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Solomon Islands Panpipers Bring ‘Hapi Isles’ Cultural Tourism to South Korea

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The Solomon Islands’ rich living culture took centre stage in South Korea as the Wa‘uraha A‘re A‘re Panpipers introduced international audiences to the sounds, stories and traditions that make the “Hapi Isles” a distinctive visitor destination. The five-member traditional delegation has returned to Honiara after performing for three days at the 2026 World Island Fair in Yeosu. Their layered ‘Are‘are panpipe melodies attracted festivalgoers, international media and event organisers, giving the Solomon Islands valuable exposure in a key Asian travel market. Supported by the Culture Department within the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the appearance promoted cultural tourism as an important part of the national visitor experience. It also reinforced the country’s “Hapi Isles” tourism agenda by showing how authentic music, community traditions and cultural knowledge can inspire travellers seeking meaningful experiences. “We are deeply grateful to the Korean Government for their...
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Honiara Youth Counselling Service Encourages Young People to Seek Support

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Young people in Honiara facing difficult experiences are being encouraged to seek support early and talk to someone they trust rather than carrying their struggles alone. The Honiara City Council Youth Department provides a confidential counselling service where young people can speak with a counsellor about issues affecting their emotional and personal wellbeing. Youth Department highlighted that young people do not need to wait until a situation becomes a crisis before reaching out. The service supports young people experiencing stress, anxiety, grief, family or relationship difficulties, alcohol or drug-related concerns, and challenges at school, work or in the community. Through counselling, young people can talk through what they are experiencing, identify practical ways to cope with difficult situations, build confidence and resilience, and make informed choices. Where further assistance is needed, the Youth Department can also connect young people with appropriate supp...
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Tahamoana Lodge Opens a Gateway to Rennell’s Natural Wonders

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Morning comes quietly at Tahamoana Lodge, where the waters of Lake Tegano stretch across the landscape of Rennell Island. For travellers looking to experience a different side of Solomon Islands, the family-owned lodge offers more than a place to stay. It provides a local base from which visitors can discover one of the world’s most distinctive natural environments. Tahamoana Lodge was established by retired teacher Job Tipaika and his wife, who saw the tourism potential of Lake Tegano and the surrounding area. After years of planning and financial challenges, the couple eventually turned their idea into a small tourism business serving visitors to East Rennell. Today, the lodge is part of a growing local tourism effort around Lake Tegano, offering visitors an opportunity to stay close to the lake while experiencing Rennell’s nature, wildlife and communities. A Lodge Beside a Remarkable Lake Tahamoana Lodge’s greatest attraction may be its setting. Lake Tegano is the largest ...
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A Milestone in the Making: SINU Advances Its Quality Assurance Journey

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Behind a formal handover of documents lies a university-wide story of collaboration, accountability and a shared commitment to better outcomes for students. On Friday, 2 October 2026, representatives of Solomon Islands National University walked into the Solomon Islands Tertiary Education and Skills Authority office with the result of months of work in their hands: SINU’s Provider Registration Application documents. To an observer, it may have looked like a routine administrative handover. For the University community, however, the moment represented something much larger: an important step in SINU’s continuing effort to strengthen its governance, quality assurance, financial and administrative systems, and the education it provides. The submission did not come together in one office or in a single week. Led by the Standards and Quality Office, and supported by faculty heads and support offices, the process drew together policies, records, procedures and evidence from across the ...
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Exercise Coastwatchers Builds Skills, Confidence and Record Training Numbers for RSIPF

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From navigating small boats to responding to medical emergencies and keeping vehicles safely on the road, Royal Solomon Islands Police Force personnel put practical skills to the test during the second iteration of Exercise Coastwatchers for 2026, delivered through Australia’s Defense Cooperation Program. By the time the exercise closed, 173 RSIPF personnel had completed 22 courses across nine training categories—a record result for the second of three iterations planned this year. Each completed course tells part of a bigger story: RSIPF personnel building confidence and capability, supported by the enduring partnership between the Australian Defense Force and the RSIPF. PC Bethy Panai Nai receiving the High Achieving Student award for the inaugural Administration Course from Acting Commissioner RSIPF James Aitorea, and Australian Defence Advisor Captain Emma Griffiths.    Safety connected every part of the exercise. On the water, newly qualified Small Boats Instructors s...
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Australia Expands Inclusive Technology Training for People with Disabilities

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People with disabilities should not be left behind. That’s why Australia has established a new partnership with Smart Technology, a technology and mobile phone repair business in Honiara to provide targeted training to ten (10) hearing-impaired Solomon Islanders in mobile phone repair.  Smart Technology worked closely with National Disability Forum Solomon Islands, to identify participants and develop a training model suited to deaf and hearing-impaired people. William Rowell, First Secretary – Economic at the Australian High Commission (far right) with Roylex Sitana of Smart Technology, Dina Karic of Strongim Bisnis, Claude Ivupitu, Vice President of the Solomon Islands Deaf Association, and Casper Fa’asala of the National Development Forum Solomon Islands (NDFSO).   Roylex Sitana, Smart Technology Founder, said the initiative was inspired by his experience studying in the Philippines, where he saw people with disabilities working successfully in technical trades. Austral...
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Australia Strengthens Skills Development Through Regional Learning

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Australia is supporting skills training and development by strengthening workforce readiness and improving technical and vocational education and training (TVET). Under Pacific Australia Skills, Solomon Islanders were supported to participate as observers at the Samoa National Skills Competition in June and the Timor-Leste 2 nd International Friendly Skills Competition in July. Solomon Islanders who attended the skills competitions in Samoa and Timor-Leste gathering for a knowledge-sharing session after returning to Solomon Islands. Solomon Islands Government officials, TVET practitioners and education stakeholders had the opportunity to observe regional best practices, share experiences, and explore approaches to strengthening skills systems that are responsive to industry needs and labour market demands. Solomon Islanders attending the Samoa National Skills Competition, including (L-R) Mathias Kutai (MEHRD) Starling Konainao (MNPAC), Philemon Ruia (Pacific Australia Skills), Gol...
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