Severe Tropical Cyclone Maila has been upgraded to a Category Four system, as it hovers over the Solomon Sea.

The Autonomous Bougainville Government is advising residents of Buka and surrounding areas that wind speeds from the category 3 severe tropical cyclone will increase.

Fijian authorities are advising people to avoid flooded areas and take necessary precautions.

The threat of load shedding is back on the table in the Northern Mariana Islands as surging fuel prices drive up costs for the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation by about US$140,000 per day.

Fourteen members of French Polynesia's ruling party Tavini Huiraatira have walked out.

Reports from West Papua say several people were shot dead in Dogiyai regency in an apparent retaliatory attack after a policeman was killed.

A Constitutional Reform Bill dedicated to New Caledonia was rejected on Thursday by the French National Assembly (Lower House) without debate.

A contingency fund of more than NZ$1.5 million for Fiji citizens stuck in the the Middle East has been approved.

Maila and Vaianu have reached category 3 severe tropical cyclone status.

A new defence and security pact with Aotearoa has been welcomed in the Cook Islands while providing what a regional expert describes as clarity over issues that led to a breakdown in relations.

Strong winds and heavy rain associated with Tropical Cyclone Maila are impacting parts of Western Province in Solomon Islands.

Fiji's Education Ministry has announced all schools will remain closed as Tropical Depression Vaianu strengthens.

Tropical Cyclone Maila strengthens to a category 3 as a new cyclone forms near Fiji.

Fijian Drua captain Isoa Nasilasila has admitted the Crusaders just had too much power and precision.

The Pacific Business Brief tracks the capital, trade and trends shaping the regional economy.

In a wide-ranging interview with Pacific Waves, the Tongan PM covered everything from the fuel crisis caused by the war in the Middle East to this year's Rugby League World Cup.

Fiji's National Disaster Risk Management Office is urging the public to remain alert as a tropical depression continues to develop.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology says Tropical Cyclone Maila is now a category 2 storm.