RNZ Pacific

The Citizenship Office and Commission said Andrew Tate's application was considered genuine, based on clearances from the Financial Intelligence Unit, Interpol, and UK police.

Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau said the matter is under investigation.

It comes amid widespread drug issues in the region.

Parliament enters caretaker mode until the election and the formation of a new government.

Barbara Malimali was revealed as the new anti-corruption commissioner last September.

The insect is a significant pest for crops like maize and sweetcorn.

The Fiji Law Society says suspending the Commissioner of FICAC without the advice of the Judicial Services Commission is unlawful.

Events are being held across Aotearoa this week to celebrate Gagana Samoa, the Samoan language.

Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said the president had taken several actions in response to recommendations of a report by the Commission of Inquiry.

The head of state has accepted the prime minister's advice and a formal notice will be gazetted to confirm the dissolution of the Legislative Assembly. Audio

The country's health ministry has recorded four laboratory-confirmed cases of meningococcal disease. Audio

Solomon Islands was nominated as a board member representing the Western Pacific Regional Office at a meeting last year.

A United Nations Committee is being urged to act on human rights violations committed by illegal loggers in Papua New Guinea.

Lini, 72, was the first woman to be elected to parliament in 1987 and went on to become the country's first female minister.

The researchers used numerical modelling to establish that wave heights of around 50 metres, and lasting around 90 seconds, would have been needed to dislodge the boulder from its cliff-edge origin.

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says tropical cyclones can occur throughout the year across the western North Pacific.

The Great Council of Chiefs chairman says the document, which grants every citizen equal status and rights, is "restricting a lot of work for the iTaukei" people.

Kiribati has reaffirmed its commitment to Pacific regionalism.

Authorities will resume their search on Tuesday.

Health Minister Elias Kapavore described the situation as "serious but manageable". Audio

PNG's Hekari United will take on Fiji's Ba Women in the first semifinals, while defending champions Auckland United will play Solomons' Henderson Eels on Thursday.

Approximately 90 percent of children in Samoa are subjected to violence in their lifetime, according to the United Nations Children's Fund.

Josua Raisuqe, 30, played for Top 14 side Castres. He was a member of the Fijian sevens side that won silver at last year's Paris Olympics.

Samoa has missed out on qualifying for sevens division two at the end-of-season event in Los Angeles. Audio

Education permanent secretary Dr Franco Rodie said such situations are unpredictable, so it is safer for students to remain at home. Audio