Caleb Fotheringham Journalist Profile

Articles

Explainer: Why has New Zealand paused funding to the Cook Islands over China deal

1 week ago | rnz.co.nz | Christina Persico |Caleb Fotheringham |Don Wiseman

New Zealand has paused $18.2 million in development assistance funding to the Cook Islands after its government signed partnership agreements with China earlier this year. This move is causing consternation in the realm country, with one local political leader calling it "a significant escalation" between Avarua and Wellington. A spokesperson for Peters said the Cook Islands did not consult with Aotearoa over the China deals and failed to ensure shared interests were not put at risk.
Deep sea mining fronrunner set to sidestep UN oversight , pivots to US route

1 month ago | rnz.co.nz | Caleb Fotheringham |Teuila Fuatai

Deep sea mining frontrunner The Metals Company (TMC) has confirmed it will not apply for a mining license through the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in June, instead it will exclusively apply through US regulations. It is unclear what this means for both Nauru and Tonga, who have sponsored TMC at the ISA. However, the firm's chief executive Gerard Barron said the company would still renew its subsidiary Nauru Ocean Resources' (NORI) exploration licence.
Concern US presence could run against Marshall Islands nuclear-free treaty

Mar 9, 2025 | asiapacificreport.nz | Caleb Fotheringham |Susana Suisuiki

By Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist, and Susana Suisuiki, RNZ Pacific Waves presenter/producerMarshall Islands defence provisions could “fairly easily” be considered to run against the nuclear-free treaty that they are now a signatory to, says a veteran Pacific journalist and editor. The South Pacific’s nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament treaty, known as the Treaty of Rarotonga, was signed in Majuro last week during the observance of Nuclear Victims Remembrance Day.
Explainer: The diplomatic row between New Zealand and the Cook Islands

Feb 9, 2025 | nzherald.co.nz | Giles Dexter |Caleb Fotheringham

By Giles Dexter and Caleb Fotheringham of RNZNew Zealand is frustrated with the Cook Islands’ plan to sign a strategic partnership with China without consultation. The Joint Centenary Declaration requires the Cook Islands to consult New Zealand on defence and security issues. Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown argues the deal with China does not require New Zealand’s approval. New Zealand and the Cook Islands are in the middle of a diplomatic row.
New lava lobe on Tonga's Home Reef volcano

Jan 15, 2025 | rnz.co.nz | Caleb Fotheringham

There's a new lava lobe on Tonga's Home Reef Volcano, covering close to half the island, and which has grown nearly 2000 times the size that it was when the thermal anomaly was first detected. Thermal anomalies have continued to be detected on Home Reef Volcano, located south west of Vava'u and north west of Ha'apai, since 4 December. However, Tonga's Geological Services said there are no indicators for major explosive eruptions.
January is expected to be peak time of cyclone season - Fiji's Meteorological Service

Jan 15, 2025 | rnz.co.nz | Caleb Fotheringham

The acting head of Fiji's Meteorological Service says the South Pacific's first cyclone coming two and half months into the season is not unusual. Category one tropical cyclone Pita last week was the first cyclone this season and was expected to bring severe weather to Niue. The season starts in November and continues until the end of April. "January is supposed to be our peak time of the season.
La Nina possibility drives up cyclone risk

Jan 12, 2025 | rnz.co.nz | Caleb Fotheringham

The risk of cyclones in Pacific Islands close to the coral sea could increase as a La Niña watch remains in place. The first cyclone of the year, Pita, passed near Niue over the weekend. La Niña refers to a cooling of the tropical Pacific Ocean, particularly near and east of the international date line. It's the opposite to El Niño which was underway this time last year. The south Pacific is currently in the middle of its cyclone season.
Port Vila Faces Potential Exodus, After Devastating Earthquake

Jan 11, 2025 | community.scoop.co.nz | Caleb Fotheringham

Article – RNZIn the aftermath of December’s devastating earthquake, many people in Port Vila have been displaced and left jobless.Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific JournalistIn the aftermath of December’s devastating earthquake, many people in the capital, Port Vila have been displaced and left jobless. The magnitude 7.3 quake on 17 December killed 14 people and has displaced almost 1500 people from their homes.
Port Vila faces potential exodus, after devastating earthquake

Jan 9, 2025 | rnz.co.nz | Caleb Fotheringham

In the aftermath of December's devastating earthquake, many people in the capital, Port Vila have been displaced and left jobless. The magnitude 7.3 quake on 17 December killed 14 people and has displaced almost 1500 people from their homes. The country's caretaker government has restricted access to Port Vila's central business district (CBD) as the recovery continues.
Students make medical maintenance trip to Tonga

Jan 7, 2025 | rnz.co.nz | Caleb Fotheringham

A group of eight biomedical engineering students from the University of Canterbury are heading to Tonga this month to train staff to maintain essential medical equipment. Debbie Munro, an engineer and senior lecturer at the University, led a previous student trip to Tonga in 2019. When Munro first visited Tonga they anticipated providing direct equipment repairs. However, they realised that Tonga's primary need was for long-term maintenance and technical expertise.