Stories by Caleb Fotheringham
News
'Not looking for money': Samoa citizenship bill 'about trust and fairness' - community leader
Reverend Aneterea Sa'u, who was part of the Samoan community contingent in Parliament on Wednesday, says elders still alive who the bill affects deserve the opportunity to become NZ citizens. Audio
Pacific nations gradually embracing Elon Musk's Starlink
Broadband satellite service provider Starlink is now being used in the Pacific but not always legally, for now. Audio
New research finds marine protected areas benefit communities
The study found MPAs are economically beneficial to both fishing and tourism as Palau plans to shrink its marine sanctuary in bid to improve commercial fisheries revenue. Audio
UN shipping body has possible draft on how to reach net zero
Last week, the International Maritime Organisation member states met in London to figure out the mechanisms of doing so.
Guam cannabis testing in a 'chicken and egg situation' - politician
"History has shown that the naysayers were wrong and the end of the world was not gooing to happen when we legalise cannabis," Senator Will Parkinson says. Audio
'We need to be effective and be sensible about it' - Dr Kiki Maoate
The newly appointed chairperson of the National Pacific Health Senate Fatu Fono Ola says he doesn't have the same concerns over the New Zealand government as the previous chair. Audio
Seasonal workers in NZ vulnerable to 'exploitation'
Recognised seasonal employment workers are being "subjected to flagrant breaches of their minimum entitlements", NZ Council of Trade Unions acting president says. Audio
Cook Islands migrant workers welcome High Court ruling
The Cook Islands High Court has found that the country's immigration law that offers preferential treatment to New Zealand citizens over those from other nations is "invalid".
Canterbury Polyfest: 'Celebrating language, culture, identity' this weekend
Gates open Saturday morning at Hagley Park for the most recognised Pacific festival in the South Island, with 27 schools and hundreds of people expected to attend the event.
USP strike: Staff offer management 'one more chance to come to the table'
The union members of the regional university overwhelmingly voted in favour of strike action on 6 March and Fiji's employment ministry has confirmed they have the mandate to take industrial action.
Pacific needs to improve measles immunisation - WHO
Surveillance and better vaccine coverage is needed to prevent another measles outbreak in the Pacific, the World Health Organisation's Western Pacific regional director says. Audio
'Come to the table, deal with issues' - USP staff vote in favour of strike action
Staff union general-secretary Rosalia Fatiaki says "we are going round and round" over "numerous unresolved issues" and its time for the vice-chancellor to front up to their concerns.
Safety agreement not good enough - Snorkel Cook Islands
A turtle tour operator in the Cook Islands says another accident, like a drowning, is bound to happen in the stretch of water where tours take place in Rarotoga. Audio
Pacific island countries growth to slow down in 2024 - World Bank
Economic growth in the Pacific is predicted to lag behind other emerging markets following the post-Covid boom caused by borders reopening.
After two years of exploring the ocean floor, Cook Islands gains 'new knowledge'
Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority head says the minerals programme is being led by Cook Islanders, which is different to outsiders moving into the Pacific.
'No guarantee' deep sea mining 'will go right' - study
The Ocean Foundation's report says there is high uncertainty around prices for metals and the circular economy could make deep sea mining unnecessary.
Turtle tour operators sign agreement to boost conservation efforts
The safety standards are part of a memorandum of understanding with Cook Islands Tourism which requires tour operators to have one guide for every four guests in the water.
Christchurch Pasifika leaders recognised
Three organisations and three individuals were given awards by the Pacific Youth Leadership and Transformation organisation for their service during the Covid-19 pandemic. Audio
US must 'find a way to deliver' COFA
China is knocking in the North Pacific as the United States are slow to pass a major strategic agreement. Audio
Pacific and Caribbean states propose groundbreaking global shipping emissions levy
Eight small island developing states have submitted a groundbreaking proposal to the UN's shipping regulator proposing a US$150 per tonne greenhouse gas emissions levy for the shipping industry. Audio
Cyclone Osai passing Cook Islands, French Polynesia on Nat alert
Tropical Cyclone Osai is the second cyclone in a week passing the Cook Islands, while there is an orange alert for parts of French Polynesia due to cyclone Nat.
Reports of flooding, no power - 'Cook Islands prepared' for Cyclone Nat, disaster office says
Tropical Cyclone Nat is passing through the Cook Islands with strong winds and heavy swell warnings in place for the southern group of islands.
Tropical Cyclone Nat: TD06F upgraded, alert in place for Southern Cook Islands
Tropical depression (TD06F) has been upgraded to category 1 Tropical Cyclone Nat near the Cook Islands.
Tropical cyclone alert for Southern Cook Islands
A tropical depression (TD06F) was located about 500 kilometres north-northwest of Palmerston Island at 2am Cook Islands time.
Kili Island situation improving, but more work needed to fix issues
Life has improved for the people living on Kili Island in the Marshall Islands following the declaration of a state of emergency. Audio