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Tongan educator recognised by University of Auckland for her contribution to education in the Pacific dies at age 78

By
Kalino Latu
-

A Tongan scholar who was honoured in New Zealand a decade ago was laid to rest this afternoon at Makamaka Cemetery in her hometown of Ha’ateiho.

Dr ‘Ana Maui Taufe’ulungaki. Photo/USP University

Dr ‘Ana Maui Ta’ufe’ulungaki, 78, a former Minister of Education in Tonga, died from an illness.

In 2014, she was honoured with the University of Auckland’s Distinguished Alumni Award at a special occasion in Auckland.

Several former Tongan students from Auckland University who attended the event may still recall the occasion when they unexpectedly stood up to surprise the guests, immediately following Taufe’ulungaki’s presentation and her departure from the podium.

They sang the hymn ‘Eiki ko e ‘Ofa ‘A’au to show support for Taufe’ulungaki. The performance received warm applause.

Taufe’ulungaki was graduated from the University of Auckland with a BA majoring in History between 1966 and 1968 before completing a MA in Leeds in 1978. She then went on to complete a PhD at the University of Birmingham in 1988.

“I am totally humbled as it is most unexpected but I am very honoured and proud that I can receive this award on behalf of all the pioneer Polynesian students who paved the way at Auckland University to ensure our of today can also achieve their dreams,” she said.

Dr Taufe’ulungaki came to New Zealand in 1964 and attended Epsom Girls Grammar School for two years before starting University in 1966.

It was a very different Campus back then. Dr Taufe’ulungaki says she was one of a small number of Pacific Islands’ students at the University at that time. There was very little Pacific cultural activity of any kind.

“I think it was the skill of survival! The academic programme was demanding for a young Pacific islander in those days, and being able simply to survive the three year BA programme was an achievement,” she said.

Dr Taufe’ulungaki said the time at the University of Auckland was tough, but it set her up for the rest of her formal study.

“I learned to cope on my own and to rely on my own inner resources. As far as I am concerned the three years at Auckland University were the toughest of my university career. My other studies for my masters’ and doctoral degrees in the UK were much easier to cope with. I had learned by then the art of studying and surviving for long periods away from my family and from the familiar context of my own country.”

“Focus on your goals and commit yourself to achieve them. No worthwhile goal is ever accomplished without hard work and personal sacrifice,” she said.

Vanuatu’s first international maritime graduate wants more women in the industry

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai of rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission.

A Tongan woman and Vanuatuan citizen hopes to advocate for more women and girls in Vanuatu to enter the maritime industry.

Seiloni Akanete Toakuru graduated from the World Maritime University in Sweden last week, alongside more than 260 others from more than 70 member states of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Seiloni Akanete Toakuru graduated from the World Maritime University in Sweden last week, alongside more than 260 others from more than 70 member states of the International Maritime Organization. Photo: Supplied

Seiloni Akanete Toakuru graduated from the World Maritime University in Sweden last week, alongside more than 260 others from more than 70 member states of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Born in Tonga but now a Vanuatu citizen, she is the first Vanuatuan woman to graduate from the IMO.

She said it was well worth the effort, despite being away from her family for 14 months.

“I had to go through a lot of stress because it was the first time I, as a mother and a wife, had to leave behind my husband and children,” she said.

“It took a lot of sacrifices and patience, and perseverance.

“If you want something in life, you have to go after it,” Seiloni Akanete Toakuru said.

Toakuru has three children, and the two oldest stayed with her mother back in Tonga while she was in Europe, with the youngest staying in Vanuatu with her husband.

She said graduating and returning to Vanuatu with the qualification reminded her there is “something bigger coming up”.

“It is my contribution to Vanuatu in the maritime sector.”

Toakuru has been actively involved in maritime administration in both Vanuatu and Tonga for over a decade, contributing to policy and compliance.

She has a Masters of Maritime Studies, and of Maritime Affairs, specializing in maritime law and policy.

Toakuru was born and raised in Tonga but married a Ni-Vanuatu man and nows calls Vanuatu home.

She hopes to advocate there for females to enter the maritime industry, as she believes there is a place for them with times changing and more opportunities and scholarships available.

She said previously there weren’t many job opportunities but her scholarship, through the German government, allowed her to upskill.

