Author: TMC Palau

Overview: Nauru Airlines has quietly removed Koror and Pohnpei from its North Pacific Connector route, ending scheduled services to Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia from early July. The move leaves questions over regional air connectivity and whether the routes will return in the future. BRISBANE/YAREN, 13 JULY 2026 (CHAVIATION)—Nauru Airlines has ended scheduled services to Pohnpei and Koror, revising its weekly North Pacific Connector route from 03 July 2026.   The airline’s published timetable now shows the B737-300 service operating between Brisbane International, Nauru, Tarawa, and Majuro, without the previous extension to Micronesia and Palau.   The revised schedule is…

[Source: Fiji Rugby/ Facebook] The Fiji Water Flying Fijians Nations Championship campaign ended in defeat as Scotland overturned a halftime deficit to win 33–17 in the final round clash. The Flying Fijians made a blistering start, with Tevita Ikanivere crashing over in the 15th minute and Selestino Ravutaumada following three minutes later. Elia Canakaivata added a third try in the 33rd minute, converted by Isaiah Armstrong Ravula, to give Fiji a commanding 17–7 lead at the break after Scotland’s Jonny Gray had opened the scoring in the 13th minute. The second half, however, belonged to Scotland. Pierre Schoeman powered over…

Overview: Behind every can of tuna and every export shipment is a little-known group of workers risking their lives to protect one of the Pacific’s most valuable resources. Fisheries observers board commercial vessels for months at a time to monitor catches, expose illegal fishing practices and safeguard the future of the region’s $40 billion tuna industry — a job many describe as one of the world’s most dangerous professions. HONIARA, 13 JULY 2026 (SBS)—According to fisheries officials in the Pacific, one of the most difficult to pin down breaches when it comes to overfishing is the ability to monitor catch…

[Source: File] Representing Fiji alongside her younger sister has made this Fiji Pearls campaign even more special for Nanise Waqaira. The national representative says she is proud to see younger sister Eseta Waqaira earn an opportunity in the Pearls environment, with both siblings now sharing the experience of representing their family and community on the national stage. “I’m really proud because she’s my younger sister and coming from my family, we’re pretty much the only ones that have reached that stage and that environment.” Waqaira says wearing the national colours together is a moment their family will cherish.Article continues after…

[Photo: FILE] Approximately 194 residents of Qauia Settlement have accessed free health services during a four-day outreach programme by Medical Services Pacific. The initiative brought essential medical care closer to the community, offering free eye and ear checks, HIV testing, and consultations on breast and prostate cancer awareness. Community members say the programme has improved access to healthcare while encouraging more people to prioritise regular health checks. Lami District Officer Taufa Qoro says turnout has exceeded expectations since the first day.Article continues after advertisement “But through this awareness, through this program, you know, people come out in numbers asking questions,…

China has pledged to deepen military-to-military cooperation with Fiji, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening bilateral defence ties as both countries seek to contribute to peace and stability in the Pacific. Speaking at the 99th anniversary celebration of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army in Suva night, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Fiji Wang Yuan says military relations remain a key pillar of the China-Fiji partnership. “Military-to-military relations are a vital cornerstone of our bilateral relations” He states China is prepared to expand practical defence cooperation with Fiji through closer engagement and mutual learning.Article continues after advertisement…

Overview: Immunisation coverage across the Western Pacific has stabilised after the COVID-19 pandemic, but new estimates from WHO and UNICEF warn that progress remains uneven, leaving nearly 1.7 million babies without even a first routine vaccine dose in 2025. Health officials are urging governments to accelerate efforts to meet global vaccination targets by 2030 and prevent future outbreaks of measles, polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases. MANILA, 16 JULY 2026 (WHO PACIFIC) — New WHO and UNICEF estimates reveal that while overall immunisation coverage in the Western Pacific region has stabilised following the COVID-19 pandemic, progress remains uneven and far too…

[Source: File] The 2026 Super Rugby W final will be held in at the 4R Stadium Govind Park in Ba. This has been confirmed by the Fijian Drua following the Super W semifinal in Lautoka. The Drua defeated Queensland Reds 31-5 in their semifinal clash. It will be the first time in the competition history for Fiji to host the final.Article continues after advertisement Our Drua finished at the top of competition points standings which gave them the opportunity to host a semifinal. Now that they’ve won their semifinal, they are going to host the final. The Super W final…

[Photo: FILE] The $25 million Racecourse Hotels and Apartments Project is expected to boost economic activity in Ba. This development will provide jobs, sports accommodation, and a tourism hub. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the project will generate new economic opportunities and contribute to long-term growth in Ba and the wider Western Division. “As Fiji’s towns continue to grow, so too does the need for quality housing, reliable infrastructure, modern public services, and greater investment. These are foundations of vibrant communities and a strong economy.”Article continues after advertisement Rabuka says this project will boost economic activity in the Western Division…

[Source: OFC Media ] Fiji secured first place in Group A and advanced to the semi-finals of the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship after a commanding 3-0 victory over Papua New Guinea in a decisive group-stage clash. With both teams entering the match unbeaten, the stakes were high: the winner would claim top spot and boost their chances of making history. Fiji wasted no time asserting dominance, as winger **Zaman Shah** stunned the home crowd by curling a corner directly into the net in the sixth minute. Papua New Guinea’s hopes suffered a major blow when Jau Eron was sent off…