New Zealand Pacific
Tue, 14 Jul 2026 12:15:03 +1200Pacific news in brief for 14 July
A round-up of news from around the region, including authorities in Palau laying out preparation plans for hosting the 2026 Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Koror.
Tue, 14 Jul 2026 10:53:59 +1200
Faith and family keep All Black George Bower grounded
Feature: From Taita in Lower Hutt, Wellington, to the Test arena, how George Bower's faith and family have allowed him to keep his All Blacks dream ticking.
Mon, 13 Jul 2026 16:14:57 +1200
Dilapidated infrastructure blamed for fatal PNG prison escape attempt
The Papua New Guinea Correctional Service confirms three prisoners have been killed in the Western Highlands after they tried to "jump over the fence" at Baisu Correctional Institution Services.
Mon, 13 Jul 2026 15:56:01 +1200
Chinese embassy in Kiribati accuses critics of 'double standards' over missile test
The Chinese Embassy in Kiribati has accused some countries of "double standards" in their criticism of China's testing of a nuclear-capable missile in the South Pacific last week.
Mon, 13 Jul 2026 09:15:18 +1200
Fiji Police confirm 76 washed-up parcels tested positive for cocaine
The Fiji Police Force is liaising with the Australian Federal Police (AFP), their Australian counterparts, to ascertain the parcels' source and destination.
Mon, 13 Jul 2026 11:47:18 +1200
Samoa opposition leader says treason inquiry delayed over lack of evidence
Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi claims government plans to investigate him and two senior members of parliament for treason and defamation have stalled due to a lack of evidence.
Mon, 13 Jul 2026 14:50:22 +1200
Fiji's rising handball stars ready to take on the world
A 12-member Fiji Women's Under-18 handball team is set to become the first-ever Pacific Island nation to compete at the International Handball Federation Women's Youth World Championship.
Mon, 13 Jul 2026 11:42:19 +1200
Rugby: Winless weekend for Fiji, Samoa and Tonga as they suffer triple setback
The Pacific sides were outclassed by England, Georgia and Spain in the Nations Championship and World Rugby Nations Cup competitions over the weekend.
Thu, 09 Jul 2026 22:01:09 +1200
Palau's President warns of rising nuclear anxiety in the Pacific, after China missile test
Surangel Whipps Jr says countries of the wider Pacific region need to work together to reduce geopolitical tensions and the risk of nuclear conflict.
Fri, 10 Jul 2026 13:21:00 +1200
Pro-France Virginie Ruffenach elected New Caledonia Congress president
Pro-France Virginie Ruffenach has been elected as the new New Caledonia Congress president under a "governance" coalition struck on Thursday.
Fri, 10 Jul 2026 13:02:43 +1200
Former coup leader re-enters Fiji political debate with challenge to immunity and national identity
George Speight, a former coup frontman who spent more than two decades in a maximum-security prison, is calling on the perpetrators of Fiji's past political upheavals to confess.
Mon, 13 Jul 2026 12:51:19 +1200
Three shot dead, five injured, two on the run in Papua New Guinea prison escape - reports
Local media in Papua New Guinea are reporting that three prisoners were shot dead and five others critically injured during a prison escape on Sunday.
Mon, 13 Jul 2026 05:59:03 +1200
Kiri Te Kanawa Song Quest winner announced
A 19-year-old Tongan countertenor from Auckland is the 2026 Kiri Te Kanawa Song Quest winner.
Sat, 11 Jul 2026 16:31:13 +1200
Recap: All Blacks v Italy rugby Nations Championship
Coach Dave Rennie said they won't be taking Italy lightly, despite the fact the Italians have never beaten the All Blacks.