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Fiji - health
Authorities are yet to find out what caused the illness of a group of tourists who were hospitalised on the Coral Coast in December.
Seven tourists became severely ill after drinking cocktails at a five-star resort.
The ABC reported local tests and samples sent by Fijian Police to the New Zealand Institute of Environmental Science and Research have cleared suspicions of alcohol and drugs.
Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said he had asked the Minister of Health and the Minister of Tourism to get to the bottom of it.
"I'll make sure we come clean with our findings," he said.
Samoa - health
The Samoa Health Ministry is sending more patients to India for treatment.
Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa and Medican managing director Deepak Singh have signed a memorandum of understanding with two hospitals: Artemis Medicare Services and Fortis Hospital.
Local media reported this expands the existing network of hospitals supporting Samoa's Overseas Medical Treatment Scheme.
Minister of Health Valasi Tafito Selesele said the partnership means cheaper treatment for Samoans in India compared to the costs of treatment in New Zealand.
Federated States of Micronesia - ambassador
President of the Federated States of Micronesia Wesley Simina has welcomed the country's Israeli ambassador-designate during a formal ceremony earlier this month.
Ambassador Roi Rosenblit presented his letter of credence, signifying his appointment as Israel's Ambassador to the FSM, with residence in Israel.
Simina said there are many areas where the two countries can work together, including coastal fisheries, environmental conservation, youth development, sports exchanges, scholarships, and water management.
Papua New Guinea - education
New Zealand's Universities Minister Dr Shane Reti is travelling to Port Moresby to attend the Conference of Pacific Education Ministers.
While in Papua New Guinea, Dr Reti will meet with education counterparts and experts from across the region.
He has also announced NZ$1.5 million over three years from New Zealand's International Development Cooperation programme.
He said this will support education leaders, ministers, officials, teachers, and communities to better understand global challenges in education and use this information to bolster local education policy and planning.
Niue - media
A new report has found media in Niue face challenges such as limited staffing, resources, and infrastructure.
Niue TV reported challenges include investigative journalism being perceived as intrusive and divisive, and the limited newsworthiness of content, given that information tends to reach the community before it is reported by the media.
However, the tight-knit nature of the Niuean community also allows information to be verified promptly, which contributes to fewer misinformation risks.
The study was led by ABC International Development and the University of Adelaide's Stretton Institute.
Pacific - ocean
The Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner and Conservation International have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on ocean conservation and governance across the Pacific.
The agreement was signed in Tokyo last week.
As part of the agreement, they will work closely with Pacific leaders to advance transboundary and high seas conservation initiatives and prepare for the upcoming United Nations Ocean Conference in June.
Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr Filimon Manoni said their ocean is under immense pressure from climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.
Conservation International CEO Dr M Sanjayan said the partnership will amplify their collective impact to ensure that Pacific communities, biodiversity, and the marine resources people rely on are sustained for generations to come.
Hawaii - child death
An attorney is seeking answers related to the death of a child in Wahiawa, Hawaii.
A new civil lawsuit alleges that a state social worker dismissed reported warnings of abuse before the death of the 10-year-old last year.
The girl was found dead due to starvation and neglect, with duct tape wrapped around her eyes and head.
The state's Department of Human Services told Hawaii News Now it cannot comment on any active case or any pending litigation.
The department will respond to any pending litigation in Court with the assistance and representation of the Department of the Attorney General.
It said ensuring the safety and well-being of children is at the heart of everything it does.
