETE (Pacnews) - French overseas territories minister, Francois Baroin has given a reserved response to a proposal by the French Polynesian president, Oscar Temaru for a structured process to possible independence, Radio New...

No sign of Indonesian ambassador: Downer.
April 3, 2006... 03 APRIL 2006 MELBOURNE (Pacnews) --- Jakarta has given no indication when Indonesia's ambassador will return to Australia amid the damaging Papua visas row, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer says. Jakarta recalled ambassador Mohammad...

Historic vote for Solomon Islanders.
April 3, 2006... 03 APRIL 2006HONIARA (Pacnews) - Solomon Islands will hold its first elections on Wednesday (05 April) since an Australian-led armed intervention to end civil unrest in the impoverished South Pacific nation, Sydney Morning Herald reports. ...

New Caledonia nickel plant construction stopped indefinitely amid vandalism.
April 3, 2006... 03 APRIL2006 NOUMEA (Pacnews)- The Goro Nickel company in New Caledonia has stopped operations after vandalism on a massive scale over the weekend, Radio New Zealand International reports. It is the biggest industrial enterprise under...

Women team-up for 2007 polls.
April 3, 2006... 03 APRIL2006 PORTMORESBY (Pacnews) - Nine women in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea have announced they will contest the 2007 National Elections, Post Courier reports. The women made their announcement at the Grand Palace Restaurant during a...

No decision on Tongan airlines monopoly.
April 3, 2006... 03 APRIL2006 NUKUALOFA (Pacnews)- Tonga's civil aviation director, Viliame Ma'ake says no decision has been made on the two airlines operating in Tonga to be given the monopoly to operate the domestic air service, Matangi Tonga reports ...

Chinese premier in Australia for an official visit.
April 3, 2006... 03APRIL 2006 CANBERRA (Pacnews)- Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao today met with his Australian counterpart John Howard to exchange in-depth views on bilateral relations as well as international and regional issues of common concern. ...

Bid to outlaw Australian police rejected.
April 4, 2006... 04 APRIL2006 HONIARA (Pacnews) - A former militant leader has failed to have the Australian-led regional police assistance mission in the Solomon Islands declared unconstitutional on the eve of the Pacific nation's general election, The...

Malaria outbreak threatens Southern Highlands.
April 4, 2006... 04 APRIL2006 PORTMORESBY (Pacnews) - At least 137 people in Papua New Guinea have died as a result of a malaria outbreak in the Hela region of the Southern Highlands province, according to health authorities, National reports. The worst...

Another claim against pearl farm for unpaid wages.
April 4, 2006... 04 APRIL 2006 RAROTONGA (Pacnews) - Another legal claim for alleged unpaid money looms over Polynesian Black Pearls, a company co-owned by Penrhyn pearl farmer Lillian Grubnau. Now a Japanese pearl technician based in Manihiki claims that...

Melanesian Festival of Arts organisers call for sponsorship.
April 4, 2006... 04 APRIL 2006 SUVA (Pacnews) - Organisers of the third Melanesian Festival of Arts are requesting financial support from local business houses for the success of the upcoming fiesta in Suva, Fiji Live reports. Festival coordinator Viliame...

Don't listen to false prophets Solomons Islanders warned.
April 4, 2006... 04 APRIL 2006 HONIARA (Pacnews) - Solomon Islands' first Governor General, Sir Baddley Devesi yesterday warned that the nation was at a critical crossroads, Solomon Star reports. In a nationwide appeal on the eve of the national polls, Sir...

Cabinet reshuffle in PNG.
April 4, 2006... 04 APRIL2006 PORT MORESBY (Pacnews) - Papua New Guinea's treasurer Bart Philemon has been stripped of the Finance Ministry portfolio and Housing Minister Atimeng Buhupe has been dumped in the latest Cabinet reshuffle, Post Courier reports. ...

Church damaged in Tonga.
April 4, 2006... 04 APRIL2006 NUKUALOFA (Pacnews) - Clashes between Tongan students from rival church schools in Vava'u erupted in the early hours of Sunday (02Apri) l, with gangs smashing windows and damaging church property in Neiafu, Matangi Tonga reports...

Samoa's election results spark violence.
April 4, 2006... 04 APRIL 2006 APIA (Pacnews) - Anger is still simmering in parts of Samoa after the election results over the weekend, Radio New Zealand International reports. The main violence has been in an electorate in Savaii, where the Works...

