Air Vanuatu Islander sold for VT8 million despite VT14 million offer
Air Vanuatu’s BN2 Islander aircraft YJ-008 was sold to Unity Airlines for VT8,050,000 (including VAT), despite Vanuatu Air Charters Ltd, trading as Air Taxi Vanuatu, saying it had submitted an indicative offer of A$175,000, approximately VT14 million, for the aircraft.
2026-09-28 21:00:00

19,301 Influenza-Like Illness Cases Reported in Vanuatu
The Ministry of Health (MoH) is closely monitoring increased influenza-like illness (ILI) activity in SHEFA, TAFEA and PENAMA provinces, where reported cases have remained above provincial epidemic thresholds in recent weeks.
2026-09-28 20:45:00

Communities urged to conserve water as El Niño threat grows
Communities that depend heavily on rainfall are urged to conserve and use water supplies wisely, as the Vanuatu Meteorology and Hydrological Services (VMHS) warns that El Niño is expected to strengthen in the coming months.
2026-09-28 20:45:00

Indonesia to bring medical support, community activities to Vanuatu
Indonesia will bring medical services and community assistance to Vanuatu when an Indonesian Navy hospital ship arrives in Port Vila next month as part of a wider Pacific mission.
2026-09-28 20:45:00

VT191.96M electricity subsidy reaches consumers
Electricity consumers received almost the full VT192 million Government fuel subsidy between June and September, with VT191.96 million used to offset higher fuel costs for power generation.
2026-09-28 20:30:00

Supreme Court rules subdivided leases can carry fresh 75-year terms
The Supreme Court has ruled that leases created through the subdivision of an existing lease are legally “new” leases and may carry terms of up to 75 years, provided the statutory requirements are met.
2026-09-28 20:30:00

MoH Urges Everyone to Protect Heart Health
The Ministry of Health (MoH), in collaboration with the Vaka Mauri Collective, is urging people in Vanuatu to prioritise heart health as the country joins the global community in marking World Heart Day today, 29 September 2026.
2026-09-28 20:30:00

Finnish technology firms eye Vanuatu market
Finnish technology companies are looking at Vanuatu as a potential market for specialised technology, with telecommunications and satellite services emerging as areas where the two countries could develop new business partnerships.
2026-09-28 20:30:00

Second seal sighted in Futuna, species unconfirmed
A second seal has been sighted in Futuna waters, just one week after a young New Zealand fur seal was found at Sinou Beach, prompting renewed safety warnings for residents.
2026-09-28 20:30:00

Vanuatu prepares pledge to end violence against children
Vanuatu is preparing a national pledge with specific actions and targets to strengthen protection against violence towards children, following a national consultation held in Port Vila last Thursday.
2026-09-28 20:30:00

Develop emergency sea survival kits: Dr Turnbull
Dr Mark Turnbull is calling for a simple emergency survival kit to be developed for people stranded at sea, drawing on lessons from the MV Matui incident and other maritime rescues.
2026-09-25 22:15:00

Air Vanuatu: No other buyer for Islander, repairs cost several times sale price
Air Vanuatu has clarified the circumstances surrounding its sale of Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander YJ-008 to Unity Airlines, saying the aircraft was sold for VT8.05 million after Unity withdrew an earlier VT15.007 million offer following a further inspection.
2026-09-25 22:15:00

Finland pitches technology, business ties to Vanuatu
Finland is pitching its technology and business expertise as potential solutions for some of Vanuatu’s challenges, including maritime surveillance, disaster response and critical communications, as Ambassador Arto Haapea (AH) seeks closer cooperation during his first visit to the country, in…
2026-09-25 22:00:00

Chinese Medical Team performs Vanuatu’s first laparoscopic gastrointestinal perforation repair
A Chinese Medical Team (CMT) has successfully performed what it describes as Vanuatu’s first laparoscopic repair of a gastrointestinal perforation in an emergency operation at the Vanuatu National Hospital (VNH) earlier this month.
2026-09-25 22:00:00

