Forget the past, says Puna
“I don’t want to live in the past and I’m sure the leaders don’t want to live in the past. We’ve moved on from that and we want to move forward,” said outgoing Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum
New Zealand
Sir Collin Tukuitonga resigns from NZ government roles, citing ‘no confidence’
One of New Zealand’s most prominent Pacific health leaders says he has “no confidence” in the Government after stepping down from almost every advisory role. Long-standing champion for health Sir Collin Tukuitonga
Opinion: New data to inform big decisions around Pacific labour mobility
There has been much discussion about how the rapidly expanding labour mobility programmes in Australia and New Zealand have affected lives in the Pacific. Many have pointed to the significant economic benefits to
Opinion: NZ wants more seasonal workers – but Pacific nations no longer want to be the ‘outposts’ that ‘grow’ them
The three party leaders currently negotiating to form New Zealand’s next government might have their differences, but they seem to agree on one thing: the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme needs to expand. New
NZDF, Vanuatu, New Caledonia arrive in Honiara for Pacific Games
A group of New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel, with two Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) NH90 helicopters, has arrived in Honiara to support the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), as the country
Christopher Luxon won’t attend Pacific Islands Forum in order to form government
New Zealand Prime Minister-elect Christopher Luxon will not attend next week’s Pacific Islands Forum because he will be busy forming the next Government. Luxon made the call during a media stand-up in Auckland today,
Fijian fishermen lost at sea for nine days ‘found’
Three Fijian fishermen have been found by the Royal New Zealand Air Force, nine days after they were reported missing aboard their boat. The fishermen, aboard the Lewa, left Lautoka planning to go fishing at Nanuya
De-banking having a ‘severe impact’ on Pacific Islanders
The region’s economic ministers say the expiry of correspondent banking relationships (CBR) is having a severe impact on the lives of Pacific Islanders, including seasonal workers, micro, small, and medium
Can Women’s World Cup have spin-offs across the Pacific?
The Women’s World Cup being co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia is showcasing the two countries to the world. With games played in excellent stadiums with the world’s best players on show, there are clear
Opinion: Pacific labour mobility over the last year: continued growth
Following the reopening of borders across the Pacific region in mid-2022 in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a quick recovery in temporary labour migration flows to Australia and New Zealand. A
Netball World Cup: challengers close gap on Australia and New Zealand
With the sporting world’s attention on another major women’s sports event 7,000 miles away in Australia and New Zealand, the Netball World Cup has – until now – been mostly overlooked. So much so, news that
Indonesia President Joko’s Papua visit sparks fresh hope in hostage saga of NZ pilot
Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo will visit the far-eastern province of Papua this week after flagging his government is working to secure the release of a New Zealand pilot detained for five months. Philip Mark
New Zealand pushes back on Pacific-wide free movement
New Zealand cabinet ministers have considered, but dismissed for now, a Pacific proposal for easier movement of people around the region. Pacific Islanders are subject to tougher entry conditions when they try to visit
Labour mobility under research spotlight
When Samoa’s Prime Minister told returning seasonal workers last year, “I want Samoa to be a place where people want to live,” it highlighted the dilemma facing not just Samoa, but a number of other Pacific
New Zealand Rugby League working on unique World Cup bid that includes Pacific Islands
New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) is in talks with the Government on a bid for the 2025 Rugby League World Cup, which will include co-hosting with Pacific Island nations, but not Australia. It would be a fully inclusive
Tongan princess dies in Auckland, aged 75
Her Royal Highness Princess Mele Siuʻilikutapu Kalaniuvalu Fotofili has passed away in Auckland at age 75. The oldest child of Prince Fatafehi Tuipelehake and his wife Melenaite Tupoumoheofo Veikune, Princess
Tokelau: first COVID community case, lockdown imposed
Tokelau has confirmed its first community case of Covid-19 and a lockdown has been imposed. A spokesperson for the government has confirmed to RNZ Pacific the small nation of three atolls announced the first-ever case
Pacific leaders’ role critical for a more resilient tourism sector
Pacific tourism leaders have a critical role to play for a more resilient future Pacific tourism sector. Tourism in the Pacific is about relationship building, economic development, growth, and connectivity. These
New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme: 38,000 workers by 2028?
In an election year, pressure is on for political parties to make policy announcements that capture the public imagination and ultimately garner votes, Charlotte Bedford writes. Inevitably, some surprising promises are
South Auckland dawn raid criticised by Pacific community leader
Pacific community leader is “appalled” that a Pasifika overstayer was detained in a dawn raid in South Auckland last month. Police showed up at the Tongan national’s home at 5am on 19 April and took him into
Cultural importance behind decision not to restrict kava use in NZ, as Australia tightens rules urgently
A Pacific kava expert has praised the government for not restricting its use, despite the Australian government urgently tightening their rules. Last year, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) agreed to amend
Olympic champion Adams urges Brisbane 2032 to ensure legacy for Oceania
New Zealand’s double Olympic shot put champion Dame Valerie Adams has urged organisers of the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics in Brisbane to ensure the Games benefit the entire Oceania region and not just Australia.
Improving Pacific Islanders health in NZ and the region
The University of Auckland has opened the first-of-its-kind research centre dedicated to Pasifika health, the Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa (Centre for Pacific and Global Health). Centre Co-Director, Dr Roannie Ng Shiu is a