Medical school pays hostel $50,000.
April 4, 2006... 04 APRIL 2006 RAROTONGA (Pacnews) - The South Pacific School of Medicine campus in Rarotonga has paid NZD$50,000 (US$30,000) to the Rakahanga hostel for the first six months rent, as the school prepares to open its doors on 29 May. Founder...

PACNEWS DIGEST: PNG BACKGROUND IS THE SPUR FOR ONE MAN DETERMINED TO ASSIST IN DEMOCRACY IN ONE OF OUR NEIGHBOURS.
April 4, 2006... By Michael Cavanagh 04 APRIL 2006 HONIARA (Pacnews) - A Pacific Island heritage is one of the main drivers for a Papua New Guinea (PNG) man determined to play a significant role in ensuring a free and open election in Solomon Islands, the...

Pacific rivalry takes an ugly turn.
April 4, 2006... 04 APRIL 2006SUVA (Pacnews) - WEN JIABAO will today become the first Chinese Premier to visit the Pacific islands, a longtime diplomatic battleground for China and Taiwan, Sydney Morning Herald reports. Mr Wen starts his trip in Fiji,...

Free West Papua Association welcomes PM Lini comments.
April 4, 2006... 04 APRIL 2006 PORT VILLA (Pacnews) - The Vanuatu Free West Papua Association has welcomed Prime Minister Ham Lini's call for dialogue between Vanuatu, West Papua and Indonesia on the issue of West Papua. Prime Minister Lini made the...

Palau is gearing up to host its education summit later this month.
April 4, 2006... 04 APRIL 2006KOROR (Pacnews) - Palau's educators will gather in a summit on 26 to 27 Aprils in preparation for the drafting of the 10-year Palau Education Master Plan, Mariana variety reports. Director of Education Emery Wenty said the...

Cook Islands laugh at $50m hotel offer.
April 4, 2006... 04 APRIL 2006 WELLINGTON (Pacnews) - A convicted fraudster living in a Housing New Zealand flat in Dunedin has made a NZD$50 million (US$30 million) offer to the Cook Islands Government to redevelop a hotel at Rarotonga, StuffNZ reports. ...

New Zealand names new governor general.
April 4, 2006... 04 APRIL 2006 WELLINGTON (Pacnews) - The New Zealand government has appointed an ethnic Asian for the first time to be the official head of state. Former judge and ombudsman, Anand Satyanand, will become the British monarchy's official...

China's Premier begins his tour in Fiji.
April 5, 2006... 05 APRIL2006 NADI (Pacnews) - China's premier Wen Jiabao has begun his tour of the Pacific islands with the signing of a US$20 million concessionary loan to Fiji. The loan agreement was signed by Premier Wen and caretaker Fijian Prime...

New Zealand welcomes appointment of new Tongan commoner PM.
April 5, 2006... 05 APRIL 2006 WELLINGTON (Pacnews) --- New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has welcomed Dr Fred Sevele's formal appointment as Prime Minister of Tonga, saying it was a "positive step towards reform." Dr Sevele's appointment was...

Riots at New Caledonia's Goro Nickel cost US$10 million.
April 5, 2006... 05 APRIL 2006 NOUMEA (Pacnews) --- Riots at the giant Goro-Nickel construction site in the South of New Caledonia is estimated to cost US$10 million worth of damage, Goro-Nickel General Manager Ron Renton told journalists. The US$1.88...

Sir Allan confident of retaining parliamentary seat.
April 5, 2006... 05 MARCH 2006 HONIARA (Pacnews) --- Solomon Islands goes to the polls today with the caretaker Prime Minister, Sir Allan Kemakeza confident to return to power. Sir Allan says he will retain his Savo Russell Islands seat with a landslide....

Fiji welcomes appointment of Anand Satynand as next New Zealand governor general.
April 5, 2006... 05 APRIL 2006 SUVA (Pacnews) --- There's been a widespread welcome in Fiji for the appointment of a son of ethnic Fiji Indian parents as the new governor general of New Zealand. New Zealand Prime Minister, Helen Clark, has appointed Judge...

Former Miss Samoa debut in Sione's Wedding.
April 5, 2006... 05 ARIL 2006 APIA (Pacnews) --- Former Miss Samoa and Miss South Pacific, Mary Jane McKibbin - Schwenke, has made her film debut in the movie, Sione's Wedding, currently showing at cinemas across the Pacific. Mary Jane plays Princess in...

Another Papuan group lands on Australian island: report.
April 5, 2006... 05 APRIL 2006 SYDNEY (Pacnews) --- Australia has confirmed there are reports that another boat of six people from the Indonesian province of Papua has landed on an Australian island. Two months ago 43 separatists from Papua landed in...

