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

TODAY IN OCEANIA

Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary Sees Record Applications. Photo Credit: PNG Facts Website

PNG Police Recruitment Sees Record Applications

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) has received 18,460 applications for its 2025 recruitment drive through a newly introduced online portal. However, only 500 recruits will be selected due to limited training capacity. More than half the applications were rejected during the initial screening due to missing documents, poor academic results, or use of fake certificates.

The recruitment process includes multiple screening phases, such as testing, interviews, medical checks, and fitness assessments. The first batch of 250 recruits begins training in June, followed by a second batch in December.

Taiwan Representative to Fiji Joseph Chow seeks closer cooperation with Fiji. Photo credit: Facebook, Taipei Trade Office in Fiji

Taiwan Seeks Closer Ties with Fiji

Taiwan is actively seeking to strengthen its ties with Fiji through various cooperative initiatives, despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations. These efforts encompass agricultural development, educational support, and diplomatic engagements.

Diplomatically, Taiwan and Fiji have experienced fluctuations in their relationship. In March 2023, Fiji reinstated the name of Taiwan's representative office to "Trade Mission of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the Republic of Fiji," restoring diplomatic privileges that had been altered in 2018 under pressure from China. However, by June 2023, Fiji reversed this decision, reverting to the previous office name, reportedly due to renewed pressure from Beijing.

Despite these diplomatic challenges, Taiwan continues to engage with Fiji through practical cooperation in agriculture, education, and technical assistance, reflecting a commitment to mutual development and regional stability.

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Peter Dutton with his family at the Liberal Party launch on Sunday in Western Sydney. Photo Credit: Facebook

Australia Federal Election Campaigns Officially Launched

Both major political parties in Australia have officially launched their campaigns for the upcoming federal election.

Labor Party: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese introduced Labor’s campaign in Perth, emphasizing housing reforms, including a $10 billion plan to build 100,000 homes for first-home buyers and an expansion of the home guarantee scheme. Labor also highlighted achievements such as real wage growth, Medicare expansions, fee-free TAFE, and gender equity improvements. Albanese criticized the Liberal Party's policies, particularly their stance on nuclear energy and economic management.

Liberal-National Coalition: Opposition Leader Peter Dutton launched the Coalition's campaign in Sydney, promising to make Australia a "nuclear-powered nation," ease cost-of-living pressures, and provide a one-time $1,200 tax offset. The Coalition pledged deregulation, a crackdown on migration to address the housing crisis, and a proposal allowing first-time buyers to deduct mortgage interest from taxable income. Dutton also criticized Labor’s economic management and cultural policies.

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

New Zealand Eases Visitor Visa Rules for Pacific Islanders with 24-Month Multi-Entry Access and Aussie Travel Perks

New Zealand has announced significant changes to its visitor visa policies for Pacific Island nationals, aiming to enhance travel accessibility and strengthen regional ties.

Key Changes Effective from July 2025:

24-Month Multi-Entry Visa: Citizens from Pacific Islands Forum countries, including Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu, will be eligible for a visitor visa allowing multiple entries over a 24-month period. This doubles the previous 12-month validity.

Stay Duration Limits: Visitors can stay in New Zealand for up to 6 months within any 12-month period, and no more than 9 months in an 18-month period.

Visa-Free Travel from Australia: Starting November 2025, Pacific nationals holding valid Australian visitor, work, student, or family visas can travel to New Zealand for up to 3 months without applying for a separate New Zealand visa. They will need to obtain a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before traveling. This arrangement will be trialed for 12 months.

Government's Perspective:

Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters emphasized that these changes aim to simplify the visa process and reduce costs for Pacific travelers, reflecting New Zealand's commitment to its Pacific neighbors.

Ongoing Discussions:

While these reforms have been welcomed, some opposition MPs and advocacy groups believe further steps, such as extending visa-free travel to more Pacific nations, are necessary to fully support regional integration.

OCEANIANS MAKING WAVES

Samoa's Sionna Stallings-Alai'ilima Appointed as Fire Chief in the U.S

Sionna Stallings-Ala'ilima - Fire Chief Tacoma Fire Department. Photo credit: City of Tacoma Website

Sionna Stallings-Ala'ilima has been appointed as the Fire Chief of the Tacoma Fire Department, marking a historic milestone as the first Samoan and Pacific Islander to hold this position in the city's history. Her appointment was confirmed by the Tacoma City Council on April 1, 2025, following her nine-month tenure as interim chief.

