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Court orders the return of PNG parliament to vote on non-confidence motion against Prime Minister

Australia & The Pacific Reader Daily Wire | 31 March - 01 April  2025, Monday- Tuesday | Vol.2 No. 71 & 72
Court orders the return of PNG parliament to vote on non-confidence motion against Prime Minister
On 01 April, Papua New Guinea's Supreme Court ruled that parliament must be recalled on 08 April to debate a motion of no confidence against Prime Minister James Marape. The court found actions by the Private Business Committee and Deputy Speaker Koni Iguan in November 2024 unconstitutional and in breach of parliamentary democracy. Following this, legal action was initiated by Chuave Member of Parliament James Nomane. The court emphasized that parliamentary democracy relies on the executive's accountability to the people through such mechanisms as motions of no confidence. Pine Minister James Marape, commanding the support of over two-thirds of MPs, pledged to respect the ruling and comply with the court's directives. He said: “We are a government that respects the courts. The Supreme Court reads and interprets the Constitution better than all of us, and we will honour its ruling.” (Scott Waide, “Supreme Court orders a recall of Papua New Guinea parliament,” RNZ, 01 April 2025)
 
Rally in Saipan for the return of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's
On 28 March, a rally and road-waving event in Saipan was held to appeal to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the return of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte to the Philippines. Organisers Marie Zayko and Roderick Lopez said over 250 supporters attended the event, which also doubled as a celebration of the 17th Philippine president's birthday. Zayko said: “This is in support for Duterte (also known as Tatay Digong) who right now is in the Netherlands because of Bong Bong Marcos (Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr).” Zayko also appealed to the ICC in The Hague, stating: “I hope Bong Bong Marcos and the [Philippine] government will realise what they did to Duterte... [My] message to ICC: Duterte is a good president. Please, he helped a lot of people. So many people that he helped, please release him.” Lopez also claimed that it was illegal to hold Duerte since the Philippines has not been under ICC since 2019. The Philippine National Police and Interpol arrested Duterte in Operation Pursuit under an ICC warrant, charging him with crimes against humanity related to the Philippine drug war. Critics of Duterte said: “The ICC had every right to arrest him due to the crimes against humanity.” Darwin Gonzales said: “ICC through the Interpol did it in a most lawful process as possible given that the Philippines is no longer a member of the ICC.” (“Supporters of ex-Philippines president in Saipan call for ICC release,” RNZ, 01 April 2025)
 
Samoa declares 30-day state of emergency amid severe power crises
On 31 March, the Samoan government declared a 30-day state of emergency as the main island of Upolu faced a severe power crisis. Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa said faults in the underground cable between the Fiaga and Fuluasou power plants, severe weather damaging power lines and poles, and the failure of three key backup generators have led to major disruptions. Power rationing has been in place since February, and the crisis is estimated to cost up to 16 per cent of Samoa’s GDP. Finance Minister Lautimuia Uelese Vaaio supported the declaration to allow development partners to assist. Temporary large generators will arrive on 5 April, with permanent generators expected in August. The state of emergency is effective until 29 April. (Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai, “Samoa declares state of emergency amid severe power crisis,” RNZ, 31 March 2025)

Australia & The Pacific Reader Daily Wire | 29 March 2025, Saturday | Vol.2 No. 70
French Overseas Minister in New Caledonia
On 29 March, RNZ reported that French Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls is returning to New Caledonia from 29 March - 01 April to advance talks on the territory’s political future. During his previous visit from 22 February to 01 March, Valls brought together both pro-France and pro-independence parties, publishing a “synthesis paper” summarizing their views as a basis for further discussions. The upcoming talks, held behind closed doors at the French High Commission in Nouméa, will address issues including New Caledonia’s future links with France, possible transfer of powers, future citizenship, voter eligibility, and the territory’s overall status ranging from shared sovereignty to full independence or free association. Pro-independence groups, such as FLNKS, have demanded that their President Christian Téin be included in the talks and have called for UN supervision, while pro-France voices insist that any compromise remain within the framework of the French Republic. (Patrick Decloitre, “French overseas minister back in New Caledonia for fresh round of talks,” RNZ, 29 March 2025)

