Fiji's government is finalising a comprehensive policy to smooth paths for overseas citizens whose soaring investments and remittances drive the national economy, the country's trade minister says.

A Republican congressman has introduced legislation that would end automatic United States citizenship for many people born in US territories, including the Northern Marianas and Guam.

Vanuatu's weather service has declared a meteorological drought for some northern parts of the country.

A round-up of news from around the region, including Samoan prime minister in New Zealand this week to meet seasonal workers and their families.

The Solomon Islands prime minister arrives in Washington for high-level US talks ahead of a meeting with Japanese prime minister in Tokyo.

An advisory from Vanuatu Tourism issued Monday warns all travellers that ash clouds from the ongoing low-level eruption of the Manaro Voui volcano is affecting flights.

Ioane Naivalarua has explained is recent parliamentary statement about FJ$4 billion worth of illicit drugs being circulated within local communities, clarifying it was "misleading".

A spokesperson for Taiwan's Foreign Ministry says these include reviewing Taiwan's liquefied natural gas (LNG) purchases from Papua New Guinee, the Taipei Times reports.

Pacific leaders and environmental advocates have condemned a US government proposal to advance plans for an offshore mineral lease sale in federal waters off American Samoa.

Fiji police say a man in his 50s has been taken into custody after he "allegedly issued a threat on social media" to remove the country's 2013 Constitution or "burn the nation's capital".

Tonga, the only Pacific Island team at the competition, are in Pool A along with England, South Africa, Malawi and Northern Ireland.

All Blacks complete unbeaten home campaign as Ardie Savea heads to Samoa before South Africa tour, as the Flying Fijians Manu Samoa and 'Ikale Tahi fall short.

Analysis: Pacific civil society is questioning what is happening to the Ocean of Peace initiative in this fraught geopolitical era.

A month-long expedition is currently underway aboard the research vessel Kaharoa II to establish a critical environmental baseline of the Cook Islands vast t exclusive economic zone.