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Jan 15, 2025 | 
rnz.co.nz | Margot Staunton
An expert on Fiji politics claims prime minister Sitiveni Rabuka's costly cabinet reshuffle is a power grab, and attempt to rebrand himself. The Prime Minister has lured six out of nine opposition members (who form the Group of 9 or G9), to join his ranks, an alliance that could potentially make his two coalition partners dispensable. Distinguished professor Steve Ratuva said the move gives Rabuka the numbers to dictate exactly what he wants in the run up to the General Election in December 2026.
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Jan 7, 2025 | 
rnz.co.nz | Margot Staunton
Fiji's suspended chief prosecutor Christopher Pryde has been cleared of alleged "misbehaviour" and reinstated after 21 months. A week-long investigation unanimously concluded that the two allegations made against the New Zealander had not been "made out". The tribunal's findings, handed down to Fiji's president two weeks ago, recommended that Pryde not be removed from his position.
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Dec 27, 2024 | 
stuff.co.nz | Margot Staunton
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Dec 11, 2024 | 
rnz.co.nz | Margot Staunton
Fiji's suspended chief prosecutor has revealed the government secretly offered him NZ$150,000 to resign and avoid an inquiry into his alleged "misbehaviour".
New Zealander Christopher Pryde, 59, rejected the offer and refused to attend a hearing into the matter last week, claiming he was financially unable to defend himself.
"They (the government) want to get rid of me, it's all part of their ethno-national agenda," Pryde told RNZ Pacific.
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Dec 11, 2024 | 
community.scoop.co.nz | Margot Staunton
Article – RNZRefugee advocates and academics are weighing in on Australia’s latest move on the Pacific geopolitical chessboard.Margot Staunton, Senior JournalistRefugee advocates and academics are weighing in on Australia’s latest move on the Pacific geopolitical chessboard. Canberra is ploughing AU$100 million over the next five years into Nauru, a remote 21-square-kilometre atoll with a population of just over 12,000.
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Dec 10, 2024 | 
rnz.co.nz | Margot Staunton
Refugee advocates and academics are weighing in on Australia's latest move on the Pacific geopolitical chessboard. Canberra is ploughing AU$100 million over the next five years into Nauru, a remote 21-square-kilometre atoll with a population of just over 12,000. It is also the location of controversial offshore detention facilities, central to Australia's 'stop the boats' immigration policy.
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Dec 1, 2024 | 
rnz.co.nz | Margot Staunton
Fiji's Justice Minister Siromi Turaga is urging the suspended chief prosecutor to front up to his hearing on Monday regarding alleged misconduct. New Zealander Christopher Pryde, 59, was suspended by the head of state in April 2023 for alleged "misbehaviour" and is refusing to appear before a Tribunal on 2 November, unless his salary is restored.
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Nov 28, 2024 | 
rnz.co.nz | Margot Staunton
Fiji's suspended chief prosecutor claims the government wants to get rid of all foreigners working in prominent positions in the public service. New Zealander Christopher Pryde, 59, was suspended by the head of state in April 2023 for alleged "misbehaviour" and is refusing to attend a hearing on the matter on Monday 2 November, unless his salary is restored. "I will not be bullied into participating in a hearing without the ability to adequately defend myself," he told RNZ Pacific on Thursday.
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Sep 22, 2024 | 
rnz.co.nz | Margot Staunton
Fiji's first Indo-Fijian prime minister - held hostage in George Speight's 2000 coup - says the rebel is free but there is no justice for the victims of the violent uprising. Speight (67) and the leader of the mutineers, former army captain Shane Stevens, were among seven prisoners who were pardoned by President Ratu Jone Viliame Katonivere last week, following recommendations by the Mercy Commission.
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Sep 18, 2024 | 
rnz.co.nz | Margot Staunton
A young couple in Solomon Islands could face life in prison after being charged with allegedly killing their seven-month-old unborn baby in Isabel province. Police in Buala, the provincial capital, are investigating the alleged abortion and subsequent burial of the foetus, which occurred in one of the villages recently. The supervising provincial police commander, Inspector Harry Vanosi, said in a statement that the heavily pregnant woman allegedly aborted her baby with the help of her partner.
