A major search and rescue operation is continuing in Fiji’s Lau Waters, with authorities appealing to boaties and coastal communities for information as the search for six healthcare workers enters its second day.

The six were travelling aboard the Ministry of Health and Medical Services vessel MD Ono-i-Lau on a medical outreach mission when the vessel failed to arrive at Oneata as scheduled.

The vessel left Moce at around 7am yesterday and was expected to reach Oneata approximately two hours later.

When it did not arrive, the district nurse at Oneata alerted Lakeba Sub-Divisional Hospital, prompting search teams to be mobilised.

The vessel’s boat handler was found this morning and is now receiving treatment at Lakeba Hospital.

The six healthcare workers still missing are a Medical Officer, Dental Officer, Charge Nurse, Peer Educator, Health Inspector and Dental Assistant.

According to information provided by the boat handler, the vessel’s engine failed before it began taking on water.

The occupants put on life jackets and used wooden floor planks as flotation devices.…more

A Queensland family from the Solomon Islands who recently welcomed Australia’s first naturally conceived identical quadruplets will continue receiving government rental assistance after the Housing Minister stepped in to overturn a decision that threatened to leave them without support.

Jenitar Na’amoana, 34, and her husband Jortham, who are originally from Honiara in the Solomon Islands, welcomed their four daughters, Emily, Harriet, Alexa and Catherine, at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital on July 14.

The birth is believed to be the first naturally conceived pregnancy of its kind in Australia, with the four girls delivered by elective caesarean section at 28 weeks and four days.

The newborns remain in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit, where they are receiving specialist care.

The couple are now parents to eight children, with their quadruplets joining their four older children aged 10, eight, three and one.

Before the girls arrived, the family launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with the costs of preparing for four newborns, including baby equipment, a larger family vehicle, medical expenses, travel and everyday living costs.…more

A Tongan-American politician has made history after winning his primary election to become the first Tongan elected to a state senate in United States history.

Doug Fiefia, who currently serves in the Utah House of Representatives, will soon take his seat in the Utah State Senate, representing around 120,000 residents.

Speaking during a recent visit to Tonga, Fiefia said the milestone was both humbling and significant for Tongans around the world.

"I will be the first Tongan state senator in the history of America, and I'm honoured to serve."

Fiefia said his election reflects the growing political influence of Pacific Islanders in the United States. His new constituency includes a Tongan community of several thousand people, many of whom played a key role in his campaign by volunteering and fundraising.

"They were some of my biggest volunteers and biggest donors who helped us get this last win. I'm honoured to represent our people."

Before entering politics, Fiefia spent five years working at Google, where his experience in the technology sector inspired him to pursue public office.…more

Dave Letele says family targeted after taking over NZ Muscle as he fights to rebuild company and save jobs

Dave Letele says he and his family have been subjected to death threats and online abuse after he stepped in as the new chief executive of struggling supplement company NZ Muscle.

The former boxer and founder of community organisation Buttabean Motivation took on the role this week, along with a shareholding in the business, after founder Dion Roosenbrand announced he would step back while the company works through regulatory concerns.

Letele says his decision to take over was driven by a desire to help rebuild the company, protect its workers and restore customer trust.

The 46-year-old was preparing to meet with NZ Muscle staff, with 35 jobs potentially at risk as the company deals with falling sales following concerns around its products and business practices.

"It's 35 people who could potentially be without a job if this continued. I wanted to give it my best shot of trying to turn it around," Letele said.…more

Today we remember the remarkable Sir Sam Neill — an extraordinary actor, storyteller and friend of the Pacific, whose life and career touched audiences around the world.

In this powerful and little-known conversation with Oscar Kightley, Sam reflects on one of the most difficult chapters of his own family history. His uncle, known as "Red", served as one of New Zealand's military commanders during the country's colonial administration of Samoa — a period that would have devastating consequences for the Samoan people and fuel the Mau movement for independence.

Rather than shy away from that history, Sam believed it should be confronted honestly by all New Zealanders. His willingness to acknowledge the past, and to shine a light on injustice, is part of the legacy he leaves behind. Manuia lou malaga, Sir Sam. Fa'afetai for your compassion, your humility, and for standing alongside the Pacific in telling the stories that matter.

The Nominees for the 2026 Pacific Music Awards have been annoucned - and this year honours many of our beloved artists.…more