Photo : RNZ

Approval of “Agreement Project of the Future of New Caledonia” by major political parties, reports R

Australia & The Pacific Reader Daily Wire | 14 July 2025, Monday | Vol 2 No. 146
Approval of “Agreement Project of the Future of New Caledonia” by major political parties, reports RNZ
On 14 July, RNZ reported that parties in New Caledonia from both pro- and anti-independence agreed on the future political status as a French Pacific territory. This will make New Caledonia the first “State” in France. The 13-page agreement is “Agreement Project of the Future of New Caledonia,” was convened by France’s President Emmanuel Macron. Macron called to restore New Caledonia’s economy. The released document, signed by almost 20 politicians, details what the deal would imply for New Caledonia's future. The population of New Caledonia will be called to vote on the agreement in 2026. The agreement awards New Caledonia “State of New Caledonia,” which has dual citizenship with France. (“New Caledonia’s political parties commit to 'historic' deal in France,” RNZ, 14 July 2025)

Australia & The Pacific Reader Daily Wire | 12 July 2025, Saturday | Vol 2 No. 145
Cook Islands’ MPS claims that a minimum wage worker pays more taxes, reports RNZ
On 11 July, RNZ reported on the Cook Islands’ MP accusing the government of taxing low-wage earners more by not adjusting the tax-free threshold. This comes after the government pushed the minimum wage slightly up, and the tax system has a zero percent threshold for income per year. The Opposition leader, Teariki Heather, said: “You can't increase the threshold when the minimum wage increases, because then the government doesn't get any benefit from it, no tax.” Cook Islands’ Prime Minister Mark Brown responded and said: “It should always be below, so if it needs to increase the tax-free threshold, then that is something that we need to do.” Heather stated that the minimum wage announced is not enough, as the living costs have also increased. (“Cook Islands MP warns workers to pay more tax despite minimum wage increase,” RNZ, 11 July 2025)

Australia & The Pacific Reader Daily Wire | 10 July 2025, Thursday | Vol 2 No. 143
New Zealand reports visa fraud by Samoan nationals, reports RNZ
On 08 July, RNZ reported that the Immigration department in New Zealand found that workers in Samoa aided individuals to obtain visas fraudulently. The INZ general manager reported that they were brought to New Zealand through fraud. A Samoan national was sentenced to jail for aiding other Samoans working in New Zealand illegally by forging fake working visas. The primary offender was sentenced in April, and other paid associates were working for them. The General Manager said: “The individual would then either directly or indirectly, through extended family or friends, sponsor a worker's visitor visa and manage the process of applying for visas through Immigration New Zealand. Even paying for related visa fees and airfares.” (“Immigration NZ confirms fraud in Samoa: Staff bribed to help Samoan nationals obtain visas,” RNZ, 08 July 2025)

Australia & The Pacific Reader Daily Wire | 09 July 2025, Wednesday| Vol 2 No. 142
New Zealand reports visa fraud by Samoan nationals, reports RNZ
On 08 July, RNZ reported that the Immigration department in New Zealand found that workers in Samoa aided individuals to obtain visas fraudulently. The INZ general manager reported that they were brought to New Zealand through fraud. A Samoan national was sentenced to jail for aiding other Samoans working in New Zealand illegally by forging fake working visas. The primary offender was sentenced in April, and other paid associates were working for them. The General Manager said: “The individual would then either directly or indirectly, through extended family or friends, sponsor a worker's visitor visa and manage the process of applying for visas through Immigration New Zealand. Even paying for related visa fees and airfares.” (“Immigration NZ confirms fraud in Samoa: Staff bribed to help Samoan nationals obtain visas,” RNZ, 08 July 2025)

Australia & The Pacific Reader Daily Wire | 05 July 2025, Saturday | Vol 2 No. 139
France’s President suggests “associate state” status for New Caledonia
On 05 July, RNZ reported that France’s President Emmanuel Macron suggested options for the future of New Caledonia in the ongoing meeting with the representatives of New Caledonia. He suggested a “associated state” status for New Caledonia, having strong links with France. The other option proposed by Macron was the “large autonomy.” These measures will require a refoundation period of 15-20 years in order to rebuild the economy and social fabric. The riots in May 2024 shook the GDP of the country 14 deaths and EUR 2 billion in material damage. They suggested that during the transition period, New Caledonia will be ruled by a “fundamental law,” which will be a de facto constitution. (“Macron suggests new options for New Caledonia’s future status,” RNZ, 05 July 2025)

Australia & The Pacific Reader Daily Wire | 04 July 2025, Friday | Vol 2 No. 138
Guam is not part of the extended nuclear radiation survivor compensation bill, reports RNZ
On 04 July, RNZ reported that the people of Guam are disappointed that they will not be compensated for the radiation exposure, as expressed Pacific Association for Radiation Survivors. The US extended the United States Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) as part of its “big beautiful bill.” The extension is for Utah, Idaho, and New Mexico, but not Guam. As part of the bill, all the claimants are eligible for USD 100,000. (“Guam nuclear radiation survivors 'heartbroken' after being excluded from compensation bill,” RNZ, 04 July 2025)

Australia & The Pacific Reader Daily Wire | 03 July 2025, Thursday | Vol 2 No. 137
France hosts a delegation from New Caledonia to discuss the political future of the overseas territory
On 02 July, France’s President Emmanuel Macron, with other top leaders, welcomed a delegation from New Caledonia. This is the first step towards kickstarting several summits in the French Pacific Territory. The leaders from New Caledonia have travelled to Paris to attend what Macron called a “summit.” The meeting will focus on finding an agreement on the political future of New Caledonia. Macron called this “a dialogue that could guarantee a sustainable political, social and cultural equilibrium, adapted to New Caledonia's reality,” and “beyond antagonistic logic,” and "build a shared, balanced and lasting future.” (“Macron, top leaders open New Caledonia’s summit in Paris,” RNZ, 03 July 2025)

Australia The Pacific Reader Daily Wire | 02 July 2025, Wednesday | Vol 2 No. 136
81 per cent of Samoans have registered for voting for the upcoming elections
On 02 July, RNZ reported that four out of five eligible voters have registered for the general elections scheduled to happen in August. Samoa's electoral commissioner Toleafoa Tuiafelolo Alexander informed that based on the 2021 census, 81 per cent of all the voters from Samoa have registered, bringing the number to 95,000 out of the 117,000 population. Only 22,000 remain to register. Most of them registered online, and only 7700 completed their in-person registration. 310 people registered from outside Samoa. The online registration will close today, noted the Samoa’s Office of Electoral Commission (OEC). (“80% of Samoan voters fully registered - electoral office,” RNZ, 02 July 2025)

Australia The Pacific Reader Daily Wire | 01 July 2025, Tuesday | Vol 2 No. 135
Tuvalu wants written affirmation from the US over the false visa ban imposition
On 01 July, RNZ reported that Tuvalu is seeking an official mandate from the US that its citizens will not be barred from entering the US. They believe that they mistakenly added Tuvalu as part of the 36 countries on the visa ban. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the expansion of countries under the visa ban list. The nationals from these countries had 760 days to take corrective actions, which caused severe distress for the Tuvaluans who face the threat of rising sea levels, risking the population of 11,000. Tuvalu’s ambassador to the UN was informed that “an administrative and systemic error on the part of the US Department of State.” Tuvalu's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Labour and Trade said: “The Embassy has provided verbal assurances that there are no current restrictions on Tuvaluan nationals entering the United States, and that the matter is being reviewed with authorities in Washington.” (“Tuvalu seeks assurance from US that its citizens won't be barred,” RNZ, 01 July 2025)