Toakuru is now back in Vanuatu working with the Maritime Safety Authority as the acting deputy international commissioner.

She said she wants to work towards strategies and policies to help Vanuatu.

Eagles defeat Tonga in November tour victory

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By Taylor Dean, USA Rugby

The USA Men’s Eagles came out on top in a commanding 36-12 victory over Tonga, showcasing an improved attack and strategic control throughout the match.

Calder Cahill / USA Rugby

Saturday night was only the second win over Tonga for the United States, and the first since their first meeting in 1999. Mark O’Keeffe and Mikey Grandy made their Eagles debuts, while captain Greg Peterson earned his 50th test cap, a remarkable achievement.

Tonga started with an aggressive, fast-paced attack, but the USA responded with impressive defensive solidity, eventually control the offensive game. Despite some early signs of vulnerability, the Eagles weathered Tonga’s initial pressure and capitalized on key turnovers and set-piece opportunities to seize control.

This victory marks another important step in the Eagles’ ongoing cohesion and development, as they continue to show improvement under Head Coach Scott Lawrence. The team’s emphasis on disciplined defense, set-piece, and the inclusion of younger players into key roles is paying dividends. Several players stepped up to make a significant impact, and this win will be a benchmark as the team continues to evolve.

When asked about the improved attack, Lawrence said, “I think when we keep it simple, when we just keep ahold of the ball and go forward we’re pretty athletic in the middle of the field, so we were able to get some purchase in this game.”

Lawrence added about the physicality, “I think early on in the game Tonga was winning the collisions and it took us a little while to get into the game. As we did, we became more accurate in the contact area and I think that was the difference in the collisions.”

In terms of work ons for the next match against Spain, Lawrence said, “It’ll be around sustaining pressure, we had three 22 entries that we didn’t convert so I think we have some opportunities there, with the pressure we’re putting on teams and our entires in the 22.”

Match Recap

Tonga wasted no time, coming out with high tempo, looking to use their speed to break through the USA defense. Tonga broke away on the offense, gaining ground up to the halfway line before a quick offload kept their attack alive. With fast offloads and quick breakthroughs, Tonga found space and scored the first try of the game, putting them up by 7.

The USA quickly adjusted their defense, tightening up the width and keeping better shape. A few minutes later, the Eagles mounted their own attack, with Mitch Wilson broke free and gained significant ground into Tonga’s half. A knock-on by the Eagles led to a TMO review of a high tackle, resulting in a penalty to Tonga, and they earned a line-out in good attacking territory.

The Eagles set up a maul from the line-out, but quickly got the ball out and worked together. Dominic Besag capped off the drive with a try to put the USA on the board.

The game continued with both sides exchanging possession and territory. Tonga’s high-paced attack led to a scrum at the five-meter line, but the USA’s pressure led to a collapsing scrum, giving the ball back to the Eagles. The USA quickly capitalized, with Jason Damm breaking through a tackle to score, putting the Eagles up 12-7 after AJ MacGinty’s conversion.

In another set-piece opportunity, the USA had a line-out on Tonga’s five-meter line, where they set up a maul, but it collapsed into phases. Jack Iscaro took advantage, muscling his way over the try line to increase the Eagles’ lead.

Tonga fought back, capitalizing on a few penalties and winning another scrum. They broke out quickly, and after a high tackle on the edge, they launched a final attack to score in the corner.

The Eagles, however, continued to hold strong defensively, even after a 20-minute red card to Mitch Wilson for a high tackle. Mark O’Keeffe made an immediate impact on his debut, helping the Eagles clear their lines and maintain composure. Down a man, the USA continued to dominate the set pieces, with a dominant driving maul forcing Tonga to concede penalties.

Heading into the second half down one player, the Eagles kept up the pressure. Ruben de Haas intercepted Tonga’s attack in a surprise attack ending with a try. Tonga responded quickly with a score, but the USA turned around and put in the work to get AJ MacGinty over the line to increase the USA’s lead.

As Wilson returned to the field, the Eagles kept up their control. O’Keeffe used his speed to break away and bring the ball into Tonga’s territory, where a penalty gave MacGinty a kick to add three to the tally.

The match ended 36-12 in favor of the USA, with their relentless pressure on both sides of the ball being too much for Tonga to handle. The Eagles’ depth and discipline were key in weathering the early storm and finishing strong.

