Pacific Beat

Australia looking at maritime exercises with Indonesia in the South China Sea and overseas landowners outraged at a retroactive law in Fiji that they say might force them to abandon their investments.

Women gather from all over Solomon Islands to decide on the policies needed to improve their prospects and as Fiji follow Samoa's lead in announcing the delayed arrival of a new rugby sevens coach, we look at the implications for the defence of their World Series crown.

PNG police arrest the main suspect in the torture and murder of a woman suspected of witchcraft. And, an economist warns of big cuts to PNG's budget.

We hear from Australia's Minister for International Development and the Pacific about why overseas development assistance is still important. And, with Miss Solomon Islands crowned this weekend, we talk to organisers about the importance of having young female role models.

A Papua New Guinea man wins a prestigious international prize for his work with sick children in Chimbu. The world's largest marine reserve has been created off Antarctica.

The Papua New Guinea government talks down the cost of hosting the APEC summit in 2018 after criticism about the expense. And, Tonga's hopes for a team to compete in the winter Olympics in South Korea takes a royal dream to the next level.

Papua New Guinea's government talks down the cost of hosting the APEC summit. Australia's Minister for International Development and the Pacific explains why overseas development assistance is still important.

Moves are underway in the western Pacific region to boost small-scale island cannery businesses. And, Six men who were accused of sourcery and held hostage by local leaders in the Kagua district of Southern Highland of PNG have been released.

Five men who were accused of sorcery and held hostage by local leaders in PNG's Southern Highlands released. Could corn be the answer to stop people going hungry after natural disasters? In Honiara hundreds turn up each week for treatment for dengue fever.

Eight men in Vanuatu remanded in custody after appearing in court in custom dress. A former president of East Timor says Donald Trump would provoke instability and disorder if he becomes the next U-S president. More winners from the PNG women's business awards. Leadership training in Melanesia.