Former Vanuatu PM to contest by-election
Vanuatu's former prime minister Charlot Salwai has decided to put his hat in the ring to contest the by-election in his constituency of Pentecost.
Mr Salwai lost his parliamentary seat for Pentecost at the start of the year after being given a two year suspended sentence for a perjury conviction.
Former Vanuatu prime minister Charlot Salwai outside the Supreme Court ahead of his conviction for perjury. Photo: RNZ / Hilaire Bule
However, the President of Vanuatu, Obed Moses Tallis, last week pardoned the convictions of Mr Salwai and two other former prime ministers, Joe Natuman, and Serge Vohor.
The pardons mean they are cleared to stand again for public office.
The Pentcost by-election is scheduled for October.
Mr Salwai's Reunification of Movement for Change party has six MPs in the 52-seat parliament.
USP ranked in the world's top 10 percent of universities
A long time teacher at the University of the South Pacific says a ranking in the world's top 10 percent of universities is a significant achievement for the institution.
The ranking, under The Times Higher Education system, is a first for the USP.
Vijay Naidu Photo: RNZI/ Sara Vui-Talitu
It comes as the university battles with the Fiji Government over funding and governance.
Professor Vijay Naidu said the ranking is very helpful for the USP, and credit needs to go to the Vice-Chancellor Pal Ahluwalia.
."It can be a major drawcard for attracting students and also attracting quality staff. So universities are entirely dependent on students and quality staff to do their work in terms of teaching, researching and community outreach. So yeah it's a great accomplishment," he said.
Pal Ahluwalia has been embroiled in an 18 month battle with the Fiji Government.
The USP's staff unions have also celebrated the achievement, saying the significance is enormous given the challenges that the university has faced over the past two years.
The Association of USP Staff, in a statement, said "from the very commencement of his tenure VCP Pal Ahluwalia's aim was to get the University ranked by THE. It was almost an obsession! Our recognition began with the WURI Award two months ago and the THE ranking is the icing on the cake. VCP Pal's publishing record demonstrates that he leads his academic colleagues by example and is an inspiration."
Increased flights from Pago Pago
American Samoa is planning two flights each month until December as the territory moves to reopen commercial air service between Honolulu and Pago Pago.
The territory's acting governor, Talauega Eleasalo Ale says Hawaiian Airlines will now operate flights on a limited basis, with two flights every two months, starting with those on Monday and September 27th.
Talauega says the flights will operate every second Monday.
He also says by the end of the year if there's confidence in the vaccination rate in American Samoa and the condition of the virus in the US, the flights could become weekly.
All incoming passengers will not be quarantined in Honolulu but are all subject to quarantine in Pago Pago for up to 12 days.
The government has secured the Sadies by the Sea hotel as the second facility - to the Tradewinds Hotel - for quarantine.
NZ pledges funding for new Samoa oxygen production plant
The New Zealand government has pledged to fund a new oxygen production plant for Samoa to replace the current one plant which is not operational.
Samoan Health Minister Valasi Luāpitofanua Togamaga Selesele told TV1Samoa this will improve the current situation.
The Ministry of Health had been getting between 130 and 170 tanks of oxygen from American Samoa weekly using the patrol boat MV Nafanua II which has been grounded on the Salelologa reef for more than a month.
Valasi says the oxygen from American Samoa is now being ferried over on a boat that travels fortnightly.
Meanwhile, he reassured that the ministry has enough oxygen supply to handle any emergency that may happen.
It is not known when the work on the new plant will start.
Pasifika students may need more help in lockdown
A high school mentorship programme in New Zealand anticipates more Pasifika students requiring academic support amid the current lockdown.
Canterbury University's UCMeXL initiative offers tutoring, meals and transport to high schoolers as far south as Ashburton.
More than 100 attended free study sessions in the July school holidays.
Pacific engagement co-ordinator Vaine Makailo said it's made the difference in some either passing or failing their NCEA exams.
He said the Delta variant of Covid-19 is likely to have increased demand as students seek to make up for time missed at school.
Classrooms are open again in alert level two, which affects all of New Zealand bar Auckland.
Mass vaccination event for young Tongans in New Zealand
A three day mass vaccination event for young Tongans kicks off tomorrow in Auckland.
The drive-through event which coincides with Tonga Language week - runs from eight-thirty a-m till four-p-m, from today until saturday at the Free Wesleyan Church Of Tonga.
Pacific Response Coordination Team chair Pakilau Manase Lua said the aim is to vaccinate at least 3000 people in the 12-30 age group.
He said the event is put on by Tongans for Tongans and people will feel safe and will be surrounded by their own community.
Up to 60-thousand Tongans live in Auckland.
He said all people are welcome at the event - especially overstayers - no questions asked.
PNG cricketers suffer second loss in Oman
Papua New Guinea's cricketers have suffered their second straight ODI defeat in Oman.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first against Nepal, the Barramundis were bowled out for 134 runs in 33 overs.
Lega Siaka led the scoring with 30 runs at the top of the order but PNG were unable to capitalise on a solid start, and lost their final eight wickets for just 75 runs.
Nepal put on 46 runs for the opening wicket before losing their next seven wickets for 36 runs.
Chad Soper was the pick of the bowlers with 2 for 13 from 7 overs, but Nepal still reached their target with two wickets and 63 balls to spare.
PNG lost their opening match against the USA by seven wickets and will face the Americans again on Thursday.
Forum focus on exports to NZ from the Pacific
The trade and investment arm of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat has renewed its commitment to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region.
The Pacific Trade Invest New Zealand said this ongoing support of the Blue Pacific SMEs will be highlighted through its 'Path To Market webinar' next week.
The virtual discussion, to be held on the 15th and 16th of September, is aimed at supporting export capable and ready businesses in the Pacific.
Trade Development Manager Rohan Lord said there's a strong appetite to export goods from the Pacific into the New Zealand market.
"This webinar will address New Zealand import regulations, freight and logistics, marketing and food safety and certification requirements, Lord said.