Pacific news highlights include bush knife attack in Solomon Islands

The Australian Government has postponed the second ballot for the Pacific Engagement Visa for Ni-Vanuatu applicants to February. This delay follows a December earthquake that disrupted essential services and document gathering for applicants. No new registrations will be accepted. In the Solomon Islands, police have arrested a suspect following a bush knife attack on a man in his home. The victim was injured but is reported to be in stable condition in the hospital. Authorities are urging the community to allow police to handle the situation. The Cook Islands Prime Minister stated that deep sea mining will proceed only if it is commercially viable. The country is nearing the end of a five-year exploration phase to assess the feasibility of seabed mining amid changing technology and demand.