Stories about Oceania
Pacific island nations want ‘ecocide’ to be an international crime
"The recognition of ecocide as a crime sends a powerful message: the destruction of nature will no longer go unpunished."
Samoan journalists balk at planned restrictions during Commonwealth meeting
"Stifling the media is never a good thing and trying to control them is even worse."
Australian Ghost Nets Art: Indigenous people turning trash into treasure
'It’s estimated that ghost gear makes up at least 10% of marine litter. This roughly translates to between 500,000 and 1 million tons of fishing gear abandoned in the ocean each year.'
Pacific leaders’ statement removes Taiwan reference after China complaint
China intervened in the annual Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), insisting Pacific leaders remove any mention of Taiwan from their communique on the forum.
Cairns fair showcases northern Queensland Indigenous art with style
The Cairns Indigenous Art Fair featured paintings, works on paper such as etchings and linocuts, fashion, photography, sculpture, ceramics, 3D creations using a wide variety of materials, and more.
Australian journalists strike for better pay and working conditions
"It is irresponsible and disrespectful to punish the very people that the company relies on for its success in pursuit of shareholder profits."
‘Free at last’: Aussies respond to Julian Assange homecoming
"This case has … a serious chilling effect on public-interest journalism, and sends a terrifying message to any sources sitting on evidence of abuses by the government and its agencies."
Australia's northern hairy-nosed wombat is back from brink of extinction
In a magnificent moment for conservation, the first northern hairy-nosed wombats have been released to explore their new home at Powrunna State Forest near St George in south-west Queensland.
Decolonization, the climate crisis, and improving media education in the Pacific
"There should be more international reporting about the 'hidden stories' of the Pacific such as the unresolved decolonisation issues."
New Caledonia cries, ‘Everything is negotiable, except independence’
"The pace and pathway for an amicable resolution of Kanaky-New Caledonia’s decolonisation challenges cannot, and must not continue to be dictated in Paris."
Uproar in Fiji after parliament approves salary increase for top government officials
"We re-emphasize that urgent national issues like poverty, healthcare, and education need prioritization over politicians' pay hikes."
Australian billionaire's attempt to remove gallery portrait draws international attention
"I would never have known about this and no one would have cared if she didn't demand to have it removed. Now it's arguably more valuable because of the attention..."
Pacific communities seek to protect kava as it gains global popularity
The kava drink, traditional in Pacific Island communities, has become a global sensation, leading to some concern about exploitation and appropriation.
Ban on children’s book ‘Same-sex Parents’ backfires down under
One online petition to reverse the ban had over 40,000 signatures, with another exceeding 10,000 signatures before the Cumberland Council overturned its ban in a decisive vote of 12 to 2.
Unrest in New Caledonia: ‘The Kanak people’s destiny should not be decided in Europe’
"The island closest to paradise has become the island closest to hell."
The Global Coalition for Language Rights: A space for language justice
Half of the world's languages are endangered. One new prize champions language justice by awarding language activists from across the world the Language Rights Defenders Award.
Pacific groups highlight role of media in addressing climate crisis
"A free press is vital to informing our communities about the environmental challenges we face and holding all accountable for protecting our precious environment."
Exploring New Zealand’s unique wildlife and learning about conservation efforts
New Zealanders pride themselves on the care they take to conserve their unique flora and fauna. "Kiwi," their universal nickname, comes from the iconic bird, a national symbol.
Papua New Guinea demands apology from Joe Biden over cannibalism remarks
"President Biden’s comments contribute and are a testament to the broader misunderstanding and this fantasization from the West about cannibalism in Papua New Guinea."
Remembering the victims of nuclear weapons testing in the Marshall Islands
"Why was the most beautiful corner of the world, with the most beautiful and peaceful people, chosen for these horrific acts without our informed consent?"
Deadly tribal clashes destabilize Papua New Guinea
"We are asking for accountability from our members of Parliament. It doesn't matter whether they are in government or in opposition. This is a national crisis."
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