Kiingi Tuheitia, King of the Maori in New Zealand, Dies at 69
Kiingi Tuheitia, the Maori king, who called for unity among New Zealand’s Indigenous tribes during his 18 years on the throne, died on Friday. He was 69.
Asian news from New Zealand
New Zealand’s Māori King dies after 18-year reign
NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga (AP) — New Zealand’s Māori King, Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, died Friday at age 69, days after the celebration of his 18th year on the throne.
South Korea gets closer to NATO in the Indo-Pacific
South Korea’s traditional security concerns have primarily centered on addressing immediate regional challenges, particularly the persistent threat posed by North Korea, within the framework of its longstanding alliance with the United States. However, recent developments suggest a strategic expansion of Seoul’s diplomatic and security objectives, as it seeks to engage more actively with international organizations such as NATO and other key regional actors like India and Australia.
Meth, HIV and drug gangs a perfect storm in Fiji
Like many Pacific states that rely on tourism, Fiji had a hard time during the main pandemic years. But as tourism recovers, another crisis threatens the island nation’s stability – one fueled by rising methamphetamine addiction.
What is the Pacific Islands Forum? How a summit for the world’s tiniest nations became a global draw
NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga (AP) — As leaders of Pacific nations were welcomed to their annual meeting in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, on Monday, they were greeted first by torrential rain and then by an earthquake.
Australia and New Zealand key to ensuring Asean’s food security
During a recent Asean-Australia post-ministerial conference in Vientiane, Laos, Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi highlighted the critical role partners such as Australia must play in easing the region’s food insecurity.
New Zealand official says Western neglect of Pacific Islands let other nations boost their influence
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Western nations, including the United States and New Zealand, failed to understand swiftly enough the geopolitical importance of island nations in the South Pacific, leaving a power vacuum that allowed other countries to increase their diplomatic influence, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said.
Kiribati’s pro-China government bars foreign officials from visiting until 2025, citing elections
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — The government of Kiribati is suspending all diplomatic visits to the tiny Pacific Island nation until next year and has cancelled some already planned, because it is in the midst of an election process that could run for several more months, an official said Thursday.