Australia & The Pacific Reader Daily Wire | 27 March 2025, Thursday | Vol.2 No. 68
Tonga holds its first strategic planning meeting, “A Resilient Tonga through Transformative Action: Safeguarding Our Heritage”
On 20 March, Tonga hosted its first strategic planning meeting in ten years, titled “A Resilient Tonga through Transformative Action: Safeguarding Our Heritage.” The summit was chaired by Prime Minister Aisake Valu Eke. The summit provided a forum for civil society, NGOs, and the media to discuss national issues, including government service delivery, good governance, and infrastructure improvements. On 27 March, RNZ reported a meeting with Tonga correspondent Kalafi Moala. She noted that participants aired both constructive ideas and complaints. One example cited was a private sector proposal to better utilize a domestic wharf built with Japanese government support, which is currently underused for its intended purpose. While some concerns were raised about the effectiveness of a 10-year plan in a changing government landscape, the meeting was seen as an opportunity to generate “some very good” ideas and foster dialogue ahead of the upcoming election cycle. (Don Wiseman, “Tonga's development summit: 'Some good ideas' mixed with 'a waste of time' discussions,” RNZ, 27 March 2025)
 
Papua New Guinea shuts down Facebook to halt online inciting of terrorism
On 27 March, Papua New Guinea’s police commissioner revealed that the government shut down Facebook nationwide to track down two men attempting to incite an act of terrorism. The move cut off about 1.4 million users, the total number of people accessing Facebook in PNG. Papua New Guinean academic Michael Kabuni from the Australia National University expressed concern about government control over social media. Kabuni said: “It’s a bit scary … it’s the first time the government [has] shut down any form of media nationwide … this has never happened before.” (”Facebook blackout has many in PNG worried about the future,” ABC, 27 March 2025)

Australia & The Pacific Reader Daily Wire | 26 March 2025, Wednesday | Vol.2 No. 67
Australia to redirect USD 100 million to Indo-Pacific amid US aid cuts, reports The Guardian
On 25 March, The Guardian reported that Australia is set to redirect more than USD 100 million in foreign aid toward the Indo-Pacific region after President Trump decides to cancel around USD 54 billion in overseas development assistance programs. The official development assistance budget for 2025-26 will total USD 5.1 billion, reprioritizing economic, health, humanitarian, and climate responses in the region. Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong stated that “hard strategic decisions” are needed following the US aid pause. Funding for three institutions will be affected, including reduced payments to the Global Partnership for Education and the Global Fund to Fight HIV, Malaria, and TB. Core funding for the UN Development Program will drop by USD 13 million, though Australia will still contribute USD 189.5 million to UN agencies. Three-quarters of the overseas development assistance budget will support the Indo-Pacific, with USD 1 billion targeted over five years to build economic resilience and a USD 370 million package over three years for the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar. Additional measures will support regional health resilience and climate action. (Sarah Basford Canales, “Australia to redirect $100m in foreign aid to Indo-Pacific region after Trump pulls funding,” The Guardian, 25 March 2025)
 
New Zealand and Papua New Guinea renew “Statement of Partnership”
On 25 March, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister James Marape signed a new “Statement of Partnership” at the Beehive in Wellington. The agreement, effective until 2029, focuses on education, trade, security, agriculture, and fisheries and replaces the previous pact signed in 2021 with then-Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Luxon announced a USD 1 million allocation to support PNG’s aspirations to strengthen public sector institutions, including initiatives for disaster preparedness and governance of state-owned enterprises. Marape’s visit includes meetings with Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters, opposition leader Chris Hipkins, and engagements with the NZ-PNG Business Council and scholarship recipients at Waikato University. (“Politics: Papua New Guinea PM and Christopher Luxon hold media conference after meeting,” RNZ, 25 March 2025)

