Regional
Apia, SAMOA — ANZ bank in Samoa waives fees for local Visa Debit Card payments under WST15, promoting a cashless economy and providing affordable access to digital banking services.
In a move that has been hailed as progressive, ANZ, a local bank in Samoa, has announced its decision to waive...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Rainbands from Tropical Depression 98P (now called TC 11P) associated with the South Pacific Convergence Zone is moving northeast of the Manu'a Island group. Damaging winds and flooding are possible for the Islands, mainly over Manu'a and Rose Atoll, while Tropical...
Perth, AUSTRALIA — A study of marine sponges has found global temperature rises may have already exceeded 1.5 degrees.
The University of Western Australia-led research extracted 300 years of ocean temperature records preserved in ancient sea sponges.
Lead author Emeritus Professor Malcolm McCulloch...
Apia, SAMOA — In a bizarre and horrific incident that happened two weeks ago, a pig attacked three men who received serious injuries needing hospitalization and terrorized a village on the outskirts of Apia.
The incident has left many in the village claiming that the pig was possessed and rumours...
Nuku'alofa, TONGA — A Nuku'alofa business has started to sell 'sparkling kava' on tap for those interested in tasting the traditional brew.
Tricia Emberson and her family owned Pacific Brewing Tonga business launched the initiative at their Reload Bar in Nuku'alofa last week.
The project has been a...
Apia, SAMOA — The Minister of Police Faualo Harry Schuster says statistics on hard drugs show it is not increasing but the street value of ice has doubled over the years rejecting the possibility it is manufactured locally.
For the first time, the statistics from the Ministry of Police on their...
Lautoka, FIJI — A Fiji court has granted bail to 13 people charged in relation to the seizure of almost five tons of methamphetamine.
The Nadi Magistrates Courts has placed the accused under a curfew and ordered them to report to the Nadi Police Station.
The accused will appear at the Lautoka High...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A Member of Parliament says a “brain drain" is the main reason for senior students in Samoa taking on teaching roles.
Aleipata Itupa I Luga MP Fuaava Suluimālō Amataga said complaints were reported to him by parents of children attending schools in his district.
Speaking...
WASHINGTON — As US-China tensions continue over Taiwan’s independence, economic competitiveness, and defense issues, the US military is building up its presence in Guam. Guam is considered vulnerable, leading the federal government to prepare for further militarization.
The island already hosts...
Park City, UTAH — Two Tongan-New Zealand filmmakers are behind the short film Lea Tupu'anga Mother Tongue, helping people to grapple with cultural identity and language trauma, as the story explores a young woman's journey to reconnect with her Tongan heritage.
The film was selected out of 17,000...