New Zealand

The very existence of many of the island nations is threatened by the impact of climate change and they feel that their “big brother”, New Zealand, isn’t doing enough to help them.

Among the leaders speaking out, is the general secretary of the Christian Church of Tuvalu and founder of the Pacific Islands Climate Action Network, Rev Tafue Lusama.

His homeland, Tuvalu, is projected to be underwater in less than 50 years.

The uniforms which included overall suits, boots and caps will be worn when carrying out their duties.

The assistance was made possible by Pete Southern from the Ministry of Primary Industries in New Zealand who initiated the process to procure the uniforms.

A similar assistance was received in 2013.

“In 2013 we received eight pairs of overall suits, boots and caps funded by the New Zealand Government and it was Pete Southern who organized them for us,” said Chief Fisheries Officer Charles Tobasala.

New Zealand's High Commissioner to Niue, Ross Ardern, says there has been a push by the governments of both New Zealand and Niue to increase tourism in order decrease reliance on remittances and aid money.

He says it appears to be paying off, with the country of 1,500 people on track to reach its goal of 10,000 visitors this year, a significant increase from 4,000 in 2009.

Ardern says this increase has brought a significant cash injection to Niue's economy.

New Zealand's NIWA organisation, with the Pacific Islands Meteorological Services and other weather bodies in the region, say both Fiji and Tonga had had below or well below normal rainfall in the past four months and that is likely to continue at below normal into November.

In Fiji the current dry weather condition is expected to continue till November and we may have more tropical cyclones developing in our region from December onwards.

The All Whites were thrown out of the competition in Papua New Guinea’s capital after a protest made by semi-final opponents Vanuatu over the eligibility of South African-born Deklan Wynne was upheld at a disciplinary hearing on July 12.

Vanuatu, who were handed a 3-0 walkover win despite succumbing to a 2-0 defeat in their last-four encounter, went on to play Fiji in the final later that same day, losing 4-3 on penalties at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium.

The Cook Islands celebrates 50 years of self government in free association with New Zealand next week with gala events and a visit by a large delegation from New Zealand headed by the Prime Minister, John Key.

The decision to grant some autonomy while remaining within the Realm of New Zealand was implemented in 1965.

Professor Angelo of Victoria University of Wellington says it was a novel concept at the time and brought the Cook Islands security.

Following a 2-0 semi-final win against Vanuatu on Friday (July 10), New Zealand's opponents protested the eligibility of South African-born Deklan Wynne.

The protest was upheld at a disciplinary hearing Sunday as Vanuatu were handed a 3-0 walkover, putting them through to the final against Fiji later in the day. 

Vanuatu lost 4-3 on penalties here following a goalless draw after extra-time at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium.

It was a game that could have gone either way with most of the second half contested in the middle of the field.

The game intensified as tensions flared between players. PNG’s strike player Tommy Semmy was the first to get a yellow card for a foul followed soon after by New Zealand’s Luke Adams.

Antony de Malmanche was arrested in December at Bali's airport with 1.7 kilograms (3.9 pounds) of methamphetamine in his baggage.

The Denpasar District Court ruled Tuesday that 53-year-old Malmanche was guilty of violating the country's anti-drug laws.

The panel of judges also fined Malmanche $300,000 or an additional three months in prison.

Indonesia has extremely strict drug laws and convicted smugglers are often executed. More than 140 people are on death row, mostly for drug crimes.