Papua New Guinea police Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
Papua New Guinea - violence
The District Administrator for Kompiam in Enga, Papua New Guinea, says the disciplinary forces in the province must make some arrests to send a strong message that people will be jailed if they continue fighting.
James Timil told the Post-Courier that Enga men fear jail more than death.
He was supporting an earlier call by the Catholic Bishop of Enga, Justin Soongie, who urged police to start arresting the warlords and those were facilitating the gun violence in the province.
Last week in Kompiam, two people being treated for wounds at the local hospital were shot dead in their beds.
Timil said the Kompiam District Hospital has resumed operations.
Tonga - mining
Tonga's Lands, Survey, Planning, and Natural Resources Minister, Dr 'Uhilamoelangi Fasi, has called for a responsible and collaborative approach to deep-sea mining, warning that decisions made today will shape the future of the Pacific.
Speaking at the Deep-Sea Minerals Technical Meeting at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva, Fasi emphasised that the region must balance economic opportunities with environmental stewardship.
Fasi said while some governments see it as a new economic frontier, others fear long-term damage to marine ecosystems.
He said discussions must be grounded in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, which highlights regional unity, sustainability, and respect for sovereignty.
Fiji - seasonal workers
Fiji's High Commissioner to Wellington, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, has encouraged Fijian seasonal workers in New Zealand to stick to the terms of their contracts.
The High Commission office said Kubuabola met with 26 Fijian workers, employed by RJ Flowers in Hastings, at the weekend.
This is part of a series of regular engagements organized by the Fiji High Commission in Wellington in collaboration with Fiji Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations.
Kubuabola said there are more than 900 Fijian workers participating in the recognised seasonal employer (RSE) scheme in New Zealand.
Niue - Convention against Corruption
Niue is taking part in an Implementation Review of the United Nations Convention against Corruption.
The review will focus on preventative measures and asset recovery.
The government said the implementation review panel members have travelled to Niue to provide insights and recommendations, strengthening Niue's efforts in transparency, governance, and anti-corruption reforms.
Pacific - court
Two new memorandum of understanding have been signed between the courts of Solomon Islands, Australia, and Papua New Guinea.
Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer represented the High Court of Solomon Islands, while the Federal Court of Australia was represented by Chief Justice Debra Mortimer, and the Supreme Court of PNG was represented by Chief Justice Sir Gibuna Gibbs Salika.
Australia's High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Rod Hilton, said the agreements will see new training, mentoring and fellowship opportunities.
