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New Zealand’s former prime minister Helen Clark. Photo: AFP
Pacific nations

Exclusive | New Zealand ‘must never be seen as a proxy’, former PM Helen Clark warns

Calling the US Pacific strategy a ‘game of bluff’, Clark urges Wellington to defend its independent foreign policy tradition.

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Australia

Australia’s biggest property downturn since pandemic threatens economic growth

Japan

Japan to expand security aid to 12 Indo-Pacific nations

Australia

Shellfish thieves in Australia make off with 400,000 oysters worth US$250,000

The oyster farm, which lost a third of its stock, says it will not be able to replenish in time for Christmas.

Oysters sit on a silver tray ready for sale. The molluscs are a staple of brunch menus and seafood buffets across Australia. Photo: Shutterstock
Oysters sit on a silver tray ready for sale. The molluscs are a staple of brunch menus and seafood buffets across Australia. Photo: Shutterstock
Australia

In Australia, Disney’s Ooshies send Woolworths whooshing ahead of Coles

The major grocers are fighting to lure shoppers at a time when cost-of-living pressures and discount scandals are fuelling consumer anger.

Australia

Australia’s top music charts ban AI songs to protect human artists

Under the new rules, music must be ‘substantially human made’ but recordings that use AI in a supporting role are still eligible.

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New Zealand

New Zealand moves to ban social media for under-16s

Wellington is proposing fines of up to 10 per cent of global turnover for tech firms, but a coalition partner has vowed to block the measure.

The bill would require social ​media platforms operating in New Zealand to take reasonable steps to verify users’ ages. Photo: Getty Images/TNS
The bill would require social ​media platforms operating in New Zealand to take reasonable steps to verify users’ ages. Photo: Getty Images/TNS
Australia

Australia’s air traffic controller shortage triggers spike in near-misses

Staffing gaps are fuelling safety concerns as Sydney Airport records four aircraft close calls in the past month.

Australia

Albanese: Canberra to join Australia’s gun buy-back programme after Bondi attack

Australia’ capital territory, home of the capital Canberra, has agreed to a scheme which will tighten checks for gun licences and crack down on hate.

Ukraine war

Australia charges dual citizen accused of spying for Russia in Ukraine

The Russian-Australian man who enlisted in Ukraine’s military has been accused of sharing unit locations and troop data with Moscow.

Tourists are seen in front of Australia’s Sydney Opera House in July. Photo: AFP
New Zealand

New Zealand passes law blocking climate action against companies

The law was introduced in response to a suit filed by a Maori activist against six firms for their contribution to environmental harm.

The national flag flies in front of the executive wing of the New Zealand Parliament Buildings in Wellington in September 2025. Photo: Reuters
The national flag flies in front of the executive wing of the New Zealand Parliament Buildings in Wellington in September 2025. Photo: Reuters
Pacific nations

Cook Islands PM re-elected despite row with New Zealand over China ties

The result shows that local voters are not as concerned about geopolitical issues as claimed in earlier reports, analysts say.

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Australia

Australia slows down ‘backpacker visas’ in fresh migration crackdown

The visas, which allow people to work and travel in Australia for a set period of time, are popular with European and Japanese citizens.

Australia

Australian foreign minister defends multiculturalism, attacks far-right

Foreign Minister Penny Wong cited her own experience of moving to Australia from Malaysia, saying the country is ‘more prosperous because of our diversity’.

High school and university students opposed to the policies of Pauline Hanson and her far-right One Nation Party march through Melbourne on Thursday. Photo: dpa
Australia

Cable ties: Australia urged to lead Indo-Pacific in protecting subsea links

Australia should treat cable resilience not only as a domestic security issue but also as a shared regional project, analysts say.

An underwater cable sits on the sea floor. Australia relies heavily on subsea cables for its data. Photo: Getty Images
An underwater cable sits on the sea floor. Australia relies heavily on subsea cables for its data. Photo: Getty Images
Australia

Australian jury convicts ex-Catholic bishop of sexually abusing 2 men

Christopher Saunders, 76, is one of the most senior Australian Catholics to be convicted in a global clergy abuse scandal.

Vietnam

Vietnam’s To Lam eyes trade, defence boost during trip to Australia, New Zealand

China’s actions in the South China Sea will be discussed but unlikely to be explicitly condemned, observers say.

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Australia

Albanese refuses to say sorry for ‘insulting’ melon joke about Japan PM

The Australian leader made the remarks about his Japanese counterpart last month, sparking backlash over perceived disrespect.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (right) with his Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi in Canberra on May 4. Photo: EPA
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (right) with his Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi in Canberra on May 4. Photo: EPA
Australia

Jetstar plane brakes suddenly to avoid colliding with Boeing 777 in Sydney

An investigation was launched into the ‘near collision’ that also injured a cabin crew member.

Banking & finance

The US helped boost the yen. Can China do the same for the Australian dollar?

Currency traders believe Beijing’s economic policies could give the Australian dollar a boost. Analysts say things are more complex in reality.

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Pacific nations

Solomon port plans mark US reset of ‘anaemic’ Pacific ties

The move aims to ensure Honiara partners with Western allies in sectors with security implications, analysts say.

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The port in Honiara, capital city of Solomon Islands in April 2024. Photo: AFP
Pacific nations

New Zealand’s Pacific defence diplomacy shifts into overdrive

Wellington’s four-month diplomatic blitz aims to lock down regional allies as Washington’s commitment wavers.

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Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka (left) meets with New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on the sidelines of the Pacific Islands Forum summit in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, in 2025. Photo: AFP
Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka (left) meets with New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on the sidelines of the Pacific Islands Forum summit in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, in 2025. Photo: AFP
Australia

Singtel weighs Optus stake sale as Australian watchdog launches court action

Australia’s ⁠communications ⁠regulator has taken Optus to court over last year’s network outages, which were linked to four deaths.

Australia

Australia weighs first refinery in 60 years as Middle East war strains fuel supply

With only two operating plants left nationwide, Canberra orders a study on a major new Western Australia facility.

Australia

Australia’s far-right Hanson loses appeal in racism case

Federal Court rejects free speech defence and upholds racial vilification finding over comments directed at a Muslim senator.

Senator and leader of the One Nation Party, Pauline Hanson. Photo: AFP
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