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Know what’s happening across Oceania—before your coffee’s cold.
Photo credit: ABC Pacific Beat
Fletcher Morobe's Exit Highlights Challenges in PNG's Construction Industry
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Fletcher Morobe, a prominent construction firm in Papua New Guinea (PNG), has announced its departure after 70 years of operation, leading to the loss of approximately 380 local jobs. The company has been instrumental in developing significant infrastructure, including the National Parliament Building, Jacksons Airport, and the Grand Papua Hotel.
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Industry experts attribute the firm's exit to challenges such as foreign currency shortages, escalating operational costs, and increased competition, particularly from Chinese companies. Fraser Hawkins, a PNG-based international recruiter, highlighted these factors as contributing to a challenging business environment. The departure of Fletcher Morobe underscores broader economic issues within PNG's construction sector, including concerns about reduced competition and the potential impact on future infrastructure projects.
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Images taken by Profile Boats, who were involved in rescuing crew of NZ Navy Ship HMNZS Manawanui. (Source: Profile Boats)
Inquiry Finds Human Error Behind HMNZS Manawanui Sinking in Samoa
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A New Zealand military inquiry has determined that the sinking of the navy vessel HMNZS Manawanui off Samoa's coast in October 2024 resulted from a series of human errors and insufficient crew training and experience. The Court of Inquiry's final report, released on April 7, 2025, highlighted that the crew failed to disengage the ship's autopilot during a survey operation near Samoa, leading to the vessel running aground on a reef, catching fire, and ultimately sinking. Notably, the crew did not realize the ship remained on autopilot and mistakenly believed there was a thruster control failure. All 75 personnel aboard evacuated safely, marking the first loss of a New Zealand naval vessel at sea since World War II.
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The report also identified contributing factors such as inadequate risk management, lack of supervision, and a fragile naval infrastructure that led to operational risks with an understaffed and inexperienced crew. In response, the New Zealand Navy has initiated reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future. While the Court of Inquiry did not assign individual blame, it recommended further investigation into certain unnamed crew members. Additionally, the Navy acknowledged the reputational damage caused by the incident and emphasized the importance of learning from these findings to restore public trust.
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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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Increased Foreign Investment Interest In New Zealand
Increased Foreign Investment Interest In New Zealand
New Zealand has recently updated its Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa program to attract high-value investors by offering more flexible and simplified investment options. Effective April 1, 2025, the revised program introduces two investment categories:
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Growth Category: Requires a minimum investment of NZD $5 million over a three-year term.
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Balanced Category: Requires a minimum investment of NZD $10 million over a five-year term.
These investments must be directed into acceptable investments within New Zealand, aiming to stimulate economic growth and encourage active engagement with the local investment community.
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Since the announcement of these changes, there has been a notable increase in interest from prospective investors, particularly from the United States. Approximately 40% of inquiries about the AIP Visa have originated from U.S. citizens, reflecting a significant rise in interest. This surge is attributed to factors such as New Zealand's appealing lifestyle, political stability, and low crime rates.
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In the December 2024 quarter, New Zealand recorded a net inflow of $6.0 billion in foreign investment, indicating a positive trend in attracting international capital. However, it's important to note that foreign direct investment (FDI) experienced a decline of $1.5 billion in September 2024, contrasting with an increase of $1.4 billion in the previous quarter. These developments suggest a growing interest in New Zealand as an investment destination, influenced by recent policy adjustments and the country's stable and attractive living conditions.
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SPORTS
Fiji Rugby Launches Women's Franchise Competition
Na Soko women’s rugby franchise competition set to kick off today at Lawaqa Park Photo credit: Fiji Rugby Union Online
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Fiji Rugby has officially launched "Na Soko," a groundbreaking women's rugby franchise competition set to commence today at Lawaqa Park. The tournament aims to bridge the gap between local provincial competitions and elite professional rugby, specifically the Vodafone Fijiana XV. Operating at a semi-professional level, Na Soko features players from 36 unions divided into four regional franchise teams: Camakau, Bilibili, Kaunitoni, and Takia.
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Alana Thomas, Fiji Rugby Women's High-Performance Manager, emphasized that Na Soko provides an opportunity for players not currently in the Fijian Drua to push for Rugby World Cup selection, thereby building depth in the squad. Additionally, the competition offers coaches from the new High-Performance coaching program a platform to be assessed and grow within the high-performance environment. Tournament Director Jikoibau Matawalu highlighted that Na Soko serves as a critical stepping stone connecting grassroots rugby to the professional stage, creating a pathway for local talent to thrive and potentially represent the Fijiana jersey.
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The four franchises—Camakau, Bilibili, Kaunitoni, and Takia—are named after Fiji's traditional watercraft, symbolizing movement, unity, and resilience. This initiative underscores Fiji Rugby's commitment to elevating domestic women's rugby and fostering gender equity in the sport. The organization also expressed gratitude to the Fiji Women's Crisis Centre for their financial support in making Na Soko a reality.