Fiji reiterates one China policy.
April 5, 2006... 05 APRIL 2005 SUVA (Pacnews) - Fiji has reiterated its continuing commitment to the one-China policy at a summit of Pacific Leaders with the Chinese premier, Wen Jiabao in Nadi, Fiji today. Speaking at an official dinner last night,...

French Polynesia to seek PIFS associate membership.
April 5, 2006... 05 APRIL 2006 PAPE'ETE (Pacnews) --- French Polynesia is reported to have officially asked permission from France to apply for "associate membership" of the Pacific Islands Forum, the daily newspaper Les Nouvelles de Tahiti reports. The...

Quiet start to voting in Solomon Islands.
April 5, 2006... 05 APRIL 2006 HONIARA (Pacnews) --- There has been a slow start to the one-day national elections in Solomon Islands. Just before the polls opened, the Chairman of the Electoral Commission, Sir Peter Kenilorea, in a nation-wide broadcast,...

Police chief recommends suspension of police officer.
April 5, 2006... 05 APRIL 2006 PORT VILA (Pacnews) --- Vanuatu's acting commissioner of police, Arthur Caulton has recommended that the officer involved in the attack on a Vanuatu Daily Post journalist be suspended from the force. The newspaper reported...

Peters signs agreement with Niue and France.
April 5, 2006... 05 APRIL 2006 WELLINGTON (Pacnews) --- New Zealand, France and Niue have today signed an agreement to fund a new multi-million dollar government administration block as part of reconstruction efforts following Cyclone Heta. Foreign...

Border crossers to be on agenda.
April 5, 2006... 05 APRIL 2006 PORT MORESBY (Pacnews) --- Traditional border crossers on the Bougainville/ Solomon Island border will be one of the agendas at the next PNG/ Solomon border talks in Honiara, Solomon Islands. This was the assurance given by...

Fiji's health ministry scrambles to contain measles outbreak.
April 5, 2006... 05 APRIL 2006 SUVA (Pacnews) --- Fiji's health ministry admits the current measles outbreak is a serious threat to the health of its citizens. At a press conference today, the acting chief executive officer of the Ministry of Health, Dr...

Former PNG security minister urges Australian commitment.
April 5, 2006... 05 APRIL 2006 PORT MORESBY (Pacnews) --- Former minister for internal security in Papua New Guinea (PNG) has urged the Australian Government not to give up helping PNG solve its law and order problems, despite losing the portfolio in a cabinet...

Air Kiribati to lay off half of its employees.
April 5, 2006... 05 APRIL 2006 TARAWA (Pacnews) --- Air Kiribati says a lack of revenue has forced it to prepare to cut staff and contract out some services. In accordance with employment obligations, the airline has given its staff 30 days notice of its...

Polynesian comedy film breaks NZ box office record.
April 5, 2006... 05 APRIL 2006 AUCKLAND (Pacnews) --- The newest New Zealand comedy film based on Polynesian characters living in Auckland, New Zealand has done the unthinkable by breaking the New Zealand box office record for a local film. "Sione's...

Trade a winner in China/Pacific economic relations - Sir Michael.
April 5, 2006... 05 APRIL 2005 NADI, FIJI (Pacnews) --- Trade should be the winner in the new relationship being forged between China and Pacific Island Countries, says Sir Michael Somare, prime minister of Papua New Guinea and current chair of the Pacific...

China sign economic and development cooperation with the Pacific.
April 5, 2006... 05 APRIL 2006 NADI, FIJI (Pacnews) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao today witnessed the signing of 3 billion yuan (US$374 million) development assistance with seven Pacific leaders. The funds will go towards resources development, agriculture,...

Voters pleased with single ballot system.
April 6, 2006... 06 APRIL 2006 HONIARA (Pacnews) --- Polling in the Solomon Islands capital, Honiara was marked by poor turn-out with the Electoral Commission estimating a turn-out of less than 20 per cent, Solomon Star reports. Chief Electoral Officer...

Papuan family never arrived on Australian Islands - Customs.
April 6, 2006... 06 APRIL 2006 CANBERRA (Pacnews) --- Coastwatch has called off the search for six Papuan asylum seekers reported to have landed on an Australian island. The incident has contributed to tensions between Australia and Indonesia, after 42...

O'Neil criticises cabinet reshuffle.
April 6, 2006... 06 APRIL 2006 PORT MORESBY (Pacnews) --- Papua New Guinea's opposition has opposed government's minor cabinet reshuffle. Opposition Leader, Peter O'Neill described Prime Minister, Sir Michael Somare's move as "serving no purpose" adding...

