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Know what’s happening across Oceania—before your coffee’s cold.
Fiji is redefining sustainable travel with the launch of "Loloma Hour". Photo Credit: Tourism Fiji
Discover 'Loloma Hour': Tourism Fiji's Invitation to Sustainable Tourism
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Fiji is redefining sustainable travel with the launch of "Loloma Hour," an initiative encouraging visitors to dedicate at least one hour of their stay to activities that benefit the environment and local communities.
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Embracing the Spirit of 'Loloma'
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Rooted in the Fijian concept of "loloma," meaning love and generosity, the program invites travelers to engage in meaningful experiences that foster a deeper connection with the islands.
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Four Pillars of Participation
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Visitors can choose from activities aligned with four key areas:
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Wildlife Conservation: Participate in guided nature walks, native tree planting, and learn about local wildlife conservation efforts, including those for manta rays and iguanas.
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Community Engagement: Immerse yourself in Fijian culture through traditional cooking classes, storytelling sessions, and village visits, supporting local traditions and communities.
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Reef Protection: Engage in marine conservation efforts such as coral planting, reef-safe snorkeling programs, and promoting the use of reef-safe sunscreen to protect Fiji's vibrant coral reefs.
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Coastline Preservation: Join beach clean-ups and mangrove restoration projects to help safeguard Fiji’s coastlines and combat coastal erosion.
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Widespread Participation Across Resorts
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Over 20 resorts and tour operators across Fiji have integrated Loloma Hour into their guest experiences. Notable participants include InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, Six Senses Fiji, and Vomo Island Fiji, each offering unique activities such as coral gardening, marine education sessions, and cultural village tours.
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A Collective Effort for a Sustainable Future
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With tourism accounting for approximately 40% of Fiji's GDP, initiatives like Loloma Hour are crucial for promoting sustainable practices that preserve the nation's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
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Get Involved
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Participating in Loloma Hour is simple. Guests can inquire at their accommodation's reception about available activities. No special skills are required—just a willingness to contribute and connect.
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For more information, visit fiji.travel/loloma-hour.
Opening ceremony officiated by Lt. Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae, Jr. Photo Credit: Samoa News
American Samoa Hosts Second Leg of Inaugural Pacific Game Fishing Championship
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The picturesque harbor of Pago Pago, American Samoa, came alive from April 20–26, 2025, as it hosted the second leg of the inaugural NPDL Pacific Islands International Tournament. This event, known locally as the 22nd Annual Steinlager I'a Lapo'a Fishing Tournament, attracted anglers from across the Pacific, including teams from New Zealand, Tonga, and neighboring Samoa.
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A Regional Celebration of Sport and Culture
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The tournament commenced with an opening ceremony officiated by Lt. Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae, Jr., highlighting the event's significance in promoting regional unity and cultural exchange. Throughout the week, participants engaged in competitive fishing, targeting species such as marlin, tuna, and mahi-mahi, while also partaking in community events that celebrated the rich maritime heritage of the Pacific islands.
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Pathway to Global Recognition
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As part of the three-leg series, the American Samoa tournament serves as a qualifier for the prestigious Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica. Teams accumulate points across all legs, with the highest scorers earning the opportunity to represent the Pacific on the global stage.
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Looking Ahead
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The final leg of the NPDL Pacific Islands International Tournament is scheduled to take place in Vava'u, Tonga, from May 5–10, 2025. Anticipation is high as teams prepare for the concluding event, which will determine the overall champions of this groundbreaking series.
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For more information and updates on the tournament, visit the Samoa International Game Fishing Association's Facebook page.
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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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Ashley Fua, UNDP Area Programme Manager, speaking at the final consultation workshop in Nuku'alofa. Photo credit: UNDP
Tonga Empowers Villages in Disaster Preparedness Efforts
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In a significant move towards enhancing disaster resilience, Tonga's National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRMO) has concluded its final consultation with District and Town Officers of Tongatapu. This marks the completion of the initial phase of a nationwide initiative aimed at decentralizing Disaster Risk Management (DRM), placing leadership, planning, and decision-making at the village level.
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The initiative involves the establishment of Village Disaster Risk Management Committees (VDRMCs) and the development of Village DRM Plans. By empowering local communities to take charge of their disaster preparedness, the program seeks to build a stronger, more inclusive, and resilient Tonga. NDRMO Director Mafua-‘i-Vai’utukakau Maka emphasized the importance of shifting decision-making and preparedness into the hands of communities, stating, "By establishing Village Disaster Risk Management Committees and supporting them to lead the development of Village DRM Plans, we are building a stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient Tonga—where every village plays a central role in protecting lives, livelihoods, and local development."
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This community-driven approach aligns with Tonga's existing Emergency Management Act, which mandates the establishment of emergency management committees at national, island/district, and village levels. The decentralization of DRM ensures that preparedness and resilience are rooted in local knowledge, participation, and ownership.
