Dr Shane Reti said he's worried there will be an outbreak in Aotearoa this year, which could spread to Pacific nations. Photo: Tom Lee / Stuff
New Zealand/Pacific
New Zealand's health minister says he's shared his concerns about Pasifika being affected by measles to community health providers.
Dr Shane Reti said he's worried there will be an outbreak in Aotearoa this year, which could spread to Pacific nations.
He said he has spoken to Pasifika outreach organisation Fonua Ola about ramping up vaccination.
Dr Reti told Midday Report the government is not currently considering implementing border plans to stop the spread to Pacific countries.
New Zealand was blamed for the spread of the disease which caused the deaths of more than 80 people.
Papua New Guinea - rebuild
The Southern Highlands provincial assembly in Papua New Guinea wants national government help to rebuild their main town, Mendi.
The Post-Courier reports the province's six national MPs for the first time are united for a common cause and that is to rebuilding the province for which they are seeking Port Moresby's help.
Governor William Powi said the "province needs us. Although we come from different political parties, we have forged unity and we are united for the good of our province.
The Southern Highlands leader say they want to show PNG the true colours of Hela, Southern and Enga during the PNG games.
They say they are prepared to host the Games but need funding to get the infrastructure in place and fulfil a plan to spread the games to all districts.
The paper reports the PNG Sports Foundation saying the PNG Games will cost 150 million kina (US$61m) with an additional 50 million kina needed for accommodation.
The MPs say for Southern Highlands to host the Games they will need funding in full to get the necessary infrastructure in place.
Vanuatu - shortage
The people of Torres Islands are reportedly facing a serious shortage of medicine supplies.
It was reported the community relies on a single clinic in Lunhariki village on Loh Island.
A resident who requested anonymity spoke to the Vanuatu Daily Post and said the clinic only had panadol and penicillin tablets left.
The people are asking the government, especially the Ministry of Health, to help.
The Vanuatu Daily Post contacted the Ministry of Health for comment.
Fiji - charged
A Fijian police officer appeared in court on Monday charged with murder.
FBC reported it is alleged the officer beat up a man in Suva earlier this month.
He has been advised that he has 21 days to file an alibi if he wishes to.
The magistrate refused bail due to the seriousness of the offense.
The matter has been transferred to the Suva High Court to be called again on 6 February.
Hockey - Fiji women's
The Fiji women's hockey 5s teams have missed out on a quarterfinal spot at the Hockey 5s World Cup in Oman.
They were held to a 4-all draw with Malaysia in their final group game.
Malaysia came from behind twice to progress to the quarterfinals on superior goal difference.
Fiji bounced back to beat Zambia 6-3 in the playoff for the ninth to 16th, and will face Namibia in their next placing playoff for 9th to 12th.
Fiji and Samoa sevens teams ready for Perth 7s this weekend. Photo: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby
Rugby - Perth 7s
Fiji and Samoa have named their teams for this weekend's Perth Sevens tournament, the first stop on the HSBC Sevens circuit.
Fiji men's coach Ben Gollings has named Waisea Nacuqu, Sevuloni Moceacagi and Josua Vakurinabili.
Manu Samoa coach Muliagatele Brian Lima has called in veteran playmaker Melani Matavao.
Fijiana women's coach Saiyasi Fuli has recalled three senior players for this weekend's tournament.
Fiji and Samoa are in the same pool in the men's competition, along with New Zealand and France, while the Fijiana are in Pool B with Brazil, Spain and France.
The tournament kicks off on Friday with finals scheduled for Sunday.
Weightlifting - festival
Champion Fijian weightlifter Raniela Rainobogi will lead a strong Fiji team to the Weightlifting Festival in Auckland next month.
He will also be attempting to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games.
Fiji weightlifting head coach Henry Elder said they have a team of 13 lifters, including some new and exciting talents who will also compete in Auckland from February 20th to 25th.
The competition will also include the Oceania Championship for youth, junior and senior lifters, plus a Masters' Team competition.
Soccer - Nations' Cup
Tonga Football has started preparations for the OFC Nations' Cup qualifying tournament.
They host Samoa and the Cook Islands in Veitongo in March, with the winner going through to the main tournamant.
Tonga Football started their squad preparation on Wednesday, calling on players who represented the Kingdom at the 2023 Pacific Games in Solomon Islands.
Samoa and the Cook Islands finished ahead of Tonga at the Pacific Games.
Tonga finished 11th overall.
Netball - Cook Islands
Netball Cook Islands has confirmed that Nicol Tiaore has become the latest player to join the Singapore Super Netball League.
Cook Island News reports the young netball rep will leave for Singapore on 14 April.
Association secretary Tekura Moeka'a said Singapore Netball is known for its high-profile competition.
Tiaore is one of six international players selected allocated to the six teams, injecting a global flair into the competition.
Volleyball - Olympics qualification
The Vanuatu women's beach volleyball team will participate in 16 tournaments over the next four to five months, with qualification for the 2024 Olympic Games as their main focus.
Vanuatu Beach Volleyball said the team of Sherysyn Toko and Majabelle Lawac have a busy schedule travelling between Australia, New Zealand and China.
Toko and Lawac are in Australia to compete at the Queensland Championship, having won the Surfers Paradise tournament earlier this month.
The duo will also undergo a four day training camp in Australia under the Australian government's Pacific Aus Sports program.
Toko and Lawac are also scheduled to compete at two New Zealand tour events in mid-February.
