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Know what’s happening across Oceania—before your coffee’s cold.
Photo credit: Western Sydney University
Western Sydney University Addresses Food Messaging for Youth Mental Health in Australia
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Western Sydney University, in collaboration with several national institutions and health organizations, has launched a major initiative to improve youth mental health through safe nutrition messaging in schools. Backed by over $990,000 in funding from the NHMRC’s Early to Mid-Career Researchers Initiative, the project focuses on developing health education materials that promote positive eating habits without triggering body image issues or disordered eating behaviors. Led by Associate Professor Heruc and a multidisciplinary team, the project involves experts from institutions like the University of Newcastle, Monash University, Deakin University, and others, as well as partners like the National Eating Disorders Collaboration and Dietitians Australia.
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The initiative aims to create evidence-based guidelines for schools that take into account the psychological impact of food messaging on young people. With growing awareness of how nutrition education can unintentionally contribute to harmful eating patterns, the project emphasizes a supportive and holistic approach. By integrating these new messages into school curricula and working closely with educators and families, the program seeks to foster a healthier, more balanced relationship with food and body image among students across Australia.
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Peter To Rot.
Photo credit: Catholic Online
Canonization Of Peter To Rot - A Catholic Preacher From Papua New Guinea
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Peter To Rot, born on March 5, 1912, in Rakunai village, East New Britain, Papua New Guinea, was a dedicated Catholic catechist known for his unwavering commitment to his faith and community. During World War II, under Japanese occupation, he continued his pastoral duties despite prohibitions, secretly ministering to his fellow villagers. His steadfast opposition to polygamy and defense of Christian marriage values led to his arrest and subsequent martyrdom by poisoning on July 7, 1945.
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Pope John Paul II beatified To Rot on January 17, 1995, in Port Moresby, recognizing his martyrdom. Recently, on March 31, 2025, Pope Francis approved his canonization, paving the way for To Rot to become Papua New Guinea's first saint. This decision was made shortly after the Pope's recovery from a severe illness, highlighting the significance of To Rot's sainthood.
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The canonization has been met with profound gratitude and humility by To Rot's descendants and the broader community. His grandson expressed being "humbled" by the announcement, reflecting the deep impact of To Rot's legacy on his family and the nation.
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PRESENTED BY VONU STUDIOS
Children's Book: Vonu and the Druas Play Hide and Seek
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Join Vonu the turtle and the stingray twins, the Druas Vai and Fai, in an exciting game of hide and seek! A heartwarming story filled with fun and adventure, perfect for young readers. Get your copy today!
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Business Trade, and Investment Board (BTIB) CEO Repeta Puna at the Cook Islands Cultural and Creative Industry Strategy Forum held in February this year. Photo credit: MELINA ETCHES/25022707
Cook Islands Encouraging Diaspora Investment
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The Cook Islands government is actively seeking to boost its economy by encouraging its diaspora to invest in key industries back home. With a significant number of Cook Islanders living in New Zealand, Australia, and other parts of the world, the government is focusing on attracting these citizens to invest in sectors such as construction, healthcare, tourism, and culture. Repeta Puna, the CEO of the Cook Islands Business Trade and Investment Board, has led a series of promotional efforts to present these investment opportunities. This includes a delegation visiting New Zealand and Australia, where they aim to showcase the potential for growth in the Cook Islands and highlight the economic benefits for diaspora members who contribute to their homeland's development.
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The Cook Islands' strategic push for diaspora investment is a key part of the nation’s plan to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on external aid and tourism. By fostering a robust partnership with its global community, the government hopes to stimulate local employment, support infrastructure projects, and develop industries that can provide sustainable long-term growth. Encouraging investment from Cook Islanders abroad also reflects a broader trend in Pacific nations seeking to leverage their diaspora populations for economic and social development. This initiative has the potential to strengthen the economic ties between the Cook Islands and the broader Pacific diaspora, leading to mutual benefits for both the homeland and its citizens living abroad.
