New Zealand
'Environmental vandalism': The debate over stacking stones on Lake Tekapo's foreshore
Locals want the practice banned due to environmental concerns, but experts hold mixed views on whether the structures are harming the ecosystem.
'Preferred partner': Baron Waqa calls for stronger US commitment
Despite recent diplomatic strains among Pacific nations, the Pacific Islands Forum secretary general says unity and collaboration are key to addressing the region's shared vulnerabilities.
'South Auckland to the Tech World' the future isn't just in Silicon Valley
"There's a lot of different aspects of technology, and there's a lot of creative technology as well. And for us, Maori and Pasifika, our brain leads more to the creative side."
Detector dog Iti retires as NZ reviews its dog programme for Pacific Island nations
The eight-year-old explosives detector has been sniffing out crime in the region as part of New Zealand Police Pacific Detector Dog Programme.
NZ branded 'a fair-weather friend' after climate and aid funding cuts
But a spokesperson for Foreign Minister Winston Peters said Aotearoa "is committed to doing its bit to help the Pacific meet its development needs".
Budget 2025: MPP faces major cuts, yet new initiatives aim for support, development
Despite these challenges, new funding for Pasifika Wardens and educational services offer some reprieve amid a fiscal reshaping that prioritises efficiency and targeted investment.
Budget 2025: Pasifika community braces for impact
Finance Minister Nicola Willis will deliver her second Budget on Thursday. She said it will be "about prioritising your taxpayer money carefully". Audio
Dame Winnie Laban: Aotearoa's first Pacific woman MP and a life of service
Feature - "I've always been aspirational for others. We, Pacific people, have been brought up that we are the people of the 'we' and not the 'me'".
Pasifika leaders, influencers weigh in on proposed social media ban for under 16s
They have shared a mix of views, from cautious support to concern, and even strong opposition. Audio
'Easier to live in the islands' - Pasifika families hit hard by joblessness
Advocates say hard times for the community are only getting harder as Pasifika families, "who suffer the most" are "struggling to make ends meet".
Cultural backlash hits Auckland-based kava startup
Vibes Kava, co-founded by a Kiwi-American of Samoan descent, has found itself at the heart of a cultural debate, with critics raising concerns about appropriation.
NZ Police chief pledges ongoing support for Fiji and Samoa
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers visited his counterparts in the two island nations last week to discuss drug trafficking, customs, intelligence sharing, and corruption.
Pacific unemployment surges to nearly double national rate - report
Labour slams the government over "shameful" figures showing Pacific joblessness climbing sharply.
Winston Peters concludes 'constructive visit' to New Caledonia
The Deputy Prime Minsiter said the goal was to listen and learn, and to demonstrate NZ's support for the continuation of dialogue on New Caledonia's institutional future.
Academic questions New Zealand's coming approach on climate aid
A Ministry of Froeign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said, "Any future climate finance commitment beyond 2025 is yet to be determined by the government." Audio
Why NZ needs the United States to stay committed to the Pacific
With concerns over Washington's retreat from the region, geopolitics and security experts say Winston Peters is signalling to the United States "to remain invested in the Pacific". Audio
US policy toward Pacific creating 'anxiety' - Winston Peters
The New Zealand Foreign Minister, who is on his second-leg of a three-country Pacific mission, is advocating for "quiet, not megaphone diplomacy".
New Zealand eases visa restrictions for Pacific Island nations
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, who is currently in Tonga, says government wants to make it easier for Pacific people, but he expects all visitors to follow the rules.
Winston Peters touches down in Tonga
Peters is visiting Tonga, Hawai'i and Vanuatu as part of his weeklong trip to the region.
Pacific elders and youth forge stronger bonds with Auckland Museum
Community leaders are working to establish stronger connections between Pacific communities and the Auckland Museum, facilitating engagement with their cultural heritage.