Author: TMC Palau
Nicholas Galitzine [Photo Credit: AAP News] Masters Of The Universe star Nicholas Galitzine wants his modern take on superhero He-Man to feel “accessible” and have a “sensitivity” to him that the macho character did not have in the original series. The British actor, 31, stars in the upcoming reboot as Prince Adam who, after being sent to live on earth as a baby, uncovers his destiny as superhero and alter ego He-Man, the protector of his home planet Eternia. Centring around the origin story of He-Man, it follows the superhero as he prepares for battle to defend his planet from…
[Photo Credit: Reuters] The trial of a 21-year-old man over a foiled Islamist attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna in 2024 enters its final day on Thursday, with the defendant, Beran A, having already pleaded guilty to the main charges including terrorism-related offences. Beran A, whose last name has not been made public in accordance with Austrian privacy rules, was arrested on August 7, 2024, the day before the first of three planned concerts by the U.S. pop star in the Austrian capital. All three dates were then cancelled, to the dismay of fans and of Swift, who…
Heavy qualification requirements set by development partners in procurement bidding are making it difficult for local practitioners in the Pacific to secure major infrastructure contracts. While Pacific companies say they often submit stronger technical proposals and more competitive pricing, many are losing out due to strict “tick-box” qualification criteria. In some cases, turnover requirements of close to $100 million are being applied, which smaller regional firms say is unrealistic and restricts their ability to compete for large-scale projects. Hatanga Ltd, a civil engineering and construction company in the Solomon Islands, says it is frequently unable to bid for donor-funded projects…
Foreign Minister Winston Peters said a highly active and effective foreign policy is called for in what he called the most adverse and contested geostrategic environment of the past 80 years. Photo: RNZ Pacific Budget 2026 will see more foreign aid to the Pacific region, while defence and customs spending rises with an eye towards crime and security. But Pacific-focussed policy work will be cut as the government seeks to reduce the size of the public sector, as the Ministry for Pacific Peoples (MPP) will see a $2.8 million cut over four years. The Ministry previously saw a significant cut…
[File Photo] The McDonald’s Fiji Drua Women are making key adjustments ahead of Sunday’s second pre-season trial against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane. Head Coach Mike Legge is reshuffling his squad as the side looks to build combinations and test depth before the new season. The clash at Ballymore Stadium will be the Drua Women’s first return to the venue since the Reds ended their 2025 campaign in the semifinals, adding extra motivation for the visitors. Legge has named a 27-member trial squad, bringing back lock Mereoni Nakesa and utility forward Salaseini Railumu from injury as the side continues fine-tuning…
[File Photo] Government support for Extra Bula FC’s participation in the inaugural OFC Pro League was strongly advocated in Parliament this morning. Member of Parliament Joseph Nand calls for direct funding and tax incentives to help Fiji’s first professional football franchise. During his end-of-week statement, Nand described the Oceania Football Pro League as a “turning point” for football in the Pacific, saying Bula FC could create jobs, develop young players and strengthen national pride. Nand compared the opportunity to the success of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua.Article continues after advertisement He says football fans across the country could unite behind…
Two of the three tertiary students charged in the murder case at Nauluvatu Settlement earlier this year have been discharged. This as the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has filed a Nolle Prosequi at the Suva High Court this morning. Charges against second and third accused Alexander Leweniqila and Manoa Vakavuniwalu have been terminated, while the charge against first accused Aisake Lovobalavu has been reduced from murder to manslaughter. The trio were initially charged in relation to the alleged killing of a 30-year-old man whose body was discovered at Nauluvatu Settlement in Samabula in March.Article continues after advertisement…
Joseph Vaa, 27, admitted gunning down “Coconut Cartel” ringleader Lorenzo Lemalu Tovia outside a restaurant on 21 May. Vaa’s associate, Steve Tofa, 23, has confessed to being his accomplice in the shooting. Photo: Screengrab / 7NEWS Sydney Samoa police have launched an investigation into a bizarre international case involving two Samoan men who have appeared on Vietnamese television confessing to the murder of a Sydney gang leader in Ho Chi Minh City. The Samoa Observer reported that Joseph Vaa, 27, admitted gunning down suspected “Coconut Cartel” ringleader Lorenzo Lemalu Tovia outside a restaurant on 21 May. Vaa’s associate, Steve Tofa,…
Sixteen school heads have returned to work. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro confirms that the 16 heads of schools who were reporting to the Ministry of Education headquarters at the beginning of the year have now returned to their respective schools. Radrodro says the school heads had been directed to report to headquarters due to allegations of misconduct and referrals made by divisional education officers, the Director of Human Resources and deputy secretaries. Opposition MP Hem Chand had asked the Minister through a written parliamentary question to clarify the number of teachers reporting to Ministry headquarters and district education offices.Article continues…
[File Photo] Hooker Zuriel Togiatama will create another piece of history for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua tomorrow night when he becomes just the sixth player to reach 50 caps for the club in their final 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific match against the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Togiatama, who celebrated his 49th appearance with his first-ever try last week, will achieve the milestone in Round 16 clash as the Drua look to finish their season strongly away from home. The experienced hooker headlines several changes to the matchday 23, with Isikeli Rabitu shifting to…