A legal expert calls for Dawn Raids inquiry to address ongoing injustices; a school year delay in American Samoa due to dirty schools; and illegal firearms still circulating after Samoa amnesty.
The Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, draped in a mat to signify wrong-doing, during the official Government apology for the Dawn Raids early in August. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
Dawn Raids apology not enough - make systemic lasting changes: law expert
An independent inquiry into the Dawn Raids would make the government's apology more meaningful, says an expert on Pacific legal issues and racial justice.
Nearly 50 years on from the raids, this month New Zealand's prime minister Jacinda Ardern officially apologised to Pacific peoples for the overstayer crackdown that targeted Pasifika in the 1970s.
But University of Auckland law lecturer Fuimaono Dylan Asafo said there needs to be an independent inquiry.
"I think that would be more meaningful than just a historical account for history books.
"This would actually provide a report of recommendations that the crown has to consider in terms of reforming our existing systems and how they can be more just for Pacific Peoples."
He said the apology had failed to acknowledge links to ongoing systemic racism in immigration and policing in New Zealand.
American Samoa delays start of school year
The new school year has been delayed for American Samoa government schools after the Health Department declared some were unclean, unhealthy and unsanitary.
About 20 pre-schools, primary and secondary schools were closed by the Department of Health in the last two weeks because some had unclean bathrooms, cafeterias and classrooms.
Our correspondent said the delay of the first day of term, from 23 August to 7 September, was to allow more time for clean up and renovations.
Meanwhile, acting Governor Talauega Eleasalo Ale reminded teachers of their important roles in the lives of their students.
"If you approach this school year with renewed commitment to excellence and challenging our children to do better, then the future of American Samoa is indeed bright."
Illegal firearms in Samoa still causing concern, despite amnesty
Police in Samoa used food vouchers to reward people who handed in illegal firearms during a recent amnesty.
A 100 tala ($US38) food voucher was given out for each illegal gun handed in to police, with the amnesty costing $US6100.
Close to 200 illegal firearms were handed in, ranging from pistols to 'big bore' rifles, the Samoa Observer reported.
But the campaign hasn't stemmed the number of illegal firearms surfacing in the country. Recent drug raids seized illegal firearms and ammunition as well as drugs and cash.
New Minister of Police Faualo Harry Schuster said he could be compelled to introduce another amnesty, theObserver said.
Faualo said firearms are dangerous in the wrong hands and everything should be done to eliminate their presence in the country.
"If the Ministry thinks this warrants another amnesty then we should go for it. These are all efforts to keep Samoa safe."
Northern Marianas population 80 percent vaccinated
The Northern Marianas (CNMI) is a step closer to achieving herd immunity, with 80 percent of its eligible population having received their first Covid-19 vaccination.
CNMI health chief Esther Muña said it was expected 80 percent would be fully vaccinated in three weeks, which would achieve herd immunity.
Roughly 2200 people are scheduled for their second vaccine dose in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, five people who tested positive for Covid-19 were picked up by screening and then tests after arriving back from travel late last week.
They're now quarantined and being monitored, and tracing has begun to reach their most immediate contacts.
Including those cases, the CNMI has had 219 cases since the start of the pandemic.