Pro-independence groups have issued a call out to Kanak voters to head to the ballot boxes this weekend in the second round of the French national elections.

Violence has flared up in New Caledonia after pro-independence activists charged with organising last month's deadly protests were sent to France to face trial there.

The Australian Opposition's nuclear policy is causing concern in the Pacific, a region that has been a nuclear-free zone for decades.

A multi-million dollar patrol boat donated by Australia has run aground on its very first mission in Fiji. 

One of Australia's biggest diplomatic efforts to forge closer relations with the Pacific has started with a new engagement visa offering permanent residency to 3000 Pacific Islanders per year.

Papua New Guinea counts the cost of a devastating landslide in Enga Province, as humanitarian partners rush aid into the area.

French President Emmanuel Macron has met with New Caledonia's leaders in a bid to restore law and order and end rioting in the territory. 

Up to a thousand French security personnel have been deployed to New Caledonia as the territory is placed under a state of emergency following days of rioting and looting.

Vanuatu's national carrier Air Vanuatu has gone into liquidation with dozens of flights cancelled and hundreds of passengers stranded.

Manasseh Sogavare has stepped aside as Solomon Islands MP's vote in former diplomat Jeremiah Manele as the country's new prime minister.