Oceania

Several correctional facilities in Fiji have been visited by Commonwealth Secretariat officials as part of preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Justice Ministerial Meeting, which Fiji will host in February 2026

Twenty-one custom chiefs from across Vanuatu have convened to call for an urgent review of the Land Reform Act, saying the legislation has not fully benefited indigenous landowners since its introduction

3.402 senior students throughout Tonga are starting their national exams this week, including 1.321 Form 5 students who have been discontinued from the national exam since 2022, under a decision taken during the COVID-19 restrictions

A memorial service was held at dawn on 27 October at the World War II Memorial in Aiwo to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the return of Nauruans who were exiled to Chuuk and 93rd anniversary of Angam Day, celebrating recovery from possible extinction

Prices of beef sausages in Port Vila have surged sharply in recent weeks, raising questions among consumers and traders about what is driving the increase; all agree that meat is much more consumed that in previous years

A popular brand of coloured sand sold in New Zealand has been urgently recalled over concerns it may contain asbestos following independent testing in Australia that confirmed asbestos contamination in similar products

A last-minute visa mix-up nearly prevented Kiribati from joining the 65th Board of Directors Meeting of the Association of Pacific Island Legislatures general assembly; people need to fly to Fiji to get the US visa to enter the Northern Mariana Islands

The opening of the 2025 American College of Trial Lawyers Trial Practice Training, hosted by the Pacific Judicial Council, brought together legal practitioners from FSM and the region focusing on promoting excellence in the administration of justice.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Solomon Islands has officially certified the Drone Support Unit as an authorized Unmanned Aircraft Operator under Part 102 of the Civil Aviation Act 2008; the certification marks a key step in modern policing capability

The Fiji Council of Social Services has voiced concern over the government’s recent restructuring of key ministries, warning that the changes could undermine progress on crucial development reforms

According to the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index CPI released by Transparency International, the Solomon Islands has been ranked 43rd most corrupt country in the world

The 177 Healthcare Clinic at Majuro hospital reopening after renovations has been celebrated with traditional singing and dancing; it provides healthcare services for the nuclear test-affected communities of Enewetak, Bikini, Rongelap, and Utrok atolls

191 foreigners have been detained in five days for breaching their visa or work permit; the Special Spot Check Operation in Morobe aimed at discouraging illegal practices that affect national revenue and security