Vanuatu Politics & Home News

05/12/2025

Despite the weather, the show will go ahead as planned.

Remember during the UB40 concert — it started with heavy rain, but by the end the skies cleared and the night turned out perfect.

See you all this evening at Korman!

05/12/2025

Vanuatu has launched the Vanuatu National Building Code (VNBC) 2025, the first major update since 2017, aimed at improving building safety, resilience, and construction quality across the country. Minister of Internal Affairs Andrew Solomon Napuat described the new code as a milestone achievement, saying it addresses rapid urban growth, new technologies, and increasing climate and disaster risks—gaps exposed by recent earthquakes and cyclones.

The code was developed through extensive collaboration involving government agencies, technical experts, provincial authorities, and development partners, including the Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility (PRIF). It introduces modern, practical, and internationally aligned standards to guide planning, design, and construction nationwide.

Officials stressed that Vanuatu, being one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, cannot afford weak construction practices. The VNBC 2025 strengthens accountability and safety, supports sustainable development, and aims to protect lives and infrastructure.

The launch marks the beginning of a broader implementation process that will include public awareness, legislative reform, training for builders and local authorities, and improved compliance and enforcement. Leaders expressed confidence that the new code will help Vanuatu build safer, stronger, and more resilient communities.

Vanuatu Daily Post

05/12/2025

Vanuatu has taken a major step in boosting its trade and export capacity by signing a landmark Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with MarketPlace Fresh, one of Australia’s largest premium produce distributors. The agreement—signed by the Ministry of Trade and Commerce through the Vanuatu Bureau of Standards—creates the country’s first structured, standards-based pathway for exporting organic fresh produce and Vanuatu-Made value-added products to Australia.

The partnership positions Vanuatu as a regional leader in high-quality, natural island goods and supports the government’s strategy to increase exports to its largest trading partner. MarketPlace Fresh will serve as the exclusive importer and distributor, working closely with Vanuatu’s national packhouse certification system and providing technical support in grading, packaging, quality control, and traceability. A Joint Steering Committee will oversee implementation through a renewable three-year framework.

The agreement follows Vanuatu’s successful entry into the regulated New Zealand market earlier this year and builds on strengthened logistics, farmer coordination, and certification systems. First exports under the MOA are expected by February 2026, following the commissioning of the upgraded Santo Packhouse.

Government officials, diplomats, MPs, and technical officers witnessed the signing, underscoring its national importance. The MOA supports Vanuatu’s long-term goal of rebalancing trade with Australia by expanding exports of organic produce and Vanuatu-Made goods while enhancing the country’s reputation in premium international markets.

Vanuatu Daily Post

05/12/2025

Digicel Vanuatu and ANZ Bank Vanuatu have partnered to allow customers to transfer money directly from their ANZ bank accounts to their Digicel MyCash mobile wallets. Transfers can be made through ANZ Internet Banking or the ANZ Pacific App and are usually processed within 15 minutes.

The service aims to improve financial accessibility, giving users the ability to send money, make QR payments, and pay bills via MyCash. Both Digicel CEO Gary Sue-Fong and ANZ Country Head Terence Low say the collaboration enhances digital convenience, supports financial inclusion, and strengthens Vanuatu’s growing digital economy.

05/12/2025

The Magistrates’ Court has extended the bail conditions for Ambae MP Jay Ngwele and former MIPU director Malcom Tarileo after adjourning their case to 11 December 2025. The adjournment was granted because the defence has not yet received the Preliminary Inquiry documents, which the prosecution only obtained yesterday.

Ngwele and Tarileo face a total of 56 charges involving alleged misappropriation, theft, and misuse of about VT1.1 million in public funds linked to imprest and subsistence allowances under MIPU. They were formally charged in September and remain on bail under strict conditions, including not interfering with witnesses and not entering MIPU premises. Their case will return to court next week for further directions.

Vanuatu Daily Post

03/12/2025

Minister of Internal Affairs, Andrew Napuat, has warned that he may suspend or dissolve the Port Vila City Council (PVCC) if councillors fail to resolve a leadership crisis and pass the municipal budget. Napuat has written to the Mayor and councillors urging them to settle the issue for the sake of the Council and Port Vila residents. If unresolved, he may use his powers under the Municipalities Act to suspend or dissolve the Council, allowing residents to elect new representatives.

The warning follows a petition from 11 councillors, claiming to represent the governing majority, accusing Mayor Jenny Regenvanu of losing the support of most councillors and causing a breakdown in leadership. They argue this has led to “institutional paralysis” and a failure to fulfill the Council's duties. The petition also raises concerns over the legality of Regenvanu's election, citing a Supreme Court ruling and challenging the nullification of a previous election result. There is also worry over the continued expenditure of public funds under questionable leadership.

In response, the majority bloc has filed a Notice of Motion to remove both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, claiming this action is necessary to restore the Council's functionality and allow the budget to pass. They have requested an urgent meeting with the Minister to discuss the situation. Napuat’s statement makes it clear that if the crisis persists, he will take action to resolve the issue, potentially by dissolving the Council.

Vanuatu Daily Post

02/12/2025

Staff of the Vanuatu National Hospital—including doctors, nurses, allied health workers, dental officers, and support staff—are calling on the Public Service Commission (PSC) to review their VT27,000 risk allowance, saying it does not reflect the dangers they faced during last year’s earthquake. In a letter to the PSC, they argued the amount is unfair and significantly lower than the VT300,000 granted to staff in other government ministries.

They asked for transparency on how the rate was decided, requested a review of the allowance, and called for an adjustment or supplementary payment to match the higher rate. The workers gave the PSC and Ministry of Health five working days to respond, warning they may pursue legal action if no concrete steps are taken.

PSC Secretary James Melteres said a dialogue will take place today to explain why VNH staff received the lower amount and to discuss possible solutions. The PSC, MOH Management, and VNH representatives are scheduled to meet at 2pm.

Vanuatu Daily Post

02/12/2025

Big deal VT 1 Million Discount

02/12/2025

02/12/2025

The runner-up candidate for Epi Constituency is now eligible to replace Seoule Simeon as Member of Parliament after meeting the required 70 percent vote threshold set for succession.

Speaker of Parliament Stephin Felix has officially declared Seoule Simeon’s seat vacant.

According to the Electoral Commission, the runner-up will be formally announced as the new MP in the coming days.

26/11/2025

25/11/2025

🌞 Beat the Heat at Pikinini Bar! 🌞
Stay cool this hot season with our delicious, refreshing local smoothies — made from fresh Vanuatu fruits and blended to boost your health.

🍍 Support local farmers
🍌 Drink healthy
🥥 Feel refreshed

Come by Pikinini Bar Port Vila and enjoy a smoothie that’s good for you and good for Vanuatu! 💚