This victory gives the USA plenty of confidence as they look ahead to their next fixture against Spain. With the lessons learned in this match and the ongoing guidance of Scott Lawrence, the Eagles will be looking to build on their momentum and continue their strong performance in the upcoming clash.

Tongan man dies in fatal train and car collision in Hamilton

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Police have released the names of those who died in the crash involving a train and a car on Peachgrove Road, Hamilton, New Zealand on Wednesday 13 November.

Officials at the site of a car vs train crash in Hamilton on 13 November 2024.

Officials at the site of yesterday’s car and train crash in Hamilton. Photo: RNZ / Libby Kirkby-McLeod

All three were in the car, and their names were: William Brown, aged 46, of Huntly, Shylin Huirana-Osbourne, aged 26, of Hamilton and Sione Nusipepa, aged 23, of Huntly.

Police extend their condolences to their whanau and loved ones.

Police would also like to thank all members of the public who responded and assisted with this tragic incident.

“In particular, police would like to speak to the occupants of a vehicle that was stopped at the crossing barrier arm when police arrived on the scene,” it said.

Posts on Facebook identified Sione Nusipepa as being Tongan.

“RIP Sione Leapulu Nusipepa kou ofa lahi atu kia koe Tani kou ofa atu kia koe moe toenga fanau”, another post said in Tongan.

A memorial page on social media for Shylin says he was a beloved son, brother, father, uncle, cousin, nephew, and moko.

“Our love, support, and kindness during this difficult time have not gone unnoticed, and we are deeply grateful.

We also extend our heartfelt sympathy to the families and friends of Shylin’s friends who have also recently passed.

We want to share our love on their own journeys of grief, allowing them the space to come to terms with their loss.

we will share more info when we know more details . Moe mai rā i te aroha mutunga kore – rest eternally,” continued the online memorial page.

An online fundraising page has also been set up to gain “financial support to help us with his final day.”

Three people died and two were seriously injured after a train and car collided at a level crossing yesterday morning.

The train driver was uninjured, but is now on leave.

Swimmer dies at Auckland’s Piha Beach after getting caught in a rip

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

A swimmer has died after being pulled from a rip at West Auckland’s Piha Beach.

Piha waves, ocean, sea, rough, tide

Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi

A police spokesperson said a report came through at about 3.30pm on Tuesday.

CPR was given to the person on the beach, but they died near the scene, the spokesperson said.

“Our thoughts are with their family and loved ones.”

Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) said two lifeguards responded to the incident and a second person had also been rescued.

The death would be referred to the Coroner.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand issue warning

The death came as Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) issued a message to the public about never underestimating the conditions after a near-miss also at Piha Beach.

There had been a “dramatic” rescue at Piha on Monday, SLSNZ chief executive Steve Fisher said, which led him to issue a reminder about safety around water.

Two lifeguards were training on the beach when they saw three people on boogie boards in a deeper area of the shore bed, Fisher said.

The lifeguards offered the three young men help but they refused the offer, not realising the danger they were in.

Moments later, a large wave swept the men off their boards and into the water.

“Panic set in. Without their floatation devices, the men realised their predicament and began shouting and wildly waving their arms in the air,” Fisher said.

The lifeguards were able to get the men back to shore but they had swallowed a lot of water and had to be taken to hospital.

“People drown at unpatrolled beaches. Don’t overestimate your abilities, and don’t underestimate the conditions. Please swim between the flags at a patrolled beach. If the flags aren’t up, don’t go in,” Fisher said.

“It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Each fatal drowning in New Zealand leaves families, whānau, and communities devastated. We all have a responsibility to address our drowning toll, and the best way to do that is by making sensible decisions when it comes to our coastlines.”

2km move means no mail for Aucklander amid NZ Post stoush

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By Leonard Powell of rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

A resident of a new housing development in north Auckland is dumbfounded a move of less than two kilometres means he no longer receives mail.

Ara Hills in north Auckland is zoned as rural, so NZ Post won't deliver to residents' mailboxes.

NZ Post will not deliver to individual mailboxes in the Ara Hills development. Photo: RNZ/Leonard Powell

Ara Hills in Ōrewa opened in 2022, 31km north of the Auckland CBD, with a mix of terraced and standalone homes.

But almost two years on, a stand-off with the developer means NZ Post will not deliver mail because the development is classed as rural.

