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Know what’s happening across Oceania—before your coffee’s cold.
On April 22, 2025, Kīlauea unleashed a fiery display as lava burst skyward in a spectacular eruption. Photo Credit: USGS / FOX Weather
Kīlauea Roars to Life: Towering Lava Fountains Light Up Hawaiʻi’s Skies in Latest Eruption
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Kīlauea volcano on Hawaiʻi’s Big Island delivered a dramatic spectacle during its latest eruptive episode on April 22, 2025, with lava fountains soaring over 600 feet (approximately 200 meters) into the air. This event marked the 18th episode of the ongoing eruption that began on December 23, 2024, within the Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit caldera, known as Kaluapele.
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The eruption commenced at 3:20 a.m. HST and persisted for just over 10 hours. Lava erupted from both the north and south vents, with the south vent producing the most impressive displays. The fountains from the south vent reached heights exceeding 600 feet, while those from the north vent remained below 200 feet. Approximately 5 million cubic meters of lava were emitted during this episode, at a rate of about 140 cubic meters per second.
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Prior to the eruption, intermittent spattering was observed within the north vent, which intensified before transitioning into full lava fountaining. Live video from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) captured the eruption's progression, showcasing the dynamic nature of the event.
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Despite the eruption's intensity, all activity remained confined within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, posing no threat to residential areas. The park has become a popular destination for visitors eager to witness the volcanic activity, with viewing areas providing safe vantage points for observation
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The USGS continues to monitor Kīlauea closely, maintaining an Orange Volcano Watch alert level. Volcanic gas emissions remain elevated, with the last sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emission rate measured at approximately 1,200 tonnes per day on April 10.
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First session for the new Organic Farming training program at Mudrenicagi Organic Learning Farm Centre. Photo Credit: Facebook
New Organic Farming Training Program Launched at the Mudrenicagi Organic Learning Farm Centre, Fiji
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A new grassroots agricultural training program has kicked off in Wainunu, a rural district in Bua Province, Fiji, aiming to equip farmers with sustainable and organic farming skills. The initiative, launched at the Mudrenicagi Organic Learning Farm Centre, is part of a wider Pacific regional effort to build climate resilience and boost food security.
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The training combines practical, hands-on learning with core ecological principles. Participants are learning to manage soil health naturally, make compost, and control pests without synthetic chemicals. The focus is on low-impact methods that restore the land while supporting farmers' livelihoods.
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This effort falls under the Pacific Organic Learning Farms Network (POLFN), a regional project supported by the Pacific Community (SPC) and funded by the Kiwa Initiative. POLFN is active in several Pacific Island countries including Fiji, Tonga, Nauru, and the Solomon Islands. The program's goal is to create a network of demonstration farms that can share knowledge, train local communities, and promote organic agriculture across the region.
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The project is designed to offer long-term support to farmers adapting to changing climate conditions—proving that farming in harmony with nature can also mean greater resilience and better yields.
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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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Worsening road conditions at Bukura, Vanuatu. Photo credit: VBTC
Community Steps Up: Bukura Locals In Vanuatu Fundraise for Urgent Road Repairs
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Residents and business owners in Bukura, a community near Port Vila, Vanuatu, have initiated a grassroots fundraising campaign to repair a deteriorating stretch of road connecting Bukura to Devils Point. The road's poor condition has significantly impacted daily commutes and local businesses, prompting the community to take action.
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The initiative involves collecting contributions from locals to finance the necessary repairs. Community members are also volunteering their time and resources to support the project. This collective effort underscores the community's commitment to improving their infrastructure and quality of life.
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The fundraising campaign has garnered attention on social media platforms, with residents sharing updates and encouraging wider participation. While the project is still in its early stages, the community's proactive approach serves as an example of local empowerment and resilience in addressing infrastructural challenges.
