Solomon Islands & the Pacific

Selected research, commentary, journalism and project work related to my PhD examination of Solomon Islands after the China switch, and broader analysis on the Pacific.

Discussing Solomon Islands’ unrest in early December, 2021 on NZ TV3’s Newshub program.

Journalism & Analysis

The small Pacific islands at the center of a big power play. July 30, 2020.
Want more international students? Look to the Pacific. May 21, 2020.

Solomon Islands province announces independence vote amid China tensions. September 2, 2020.
When China came calling: Inside the Solomon Islands’ switch. December 3, 2019.
China and Taiwan offered us huge bribes, say Solomon Islands MPs. December 3, 2019.
‘Mi hapi visiting’: Prince Charles delights with pidgin speech in Solomon Islands. November 26, 2019
Behind the scenes in Solomons, local leader has leveraged China issue to his advantage. November 27, 2021.
We denigrate AstraZeneca at our Pacific family’s peril. July 3, 2021.
100 Solomon students left high and dry by China deal: they need our help urgently. December 19, 2019
Australian troops deploy to Solomon Islands as riots continue. November 25, 2021.
How a medical evacuation exposed Solomon Islands’ China challenge. June 9, 2021.
The chief fighting for an indigenous Vanuatu nation. August 26, 2017.
Solar sell should be simple in Pacific. August 15, 2019
After criticisms, Solomon Islands proposes Facebook ban. November 20, 2020.
Timor Leste's Forgotten Female Rebels. May 16, 2018.
The Mountains: Timor Leste's Blessing and Curse. March 29, 2018.
Pacific step-up needs Covid-era reboot. October 8, 2021.
Refugees are educating themselves abroad. Australia should help. April 5, 2019.
Canberra’s Pacific pivot is bereft of vision. March 12, 2019.

In the Media

In Solomon Islands, a calm after the riots but suspicions of China linger.
- Expert commentary for South China Morning Post.

Pacific Clean Energy Reform

Coveraage of the Savo Solar Initiative in The *Advertiser.*

The Savo Solar Initiative is a small-scale, off-grid energy initiative based on the Central Province island of Savo, Solomon Islands.

Funded by the Honnold Foundation and implemented by BlueVolt Solar, the project will see a diesel-dependent community run business shift to a solar + storage system, which will positively disrupt the local economy.

The project aspires to be a replicable template for further energy reform in Solomon Islands and elsewhere in the Pacific.