RNZ Pacific

Theonila Roka Matbob was one of 34 women among more than 400 candiates contesting seats in the Bougainville House of Representatives.

It's been 19 years since a performance group from Rapa Nui has visited the shores of Aotearoa New Zealand. Audio

Laaulialemalietoa Polataivao Leuatea Fosi Schmidt was sworn in as Samoa's 8th Prime Minister last Tuesday, following the general election held on 29 August.

Alex Rose's previous best at world championship level was eighth in 2022.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister and Pacific Islands Forum chair Jeremiah Manele will lead the region's engagement at the 80th edition of the United Nations General Assembly.

The Chinese Embassy in Papua New Guinea has commented on a defence treaty between Australia and PNG.

Bougainville's electoral commissioner says his team will know by Saturday afternoon if they need to extend the return of writs date.

Last week, the Fijian prime minister doubled down on his government's decision to establish an embassy in the contested city, despite drawing criticism.

The fire reportedly started overnight Tuesday due to a suspected electrical fault and could not be contained by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Fire and Rescue Services.

Ballot counting was delayed twice this week - first on Tuesday due to major flooding, and again on Thursday evening due to the late arrival of ballot boxes from five provinces.

Bougainville Attorney-General says the start of general election vote counting has been delayed due to bad weather.

In a special televised address, Samoa's first female leader has congratulated the incoming prime minister on winning the 2025 general election.

Bougainvilleans waited in long queues to cast their votes in the region's election on Friday.

Antonio Guterres is in Papua New Guinea on a four-day official state visit from 2 to 5 September.

The health department says it is the first case of a child being paralysed since an outbreak of the disease was declared in May.

The country's Health Ministry has reported 89 cases of whooping cough.

Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka met with his Indian counterpart in New Delhi this week during an official visit at the invitation of the Indian government. Video

President Hilda Heine says Cabinet has endorsed a plan to fast-track building a new parliament complex after an early morning fire on Monday that destroyed the Nitijela. Audio

Fire engulfed the Nitijela just after midnight on Monday, with firefighters risking their lives as they battled the blaze into early Tuesday morning to save the parliament complex.

Ian Ling-Stuckey says that as the country celebrates 50 years of independence, it must learn from the mistakes of its past.

A team of scientists from the University of Tasmania is doing research on the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano. Audio

Niue householders are taking part in a climate health survey involving the roofs of their houses.

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.