Giving Dr Turnbull fuel won’t stop ships from sinking – Fix the problem, don’t put a Band-Aid on it

2026-09-25 21:45:00

Fisheries Department plans national cold chain system for fish
The Vanuatu Fisheries Department (VFD) is developing a National Cold Chain System aimed at improving fish quality, supporting fishers’ livelihoods and strengthening the movement of seafood from fishing communities to markets.
2026-09-25 21:45:00

Local Businesses Look to Vanuatu Made Show to Connect Producers with Buyers
The eighth edition of the Vanuatu Made Trade Show will bring together local producers, businesses and potential buyers in Port Vila next week, under the theme “Weaving Pride in Vanuatu”.
2026-09-25 21:45:00

22 tsunami evacuation signs put to use in Sola drill
Twenty-two tsunami evacuation signs installed across Sola, Vanua Lava, were put to use during a community tsunami evacuation drill held yesterday, 25 September.
2026-09-25 21:45:00

Climate Loss and Damage Toolkit introduced at Onesua School debate
Students at Onesua school and other schools took part in a debate yesterday focused on climate change, climate financing, loss and damage, youth participation and civic engagement, with a new Climate Loss and Damage Class Toolkit introduced during the event.
2026-09-25 21:45:00

MoH denies reports of HIV cases in Sola
The Ministry of Health (MoH) has clarified that information circulating about HIV cases being recorded in Sola, Vanua Lava, is not accurate and has not been confirmed by the Ministry.
2026-09-25 21:45:00

In 1906 Australia’s high court backed ethnic cleansing. That historical wrong and error of law must be put right | Peter Prince and (Waskam) Emelda Davis
A disturbing precedent that branded British subjects ‘aliens’ is made even more dangerous by the rise of populism today In Robtelmes v Brenan 120 years ago, Australia’s newly established high court approved an act of ethnic cleansing . Between 4,000 and 6,000 Australian South Sea Islanders were to be forcibly expelled as “aliens”, despite the majority having full legal belonging as “British subjects”. To this day, the high court still cites Robtelmes for the right to expel or detain non-citizens “for any reason” . Ominously, the commonwealth also argues that potentially half the permanent population of Australia are “aliens” and subject to this power. Continue reading...
2026-09-25 15:00:12

12 boreholes map Port Vila’s ground conditions after earthquake
Twelve boreholes drilled up to 30 metres beneath Port Vila’s Central Business District (CBD) have helped geotechnical experts better understand what lies beneath the city and how different ground conditions could affect future construction.
2026-09-24 21:00:00

Epauto School opens VT2.3M cyclone-proof security house with digital scanning system
Epauto Seventh-day Adventist School has opened a new cyclone-proof security house equipped with a digital scanning system to strengthen safety for more than 700 students, teachers and staff.
2026-09-24 20:45:00

More than 15,000 affected by Ambae ashfall
More than 15,000 people on Ambae have been affected by the ongoing ashfall, as the Government approved a budget of more than VT126 million to support the response over the next three months.
2026-09-24 20:45:00

Howard Aru meets 70 per cent threshold for Ambae seat
Vanua’aku Pati (VP) politician Howard Aru has met the 70 per cent vote threshold under Vanuatu’s Electoral Act that could allow him to be considered to fill the Ambae parliamentary seat following the sudden passing of Member of Parliament (MP)…
2026-09-24 20:45:00

NUV CRHA students turn backyard gardening into support for Vanuatu National Hospital
Students undertaking the Climate Resilience and Humanitarian Action (CRHA) Program at the National University of Vanuatu (NUV) have demonstrated how a simple backyard garden can contribute to food resilience and community wellbeing after donating freshly harvested saladeer cabbage from their…
2026-09-24 20:30:00

