Oceania

Kiribati took part in the 2025 Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership Conference at University of South Pacific in Suva, Fiji: a celebration of the transformative role of education, research, innovation in the development of a sustainable ocean future

A deep sea mapping project will focus on the Marshall Islands as one of areas in the region to have their ocean floors mapped this year: the Ocean Exploration Trust is partnering with MI Marine Resources Authority on the upcoming visit of vessel Nautilus

Speed limit on Highway 35 from Makorori to Pouawa will increase to 100km/h following public consultation of 864 people: 41% of respondents supported keeping the current 80km/h limit, introduced in 2020 to curb accidents, and proven successful

Palau abstained from a UN vote on a resolution on Russian aggression in Ukraine, focused on cooperation with the Council of Europe; in February, Palau had aligned with the US voting against another resolution condemning Russia’s aggression against Ukraine

The Rigo women in Agriculture suggested creating a market spot dedicated to the cooperatives selling in the city: a fundamental contribution to residents' healthy food supply, their fresh produce is now limitedly offered due to a lack of physical space

Appealing activities, interesting culture and natural environment are very attractive for tourists, but visitors said shortfalls in public facilities and services were unappealing, according to a new Tonga International Visitor Survey released this month

The aerial shooting of over 700 koalas in Budj Bim National Park in Victoria's west has begun; authorities claim they made the decision out of humane reasons, as the animals were dehydrated by a recent fire, the local community was horrified at the plan

The World Bank has committed US$7 million in new grants to support Tuvalu's financial management of and resilience to climate-related disasters, second and last of two operations aimed at mitigating climate impacts and strengthening disaster preparedness

The annual Secondary School Practicum Program has been launched: the practice provides hands-on experience to 357 students across ministries, agencies and private sector companies in Majuro, Wotje, Jaluit, Ebeye, and Enniburr, Kwajalein

A plane loaded with asylum seekers landed in Nauru; they had landed in crocodile-filled waters north of Broome in Western Australia, evading authorities

A first-of-its-kind Data Protection Bill was passed during its first reading in parliament; the bill's author, Alexander Teabo told RNZ Pacific that protecting public information is the aim of his proposal, and the bill will protect the people

Hiri Moale Festival, an annual, week-long celebration of traditions and heritage of the Motu Koitabu culture, concluded this weekend; ax extended program offered this year canoe sailing and the rain on the grand finale did not discourage participants

1.991 students have successfully completed micro qualifications with Pacific PolyTech, most are working: quality hands-on technical education is successfully addressing the skills gaps faced in Fiji while providing employment to locals, especially youths