Chief Stallings-Ala'ilima's career with the Tacoma Fire Department spans 18 years, during which she has served in various capacities, including Firefighter, Paramedic, Lieutenant, Captain, Medical Services Officer, and Assistant Chief. She is also the second woman to lead the department, following Chief Eileen Lewis (2000–2005).

Born in Maui, Hawaii, and of Samoan descent, Chief Stallings-Ala'ilima relocated to the Pacific Northwest to attend the University of Washington, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology with a minor in chemistry.

Her appointment was celebrated with a standing ovation and a traditional haka performed by her family, symbolizing strength, pride, and unity. In her new role, Chief Stallings-Ala'ilima will oversee the daily operations of the Tacoma Fire Department, implement strategic plans, and manage the department's budget. She aims to enhance community engagement and ensure the department's readiness to serve Tacoma's residents effectively. Chief Stallings-Ala'ilima's appointment is a significant achievement for representation in public service leadership, inspiring young girls and Polynesians to pursue their aspirations.

SPORTS

Auckland City FC Clinches 13th Title in OFC Men’s Champions League Final

Auckland City FC lifts the OFC Men’s Champions League trophy after a dominant 2–0 win over Hekari United in Honiara, Solomon Islands. Photo credit: Oceania Football Federation Facebook

Auckland City FC clinched their record-extending 13th OFC Men's Champions League title on April 12, 2025, by defeating Papua New Guinea's Hekari United 2–0 in the final held at the National Stadium in Honiara, Solomon Islands. This victory solidifies Auckland City's dominance in Oceania's premier club football competition.

The match saw Myer Bevan score both goals for Auckland City, earning him the Man of the Match accolade. Dylan Manickum was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament's Most Valuable Player, while Hekari United's goalkeeper, Dave Tomare, received the Golden Glove for his outstanding performances throughout the competition.

This final marked the first time since 2013 that two former champions faced off in the OFC Champions League final, highlighting the enduring strength of these clubs in the region. With this win, Auckland City secures a spot in the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup and strengthens their position for qualification in the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.

SPOTLIGHT

The GO Connections Fiji Initiative. Photo credit: GO Connections Fiji Facebook

Empowering Young Girls Through Sport: The GO Connections Fiji Initiative

GO Connections Fiji is making significant strides in empowering young girls through sports. This initiative hosts skills clinics for girls aged 7 to 14, providing them with opportunities to develop their athletic abilities, build confidence, and foster a sense of community.

These clinics are more than just athletic training sessions; they serve as platforms for mentorship and personal growth. By engaging in sports, participants learn valuable life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and resilience. The program aims to create a supportive environment where young girls can thrive both on and off the field.

GO Connections Fiji's commitment to youth development is evident in its collaboration with organizations like Basketball Fiji. Together, they have organized events such as the "Breaking Barriers" clinic, held at the FMF Gymnasium, which focuses on using basketball as a tool for empowerment and social change.

Through these initiatives, GO Connections Fiji is not only promoting physical health but also contributing to the broader goal of gender equality in sports. By providing young girls with the resources and support they need, the program is helping to shape the next generation of confident and empowered women in Fiji.

TID BITS

Lightning Woman Trophy. Photo credit: Australian Flying

Dick Smith's Electric Flight Challenge

Australian aviation pioneer Dick Smith has issued a challenge to accelerate the development of electric aircraft by offering a $22,000 sculpture prize, the Lightning Woman Trophy by Linda Klarfeld, for the first successful electric flight from England to Darwin, Australia. Inspired by the historic 1919 Great Air Race, Smith hopes this gesture will drive innovation in electric aviation. However, experts caution that battery capability and airport infrastructure remain significant challenges for such a journey.

Feleti Barstow Library Introduces Bookmobile Service. Photo credit: American Samoa Government

Feleti Barstow Library Introduces Bookmobile Service - American Samoa

The Feleti Barstow Public Library in American Samoa has recently launched a bookmobile service, aiming to extend its reach and promote literacy across the territory. This initiative is part of the library's broader mission to meet the informational, technological, and cultural needs of all age groups by providing both current and historical reading and instructional materials in various formats.

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Today in Oceania - Monday 14th April 2025