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The Cooper’s orchid surfaces only once every few years, sending up a slender stem topped with modest, muted blooms. Photo credit: Carlos Lehnebach
Bringing Back the Hidden Beauty: Rare NZ Orchid Reintroduced to the Wild
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New Zealand's rarest native orchid, Cooper's orchid (Gastrodia sp.), has received a significant conservation boost with the successful reintroduction of lab-grown seedlings into the wild. This marks the first time such an effort has been undertaken for this elusive species, which is known for its understated appearance and complex ecological requirements.
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Cooper's orchid is a member of the potato orchid group, characterized by its subterranean lifestyle and reliance on specific fungi for germination and growth. The plant spends most of its life underground as a tuber, emerging only briefly every few years as a leafless stem with brown flowers. This elusive nature, coupled with its dependence on a particular fungal partner, has made conservation efforts particularly challenging.
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The conservation initiative is a collaborative effort between botanist Dr. Carlos Lehnebach of Te Papa Tongarewa and plant conservation researchers Dr. Karin van der Walt and Jennifer Alderton-Moss at Ōtari-Wilton's Bush, New Zealand's only botanic garden dedicated exclusively to native plants. The team faced significant hurdles in cultivating the orchid, primarily due to the difficulty in identifying and replicating the specific fungal relationship required for seed germination.
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After years of meticulous research, the team successfully cultivated Cooper's orchid seedlings in vitro by isolating the necessary fungus from the tubers of a more common potato orchid species. These lab-grown seedlings were then reintroduced to a site in the Wairarapa region, where the original seeds had been collected. The reintroduction aims to bolster the wild population, which is estimated to consist of fewer than 250 individuals spread across three known locations.
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This groundbreaking work not only offers hope for the survival of Cooper's orchid but also sets a precedent for the conservation of other rare and elusive orchid species in New Zealand. The successful propagation and reintroduction demonstrate the potential of combining scientific research with conservation efforts to protect and restore native biodiversity.
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Boost to Cocoa and Coconut Industries in Solomon Islands. Photo credit: Spice Jungle
Solomon Islands Allocates $2.26 Million to Boost Cocoa and Coconut Industries
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The Solomon Islands government has approved $2.26 million in soft loans to 57 recipients across the country to support cocoa and coconut projects under the Cocoa and Coconut Revolving Fund (CCRF). The initiative, announced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) on April 22, 2025, aims to strengthen local agribusinesses and enhance export capacity in these key agricultural sectors.
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The CCRF received 636 applications, with the 57 successful applicants selected based on criteria such as business licensing, export sales records, and repayment capacity. The funding is structured as low-interest loans, requiring recipients to repay the principal amount with minimal interest within a year.
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The distribution of recipients by province is as follows:
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Guadalcanal: 13 recipients (10 cocoa, 2 copra buyers, 1 transport service)
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Makira: 10 recipients (7 cocoa, 2 copra buyers, 1 transport service)
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Malaita: 9 recipients (5 cocoa, 4 copra buyers)
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Western Province: 10 copra buyers
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Honiara: 4 recipients (3 cocoa, 1 copra exporter)
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Isabel, Choiseul, Central Islands, and Temotu: remaining recipients
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This funding initiative is expected to stimulate the cocoa and copra sectors by encouraging increased participation from local buyers and exporters. The Ministry has emphasized transparency by publishing the list of recipients and plans to continue supporting agricultural development through similar programs.
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SPORTS
Fijian Shatters 54-Year-Old National 10,000m Record At the UniSport Australia Nationals Athletics Championships
Fijian Runner Yeshnil Karan. Photo credit: Team Fiji
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Fiji's long-distance running sensation, Yeshnil Karan, has etched his name into the annals of Fijian athletics history by breaking a 54-year-old national record in the 10,000 meters. Competing as a guest athlete at the UniSport Australia Nationals Athletics Championships held at the Gold Coast Performance Centre, Karan clocked an impressive time of 30 minutes and 19.92 seconds, surpassing the previous record by over a minute.
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The longstanding record of 31 minutes and 32.00 seconds was set in 1971 by the legendary Usaia Sotutu in Provo, USA. Karan's performance not only shattered this record but also secured him a first-place finish in the event, highlighting his dominance on the track.
