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South Pacific

‘Primary partner’CommentsPremiumPNG leader warns economic strength and security are linked

Papua New Guinea’s leader has used an historic speech to reassure Australia that his nation will remain close and emphasised his desire for it to stand on its own two feet economically.

Katina Curtis

‘Work as equals’CommentsSecurity pact with PNG aim of Albo’s first overseas visit

A security pact between Australia and Papua New Guinea will set an example for the region and pave the way for a peaceful and prosperous future, Anthony Albanese will say in a landmark address.

Kimberley Caines

First bipartisan trip since 2019PremiumDown the hatch: Cup of kava for Aussie pollies in Vanuatu

A cup of kava, ceremonial dancing, gift exchanges, and friendly banter greeted a cross-party ministerial delegation led by Foreign Minister Penny Wong to Vanuatu.

Kimberley Caines In Port Vila, Vanuatu

Vanuatu delegationCommentsVanuatu say Pacific-Australia labour scheme hurts workers

Regional security is emerging as a major theme coming out of Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong’s four-day bipartisan trip to the Pacific region. 

Kimberley Caines In Port Vila, Vanuatu

Massive investmentCommentsHuge Budget boosts for critical minerals and Pacific support

Next week’s budget will contain $100 million get new critical minerals projects off the ground, along with a big boost to support for Pacific Island countries.

Katina Curtis

Tourist lureNew Zealand to ditch pre-departure COVID testing

From next week, travellers arriving in New Zealand will not have to organise a pre-departure COVID-19 test.

Ben McKay

‘lack of trust’Premium‘Insane, unhinged’: Solomon Islands PM’s claims slammed

The Solomon Islands Opposition has lashed out at Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s claim that Australia’s threat to invade the country mapped out the potential for the leader to instate Chinese security.

Kellie Balaam

‘Call for calm’ VideoCommentsPM facing heat after Solomon Islands’ ‘invasion’ claim

The Prime Minister is facing heat over the fallout from the Solomon Islands’ deal with China, rejecting accusations he started a war of words which has just driven the Pacific Islands nation closer to China. 

Annabel Hennessy

investigation
investigation
The red seizeCommentsPremium
investigation
Why the Solomon Islands turned to China for security

The Solomon Islands security pact with China has led to a bitter fallout between former close allies. But what was it that caused the Pacific nation to turn to Beijing as its relationship with Australia soured?

Annabel Hennessy

‘Massive jolt’Major earthquake shakes New Zealand

New Zealanders on the east coast of the North Island felt a "massive jolt" on Saturday afternoon when a 4.9 magnitude earthquake struck.

Ben McKay

Coronavirus pandemicCommentsNew COVID-19 case could burst NZ bubble

New Zealand has recorded a new case of coronavirus community transmission just days after announcing a travel bubble with Australia.

Ben McKay

Crossing the ditchCommentsPremiumNZ PM ready to name date for trans-Tasman bubble

Before two-way travel between Australia and New Zealand can start, six conditions must be met.

Sarah Ison

Auckland shutsVideoNZ confirms UK strain as COVID lockdown begins

Three new cases mean 1.6 million Kiwis face bans on non-essential movement until midnight on Wednesday as part of alert level three restrictions.

Ben McKay

‘D minus’VideoCommentsPremiumMore funding needed to ‘counter China influence’

Australia is risking the security and stability of the Asia Pacific region by not going far enough in its support of its neighbours, according to the Council of International Development.

Sarah Ison

miracle swimAneurysm survivor and shire CEO take the plunge

Two familiar faces will be among the swimmers making a splash in the Harvey Open Water Series event scheduled for next February.

Briana Fiore

4kg allowanceMorrison ups kava imports in nod to Fiji

People will be allowed to bring up to four kilograms of kava — known for its sedative and euphoric properties — into Australia for their personal use by the end of this year.

HugeWA Police help in massive New Zealand drug bust

The collaboration between the two police forces was dubbed Operation Ali.

Phil Hickey

Identity suppressedPremiumNZ van murder accused’s Aussie link

The man accused of murdering Victorian tourist Sean McKinnon in his campervan in a remote spot in New Zealand has a strong Australian link of his own, it can be revealed.

Natalie O'Brien

Education NewsStudent to experience Middle East

Travelling to the Middle East might not be high on many teenagers’ wish lists, but for 16-year-old Chloe Ayling, it will be a dream come true.

Sophie Elliott

Overseas tragedyAustralian shot dead in NZ carjack attempt

A major manhunt is under way after an Australian man was shot dead while sleeping in a campervan in New Zealand.

Kermadec IslandsStrong quake hits island chain off New Zealand

A tsunami warning was briefly in place after the earthquake.

Friends againVideoScoMo visit thaws Australia-Fiji relations

Australia and Fiji are family again after Scott Morrison’s visit to the Pacific, ending a diplomatic freeze in place since a 2006 military coup.

Angus Livingston

ConcernsVideoSearch continues for missing elderly woman

Patricia Byrne, 84, was last seen at 11.30am on Thursday in the Stirling Range National Park.

Staff writers

Walmsley’s warningWarning for 4WD owners

Four-wheel-drive enthusiasts using Preston Beach have been urged to drive safely following a busy winter period of speeding and vehicle roll-overs.

Sam Gibbs