Stories by Johnny Blades
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Arrests in Papua as Solomons delegation visits
Nine West Papuans were arrested by Indonesian police in Jayapura today for a small protest over a surprise visit by a Solomon Islands delegation.
PNG's East New Britain woken by big quake
People in Papua New Guinea's East New Britain have been woken early on Good Friday by a magnitude-6.9 earthquake.
Tudei issue revisits reputational risk for Vanuatu kava industry
There are fears that changing the emphasis on quality for kava exports from Vanuatu could again threaten the reputation of the country's prize crop. Vanuatu's kava industry is in ongoing...
Confusion, exhaustion and fear in quake-hit PNG Highlands
Remote communities in PNG Highlands region are in urgent need of help after a series of large earthquakes.
Melanesian Spearhead Group spat about Indonesia spills over
Fiji has hit back at the deputy prime minister of Solomon Islands over criticism about the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
Emerging crisis in quake-hit PNG region
Dozens of people have died in Papua New Guinea after Monday's 7.5 earthquake caused mass landslides in the Highlands. (video)
Loggers still operating on PNG lease despite court ruling
Papua New Guinea's government has been accused of allowing loggers to operate illegally without landowner approval. Audio
Papua New Guinea's sorcery problem spirals
Analysis - Two high-profile attacks this month have highlighted how Papua New Guinea's problem with belief in sorcery is spiralling out of control, writes Johnny Blades.
Polls Apart - PNG's election broken down
The dust has started to settle on Papua New Guinea five yearly general election which was riddled by electoral roll flaws, polling irregularities and violence. Video
PNG opposition looks to regroup after Pangu exit
Although prone to volatility, Papua New Guinea politics is reeling after the move by a main opposition party to join government.
Marianas tourism sector opposes US military plans
The Northern Marianas tourism sector is opposed to US military plans to use local islands for training purposes. Audio
New minister aims to clean up corrupt PNG Lands Dept
Papua New Guinea's new Lands Minister says it is his mission to clean up the entrenched corruption in the Lands Department.
Unfinished business of PNG’s election grows
Results are still pending in two seats in Papua New Guinea's election, three weeks since the overall return of the writs.
The black hole where PNG's anti-graft efforts disappear
Papua New Guinea's prime minister is being urged to make good on his promise to hold an inquiry into a suspicious land deal involving two of his ministers.
Deadly guerilla warfare maintains grip on PNG's Enga
At least twenty people have died in election-related violence since vote counting began last month in Papua New Guinea's Enga province.
PNG PM to keep fighting arrest warrant
Papua New Guinea's prime minister says he will appeal a National Court decision to uphold the legality of an arrest warrant issued for him
Some things have to change, admits PNG Treasurer
The new man in charge of Papua New Guinea's Treasury admits some changes in government direction are necessary to manage an economy under huge strain.
Fears of more violence as Polye defeated in Kandep
Enga Province is bracing itself for more violence after another big name of Papua New Guinea politics lost his seat in the general election.
US retail one end of supply chain for illegal PNG logs
The sale of exotic wood products in US stores could be helping to drive the illegal harvesting of native forest in Papua New Guinea. Video
Goal of removing O'Neill galvanises new PNG alliance
Opponents of Papua New Guinea's incumbent prime minister say they are confident of forming a new coalition government.
The big rush: PNG leaders scramble to govern
Lobbying among newly elected MPs is reaching fever pitch in Papua New Guinea ahead of next week's scheduled sitting of parliament.
Election unfairness linked to deadly violence in Enga
Perceived unfairness in the vote count has been linked to deadly election-related violence in Papua New Guinea's Enga Province.
Who will be Papua New Guinea's prime minister?
As Papua New Guinea's lengthy and troubled national election nears a climax, RNZ Pacific offers a guide on who the main contenders to become prime minister are.
Parliament speaker gets the boot in PNG election
As vote counting continues in Papua New Guinea's national election, the incumbent speaker of parliament, Theo Zurenuoc, is set for defeat.
Coalition lobby groups set up camp in PNG
Leading players in Papua New Guinea's fluid political landscape are setting up camps in the hope of forming the next government.