Oceania

A 'Countdown for Service' ceremony was held for the East Micronesia Cable EMC Project, an undersea telecommunications system that will now provide submarine fiber optic connectivity to Kosrae, completing cable access for all four FSM states

Legislator Marie A. Nabeyama was selected as Speaker of the 13th Legislature, becoming the first woman to hold the position in Koror State’s history

Kava sector exports are estimated at over $190 million, from $4 in 2008 at the start of the Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access PHAMA Program that radically transformed the crop from subsistence to Fiji's most valuable agricultural export

Rising harassment and intimidation of migrants and faith groups prompted protests across Auckland; organizers have been denied a permit to walk across the harbour bridge last month for safety reasons and the pressure placed on the bridge's infrastructure

Majuro Atoll Waste Company launched a recycling facility at Batkan landfill, handling over 10 million cans and plastic or glass bottles every year with multi-million dollar revenues; for a new recycling and export pilot project it seeks community support

Samoa has hosted the King’s Baton Relay on Upolu Island, with a five-day program from 26 to 30 January, blending sport, culture and environmental action ahead of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026

A team from the Research and Monitoring Unit, Coastal Fisheries Division certified 15 open-water divers for pet fish operators on Kiritimati Island and CFD extension Unit Kiritimati, include Fisheries Assistants from Tabueran and Teraina

The Compass Point Institute, Palau's first locally based think tank, has been launched, marking a milestone in the efforts to promote evidence-based policymaking and civic dialogue

Public Order Bill, approved in December 2025 to safeguard peace, dignity, and wellbeing of the Nauru community is now being implemented and police may enforce it; it provides basic rules of mutual respect based on the "freedom is responsibility" principle

Eight Tuvalu caregivers employed on four-year contracts at an aged care facility in Pottsville, Australia, were informed their job was cut with immediate effect, forced to leave in 48 hours; Townsville took the fleeing group in and integrated their visas

Jailed former MP for the Epi Constituency and Speaker of Parliament has formally sought reconciliation at the National Nakamal, apologising to the President of the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs and the people of Vanuatu for his past actions

Samoan-Australian tennis star Destanee Aiava has called out “disgusting” and “disrespectful” online abuse after being targeted by trolls following a heartbreaking loss in Australian Open qualifying

Addressing road safety, traffic authorities are enforcing long-standing road transport laws largely unimplemented for years, ordering drivers to comply and remove illegal under-glow and non-standard LED lights from motor vehicles and trailers