RNZ Pacific

Samoa's new government has found itself at odds with journalists over whether the state is attempting to stifle press freedom in the country.

More than 300 workers at Vanuatu's main hospital have returned to work following a spat with the Public Service Commission over unpaid earthquake allowances.

As of Friday morning, two people have put their hand up for the top job, but these are not publicly known.

The unauthorised sale of medical drugs remains a serious and persistent concern in Papua New Guinea, undermining the availability of essential medicines in health facilities. Audio

A New Zealand-based Tongan immunologist says vigilance around measles spread is particularly important as families prepare to travel over the Christmas period.

Oceania football fans are set to be treated with much-anticipated regional professional club competition, set to begin in January 2026.

New Zealand has reported around 30 measles cases, while Australia has recorded 162 cases this year.

The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission has agreed to a management procedure for South Pacific albacore tuna.

After two rounds in Dubai and Cape Town, Fiji, South Africa and New Zealand all have 38 points in the men's standings.

The creator of a self-described "non-registered brand" in its infancy wants the Fijian government to legalise the use and cultivation of marijuana in the country.

The next stop on the HSBC SVNS Series is South Africa, with the tournament kicking off on Saturday night. Audio

A report from UNICEF and Fiji's Children's Ministry says nearly 30 percent of children in the country are living in multidimensional poverty.

Sitiveni Rabuka took to the witness stand for the first time on Friday, fronting a Truth and Reconciliation Commission in a much-anticipated national healing process.

The Republic of Fiji Military Forces has offered a formal traditional apology to the country's Great Council of Chiefs for its role in past political turmoil.

"The cost of violence is not only emotional - it is national."

The Ministry of Health says the traveller, who is a close contact of a New Zealand measles case, arrived in the country on 22 November.

The Tongans have Australia, England, South Africa, Malawi and Northern Ireland in their pool.

The first round of matches will be held at Eden Park in Auckland, starting mid-January 2026.

The Commercial Use of Marine Areas Bill 2025 has been given the all-clear to be tabled in parliament, which resumed on Monday.

The French territory will take on Jamaica in the play-off tournament semifinal. If they win, they will play Democratic Republic of Congo for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

While more than 64,700 had registered to vote, only those in the country could vote as there are no overseas voting provisions under the kingdom's electoral laws.

Fiji Rugby says the new competition guarantees regular world-class test rugby. Audio

A round-up of news from around the region, including no-confidence motion filed against Vanuatu prime minister deemed not in order.

The non-governmental organisation, which supports vulnerable women and children, said it is "deeply honoured" to receive the news from Buckingham Palace.

The National Disaster Risk Management Office is advising people to keep up-to-date with official weather reports and to avoid crossing flooded roads, crossings or walkways.