🥑☕Today in Oceania - Mon 28th July 25
Published 12 days ago • 19 min read
|
Know what’s happening across Oceania—before your coffee’s cold.
TODAY IN OCEANIA
🐠World Nature Conservation Day🌴
Reminder that protecting our planet begins with the choices we make each day. Let’s stand together to preserve our natural resources—for a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future.
|
OCEANIA MARKETS
|
S&P/ASX 200
|
8,666.90
|
-0.49%
|
|
|
S&P/NZX 50 Index Gross
|
12,853.46
|
+0.38%
|
|
|
SPX STRI Fiji
|
9241.30
|
0.00％
|
|
ASX 200 and NZX 50 Data Provided By:
|
|
*Market index data sourced from official exchange publications and financial data aggregators. ASX and NZX data reflect end-of-day figures from the Australian and New Zealand stock exchanges respectively. SPX (South Pacific Stock Exchange) figures reflect the most recent published data. Note: NZX and SPX figures include dividends (total return), while the ASX figure reflects share price movement only.
|
|
REGIONAL NEWS
Port Moresby Nature Park achieves first successful breeding of Yule Island tree frog. Photo Credit: TPort Moresby Nature Park
PNG Leads Breakthrough Amphibian Conservation Efforts
|
Port Moresby Nature Park in Papua New Guinea has achieved a significant conservation milestone by successfully breeding the Yule Island tree frog (Litoria congenita), marking important progress in the region's efforts to prepare for potential amphibian threats. The breeding success comes as part of ongoing collaboration between Zoos Victoria and Port Moresby Nature Park, which have maintained a sister zoo partnership since 2013, focusing on developing captive management strategies for PNG's unique amphibian diversity. The project is particularly urgent given that PNG is recognized as the last major landmass free from Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), the fungal pathogen that has devastated amphibian populations worldwide, making proactive conservation protocols essential before the disease's potential arrival.
|
|
The breeding program achieved its first major success when amplexus was observed on September 13, 2024, followed by egg hatching on December 16 after approximately 12 hours. By day 32, 36 froglets had fully emerged, marking the completion of metamorphosis in specialized enclosures designed to replicate the species' natural habitat. The success represents years of careful environmental controls, with researchers maintaining precise temperature ranges of 21-29°C, humidity levels of 40-70%, and optimal water quality with pH levels between 6.5-7.0. The adult frogs typically measure 30-41 mm and weigh 2-5 grams, displaying brown coloration with yellowish stripes and preferring moist savannah and freshwater marsh habitats. This marks a crucial step in protecting PNG's amphibian diversity before potential disease threats arrive.
|
|
Consumer NZ testing reveals three laundry detergents perform no better than plain water—while New Zealand brands shine in effectiveness rankings. Photo credit: RNZ
When Your Laundry Detergent Is Just Expensive Water
|
Consumer NZ's latest testing of 46 laundry detergents has revealed some startling results that might make you question what you're paying for at the grocery store. Three products – Shotz Laundry Liquid (owned by The Warehouse), EcoLiving Laundry Detergent Sheets with lavender scent, and Re-Stor Laundry Detergent Sheets fresh linen scent (sold at Woolworths) – scored a dismal 27 out of 100 or worse, performing no better than washing clothes with plain water. This testing highlights a concerning trend where consumers are essentially paying premium prices for products that offer no cleaning advantage over the most basic wash cycle.
|
|
The poor performance of laundry sheets particularly caught experts' attention, with Consumer NZ's head of testing James le Page explaining that "they only weigh a couple of grams, so when you put them in your machine, they're just not going to do a good job compared with a capful of laundry liquid or scoop of powder." While The Warehouse has promised to review their Shotz formulation and Re-Stor claims their newly enhanced formula with four bio-enzymes wasn't included in this testing, the results serve as a reminder that innovative packaging doesn't always translate to effective cleaning power.
