Ambassador Zhou Jian handed over FJ$100,000 worth of solar streetlights, household solar facilities, and a mini-van donated by the Chinese Embassy to Lau. Photo: Facebook / Chinese Embassy in Fiji
Fiji - donation
China's Ambassador to Fiji Zhou Jian has handed over a FJ$100,000 (approximately US$44,600) donation to the newly installed chief of the Lau group.
Ratu Tevita Mara received the chiefly title of Tui Nayau on Tuesday, and on Thursday the Sau ni Vanua o Lau, Na Tui Lau titles.
Solar street lights, household solar facilities, and a mini bus for the people of Lau have also been donated by China.
Zhou said with the strong relationship that Fiji has with China, China will continue to provide support and assistance to the best of its ability for Fiji's rural development.
He said China will continue to assist Fiji in responding to climate change through both bilateral and multilateral channels.
Ambassador Zhou Jian with Ratu Tevita Mara at his installation as Tui Lau and Sau ni Vanua ko Lau, which is a significant moment not only for Lau, but also for the cultural history of Fiji. 10 July 2025 Photo: Facebook / Chinese Embassy in Fiji
Tonga - court
A 37-year-old man has been sentenced to three years in prison for reckless driving that caused the deaths of his two children.
Matangi Tonga reported the court heard that on 22 January of this year, in an attempt to overtake a vehicle at excessive speed, he lost control of the vehicle which had defective tyres and veered off the road.
The crash caused the deaths of his two children who were in the car - the youngest was nine years old.
Justice Tupou sentenced him on 8 July at the Supreme Court in Nuku'alofa, after he pleaded guilty to the charge in May.
Samoa - death
A prominent Samoan businessman and former Samoa National Provident Fund chairman has died.
Local media reported Papali'i Panoa Moala died on Wednesday night.
He was a long-serving board member of the Fund, and also served as its chair from 2021 until earlier this year.
Papali'i was previously the Fund's chief executive and remained on the board following his resignation as chair.
Family, friends, and community leaders have been sharing tributes online.
Cook Islands - tourism
Cook Islands is projected to achieve record visitor arrivals in 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
The latest ANZ Research Pacific Insight report forecasts 180,000 tourists.
Cook Islands News reported this being due to increased air connectivity.
However there are still challenges ahead in the balance of growth with environmental and workforce sustainability.
Cook Islands - pearls
The Cook Islands marine resources ministry is exploring solutions to revive a shrinking pearl farming industry.
Local media reported that discussions around new cultivation methods and international partnerships are still underway.
Marine resources minister Tingika Elikana said there are just a few farmers on the island of Manihiki.
Opposition leader Tina Browne added that the Manihiki lagoon can no longer support the growth of pearl shells.
Because of this, she proposes a hatchery be set up to cultivate the shells before transferring them to Manihiki.