South Africa, Vanuatu Seek Stronger Cooperation on Trade, Climate and Global Issues
South Africa and Vanuatu are looking to strengthen bilateral cooperation, with trade, investment, climate change and collaboration in international forums identified as key areas for closer engagement.
2026-09-24 20:30:00

Partnership to develop next generation of Pacific media leaders
A partnership was signed at the 8th Pacific Media Summit for the establishment of a Pacific Centre for Communications and Journalism in Fiji to develop the next generation of Pacific media leaders.
2026-09-24 20:30:00

Aliyyah Koloc Set for Three-Rally China Challenge
Vanuatu-linked driver Aliyyah Koloc will face a demanding month of off-road racing in China after being confirmed to drive for Buggyra ZM Racing in three back-to-back rallies.
2026-09-24 20:00:00

VNSA development team eye Grade B netball title
The Port Vila Netball Association (PVNA) Grade B championship reaches its climax tomorrow at Korman Stadium, with VNSA development team facing Buluana in a crucial top-of-the-table clash.
2026-09-24 20:00:00

Citizenship Office: No decision to revoke Tate citizenship
The Vanuatu Citizenship Office says the Citizenship Commission has not made a decision to revoke Andrew Tate’s Vanuatu citizenship, despite an ABC News report that his citizenship and passport had been revoked.
2026-09-23 21:00:00

‘Only a few people in Vanuatu like Late Qetu,’ says IG President Ati as he pays tribute to humble MP
Iauko Group (IG) President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Marc Ati has described the late Member of Parliament (MP) for Ambae, John Still Tari Qetu, as a humble man and “a son of nasara and nakamal”, saying his passing is...
2026-09-23 21:00:00

Adams-led fundraiser raises over VT1M for families affected by Matui tragedy
A fundraising and donation initiative in Port Vila has raised approximately VT1 million to support families affected by the MV Matui tragedy, with donations continuing to come in.
2026-09-23 20:45:00

PSC Day rescheduled for 6–9 October following Council of Ministers approval
The 2026 Public Service Commission (PSC) Day in TORBA Province has been rescheduled to October 6–9, following approval by the Council of Ministers (COM) yesterday afternoon.
2026-09-23 20:30:00

8th Pacific Media Summit underway
Journalists, communication specialists, media leaders and development partners from Vanuatu and other Pacific countries are attending the 8th Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) summit in Fiji.
2026-09-23 20:30:00

More Than 1,100 Teachers Taking Part in Strike, Union Says
More than 1,100 teachers were taking part in the ongoing industrial action as of yesterday, Wednesday, 23 September, according to Vanuatu Teachers Union (VTU) Secretary General (SG) Jonathan Yona, as the union continues to call on members to join the...
2026-09-23 20:30:00

WASH Cluster activated for Ambae volcanic response
The Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Cluster has been activated to coordinate emergency water, sanitation and hygiene support for communities affected by ongoing volcanic activity on Ambae.
2026-09-23 20:30:00

China points to deepening economic ties with Vanuatu
China has pointed to expanding trade and economic cooperation with Vanuatu, with bilateral trade reaching US$419 million in 2025, according to Chinese Chargé d’Affaires Gu Zihua.
2026-09-23 20:30:00

Garae takes Ambae’s grief to the world cup
Vanuatu assistant referee Jeremy Garae will return to the FIFA U-17 World Cup stage in Qatar this November, but this time he will carry more than the national flag with him.
2026-09-23 20:00:00

Vanuatu women keep clean sheet in 5-0 win over New Caledonia
Vanuatu’s national women’s football team continued their impressive campaign at the MSG Prime Ministers Cup in Fiji, defeating New Caledonia 5-0 yesterday to remain unbeaten and yet to concede a goal in the tournament.
2026-09-23 20:00:00

‘God has a plan’ - MV Matui survivor to study and become a pastor
For MV Matui survivor Nicolas Aru, surviving the sinking of the vessel has led him to a new calling, with plans to study at Talua Theological Training Institute in South Santo and become a pastor.
2026-09-22 21:00:00