|
|
On the positive side, several New Zealand-owned brands performed exceptionally well, with Laundromate and Ecostore products earning "Consumer Recommended" status. The standout performer was Ecostore Ultrapower Citrus Fresh, which not only excelled at removing grass and tomato stains but also offered the best value at just eight cents per wash. Meanwhile, Persil Ultimate powder claimed the top spot with a score of 94 out of 100, making it New Zealand's most effective laundry detergent according to the comprehensive testing that evaluated products on their ability to remove 10 different types of stains at the common 20°C wash temperature.
|
Nauru Seeks Workaround to International Deep Sea Mining Commitments
|
Nauru has positioned itself at the center of a global controversy over deep sea mining that could reshape international environmental law. The nation has partnered with The Metals Company since 2011 to explore mineral-rich areas of the Clarion-Clipperton Zone in international waters, standing to earn millions from harvesting polymetallic nodules containing nickel, cobalt, and other critical minerals needed for electric vehicle batteries. However, President Donald Trump's recent executive order to fast-track deep-sea mining industry operations has provided The Metals Company with an alternative pathway that could potentially bypass the slow-moving International Seabed Authority (ISA) regulations that Nauru agreed to follow.
|
|
The controversy centers on The Metals Company's growing impatience with the ISA's decade-long process to establish international deep sea mining rules, which began in 2014 but remains incomplete. Just days after Trump issued an executive order expediting the processing of seabed mining applications, The Metals Company applied for a US license to extract minerals from the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, despite the fact that this region falls under international jurisdiction where the ISA should have authority. Legal experts warn this "rogue mining" approach could see Nauru violating its international obligations, which require it to exercise effective control over activities in its allocated zone, apply precautionary environmental practices, and coordinate with the ISA.
|
|
The environmental stakes are enormous, as scientists still know remarkably little about the deep ocean ecosystems three to four kilometers below the surface in these pitch-black zones. With 37 nations including New Zealand calling for a moratorium until proper regulations are established, Nauru appears to have found a clever workaround to its international obligations. By allowing The Metals Company to pursue a US license rather than waiting for ISA approval, Nauru could argue it's not directly violating its sponsoring state duties since the mining would technically fall under US jurisdiction—even though the seabed remains in international waters. This legal maneuvering highlights how a tiny Pacific nation, driven by the promise of millions in revenue and desperately needed economic development, may be exploiting gaps in international maritime law to circumvent the very rules it agreed to follow, potentially setting a dangerous precedent that could unravel decades of careful ocean governance.
|
PRESENTED BY VONU STUDIOS
Oceanian Animated Videos For Kids: Pawpaw Kids TV
|
Pawpaw Kids TV is a YouTube channel dedicated to engaging and educational content for children, with a specific focus on the Oceanian region. The channel features the Pawpaw Explorers—Illy the Iguana, Mo the Mongoose, and other animated characters—who embark on adventures that introduce young viewers to local wildlife, ocean currents, and cultural stories.
|
Pawpaw Kids TV offers a Pacific blend of entertainment and learning, making it a valuable resource for children to explore the rich cultures and natural wonders of the Oceania region. Simply scan the QR code to visit the Pawpaw Kids TV YouTube channel or click this link:
YouTube Link: Pawpaw Kids TV
|
With only 17 of Hawaii's original 50+ honeycreeper species remaining, researchers are using drone-delivered mosquitoes carrying 'birth control' bacteria to combat deadly avian malaria. Photo credit: Robby Kohley
Fighting Fire with Fire: How Drones are Dropping Mosquitoes to Save Hawaii's Rare Birds
|
In a remarkable conservation effort that sounds like science fiction, scientists in Hawaii are releasing one million lab-bred mosquitoes per week from drones and helicopters across Maui and Kauai. These aren't ordinary mosquitoes—they're non-biting males infected with Wolbachia bacteria that renders their offspring sterile when they mate with wild females. The hope is that they will help to control the archipelago's invasive mosquito population, which is decimating native bird populations, such as rare Hawaiian honeycreepers. This groundbreaking project represents the first time the incompatible insect technique (IIT) has been used globally for conservation purposes, targeting the southern house mosquitoes that spread deadly avian malaria to Hawaii's endemic birds.
