Test for leptospirosis in laboratory, conceptual image. Photo: DIGICOMPHOTO/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRA/FCA/Science Photo Libraray via AFP
American Samoa - health
American Samoa's Department of Health is warning about the risk of leptospirosis after rainfall in the territory.
Leptospirosis is spread through the urine of infected animals and can be found in contaminated water or soil.
People are advised to avoid playing in dirty water, wear protective shoes and and keep drinking water clean and covered.
Bougainville - justice system
Bougainville's top police officer has issued a scathing indictment of the region's Correctional Service for the illegal release of convicts from Bekut prison on Buka.
Deputy Police Commissioner Francis Tokura said the illegal releases are creating a "major logistical nightmare and financial burden" for police, and show a total breakdown in prison command and discipline.
The Post-Courier reported Tokura saying it leaves a vacuum in the justice system in the autonomous Papua New Guinea region.
He said convicted felons are meant to serve full sentences behind bars, not roam the streets of Bougainville communities.
Aotearoa/Vanuatu - language
This week is the inaugural Vanuatu Bislama Language Week in New Zealand.
The 2025 theme for Bislama week is: 'Talk about climate change - it is real, and we must look after life.'
Events will be held across New Zealand to celebrate the week.
Papua New Guinea - tourism
A French-Israeli company wants to develop a luxury eco-resort on Woodlark Island, in an archipelago off Milne Bay.
Woodlark or Muyua Island is the largest of the island group.
NBC reported the local MP, Henry Leonard, saying it will be an economic opportunity for the district and the country.
He said from this resort PNG can create a new standard of tourism.
He said the project has the potential to generate employment, boost economic growth, promote environmental stewardship, and enhance international connectivity.
Pacific - fisheries
Officials have reached consensus on South Pacific albacore tuna allocation, within the Exclusive Economic Zones of the Pacific Island Forum Fisheries Agency members, south of the equator.
The fisheries agency said this agreement comes after nearly two decades of negotiations.
The agreed allocations will form the basis of a binding agreement under the agency's Allocation Framework for South Pacific albacore.
Cook Islands - pests
The Cook Islands has successfully completed a crop pest survey, part of a push to protect local agriculture and strengthen trade opportunities.
Staff from the Cook Islands' Ministry of Agriculture and the PACER Plus Implementation Unit, as well as agencies from Australia and New Zealand, undertook the work on Aitutaki and Rarotonga.
The survey is a Cook Islands' commitment under the PACER Plus deal to improve plant health systems and support safe, sustainable trade.
The head of the Ministry of Agriculture Temarama Anguna-Kamana said keeping the country's borders strong for potential export opportunities requires good data.
