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Pacific migrant worker plans axed, documents reveal
New Zealand has quietly scrapped plans to open new Pacific worker pathways in the meat and seafood processing sectors, documents released under the Official Information Act show.
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Tongans frustrated with Trump's 'collective punishment'
10:15 am todayUnder new immigration restrictions that came into effect on 1 January, the US has suspended issuing visas to Tongans for short-term visits, tourism and business…
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Family found body of Tekanimaeu Arobati, man swept away by Mahurangi River
6:21 am todayTekanimaeu Arobati, 47, was reported missing during the severe storm that lashed eastern areas of the North Island.
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'Our leaders increasingly seem unbothered'
28 Jan 2026As Sitiveni Rabuka's administration enters its final year before the next general election, his coalition is the latest in a line of governments that have…
Pacific News headlines with summaries.
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Cyclone watch: Forecasters monitor tropical disturbance near Vanuatu
Global weather forecasting models predict that a tropical disturbance northeast of Vanuatu could turn into the first cyclone of the season.
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Severe weather delays Tokelau polls
A new date for the 2026 general election is yet to be decided.
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Cost of living adding to problem of illicit meat consumption - charity
28 Jan 2026The ongoing high costs of living are prompting some families to turn to backyard killing of animals.
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Vanuatu citizenship in hot demand despite hurdles
The citizenship-by-investment programme is the biggest single revenue earner for Vanuatu's government. Audio
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Pacific women scholars call for 'radical' shift in global health
28 Jan 2026The researchers say colonial power structures continue to shape global health systems, undermining Pacific leadership.
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Pacific delegates warn against US fast-tracking seabed mining
27 Jan 2026The concerns were raised at a House Natural Resources Committee hearing in Washington.
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Moana Pasifika recruits talk culture and purpose ahead of 2026 season
A strong sense of purpose is pumping through the Moana Pasifika squad as they prepare for the upcoming Super Rugby campaign. Audio
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Pacific news in brief
27 Jan 2026A round-up of news from around the region, including Samoa's opposition leader charged with defamation.
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Fiji MP says family cooperated after son-in-law charged in major cocaine bust
A senior government MP, whose son-in-law is facing charges along with several others for importing more than 2.6 tonnes of cocaine, says it's been "a deeply unsettling experience".
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PNG Lewas bow out of T20 World Cup qualification
The Women's T20 World Cup will be held in England and Wales in June and early July.
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China gifts 'a beautiful limousine' to Fiji's president
The country's head of state says the Hongqi H9, a China-made vehicle brand, "would benefit the nation and especially the high office". Video
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Ministry for Pacific Peoples plan looks at next three years
27 Jan 2026The ministry has lost nearly NZ$36 million in government funding, but its chief executive says the budget cut does not affect delivery of support.
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Financial stress and jealousy driving domestic violence
26 Jan 2026"Some women are told their partner has another relationship. When they ask questions, they get a hiding," a Cook Islands Police senior sergeant says.
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Samoan writer found dead in prison, local media report
Papali'i Sia Figiel, 58, who was being held at the island's main correctional facility awaiting her next court hearing in relation to a murder charge, was found dead in a jail cell on Monday.
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Health ministry urges calm following confirmed typhoid cases
Typhoid is transmitted by ingesting water and food contaminated by faeces or urine of patients or animal carriers.
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Palau plans for referendum on deportees
The Palau National Congress (Olbiil Era Kelulau) sat for a rare three-day session to advance and pass a bill to introduce sweeping amendments to immigration laws.
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CNMI leaders reject US senators' calls to end visa waivers
26 Jan 2026Republican senators have called for an end to visa waiver programmes for visitors from China and Hong Kong, citing concerns about birth tourism, human smuggling and long-term security risks.
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Solomon Airlines to fly to Port Moresby, Vila in 2026
26 Jan 2026Solomon Airlines CEO Paul Abbot said they are closely monitoring demand across the region.
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Mahurangi River search: Body of swept away driver found
26 Jan 2026Formal identification has not been completed but police are confident it was a 47-year-old man from Kiribati who had been reported missing.
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New Manus tree species highlights need for conservation
28 Jan 2026The plant, now known as Eugenia venteri, was identified from specimens collected from the province's lowland forests.
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Fiji public prosecutions office throws out COI cases
Twelve police investigations arising from the probe have been dismissed due to insufficient evidence.
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Melbourne and Kings remain unbeaten in OFC Pro League
The first round of the OFC Pro League ended at the North Harbour Stadium in Albany on Saturday with a victory to South Melbourne and a draw for Solomon Kings,
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OFC football: Kiwis dominate Vanuatu and Fiji clubs
24 Jan 2026The two New Zealand sides in the OFC Pro League claimed wins on Friday, as the rain eased off and matches continued at the North Harbour Stadium.
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'Thank God': Parents of conjoined twins grateful they defied medical advice
23 Jan 2026Kevin and Fetima said paediatricians told them there was no hope for Tom and Sawong.
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