|
|
The stakes couldn't be higher for Hawaii's iconic honeycreepers, cultural treasures that serve as key pollinators and seed dispersers throughout the islands. There were once more than 50 known species of honeycreepers in Hawaii, but today there are only 17 left, most of which are endangered. The crisis has accelerated dramatically with climate change, as warming temperatures allow mosquitoes to invade higher-altitude refuges where the remaining birds had previously found safety. Last year, the 'akikiki, a small gray bird, went functionally extinct in the wild, and less than 100 of the yellow-green ʻakekeʻe are estimated to remain. The mosquitoes themselves are invasive, first arriving in Hawaii around 1826 on whaling vessels, bringing waves of extinction to birds with no natural resistance to malaria.
|
|
The drone deployment, which began in June 2024, marks a crucial technological advancement in this race against time. Using specialized biodegradable pods that can safely transport mosquitoes, the drones offer more flexibility in unpredictable mountain weather conditions while reducing costs, emissions, and noise compared to helicopter missions. Scientists estimate they need about a year to determine if the technique is working, but recent genomic research suggests there's still a narrow window to save species like the ʻakekeʻe—though that window is closing rapidly. If successful, this biological "birth control" approach could buy precious time for captive breeding programs and potentially allow surviving populations to develop natural resistance to avian malaria.
|
Master carvers and traditional navigators from Micronesia share ancient maritime knowledge at historic Brook Hall estate. Photo credit: Anne Gilliland
Pacific Navigators Bridge Cultures from Guam to Northern Ireland
|
Guam's master canoe carvers and navigators made waves thousands of miles from home, completing an extraordinary cultural exchange program in Northern Ireland. The project, which ran from June 25 - July 13, brought together master navigators and carvers from Micronesia with the historic Brook Hall estate, which has its own rich maritime heritage dating back centuries. Among the team was Dr. Melissa Taitano, University of Guam professor and the first CHamoru woman to become a master navigator, who helped lead this groundbreaking collaboration between two ancient maritime traditions separated by geography but united by their deep connection to the sea.
|
|
The significance of this exchange extends far beyond the craft itself. A systematic migration to and settlement of the Mariana Islands, about 3,500 years ago, would not have been possible without some degree of sophistication regarding the ancient CHamoru settlers' construction of seaworthy craft and their ability to navigate such vessels. These master navigators carry forward knowledge that enabled the original settlement of the Pacific islands, using traditional techniques for celestial navigation and canoe construction that have been passed down through generations. The Brook Hall estate provides an ideal setting for this cultural bridge-building, as the estate has witnessed key events in Irish history and maintained a tradition of boatbuilding for centuries.
|
|
The project culminated in a remarkable achievement when the team of boat builders from Micronesia carved a traditional canoe from a tree felled in Londonderry and successfully launched it on the River Foyle. This accomplishment represents more than technical skill—it demonstrates how traditional Pacific Islander knowledge can adapt to new environments while preserving cultural authenticity.
|
AVIATION NEWS
Strategic night flight promotion offers complimentary airfare for children under 12 through August. Photo Credit: David Castro/The Guam Daily Post
Guam Launches "Kids Fly Free" Campaign to Boost Korean Tourism
|
The Guam Visitors Bureau
has partnered with Korean Air, Jin Air, and Jeju Air to launch an ambitious "Kids Fly Free" night flight promotion running through the end of August. Under the terms of this promotion, children under 12 years of age will receive a complimentary ticket when accompanied by a paying adult passenger, though fuel surcharges and taxes still apply. This two-month initiative specifically targets Korean families during the peak summer travel season, capitalizing on increased seat capacity and expanded night flight options from Korea to Guam.