AG reviewing legality of governor's trip to Taiwan.
April 6, 2006... 06 APRIL 2006 SAIPAN (Pacnews) --- Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas (CNMI) administration is now proceeding cautiously with the governor's plan to travel to Taiwan due to America's one-China policy which prohibits official contacts with...

Officers linked to mutiny plot resign.
April 6, 2006... 06 APRIL 2006 SUVA (Pacnews) --- Two military officers, who were allegedly involved in the planned overthrow of the commander Commodore Frank Bainimarama, have been forced to resign from the military. Radio Fiji reports Lieutenant Colonels...

SPECIAL PACNEWS REPORT: China serious about strengthening relations with the Pacific.
April 6, 2006... 06 APRIL 2006 NADI, FIJI --- China's premier Wen Jiabao said China and Pacific Island countries are engaged in economic revitalisation and social development. He said people in the Pacific region are facing a new international environment...

Vanuatu looks to China for markets - Bule.
April 6, 2006... 06 APRIL 2006 NADI, FIJI (Pacnews) -- Vanuatu's trade minister, James Bule has welcomed the new economic and cooperation development agreement with China. Mr Bule said Vanuatu tourism would be one of the biggest beneficiaries of improved...

Dixon welcomes China's offer.
April 6, 2006... 06 APRIL 2006 NADI, FIJI (Pacnews) --- The president of the Chinese Association in Fiji, Dixon Seeto has welcomed the offer by China to give tariff-free entry to many Pacific island exports. Mr Seeto said the Chinese offer proves that the...

Musingku camp runs out of food.
April 6, 2006... 06 APRIL 2006 PORT MORESBY (Pacnews) --- Food is reported to be running out in Tonu, where scam operator Noah Musingku and his supporters are holed up, and Bougainville leaders have urged people not to bring food to the area in exchange for...

Papua independence not on the agenda, Howard says.
April 6, 2006... 06 APRIL 2006 CANBERRA (Pacnews) --- Australia yesterday slammed the door shut on any hopes of support for Papuan independence as reports of more asylum seekers threatened to further deepen tensions with Indonesia. While Customs officials...

Chinese Premiere arrives for FTA talks.
April 6, 2006... 06 APRIL 2006 WELLINGTON (Pacnews) --- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao will today hold bi-lateral talks with New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, which the government hopes will lead to progress toward a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China. ...

East New Britain quarantined.
April 6, 2006... 06 APRIL 2006 PORT MORESBY (Pacnews) --- East New Britain Province has been placed under an "agricultural quarantine" as the Government attempts to contain the spread of the destructive cocoa pod borer. The Government has approved K3...

SPECIAL PACNEWS REPORT: Sir Rabbie expresses regrets.
April 6, 2006... 06 APRIL 2006 NADI, FIJI (Pacnews) --- Papua New Guinea's foreign minister, Sir Rabbie Namaliu has expressed regret at the absence of several Pacific countries at the inaugural summit with China. Sir Rabbie who's attending the summit that...

Urwin says new Chinese economic pact will help implement Pacific Plan.
April 6, 2006... 06 APRIL 2006 NADI, FIJI (Pacnews) --- Pacific Islands Forum secretary general, Greg Urwin says the new economic pact some Forum members have signed with China will be pursued in concert with the region's Pacific Plan. Mr Urwin told...

Australian academics question why Vanuatu was chosen for the MCC funds.
April 7, 2006... 06 APRIL 2006 SUVA (Pacnews) ---- A decision by the United States to award Vanuatu US$65.6million from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) fund has been questioned by two Australian academics, Professor Helen Hughes and Gaurav Sodhi. ...

First election results announced.
April 7, 2006... 06 APRIL 2006 HONIARA (Pacnews) --- The first result in the national general elections has been announced. MP for North New Georgia, Job Duddley Tausinga was elected unopposed the second time since he was first elected into parliament many...

French Polynesia assures medical tests for nuclear veteran.
April 7, 2006... 06 APRIL 2006 PAPEETE (Pacnews) --- French minister for overseas territories, Francois Baroin has assured French Polynesia that former nuclear test veterans of Moruroa and Fangataufa atolls would be given medical tests. Speaking during his...

China, Bougainville in agriculture partnership.
April 7, 2006... 06 APRIL PORT MORESBY (Pacnews) --- China is interested in developing agriculture projects on Bougainville. China's trade representative Steven Lee, representing the China Trade Association, visited Buka and Tinputz this week to see first...

