Results are in for the 2023 Tokelau national election
The Government of Tokelau has declared the results of the 2023 national general elections. Voting took place on all three atolls, and also in the Apia office of the administration on January 23. Vote counting was
Ardern farewells supporters on final day as Aotearoa’s PM
Jacinda Ardern has bid an emotional farewell on her last day as prime minister, speaking of the kindness and empathy New Zealanders have shown her, but saying she is ready to be a sister and a mother. Days after
Jacinda Ardern announces resignation as prime minister
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern today has announced her resignation stating she will not be seeking re-election this year and her last day as prime minister is February 7. Ardern said she reflected over the
HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series returns to New Zealand
The world’s best men’s and women’s rugby sevens players will return to action in New Zealand for the first time in 1,091 days following a three-year absence as the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2023 continues in
‘Every election is important’: Tokelau prepares to hit the polls
For the first time in Tokelau’s history, all three atolls will take part in the same electoral process. Voting for the 2023 general election is on January 26. “Every election is important. It is important we
Two Kiribati fishermen successfully rescued at sea
The Royal New Zealand Air Force has successfully located two Kiribati fishermen who had been missing at sea for six days. The two men, according to a brief statement, were found in their dinghy shortly after arriving in
Over half-a-million tickets sold for FIFA Women’s World Cup
As preparations for the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand reach their final stages, FIFA has announced that more than 500,000 tickets have already been sold — but don’t fear, more are on
Napier fishing fleet giant off to Kiribati
The biggest trawler fishing out of Napier for most of the last two decades has been sold to a partnership between the government of Kiribati and Auckland business interests. The sale was confirmed to Hawke’s Bay Today
Samoa and NZ reign in South Africa 7s
After three days of HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series action in Cape Town, Samoa’s men and New Zealand’s women ended the event – and 2022 – in style. Samoa’s men put in a brilliant performance to defeat
Wellington happy to help Cook Islands join UN
The New Zealand government says the country will offer assistance if the Cook Islands bids to join the United Nations. Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has previously said his country could pursue UN membership to
First refugees from offshore camps arrive in New Zealand
The first refugees to come to New Zealand after spending years in offshore Australian detention camps have arrived. The group landed in Auckland on Tuesday afternoon, with the Government confirming the first six
Kiribati: Moaniba becomes acting Chief Justice
The separation of powers crisis in Kiribati escalated on Friday, with the Pacific country’s attorney general, Tetiro Semilota Moaniba, appointed acting chief justice. Semilota was sworn in on Friday afternoon at a
Collective action is necessary for Pacific security: Sovaleni
Tonga Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni welcomed Tuesday, senior defence delegates from the region to discuss Pacific security challenges and build collective Pacific responses. Attending the 7th South
Australia, NZ ministers visiting Pacific neighbours this week
It has been another big week for high level visits from Australia and New Zealand into the region, with PNG, Nauru, Marshall Islands and Cook Islands all receiving ministerial-level visits. Australia’s deputy Prime
Over 200 stranded pilot whales die on Pacific island
New Zealand’s conservation office on Tuesday said all 240 pilot whales stranded on the remote Pitt Island have died, just days after 215 whales died on a beach on nearby Chatham Island. Dave Lundquist, marine
Three more NZ judges to face tribunal in Kiribati
Kiribati will put another three New Zealand judges before a tribunal for misconduct, as New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta warns of “constitutional issues” in the Pacific nation. The Kiribati government has
Captains ready for Rugby World Cup in New Zealand
Captains of all 12 nations competing at Rugby World Cup 2021 gathered at the world-famous Eden Park in Auckland on Sunday as anticipation reaches fever pitch ahead of kick-off on October 8. Eden Park has twice hosted
Ngaire Fuata: from chart topping singer to filmmaker
“When I started doing music here in New Zealand 32 years ago, it was a pretty lonely place for a young Pacific Island woman,” says Pacific creative powerhouse, Ngaire Fuata. But the New Zealander persevered and has
22 WW2 bombs found in Tuvalu lagoon
Twenty two 500lb WWII-era bombs have been located underwater at Nanumea in Tuvalu, by a naval team from Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States. The Tuvalu government had asked the Australian Defence Force
Exercise Cartwheel: Largest Pacific military exercise in decades
A military exercise in Fiji involving the United States, Britain, Australia and New Zealand ends this week as the traditional allies counter China’s growing influence in the region. The 11-day Exercise Cartwheel in
Pacific Corrections Commissions encourage ‘local-led solutions’
A locally-led solution might be the answer to the common challenges Pacific Regional Corrections Commissions face in their communities. This suggestion was put forward by the Acting National Commissioner for the New
Motion of no confidence over Kiribati’s treatment of judges
The Kiribati opposition is planning to bring a motion of no confidence in the Government of President Taneti Maamau. This follows the attempt to remove and deport Justice David Lambourne, the suspension of the Chief
Opinion: The RSE scheme – raising standards to change the narrative
The annual Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) conference, this year held in Wellington under the banner ‘Voices of the Pacific’ (27-29 July), was likely the largest RSE conference to date. Over 400 attendees –