|
|
The timing of this promotion reflects Guam's strategic response to tourism recovery challenges. In the first four months of 2025, Korean arrivals were down 28.2% compared to the same period in 2024, making Korea's market recovery crucial for Guam's broader tourism goals. According to GVB, in August the three airlines plan on offering daily night flights from Incheon to Guam, while Jin Air and Korean Air will be offering daily night flights from Busan. These services collectively contribute 33,697 airline seats to Guam in August, representing 49% of all available seats from Korea.
|
|
The campaign has already shown promising results through collaborative partnerships with leading Korean travel agencies including Hana Tour, Mode Tour, Yellow Balloon Tour, Very Good Tour, and Nol Universe. Some agencies have reported customer acquisition rates 25-45% above their targets through live commerce channels, signifying a robust market response. The participating travel agencies have enhanced the promotion with value-added benefits such as late checkout, room upgrades, and food and beverage vouchers, contributing to booking conversion rates that exceed initial projections.
|
PRESENTED BY VONU STUDIOS
Children's Book: Vonu and the Druas Play Hide and Seek
|
Join Vonu the turtle and the stingray twins, the Druas Vai and Fai, in an exciting game of hide and seek! A heartwarming story filled with fun and adventure, perfect for young readers. Get your copy today!
|
Over 40 children learn sustainable fishing practices through IGFA's internationally acclaimed Passport to Fishing program. Photo credit: Facebook / Pago Pago Game Fishing Association
Young Anglers Cast Into Conservation at American Samoa Fishing Event
|
The Pago Pago Game Fishing Association successfully hosted a community-wide Passport to Fishing event last Saturday, introducing over 40 children to sustainable angling practices and marine conservation. Participants navigated through several stations to learn more about safe fishing practices and conservation and stewardship efforts, such as catch-and-release fishing, with hands-on instruction in knot tying, tackle selection, and proper casting techniques. This initiative represents part of the International Game Fish Association's signature hands-on and interactive method teaching kids to fish, utilizing comprehensive starter kits that include curriculum materials and equipment specifically designed for youth education.
|
|
The program's success extends beyond basic fishing instruction to cultivating the next generation of conservation-minded anglers. Catch-and-release efforts have been a focal point of PPGFA's outreach efforts as the captains of the club continue to support bill fish catch-and-release efforts that align with Game Fishing Associations throughout the world. The hands-on learning culminated with participants boarding PPGFA boats for actual fishing experiences, where they encountered diverse marine life including sharks, flying fish, jellyfish, turtles, and dolphins. Notable catches included sea breams, snappers, and a wahoo, with one young angler, Rosie Tomasi, successfully landing and releasing a baby hammerhead shark.
|
|
This American Samoa event contributes to a global conservation education movement that has already made significant impact worldwide. To date, 195 kits have been distributed in 45 countries across six continents, reaching more than 41,000 children through the IGFA's Passport to Fishing program. The collaborative effort involved multiple local organizations including the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa, American Samoa Marine Patrol, US Coast Guard Auxiliary, and Sea Grants Ciguatera Research, demonstrating how community partnerships can effectively promote marine stewardship. As one participant, Ida DeWees, remarked after landing a Timor snapper, "I can see how fishing can be addictive" – exactly the kind of enthusiasm organizers hope will translate into lifelong ocean advocacy.
|
New $447,000 digital mammography machine enables expanded program reaching 1,500 women, including outer island residents. Photo Credit: MELINA ETCHES/25071717 / Cook Island News
Cook Islands Resumes Critical Breast Cancer Screenings After Two-Year Gap
|
The Cook Islands has resumed life-saving breast cancer screenings at Rarotonga Hospital after a two-year hiatus, with an ambitious program running from July 14 to August 8 that aims to screen approximately 1,500 women. Te Marae Ora coordinator Tohoa Cummings said the team's goal was to extend the programme to four weeks – double the usual two weeks – to meet the backlog of women overdue for screening. The program has been significantly enhanced by Te Marae Ora's brand-new digital Siemens MAMMOMAT Revelation mammography machine worth $447,000, which arrived in December and is designed with patient comfort and care in mind to help ease first-time anxiety.
