RNZ Pacific

Fiji's highest court began hearing a constitutional case on Monday, brought by the Fijian government regarding making changes to the supreme law of the country.

The recent move by Tonga's Legislative Assembly to pass legislation that transfers oversight of two key ministries from democratic control to the King has split opinion among Tongans.

Prime Minister James Marape said the name should be driven by a motive that reflects national unity, positive growth, and a strong partnership with Australia.

New legislation passed by Tonga's parliament could give the King Tupou VI significantly more say in the country's foreign affairs.

Schools in Samoa are closed for a third straight week due to the outbreak. Audio

Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are scheduled for a regional meeting on Tuesday in Geneva.

Around six percent of girls are married before the age of 15 in the country. Audio

The first approved applicants are a German family who recently sold their business and are living in Dubai, the Nauru government says.

New Zealand citizen Christopher Pryde says he is "dismayed" at FICAC's decision "to charge me in absentia". He claims there is a concerted effort to keep him out of Fiji.

The Samoan government says more than 5600 clinically diagnosed dengue cases have been recorded since January.

Pacific Islands still face tariffs from the United States, but some rates are lower than originally announced in April. Audio

The first reported case of dengue fever in Nauru was on 27 June. Audio

There are now no formal warnings in the Pacific, but the threat of tsunami waves remains possible.

The Cook Islands Meteorological Service has upgraded its earlier tsunami advisory to a tsunami warning following 8.8 magnitude quake off of Russia.

An investigation is underway in Fiji after newborn baby was found in a sanitary bin in the toilets of a university student hostel in Lautoka city.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says Solomon Islands is an important partner for New Zealand.

A new report on homelessness in Aotearoa shows more Pasifika families were denied emergency housing due to ineligibility than were accepted in the month of March.

The Pacific Engagement Visa programme allocates up to 3000 visas from nine Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste to live and work in Australia permanently.

A round-up of news from around the region, including Tonga's National Health Information System - hacked three weeks ago in a cyber attack - now back in action.

It is causing concerns among health educators in the country.

The Samoa Electoral Commission says the nomination of candidates to contest the general election next month is underway.

"Funding for teams like Manusina is scarce and financially has been weighing heavy on our minds."

Beijing's embassy in Fiji says it is not interested in geopolitical competition, warning that its cooperation with Pacific Island nations "can never be erased by smears".

Archbishop Ryan Jimenez of Agaña, Guam, has spoken to Pope Leo XIV about the climate challenge the Pacific faces. Audio

The Federated States of Micronesia has developed a major climate change and health programme aimed at preventing the spread of climate-sensitive diseases.