Margot Staunton

In Fiji, a new chief from an eminent dynasty emerged before the crowds, shrouded in silence, accompanied only by the sound of birds. Audio

A Fijian political commentator predicts "it's likely" the "humble" son of Fiji's first prime minister "will be approached" to enter politics once he gains chiefly status. Audio

Barbara Malimali - described as "universally corrupt" by the commissioner of the inquiry - was suspended by Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka on 29 May.

They're being honoured during historic ceremonies to confer three chiefly titles on the son of Fiji's first prime minister, who spent more than a decade exiled in Nuku'alofa.

Police in Papua New Guinea say the country's overrun courts and prisons are behind mass breakouts from police custody.

Canterbury University's distinguished professor Steven Ratuva says the convicted former prime minister faces significant legal barriers to making a comeback. Audio

In its latest attempt to oust Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, Samoa's FAST Party is taking legal action to try and secure an early general election.

A well-placed source in the Samoan police says officers want their power to carry firearms widened. Audio

The Fijian Justice Minister has reminded all public office holders and civil servants "to remain mindful of their conduct and to uphold discipline at all times".

"There is a groundswell of support. Whenever we walk down the street, people reach out and say the country needs him."

A motion of no confidence in Solomon Islands prime minister Jeremiah Manele has been submitted to parliament.

Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has criticised Sitiveni Rabuka's administration, saying it is putting its political survival ahead of the people's needs.

The supreme law of the land effectively legalises dictatorship, according to one of the deputy prime ministers of the island nation. Audio

Manoa Kamikamica, one of Fiji's deputy prime ministers, says Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is the best man to rebuild Fiji after "sixteen years of dictatorship".

Manoa Kamikamica told RNZ Pacific that suggestions that he was trying to discredit the prime minister is "absolute nonsense".

The Labour Party leader made the comment after Sitiveni Rabuka did a u-turn on restoring a backbencher to Cabinet who he demoted after she appeared in a private video dancing naked.

Photos of Sitiveni Rabuka flaunting the gold bling have been circulating on socia media and one former prime minister is demanding answers.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka won enough support in parliament last week to push through a bill for the second reading to amend the constitution.

Fiji's Prime Minister is set to restore a backbencher to cabinet after she appeared in a private video dancing naked.

Griffith University Adjunct Associate Professor Dr Tess Newton Cain says Jotham Napat, who is a seasoned politician, is the right man for the job. But his coalition "has a big job ahead". Audio

Lynda Tabuya, whose private video of her dancing naked was leaked online, spoke out at a Safer Internet Day event on Wednesday, saying her "attackers sole purpose was to crucify her".

The editor of a blogsite known for exposing political corruption is threatening to counter-sue former Fijian Cabinet minister who appeared in a private video dancing naked.

Mahendra Chaudhry questions how the Commission can remain impartial when it is being financed by the European Union (EU), Australia and New Zealand.

Lynda Tabuya is taking legal action against Victor Lal, a veteran Fijian journalist who now resides in London. Audio

The former Fijian prime minister says Sitiveni Rabuka's idea to come clean about past coups was pointless.