The launch marks an important development in that region By John Chrisma  Solomon Star Online Metropolis Mamara Development Limited has officially launched its ice cream factory today, Wednesday 22nd April at Mamara, North West Guadalcanal under Azure Spring Company Ltd, marking a significant milestone in the area’s ongoing development. The opening ceremony represents one of the company’s key achievements for 2026, as efforts continue to transform Mamara into a growing economic hub and planned Special Economic Zone. The event was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Minister for Commerce, Labour and Immigration, Manasseh Sogavare. It was witnessed and attended by Guadalcanal Premier Willie Atu, members of the Guadalcanal Provincial Executive, government officials, chiefs, and community leaders. The ceremony venue Also present were Mr. Hii Yii Ging, Vice Chairman of the Mamara–Tasi-Mavo Council and Director of the development company, Mr. Riley Mesepitu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, Mr. Maesac Suia, Provincial Secretary of...

The construction of the landside roundabout at Heritage Park in Honiara is progressing in parallel with ongoing land side road rehabilitation works along Mendana Avenue, from the Heritage Park Roundabout to the SIPA Junction at Point Cruz. Current activities include the installation of roadside kerbing and pavement preparation ahead of the final asphalt surfacing. These works are essential to ensure the upgraded road meets required engineering standards and is able to withstand increasing traffic demands. The contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), remains committed to completing the landside carriageway works before progressing to the next section, from the SIPA Junction to the Hotbread Roundabout, Land Side. Works will continue in a staged and sequential manner through Honiara’s main commercial centre, concluding at the MID/HCC Roundabout. The existing main road through Honiara is known to deteriorate significantly during periods of wet weather, and addressing this issue is a key objective...

Ipsos iris February 2026 rankings, released today, confirm News Corp Australia as the nation’s top publisher of news and information.  In February, 17.67 million people –78 per cent of online Australians – visited News Corp Australia’s sites, 1.83 million more than the nearest competitor. Audiences were also highly engaged, averaging 145 browser page views per person.  In video, […] The post News Corp Australia No. 1 in News and Information: Extends Lead in Video appeared first on NewsCorp Australia. RPT

The Honiara Table Tennis Association (HTTA) is set to stage its annual School Table Tennis Festival mid this year. The event will run from June 16 to 19 at the Multipurpose Indoor Court in Honiara. HTTA President and Smash Down Barriers disability table tennis program coordinator, Kevin Olea, confirmed to Star Sport yesterday that preparations are underway for the four-day event, which will bring together 14 schools from Honiara and Guadalcanal. Olea said the festival aims to promote both sporting excellence and inclusivity among students. “The event will bring together 14 schools from Honiara and Guadalcanal as we foster an inclusive environment that is safe and confident for our student participants through education and balancing sport,” he said. He added that the festival will also feature participation from two disability institutions, the Solomon Islands Red Cross and the Bethesda Disability Support Centre — reinforcing HTTA’s commitment to inclusive sport. HTTA has also issued a...

Tubi, Fox Corporation’s free streaming service, today launched two new premium advertising products in the Australian market, with Samsung Electronics Australia the first brand to activate the Thematic Takeover and Title Takeover formats as part of its Galaxy S26 campaign.  Tubi’s Thematic Takeovers secure 100% share of voice across specific genres through strategic pre-roll and display placements. Samsung’s campaign is using this to own all […] The post Tubi Launches First-to-Market Ad Takeovers with Samsung Galaxy S26 appeared first on NewsCorp Australia. RPT

Global tensions and conflict are disrupting oil supplies, drive up fuel prices By: Martin B. Housanau  Ebeye, Marshall Islands  The Pacific region is once again being tested by forces beyond its control. The ongoing global tensions and conflict between the United States and Iran are disrupting oil supplies, driving up fuel prices, and fuelling inflation across the world. Oil supply disruptions—particularly through the Strait of Hormuz—are already pushing up energy costs, transport expenses, and the price of basic goods globally.  For small island economies, this is not just an economic issue—it is a crisis of survival. We, the Pacific people, cannot continue to absorb these shocks while remaining dependent on imports, external aid, and fragmented markets. We urgently call on the Pacific Islands Forum to take decisive leadership in transforming Pacific economies—now. A Call for Immediate Regional Economic Transformation. Across Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Samoa, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, and...

The Growth Distillery today launched its latest research report, Unconventional Truth: Gen Z, identifying four roles brands can play to connect with a generation misrepresented by outdated stereotypes such as being fragile, uncommitted and digitally obsessed. The research reveals only one in three Gen Z feel accurately represented in advertising, and just one in five believe brands effectively connect with people […] The post Unconventional Truth: Four Roles Brands Must Play to Win Gen Z appeared first on NewsCorp Australia. RPT

Dear Editor – For the public, it is very important to remain careful when buying leafy vegetables such as slippery cabbage.  Consumers should not judge the parcel only by its size or appearance.  Instead, buyers are encouraged to check the bottom and middle sections of the bundle where some hidden stems or poor quality leaves may be placed inside.  Its important to always check your parcel of cabbage thoroughly or best to open the parcel to see if there are real cabbage. I wish to raise this as there have been cases of dishonest packaging. This issue is not just about individual buyers it is about fairness and trust in the market system.  Misleading packaging practices reduce consumer confidence and create unfair pricing for the public.  Therefore, strong action is needed from responsible authorities. Market supervisors and other local authorities must regularly monitor vendors selling slippery cabbage at the Honira Central Market. Please responsible authorities must conduct routine checks, enforce...

The Growth Distillery today released Australia’s Next Growth Markets: Understanding the Rise of Regional Cities and Towns, revealing Australia has a third major consumer market of 4.4 million residents that rivals Sydney and Melbourne in scale. The research defines these Cities and Towns as major population centres outside the five capitals, revealing financially stable, fast-growing audiences that remain […] The post Australia’s Next Growth Markets: How to Win 4.4 Million Consumers appeared first on NewsCorp Australia. RPT

Solrice Company Ltd has stepped in to provide 50 bags of rice for the year three nursing students at Solomon Islands National University (SINU) for their upcoming practicum. Each year SINU nursing students normally undertake their practicum at hospitals, clinics and rural health care centres around the country. This year the students decided to seek assistance from Solrice to supplement the cost to buy food. Justin Oloinao, a year three nursing student said they made an appeal of 50 bags to the company some time ago.  “We initially requested Solrice for their support by providing 50 bags of rice towards our provincial practicum.”  On Monday the company responded with the donation of rice, he said. “Just yesterday [Monday] they hand over the 50 bags of 10 kg rice for us.” Oloinao onbehalf of the students expressed their appreciation to Solrice. “We want to express our acknowledgement for the company,” he said. RPT