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.

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

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.

Pacific Island countries, which primarily rely on oil to meet their energy needs, are starting to feel the effects of the United States and Israel's war on Iran.

Manasa Mataele will have the chance to play against some of his former teammates at his old hunting ground when the Fijian Drua takes on Crusaders on Friday.

A round-up of news from around the region, including a woman being investigated after getting caught trying to smuggle gold in her bra at Port Moresby International Airport.

A UN committee has given recommendations to the Marshall Islands and Samoa on how to improve their adherence to rights for disabled people.

New Zealand will resume about $29.8 million in annual funding to the Cook Islands as the two countries sign a defence and security declaration.

The country's highest-ranking judge found Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo guilty of bribery involving a voter on the eve of last year's general election.

An estimated 2500 pro-France supporters took to the streets in downtown Nouméa, brandishing tricolour blue-white-red flags and denouncing what they described as "second-class citizens" treatment.

Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says the coalition government's National Referendum Bill to amend the 2013 Constitution is "dissuading" Fijians from participating in the democratic process.

The Fiji Rugby Union announced the news this afternoon.

The price spike comes just two weeks after Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka assured the public that there would be no rise in fuel costs.

Public utility services are slowly being restored in Vanuatu's north after a big earthquake.

Tui Kamikamica, who plays for the Melbourne Storm, is recovering in hospital following his admission early this week for what medical staff said was a suspected stroke.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters will visit the Cook Islands on Wednesday for talks with Prime Minister Mark Brown.

A round-up of news from around the region, including new Green Climate Fund developments in the Pacific.