New Zealand

For decades the Indonesian twin provinces of Papua and West Papua have been a no-go zone amid claims of genocide and extreme violence. 

Native Affairs sent a team to the region - the first such NZ crew granted access to the troubled area of Melanesia in a half century.

Reporter Adrian Stevanon has filed an in-depth report on Papua New Guinea's neighbour.

Pacific Media Centre postgraduate researcher on West Papuan affairs Karen Abplanalp, a photojournalist, was also part of the crew.

Last Saturday, a suicide prevention Fono, organised by various community health groups, was held in the city, organised in conjunction with several organisations who work for the interests of Pacific youth including the Spirit of Rangatahi Charitable Trust.

While suicide or depression are not topics widely discussed by Pacific families, close to 300 people came together to hear how they could help the young people in the community deal with these issues.

The gathering included Tongan, Tokelaun, Cook Islands, Samoa, Niuean and other members of the community in Porirua.

Twenty seven climate justice activist, mostly women were detained by Police Wednesday for protesting outside the Australian High Commission.

“If Australia and New Zealand really care about the Pacific as a partner, they must stand with us to call for global climate justice at the upcoming COP21 summit in Paris later this year,” said the protesters.

The peaceful demonstration included civil society organizations, women’s groups and students who urged the Australian and New Zealand governments to support the Pacific call at the COP21 summit in Paris, France in November.

The Samoa team features a number of players who took part in the Commonwealth Youth Games sevens competition in Apia earlier this month.

Samoa have never beaten New Zealand in five schools internationals dating back to 1999, while they've lost each of their seven matches against Australia since 2001.

The second round of matches is on Monday with Samoa and Australia Schools going head to head, with Samoa to face the Australian Schools Barbarians on Friday.

Last year New Zealand won the annual Tri-Series in Wellington against Australia and Fiji.

For the past month a 20 strong contingent of New Zealand army engineers and tradespeople has been mentoring PNG soldiers in road building techniques.

The gravel road, from the highlands to the north coast, will link over 100 remote mountain villages, cutting through dense forest and crossing the Bismarck mountain range.

Lieutenant Leroy Judge says the team has been teaching road building techniques, basic maintenance, and safety procedures.

The Samoa Government says its international finance agency has been accepted as the naming rights sponsor for Mr Parker's 'rumble in paradise' fight.

It says the Finance Authority will benefit through the broadcast exposure, the branding rights, and having its logo displayed around the boxing ring.

The Government says the benefits for Samoa include gym visits by Mr Parker and an opportunity to develop boxing in the country.

It says the fight will also attract tourists.

The Government says it wants to establish Samoa as a location for major events.

In the TV3 Reid-Research poll - released last night - Kiwis were asked whether they wanted change now that they had seen the final four alternative flag options.

Only 25 percent said yes, while the majority said no.

But PM Key - who has previously voiced his support for the silver fern on the flag - said the question asked was too basic, as there were people who had yet to make up their minds.

He told Morning Report fewer than 50 percent of people want to keep the current flag, and that number was falling.

This comes after scathing criticism from the PNA chief executive after the Pacific Island Forum leaders decision to look into the merits of replacing the PNA's Vessel Day Scheme with a New Zealand style quota management system.

New Zealand's Shane Jones says regional leaders want a year given to look into the future of tuna fisheries management in the Pacific and he says the PNA should heed their wishes.

The senior national officer, Captain Andrew Blackburn, says the buildings are being refurbished to address potential electrical hazards and ensure they can better withstand cyclones.

Around 40 NZDF engineers, plumbers, carpenters and electricians are working alongside 20 military engineers from China, the United Kingdom and the United States to build a new fuel depot.

The depot will support maritime patrols working to combat illegal fishing in the northern Cooks.