Big increase in domestic violence in French territory; Tongan exporters' woes; and Polyfest kicks off
Alarming rates of domestic violence in New Caledonia
Crime figures released for New Caledonia show that last year the incidence of domestic violence was seven times higher than in mainland France.
The statistics released by the French High Commission show the number of reported incidents had grown by 13 percent over 2020.
Reports of sexual violence had increased by more than 30 percent.
The report shows that abuse of alcohol and drugs is frequently linked to violent offending.
The number of break-ins had dropped by four percent, while car thefts had increased by six percent.
More than a third of property crimes were committed by minors.
The report also tallied the road toll, which was 50 last year, up from 37 for 2020.
The High Commission said that this year so far 22 people died in road accidents.
Tongan exporters hit by lockdown and eruption
Tongan exporters are being severely impacted by current nationwide lockdown restrictions and damages caused by January's volcanic eruption and tsunami.
Powerful undersea volcano eruption in Tonga on Friday Jan 14, 2022. The latest eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano came just a few hours after Friday's tsunami warning was lifted. Photo: Tonga Geological Services/ EyePress News via AFP
The border is closed and both the tourism and agriculture industries in Tonga are in a downturn with exports significantly reduced.
Tongan farmer, Kimi Afeaki, says his coconut exports have fallen well behind usual quotas.
"In general business is down. We have had trouble with exporting coconuts. Generally in a month we ship four to five containers. And to date now, our company has only exported one container of coconut. That's due to general disruptions that are occurring and it's hurting our finances alot."
Flight from Apia to Australia pulled
The Samoa government postponed a planned flight to take seasonal workers for Australia until the end of the month.
The Samoa Observer reports the flight was due to leave yesterday but the Ministry of Commerce Industry and Labour advised passengers of the postponement.
The ministry's Chief Executive Officer Pulotu Lyndon Chu Ling said they plan to inform "directly those who were scheduled to travel to make their way to attend a preparatory meeting".
Pulotu said there are other additional preparations that need to be undertaken by the departing seasonal workers, such as added health clearance before their new travel date is announced.
Meanwhile, a flight carrying seasonal workers for New Zealand left as scheduled on Tuesday.
New Zealand boosting Fiji's defence force
New Zealand and Fiji have made a pact to work together to further strengthen Fiji's defence force.
The country's two defence ministers met this week and agreed to focus on improving maritime security and regional responses to humanitarian disasters.
New Zealand's Minister of Defence Peeni Henare says it was good to meet his Fijian counterpart Inia Seruiratu in person.
"The Pacific is one of our key priorities as a defence force. Not to come in and take over but to support. I think collectively we can do that in a good relationship here that allows us to regenerate our defence force at home," he said.
Polyfest taking place online
Avondale College Students performing at the Polyfest this week feel a deep responsibility to represent the other schools and students who can not take part due to Covid-19.
Hundreds of students are performing at Polyfest until Saturday in 68 performing groups from 28 schools on the Cook Islands, Māori, Niue, Samoan, Tongan stages as well as a Diversity stage.
Many students have been in and out of isolation and Avondale deputy principal Brenda McNaughton says it's exciting that the students are finally taking the stage despite a long list of challenges.
Strict Covid-19 measures are in place at Polyfest including all schools bussed into Manukau Sports Bowl in Auckland to perform then straight back out again.
Family and friends can watch the event online.
