Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
'Heartbreaking' ending for Aussie star's podium hopes
A costly mishap in the final sector of the men's kayak final left all on the banks in disbelief as Australia's Lucien Delfour narrowly missed a spot on the podium. The 36-year-old entered the final at the world canoe slalom championships on Friday...
Our pick of the world’s best cruise lines to suit every style of traveller
Choosing a cruise can be complicated. There are countless lines and ships to choose from and each has its own appeal and target audience. Some go all-out to entertain families, with kids’ clubs, extravagant theatre shows, water slides and...
Guam at the Pacific Islands Forum: ‘Business as Usual’ Despite External Partner Ban
At this year’s Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Meeting, the story that seemed to capture headlines was the decision by this year’s host, Solomon Islands, to disinvite all external partners from attendance. The reporting around this decision...
Nicole Kidman & Keith Urban Relationship Timeline
In 2017, Nicole Kidman revealed on the Ellen DeGeneres Show that, after first meeting Keith Urban in a chance encounter, the country singer took a while to formally ask her out. “I had such a crush on him and he wasn’t interested in me,” she...
There and Back Again: Panama City Beach
This September 2025, Margaret and I drove down to Panama City Beach for a few days. I did not remember how white and fine the sand along the beach was. The sand was as fine as powder, with almost no grain at all, more like talcum powder. It was so...
A timeline of Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's turbulent relationship as the pair split
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban have separated after 19 years of marriage, bringing an end to a relationship that has lasted for two decades – here's a timeline of their romance. TMZ reported on Monday (29 September) that the pair had officially...
How Did Now-Separated Couple Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban Meet? A Look Back At Their Relationship Timeline of 20 Years
After nearly two decades together, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's marriage has officially ended; but it all began with a quiet moment at a gala in Los Angeles. How did their relationship unfold from first glance to final farewell? Nicole Kidman...
OPINION | A health and development challenge for the Pacific
Diabetes The first article in this series reported on the latest trends in development assistance for health and the second focused on the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) globally and especially in low- and middle-income countries. This...
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban relationship timeline as couple divorce after 20 years
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our...
To reach an untouched paradise, you need to travel on this unique ship
Helen Anderson September 30, 2025 — 3:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it...
Pacific Islands Ocean Conference opens with call for unity and action
The Second Pacific Islands Ocean Conference opened in Honiara Monday, with a strong call for unity, science and traditional knowledge to guide Pacific-led solutions for sustainable ocean governance. Speaking on behalf of the Council of Regional...
A look back at Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's fairytale Sydney wedding following their shock split after 19 years of marriage
Fans of Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban were left stunned on Tuesday when news broke of the couple's split after a 19-year marriage and two children. The Aussie stars tied the knot in 2006 during a traditional Catholic ceremony at the Cardinal...
Russell M. Nelson, Latter-day Saint prophet of change and pandemic, dies
Few expected the blast of energy, enthusiasm and ingenuity that swept through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when then-93-year-old Russell M. Nelson ascended to the faith’s presidency in January 2018. After all, the former heart...
Jackson Garden-Bachop on grief, family and life after brother Connor’s death
Jackson says: “He annoyed the s*** out of me when we were younger, but as we got older we became friends. He was the best man at my wedding and it’s not because he was my brother – it’s because he was my best mate. He was full of love, life and...
Crown Princess launches new PLG online platform
The Crown Princess has officially launched the first-ever online platform for the Polynesian Leaders Group (PLG) during a senior officials meeting in Nukuʻalofa. At the senior officials meeting last week in Nukuʻalofa, member governments of the...
Marshall Islands leader demands apology from UN for allowing nuke tests in the Pacific nation
Leaders of the Marshall Islands and Kiribati have pressed world leaders to achieve a nuclear-free Pacific in separate remarks at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City. Marshall Islands President Dr. Hilda Heine also called on the...
Pacific Islands News Roundup – September 19 – 25, 2025
Editor’s Note: We are undergoing a web host migration process and may need to make necessary modifications to our format and frequency over the next several weeks. Thank you in advance for your understanding. Political Leadership and Regionalism,...
The year of luxury – your guide to luxury cruise for the new 2025/26 season
Australia is seeing more luxury ships coming to our shores than ever before. Luxury cruising can offer more value than you think, due to the inclusions. Here’s a rundown on luxury cruises in Australia and some suggested deals worth exploring....
Air Tahiti ATR 72's hard landing followed unstable approach and dual inputs
Investigators have determined that an Air Tahiti ATR 72-600 crew did not abort an approach to Atuona airport, despite its becoming destabilised, leading to dual control inputs and a hard landing. The crew of the aircraft, arriving from Nuku Hiva...
Tauranga kicks off cruise season worth $111.8m
Two back-to-back ship arrivals marked the start of the Tauranga cruise season, as the region prepares to welcome up to 230,000 passengers and crew over the next seven months. Celebrity Edge, carrying up to 4300 passengers and crew, was the first...