For resident Gary Phillips, a move from one side of the motorway to the other has suddenly meant no mail in the letterbox.

“People are not getting important things like car registrations, medical appointments, fines, all those sorts of things and then if they don’t get it, they don’t know that they owe it and suddenly they’re in debt,” resident Penelope Jensen said.

Jensen attends meetings with Ara Hills residents, and said there had been plenty of frustration among the 120 households.

“People were quite angry about it. And yeah, felt a bit betrayed, I think because when they bought up here, they didn’t realise that they were going to face this situation.”

Ara Hills is set to have 550 dwellings when building is complete. All have letterboxes out the front – rendered obsolete while developers AV Jennings and NZ Post continue to clash.

Michelle Palmer has lived in the development since 2022.

“We feel isolated. We actually don’t feel like that it’s going anywhere, we feel like we’re kind of stuck between the developer and council and the post having a fight and we’re the people that are actually getting impacted by it, but no one’s really coming and actually apologising or asking how they can support us in the short term until they come up with some long-term solution.”

Palmer has been redirecting her mail to her relative’s house 28 kilometres away in Warkworth.

She, along with plenty of others, are holding off getting one of the PO boxes that AV Jennings is subsidising down the road in Ōrewa, a few minutes’ drive away.

Ara Hills in north Auckland is zoned as rural, so NZ Post won't deliver to residents' mailboxes.

Ara Hills is zoned as rural by NZ Post, so mail is not delivered to residents’ letterboxes. Photo: RNZ/Leonard Powell

“For us, if we do that, we’re sort of conceding and [saying] that might be the long-term solution, and we don’t think that’s a long-term solution.

“There is no way that this is rural and we’ve got a letterbox out front. So we should be receiving it. And so we’re standing our ground and hoping that they will actually provide a proper long-term solution.”

Phillips is one of the residents who has been using a PO Box.

He moved in December 2023, after living nearby for 15 years.

“We really only moved about 1.8 kilometres. We’re just the other side of the of the motorway exit and we’ve lived there for a long time. And we’d always had mail. No problem at all.

“So it was quite strange to us to come just over the other side of the motorway to to somewhere where there was nothing.”

NZ Post declined to be interviewed but in a statement said it would deliver mail if a cluster of letterboxes was provided by the developer AV Jennings.

But AV Jennings’ Katelyn Orton said that would not be happening.

“The anomaly when it comes to the mail delivery is simply a fact that NZ Post is trying to reduce its costs. So when it’s seeing something as being rural, which is actually a fully formed residential street. that’s about cost saving. That’s not about development being out of sequence.

“I mean the homes exist. The residents exist. The only thing that doesn’t exist is a mail service.”

Orton said until NZ Post came to the party, the only option for residents would be a heavily subsidised PO box, which start at about $35 a year.

“AV Jennings have undertaken that to ensure that our residents can actually receive their mail. I know not all of our residents have taken that option. Because they’ve been hopeful as we have, that common sense would prevail and there’d be a practical solution in place that doesn’t place financial or physical barriers to our residents receiving their mail.”

Phillips is not a fan of either the PO box option or a cluster of hundreds of letterboxes.

However, “there’s not a lot we can do as a small community apart from what we’ve already tried to do”, he said.

“The post box is up up the hill. It’s a stupid solution because there’s hundreds and hundreds of houses here. You’re going to take up a large part of our green space. And just fill it full of unsecure metal boxes.”

NZ Post said if mail came into a delivery branch for residents of Ara Hills, it was held for a month before it is returned to sender.

For Jensen, that was not an option.

“It’s important to us that we get our mail and if there’s no other solution, then we just have to pay.”

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Labour backs probe into immigration adviser accused of selling job

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

Labour Party immigration spokesperson Phil Twyford has called for action on a company accused of job-selling.

Phil Twyford

Labour Party immigration spokesperson Phil Twyford. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

An immigration adviser, Heidi Castelucci, was taped telling an overseas worker she can help get him residency with a fake job in return for $70,000.

She said the job would be at her husband’s firm, Liberty Consulting Group Limited in Auckland, an accredited employer under visa rules.

The company denies any wrongdoing.

Twyford said it should be thoroughly investigated. He said Immigration NZ needed the resources to do thorough checks on companies.

