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Pacific Update: Spectacular scenes at Va'a World Champs in Samoa

August 17, 2023

Barbara Dreaver has her weekly news update for the Pacific. (Source: 1News)

Welcome to Pacific Update, our weekly news round-up for the region.

This week, we have spectacular scenes from the Va'a World Champ, while also in Samoa, the tourism minister wades into a beauty pageant row.

And as ever, we have some of our favourite clips from social media.

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Nauru reboots passport sale scheme to fund climate fight

Nauru reboots passport sale scheme to fund climate fight

Applicants pay up to NZ$237,500 for Nauruan passports, offering visa-free access to several countries, as the island nation seeks new revenue to restore land and build resilience.

Sunday 2:22pm

6:16

So far, all the lava from this eruption has been contained within the summit crater inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Watch: Hawaii's Kilauea volcano erupts for 32nd time since December

So far, all the lava from this eruption has been contained within the summit crater inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Wed, Sep 3

2:24

Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke

Australia signs $450m deportation deal with Nauru

It follows a fraught history as human rights organisations protest the deportation of people to the Micronesian island.

Sun, Aug 31

Refuge for abused children overwhelmed as SVSG calls for land, funding, and government action to meet surging demand.

Samoa victim support group for children in growing crisis

Refuge for abused children overwhelmed – calls for land, funding, and the Samoan Government to help meet surging demand.

Mon, Aug 25

3:02

In this image released by the US Geological Survey, the Kilauea volcano spews lava on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii.

Hawaii's Kilauea volcano shoots lava for the 31st time since December

The eruption was contained within the summit crater, and no homes were threatened.

Sat, Aug 23

Lava fountains reach up to 305 metres above the Halemaumau crater rim during the twenty-fifth episode of the ongoing Klauea summit eruption, seen from Volcano House in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on June 11, 2025.

Hawaii's Kilauea volcano is on the verge of erupting again

Scientists expect Kilauea volcano to again gush lava in the coming days for the 31st time since December as the mountain lives up to its identity of one of the world’s most active volcanoes.

Tue, Aug 19

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8:53pm

Boks coach swings the axe following defeat to All Blacks

A disappointed Siya Kolisi, left, and Jesse Kriel react to their loss to the All Blacks at Eden Park.

7:34pm

Tom Phillips' two missing children found 'well and uninjured'

Tom Phillips' two missing children found 'well and uninjured'

7:27pm

Tom Phillips fatally shot by police, children found uninjured at campsite

2:31

Tom Phillips and his three children have once again gone off the grid.

6:50pm

'Steve Irwin gene': slain veteran Victoria cop's bravery saluted

Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson.

6:30pm

Prominent sportsman found not guilty of breaking baby's ribs

The Dunedin High and District Court (file image).

6:00pm

Scotty Stevenson: Haka staredown stokes Ferns' fire

Stacey Waaka of New Zealand during the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 Pool C match between New Zealand and Ireland at Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium on September 7, 2025 in Brighton, England.
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