Author: TMC Palau

Photo: USGS / Screenshot The threat of a tsunami risk to New Zealand is being assessed after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake in the Philippines. The National Emergency Management Agency is assessing the danger. NEMA and and GNS Science are assessing whether the earthquake has created a tsunami that could affect New Zealand. The quake struck at a depth of 63km at Mindanao, NEMA says. The USGNS is reported the quake at a magnitude 7.8. It had earlier been reported as 8.2. RNZ is New Zealand’s statutory civil defence lifeline radio broadcaster, providing vital information and updates as they come to…

Supplied: FTRC Members Dawasamu chiefs have issued a strong call for Fiji to never experience another coup, saying communities are still suffering from the damage caused by the events of 2000. Appearing before the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Turaga na Ratu of Dawasamu, Ratu Alivereti Wesikana, said the political upheaval destroyed the close relationship that once existed between iTaukei villagers and Indo-Fijian farmers. He told the Commission the community continues to live with the consequences of past wrongdoing and warned against repeating the mistakes of the past. “Sa rauta, the coup should never happen again,” he said.Article continues after…

Housing Minister Maciu Nalumisa commissioned the Tavela Settlement Upgrading Project on Saturday. A long-awaited housing upgrade has transformed life for 74 families in Tavela Settlement, Nadi, bringing improved services and greater security to the community. The Ministry of Housing officially commissioned the Tavela Settlement Upgrading Project on Saturday, marking the completion of major infrastructure works aimed at improving living conditions for residents. For many families who have lived in the settlement for generations, the project represents a new chapter after years of limited access to basic infrastructure and essential services. The upgraded settlement now features Fiji Roads Authority-standard roads, footpaths,…

National Federation Party Member of Parliament and Deputy Speaker, Lenora Qereqeretabua. [Photo: NATIONAL FEDERATION PARTY/ FACEBOOK] National Federation Party Member of Parliament and Deputy Speaker, Lenora Qereqeretabua, says the party must start preparing a new generation of leaders to ensure its future success. Qereqeretabua says leadership renewal is important if the party is to remain strong, relevant and competitive in the years ahead. She made the comments at the NFP Working Committee meeting in Ra over the weekend. “We must ensure that the future direction of the party is not determined by circumstance or by crisis, but by thoughtful planning…

[Photo: FILE] Sugarcane farmers have long been ill-treated, and this cannot continue anymore. This was the strong message from National Farmers Union General Secretary Mahendra Chaudhary at a cane farmers meeting in Ba yesterday. Chaudhary expressed deep concern over what he described as the ongoing poor treatment of farmers at milling sites, saying they are often treated “like animals.” He pointed to last season’s disruptions, including the fire-related breakdown at the Rarawai Sugar Mill and operational issues at the Lautoka Sugar Mill, which left farmers waiting for extended periods without proper support.Article continues after advertisement Chaudhary said that during these…

This article reports on ongoing monitoring of mobile internet prices in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and shows that prices remained stable throughout 2025. This policy-relevant research is taking place amid significant communication infrastructure developments. In December 2025, PNG’s acting communication minister announced an early Christmas gift for the country: three new undersea cables to be delivered not by Santa’s sleigh but as part of the Pukpuk Connectivity Initiative, an undertaking that sits within the broader bilateral context of the Pukpuk Treaty with Australia. PNG already has three cables enabling internet connectivity: the Pipe Pacific Cable 1 from Guam, which landed…

[Photo: FILE] The latest HIV statistics should serve as a wake-up call for young people across Fiji, with figures revealing that 85 percent of the 117 HIV-related deaths occurred among individuals aged 15 years and above. The data also shows 2,016 new HIV cases recorded last year, the highest ever reported, with a Year 8 student and head girl of Delanamasi Government School reinforcing the need for stronger awareness and prevention. Mere Robanakadavu says issues such as drug use, sharing of needles, and lack of accurate information are contributing to the rise in infections, and young people must take responsibility…

[Photo: SUPPLIED] Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s speedster, Vuiviawa Naduvalo, halfback Terio Veilawa and Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s star, Reapi Ulunisau, made Men’s and Women’s HSBC SVNS Team of the Year. Naduvalo missed out on the Player of the Year award, and it was won by South Africa’s Tristan Leyds. Leyds also made the Team of the Year with Naduvalo, Shilton van Wyk of South Africa, Jeremy Trevithick from Spain, Henry Hutchison, the Australian playmaker and Luciano Gonzalez of Argentina. Fiji-born Kele Lasaqa of New Zealand won the Rookie of the Year award.Article continues after advertisement New Zealand’s Jorja Miller…

Paparo met with Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. to reaffirm the longstanding bilateral partnership between the United States and the Republic of Palau. The two leaders discussed the Compact of Free Association, the legal and diplomatic framework that underpins the relationship between the two nations. The 2023 Compact Review Agreement, which entered into force in 2024, commits $889 million over 20 years to support Palau’s development in health, education, infrastructure, and security reflecting the depth of U.S. commitment to Palau’s sovereignty and long-term prosperity.   During the visit, Paparo toured the restored airfield on Peleliu, rehabilitated by Marines and Sailors…

[Source: Supplied] Fiji’s Bordeaux Sevens campaign ended with disappointment in both the men’s and women’s competitions, as they fell to the United States and France in their respective 5th-place playoffs. Fiji’s men’s team fell just short against the USA, losing 17–14 after a dramatic turnaround. Fiji struck first when Viwa Naduvalo crossed in the 2nd minute and added a second try in the 6th, with conversions from Naduvalo and Terio Veilawa giving them a 14–0 halftime lead. The second half belonged to the Americans. David Still powered over in the 12th minute, followed quickly by Will Chevalier’s try in the…