Fiji

First mission to the Pacific since Covid-19 led by New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni

Sepuloni, who is also the Associate Foreign Affairs Minister for the Pacific, left for Solomon Islands, Fiji and Tonga on Sunday.

It would be an invaluable opportunity to strengthen New Zealand’s relationships and reaffirm the commitment to working alongside Pacific whānau to respond to challenges, Sepuloni said.

The region was the government’s “foreign policy priority”, Sepuloni said.

“We proudly take a Pacific-led approach to solving the issues facing the region, not least to mention, climate change.

Fiji and Vanuatu finish first Futsal Cup 2023 in a 2-all draw

Ratu Kaliova Dau and Mohammed Ramzan scored for Fiji while Kemly Lehi scored both the goals for Vanuatu.

In other matches today, New Caledonia will be facing the Solomon Islands at 7pm (Fiji Time) while Vanuatu will face the Solomon Islands at 4pm (Fiji Time) followed by the game between Fiji and New Caledonia also at 7pm (Fiji Time).

New Caledonia will face Vanuatu at 4pm (Fiji Time) on Friday followed by Fiji taking on the Solomon Islands at 7pm (Fiji Time) reportts FijiVillage.

Fiji nightclub hours under scrutiny due to increase in 'brawls, robberies, attacks'

Reports of a hike violence and criminal activities around popular nightlife areas have raised alarms bells for local authorities.

The move by the government comes following the death of a 26-year-old man died outside a nightclub in Suva last month.

RNZ Pacific reports Police confirmed the man died after sustaining injuries during an assault and two men have been charged with murder.

Fiji to scrap Media Industry Development Act

During a post-cabinet press conference yesterday, Rabuka said Cabinet has approved the tabling of a Bill to repeal the Act as a whole.

He said the decision is pursuant to the coalition government’s commitment to the growth and development of a strong and independent news media in the country.

"It has been said that 'media freedom and freedom of expression is the oxygen of democracy'," he said.

"These fundamental freedoms are integral to enable the people to hold their government accountable."

Fiji set to play France and England in pre-World Cup warm ups

Due to the impact of COVID-19, the Flying Fijians have only played in 11 Tests since the end of the last tournament in Japan.

But recently-appointed head coach Simon Raiwalui has revealed a far-reaching, five-match itinerary that involves games against three of the top 10 teams in the world rankings.

“We’ve got Tonga in Fiji on the 22nd (July) in Lautoka, Samoa in Apia on the 29th – I think it’ll be the first test match in Samoa for a number of years so that’ll be a good occasion – and Japan in Japan on the 5th (of August),” he said.

Pacific Island Food Revolution season 3 starts with seafood delights

PasifikaTV is excited to be broadcasting the series to the Pacific in what is sure to be another delicious celebration of vibrant food from across the region that highlights the passion and skill of the people making it.

Teams of two will be representing the Kingdom of Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa, and Papua New Guinea.

Season 3 will take place over six episodes, displaying the skills of contestants while also educating viewers on how food can be used to address issues the Pacific is facing including obesity, stunting, diabetes and climate change.

Fiji's Bainimarama granted bail, ordered to remain in country

Both men have pleaded not guilty to one count each of abuse of office.

RNZ Pacific reports Magistrate Seini Puamau has set bail at $FJ10,000 (over $NZ7,000), according to local media reports.

Bainimarama and Qiliho have also been ordered not to leave the country and to reside at a permanent address.

Magistrate Puamau also ordered them not to interfere with witnesses.

They are next expected in court on May 11.

Vanuatu PM Ishmael Kalsakau meets with Fiji PM

The meeting enabled the two leaders to discuss the current areas of cooperation and consolidate a way forward to further enhance the levels of cooperation.

Prime Minister Rabuka said Fiji places great importance on its relations with Vanuatu and there are common interest on the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) bloc - currently chaired by Vanuatu.

He said Fiji looks forward to working closely with MSG to advance the development of our Pacific family.

Fiji passes baton to the Cook Islands

"As I handover the baton, I know that we are in good hands as we paddle our drua (canoe) to achieve our collective aspirations," said Rabuka in his final statement as outgoing Forum chair.

The chairmanship has been transferred to the Cook Islands who will host the 52nd PIF summit later this year.

Cook Islands Prime Minister, Mark Brown, has promised to keep the region's "unity intact".

'Fracture is history' - Pacific leaders commit to PIF reforms

Stepping back into the fold Kiribati president, Taneti Maamau, inked the final signature on the Suva Agreement ending two years of uncertainty and marking the start of a new chapter for Pacific solidarity.

"In unity we will surely succeed," President Taneti Maamau told RNZ Pacific.

"We have a duty as Pacific family to keep us together and to meet the challenges together," he added.

The reforms deemed "non-negotiables" include the endorsement of Micronesian candidates for certain regional roles and the establishment of two sub-regional offices in the north Pacific.