16 Aug 2022

Pacific news in brief for July 15

9:36 am on 16 August 2022

Tonga police are warning the public to watch out for fraudsters; PNG opposition leader named; and cruise ship back in Fiji

They said people were falling victim to online shopping scams, fake online profiles and phishing e-mails.

Tongan pa'anga bills stacked background.

Police in Tonga are warning people to be alert to online scams. Photo: ppart/123RF

Some of the scams offered fake prizes or advertised food, police said, while others saw scammers befriending victims in an attempt to establish a romantic relationship in order to obtain money or other goods.

People were encouraged to report any scams or unusual online offers to the police.

PNG: Joseph Lelang named opposition leader

Papua New Guinea's MP for Kandrian-Gloucester, Joseph Lelang, is the new opposition leader.

The announcement was made at a media conference by the People's National Congress Party.

Lelang said the opposition would keep the government in check on national issues.

The MP for Kiriwina-Goodenough, Douglas Tomuriesa, has been named deputy opposition leader.

Cruise ship returns to Fiji

P&O's Pacific Explorer arrived at Lautoka Port in Fiji today, making it the first cruise ship to dock there since the Covid-19 pandemic brought the cruise industry to a standstill in 2020.

Ministry of Tourism Permanent Secretary Shaheen Ali said the return of the cruise line to Fiji signified a crucial development in the country's post-Covid recovery, FBC News reported.

The Pacific Explorer was in New Zealand last week and is scheduled to make a further stop at Fiji's Dravuni Island before returning to Sydney, Australia.

Covid-19 spreads in Tonga

Covid-19 is now present in all island communities in Tonga.

Tonga's Ministry of Health said the pandemic had reached the outer island hamlets of Niuafo'ou, Niuatoputapu and 'Eua.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs