PNG's Central Province is feeling the brunt of prolonged drought caused by the El Niño weather phase.

Sources told RNZ the 13 passengers ended up stuck in the water for nearly half an hour, many without lifejackets.

The figure represents an increase of about 22 percent since the country's first election under the 2013 Constitution, which Fiji's coalition government is seeking to replace.

Maori Pomeroy Farrell, a 17-year-old little-known aquatic diver, has put Fiji on the global map at the World Junior Diving Championships in Croatia.

There will be no changes to Samoa's current international rugby schedule as discussions on the future management of the game in Samoa continues.

The Northern Mariana Islands' public school system is struggling to retain teachers as a worsening budget crunch forces it to leave vacancies unfilled and educators look elsewhere.

Australian and New Zealand travel industry bodies are urging Fiji to delay a new 5 percent tourism tax, saying travellers with existing bookings could face unexpected additional costs.

The Autonomous Bougainville Government is urging people to prepare for a prolonged drought linked to El Niño.

The 2023 Pacific Games audit report will be handed to Solomon Islands Police for investigation, Solomon Islands Auditor-General David Teika Dennis has confirmed.

Fiji's lawmakers have repealed a 2010 law that opened all surfing breaks to public access, despite opposition criticism that the replacement legislation is "flawed".

There will be "no more Manu Samoa" if the government does not accept a proposed World Rugby review of Lakapi Samoa (Samoa Rugby Union) and the country is subsequently sanctioned.

A whale-watching boat carrying several New Zealand Anglican Church delegates capsized and sank in Tonga on Friday.

Aseta Redican's achievements include establishing the Pacific Heartbeat programme for the New Zealand Heart Foundation, and opening Samoa's first physiotherapy department

The Canterbury first-five, who has recently returned from playing in Japan, has been named to start for the All Blacks against the Lions in Johannesburg on Wednesday morning.

Fiji and Tonga are pursuing alternative fuel supply partnerships and renewable energy options, as both countries seek to strengthen their long-term energy security.

Fiji is now in a generalised HIV epidemic, which means the virus is firmly established and spreading within the general population.