Lydia Longwell Lewis

6 days ago | rnz.co.nz | Lydia Longwell Lewis

Palau's president wants to see Taiwan given full access at this year's Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders' meeting. It was great to see 17 out of 18 leaders in Tonga for last year's meeting, Surangel Whipps Jr said - a sense of unity he wants to continue. "That's the record since we've gotten back together. Let's ensure that that continues, because that's what we need to see."He said he has heard that "there's been some difficulty in Taiwan gaining access".

1 week ago | rnz.co.nz | Lydia Longwell Lewis

Fiji cannot compete with Australia and New Zealand to retain its teachers, the man in charge of the country's finances says. The Fijian education system is facing major challenges as the Sitiveni Rabuka-led coalition struggles to address a teacher shortage. While the education sector recieves a significant chunk of the budget (approximately NZ$587 million), it has not been sufficient, as global demand for skilled teachers is pulling qualified Fijian educators toward greener pastures.

2 weeks ago | rnz.co.nz | Lydia Longwell Lewis

Eight-year-old explosives detector dog Iti is now staring down retirement. Iti is part of New Zealand Police Pacific Detector Dog Programme (PDDP) and has been sniffing out potential bomb threats for years. He was on hand helping to protect Pacific leaders and delegates at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Tonga and even the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa last year. New Zealand provides trained police dogs to the Pacific region.

2 weeks ago | rnz.co.nz | Lydia Longwell Lewis |Christina Persico

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa says it is a tough time for the Pacific region as leaders navigate a dynamic geopolitical arena, with various countries seeking more involvement and influence. Speaking to RNZ Pacific on the sidelines of the University of the Pacific Council meeting in Auckland this week, she confirmed that the Review of the Regional Architecture (RRA), led by the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), is in its final stage.

2 weeks ago | rnz.co.nz | Lydia Longwell Lewis

The Fijian Deputy Prime Minister and Minster for Finance Biman Prasad says suggestions that he is colluding with the University of the South Pacific (USP) vice-chancellor and president are "nonsense". Prasad and Education Minister Aseri Radrodro are in Auckland for the 99th USP Council meeting this week. He has been accused of colluding with USP's chief executive Professor Pal Ahluwalia in a "clear case of conflict of interest".