Oceania

The government has announced that it will continue in 'interim mode' under the leadership of the interim prime minister, Samiu Kuita Vaipulu, and the current cabinet ministers until a new cabinet is announced in a few weeks' time

President Surangel Whipps Jr. signed into law RPPL 11-40, a comprehensive amendment to the government wage structure, which introduces a 10% across-the-board wage increase for all public and contract employees which will be in force from 1 October 2025

Total international arrivals for Q3 2024 were 13.966, an increase of 11,5% over the previous quarter, Q2 2024, according to Solomon Islands National Bureau of Statistics

In 2025, all the islands of Tuvalu will have tide forecasts available after the Tuvalu Meteorological Service delivered the calendars to island council representatives for distribution to the islands in December

Duncan Gabi, the leading climate change activist in Papua New Guinea, has estimated that tens of thousands of people have been displaced from the area around Pariva beach due to rising seas, describing it as a 'humanitarian crisis'

2024 saw a decline in house property value in most of the country, with over -6% reached in bigger cities due to overall market low and high mortgage rates; as lower rates are starting to work through the system, the value decline could be nearing its end

The 50th anniversary of Hobart’s Tasman Bridge disaster, that cost the life of 12 people, was commemorated in the weekend; the bridge was lit in bright white and at 9:27 pm, for 30 minutes, the area of impact of MV Lake Illawarra changed to a dark blue

Samoa Airways has been ordered to shift from the international terminal at Faleolo Airport to the new USD9,12 million regional terminal; the airline reportedly said it was not given any choice and the change will impact its services to and from Pago Pago

The Vanuatu Cricket Association has recognised cricket clubs and communities across Australia that contributed to fundraising and support following the devastating earthquake that struck the country a fortnight ago

The first electric bus came into operation in the Yaren district, showing the commitment of the government to reduce emissions and promote sustainable energy solutions

The RMI ship registry in 2024 kept its 3rd position among largest ship registries in the world by gross tonnage, deadweight tonnage and number of vessels operating under its authority; the result is mainly driven by its flexible registry and low taxes

Like every year, Kiribati has been the first country to celebrate New Year's Eve; neighbouring island of Baker, separated by a stretch of sea of just 1179 km, will be the last

President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. proclaimed the months of December 2024 to February 2025 as Red Ribbon Months, under the theme 'Life is a movie, live drug-free' to promote drug-free lifestyles