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
Rob Ruha champions Te Reo Maori in his songs
“It’s really cool” was Maori musician, Rob Ruha’s reaction to recently topping the Pacific charts with his song Taera. “I’m a little bit overwhelmed being number one on the Pacific charts,” says
NZ announces interest in hosting 2034 Commonwealth Games
The New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC), with support from the country’s Government, has announced its interest in hosting the 2034 Commonwealth Games. New Zealand has previously hosted the Games in 1950 in
‘No entry’: Fiji government warns New Zealand criminal gangs
New Zealanders linked to criminal groups and trying to enter Fiji have been warned they will be turned away at the Fijian border. A Kiwi, with Fijian connections, was refused entry at Nadi Airport last week after border
Gunmen attack Indonesian troops deployed to rescue NZ pilot
Separatist gunmen attacked Indonesian army troops who were deployed to rescue a New Zealand pilot taken hostage by the rebels in Indonesia’s restive Papua province, leaving at least six dead and about 30 missing,
NZ Deputy Prime Minister lead Pacific Mission
New Zealand deputy Prime Minister and Associate Foreign Affairs (Pacific Region) Minister Carmel Sepuloni is leading a Pacific Mission to Solomon Islands, Fiji and Tonga – the first to be undertaken since COVID-19.
Papuan rebels holding NZ pilot prepared to drop key demand
Separatist rebels in Indonesia’s Papua region who are holding a New Zealand pilot hostage are prepared to drop a demand that Jakarta recognise the independence of the area before they could consider freeing him, a
New Zealand may join AUKUS pact’s non-nuclear component
New Zealand’s government has confirmed it is discussing joining the non-nuclear part of the AUKUS alliance founded by Australia, the UK and U.S. “We have been offered the opportunity to talk about whether we could
Super Rugby: Highlanders beat Drua
The injury-hit Highlanders conceded the first try of the match, then scored five of their own in the first half on the way to a 57-24 win over the Fijian Drua in Super Rugby Pacific. Brilliant scrumhalf Frank Lomani
Australia and NZ sending cyclone relief to Vanuatu
Australia and New Zealand are sending humanitarian supplies to Vanuatu after the nation was hit by two cyclones within days of each other. Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta announced the departure of a Royal New
Pacific workers well cared for but worried about work
Seasonal workers from the Pacific are bunking in emergency shelters after Cyclone Gabrielle tore through New Zealand’s North Island as they wait to hear if there’s still work available for them. Alusio
Pacific workers housed at church soon to have accommodation
More than 400 workers from the Pacific evacuated to a Napier church should be able to return to more permanent accommodation in the next few days. Workers from Samoa, Fiji, Tuvalu and Solomon Islands had stayed at The
Fiji joins Cyclone Gabrielle recovery efforts
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said New Zealand has accepted international help from multiple countries to support its cyclone recovery efforts, announcing that Fiji will be lending a hand in the coming days.
New Zealand Deputy PM to join Pacific leaders’ special retreat
New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs Carmel Sepuloni will travel to Fiji for the Pacific Islands Forum Special Leaders’ retreat this week. It will be her first opportunity in
Award-winning play takes NZ Fringe on Pacific waka voyage
Award-winning theatre show My Grandfather is a Canoe is about to take NZ Fringe audiences on a voyage around the Pacific. On stage at the Hannah Playhouse on February 24-26, the show won five awards at the Dunedin and
‘We must act now’: NZ Minister of Climate Change
New Zealand’s climate change minister has made a furious speech excoriating parliament for lost decades of “bickering” over the climate crisis, as Cyclone Gabrielle devastates the country. “As I stand here
NZ visa process ‘heartbreaking’: Samoa Minister of Police
The processing of New Zealand visa applications lodged by Samoans keen on visiting family is in the spotlight again, with a Cabinet Minister describing it as “embarrassing and heartbreaking”. Samoa’s Minister
Fiji to host Pacific Islands Forum Special Leaders Retreat
The Pacific Islands Forum Special Leaders Retreat will be held in Nadi, Fiji on 24 February 2023. The retreat will be preceded by a traditional welcome ceremony and a welcome dinner on 23 February 2023. The meeting
New Zealand pilot taken hostage by Papuan rebels
A New Zealand pilot has been taken hostage while flying in the Papua province of Indonesia. Phillip Mark Mehrtens, was abducted by separatist fighters when they stormed his small commercial plane and set it alight after
NZ intercepts US$315m worth of cocaine floating in Pacific Ocean
New Zealand authorities have found a record-breaking amount of cocaine floating in Pacific waters, which they say was bound for Australia and would have been enough to supply the country for a year. The 3.2-tonne haul
Samoa’s RSE Scheme resumes with 1,200 workers this month
Samoa Cabinet has endorsed new policy guidelines for the Recognised Seasonal Employment (RSE) scheme and 1,200 workers will depart to work in New Zealand and Australia at the end of this month. The New Samoa National