Australia & The Pacific Reader Daily Wire | 25 March 2025, Tuesday | Vol.2 No. 66
Opposition leader calls to block mining license for Hong Kong firm
On 25 March, Solomon Island opposition leader Matthew Wale called on the Minister for Mines, Energy & Rural Electrification to block a mining license for Hong Kong-based Far East Resources Company Ltd on San Jorge Island. Wale said: “The company has reportedly failed to submit a satisfactory commercial discovery report or an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)” to mine for nickel, resulting in no development consent. He noted that tribal leaders and landowners raised concerns that the company failed to meet minimum operational standards, disregarded labour laws, and engaged in discriminatory practices against local workers regarding food and safety equipment. Wale added that reports indicate the Mines & Minerals Board rejected both documents, but Tovosia “has no power to overturn decisions made by the Board.” (“Solomon Islands opposition leader calls for suspension of the mining license for Hong Kong-based company,” RNZ, 25 March 2025)
 
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister on a three-day visit to New Zealand
On 25 March, Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) Prime Minister James Marape arrived in New Zealand for a three-day state visit. Marape will meet New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Wellington to discuss trade, investment, agriculture, fisheries, education, and security, among other areas. Marape said: “I am looking forward to meeting with Prime Minister Luxon to further entrench our relationship with New Zealand.” A “refreshed” statement of partnership for 2025-2029 is set to be signed after their meeting, updating the 2021-2024 agreement signed under former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. This is Marape’s first official visit to New Zealand since his re-election in 2022. The visit signals a growing relationship, particularly in trade and investment, and cultural exchange, and the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme has been extended to Papua New Guineans. (“Papua New Guinea PM Marape arrives in NZ today,” RNZ, 25 March 2025)

Australia & The Pacific Reader Daily Wire | 22-24 March 2025, Saturday-Monday | Vol.2 No. 64 & 65
Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister endorses Prime Minister candidature to rebuild Fiji
On 24 March, Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica stated that Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is “the best man to rebuild Fiji” after “sixteen years of dictatorship.” Kamikamica made the remarks in response to Labour leader Mahendra Chaudhry’s criticism of Rabuka’s reversal on restoring MP Lynda Tabuya to Cabinet. Former Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya, was removed after appearing in a private video dancing naked on Christmas Eve. Kamikamica noted that the entire coalition government completely supports Rabuka. He emphasized that the focus is on executing the changes Fiji urgently needs, including reforms to the inadequate health system, rather than on the next election. (Margot Staunton, “' Fiji is in a mess': Rabuka needs to be supported 'wholeheartedly',” RNZ, 24 March 2025)
 
West Papua Action Aotearoa gains Pacific Islands support over human rights violations concerns
On 24 March, RNZ reported that a New Zealand human rights group, West Papua Action Aotearoa, garnered support from several Pacific Island nations for Indonesian-occupied West Papua. The group claims the occupation has led to serious human rights violations, including restricted press freedom and displacement of many West Papuans. In an interview, spokesperson Catherine Delahunty said: “Most people don’t know much about West Papua because there’s virtually a media blackout.” Leaders from Vanuatu, Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, and Sāmoa recently issued a joint statement at the UN Human Rights Council, urging global support for West Papua’s displaced people. Delahunty called for Indonesia to allow a visit from a UN human rights commissioner, a request that has been consistently denied. The group criticized the lack of support from larger regional powers like New Zealand and Australia, while smaller island nations have publicly supported West Papua. (Christine Ravoi, “Pacific island nations unite to support West Papua amid human rights violations,” RNZ, 24 March 2025)

