An Air Vanuatu aircraft at Tontouta Photo: Hilaire Bule
Vanuatu - aviation
Many Air Vanuatu flights remain grounded, with the airline's Boeing still awaiting parts.
Air Vanuatu said most international flights to and from Brisbane, Sydney and Auckland will not be operational until Thursday at the earliest.
The airline has reached out to partner airlines for support in flying the affected passengers, and some limited services are expected to be added to its schedule on its website.
It has brought in a fully flexible change policy with no fees, and offers a full refund for guests cancelling their travel.
Marianas - marine sanctuary
The Northern Marianas wants to be consulted about US president Joe Biden's proposed marine sanctuary expansion.
Governor Arnold Palacios told the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council the proposed marine sanctuary encompasses habited Pacific Island nations.
He says he is not opposed to conservation and management measures, but that "we need to start talking, respecting and considering the consequences of our decisions".
American Samoa delegate Amata Radewagen has said Biden's announcement equates to "conservation by confiscation without consultation".
COP28 - emissions
The United Arab Emirates argued against more ambitious climate targets at the International Maritime Organisation last week, according to witnesses, raising concerns for the country hosting COP28.
UAE's representative at the event, Mohamed Khamis Saeed AlKaabi, joined nations like China, India and Brazil in opposing a 2050 zero emissions target and pushing for the target to be to "aim for net zero, preferably by mid-century, and to phase-out emissions before the end of the century".
A spokesperson for the UAE's COP28 presidency told media the negotiations at that meeting were outside of their scope.
But they said the COP28 UAE presidency sees a substantial and important role for industries, including shipping, to deliver action to keep the 1.5 degree temperature limit alive.
Papua - media
Independent journalist organisations and church groups in Indonesia have formed a working group to ensure protection for media personnel in West Papua.
UCA News reports the strife-torn eastern region in Indonesia is ranked 33rd among the country's 34 provinces under the Press Freedom Index.
The Alliance of Independent Journalists, which formed the working group, said the initiative was sparked by concerns over cases of violence against journalists in Papua.
According to the Alliance, 11 cases of attacks against journalists were registered in Papua between 2021 and March 2023.
Samoa - drugs
Recent raids by Samoan police have found hard drugs including methamphetamine.
A man and his son were arrested and charged following a raid at Falelauniu Tai.
In a statement, police confirmed that a plastic bag containing meth, marijuana leaves, marijuana seeds and electronic devices was found at the suspects' residence.
Another raid at Vaimoso resulted in four men being placed in custody after stolen items and drugs were found.
All suspects are due to appear in court on April 17.
French Polynesia - court case
An alleged prostitution case in French Polynesia will be taken to the court of appeal after the criminal court declared itself incompetent to judge.
In early March, 12 men, including a medical doctor, an intelligence officer, and senior private and public sector administrators, were due to be tried for paying for sex with a 14-year-old.
However, proceedings were abandoned over uncertainty whether a 2021 law applied - a law which defines sex between a minor and a person more than five years older as rape.
The prosecution now wants the appeal court to decide if the same case should be sent back to the criminal court or if a new case is to be made against the 12.
The accused have said they believed the young prostitute was more than 18 years old.
Tonga - ferry
Tonga's inter-island ferry, the MV 'Otuanga'ofa, has departed Auckland after several months of repairs.
Some Tongans in Auckland made use of the opportunity of a shipment fee waiver to send vehicles, boat and goods to their families in the Kingdom.
The 'Otuanga'ofa arrived in Auckland in September 2022 and is expected to arrive back in Tonga on Good Friday.
New Caledonia - flights
Air France and New Caledonia's international carrier have entered a codeshare agreement for flights between Paris and Noumea.
The deal applies to Aircalin flights from Noumea to Singapore and Air France flights between Singapore and Paris.
The service runs three times a week.