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Aukusitino Vitale speaking at General Fono on fakaofo in March 2025
Photo credit: Elena Pasilio
Delayed Tuna Fishing Funds For Tokelau
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Tokelau is experiencing significant economic challenges due to the delayed disbursement of funds from the South Pacific Tuna Treaty. This treaty permits the United States to fish for tuna within Tokelau's exclusive economic zone, generating crucial revenue for the territory. The payment, amounting to approximately NZD 7.4 million, was due in March 2025 but has not been received, creating financial uncertainty for Tokelau's government.
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In response to this delay, New Zealand has provided an advance payment to Tokelau, with the understanding that the amount will be reimbursed once the U.S. payment is received. Aukusitino Vitale, a Tokelau government spokesperson, expressed disappointment over the lack of prior communication from U.S. officials regarding the delayed funds. He emphasized that these funds are vital for Tokelau's infrastructure development and governance initiatives, especially as the territory explores options for greater autonomy.
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SPORTS
Gary Stead Steps Down as New Zealand's Head Coach
Gary Stead to step down as NZ head coach Photo credit: @SportNationNZ/X
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Gary Stead, who has served as New Zealand's head cricket coach since 2018, announced his decision to step down from coaching the national team's One Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 (T20) formats. His contract, set to conclude in June 2025, will now see him focusing solely on Test cricket. Stead expressed a desire to spend more time at home, stating he would take the next month to reflect on his future and discuss potential reapplication for the Test coaching role with his family.
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Under Stead's leadership, New Zealand achieved significant milestones, including winning the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021 and securing a 3-0 Test series sweep over India. However, the team narrowly missed out on major white-ball trophies, finishing as runners-up in the 2019 World Cup, the 2021 T20 World Cup, and the recent Champions Trophy. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has initiated the search for a new head coach, considering options for either split-role appointments or a single coach overseeing all formats.
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MUSIC
Fiji Fringe Festival Highlights
Chief Guest Deputy PM and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, SMEs and Communications, Hon. Manoa Kamikamica
Photo credit: Fiji Government Online
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The Fiji Fringe Festival, held in Suva, serves as a dynamic platform for local and regional artists to showcase their talents across various performing arts disciplines. The 2025 festival, which took place from March 29 to April 5, featured over 50 events, including theatre, music, dance, comedy, spoken word, and experimental performances. This year's edition recognized the contributions of 445 artists, highlighting the festival's role in fostering creativity and providing economic opportunities within Fiji's creative economy.
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Festival Director Sharleen Ali emphasized the importance of the festival in offering artists a structured environment to experiment, express, and connect with new audiences. The event not only celebrated artistic excellence but also contributed significantly to the local economy, generating over $93,000 in direct payments to artists. Looking ahead, plans are underway to expand the festival's reach, enhance support for artists, and deepen community engagement across Fiji, reinforcing the nation's commitment to nurturing its vibrant creative sector.
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TID BITS
Photo credit: Papua New Guinea Travel
Bundi Komba Festival - PNG
Taking place in Madang Province from the 9th to the 11th of this month, this festival promotes and strengthens the cultural traditions of the Bundi people. Organized by the Kumura Foundation, it showcases traditional dances, music, and rituals, offering insights into the community's rich heritage.
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Photo credit: Kaniva Tonga
TongaHealth Initiative
TongaHealth has supported a ban on junk food and drugs during the TongaHealth Secondary Schools Athletic Sports Competition held from the 7th to the 11th of April at Teufaiva Stadium in Nuku'alofa. This initiative aims to promote a healthy and safe environment for students, emphasizing the importance of well-being in educational settings.
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Ni Vanuatu fishermen
Photo credit: Real KM
Vanuatu Indigenous Knowledge Enhancing Food Safety
In a collaborative effort, scientists and Indigenous knowledge holders on Ambae Island are working together to mitigate ciguatera fish poisoning, a common seafood-borne illness in Vanuatu. By integrating traditional ecological indicators with scientific methods, they aim to predict and prevent outbreaks, enhancing food safety for local communities.
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Ocean Dancer: Crimson Allure by Melanie Maclou Photo credit: Sculpture At Bathers
Sculpture at Bathers (S@B) 2025 - Western Australia
Returning for its sixth iteration, this event transforms Fremantle's Bathers Beach into an open-air gallery. Running from April 4 to 21, the exhibition features sculptures displayed under the old jetty, along the beach, and even in the ocean, offering visitors a unique artistic experience.
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