Nick Sas
Nick Sas is the executive producer of the Pacific Local Journalism Network, leading a team of ABC journalists based in the Pacific Islands. He previously worked as the digital lead of the the ABC's Specialist Reporting Team and started his ABC career in the Sydney newsroom. Nick also works with the ABC's International Development program and the The Pacific Media Assistance Scheme, training journalists in the region.
Before joining the ABC, Nick worked as a business-technology reporter with The West Australian and spent 2017 volunteering with the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation through the Australian Volunteers International program.
Latest by Nick Sas
In Tonga, what the king says goes — but this week, its government said 'no'
By Tonga reporter Marian Kupu in Nuku'alofa and the Pacific Local Journalism Network's Nick Sas
In Tonga the royal family is almost universally revered, yet this week's drama has left many Tongans questioning their king's logic — and left many questions unanswered.
Updated
Fiji's former PM Frank Bainimarama to spend night behind bars after abuse of office charge
By Fiji reporter Lice Movono in Suva and the Pacific Local Journalism Network's Nick Sas
Fiji's former prime minister Frank Bainimarama will spend the night in police custody after being charged with abuse of office.
Updated
Fiji hit by sex scandal as Australia's eSafety Commissioner orders removal of 'intimate images'
By Fiji reporter Lice Movono and the Pacific Local Journalism Network's Nick Sas
When Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka took office more than a year ago, dealing with a sex scandal would have been at the very bottom of a list of threats to his government. But for the past week in Fiji, it's all people are talking about
Updated
Tonga's 'Aquaman' was swept away from his island home. Now he can't go back
By Tonga reporter Marian Kupu and the Pacific Local Journalism Network's Nick Sas
Lisala Folau, known as Tonga's "Aquaman", survived 27 hours in open ocean after being swept from his island home. Two years on from that day, his island is abandoned.
Updated
'Shoot the dogs': Shania celebrated a new Fiji, but one year on a decision left her 'shocked'
By Fiji reporter Lice Movono and the Pacific Local Journalism Network's Nick Sas
When Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka took power last year, many celebrated, hoping it signified a new dawn for the country. So, has Fiji changed for the better?
Updated
It's the Pacific's 'mini Olympics' — some say it's more like 'a war zone'
By the Pacific Local Journalism Network's Nick Sas, Solomon Islands reporter Chrisnrita Aumanu-Leong and Evan Wasuka
Seven years in the making — and hundreds of millions of dollars later — this week Solomon Islands officially plays host to the 2023 Pacific Games, the region's "mini Olympics". But there's many other games going on.
Updated
'We're still coming': Tourists continue to head to Fiji as 'destructive' Tropical Cyclone Mal tracks towards Nadi
By Fiji reporter Lice Movono, Melissa Maykin and the Pacific Local Journalism Network's Nick Sas
The developing system is the second cyclone of the South Pacific season which only began a fortnight ago.
Updated
Tuvalu residents able to resettle in Australia as climate change 'threatens its existence'
By foreign affairs reporter Stephen Dziedzic in Rarotonga and the Pacific Local Journalism Network's Nick Sas
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a new pact with the low-lying island country of Tuvalu, allowing residents facing displacement from climate change the ability to resettle in Australia.
Updated
'I believe it': The 'lost tribes' of Israel theory runs deep in the Pacific, as modern conflict sparks division
By the Pacific Local Journalism Network's Nick Sas, Fiji reporter Lice Movono and Marian Faa
Six Pacific Island countries have voted with Israel to oppose the UN resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza. For many nations in the region, the connection to Israel runs deep.
Updated
'I take my guns to church': The Tongans taking the US approach to self-defence
By Tonga reporter Marian Kupu and the Pacific Local Journalism Network's Nick Sas
Guns are not a common sight in Tonga — but that is changing. An increase in crime and drug use in the small island nation is causing many to arm themselves, both legally and illegally.
Updated
Vanuatu elects third prime minister in a month, with new leader Charlot Salwai set to 'discuss' security pact with Australia
By Pacific Local Journalism Network's Nick Sas and Vanuatu reporter Leah Lowonbu
Vanuatu has its third prime minister in a month, electing former leader Charlot Salwai to the top job after its parliament voted to boot out current leader Sato Kilman through a no-confidence motion.
Updated
On a remote beach in Solomon Islands, family members sort out differences with spears. Another threat is proving more dangerous
By Chrisnrita Aumanu-Leong in Santa Catalina, Solomon Islands and the Pacific Local Journalism Network's Nick Sas
The island of Aorigi is a remote dot on the map south-east of the Solomon Islands' capital. And here on this day of celebration, spears fly.
