The Royal New Zealand Navy ship HMNZS Manawanui has delivered food and relief supplies across Fiji following Tropical Cyclone Mal. Photo: NZDF
Pacific - domestic violence
Pasifika founders of anti-domestic violence movement 'She Is Not Your Rehab' are making waves worldwide.
Matt and Sarah Brown set out on a global tour to expand their reach and foster dialogue on domestic violence prevention.
They have been travelling the world sharing their message of hope and healing with students, inmates and global leaders at events in India, Australia, UAE and Wales.
Matt Brown said the tour has been impactful and this week hundreds of students in Cardiff in Wales have responded to hearing his story about being a domestic abuse survivor.
The movement which began in a Christchurch barber shop is now a fully fledged mission to create violence-free communities and to challenge unhealthy ideals of masculinity.
Papua New Guinea - extortion
Four staff at the Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Authority have been charged with extorting money from a foreign business operator.
It is alleged the group garnered US$6,172 from the business on three separate occasions.
The National newspaper quotes metropolitan superintendent, Silva Sika, saying another 20 staff at the Authority are under investigation for similar offences.
Sika said the offences involved a supermarket with the allegations that money was taken from the business' main office, an expatriate was threatened and a demand for payment, foreign workers permits confiscated and on one occasion the victim was kidnapped and forced to make a significant payment.
The four are being held in custody.
Samoa - vessel
Samoa Police have officially received a replacement patrol boat from the Australian government.
The Nafanua III replaces the earlier Guardian Class Patrol Boat, which ran aground last year.
At the handover in Perth was Samoa Cabinet Minister Faualo Harry Schuster and its police commissioner Auapa'au Logoitino Filipo.
Faualo said the vessel, expected to arrive in Samoa in late January next year, will be a significant step forward in Samoa's maritime security capabilities and underscores Australia's commitment to strengthening maritime security in the Pacific.
Nafanua III is a state-of-the-art vessel that will greatly enhance Samoa's ability to safeguard its territorial waters and protect its citizens from maritime security threats.
The governmebnt said with its advanced capabilities and cutting-edge technology, the Nafanua III will play a crucial role in maintaining law and order at sea and deterring illegal activities.
The new vessel is expected to arrive in Samoa in late January next year.
Samoa - survey
The Australian government has provided a US$424,000 grant to the Samoa Bureau of Statistics for its Household Income and Expenditure Survey.
The survey will gather data on household income, expenses, and living circumstances, to ensure the Samoan government and its partners can deliver targeted assistance where it is most needed.
In a joint statement on Wednesday, the Australia government said it recognises the critical role the Bureau plays in ensuring decision-makers are informed by accurate and comprehensive data.
The statement said the forum is an essential platform for promoting communication and cooperation in order to maintain the vital role statistics play in Samoan development.
New Zealand/Fiji - relief
The Royal New Zealand Navy ship HMNZS Manawanui has delivered food and relief supplies across Fiji following Tropical Cyclone Mal.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Navy said the ship delivered two 20-foot containers with around 700 bags of food to Fiji.
It visited Vatulele, Malolo, Mamanuca, Viwa, Waya and the Yasawa Islands off Viti Levu, conducting initial damage assessments and delivering supplies.
