Article – ParliamentToday.co.nz

When Parliament resumed MPs passed a motion without dissent noting with sadness the harm done when a hurricane hit Samoa and Fiji in recent times. Read more »

A Suva anti-corruption sign … Fiji needs to “reduce the cost of doing business in through institutional transparency, accountability and good governance”. Image: David Robie

Pacific Scoop:
Analysis – By Professor Biman Prasad in Suva

Fiji government budgets since 1987 have been prepared in the shadows of political instability and suspicion, coups, and uncertainty of the future.

Even General Elections held under the 1997 Constitution, which was based on power-sharing, failed to fully allay the concerns.

The People’s Coalition’s 2000 budget was implemented against the backdrop of rumours about another coup and continued protests by the ethno-nationalists. Read more »

Press Release – Department of Conservation

Media release 30 January 2013 More Trapping On Adele Island After Stoat Caught Trapping is being stepped up on Adele Island to protect its native wildlife after a stoat was found dead in a trap on the Abel Tasman National Park island sanctuary. A Department … Read more »

Press Release – Asian Development Bank

ADB To Help Papua New Guinea Improve Maritime Safety And Efficiency PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA (29 January, 2013) The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) signed a loan worth $41.5 million to fund the Maritime … Read more »

Press Release – Government Of Timor-Leste

PRESS RELEASE Meeting of the Council of Ministers on January 23, 2013 The V Constitutional Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste met this Wednesday January 23, 2013 at the meeting room of the Council of Ministers, Governments Palace, in Dli, … Read more »

Speech – New Zealand Government

Rt Hon John Key Prime Minister 29 January 2013 Speech Prime Ministers Statement to Parliament Honourable Members. The National-led Government was re-elected in 2011 with a clear plan to build a faster-growing economy supporting more jobs, rising … Read more »

Father Kevin Barr clarifies deportation controversy in Fiji. Image: FBC News

Pacific Scoop:
Report – By the PMC newsdesk

Prominent Fiji social justice advocate Father Kevin Barr – issued a controversial deportation order last week later withdrawn by the regime leader – has spoken out about “misunderstandings” over a “humourous dig” and declared his commitment to the wellbeing of the country.

He apologised over the misinterpretations and made his statement on a blog regarded as sympathetic to the regime.

“I am grateful that the decision for me to leave Fiji has been revoked by the Prime Minister [Voreqe Bainimarama]. I see Fiji as my home and I am committed to all the people I love and serve here.” Read more »

Press Release – Shotover Sunshine Festival

Queenstown, 29th of January With less than 10 days to go Queenstown is heating up to welcome the cream of New Zealands musical royalty to one of the most loved music celebrations on the national events calendar. Read more »

Press Release – ASB Polyfest

ASB Polyfest Dates: 13 16 March 2013 Place: Manukau Sports Bowl, Te Irirangi Drive, Manukau Entry: $5. Preschool children are free Read more »

Press Release – West Papua Media Alerts

Federated Republic of West Papua rallies around the world, in Melbourne, Perth, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Honiara (Solomon Islands) and Manokwari are demanding the Indonesian government release all political prisoners including President Forkorus … Read more »