“I strongly support anything that the current government can do to crack down on these kind of situations,” he said.

“I really hope that Immigration NZ investigates this – thoroughly – and if the employer is found guilty, they should have the book thrown at them.”

Migrant Workers Association president Anu Kaloti said migrants in similar situations could not seek protection through the Migrant Exploitation Protection Visa (MEPV), as it was not considered to be exploitation if someone arrived to find they have no job, or they lost their job soon afterwards, after paying a premium to get work.

“We call it ‘the migrant worker has been scammed’, but the immigration settings are now that if someone has paid money to secure a job and support for the visa, they are not to be classed as exploited, and potentially they’re not eligible for the MEPV.

“So the message that those settings send, after that, is that you don’t have absolutely any help. We fear we may have created our next batch of overstayers or fake refugee claims.”

Castelucci told RNZ if the complainant had “particular concerns about my conduct as a licensed immigration adviser, those are appropriately referred to the Immigration Advisers Authority for consideration. It would not be appropriate for me to comment until that process is completed.”

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Kangaroos hold off Tonga to claim Pacific Cup title

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By NRL/Pacnews 

The Kangaroos have won the Pacific Cup for the first time after surviving a late scare from a fast-finishing Tongan side to claim a 20-14 victory in Sunday’s final in Sydney. 

Up by 16 with 23 minutes to play, Australia looked destined to record a comfortable victory at CommBank Stadium, but instead had to come up with a series of try-saving plays out wide in order to get home, as their opponents ran in a pair of late four-pointers to set up a heart-stopping finish.  

The result marks a return to service for the Kangaroos, a year on from a record 30-0 defeat to the Kiwis in the inaugural decider for the end-of-year Test tournament, with their combined moments of brilliance on the ball and gritty goal-line defence the key in the end.

Backed by the majority of a 28,728-strong crowd, and having just a week earlier demolished the Kiwis in the opening exchanges, it came as little surprise that Kristian Woolf’s men raced out to an early lead thanks to a Sione Katoa try. 

But when the Kangaroos went up a gear later in the half Tonga simply couldn’t go with them, and by the time they rediscovered their mojo with 25 to go it was too late. 

Five-eighth Tom Dearden capped off strong maiden Test campaign with a man-of-match performance that featured a handful of huge plays on both sides of the ball, while out wide Tom Trbojevic had a day out, scoring two tries and having another two disallowed, with six tackle breaks part of his final stat sheet. 

Early the middle battle belonged to Tonga and on the back of it Isaiya Katoa – the match-winner against the Kiwis a week earlier – laid on the opener for Sione Katoa, after he earlier forced a knock on from Angus Crichton with a desperate tackle. 

But after weathering that early storm Australia took control, scoring the next three tries without reply. 

It was the Isaiya Katoa’s wayward kick 10 minutes after his aforementioned try assist that gifted the Kangaroos a seven-tackle set that ended in them hitting back through a flying Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow. 

With the match tied at four-apiece come the quarter mark, Australia flipped the script through a long Mitchell Moses kick and an excellent chase which saw them trap Tonga in goal and earn a repeat set, with Xavier Coates grabbing a brilliant offload from Tabuai-Fidow to go over out wide and double his side’s tally. 

A golden chance to draw even just before the break instead ended in Eliesa Katoa fumbling over the line and from there Tonga were forced to endure a barrage of attack from their opponents, although with Trbojevic’s try the only damage on the scoreboard after both he and Hudson Young had other claims ruled out by the Bunker. 

Trbojevic had his second early in the second half but was denied a hat-trick minutes later when the Bunker found a knock on in the lead up, and it was that moment which proved a turning point. 

Haumole Olakau’atu got on the end of a Tuimoala Lolohea grubber to breathe life back into the Tongan cause, before a determined charge from Eliesa Katoa put the Kingdom back to within six points with as many minutes to play. 

But it wasn’t to be, with the Kangaroos holding on to claim the title and go some way to avenging last year’s drubbing at the hands of the Kiwis.  Tonga’s cause was also not helped by the loss of centre Paul Alamoti to a dislocated elbow on 45 minutes.

Tonga fall short against Romania as Flying Fijians bring back European players for Wales

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By Iliesa Tora of rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

The ‘Ikale Tahi lost the plot in the last 20 minutes, giving away a 15-11 lead, losing 25-15 to Romania in Bucharest on Sunday morning (NZ Time).