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The completion of the Tongatapu consultations signifies a transformative shift in Tonga’s approach to disaster risk management, moving from a centralized system to one that is community-driven and inclusive. By placing leadership, planning, and decision-making at the village level, the DRM decentralization process ensures that preparedness and resilience are rooted in local knowledge, participation, and ownership.
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As Tonga continues to face natural hazards, including cyclones, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, the empowerment of local communities through initiatives like the VDRMCs is a crucial step towards building a more resilient nation.
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Among the maintained facilities is Lajmoli Airport on Santo's west coast, which hasn't seen a flight in over a decade. Photo credit: Smart Aviation Asia Pacific
Vanuatu's Airport Maintenance Costs Spark Concerns Amid Limited Flight Services
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The Vanuatu government is under scrutiny for allocating over VT2 million to maintain several airports that currently lack active flight services, while residents in remote communities grapple with exorbitant travel expenses.
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Airports Without Flights
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Among the maintained facilities is Lajmoli Airport on Santo's west coast, which hasn't seen a flight in over a decade. Despite its inactivity, maintenance efforts persist, raising questions about resource allocation.
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Struggles of Remote Communities
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Residents in isolated areas, such as those traveling to Sola, face travel costs exceeding VT100,000, highlighting the financial strain on communities due to limited air services.
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Air Vanuatu's Operational Challenges
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Air Vanuatu, the national carrier, has faced significant operational hurdles, including a four-month suspension of domestic flights in 2024. A government bailout of $3 million facilitated a partial resumption of services, but challenges persist.
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Calls for Strategic Planning
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The juxtaposition of maintaining inactive airports and the high travel costs for remote communities underscores the need for strategic planning in Vanuatu's aviation sector. Stakeholders advocate for a comprehensive approach to ensure efficient use of resources and improved connectivity for all regions.
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Activists suspended themselves in coal cable cars for over 60 hours. Photo credit: Climate Liberation Aotearoa
Activists Suspend Operations at Stockton Mine to Protest Expansion Plans
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Over the Easter weekend, a group of climate activists staged a dramatic protest at the Stockton coal mine on New Zealand's West Coast. Seven individuals suspended themselves in coal cable cars for over 60 hours, effectively halting coal transport and drawing attention to Bathurst Resources' proposed expansion of the mine.
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Protest Details
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The protest occurred at the Escarpment mine site, part of Bathurst Resources' Stockton operations. Activists set up camp on the Denniston Plateau, a site of ecological significance, to oppose the company's plans to extract 20 million tonnes of coking coal over the next 25 years. The expansion is enabled by fast-track legislation, bypassing standard resource consent processes.
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Environmental Concerns
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Activists, including Rosie Cruickshank, expressed concerns over the environmental impact of the proposed expansion. Using calculations from the Ministry for the Environment, it is estimated that the coal produced by the Escarpment mine would generate 53 million tonnes of carbon dioxide. Combined with emissions from the Rotowaro mine in Waikato, Bathurst would be responsible for 66 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions over the project's duration.
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Government Response
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Resources Minister Shane Jones criticized the protesters, emphasizing the economic benefits of mining, including royalties and infrastructure development. He defended the fast-track approval process, stating that businesses have a legal right to apply for such approvals under legislation passed by the New Zealand Parliament.
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Ongoing Activism
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The protest is seen as part of a broader movement resisting the expansion of coal mining in New Zealand. Activists view this action as an initial step in a series of efforts to challenge the government's fast-tracked mining projects and advocate for environmental protection.
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SPORTS
OFC U-16 Women’s Championship Qualifiers Kick Off in Rarotonga
Players from Papua New Guinea, American Samoa and Cook Islands at the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship Qualifiers in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. Photo credit: Oceania Football Confederation
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The 2025 OFC U-16 Women’s Championship Qualifiers commenced on April 27 in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. This week-long tournament features three teams—American Samoa, Papua New Guinea, and hosts the Cook Islands—competing for a spot in the main championship scheduled for August in Apia, Samoa.
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Tournament Format and Schedule
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The qualifiers follow a round-robin format, with each team playing two matches:
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April 27: Papua New Guinea vs. Cook Islands
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April 30: Papua New Guinea vs. American Samoa
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May 3: Cook Islands vs. American Samoa
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All matches are held at the CIFA Academy in Rarotonga, with kick-off times at 1:00 PM local time (NZT).
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Team Preparations and Expectations
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Papua New Guinea's coach, Rachel Wadunah, expressed confidence in her team's preparations, emphasizing the importance of support from their home fans during the tournament . Cook Islands' coach, Tupou Brogan, highlighted the motivational factor of hosting an OFC competition on home soil, aiming to inspire the local players to perform at their best.
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Path to the Main Championship
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The winner of this qualifying tournament will secure a place in Group B of the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship in August, joining New Zealand, Solomon Islands, and Tonga . This championship serves as a critical step for the teams aspiring to compete in the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2026.
