Oceania

A new voter database system, GVRS Hybrid, has replaced the older software; according to the Palau Election Commission, it improves registration tracking introducing major upgrades in voter data management, fraud prevention and election transparency

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, leader of Human Rights Protection Party, has defended his party’s proposal to cut the 15% Value Added Goods and Services Tax as a direct response to the nation’s worsening cost of living

The South Pacific Ocean shouldn't be a proving ground for weapon testing by major powers, Kiribati stated; the country is one of China's closest Pacific allies and China had performed a nuclear-capable missile test in 2024

ABC Radio Australia went On Air in Majuro at 7pm on 13 June, going live for the first time in over a decade with its 24/7 programs on 106.7FM; to mark the milestone development, Australian Ambassador Paul Wilson hosted a gathering with a countdown

Unauthorized alluvial miners are invited not to use heavy machinery; the call comes from the Mineral Resources Authority following a number of reports that denounced systematic illegal mining activities with heavy machines

Auckland’s Cremorne St this year retains its title as the city’s most expensive street; the coastal road stretches just 150m, but its 15 luxury mansions are worth $11,3 million (€5,8 million) each on average according to latest real-estate figures

A public forum brought together government representatives, community members and business owners under the theme "Our Town, Our Future" to share ideas and map a collaboration path for Port Vila’s development after 2024 earthquake

The discovery of "Super Reefs" in the Line Island group has been announced by Kiribati's Minister of Fisheries: coral reefs formations that are tolerant, resilient to temperature change and rarely bleach, offering hope for coral reef conservation

60 young persons on a small island n East Sepik received the Sacrament of Confirmation from Catholic Bishop Roszynski in what was the first confirmation ceremony on Ruprup Island in over 15 years

Over 82 tons of unexploded bombs have been removed from a sunken ship in Malakal Harbor, ending a seven-year operation of the Japan Mine Action Service: the Japanese merchant vessel converted for wartime use during WWII had sunk with 469 depth charges

Third largest pet store announced it would ban the sale of live animals across its 58 shops nationwide; Animals Australia figures show that about 15% of cats and dogs are purchased from pet shops nationwide, while the majority of pet sales are online