Pacific news in brief for 18 June
Photo:
Supplied: Operation Cetaces
Tonga's princess Angelika Latufuipeka Tuku'aho is backing other Pacific leaders to grant whales legal personhood.
Last year, the late Kiingi Tuheitia and Cook Islands Kaumaiti Nui Toa Ariki signed He Whakaputanga Moana, a treaty that seeks to grant more protections for whales.
The University of Auckland's Dr Justin Sorbion said the treaty is a win for the Pacific.
However, he told
Pacific Waves
it would not stop harmful activity against whales.
"So just the fact that you are saying that whales have a legal personality, that's not going to stop the problem," he said.
"But especially for the present generations - and the future generations - it shows that they have legal standing."
Photo:
RNZ / Nick Monro
Australia's bid to host the COP31 climate summit came up during Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visit to Fiji.
During the trip, Albanese and Fijian PM Sitiveni Rabuka reaffirmed their commitment to the advancement of the Vuvale Partnership.
Albanese said the pair discussed the significant impact of climate change internationally and particularly in the Pacific region, and Australia's COP31 bid in partnership with the Pacific.
This year's COP30 will be hosted by Belem, Brazil.
Two executives of a Papua New Guinea Government-owned company are being sought by police for allegedly paying 2.4 million kina in unauthorised security arrangements.
NBC
reported that NiuSky Pacific Limited's acting managing director Graham Blythe and the board chair, Robin Kawat, are wanted by police.
Police assistant commissioner, Benjamin Turi, said both men have evaded police efforts to bring them in for questioning over alleged payments made to 23 regular police officers and 13 police impersonators in 2023 and 2024.
He told
NBC News
the warrant of arrest is already out, and they expect both men to comply and come forward to police, or they will use force to bring them in.
Police say the two NiuSky executives authorised the payments for security services to the state-owned air navigation service provider without legal clearance or proper engagement procedures.
Community leaders and civil society organisations are urging Solomon Islands citizens to get involved in public consultations on the Mineral Resources Bill.
The
Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation
said the bill could significantly reshape how mining operations are approved, monitored, and enforced.
The legislation would give the national government broader authority over mineral resources, impacting land rights, the environment, and the community's role in decision-making.
Organisations such as the Development Services Exchange, Apunepara Ha'amwa'ora Natural Resources Association, and the International Center for Advocates Against Discrimination, want everyone to join in the public submission process.
They say the bill would conflict with the Constitution and the international obligations the Solomons has.
The Chiefs of Army of New Zealand and Australia have combined for a joint visit to Timor-Leste.
Topics of discussion included shared security priorities, a number of upcoming exercises and planned cooperation.
There were also 'positive discussions' around assisting Timor Leste's defence forces to be able to realise a key ambition - to further contribute to United Nations peacekeeping missions around the world.
Australia's Chief of Army lieutenant-general Simon Stuart said Timor-Leste is an important security partner to both Australia and New Zealand.
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