VTU declares teachers’ strike on
The Vanuatu Teachers Union (VTU) has begun industrial action, with its Secretary General (SG) Jonathan Yona calling on union members to participate, while the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) says it has not received an official notice of the strike.
2026-09-22 21:00:00

VANPAWA tariff rises to 80.73 VT/kWh in Tanna, Malekula
Electricity customers of VANPAWA in Tanna and Malekula will face a revised tariff of 80.73 VT per kilowatt-hour (kWh), with the new rate to appear on customer bills issued from October 2026.
2026-09-22 20:45:00

‘No education, no future’: Gov’t declares education an essential service
Minister of Internal Affairs, Andrew Solomon Napuat, has signed an order declaring and listing education as an essential service.
2026-09-22 20:45:00

Vanuatu to Host Pacific Meteorological Council Meeting in Santo in 2028
Vanuatu will host the 9th Pacific Meteorological Council (PMC-9) meeting in Santo in 2028, with more than 200 meteorological and climate officials from across the Pacific expected to attend.
2026-09-22 20:30:00

Young writers show hope amid Vanuatu’s literacy challenges
Vanuatu continues to face challenges in literacy and education, but growing participation in national writing and poetry competitions shows strong interest among ni-Vanuatu in storytelling and creative expression.
2026-09-22 20:30:00

RHD Mothers Urge Families to Save for Medical Emergencies
Mothers of patients living with Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) are urging parents and individuals to put money aside for medical emergencies, warning that treatment costs can run into millions of vatu.
2026-09-22 20:30:00

Japanese High School Student Presents Research on Plastic Pollution in Efate
A Japanese high school student has presented preliminary findings from his research into land-based plastic pollution on Efate Island, with plastic particles or materials resembling plastic found in 77.3 per cent of samples he collected from different locations across the...
2026-09-22 20:30:00

National University of Vanuatu promotes Deaf inclusion and sign language education
The National University of Vanuatu (NUV) is marking International Week of Deaf People, September 21–27, and International Day of Sign Languages on September 23 by promoting Deaf inclusion and sign language education through its teacher training, research and community programmes.
2026-09-22 20:30:00

Vanuatu United add three Ni-Vanuatu players for OFC Professional League
Vanuatu United FC have strengthened their squad ahead of the second edition of the OFC Professional League, signing three Ni-Vanuatu players following their recent trial matches against Central Coast Mariners.
2026-09-22 20:00:00

Ambae chiefs thank SAR teams, perform custom ritual for 37 missing
Ambae chiefs have performed a custom ceremony in Luganville to thank the people who contributed to the Search and Rescue (SAR) operation and to perform a ritual for the 37 people still missing after the MV Matui disaster.
2026-09-21 21:00:00

PM Napat: Negligence, lack of enforcement behind MV Matui tragedy
Prime Minister (PM) Jotham Napat has linked the deaths and 37 missing people from the MV Matui disaster to negligence and a lack of enforcement, telling more than 2,000 people gathered at Simonsen Wharf in Luganville on Sunday that families...
2026-09-21 20:45:00

Supreme Court sends long-running Efate land dispute back for fresh hearing
The Supreme Court has set aside a 2009 Efate Island Court decision over disputed customary land in South Efate, ordering the case to be reheard.
2026-09-21 20:30:00

38 public servants graduate from Women in Leadership Program
Thirty-eight public servants have graduated from the Women in Leadership Program (WiLP), with ceremonies held in TAFEA and SANMA this month to mark the completion of the programme.
2026-09-21 20:30:00

Lelepa community mourns MV Matui victims and calls for greater boat safety
The Lelepa community in North Efate has joined communities in PENAMA Province in mourning the victims of the MV Matui tragedy, in which two people died and 37 remain missing after the vessel sank on September 11 while travelling from...
2026-09-21 20:30:00

