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Fiji - smoking
The World Health Organisation says tobacco-related illnesses cost the Fijian economy US$159.5 million each year.
This is equivalent to 2.7 percent of its GDP and about 4.3 times more than the revenue generated by cigarette taxes.
They also kill more than 1,200 Fijians annually.
The agency said implementing the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control represents one of the most cost-effective means for improving people's lives and advancing sustainable development.
These findings are in a new report developed by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, the United Nations Development Programme, and the WHO.
Papua New Guinea - politics
A veteran Papua New Guinea MP, who earlier this year led a vote of no confidence in the prime minister, has now rejoined the government.
The Gulf Province provincial member, former deputy prime minister Sir Chris Haiveta, is reported in the Post Courier saying he has returned with a new focus on transparency, accountability and good governance.
His move was made after the successful resolution of a court case brought by Gulf Province over the management and disbursement of development funds.
Sixty million kina had been sent by Treasury to Enga Province but a portion of it had earlier been allocated to Gulf Province.
Sir Chris said Treasury had not followed the proper procedures laid out in the Public Finance (Management) Act.
Papua New Guinea - court
Two Portuguese women have made their first court appearance in Papua New Guinea on drug charges.
The duo were arrested at Jacksons' International Airport on 7 December and charged with cocaine trafficking.
They were allegedly carrying 15 kilograms of cocaine with a street value, according to PNG Customs, of US$3.45 million dollars.
NBC reports the drugs were destined for the Australian market.
Solomon Islands - security
Australia has struck a new security agreement with Solomon Islands to bolster the size of its police force (RSIPF).
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese jointly announced what they call a new step in the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
The package will include funding, training, and infrastructure support to grow the RSIPF and will include support for a new sovereign Police Training Centre in Honiara.
Samoa - health
A new laboratory opened at Samoa's Tupua Tamasese Meaole hospital is expected to give patients faster test results.
The Samoa Observer reports the old lab was shut down because of the stench from leaking sewer system.
Minister for Health Valasi Tafito Selesele says the new lab cost more than $100,000 tālā and they now have more lab technicians to make work faster and easier for doctors to treat patients.
Tuvalu - climate
As the threat of climate change increases Tuvalu is preparing for a worst-case scenario by digitising its government and taking other steps to secure its future.
The Prime Minister Feleti Teo told Kyodo News the long-term digitisation project would move government services and records to an online platform, while also preserving the cultural memory of Tuvalu.
He said Tuvalu wants to guarantee its statehood in perpetuity under international law while continuing to fortify its coastline and reclaim land to provide resilience against sea level rise.
His government is pushing for changes to international law to guarantee Tuvalu's continued statehood, regardless of the impact of sea level rise on its physical territory, and the permanence of its maritime borders.
The prime minister said he hopes these efforts will result in a UN treaty on sea level rise.
NZ - Pasifika wellbeing
The Pasifika Medical Association and New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) are teaming up in an effort to support the well-being of Pacific families through sport.
The Medical Association's chief executive, Debbie Sorensen, said they want to increase opportunities for Pacific families so people can thrive on and off the field.
NZRL CEO, Greg Peters, said he hopes to use sport to boost community wellbeing.