|
|
The program's reach has been dramatically expanded through the Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation's efforts to bring in more than 80 women from the Southern Group outer islands, with airfare and transport fully funded. Among those screened was 47-year-old Maria Turi Kare from Aitutaki, who said "I thought it would hurt, but it didn't at all. Just a piece of cake. I encourage our ladies to come and get theirs done too." The coordination of bringing outer island women during Te Maeva Nui celebrations demonstrates innovative thinking in overcoming geographic barriers to healthcare access.
|
|
The program's success is being championed by breast cancer survivor and advocate Myra Tatakura, whose personal story continues to inspire participation in early detection efforts. Cultural and psychosocial factors are important for behavior change in Pacific Islander communities, making local advocacy particularly powerful in encouraging screening participation. The expanded four-week program represents a significant improvement from the 2022 screening that reached 810 women, with the local team now capable of handling up to 45 mammograms daily in collaboration with BreastScreen New South Wales.
|
SPOTLIGHT
Nauru's Crypto Revolution - From Phosphate to Digital Powerhouse
With phosphate resources depleted, Nauru pivots to cryptocurrency regulation as former Commonwealth Securities executive Brian Phelps leads the nation's digital finance transformation.
A New Regulatory Framework Takes Shape
|
Nauru is making an audacious bet on becoming the cryptocurrency capital of the Pacific. The nation's newly established Command Ridge Virtual Asset Authority (CRVAA) creates a licensing and regulatory scheme for digital asset transfers, including cryptocurrency lending and exchange, representing a significant regulatory step for a Pacific Island nation of its size. Leading this ambitious venture is Brian Phelps, an Australian finance veteran and former Commonwealth Securities general manager, who has been appointed as the inaugural CEO of the CRVAA with a mandate to transform not just Nauru's economy, but potentially the entire Pacific region's approach to digital finance.
|
Beyond Bitcoin: A Vision for Regional Transformation
|
Phelps envisions Nauru becoming more than just a crypto regulator—he sees the potential for the nation to compete with traditional remittance giants like Western Union by offering safer, more efficient digital payment solutions for Pacific Island workers sending money home. This vision comes at a crucial time, as traditional remittance systems face increasing scrutiny. Australia's financial crime enforcer AUSTRAC
recently announced an audit of Western Union for gaps in its anti-money laundering systems, highlighting the vulnerabilities in current cross-border payment infrastructure. Phelps believes that through stablecoins and regulated digital assets, Nauru could provide a more secure alternative for the billions of dollars in remittances that flow through the Pacific annually.
|
The Pacific's Crypto Frontier
|
Nauru's cryptocurrency push is part of a broader trend across Pacific Island nations exploring digital finance innovation. Palau is developing both a digital residency program and a stablecoin program for cross-border transactions, while various Pacific nations have served as testing grounds for blockchain projects. The region has become what observers call a "testing ground" for cryptocurrency projects, with successful implementations like Oxfam's "UnBlocked" program using blockchain technology for humanitarian aid distribution in Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea, benefiting over 35,000 people across the Pacific. Meanwhile, Tuvalu is working on establishing a "national digital ledger" using blockchain technology as part of its response to existential climate change threats.
|
Economic Necessity Meets Innovation
|
For Nauru, the cryptocurrency initiative represents more than technological innovation—it's economic survival. The nation's economy has historically depended on phosphate mining, but with those resources largely depleted, the government is desperately seeking new revenue streams. As Phelps explains, "Nauru is a vulnerable country in terms of its economy, and the whole idea of setting this up is to think innovatively about how to resolve some of [those] concerns and build a better economic future." The timing aligns with global regulatory trends, as the United States recently passed legislation requiring stablecoins to be pegged 1:1 to the US Dollar for greater stability, while the European Union completed its digital currency regulatory framework with MiCAR coming into effect in December 2024.