New Zealand expert confirms historic fur seal sighting on Futuna
A New Zealand marine mammal expert has confirmed that the seal spotted on Futuna Island is a young New Zealand fur seal, known by its Maori name kekeno.
2026-09-21 20:30:00

Salwai wants more RMC MPs in next Parliament
Former Prime Minister and President of the Reunification Movement for Change (RMC), Charlot Salwai, has called for more RMC Members of Parliament (MPs) to be elected at the next general election in 2029.
2026-09-21 20:30:00

El Niño puts growing pressure on rural farmers and water supplies
El Niño is putting more pressure on farmers, livestock owners and rural families in Vanuatu as the country continues through the dry season.
2026-09-21 20:30:00

Vanuatu Secure First Three Points at MSG Cup
Vanuatu defeated Fiji 1-0 at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva yesterday to secure its first three points at the fifth edition of the MSG Prime Ministers Cup.
2026-09-21 20:00:00

Vanuatu Women Edge Fiji to Keep MSG Cup Campaign Alive
Vanuatu’s women’s national football team has secured a crucial 1–0 victory over host Fiji in the second game of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Prime Minister’s Cup in Suva.
2026-09-21 20:00:00

MV Matui tragedy: PM promises justice
Prime Minister (PM) Jotham Napat yesterday said more lives could have been saved in the MV Matui disaster and that those entrusted with ensuring passenger safety had failed in their responsibilities and would be held accountable under the law, while...
2026-09-18 21:00:00

A difficult meeting, sharing the pain

2026-09-18 21:00:00

Fuel Deal to Strengthen Remote Emergency Response
Pacific Energy has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Dr Mark Turnbull to provide fuel support for medical, medivac, search and rescue and other agreed humanitarian missions in remote parts of northern Vanuatu, helping aircraft reach communities where emergency...
2026-09-18 20:45:00

Over 800 watery diarrhoea cases reported on Tanna
More than 800 acute watery diarrhoea cases have been reported from eleven health facilities on Tanna so far since an outbreak was declared in August.
2026-09-18 20:45:00

Wan Pasifika Festival to Bring Pacific Culture and Entertainment to Port Vila
The inaugural Wan Pasifika Festival will bring together music, culture, comedy and entertainment from across the Pacific at the Korman Cricket Grounds on October 9 and 10.
2026-09-18 20:30:00

Hacksaw used in Luganville prison break
Three high-risk inmates escaped from the Mauria Correctional Centre in Luganville at around 8pm on Thursday after allegedly using a hacksaw brought into the facility by their partners to cut through a lock.
2026-09-18 20:30:00

IsraAID contributes 176 jerry cans for Ambae ashfall response
IsraAID Vanuatu has contributed 176 jerry cans to help provide clean water to communities affected by the ongoing ashfall from the Manaro Voui volcano on Ambae, following discussions with the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO).
2026-09-18 20:30:00

Japan hands over VT300M in disaster recovery equipment to Vanuatu
Japan has handed over heavy construction and water-supply equipment valued at approximately VT300 million to Vanuatu to strengthen the country’s capacity to respond to natural disasters and restore infrastructure.
2026-09-18 20:30:00

PNG community shares grief with PENAMA families
The Papua New Guinea (PNG) community in Vanuatu used its 51st Independence Day celebrations in Port Vila to stand in solidarity with families affected by the MV Matui tragedy.
2026-09-18 20:30:00

Kausei challenges media on women’s representation
Port Vila City Councillor Jennifer Kausei, who was recently re-elected to the council, has challenged Pacific journalists to play a stronger role in how women in public life are represented, saying the media has the power to shape public perceptions...
2026-09-18 20:30:00

VTU calls on workers to break culture of silence
The Vanuatu Teachers Union (VTU) has warned that teachers could go on another nationwide strike over the Teaching Service Commission’s (TSC) alleged failure to honour its Memorandum of Conciliation (MOC).
2026-09-17 21:00:00