Australia & The Pacific Reader Daily Wire | 21 March 2025, Friday | Vol.2 No. 63
The Metals Company accused of shifting from green transitioning to defense production
On 21 March, RNZ reported that environmental groups claimed that The Metals Company (TMC) has changed its focus from supporting the green transition to backing security and defence production. TMC denied these claims, although its recent press release praised a US defence study on nodule refining. It also applied for a USD 9 million military defence grant to study a domestic refinery for deep-sea nodules. CEO Gerrard Barron said TMC is leading in deep sea mining and investing in domestic capabilities is needed to outcompete China in critical minerals. TMC’s stakeholder engagement head Corey McLachlan, explained that while the company dropped a contract with a Kiribati state-owned enterprise, it did so for commercial reasons and is not in financial trouble. TMC plans to apply for a mining license in June, utilising a legal loophole. They urged the International Seabed Authority to speed up the rule-making process. (Caleb Fotheringham, “Mining company and campaigners clash over deep sea mining's role,” RNZ, 21 March 2025)

Australia & The Pacific Reader Daily Wire | 20 March 2025, Thursday | Vol.2 No. 62
Australian government offers loan of AUD 2 billion to banks in the Pacific  
On 20 March, The Australian government announced a decade-long loan guarantee of more than AUD 2 billion to support big banks operating in the Pacific and avoid reliance on China. The government announced it will give ANZ Bank an AUD 1.3 billion loan guarantee to support its branches across small island nations. The move aims to ensure financial stability and the continued operation of banking services amid increasing regional competition with China. The Bank of China signed a deal with Nauru and is set to establish its first branch in Papua New Guinea's capital, Port Moresby. ANZ operates 50 branches in nine countries and is set to invest an additional AUD 50 million into its Pacific operations to expand digital banking capabilities. (Christine Ravoi, “Over $2 billion lifeline for Pacific banks amid rising challenges,” RNZ, 20 March 2025)  
 
Australian government assesses impact of US aid freeze on the Pacific, reports The Guardian
On 20 March, the Australian government consulted Pacific nations to assess the impact of the US foreign aid freeze and what additional support it can provide ahead of next week’s federal budget. Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong’s letter to Liberal MP Warren Entsch revealed that Australian diplomats are discussing the impact with US government officials and engaging with regional partners. Entsch warned that the 90-day freeze caused “irreversible” damage by halting tuberculosis services, and organizations laying off staff. Opposition leader Peter Dutton criticized the aid pause as “detrimental to the collective interests in the region.” A Lowy Institute report noted that China has renewed its efforts to engage Pacific island nations through a “more competitive, politically targeted model of aid engagement.” (Henry Belot, “Australia in discussions to avoid ‘devastating consequences’ of US aid cuts for Pacific nations,” The Guardian, 20 March 2025) 
 
Vanuatu to revisit security agreement with Australia 
On 12 March, the Guardian reported that Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Jotham Napat, announced his government's intentions to “revisit” a security agreement with Australia and negotiate issues like climate change and travel mobility. Napat said: “climate change for us is a security issue that is not reflected in the security agreement” and called for an “official waiver-free agreement.” He spoke with Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, who is “happy for the two countries to revisit the security agreement.” Napat also noted that his government’s priority is recovery after the devastating 7.3-magnitude earthquake in December 2024, as Port Vila’s main central business district remains closed. (Prianka Srinivasan, “New Vanuatu PM says he will ‘revisit’ 2022 security agreement with Australia,” The Guardian, 12 March 2025) 
 
Bougainville independence talks to continue before June deadline
On 20 March, RNZ reported that the leaders of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Bougainville involved in talks on resolving an impasse over Bougainville’s push for independence are planning more meetings before a deadline in June. Both parties have been meeting in Port Moresby, with former New Zealand Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae serving as moderator. The challenge lies in conditions for tabling the results of the 2019 Bougainville referendum in the PNG parliament, with PNG demanding an absolute majority of MPs and Bougainville arguing for a simple majority. Bougainville’s President Ishmael Toroama has suggested a solution outside of parliament, while PNG Prime Minister James Marape questioned Bougainville’s readiness. One of the upcoming meetings is expected to take place in Burnham, New Zealand. Bougainville is holding elections in September, and its leaders have declared independence by 01 September 2027. (Don Wiseman, “PNG and Bougainville to hold more talks on the independence issue,” RNZ, 20 March 2025)