Seasonal work permit pilot extended to September.
April 7, 2006... 06 APRIL 2006 WELLINGTON (Pacnews) -- More overseas workers will be available to meet seasonal labour peaks in the horticulture and viticulture industry this year, says New Zealand's Immigration Minister David Cunliffe. "In December 2005 a...

Fiji's mineral water takes centre stage on French TV show.
April 7, 2006... 06 APRIL 2006 PARIS (Pacnews) --- Fiji's emblematic bottled mineral water, which is already a must-have among world TV and movie stars, has once again taken centre stage earlier this week, this time on French pay TV channel Canal Plus. A...

PACNEWS DIGEST: Pacific economies set for higher growth in 2006-2007, ADB says.
April 7, 2006... 06 APRIL 2006 HONG KONG (Pacnews) --- The 14 Pacific Island Countries that are members of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) are forecast to grow 2.9 percent in 2006 and 3 percent in 2007 on generally favorable conditions for exports, tourism,...

Former Solomon PM wins his electorate seats.
April 7, 2006... 07 APRIL2006 HONIARA (Pacnews) - The former Solomon Islands Prime Minister who was removed from power in the 2000 coup has been returned to Parliament by the people in his electorate. Radio Australia reports that Bartholomew Ulufa'alu...

Education and Tourism to gain from trade between Fiji and China.
April 7, 2006... 07 APRIL 2006 NADI (Pacnews) - Education and tourism are two sectors that stand to gain the most from greater trade between China and Fiji, chief executive officer of the Fiji Islands Trade and Investment Bureau Leilun Khan says. Speaking...

New Caledonia meeting today on Goro nickel crisis.
April 7, 2006... 07 APRIL 2006 NOUMEA(Pacnews)- The French High Commission has called a meeting today to find a solution to a crisis that has shutdown the giant Goro nickel project, Radio New Zealand International reports The destruction of millions of...

Indonesia to object to Papuan asylum.
April 7, 2006... 07 APRIL 2006 JARKATA (Pacnews)- Indonesia wants the opportunity to verify the claims of any future Papuan asylum seekers, a spokesman for the Indonesian embassy in Canberra said, Courier Mail reports. But the embassy has also appeared to...

Tuvalu protest over Taiwan aid money.
April 7, 2006... 07 APRIL2006FUNAFUTI (Pacnews) - Disgruntled members of Tuvalu's Chamber of Commerce are meeting with the Minister of Finance today over the fate of Taiwanese aid money intended for small business. Members marched on parliament house in...

PACNEWS DIGEST: Fiji names teams for Pacific Rugby Cup.
April 7, 2006... 07 APRIL SUVA ---- Fiji Rugby Union's High Performance Manager Peter Murphy has named the full coaching and management teams of the two Fiji sides (the Fiji Warriors and the Fiji Barbarians) to contest the inaugural International Rugby Board...

Indonesians urged to boycott Australian goods.
April 7, 2006... 07 APRIL 2006 JARKATA (Pacnews) - Indonesia importers have called for a boycott of Australian goods to protest against the granting of asylum to 42 West Papuans. On top of that, a politician said he has "evidence" of Australia's support...

Voters register needs to be sorted: Observer.
April 7, 2006... 07 APRIL 2006 HONIARA (Pacnews) - Domestic observers in the Solomon Islands who served in the three Honiara constituencies cited the voters register as the main problem that needs to be addressed, Solomon Star reports "We've observed that...

Musingku camps run out of food.
April 7, 2006... 07 APRIL2006 BUKA(Pacnews)- Food is reported to be running out in Tonu, where scam operator Noah Musingku and his supporters are holed up, and Bougainville leaders have urged people not to bring food to the area in exchange for promises of...

Immigration New Zealand top jobs in the Pacific Announced.
April 7, 2006... 07 APRIL 2006WELLINGTON(Pacnews) - Three well respected and experienced New Zealand public servants officially commenced their new Branch Manager role with Immigration New Zealand branches in Samoa, Tonga and Fiji this week. The three...

Nauru doubtful for Micronesian Games.
April 7, 2006... 07 APRIL 2006 YAREN (Pacnews) - Nauru is seriously considering whether it needs to attend the Micronesian Games in Saipan during June, Radio Australia reports Weightlifting has been dumped from the list of sports codes in competition...

International Observers has endorsed the election in the Solomon Islands.
April 7, 2006... 07 APRIL 2006 HONIARA (Pacnews) - The International election observers has welcomed the conduct of the Solomon Islands election in a peaceful, orderly and lawful way and in a spirit of goodwill and praised the people of Solomon Islands for the...