Vanuatu weighs vessel-specific weather rules
Vanuatu is considering linking marine weather warnings to different categories of vessels, with regulations potentially determining which boats can operate under particular weather and sea conditions following the recent MV Matui disaster.
2026-09-17 21:00:00

New Echocardiogram Machine for outreach services
The Vanuatu National Hospital (VNH) yesterday received a new echocardiogram machine to support outreach services and improve access to cardiac diagnostic care for infants and children in Vanuatu.
2026-09-17 20:45:00

Minister Ati to deliver Vanuatu statement at UNGA
Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Trade Marc Ati is expected to leave the country today to deliver Vanuatu’s statement before the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York next week.
2026-09-17 20:45:00

China responds to Ambae chiefs' water plea with VT5M drilling machine
China has responded to an urgent request from the Tokatara Council of Chiefs by purchasing a water-well drilling machine worth VT5 million to help communities in West Ambae access safer and more reliable sources of drinking water.
2026-09-17 20:45:00

PNG, TORBA communities unite in tribute and celebration
A memorial float placed into the sea became one of the most poignant moments during Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) 51st Independence Day celebrations in Port Vila on Wednesday, as the PNG and TORBA communities paid tribute to those who lost...
2026-09-17 20:30:00

URA issues new guidelines for Independent Power Producers and Power Purchase Agreements
Private companies seeking to supply renewable electricity to Vanuatu’s power utilities will now face a new licensing and approval framework under guidelines released by the Utilities Regulatory Authority (URA).
2026-09-17 20:30:00

NUV showcases study options and island culture
The National University of Vanuatu (NUV) combined its Open Day and Cultural Day for the first time on Wednesday, bringing prospective students onto campus to learn about study options while experiencing traditional food and customs from all six provinces.
2026-09-17 20:30:00

DoT targets untapped mainland tourism in Aneityum, Futuna starts from scratch
The Department of Tourism (DoT) is looking beyond Mystery Island to develop tourism opportunities on mainland Aneityum, while Futuna is being considered for small-scale, community-owned experiences.
2026-09-17 20:30:00

Vanuatu content creators turn social media following into business opportunities
Vanuatu content creators are increasingly turning their large social media followings into business opportunities, despite limitations on direct monetisation from Facebook in the country.
2026-09-17 20:30:00

Warning: Foreign‐based Political Scammers Impersonating Senior‐level Officials Target Vanuatu
PORT‐VILA — Recently, overseas individuals posing as representatives of senior‐ranking foreign government officials have been carrying out a series of fraud activities across island nations in the South Pacific. Local residents are urged to stay vigilant to avoid property losses.
2026-09-17 01:00:00

"Safety first" says PM Napat at VT127 Million Aviation Equipment handing over
Prime Minister (PM) Jotham Napat has called for safety to remain the priority in Vanuatu’s transport sector as Australia handed over aviation equipment worth VT127 million to help strengthen operations at the country’s three main airports yesterday.
2026-09-16 21:00:00

Operation centre records 55 aboard MV Matui, 39 still missing
Following the lodging of a criminal complaint by the Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority (VMSA) on Monday, families and relatives of those missing from MV Matui are expected to file civil claims.
2026-09-16 21:00:00

Aneityum vanilla farmers encouraged to plant more
Minister of Trade and Commerce Robson Iavro has encouraged vanilla farmers on Aneityum to work together and plant more to fulfil the objectives of the National Spices Strategy.
2026-09-16 20:45:00

ProMedical ambulance calls more than double in two years, ageing fleet under pressure
ProMedical Ambulance is responding to more than twice as many emergency calls as it did two years ago, with the surge in demand reflected in a more than doubling of the number of patients attended despite little change in its...
2026-09-16 20:45:00

