SUVA DAILY — 24 March 2026
Magnitude 7.6 Earthquake Strikes Tonga at 238 Kilometers Depth; PNG and Bougainville Urged to Plan Post-Referendum Strategy
Magnitude 7.6 Earthquake Strikes Tonga Islands at 238-Kilometer Depth
RNZ Pacific and Reuters report major seismic event hit Tonga Islands at depth of nearly 238 kilometers. No tsunami threat issued by authorities.
Tonga PM Welcomes US Partnership on Deep-Sea Mining Amid Environmental Concerns
Prime Minister Lord Fakafānua describes US deep-sea mineral exploration partnership as exciting development, The Guardian reports. Critics express concern over potential environmental impacts of seabed mining in Pacific waters.
PNG Bougainville Independence Decision Nears Without Implementation Plan
RNZ Pacific reports PNG parliament approaching decision on 2019 Bougainville independence referendum results with lack of preparedness for implementation remaining critical concern. Bipartisan committee led by Dr Allan Marat consulting MPs on referendum outcome.
Samoa PM Threatens State Rugby Union After Lakapi Samoa Board Refuses to Resign
Prime Minister La'aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt announces government will establish alternative national rugby union after Lakapi Samoa board declined to step down. RNZ Pacific and NZ Herald report unprecedented state intervention in sports governance.
DRIVING THE DAY
SUMMARY: A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck the Tonga Islands at a depth of nearly 238 kilometers, RNZ Pacific reported 24 March, with Reuters noting no tsunami threat from the deep quake. Papua New Guinea and Bougainville governments were urged to plan for what follows the parliamentary decision on Bougainville independence, RNZ Pacific reported 23 March, as the referendum decision date approaches without apparent preparedness. Opposition Leader Peter KENILOREA Jr. and Peter Shanel AGOVAKA claimed their 28-member coalition commands a parliamentary majority in Solomon Islands, declaring Prime Minister Jeremiah MANELE's government illegitimate, Islands Business reported 23 March, while RNZ Pacific noted MANELE refused to convene parliament. Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James MARAPE visited Nasfund's head office 23 March and praised the institution's 13 percent member returns, Post-Courier reported, while a U.S. Department of the Treasury delegation visited Port Moresby 9–13 March to explore technical assistance for removing PNG from the Financial Action Task Force grey list. END SUMMARY.