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Phil Waugh, Maddison Levi, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Matt Stanton and Morgan Turinui at the announcement of a new Rugby Australia broadcast deal for the Wallabies and Wallaroos.
Photo credit: Rugby AU
Rugby Australia's Broadcast Deal
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Rugby Australia (RA) has secured a landmark five-year broadcast agreement with Nine Entertainment, valued at up to A$240 million, extending from 2026 to 2030. This agreement encompasses a comprehensive range of rugby content, including all Wallabies and Wallaroos Test matches, Super Rugby Pacific and Super Rugby Women's fixtures, the Bledisloe Cup, the Rugby Championship, the forthcoming Nations Cup tournament, and state competitions like the Shute Shield and Hospital Cup through at least 2027.
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A notable feature of this deal is the inclusion of performance-based incentives. Rugby Australia stands to receive additional funding contingent upon the Wallabies achieving specific victories, such as winning the Bledisloe Cup and the World Cup during the agreement period. This structure aligns financial rewards with on-field success, aiming to bolster the national team's performance and overall rugby development.
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The partnership also signifies a shift in broadcast strategy. While previous agreements ensured at least one Super Rugby match per round was available on free-to-air television, the new deal removes this obligation. Consequently, all Super Rugby Pacific games will be accessible exclusively via Nine's streaming platform, Stan Sport. However, Rugby Australia and Nine are exploring ways to maintain a free-to-air presence to ensure broader audience reach.
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Phil Waugh, CEO of Rugby Australia, expressed that this agreement represents a significant advancement for the sport, providing robust support from grassroots to international levels for both male and female athletes. The deal is expected to enhance rugby's visibility and accessibility, fostering growth and engagement within the Australian sporting landscape.
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MUSIC
Rolling Stone Australia Awards
Amyl and the Sniffers performing at The Piece Hall in Halifax, UK, 27 June 2019
Photo credit: Realoliver9912 CC-BY-SA-4.0
The 2025 Rolling Stone Australia Awards, held on April 9 at The Ivy in Sydney, celebrated the achievements of Australian musicians over the past year. Amyl and the Sniffers emerged as the night's standout performers, securing two awards:
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Best Live Act: Recognizing their dynamic and engaging performances.
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Best LP/EP: Awarded for their critically acclaimed album Cartoon Darkness
The album Cartoon Darkness received widespread acclaim, reaching No. 2 on the ARIA Chart and No. 9 on the UK Albums Chart. It also earned nominations for the J Award for Australian Album of the Year and the Australian Music Prize.
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Other notable winners included:
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Global Award: Dom Dolla, honored for his international impact and achievements.
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Best New Artist: 3%, a First Nations hip-hop group recognized for their emerging influence.
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Best Single: Freckles" by Thelma Plum, celebrated for its standout qualities.
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Readers' Choice Award: Keli Holiday, as voted by Rolling Stone AU/NZ readers.
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Icon Award: Presented to ICEHOUSE, acknowledging their enduring legacy in the Australian music scene.
The event was hosted by Nic Kelly, a prominent figure in Australian music broadcasting, and featured performances from various artists, including ICEHOUSE. Sponsors for the event included American Apparel, Shure, and JMC Academy.
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TID BITS
Div Damodar visiting the Turaga Vunivalu of Serua, Ratu Tevita Mara Latianara with their official formal sevusevu presentation to request his blessing for the Arts Village Development. Photo credit: Div Damodar Facebook page
Arts Village Project in Serua - Fiji
The Damodar Group and Yatu Lau Limited have initiated the Arts Village project on Serua Island, commencing with a traditional sevusevu ceremony presented to the Vunivalu na Tui Serua, Ratu Tevita Mara Latianara.
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Mrs. Loupua Pahulu-Kuli Photo credit: Matangi Tonga Online
Tonga's First Female Chief Magistrate Appointed
On March 28, Mrs. Loupua Pahulu-Kuli was appointed as Tonga's Chief Magistrate, becoming both the first woman and the youngest to hold this position. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in Tonga's legal and societal progress.
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Launch of Monopoly: Darwin Edition
Photo credit: City of Darwin Facebook page
Launch of Monopoly: Darwin Edition
Today Darwin hosts the unveiling of the Monopoly: Darwin Edition board game. This customized version highlights iconic Top End locations such as Litchfield National Park, Mindil Beach Markets, and Kakadu National Park. Developed by Winning Moves, the game aims to boost civic pride and tourism by showcasing Darwin's unique geography and culture.
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Man with Horse (1918) by Edvard Munch
National Gallery of Australia's Acquisition
The National Gallery of Australia has been gifted "Man with Horse" (1918) by Edvard Munch. This acquisition enriches the gallery's collection, joining significant works like Jackson Pollock's "Blue Poles," and highlights Australia's cultural heritage. The acquisition marks a significant addition to the gallery's European collection, further enhancing its global reputation.
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