Southern Ward councillor donates full salary to chiefs
Southern Ward Councillor Aimerick Puyo Festa has handed over his full council salary to the area’s Council of Chiefs to help establish a Community Safety Team, fulfilling a pledge he made during his election campaign.
2026-09-16 20:45:00

Former Pikinini Playtime teacher launches school to tackle TORBA’s literacy challenge
A former Pikinini Playtime teacher with more than 11 years of experience in early childhood education has opened a private school at the TORBA provincial headquarters in Sola, with the goal of helping address the province’s low literacy rate.
2026-09-16 20:30:00

Business owners encouraged to also save with VNPF
Business owners or employers are encouraged to consider making voluntary contributions to their own retirement savings while continuing to meet their obligations for their workers.
2026-09-16 20:30:00

Vanuatu seeks to host Pacific Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre
Vanuatu has formally put forward its interest in hosting a Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre for the Pacific region, drawing on its growing capacity in meteorological, geological and disaster-risk monitoring.
2026-09-16 20:30:00

Vanuatu survey: Only 30% understand technical weather information
Weather information and early warnings need to be communicated in ways communities can understand and use, after a Vanuatu survey found that only about 30 per cent of people understood weather information when it was presented using technical terms and...
2026-09-16 20:30:00

PM Napat urges football critics to get involved
Prime Minister (PM) Jotham Napat has urged football critics to play a more constructive role in supporting players, particularly as the national women’s team prepares to compete in the MSG PM Cup.
2026-09-15 20:00:00

Vanuatu Boxing looks to Fiji for a new pathway
Vanuatu Boxing could be looking to Fiji for a new pathway for its emerging fighters, following a visit by Emau Boxing Club Manager and Promoter George Rene Kalfau to the gym and club of Ghanaian-born boxing coach and former fighter...
2026-09-15 20:00:00

TUI SHIPPING deregistered by VFSC in June
TUI SHIPPING AGENCY, the business name linked to the operation of MV Matui, was removed from the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) register more than three months before the vessel sank on Friday while travelling from Santo towards Ambae.
2026-09-14 21:00:00

MV Matui not certified to carry more than 30 passengers, bypassed mandatory pre-departure inspections: VMSA
The Master and owners of the ill-fated inter-island vessel MV Matui could face manslaughter charges following the sinking, after the Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority (VMSA) confirmed the vessel was not certified to carry more than 30 passengers.
2026-09-14 21:00:00

Ifira youths remanded, Noal calls for calm
Thirteen young men from Ifira have been remanded following allegations that they assaulted three bus drivers from Tanna during a confrontation in Port Vila in the early hours of Sunday morning.
2026-09-14 20:45:00

VTU NEC to decide on industrial action soon
The Vanuatu Teachers Union (VTU) National Executive Committee (NEC) is expected to decide on when its members will take further industrial action during its regular meeting on Thursday.
2026-09-14 20:45:00

Domestic shipping sector needs consistent enforcement of existing laws: VSA
Chairman of the Vanuatu Shipping Association (VSA), Andrew Bohn, says Vanuatu’s domestic shipping sector does not necessarily need more regulations, but rather consistent enforcement of the regulations already in place.
2026-09-14 20:30:00

Court quashes Suru Area Council decision to stop Pentecost fuel station
The Supreme Court has ruled that the Suru Area Council in Central Pentecost acted unlawfully when it ordered the closure of a fuel station operated by Archipel Solutions Limited at Bwatnapni.
2026-09-14 20:30:00

Dry conditions, water shortages grip rural Efate
The island of Efate is now experiencing increasingly dry conditions, with dust becoming a common sight along roads and in communities.
2026-09-14 20:30:00

French forces lead air search for MV Matui survivors
A major Search And Rescue (SAR) operation is continuing off the coast of Espiritu Santo following the sinking of the passenger and cargo vessel MV Matui as over 30 people remain missing at sea.
2026-09-14 20:30:00