Don Wiseman

Wellington

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Articles

'Pushing the boundaries': Is Tonga's King turning his back on democracy?

2 months ago | kanivatonga.co.nz | Kalino Latu |Don Wiseman

By Don Wiseman, RNZ Pacific Senior Journalist and is republished with permissionTonga’s King Tupou VI is reasserting his royal authority, with his imprint clear in the new Cabinet announced this week, a high-profile lawyer on the island says. King Tupou VI of the Kingdom of Tonga (NZ Governor General’s Office) Photo: 2019 Mark TantrumAfter a month of delays, the new Tonga Prime Minister, ‘Aisake Eke, named his 11 senior ministers on Tuesday.
Tongans looking for King's influence on new Cabinet

Jan 13, 2025 | rnz.co.nz | Don Wiseman

Tongans will be eagerly watching the formation of the new government's cabinet to see what influence King Tupou VI might have. Tongan MPs selected a new leader, "Aisake Eke, on Christmas Eve, after the resignation of Hu'akavameliku Siaosi Sovaleni. His resignation came as the opposition, led by Eke, prepared for a motion of no confidence. No reasons have been given to justify that planned vote.
No surprises for Bougainville MP in Panguna report

Dec 8, 2024 | rnz.co.nz | Don Wiseman

An MP in the autonomous Papua New Guinea region of Bougainville says the report into the environmental and human rights legacy of the Panguna mine gives her satisfaction. The report, released on Friday, identifies ongoing environmental and human rights issues. Mining multi national Rio Tinto was the miner behind the development of the mine. It funded tthe assessment and it says it will work with stakeholders to ensure the legacy of the mine is addressed in a fair and equitable manner.
WCPFC progress on labour rules, electronic monitoring, but ignores transshipment

Dec 8, 2024 | rnz.co.nz | Don Wiseman

The 26-member Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) reached some momentous decisions at its recent annual conference in Suva. That's the view of a member of environmental watchdog group, the Pew Charitable Trusts' international fisheries project, Glen Holmes. The Commission's job is to oversee the management and conservation of the Pacific's stocks of highly migratory fish, especially tuna.
Tongan prime minister set to face no confidence vote on Monday

Dec 8, 2024 | rnz.co.nz | Don Wiseman

After a week-long delay Tonga's prime minister Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni is scheduled to face a vote of no confidence in parliament on Monday. The challenge has been brought by MP 'Aisake Eke, who claims to have the numbers to topple government. It is the second vote of no confidence he has brought against Hu'akavameiliku - the first in September last year was defeated 14 votes to 11. RNZ Pacific's Tonga correspondent Kalafi Moala said Eke claims this time he has more support.
Kiribati Court of Appeal hears deported Judge Lambourne's appeal

Dec 8, 2024 | rnz.co.nz | Don Wiseman

The Kiribati Court of Appeal on Friday heard an appeal from High Court Judge David Lambourne, who was forced out of the country earlier this year following a dispute with the government. Lambourne left the country in May ahead of a deportation order. The Court of Appeal has been largely inactive since the government forced out three retired New Zealand judges two years ago.
Watchdog Lambasts PNG’s Poor Governance In Controversial Forestry Deal

Dec 8, 2024 | community.scoop.co.nz | Don Wiseman

Article – RNZTransparency International PNG says a planned forestry development in Western Province appears to have got the go-ahead with no due diligence being done by the government.Don Wiseman, RNZ Pacific Senior JournalistTransparency International Papua New Guinea says a planned forestry development in Western Province appears to have got the go-ahead with no due diligence being done by the government.
Watchdog lambasts PNG's poor governance in controversial forestry deal

Dec 5, 2024 | rnz.co.nz | Don Wiseman

Transparency International Papua New Guinea says a planned forestry development in Western Province appears to have got the go-ahead with no due diligence being done by the government. The large-scale scheme would involve 600 kilometres of roads being built, while taking a small amount of forestry along the routes. It is estimated to cost 4.8 billion kina yet the tax payer would pay nothing.
Papua New Guinea's Kokoda Track reopens today

Dec 5, 2024 | rnz.co.nz | Don Wiseman

Papua New Guinea's foremost tourist attraction, the Kokoda Track, reopened on Thursday afternoon after being shut down by landowners over a payment dispute. The route was made famous by Australian troops in World War II, who clashed with Japanese soldiers along the route throughout much of 1942. After the war, it became a noted trekking route, attracting mostly Australians following the path the soldiers had taken under far more perilous conditions.
Vanuatu’s Political Uncertainty Continues As Country Prepares For Snap Election On 14 January

Dec 3, 2024 | community.scoop.co.nz | Don Wiseman

Article – RNZVanuatu has been riven by political instability, with frequent elections and changes of leadership in recent years.Don Wiseman, RNZ Pacific Senior JournalistVoters in Vanuatu will go to the polls for a snap election on 14 January next year. This comes after President Nikenike Vurobaravu dissolved parliament two weeks ago. The government and the president, at that time, were both about to face votes of no confidence.