|
Risks and Regulatory Challenges
|
Despite the ambitious vision, experts warn of significant challenges ahead. Operating as a crypto hub requires robust cybersecurity infrastructure, sophisticated compliance systems, and the ability to attract legitimate businesses while deterring bad actors. The regulatory landscape remains complex, with many Pacific Island central banks expressing caution about cryptocurrency adoption—even in Tonga, ambitious plans to make Bitcoin legal tender never materialized following the death of champion Lord Fusitu'a in 2024. Additionally, Nauru's small size and limited technological infrastructure raise questions about whether it can realistically compete with established financial centers or if it risks becoming a haven for illicit financial activities.
|
ENTERTAINMENT
Pacific Islander Actor Makes History as Tallest Predator Ever
Samoan-Tongan actor Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi breaks new ground as both the tallest Predator in franchise history and the first Pacific Islander to play the legendary alien hunter. Photo Credit: IMDB
|
Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi
, a towering 7-foot-3 actor of Samoan and Tongan heritage born in Auckland, has officially been cast as the new Predator in the upcoming film Predator: Badlands, making franchise history as the tallest actor to ever don the iconic alien hunter costume. Standing one inch taller than the original Predator actor Kevin Peter Hall, who was 7 feet 2 inches tall, Schuster-Koloamatangi brings both impressive physical presence and Pacific Islander representation to the legendary sci-fi franchise.
|
|
Directed by Dan Trachtenberg and co-starring Elle Fanning, "Predator: Badlands" tells the story of Dek, a young outcast Predator who finds an unlikely ally in the android Thia on a remote planet. The film represents a significant departure from previous installments by positioning the Predator as a protagonist rather than antagonist, with Schuster-Koloamatangi performing both the costume work and motion capture for the character, who communicates using a specially developed Yautja language. Set for theatrical release on November 7, 2025, this casting choice not only breaks new ground in terms of physical stature but also brings meaningful diversity to one of cinema's most iconic monster franchises.
|
SPORTS
Cook Islands Tennis Legend Equals All-Time Davis Cup Doubles Record
Brett Baudinet joins tennis elite by matching Indian legend Leander Paes' historic mark of 45 doubles victories. Photo Credit: Davis Cup
|
Cook Islands tennis veteran Brett Baudinet has achieved a remarkable milestone by equaling the all-time record for most doubles wins in Davis Cup history, matching the legendary mark of 45 victories held by Indian tennis icon Leander Paes. Baudinet, who played in his 21st Davis Cup for the Pacific Oceania team, equalled the record held by Indian tennis legend Leander Paes despite his team's losses to Kuwait, Qatar, Iraq, and the Philippines. The 43-year-old businessman and athlete secured crucial doubles victories alongside partner Maka Ofati against Kuwait, Qatar, and Iraq to reach this historic achievement, cementing his place among tennis's greatest doubles players.
|
|
Leander Paes won 45 of the 58 doubles matches he played in Davis Cup competition between 1990 and 2020, establishing himself as one of tennis history's most successful doubles players with 8 Grand Slam doubles titles and 10 mixed doubles championships. Baudinet's journey began in Sri Lanka in 2000, and over 21 years he has accumulated 70 Davis Cup ties—more than any athlete in Pacific Oceania's history—while leading the team through historic achievements including promotion to Group II in 2004 and their first home win in Fiji in 2005.
|
|
Beyond tennis, Baudinet exemplifies the multi-faceted nature of Pacific Island leadership, balancing his sporting achievements with significant business contributions as founder and CEO of fintech company Smartie and managing director of The Grand Resort Rarotonga. The Oceania Tennis Federation celebrated this achievement as representing "sustained excellence, national representation, and service to Pacific Oceania," noting that Baudinet has "mentored multiple generations of players across Oceania while remaining a cornerstone of the team's doubles strategy."
|
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
-
NZ Film Industry Development Funding
|
The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC)
is offering Industry Development Funding to support New Zealand screen sector organisations, companies, or collectives in delivering programmes that develop craft and practice within the film industry.
|
|
Key Details:
-
Purpose: To foster skill development, project initiatives, and talent within the New Zealand film sector.
