Pacific Beat

Work set to begin at last on rebuilding the runway at Vanuatu's international airport and we head to Paris where beans produced by two ni-Vanuatu farmers have been ranked among the Top 50 in the world for best chocolate quality at the International Cocoa Awards.

Confusion on Manus Island as authorities cut water and power to the regional processing centre but asylum seekers say they face danger if they leave. And, a Tongan aristocrat says the Prime Minister's plans to remove the nine parliamentary seats reserved for Nobles has an even bigger target.

The desperate living conditions of seasonal workers from the Pacific in Australia under the spotlight at a forum on modern slavery and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare facing a no confidence motion as early as next week.

We'll hear how used soap from Australia is being re-purposed and sent to Pacific countries to help save childrens' lives and Tonga's government is accused of suppressing journalists at the national broadcaster, after two senior reporters were taken off news duties to work in marketing.

On the eve of the closure of the Australian run detention centre on Manus Island, the Papua New Guinea government throws up some last-minute obstacles. And, Ratu Timoci Taniela installed as high chief of Bau island in Fiji after clan leaders agree to replace traditional ceremonial rituals with an inter-denominational church service.

Overseas Tongans are worried about a lack of understanding about how democracy works in their homeland.

In an open letter to its thousands of followers, PNG's leading social media group, Sharp Talk, calls for the establishment of a national task force to tackle the scourge of domestic violence. And, Tonga's caretaker Prime Minister, Akilisi Pohiva, signals his intention to push for an entirely civilian parliament, if he's returned to power at next month's general election.

All the latest from Canberra as the high court rules five federal MPs ineligible because of their dual citizenship and in an open letter to thousands of followers, PNG's leading social media group calls for a new task force to tackle domestic violence.

Mission accomplished, almost - as the repatriation of evacuees from Ambae Island in Vanuatu nears completion and Manus Islanders voice their opposition to the housing of hundreds of inmates in Lorengau town when the Australian-funded detention centre shuts down at the end of the month.

Police in Papua New Guinea urge people to report sorcery-related violence to authorities first BEFORE they post on social media. And, the future of one of the world's largest ocean sanctuaries in doubt following the change of government in New Zealand.