Stories by Caleb Fotheringham
News
'Come to the table, deal with issues' - USP staff vote in favour of strike action
Staff union general-secretary Rosalia Fatiaki says "we are going round and round" over "numerous unresolved issues" and its time for the vice-chancellor to front up to their concerns.
Safety agreement not good enough - Snorkel Cook Islands
A turtle tour operator in the Cook Islands says another accident, like a drowning, is bound to happen in the stretch of water where tours take place in Rarotoga. Audio
Pacific island countries growth to slow down in 2024 - World Bank
Economic growth in the Pacific is predicted to lag behind other emerging markets following the post-Covid boom caused by borders reopening.
After two years of exploring the ocean floor, Cook Islands gains 'new knowledge'
Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority head says the minerals programme is being led by Cook Islanders, which is different to outsiders moving into the Pacific.
'No guarantee' deep sea mining 'will go right' - study
The Ocean Foundation's report says there is high uncertainty around prices for metals and the circular economy could make deep sea mining unnecessary.
Turtle tour operators sign agreement to boost conservation efforts
The safety standards are part of a memorandum of understanding with Cook Islands Tourism which requires tour operators to have one guide for every four guests in the water.
Christchurch Pasifika leaders recognised
Three organisations and three individuals were given awards by the Pacific Youth Leadership and Transformation organisation for their service during the Covid-19 pandemic. Audio
US must 'find a way to deliver' COFA
China is knocking in the North Pacific as the United States are slow to pass a major strategic agreement. Audio
Pacific and Caribbean states propose groundbreaking global shipping emissions levy
Eight small island developing states have submitted a groundbreaking proposal to the UN's shipping regulator proposing a US$150 per tonne greenhouse gas emissions levy for the shipping industry. Audio
Cyclone Osai passing Cook Islands, French Polynesia on Nat alert
Tropical Cyclone Osai is the second cyclone in a week passing the Cook Islands, while there is an orange alert for parts of French Polynesia due to cyclone Nat.
Reports of flooding, no power - 'Cook Islands prepared' for Cyclone Nat, disaster office says
Tropical Cyclone Nat is passing through the Cook Islands with strong winds and heavy swell warnings in place for the southern group of islands.
Tropical Cyclone Nat: TD06F upgraded, alert in place for Southern Cook Islands
Tropical depression (TD06F) has been upgraded to category 1 Tropical Cyclone Nat near the Cook Islands.
Tropical cyclone alert for Southern Cook Islands
A tropical depression (TD06F) was located about 500 kilometres north-northwest of Palmerston Island at 2am Cook Islands time.
Kili Island situation improving, but more work needed to fix issues
Life has improved for the people living on Kili Island in the Marshall Islands following the declaration of a state of emergency. Audio
Green Party co-leader James Shaw had 'good relationship with Pacific'
A political commentator says Green Party co-leader James Shaw was a friend of the Pacific. Audio
Save the Children wants 'harsher penalties' for sex crimes against Fijian children
There has been no reduction in the level of sexual offending against children in Fiji, the non-government organisation Save the Children Fiji says.
Guam legislator proposes bill to tackle vaping 'emergency'
A proposed legislation to ban the sale of flavoured e-cigarette liquid in Guam aims to tackle what is seen as a youth vaping "emergency" but a vape store says there is no evidence it will work.
Kili Island under state of emergency after fund mismanagement
A state of emergency has been declared for the people of Kili Island due to a shortage of food and fuel - but help is on its way.
'Uphold the right to life' says human rights watchdog in the aftermath of deadly PNG unrest
Amnesty International is calling on Papua New Guinea authorities to protect human rights in response to the riots.
El Niño: Cook Islanders told to conserve water
Residents of Rarotonga are being asked to conserve water as dry El Niño conditions are likely to persist in the Southern Cook Islands.
Maohi Nui natives concerns about Paris Olympics surfing venue tower 'very real'
Indigenous people are not being heard on the proposed new judging tower in Tahiti for the Paris Olympics surfing competition, professional surfer and scientist Cliff Kapono says.
El Niño bites in the Pacific
Some Pacific nations are feeling the bite of El Niño through dry conditions, while others in drought get relief through above average rainfall.
'Like out of a movie' says Ivy League-bound student
New Zealand-born Samoan Charm Tuala says it still feels surreal that he's on his way to the prestigious Ivy League school, Brown University in the USA. Audio
UC had forgotten its prominent Pacific alumni,says co-author of Pacific chapter of book
A co-author of the Pacific chapter for the University of Canterbury's 150th anniversary book says Pacific stories have been missing in how the university is remembered.
Legends and animals from the Cook Islands feature in new mural
A 560-metre plain grey seawall has been transformed into the longest mural in the South Pacific.