Nine To Noon Pacific Editor Koroi Hawkins
Mar 19, 2026
Koroi Hawkins, RNZ Pacific Editor who covers Pacific politics and community life. He unpacks Solomon Islands' mass minister resignations and a constitutional standoff over recalling parliament. He outlines Pacific governments urging calm on fuel supplies. He reports on the Cook Islands PM's New Zealand visit and the controversy around Christopher Luxon's matai title.
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Solomons Government Faces Parliamentary Standoff
- A mass ministerial resignation in the Solomon Islands created a claimed 28-seat majority against Prime Minister Jeremiah Manasseh Manelli.
- The opposition filed a no-confidence motion while Manelli refuses to recall parliament, insisting government functions until the scheduled sitting.
Constitutional Question Drives The Crisis
- The dispute hinges on constitutional interpretation about whether a minority government can continue to govern.
- The opposition argues the Governor-General should call parliament urgently while the Prime Minister says he'll wait until the planned May/June sitting.
Avoid Panic Buying Fuel In The Pacific
- Pacific governments are urging citizens not to panic buy fuel amid supply worries tied to global shipping routes.
- Fiji, Tonga and Samoa reassure supplies for months to years and airlines report no route or price changes this week.