Tonga's tighthead prop Ben Tameifuna (#03) challenges Romanian players in a ruck during the France 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between Tonga and Romania at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, near Lille, northern France on October 8, 2023. (Photo by Sameer Al-Doumy / AFP)

Tonga’s tighthead prop Ben Tameifuna (#03) challenges Romanian players in a ruck during the France 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between Tonga and Romania at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, near Lille. (file) Photo: AFP / Sameer Al-Doumy

It was a disappointing result for what should have been a sure win for the islanders, who only 12 months ago ran in seven tries to beat the Romanians 45-24 at the Rugby World Cup in France.

Head coach Tevita Tu’ifua said it was a disappointing finish in their first of three matches of their European tour.

Leading 15-11, the Sione Havili Talitui led side succumbed to basic mistakes, giving away critical penalties as the hosts took their opportunities and piled up 14 points to claim the win.

A knock-on from a defensive lineout with 19 minutes to go saw winger Tevita Manumua dot the ball down close to the corner flag, with the Tongan-born player just managing to do that under pressure.

That gave the hosts a slender 16-15 lead.

The Tongans then had two sure chances to reclaim the lead. They opted for a kick-out from a penalty inside the Romania 22, and from the ensuing drive were awarded another penalty closer to the line.

They went for the quick tap and drive but were penalised for holding the ball on the ground as the Romanians defended their line.

Then five minutes later, they had another opportunity but lost the ball forward close to the line.

Three successful penalty kicks gave the Romanians victory in the end.

Tu’ifua said it was not the start they wanted.

“We gave that away as we made too many mistakes,” the former ‘Ikale Tahi said.

“But we will learn and move on to the next one.”

The Tongans are building for the 2027 Rugby World Cup qualifiers and a number of young players are being given game time.

Flying Fijians get Europe players back

Meanwhile, the Flying Fijians have named several experienced Europe players in their line-up to meet Wales in Cardiff on Monday morning (NZ Time).

Captain Waisea Nayacalevu, centre Semi Radradra, Josua Tuisova, and Jiuta Wainiqolo have all been named in the starting XV.

The players missed the loss to Scotland because of club commitments.

The Flying Fijians will face Wales at 2:40am on Monday morning at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Pacific leaders look forward to strengthened US relations after Trump win

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By RNZ Pacific and is republished with permission

The Tongan and Fijian prime ministers are among the first Pacific Island leaders to congratulate US President-elect Donald Trump.

Former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during an election night event at the West Palm Beach Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, on November 6, 2024. - Republican former president Donald Trump closed in on a new term in the White House early November 6, 2024, just needing a handful of electoral votes to defeat Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP)

Photo: JIM WATSON

Trump, 78, returned to the White House on Wednesday by securing more than the 270 Electoral College votes needed to win the presidency, according to Edison Research projections.

Tonga’s Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, who is also the chair of the Pacific Islands Forum said on X, formerly Twitter, that he is looking forward to advancing Tonga-US bilateral relationship and the Pacific interests and initiatives.

Fiji’s Sitiveni Rabuka said it is his sincere hope and prayer that Trump’s return to the White House “will be marked by the delivery of peace, unity, progress, and prosperity for all Americans, and the community of nations.”

Rabuka also said Fiji is looking forward to deepening bilateral ties with America as well as furthering shared aspirations including, promoting peace and economic prosperity in the Pacific and beyond.

Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minsiter James Marape on Thursday congratulated Trump, saying: “We look forward to reinforcing the longstanding partnership between our nations, grounded in shared values and mutual respect.”

Marape also expressed gratitude for Joe Biden’s service and Kamala Harris’s “spirited challenge” for the presidency.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele said the American people “have spoken to through their ballots” to give Trump “his resounding election victory”, stressing the “special bond of friendship” between the two nations.

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown said both the Democrats and Republics have similar policies on the Indo-Pacific and he does not expect much change.

“The US has reengaged with the Pacific in terms of diplomatic representation and increased people to people engagements,” Brown was quoted as saying by Cook Islands News.

“From a bipartisan perspective I don’t see any drastic changes in US policy on what they have termed as the Indo-Pacific strategy. Both Dems and Rep have similar policies on the Indo-Pacific. I don’t expect much change.”

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