Australia & The Pacific Reader Daily Wire | 19 March 2025, Wednesday | Vol.2 No. 61
Pacific Islands Forum seeks alternative amid US aid freeze
On 19 March, the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) secretary general Baron Waqa urged member countries to work together and identify “other alternatives for cooperation” amid the US freeze on development assistance. He stated that President Trump’s decision to halt US aid is set to affect the work of the Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (CROP). Heads of CROP agencies are already discussing how to deal with the withdrawal’s impacts. Waqa noted that Joe Biden-era pledges, including USD 200 million in new funding, are on hold. His deputy, Desna Solofa, stressed that the US has been a valued dialogue partner since 1989, although PIF partners are expected to align with regional priorities. Former PIF director and Auckland University of Technology's senior law lecturer Sione Tekiteki claims the US is asserting its power over the Pacific countries, while they seek to keep a low profile and hope for eventual easing from the US. (Lydia Lewis, “Pacific's top diplomat urges new cooperation amid US aid freeze,” RNZ, 19 March 2025)
 
New Zealand Security Intelligence Service director warns Cook Island about China
On 19 March, New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (SIS) director-general Andrew Hampton warned that China’s strategy of blending economic and security cooperation in the Pacific could lead to foreign interference and espionage threats. Hampton said he visited the Cook Islands to share classified intelligence with Prime Minister Mark Brown and that the SIS would intensify its monitoring of the Cook Islands’ relationship with China. China’s embassy in New Zealand rejected Hampton’s claims as “totally baseless, all fabrication.” Cook Islands Opposition Leader Tina Browne stated that the SIS comments “should not be taken lightly” and called for “transparency, robust scrutiny, and balanced diplomacy.” She criticized the Government for failing to provide a “clear public assurance or strategy” amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. Brown assured the Pacific nations about Cook Islands' relationship with China despite the risks associated with it. (Talaia Mika, “Concerns mount over Cook Islands' ‘national security’ amid China’s influence,” RNZ, 19 March 2025)

Australia & The Pacific Reader Daily Wire | 18 March 2025, Tuesday | Vol.2 No. 60
New Zealand’s Prime Minister visits India to discuss trade, diaspora, and economy
On 17 March, The Diplomat reported that New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is visiting India from March 16-20 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen bilateral relations in economics, trade, diaspora, education, and the strategic front. Luxon is accompanied by a delegation from business, academia, media, and diaspora sectors and is serving as the chief guest at the Raisina Dialogue on March 17. India-New Zealand trade is currently valued at USD 2.83 billion. One of the key focus areas of Luxon’s visit is the potential signing of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). However, it faces challenges due to India’s long-standing high tariffs on agricultural and dairy products. India’s evolving trade posture, demonstrated by FTAs with Australia (2023), the UAE (2022), and Mauritius (2021), offers optimism. Despite historical skepticism over India’s nuclear policies, those worries have been alleviated due to India’s consistent track record in arms control and disarmament. Both India and New Zealand share geopolitical concerns over China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific, and its growing military presence in the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean. Potential areas of cooperation between India and New Zealand include climate change, clean energy, higher education, research on Pacific Island nations, and cultural preservation initiatives. Strengthening ties with India allows New Zealand to diversify its diplomatic and security partnerships while reinforcing a rules-based regional order. (Rahul Mishra and Shubhamitra Das, “With Luxon Visit, India-New Zealand Ties Scale New Heights,” The Diplomat, 17 March 2025)
 
