- New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully addressed New Zealand's international priorities in a speech at the Lowy Institute. The minister discussed the importance of economic development, renewable energy and disaster readiness in the Pacific and talked about New Zealand's relationship with Fiji and with Nauru.
- Nauru's government has continued with electoral reforms, raising the candidate fee from $100 to $2000. Opposition MPs argue the fee is an unfair barrier for prospective candidates.
- In Papua New Guinea, Deputy Opposition Leader Sam Basil has criticised the government's handling of the economy. Political alliances are being formed with an eye on next year's election.
- The first Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Sir Michael Somare, announced that he will retire from politics at the 2017 election. Sir Michael's daughter is considering standing for parliament.
- The Papua New Guinea Law Reform Commission says public opinion is against the reintroduction of the death penalty. The Commission will recommend completely repealing the death penalty.
- One year on, damage caused by Cyclone Pam still challenges Vanuatu. Recovery Committee chairman Johnny Koanapo says the country is moving from the humanitarian to the rebuilding phase.
- Foreign Minister Julie Bishop toured cyclone-hit Fiji to inspect Australia's relief support and meet with Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama and disaster relief officials.
- I wrote for The Interpreter on the foreign policy implications of the Cyclone Winston relief effort in Fiji.
- Medical teams in Fiji are combating the threat of infectious diseases, with mosquito-borne illnesses a key concern.
- Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Dame Meg Taylor discusses Pacific regionalism, the priorities of the Forum and the role of women in leadership in this interview on Devpolicy's blog.