Know what’s happening across Oceania—before your coffee’s cold.

TODAY IN OCEANIA

Tongan Passport Delays Reveal Deeper Digital Failures. Photo Credit: Tonga Pocket Guide

Tonga’s Passport Delays Reveal Deeper Digital Failures

Tonga’s passport processing delays have sparked growing frustration at home and abroad, uncovering deep-rooted problems within the country’s immigration system. Despite having a digital system in place since 2000—the Tonga Immigration Management System (TIMS)—immigration officers are reportedly still using personal email accounts for official communication. This outdated practice raises serious concerns about security, efficiency, and data protection.

The delays have affected both local applicants and members of the Tongan diaspora, many of whom rely on timely passport renewals for travel, work, and family obligations. While new overseas passport printing stations in the U.S. and New Zealand have been introduced to ease the backlog, the core issues remain unresolved.

The situation calls for urgent digital reform to ensure Tonga’s immigration services can meet modern demands and better serve its people—wherever they may be.

Dolphin hunt near Fanalei village, south of Sulufou. Photo Credit: Dolphin Project

Ancient Dolphin Hunt Tradition in Solomon Islands Sparks Pacific-Wide Debate Over Culture and Conservation

A recent viral video depicting the traditional dolphin hunt on Sulufou Island in the Solomon Islands has ignited widespread debate across the Pacific region. The footage shows the killing of nearly 200 dolphins, a practice deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of Malaita Province.

Dolphin hunting in this region dates back centuries and is typically conducted between January and April. Hunters use traditional methods, such as banging rocks underwater, to herd dolphins toward the shore. The primary motivations for the hunt include harvesting dolphin teeth, which hold significant cultural value as currency and are used in bride price ceremonies. The meat is also consumed by the local communities.

While some community members, like church chairman Jack Bakale, view the hunt as an integral part of their ancestral traditions and a means of livelihood, others, including environmentalist Lawrence Makili, are calling for regulation. Makili emphasizes the need for studies to develop management practices, noting that although the export of live dolphins and their products is banned, traditional hunting remains legal and unregulated.

This incident has sparked a broader conversation about balancing cultural practices with conservation efforts and animal welfare concerns.

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SVSG President Siliniu Lina Chang. Photo credit: SVSG

Samoa Victim Support Group Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize

The Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG) has been nominated for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, marking a significant milestone in its 20-year history of advocating for victims of violence in Samoa. This nomination is facilitated by Vodafone Samoa as part of their collaboration with SVSG to commemorate the organization's two decades of service.

SVSG, under the leadership of President Siliniu Lina Chang, has been instrumental in providing support and protection to victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and other forms of abuse. Their initiatives include the "Torch of Peace" campaign, aimed at uniting communities to end violence against women and children.

The Nobel Peace Prize nomination process is highly confidential, with the Norwegian Nobel Committee not disclosing the names of nominees. However, nominators can choose to make their nominations public. The laureates for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize will be announced in October 2026, with the award ceremony scheduled for the end of next year, in Oslo, Norway.

This nomination not only recognizes SVSG's unwavering commitment to human rights and social justice but also brings international attention to the efforts being made in Samoa to combat violence and support victims.

A diver preparing to jump. Except for the vines, land diving is performed without safety equipment.

Papua New Guinea collective Haus Yuriyal, Yuriyal Bridgeman, Kuman. Exhibition view: 11th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane. Courtesy © QAGOMA. Photo credit: C Callistemon

Final Days to Experience the Asia Pacific Triennial 11

Brisbane, Australia – Art lovers across the Pacific region have just a few days left to experience the 11th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT11), a powerful celebration of creativity, culture, and community. The exhibition, which began in late 2024, will close Sunday at the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA).

Now in its 11th edition, APT11 features more than 500 works from around 70 artists and collectives representing a broad sweep of the Asia-Pacific region—including striking contributions from Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Samoa, Indonesia, and beyond.

A Cultural Powerhouse of the Pacific

This year’s Triennial explores themes of optimism, kinship, and environmental care, showcasing an uplifting and timely perspective amid global uncertainty. Visitors have praised the event’s mix of vibrant visual storytelling, community-led installations, and intergenerational narratives.

Highlights include:

Papua New Guinea’s Haus Yuriyal Collective, whose immersive artworks tell stories of ancestral resilience.
Tonga’s Lepamahanga Women’s Group, whose massive woven mat installation brings attention to climate stewardship and the endangered art of traditional weaving.
Environmental works using ocean plastics, barkcloth, and natural dyes by artists from Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Kiribati.

Just Days Left!

With the exhibition closing Sunday, art enthusiasts and cultural champions are encouraged to visit before this landmark showcase concludes. Entry to APT11 is free, making it one of the most accessible and enriching events of the season.

Whether you’re local to Brisbane or planning a last-minute trip, APT11 is a rare chance to witness the heartbeat of Pacific art in one space—alive, bold, and deeply rooted in shared history and futures.

SPORTS

2025 Coca-Cola Games: Fiji's Premier Athletics Event

2025 Fiji Coca-Cola Games. Photo credit: Fiji Village

The 2025 Coca-Cola Games, Fiji's premier secondary schools athletics competition, are set to commence on April 24 at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. This year marks the 50th edition of the Games, showcasing the nation's top young athletes.

Record-Breaking Opportunities

Government MP Lynda Tabuya has announced a $1,000 prize for the Senior Girls’ 100m and 200m final events of the Coca-Cola Games, currently held by Younis Bese, to match the offer made by sports commentator Satish Narain for the Senior Boys. Tabuya stated that $500 will be awarded for each event, aiming to encourage and empower young female athletes as they prepare for the much-anticipated blue ribbon events. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the incredible talent and potential of girls on the track, asserting that they deserve the same spotlight and incentives as the boys.