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister assures peace in Bougainvillea
On 18 March, Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape announced his government has an “unwavering commitment to the Bougainville Peace Process.” Bougainville and Papua New Guinea (PNG) have not yet agreed on how to table the results of a historic referendum on independence in which 97.7 per cent of Bougainvilleans said they wanted independence. Joint moderation talks began in Port Moresby, chaired by former New Zealand Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae. The impasse centres on the number of MPs required to support tabling the referendum results. PNG wants two-thirds, while Bougainville wants just a simple majority. Alternatively, Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) President Ishmael Toroama suggested deciding on a bilateral relationship outside of parliament. Marape said: “It is a constitutional matter that requires parliament’s deliberation and decision-making” Marape urged consideration of economic independence, noting Bougainville generates only 5 percent of its budget. Marape also warned of similar movements leading to the fragmentation of PNG. (Don Wiseman, “Bougainville needs 'serious conversation' about its economic readiness - James Marape,” RNZ, 18 March 2025)
 
Papua New Guinea declared itself as a Christian nation
On 18 March, RNZ reported that last week, the Papua New Guinea (PNG) parliament amended the nation’s constitution and declared itself a Christian nation. The declaration in its preamble said: “(We) acknowledge and declare God, the Father; Jesus Christ, the Son; and Holy Spirit, as our Creator and Sustainer of the entire universe and the source of our powers and authorities, delegated to the people and all persons within the geographical jurisdiction of Papua New Guinea.” In addition, Christianity will be reflected in the Fifth Goal of the Constitution, with the Bible recognised as a national symbol. Father Giorgio Licini of Caritas PNG believed that creating “a Christian confessional state” in the 21st century is “a little bit anachronistic.” He warned “a cosmetic change that will not have a real impact” on the lives of the people, and that it may offer “the impression or the illusion” that things will improve, but “PNG society will remain basically what it is.” Prime Minister James Marape said it “reflects, in the highest form” the role of Christian churches in the country’s development, though it is “not an operational law.” Marape is a vocal advocate for the amendment and expressed happiness about the amendment, despite criticism from the Catholic Church about the constitutional change. (Caleb Fotheringham, “Catholic priest calls PNG's Christian state declaration 'cosmetic' change,” RNZ, 18 March 2025)
 
Kiribati terminates deep sea mining deal with The Metals Company, looks towards China
On 18 March, RNZ reported that Nasdaq-traded The Metals Company (TMC), surrendered a third of its Pacific Ocean exploration area after a breakdown in cooperation with Kiribati. According to a US Securities & Exchange Commission filing, TMC terminated an agreement with a Kiribati state-owned company that granted exploration rights to a 74,990 square kilometer seabed area in the northeastern Pacific. The termination appears to be at the instigation of Kiribati, whose Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources held talks with China’s ambassador to “explore potential collaboration for the sustainable exploration of the deep ocean resources.” TMC’s CEO Gerard Barron said the single exploration mission costing about USD 15 million revealed fewer nodules than areas in Nauru and Tonga, while environmental groups and other deep-sea miners report similar industry troubles. TMC is finalizing an ISA application for mining in Nauru’s area. This breakdown paves the way for China to add to its regional foothold in the contentious industry. (Stephen Wright, “Kiribati explores deep sea mining deal with China,” RNZ, 18 March 2025)

Australia & The Pacific Reader Daily Wire | 14-17 March 2025, Friday- Monday | Vol.2 No. 57-59
China gifts state-of-the-art sports complex to Tonga
On 12 March, RNZ reported that China officially handed over Tonga’s National Sports Complex in Nuku’alofa. The USD 25 million complex was funded by Beijing, and it includes the Tonga High School Indoor Stadium, an international-standard rugby field, netball and tennis courts, and an aquatics center. The indoor stadium was inaugurated by Crown Prince Tupouto’a ’Ulukalala, and it hosted the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum in August. Prime Minister Dr. Aisake Valu Eke stated the facility will inspire Tongan athletes for the 2031 Pacific Games and serve as a hub for community and cultural events. He said, “The impressive facility stands as a remarkable testament to the enduring friendship and partnership between Tonga and China.” (“China hands over state of the art sports complex to Tonga,” RNZ, 17 March 2025)