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SPOTLIGHT
It’s the annual Waikiki SPAM JAM®. Photo credit: Waikiki Spam Jam
Waikīkī SPAM JAM® 2025: A Celebration of Hawai‘i’s Favorite Canned Delicacy
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"Waikīkī’s iconic SPAM JAM® Festival has returned for its 21st year, running through the end of this week. The event has transformed Kalākaua Avenue into a lively street party each evening from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, celebrating Hawai‘i’s unique culinary culture and its love for SPAM®. Locals and visitors alike have been enjoying inventive dishes, live entertainment, and community spirit throughout the weeklong festivities."
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A Culinary Adventure
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Participating restaurants and vendors will showcase their creativity with SPAM®-infused dishes, offering attendees a chance to taste unique culinary creations. From SPAM® musubi butter mochi to deep-fried SPAM® bombs, the festival promises a diverse array of flavors. Notable eateries like Duke’s Waikīkī, Maui Brewing Co., and Eating House 1849 will feature special menu items, ensuring a gastronomic experience that honors this local staple.
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Entertainment and Activities
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The festival will feature three entertainment stages along Kalākaua Avenue, hosting performances by top Hawaiian musicians and award-winning hula hālau. A new highlight this year is a SPAM®-themed drone show over Waikīkī Beach, set to illuminate the night sky at 9:00 PM, offering a visual spectacle for all ages.
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Community and Giving Back
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Beyond the festivities, SPAM JAM® serves as a fundraiser for local charities. Proceeds from merchandise sales and on-site donations will benefit organizations such as the Hawai‘i Foodbank, Waikīkī Community Center, and the Visitor Aloha Society of Hawai‘i. Last year, the festival raised over $49,000, demonstrating the community's commitment to supporting those in need.
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Dine-In SPAM® Experience
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From April 19 to May 4, 2025, the festival extends into a Dine-In SPAM® event, where participating Waikīkī restaurants will offer exclusive SPAM®-themed dishes. This "Can to Table" experience allows food enthusiasts to explore innovative takes on SPAM® beyond the street festival.
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BOOKS
Aaron Fa’Aoso and Michelle Scott Tucker’s new children’s novel Spirit of the Crocodile. Photo credit: Allen & Unwin
New Children's Novel 'Spirit of the Crocodile' Explores Climate Challenges in the Torres Strait
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Torres Strait Islander actor and filmmaker Aaron Fa'Aoso, in collaboration with author Michelle Scott Tucker, has released a compelling children's novel titled Spirit of the Crocodile. Set on Saibai Island in the Torres Strait, the story follows twelve-year-old Ezra, a spirited boy whose love for dares leads him into unforeseen challenges. As climate change-induced disasters threaten his community, Ezra learns the importance of resilience, cultural heritage, and the strength found in unity.
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Published by Allen & Unwin on March 4, 2025, this 256-page novel is tailored for middle-grade readers and offers an authentic portrayal of life in the Torres Strait. The narrative not only entertains but also educates young readers about the pressing environmental issues facing island communities.
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Spirit of the Crocodile is available in both print and digital formats through various retailers, including Amazon and Apple Books. For those interested in a visual introduction to the book, a brief overview is available on YouTube.
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This novel stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in highlighting critical global issues through the lens of local experiences.
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TID BITS
The Cairns Art Gallery is currently hosting To Dance, To Sing: Headdresses from the Gallery Collection. Photo Credit: The Cairns Art Gallery
Exhibition Spotlight: "To Dance, To Sing" at Cairns Art Gallery
The Cairns Art Gallery is currently hosting To Dance, To Sing: Headdresses from the Gallery Collection, an exhibition running from March 22 to June 8, 2025. This showcase celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait) people, highlighting their traditional dance and ceremonial practices. The exhibition features a collection of finely crafted masks and headdresses, linocut prints, and drawings that depict ceremonial events.
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New Caledonia Tax Services Director, Mickaël Jamet, presents an overview of the current tax system, highlighting key taxes on individuals and companies. Photo credit: Facebook
New Caledonia Moves Toward Major Economic Reforms
The Social and Fiscal Conference of New Caledonia took place from April 22 to 25, 2025, bringing together government officials, unions, and business leaders to tackle major economic challenges. Key discussions focused on the high cost of labor, purchasing power, and the complexity of the tax system. Proposals included shifting social charges onto taxes to raise workers' net salaries by 30%, and simplifying the tax model to make it more competitive.
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Victoria's Music Development Office inaugural Music and Data Insight Summit. Photo credit: Victoria's Music Development Office
Music and Data Insight Summit in Victoria
Victoria's Music Development Office, in collaboration with Music Victoria, hosted the inaugural Music and Data Insight Summit on April 28–29. The summit provided insights into the intersection of music and data, offering a platform for industry professionals to explore new opportunities and challenges in the evolving music landscape.
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Hundreds of Koalas Shot Following Bushfire Devastation. Photo credit: Friends of the Earth Melbourne
Controversial Koala Cull in Victoria
In April 2025, the Victorian government authorized the aerial culling of up to 750 koalas in Budj Bim National Park following a bushfire that devastated over 2,000 hectares of habitat. This unprecedented measure aimed to euthanize koalas suffering from injuries, dehydration, and starvation.
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