Updated
Solomon Islands PM blasts the United States after missing Pacific Leaders' Summit at White House
By Pacific Local Journalism Network's Nick Sas, PNG correspondent Tim Swanston and Solomon Islands reporter Chrisnrita Aumanu-Leong
Mr Sogavare said the US "lecture you and lecture you" about "how good they are" and suggested the Pacific Leaders' Summit — held in Washington this week — needs a rethink.
Updated
Solomon Islands PM snubs meeting with Biden, praises China's 'global security initiative'
By the Pacific Local Journalism Network's Nick Sas and Solomon Islands reporter Chrisnrita Aumanu-Leong
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has declined a White House invitation to meet with US President Joe Biden at next week's Pacific leaders' summit.
The Aussie dollar is a painful dollar — Nai and her children feel it everyday
By Fiji reporter Lice Movono,Tonga reporter Marian Kupu and the Pacific Local Journalism Network's Nick Sas
A near-record number of Pacific Islanders are in Australia working on farms and abattoirs. The workforce has kept Australia's agricultural economy afloat and transformed the lives of thousands — but it comes at a cost.
Updated
China's built a new stadium for the Pacific's 'mini Olympics'. But not everyone wants it
By Solomon Islands reporter Chrisnrita Aumanu-Leong and ABC Pacific's Nick Sas
The Pacific Games are coming to Solomon Islands. But with hospitals, roads, and other basic infrastructure in a state of disrepair, many are asking a simple question: Is it a good investment?
Updated
Puffer jackets in the Pacific Islands — what is going on with the weather?
By ABC Pacific's Nick Sas, Samoa reporter Adel Fruean, Tonga reporter Marian Kupu and Toby Mann
Europe and parts of north and south America are in the middle of a vicious heatwave, and the world recorded its hottest July on record — but in the Pacific, puffer jackets are becoming the norm as Tonga shivered through its second-coldest temperature on record.
Macron warns of 'new imperialism' in Pacific, as Blinken says 'door is open' for NZ to join AUKUS
By ABC Pacific's Nick Sas, Emily Clark and PNG correspondent Tim Swanston
The United States says "the door is open" for New Zealand to join AUKUS, as three of the world's most influential leaders continue their tour of the Pacific region.
Updated
Macron warns of 'Chinese naval bases' in New Caledonia, as Blinken calls out 'problematic' Beijing during Tonga trip
By ABC Pacific's Nick Sas and foreign affairs reporter Stephen Dziedzic
Two of the world's most powerful leaders have used speeches in the Pacific to reaffirm their countries' commitment to the region, as geopolitical competition intensifies.
Updated
It was a time when armed militants roamed the streets. Then Australian troops came and took the guns away
By ABC Pacific's Nick Sas, Solomon Islands reporter Chrisnrita Aumanu-Leong and Mackenzie Smith
Gina Kekea was a young reporter at Solomon Islands national broadcaster when militants stormed the studio. Now, 20 years on, she hopes lessons have been learnt as her country faces an uncertain future.
Updated
'Lacks respect': Solomon Islands accuses Australia of pulling financial support, reveals China has 'stepped up'
By foreign affairs reporter Stephen Dziedzic and ABC Pacific's Nick Sas
The prime minister of Solomon Islands says China has agreed to provide funding to prop up the country's troubled budget, and also accused Australia and development partners of suddenly withdrawing financial support worth millions of dollars.
Updated
'Deep concerns' over Solomon Islands security sector after China signs policing pact
By ABC Pacific's Nick Sas
The Australian government calls on Solomon Islands and China to reveal the details of a new policing cooperation plan between the two countries, saying it is concerned the deal will invite "regional contest" in the Pacific.
Updated
Sogavare snubs China in independence day address, rebuffs US LGBTQI+ 'threat'
By ABC Pacific's Nick Sas and Solomon Islands reporter Chrisnrita Aumanu-Leong in Honiara
Solomon Islands' PM thanks Australia, leaves out China in annual speech while questioning 'LGBTQIA+ threat'.
Updated
Fiji beaches and reefs are adored worldwide. But this scientist says we need 'assisted evolution' to keep them alive
By Fiji reporter Lice Movono and ABC Pacific's Nick Sas in Tagaqe, Fiji
A new light-projecting tool to identify heat-resistant coral in Fiji is transforming the way researchers rejuvenate the reef for future generations.
Updated
'We are humans, we are alive': Tuvalu plans to survive in the metaverse — but not everyone's convinced
By ABC Pacific's Hugo Hodge
Tuvalu says the impacts of climate change have forced it to create a digital copy of itself in the metaverse. But in the real world, not everyone's convinced.
Updated