Air Tahiti Nui to restart flights from Papeete to Auckland
Air Tahiti Nui plans to restart regular passenger flights from Papeete to Auckland in July when New Zealand opens its borders for those travellers who don't need a visa.
The flights were stopped nearly two years ago because the Covid-19 outbreak prompted border closures regionwide.
The new flights will be code-share with Air New Zealand, which has started selling tickets on the route.
Travel will be restricted to fully vaccinated travellers.
French Polynesians and New Caledonians, who are French passport holders, are the first Pacific Islanders to be able to enter New Zealand from July.
Citizens from other Pacific Island countries must wait until October because their nationality requires them to get a visa.
Cable between Tonga and Fiji expected to be operating today
The Southern Cross cable that connects Tonga to the outside world is expected to be back in action today.
Tonga Cable Limited chief executive Samuiela Fonua said it will be ready later today but needs time for tests from the repair ship.
The handover to Tonga Cable will be done tomorrow afternoon.
The cable was damaged last month during the volcanic eruption and tsunami that wreaked havoc in Tonga, cutting most communications via phone and internet lines.
Samoa police to investigate allegations against CEO of tourism authority
Samoa Police haa confirmed an investigation has been launched into allegations by staff of the Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) against Chief Executive Officer Fa'amatuāinu Lenata'I Suifua.
TV1Samoa reports Assistant Police Commissioner Auapa'au Logoitino Filipo confirmed they had received copies of letters from STA staff complaining of bullying tactics and the use of abusive strong language by the CEO towards them.
Staff also reported the alleged use of STA assets and staff to do personal work at his home.
A joint press release from the Minister of Tourism Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster and the Minister for Private Enterprises Leatinu'u Wayne So'oialo said they met with the board of the STA.
"The Ministers confirmed they referred the matter to the board for investigation. The public will be informed once the investigation is completed."
Leatinu'u added the decision to suspend the CEO will come from the board but if nothing is done then "we will step in and make a decision based on the authority of a fair and independent investigation."
Bougainville govt starts to move capital back to Arawa
The autonomous Papua New Guinea region is going ahead with its plans to move the regional capital back to Arawa.
Arawa, Bougainville. Photo: Johnny Blades / RNZ Pacific
The government has been based in Buka since the civil war began because it had lost control of Arawa to the rebels.
But there has long been a desire to return and local landowner Therese Jaintong said the government is already reclaiming old government buildings.
She is a supporter of the move but warns the government needs to be talking to the people about its actions.
Ms Jaintong said of particular concern are the people who have been squatting in some of the abandoned buildings.
She said they cannot simply be turfed out by the government.
The government's move coincides with its push to re-open the huge Panguna copper and gold mine - Arawa once served as the headquarters for the mining company, Bougainville Copper Ltd.
Fiji DPP files appeal against sex trafficker's sentence
Fiji's Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has filed an appeal against a sentence handed down by the Suva Magistrates Court to a child sex trafficker.
Simione Tugi was jailed for 30 months for buying minors for immoral purposes contrary to section 227 (1) (b) of the Fiji Crimes Act.
In a statement, DPP Christopher Pryde said his office filed the appeal after Tugi was given a non-parole period of 24 months.
Mr Pryde said the two grounds of appeal included the sentence imposed was "manifestly lenient" given the tariff set in other similar offences.
He also said the court failed to provide reasons for fixing the non-parole period so close to the sentence.
Samoa govt approves regular repatriation flights from NZ
The Samoa government has approved regular repatriation flights from New Zealand.
The chair of the National Emergency Operations Center Agafili Shem Leo confirmed the change saying Cabinet approves repatriation flights from Aotearoa New Zealand every three weeks.
The next repatriation flight is scheduled for Marth 6th.
Normal cargo flights continue without inbound travellers and are allowed to take outbound passengers.
Samoa court clears two by-election winners
A Supreme Court decision clears two winners of parliamentary by-elections to continue serving their respective constituencies for the remainder of the 17th Parliament of Samoa.
Senior Justice Vui Clarence Nelson and Justice Niavā Mata Tuatagaloa accepted the request from Fata Ryan Schuster to withdraw his petition alleging treating and bribery against Sagaga 2 winner Maulolo Tavita Amosa.
They also agreed to withdraw a counter petition by Maulolo also alleging treating and bribery by Fata.
Leave was then granted to withdraw and petitioner Fata to pay $1,000 tālā for costs.
However in the matter between Falealili 2 winner Fuimaono Maiava Tito and Leleimalefaga Ne'emia Fonotia, the Court found there was technically no petition but a Notice of Motion which the Court nullified.
Maulolo is a Human Rights Protection Party member and Fuimaono is a Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi party member.