New Zealand

Solomon Islands fisheries officers receives new outfit

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.

Niue on track for 10,000 tourists in 2015

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.

Several Pacific countries warned of drought threat

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.

More aid for Cook Islands - NZ PM Key

The money is to be spent on education, health and infrastructure, such as rolling projects in renewable energy providing solar power to Cook Islanders' homes.

On top of the three-year aid pledge Key also announced a gift of $11.7m (US47.6 million) to go towards rebuilding the country's national secondary school.

Key has led a delegation of ministers and MPs and New Zealand-based Cook Islands community leaders to Rarotonga where they were welcomed by Prime Minister Henry Puna for two days of meetings and festivities.

NZ Football files appeal over expulsion from Olympic qualification tournament

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.

Law expert hails Cooks-NZ association a success

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.

Large NZ parliamentary group to Cooks 50th

The Cooks, which had been ruled by New Zealand from 1901, in 1965 became self governing in free association with New Zealand.

Mr Key says, at that time, both countries entered into a unique bilateral relationship.

He says New Zealand welcomes the opportunity to celebrate that and to reflect on an important partnership based on shared values, history, and the positive contribution Cook Islanders make to New Zealand.

New Zealand Football to lodge appeal over expulsion from Olympic qualification tournament

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.