Vanuatu tightens border restrictions to ward off Delta
From mid-September, all people travelling to Vanuatu must be vaccinated against Covid-19.
The government has suspended all inbound travel by both sea and air until September 12th, as a precaution against the risk of the Delta strain of Covid entering the country.
Waterfront at Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu Photo: RNZ/Sally Round
The Ministry of Health said from that date all inbound travellers must be fully vaccinated.
Additionally, requirements for arrivals to undergo testing and 14 days in quarantine remain mandatory.
More arrests in Tonga cocaine case
Tonga police have confirmed that a total of 19 people have been arrested and charged in relation to the cocaine seized in Vava'u.
Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Halatoa Taufa told local media four male adults from Ha'alaufuli have recently been arrested in Vava'u.
The Central Police Station in Tonga's capital, Nuku'alofa. Photo: RNZI/Gareth Thomas
Matangi Tonga reports they remain in police custody and have been charged with engaging with others in the supply of illicit drugs.
It's estimated 14 kilograms of cocaine have been seized in the outer island with an estimated street value of more than $2.1 million USD.
Last month the first cocaine packets washed up on Vava'u beaches and were handed to Tonga police prompting a extensive search operation.
Police investigations continue.
Indonesian security forces have used excessive force against protesters opposing Papuan Special Autonomy Law says research
Amnesty International's research shows Indonesian security forces have used excessive force and racially abused protesters peacefully opposing the renewal of the Papuan Special Autonomy Law.
Papuan protesters have told how they were targeted with water cannons, kicked and punched, and beaten with guns and rubber batons in protests during the past month.
Amnesty has analysed videos and photos which they say back up the claims.
Amnesty's Richard Pearshouse said the Indonesian security forces' excessive use of force and racial abuse is abhorrent.
He said the authorities in Jakarta must immediately investigate the reports and ensure the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly is respected.
Repatriation flight from NZ to Tonga deferred due to Covid-19 cases
A repatriation flight from Auckland that was scheduled to arrive in Tonga on Wednesday has been deferred, due to the recent increase of Covid-19 cases there.
A Tongan government spokesman Paula Ma'u said the deference is until further notice, and all passengers and appropriate authorities were notified earlier this week.
A flight from Pago Pago has also been deferred - the decision was made by American Samoa.
At this stage, only the Vanuatu flight is on scheduled to arrive in Tonga on Wednesday.
As for Fiji, flights remain deferred, due to its Covid-19 situation.
Pasifika families needing assistance increasing during lockdown
The Whanau Ora agency Pasifika Futures say demand for assistance from Pasifika families has continued to ramp up since alert level four lockdown began in New Zealand.
The agency's chief executive Debbie Sorenson said most Pasifika families are shopping week-to-week and a large number of people in Pacific communities are in casual employment contracts.
Ms Sorensen said as a result Pasifika people end up with no income during lockdown resulting in a high level need.
"We have over the past week pushed out $NZ3.2 million dollars worth of support to 27 partners up and down the country. That's provided help to over four and a half thousand Pacific people, more than 3,000 families," explained Debbie Sorensen.
Debbie Sorensen said the Pasifika Futures' support includes food and help to pay utility bills, and a huge demand for supplies for babies and children.
Wallis and Futuna launch Covid-19 vaccinations for adolescents
Covid-19 vaccinations in Wallis and Futuna are to be offered to youths aged 12 years and older.
Health authorities have launched an information campaign for the extended roll-out but say those between 12 and 17 need to have parental consent.
The French territory was again declared Covid-free last month after a community outbreak in early March was contained with a two-month lockdown.
A rapid vaccination drive inoculated about half the population by late April, but the other half has declined the offer.
The travel bubble with New Caledonia, which was closed in March, will reopen next week with regular flights resuming to and from Noumea.
French police commander in New Caledonia has quits over domestic violence conviction
The new French police commander in New Caledonia has quit his post after it became known that he had a conviction for domestic violence.
Colonel Eric Steiger, who had become the head of the gendarmerie in Noumea last month, asked to be relieved of his position following an outcry by New Caledonian politicians.
They had asked the French Interior Minister to remove Colonel Steiger after the French news site Mediapart reported that last year he was given a suspended six-month prison sentence which on appeal was changed to a 6,000 EURO fine.
The minister said he has taken note and a new commander will be appointed soon.
Colonel Steiger said he didn't want attacks on him to cast doubt on the commitment of the French state and the police to fight domestic violence.
AFP has reported Colonel Steiger has recently said no police officer convicted for domestic violence should be in contact with the public.
New Caledonian windsurfer wins championship in Switzerland
New Caledonia's Nicolas Goyard has won the iQFoil windsurfing world championship in Switzerland.
He beat Luuc Van Opzeeland of the Netherlands and Briton Mathew Barton.
The French Sailing Federation has hailed the victory as iQFoil will become an Olympic sport in 2024.
It will replace RS:X as the Olympic windsurfing class.
In Tokyo, Goyard's brother Thomas won a windsurfing silver medal for France.