Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
Pacific news in brief for 18 August
RNZ
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August 17, 2025
Photo: Tonga Fisheries Ministry Pacific - fisheries The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) has received a payment of US$60 million for 2024, under its Economic Assistance Agreement with the US government. It is a part of a commitment...
Celebrating Lea Faka Tonga: NZ academic honours heritage in Oxford presentation
Pacific Media Network
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A law lecturer from the University of Auckland recently honoured her Tongan heritage by speaking in her native language, lea faka-Tonga, at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. This comes ahead of Uike Kātoanga’i ‘o e lea faka-Tonga -...
Tuvalu considers pulling out of Pacific leaders’ summit amid China-linked power…
Pacific News Service
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Tuvalu’s prime minister Feleti Teo said his country may pull out of the region’s top political meeting next month, after host nation Solomon Islands moved to block all external partners – including China, U.S and Taiwan – from attending. The...
Flying Fijians prepping for first PNC Test against Tonga
Fijivillage
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The FIJI Water Flying Fijians have officially entered camp as they gear up for their first Test match in the 2025 Pacific Nations Cup against Tonga next Saturday. This is their final home Test of the year before they travel to New Zealand to face...
Tongans divided over bill granting monarch control of key ministries
RNZ
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August 18, 2025
King Tupou VI inspects the guard of honour during his official state visit to Fiji in July 2025. Photo: Facebook / Fiji Government The recent move by Tonga's Legislative Assembly to introduce and pass a bill that transfers oversight of two key...
Watch again as UKAF took on Tonga in the opening match of IDRC 2025
Forces Network
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The opening match of the 2025 International Defence Rugby Competition saw the UK Armed Forces team take on Tonga. UKAF are hosting the competition this summer and have pressure on them to perform with an aim to win the trophy in Gloucester on...
Mysterious whale tail sighting in Tonga sparks concerns over possible illegal activity
Kaniva Tonga
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August 17, 2025
Vava’u, Tonga – A puzzling footage shared on Facebook showing a whale tail has raised alarms among Tongan communities, with some fearing it may indicate illegal whaling activity near Fonualei Island. The unsettling discovery comes during Tonga’s...
Free Wesleyan Church tutor found guilty of serious indecent assault
Kaniva Tonga
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August 17, 2025
Nuku’alofa, Tonga – A tutor and probationary minister of the Free Wesleyan Church has been convicted of serious indecent assault against students at a school affiliated with the church. The court found the accused guilty of multiple counts of...
LIVE: UKAF take on Tonga in the opening match of IDRC 2025
Forces Network
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The opening match of the 2025 International Defence Rugby Competition sees the UK Armed Forces team take on Tonga. UKAF are hosting the competition this summer and have pressure on them to perform with an aim to win the trophy in Gloucester on...
Pacific nations in fight against drugs, Narcos, Triads and Bikies
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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August 16, 2025
Pacific nations were once principally stopover points for international drug cartels accessing more lucrative markets like Australia and New Zealand, but the tide is turning. Over the past two decades there’s been a shift as trafficking routes...
SHOULD PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA DELEGATE HER HONOUR, THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA, MRS. W.K. MUTALE NALUMANGO, TO THE FUNERAL OF PRESIDENT EDGAR LUNGU?
Zambian Observer
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August 17, 2025
SHOULD PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA DELEGATE HER HONOUR, THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA, MRS. W.K. MUTALE NALUMANGO, TO THE FUNERAL OF PRESIDENT EDGAR LUNGU? By Rev. Lawrence Musunte In this article, I am endeavouring, by the grace...
AFL PNG ACADEMY SET FOR PACIFIC NATION’S CHALLENGE
PNG Haus Bung
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August 17, 2025
The AFL Under- 17 Pacific Nations Challenge is coming up in September from the 12th to the 14th in Cairns, Australia and the youngsters from Papua New Guinea (PNG) are also participating, an opportunity of a lifetime for upcoming players, coaches...
Today's rugby news as shocked Erasmus 'embarrassed' in press conference and Lion hits back at Farrell criticism
Wales Online
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August 17, 2025
The latest rugby news from Wales and beyond on Sunday, August 17. Wallabies stun Springboks Australia produced a stunning comeback to beat world champions South Africa in the 2025 Rugby Championship opener in Johannesburg. Trailing by 22 points...
Payne Haas details Australian anthem moment that sparked shock Samoa defection ahead of Rugby League World Cup
Seven News
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August 17, 2025
Payne Haas has revealed why he chose to represent Samoa in international rugby league as he targets doing the “Siva Tau” with pride and winning next year’s World Cup. The 25-year-old Brisbane prop spoke beautifully about his decision at Suncorp...
Not always a gentleman’s game: the cricketing controversies of Pakistan
The News International
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In Pakistan cricket is more than just a game. It is almost a national obsession that brings together people from diverse backgrounds to create a shared passion that transcends internal divisions and divergent outlooks. Victories on the cricket...
Pacific Islands Forum:
Island Times
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August 15, 2025
Leaders from 18 Pacific countries will gather in the Solomon Islands next month for the annual Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM). But why is such engagement important? According to Sione Tekiteki, a former PIF adviser and senior...
Tuvalu considers pulling out of Pacific leaders’ summit
Taipei Times
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August 16, 2025
Tuvaluan Prime Minister Feletei Teo said his country might pull out of the region’s top political meeting next month, after host nation Solomon Islands moved to block all external partners — including China, the US and Taiwan — from attending. The...
Pacific Islands News Roundup – August 8 – August 14, 2025
Pacific Islands Report
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August 15, 2025
Editor’s Note: We are undergoing a web host migration process and may need to make necessary modifications to our format and frequency over the next several weeks. Thank you in advance for your understanding. Political Leadership and Regionalism,...
Radradra ruled out of PNC, Nasova called in
FBC News
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August 16, 2025
Joji Nasova and Semi Radradra The Fiji Water Flying Fijians have been dealt a major blow ahead of the 2025 Pacific Nations Cup with star backline utility Semi Radradra ruled out through injury. Radradra sustained the setback during club training,...
Leicester Tigers sign USA prop Tonga Kofe
Talking Rugby Union
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Leicester Tigers have confirmed the signing of USA international prop Tonga Kofe for the 2025/26 season. ©Steve Haag Related Articles Dan Cole appointed as Leicester Tigers Recruitment and Retention Manager Geoff Parling Returns to Leicester...