Oceania

NEC's East Micronesia Cable System EMCS is now completed; the submarine cable connects three Pacific island nations and in the Federated States of Micronesia has been handed over to FSM Telecommunications Cable Corporation FSMTCC

The Vanuatu Government says it remains committed to rebuilding national carrier Air Vanuatu, but warns that future financial support must come with major structural reforms to avoid repeating past losses

An award-winning Auckland bakery has temporarily closed after receiving E-grade, the lowest possible food safety rating for a risk associated with its pest control

Seaweed farming is emerging as a new source of income for coastal villagers in Ward 16, in Malaita Province; after initial skepticism, the recently introduced edible marine crop is proving increasingly promising

Lakapi Samoa chairman Namulauulu Sami Leota has rejected the creation of a second rugby union in Samoa and called on opposing rugby factions to work together, warning that division could damage Samoa’s standing with World Rugby

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor plans to guarantee social services - including basic allowances - to Australian citizens only; many argue permanent residents and many more categories should be allowed to access to NDIS

The Tonga Career Expo 2026 is taking place in Nuku'alofa, where students and job seekers will have the opportunity to interact directly with employers, TVET providers, businesses, and government exhibitors

Due to critical fuel shortages caused by global supply chain disruptions, a state of emergency has been declared on Funafuti Island, highlighting the intense vulnerability of Pacific nations reliant on imported diesel for power

Fuel supplies are enough to keep Kiribati going for three to four months more, Minister for Social Affairs said, as stocks were replenished just before the US attacked Iran; attention focuses on how other Pacific island countries are handling the shortage

On the sidelines of the Melanesian Oceans Summit held in Port Moresby on 11 May, PNG and Timor-Leste have agreed to open embassies in each other's capitals

Flooding and erosion in Western Province exposed unexploded ordnance from the battles of the Second World War, an additional danger for communities and responders; the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator allocated $2.5 million for urgent lifesaving assistance

The Nauru Seabed Minerals Authority reported on the progress made during the 31st Session of the International Seabed Authority council meeting in Jamaica, urging preservation of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea UNCLOS rights, opposing restrictions