RNZ Pacific

A round-up of news from around the region, including Tonga's National Health Information System - hacked three weeks ago in a cyber attack - now back in action.

It is causing concerns among health educators in the country.

The Samoa Electoral Commission says the nomination of candidates to contest the general election next month is underway.

"Funding for teams like Manusina is scarce and financially has been weighing heavy on our minds."

Beijing's embassy in Fiji says it is not interested in geopolitical competition, warning that its cooperation with Pacific Island nations "can never be erased by smears".

Archbishop Ryan Jimenez of Agaña, Guam, has spoken to Pope Leo XIV about the climate challenge the Pacific faces. Audio

The Federated States of Micronesia has developed a major climate change and health programme aimed at preventing the spread of climate-sensitive diseases.

The territory's health department says the disease was found in travelers who recently returned from Samoa. Audio

President Ishmael Toroama says he is "committed to building a government that is efficient, accountable, and fully capable of leading Bougainville into the future."

The country's electoral commissioner says based on the 2021 Census, that's 81 percent of all eligible voters who have completed full registration, including biometrics and photos.

Governments across Asia and the Pacific have made a pledge to ensure all births are registered and all deaths recorded by 2030.

Monday's action begins at 8:30am local time (11:30 NZT) and includes baseball, softball, swimming, va'a, volleyball and wrestling. Audio

The leaders of Bougainville and Papua New Guinea have signed a deal that may bring the autonomous region's quest for independence closer.

"We will not allow Fiji's ports and waters to become dumping grounds."

The NRL said the announcement is a major milestone and sets the franchise on a path to great success both on and off the field.

"The Pacific remains friends to all, enemies to none."

Cricket PNG said after a tough start, the Lewas bounced back with grit and determination.

Te Maeva Nui NZ is seen as the largest Cook Islands cultural festival outside of the Cook Islands.

Polino Falevaai, 25, was meant to fly home on Wednesday but her flight was cancelled due to the Israel-Iran conflict in the area.

The Solomon Islands foreign ministry says five people, who completed agriculture training in Israel, are safe but unable to come home amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran.

The NZ foreign minister made the comment in response to the Trump administration's proposal to impose travel restrictions on three dozen nations, including three in the Pacific. Audio

Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, known as Afa Ah Loo, an "innocent bystander", died despite efforts by paramedics to save his life, police said.

Fiji's Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport has visited the wreck of the Lomaiviti Princess II and other derelict vessels within Suva Harbour.

The Cook Islands prime minister has announced a zone to protect the migratory corridors of the endangered Oceania humpback whale.

The Department of Justice and Legal Services in Bougainville is aiming to craft a government policy to deal with violence related to sorcery accusations.