Adel Fruean

3 weeks ago | rnz.co.nz | Doug Dingwall |Adel Fruean

By Doug Dingwall and Adel Fruean, ABC NewsThe sea used to wreak havoc as it crashed into Simeona Tapeneko's village in Samoa. Water would flood the houses in Lauli'i, on the north coast of the country's most populated island, overwhelming an old seawall built offshore. "Many things - including our homes - were severely damaged," Tapeneko said.

1 month ago | abc.net.au | Adel Fruean |Kyle Evans

One of the Pacific's only female leaders has lost her grip on power, triggering an early election in Samoa, after failing to pass the national budget in the country's parliament. Samoa's Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa conceded defeat on the floor of parliament on Tuesday morning after her government's budget was voted down 34-16. "The necessary processes have been completed and parliament's decision is clear," she said.

1 month ago | abc.net.au | Belinda Kora |Lice Movono |Adel Fruean |Chrisnrita Aumanu-Leong

Across the Pacific, women are being assaulted, abused and silenced — often by those they love most. In an effort to spark change, survivors, perpetrators and frontline workers want to show you what one of the world’s worst abuse crises looks like, in the hope, that something might break the cycle. Warning: This story contains graphic accounts of gender-based violence and sexual assault. • Ritim long Tok Pisin •Every day,Lorena* says she lives in fear.

Feb 15, 2025 | abc.net.au | Nick Sas |Agnes Tupou |Adel Fruean

Jane Kanas was a little nervous approaching the immigration desk. She had heard the rumours, but she wasn't sure if they were true. As she handed over her Vanuatu passport to the officer at the airport, it soon became apparent. "My name was on a handwritten piece of paper," she told the ABC. "I wasn't allowed to leave."Her alleged crime? "They didn't say … I'm just a judge."Ms Kanas was part of the Miss Pacific Islands beauty pageant held last weekend.

Dec 10, 2024 | samoaobserver.ws | Adel Fruean |Jotham Ulutoa |Vaelei Von Dincklage

For Lupesoliai Joseph Parker, Christmas will not be the same this year. He will leave his wife and children at home and travel to prepare for his world title match in a little over two months. He is in Samoa for a five-day trip with his family before he flies out. He said leaving his family has been the biggest challenge. "My wife and I have five children, so when I leave them my wife has all the children and looks after everything at home. The children, our home, cleaning, chores, and everything.