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This achievement adds to Karan's growing list of accolades. In November 2023, he clinched the gold medal in the 10,000 meters at the Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands, with a time of 32 minutes and 32.30 seconds, lapping all competitors in the process. Additionally, Karan has broken the national 5,000 meters record twice, most recently recording a time of 14 minutes and 22.50 seconds in March 2025 at the Box Hill Burn in Melbourne.
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Karan's consistent performances and record-breaking feats have not gone unnoticed. His dedication and prowess on the track have inspired a new generation of Fijian athletes, solidifying his status as a national sporting icon.
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SPOTLIGHT
Samoa U-17 Women's Football Team. Photo credit: Samoa Global News
Samoa U-17 Women's Football Team Making History on the Global Stage
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The Samoa Under-17 women’s football (soccer) team is turning heads internationally with their strong performances and historic achievements. Competing in one of the world’s top youth tournaments—the Dallas Cup in Texas—the team continues to break new ground for Pacific Island nations.
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In their opening match, the young Samoan side delivered a commanding 7–1 win over Dallas-based club DKSC, drawing cheers from a supportive crowd that included many Samoan expatriates. Their stellar performance has made them the first team from the Pacific Islands to reach the semi-finals of the prestigious competition.
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Their qualification for the Dallas Cup was earned through a victorious campaign at the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship in Suva, where they beat New Caledonia 2–0 to secure a spot in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
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Led by coach Martin Tamasese, the team’s progress is a powerful example of determination, skill, and growing investment in women’s sport in the region. Their success is not only boosting Samoa’s presence in global football but also inspiring young girls across the Pacific to dream bigger.
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TID BITS
The "Back to Win" lineup features a diverse group of chefs, including Andre Ursini, Steph de Sousa, Depinder Chhibber, Alana Lowes, Laura Sharrad, Audra Morrice and Callum Hann . Photo Credit: Channel 10
MasterChef Australia Returns for Season 17: "Back to Win" Premieres April 28, 2025
MasterChef Australia is set to premiere its 17th season, titled "Back to Win," on Monday, April 28, 2025, at 7:30 PM on Channel 10 and 10 Play. This season brings together 24 returning contestants from previous seasons, ranging from the inaugural season to the most recent, all competing for the coveted title and a $250,000 prize.
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The Barossa gas field is located in offshore waters near the Tiwi Islands in Australia's Northern Territory. Photo credit: Rebecca Parker
Final Green Light for Barossa Gas Project Sparks Climate Controversy in Australia
The Australian government has granted final approval for Santos' $5.6 billion Barossa offshore gas project near the Northern Territory, allowing production to commence in the third quarter of 2025. Environmental groups have condemned the decision, labeling the project a "climate bomb" due to its high carbon dioxide content and projected emissions exceeding 270 million tonnes over its lifespan.
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Palau Boosts Ocean Protection. Photo credit: Facebook
Palau Boosts Ocean Protection with New Zealand-Funded Marine Planning Initiative
MAFE has secured a two-year grant from New Zealand to support Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) efforts in Palau. The initiative aims to strengthen collaboration between government agencies and local communities to safeguard marine environments and enhance climate resilience. In partnership with the Ministry of State, MAFE is also focusing on raising public awareness and championing ocean conservation on the global stage.
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The PNGDF contingent consists of 35 personnel, including three members assigned to the Joint Task Force Headquarters and a 32-man Combat Engineer Platoon led by Lieutenant Kingsley Baki as Platoon Commander and Sergeant Allan Pipise as Platoon Sergeant. Photo credit: Facebook
PNGDF Engineers Join Regional Disaster Relief Exercise in New Caledonia and Wallis & Futuna
A 35-member Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) engineering contingent has joined Exercise Croix du Sud 2025, a multinational military disaster response drill running from April 20 to May 3 in New Caledonia and, for the first time, Wallis & Futuna. Led by Lieutenant Velmoore Kagena, the team will work alongside other Pacific nations to simulate humanitarian aid, evacuation, and security missions following a fictional crisis scenario.
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