Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
Conspiracy and defamation trial in Samoa ends
Talanei
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June 25, 2025
A high-profile court case between Samoa police and six defendants linked to an unresolved 2021 hit-and-run incident—that killed a university student—ended abruptly when the defense decided not to present any evidence. According to Talamua News...
Drug traffickers targeting Pacific waterways: Oceania Customs
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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June 25, 2025
Pacific nations must urgently strengthen maritime enforcement as criminal networks deliberately exploit geographic vulnerabilities, generating unprecedented trafficking drugs across the region. The Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) says detection...
Are all children equal in the eyes of God?
Samoa Observer
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An interesting call was made by a church leader on Wednesday when he told the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) to offer the $1000 only to babies whose parents are married and not to those born out of wedlock. Reverend Tusi Pou Tuigamala’s...
Overweight Tourist Dragged Off Plane ‘After Demanding An Aisle Seat’
Gulf Insider
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June 26, 2025
This is the moment an overweight tourist was dragged out of a plane after he allegedly demanded an emergency aisle seat for his bigger frame. The entitled passenger reportedly complained there was not enough room in his window seat on the Thai...
OPINION : Stand on Your Record of Service
Newsline Samoa
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June 26, 2025
The media’s recent fact checking of statements made by the Chairman of the Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi party raises serious concerns. We have always known La’auli Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt has a problem dealing with facts and figures....
Overweight tourist is DRAGGED off a plane 'after demanding an aisle seat for his bigger frame, throwing a tantrum and delaying take-off by an hour' as Brit calls him 'f***ing selfish'
Daily Mail
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June 26, 2025
This is the moment an overweight tourist was dragged out of a plane after he allegedly demanded an emergency aisle seat for his bigger frame. The unnamed passenger - seen in the video wearing an orange Garfield shirt - reportedly complained there...
Saukuru sends well wishes to Men’s and Women’s Deaf Rugby teams
Fijivillage
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Perform to the best of your abilities, and know that the entire nation is behind you with our prayers and support. This was the message conveyed by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru, to Fiji’s Men’s and Women’s Deaf Rugby teams as...
Kalu Seeks Stronger Ties Under Samoa Agreement
New Telegraph
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June 26, 2025
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has called for enhanced cooperation between the European Parliament and the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) under the framework of the Samoa Agreement. Speaking during a meeting in...
Why most Pacific governments stand with Israel
RNZ
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June 26, 2025
A supporter of Israel holds an Israeli flag in front of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC, on 8 October. Photo: JULIA NIKHINSON / AFP Amid uncertainty in the Middle East, one thing remains clear: most Pacific governments continue to align...
Waste of time says Tuilaepa
Samoa Observer
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“We do not waste our time unnecessarily," responded Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi when asked whether he expects other parties to outperform HRPP in the upcoming election. Political parties are ramping up...
Royal runaway: Zuma’s daughter flees Eswatini palace after just months of marriage
The Citizen (South Africa)
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June 26, 2025
Jacob Zuma is apparently refusing to meet with King Mswati's royal envoy dispatched to Nkandla to negotiate the return of Nomcebo. King Mswati III’s 16th wife and former South African president Jacob Zuma’s daughter, Nomcebo Zuma, is said to have...
ADB’s Director General for Pacific in Honiara
Solomon Star
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June 25, 2025
Director General (DG) of the Pacific Department within the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) is on a five-day visit to the Solomons. Emma Veve who was appointed to the position in late February 2025 arrived in Honiara on Monday and has been visiting...
Miss Samoa USA is getting ready to pass the torch
FOX 13 Salt Lake City - Utah
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June 25, 2025
We met Miss Samoa USA, Josephina Lealaitafea, in the summer of 2024, shortly after she was crowned. Now, after serving in the role for almost a year, she's getting ready to pass the torch. Josephina was crowned on August 1, 2024 after a 15-year...
Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia make landfall at French Polynesia’s Taputapuātea
Maui Now - Hawaii
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On Tuesday, at approximately 9:45 a.m., the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s traditional voyaging canoes Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia, accompanied by Tahiti’s canoe Fa‘afaite, arrived at their first stop in French Polynesia: Taputapuātea. Located on the...
Craigs’ new director of philanthropy and intergenerational wealth
NBR
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June 26, 2025
Prominent philanthropy sector executive Arron Perriam is joining Craigs Investment Partners as director, of philanthropy and intergenerational wealth. Craigs’ head of private wealth and markets Jeremy Williamson says the appointment expands...
Canada rugby names 42-man camp roster ahead of July test matches
The Globe and Mail
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June 25, 2025
Open this photo in gallery:Lucas Rumball of Canada, centre, runs to score a try against Tonga during the Pacific Nations Cup match at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in Tokyo, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. Rumball will be a part of Canada's training...
China gifts heavy machinery to Samoa
Talanei
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June 24, 2025
China has presented a $5 million agricultural mechanization package to Samoa. Receiving the 21 heavy machinery units, Samoa Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa said. “The project directly addresses one of our most persistent challenges. The...
Canada names 42-man camp roster ahead of July rugby tests in Edmonton
CBC/Radio-Canada
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June 25, 2025
Canada rugby coach Stephen Meehan has called 42 players into camp in Edmonton ahead of July test matches against Belgium and Spain. Meehan, an Australian, was named coach in December, succeeding Kingsley Jones, who stepped down after seven years...
Canada rugby coach Stephen Meehan names 42-man camp roster ahead of July tests
Midland Today
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June 25, 2025
Canada rugby coach Stephen Meehan has called 42 players into camp in Edmonton ahead of July test matches against Belgium and Spain. Meehan, an Australian, was named coach in December, succeeding Kingsley Jones, who stepped down after seven years...
Rory Hutchinson drafted into Scotland's Pacific Tour squad
Talking Rugby Union
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Scotland replace injured Matt Currie with seasoned centre Rory Hutchinson for Pacific tour. ©Northampton Saints Scotland have brought in experienced centre Rory Hutchinson to their 37-man squad for the Pacific tour after Matt Currie was forced to...