-
Eligibility: Open to New Zealand-based screen organisations, companies, or collectives registered in New Zealand.
Funding Strands:
-
Strand 1 (up to $350,000): The first round opened on Monday, July 14, 2025, and closes on Monday, August 11, 2025 at 1 PM. A pre-application meeting is required at least one week before the deadline.
-
Strand 2 (up to $30,000): Applications opened on Monday, July 14, 2025 and remain open until June 30, 2026, or until funds are exhausted.
How to Apply: Applications are submitted via the NZFC's online application portal.
For full details on application criteria and guidelines, please visit the official NZFC website:
Industry Development Funding.
|
REGIONAL EVENTS
-
Redcliffe KiteFest 2025
Celebrate community and the joy of flight at this iconic free festival in Moreton Bay!
|
Redcliffe KiteFest
returns to its roots this year with a vibrant celebration for all ages. Families and kite enthusiasts are invited to Pelican Park, Clontarf, to experience two full days of sky-high fun, delicious food trucks, and creative activities. Marvel at a spectacular display of giant kites, join in the public fly zone, and let the kids unleash their imagination at hands-on kite-making workshops. With plenty of open space for picnics and sky-watching, it’s a perfect way to welcome spring and the spirit of togetherness.
|
Event Details:
| Details |
Information |
| Dates |
Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 September 2025 |
| Time |
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
| Location |
Pelican Park, Hornibrook Esplanade, Clontarf, Redcliffe, QLD 4019 |
| Cost |
Free |
| Region |
Moreton Bay City |
| Contact |
(07) 3897 4999 |
|
|
No booking required—just bring your kite and your sense of wonder! For more information, visit the official Redcliffe KiteFest page.
|
-
U.S. Consular Services Visit Tahiti: Passport Renewals, Birth Registrations, and Notary Services
American citizens in French Polynesia can access key consular services in person this August.
|
From August 11 to 13, 2025, the U.S. Consulate
will hold a visit at the Yellow Fin Restaurant, Marina Taina, Punaauia, Tahiti, offering vital consular services including passport renewals, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad for children of U.S. citizens, and notary services for documents intended for use in the United States. Appointments are required and can be requested by emailing TahitiACS@state.gov by Friday, August 1, with limited walk-in availability depending on open slots. Travelers and residents are encouraged to plan ahead as regular passport processing may take 4 to 6 weeks, and birth registrations 5 to 7 weeks.
|
|
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the American Citizen Services directly via the provided email or phone number 49 99 19 99. Don’t miss this opportunity to complete essential documentation conveniently on the island.
|
QUICK TAKES
-
Google has threatened to sue the Australian government if YouTube is included in the country's world-first social media ban for children under 16, writing to Communications Minister Anika Wells to declare it was considering its legal position should the video platform be roped into the legislation that currently covers TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Reddit, and X. YouTube was initially exempted from the ban when it passed in November 2024, with the government recognizing its educational and health service value, but recent discussions about potentially including it have prompted the tech giant's legal threat. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has responded defiantly, stating that Labor will stand up to "threats" from social media giants, while the government maintains that corporate intimidation won't influence policy decisions designed to protect children from the harmful effects of excessive social media use.
-
A Fiji Airways Boeing 737 MAX was damaged in an aerobridge collision at Brisbane Airport, with Flight FJ923 from Nadi affected in the incident, though all passengers safely disembarked via forward stairs with no injuries reported. This marks the latest in a troubling series of aerobridge incidents at Australian airports, following a similar collision in June where a Qantas 737-800's windscreen was smashed by an aerobridge at Brisbane Airport, and a July incident at Sydney Airport where a Qantas flight to Johannesburg was delayed 21 hours after an aerobridge collision during ground operations. The repeated incidents highlight ongoing safety concerns with aerobridge operations at major Australian airports, raising questions about ground handling procedures and equipment maintenance protocols.
|
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here:
|