Satish Narain earlier announced cash incentives for any athlete who breaks the record of Pacific Sprint King Banuve Tabakaucoro in the 100m and 200m events. He has raised the stakes for the senior boys’ sprints by offering to award $1,000 cash, $500 for each of the two events. Narain believes this significant incentive will push top sprinters to achieve their personal bests and potentially etch their names into the record books.

This initiative underscores a growing commitment to gender equity in Fijian athletics, ensuring that female athletes receive equal recognition and support.

High Demand for Tickets

Grandstand tickets for the Games have officially sold out, reflecting the overwhelming interest in this prestigious event. Concrete embankment tickets are still available but are selling quickly.

Strict Drug-Free Policy

The Minister for Education, Hon. Aseri Radrodro, has officially declared the 2025 Coca-Cola Games a drug-free event. Comprehensive measures have been implemented to ensure the safety and well-being of students and the wider public during the three-day competition.

Enhanced Security Measures

Over 100 police officers will be deployed at the HFC Bank Stadium to ensure tight security during the Games. The police have prepared a comprehensive security plan, emphasizing that any criminal activities will be met with legal consequences.

International Participation

This year, six athletes from Samoa will participate in the Games, marking an exciting international presence. Their involvement highlights the regional significance of the event.

SPOTLIGHT

Message in a US passport issued to an American Samoan. The message indicates that the passport holder is a US national and not a US citizen. Photo credit: We The People Project (via NBC News)

🚨 Important ID Update for U.S. Nationals from American Samoa

If you were born in American Samoa and are a U.S. National (but not a U.S. Citizen), you need to know how new federal and state ID requirements affect you—especially with the REAL ID deadline next month, May, on the 7th fast approaching.

🛑 You Are Not Eligible for Enhanced IDs or Licenses in Any State

Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs) and Enhanced Identification Cards (EIDs) are REAL ID-compliant and allow for border crossing by land or sea and access to federal facilities. However, these are only available to U.S. Citizens — not U.S. Nationals. If you are a U.S. National from American Samoa, you:

Cannot apply for Enhanced ID or EDLs in any U.S. state
Must carry your valid U.S. passport as your primary form of identification
Cannot use your American Samoa birth certificate alone to obtain these IDs

✈️ What You Need to Travel After The 7th of May

After the 7th of May you’ll need a REAL ID-compliant license OR a valid U.S. passport to:

Board domestic flights within the U.S.
Enter federal buildings
Access military bases

Since U.S. Nationals are not eligible for Enhanced or REAL ID-compliant licenses in most states, your passport is your safest and most reliable form of ID.

What About Other U.S. Territories or Pacific Nations?

Territory/Nation	Citizenship Status	Eligible for Enhanced ID?
🇦🇸 American Samoa	U.S. National (not citizen)	❌ No
🇬🇺 Guam	U.S. Citizen	✅ Yes
🇲🇵 Northern Mariana Islands	U.S. Citizen	✅ Yes
🇵🇼 🇲🇭 🇫🇲 COFA Nations (Palau, RMI, FSM)	COFA Citizens (not U.S. Citizens)	❌ No (unless naturalized)

TL;DR

Enhanced IDs/EDLs: Not available to U.S. Nationals — applies in all U.S. states.
Regular REAL ID licenses: State-dependent — check with your DMV.
U.S. Passport: Best and safest ID option for U.S. Nationals.
REAL ID Deadline: May 7, 2025 — carry a passport if you're not eligible for a REAL ID.
📌 Friendly Reminder: If you're a U.S. National, don’t risk delays or deportation — always carry your valid U.S. passport when driving, flying, or accessing federal services.

TID BITS

Winston Peters 2024 US Deputy Secretary visit. Photo Credit: U.S. Department of State, Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Proposed Legislation to Define Gender by Biological Sex

On April 22, 2025, New Zealand First, a minority party in the governing coalition, introduced a member's bill aiming to legally define "woman" as "an adult human biological female" and "man" as "an adult human biological male." Deputy Prime Minister and party leader Winston Peters stated that the bill seeks to provide clarity in legislation and reflect "biological reality," criticizing liberal policies on gender.

Pacific Rim Young & Global Chefs Challenge 2025 Begins

Schools across Vanuatu closed their doors as a mark of respect following the passing of Pope Francis. Photo credit: Facebook

172 Vanuatu Catholic Schools Close in Tribute to Pope Francis

A total of 172 Catholic schools across five provinces in Vanuatu closed for the day to honor the passing of Pope Francis. The schools held prayer services and commemorations, paying tribute to the late pontiff. This collective observance reflected the deep respect and mourning felt within the Catholic community in Vanuatu following his death.

Apia Park grand stand. Photo credit: Sulamanaia Manaui Faulalo

Apia Park Stadium Grandstands to Be Demolishedm

The western grandstands of Apia Park Stadium are set for demolition following a cabinet-approved directive aimed at redeveloping Samoa's primary sports venue. Officials from the Ministry of Sports and Lakapi Samoa have not commented regarding the stadium's condition or future plans for rugby in Samoa.

Portrait artist Lissette Yamase and carver Anthony Watson

Baka Barakove Bina. Photo credit: ABC Pacific

Papua New Guinea Literary Achievement

Baka Barakove Bina, a court registrar from Goroka, has become the first Papua New Guinean shortlisted for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize. His story, "Wonem Samting Kamap Lo Mama," was selected from over 6,700 entries.

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🌺☕Today in Oceania - Thur 24th April 25