Australia & The Pacific Reader | 08 March 2025 | Vol 2 No. 51
Green Party petitions for visa-free travel within the region
On 08 March, New Zealand's Green Party launched a petition to allow Pacific Island nations visa-free travel to visitors from Pacific Island nations.. The Greens' Pacific Peoples spokesperson Teanau Tuiono complained that while 60 countries can access Aotearoa visa-free, not a single Pacific Island nation is on that list. He said the Greens' petition calls on the Government to start building an immigration system "that values community, connection and fairness". He called for the removal of unfair barriers to allow visa-free travel to Pacific Island countries. Many Pacific leaders have also called for the freer movement of people within the region. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced nearly NZD 27 million for projects in Fiji and removed the need for transit visas for Fijians entering New Zealand. There are ongoing calls for Australia to adopt a similar visa-waiver programme, with critics questioning why Australia offers open access to Europeans and Americans but not to Pacific peoples.  NZ Green Party calls for visa-free travel for 'Pacific whānau'”, RNZ, 08 March 2025)  

Australia & The Pacific Reader | 07 March 2025 | Vol 2  No. 50
Green Party petitions for visa-free travel within the region
On 07 March, as part of the government’s 100-day plan, a key reform allows only indigenous Ni-Vanuatu to contest in provincial and national elections. The opposition criticised this reform plan by calling it racism by the government. The 100-day plan for this electoral reform expects stronger oversight of citizenship programs, increased public trust through safeguarding national identity, and enhanced cultural representation in governance. The reform specifies that only third-generation citizens will be included in contest elections. (Terence Malapa, “Vanuatu govt to allow only indigenous citizens to contest elections,” RNZ, 07 March 2025)

Australia & The Pacific Reader | 06 March 2025 | Vol 2 No. 49
Samoa Prime Minister defeats second no-confidence motion
On 06 March, Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa defeated a second no-confidence motion against her minority government. 32 votes were against and 19 were in favor of the motion. The motion was initiated by FAST chairman Laauli Leuatea Schmidt and opposed by HRPP leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi. The motion failed as HRPP sided with Fiame this time, a reversal from last week. The debate, marked by criticisms of Fiame’s leadership and calls for a united Parliament, took place despite internal party splits following recent cabinet dismissals. Parliament will now continue with pending bills and a budget review scheduled for June. (Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai, “Samoan PM defeats second no-confidence vote in two weeks,” RNZ, 6 March 2025)

Australia & The Pacific Reader | 04 March 2025 | Vol 2 No. 48
Pacific leaders ask to be excluded from New Zealand visa waiver
On 04 March, Green party MP Teanau Tuiono called for viva waiver access for Pacific Islands. Tuiono, along with other Pacific Island leaders, has strongly protested for the visa waiver. New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters had shelved such a request in 2023 and argues that it is unfair for the waiver to be implemented. Tuiono argued that it was unfair for distant countries to be granted visa waivers while the Pacific Islands did not receive them. Tuiono said, "The last Parliament, we had where Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa pushing for visa waiver access, and also the Prime Minister from the Solomon Islands pushing for visa waiver access. (Susana Susuiki, “Green Party MP advocates for visa waiver access for Pacific nations,” RNZ, 04 March 2025)

Australia & The Pacific Reader | 03 March 2025 | Vol 2 No. 47
Australia pledges to donate AUD 3.2 million in aid to Vanuatu
On 27 February, Australia's Minister for International Development Pat Conroy held talks with Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat, where Conroy pledged to be the largest aid donor during security and economic talks. Contoy pledged another AUD3.2 million in direct budget support for Vanuatu. Australia also announced it would review any potential impacts from the cutting of funds from the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Australia looks to support the Pacific Islands due to increasing threat and competition from China in moving closer to these nations with investment and loans. (Kristy Needham, “Australia discusses security, aid with Vanuatu amid competition with China,” RNZ, 28 February 2025)