Stories by Christine Rovoi
News
Compulsory vaccination 'not a new idea'
Mandatory vaccination is not a new idea to governments, says a prominent employment lawyer in Fiji.
Frontline workers in Fiji 'need help'
People who are at the forefront in the fight against Covid-19 need to undergo psychological counselling, a mental health expert says.
Pasifika health experts call for more testing as Auckland drops alert levels
While the New Zealand Government urges 'caution' over its decision to ease restrictions in Tāmaki Makaurau, some health experts are not so sure it was the right thing to do.
Covid-19 Fiji: Pandemic has turned into a mental health epidemic, say experts
Social workers and mental health experts in Fiji say some tender loving care could go a long way to addressing the mental health crisis in the country.
Fiji govt's sacking of Chief statistician labelled 'shameful'
Questions have been raised over the termination of Fiji's Bureau of Statistics chief by the Government this week.
Covid support package will help Pasifika who need it most
Twenty-five Pacific health providers are expected to receive funding when the Government rolls out its support package, a senior health official has said.
Health aspect of pandemic not the only issue, Fiji Govt told
Villagers in Fiji's remote islands are being prevented from getting to their vegetable gardens and fishing grounds because of Covid-19 restrictions imposed by the health ministry.
Call to boost vaccine rollout in remote Fiji
Fiji's opposition Social Democratic Liberal Party is calling on the Government to boost its Covid-19 vaccination programs in the remote areas amid a surge in infections.
Mixed reactions to Fiji's border reopening plans
New Zealand has opted to take a cautious approach to Fiji's future travel initiatives as the Pacific island nation prepares to reopen its borders amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Audio
Better understanding of vaccine hesitancy needed for Fiji's future roll outs
The success of a youth vaccine rollout in Fiji will require better understanding of reasons for hesitancy, a civil society group says.
Sawani border closes, inter-island travel suspended in Fiji
The Sawani border in Fiji's Naitasiri Highlands on the main island of Viti Levu has been closed for decontamination.
Call for change to NZ's vaccination strategy for Pasifika
The government-designed vaccination rollout has not mobilised our Pacific communities to respond safely and effectively, the Pacific Leadership Forum said. Audio
Employers urged to 'do the right thing'
Workers should not have to bear the financial brunt of the Covid-19 lockdown, New Zealand's largest private sector union says.
Pregnant during a pandemic: Women urged to get vaccinated
Mothers should be vaccinated and those who test positive for Covid-19 could continue to breast-feed their babies, health experts say.
Tough season ahead as RSE scheme flounders amid Covid-19 restrictions
Many Recognised Seasonal Employers expect they will struggle to survive the 2021-2022 season unless they can increase their workforce, a researcher says.
Otago University, Dunedin hospital support Pacific-led research centre
The coronavirus has highlighted the need to build capacity in infectious and communicable disease research in the Pacific, health experts say.
Larry Page can travel to and from NZ due to residency visa
An immigration lawyer says Google co-founder Larry Page can travel in and out of New Zealand on his current visa.
Mutation of Covid-19 Delta strain could happen in Fiji, experts warn
Health experts in and around Fiji say a new vaccine may be needed if the Delta variant of Covid-19, which is currently in Fiji, continues to mutate.
Debate on Fiji Land Bill heats up amid detention of MPs and rights advocates
The political tussle amid a worsening Covid-19 crisis continues in Fiji.
Fiji government criticised for employment conditions forcing Covid-19 vaccination
The Fijian government's Covid-19 response continues to be slammed as case numbers continue to climb. Audio
PNG and Fiji Covid-19 situation 'grim' - New Zealand health expert
A leading epidemiologist in New Zealand says he's concerned for the region with countries such as Papua New Guinea and Fiji going backwards in their fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
Fiji PM resists pressure for lockdown, over 1000 Covid cases in April outbreak
The government rules out calls for a complete shutdown despite record number of Covid-19 infections.
Reappointment of USP vice-chancellor not illegal: Aingimea tells Fiji govt
Nauru has denied Fiji's assertion that the decision to reappoint the vice-chancellor of the University of the South Pacific and base him in Samoa is illegal.
Fiji's government goes quiet as Covid crisis grows
Calls for more action from the Fiji government are growing louder, as authorities appear to be losing their grip on a rapidly-growing outbreak of Covid-19 in the country.
NZ Rotumans highlight culture and language as Fiji families face Covid crisis
An outbreak of Covid-19 in Fiji has forced Rotumans there to cancel this year's Rotuma Day celebrations. Video