News
Airlines push back on Samoa's airport fee hike
Airlines have hit out against an airport fare increase in Samoa that will add more than NZ$100 to outgoing ticket prices.
'Blowback': Residents disgusted as sewage 'explodes' from toilets
Wellington Water apologised for the shock, stress and inconvenience caused after sewage entered people's bathrooms.
Are Pacific nations becoming too dependent on seasonal worker schemes?
Concerns are rising that Pacific Island nations may be too dependent on remittances, as temporary worker schemes in wealthier countries become more popular.
New Zealand forces rescue Tongans stranded at sea
The men were found floating in a small wooden boat after departing Tongatapu ten days ago.
Official documents reveal friction between NZ and Cook Islands over dodgy ships
Cook Islands continued to register sanctioned vessels tied to Russia's "shadow fleet" months after New Zealand began raising concerns, documents released under the Official Information Act shows.
PNG one step away from being blacklisted, money laundering watchdog warns
The Financial Action Task Force has placed PNG on its "grey list" due to "strategic deficiencies" in government oversight, but the Prime Minister Marape says the country will "work its way out". Audio
RSE worker pleads not guilty to Pukehina orchard murder
The 50-year-old man, who has interim name suppression, is accused of murdering a female Ni-Vanuatu tourist with whom he was in a family relationship.
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.
Severe weather delays Tokelau polls
A new date for the 2026 general election is yet to be decided.
Tokelau airport scrapped, NZ cites high cost
MFAT says the Government of Tokelau have been advised of Wellington's decision.
Pacific-US travel shakeup: What you need to know
US travel restrictions include heavy visa bonds, suspended applications and straight-up travel bans.
Pacific false flags common among Russia's shadow fleet - analyst
At least 10 sanctioned vessels tracking in the East China and South China seas are falsely flying under the flag of Tonga.
China plugs US funding gap in major Pacific environment organisation
The funding announcement comes a little over week since President Trump withdrew from SPREP.
'Lamest excuse ever given' in Solomons larceny case
A former teacher in Solomon Islands who had a large sum mistakenly deposited into their account, has been jailed for spending some of the money.
Cook Islands says sanctioned oil tanker falsely using its flag
The Bertha is among at least 16 vessels reportedly attempting to evade US blockades in Venezuela.
Starlink withdraws from Papua New Guinea
Starlink has withdrawn their satellite services from Papua New Guinea.
US ambassadors to Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Marshall Islands recalled
Three US ambassadors to the Pacific have been recalled by the State Department
'As undemocratic as it gets': Push back against proposed referendum bill
However, the Fijian government says the National Referendum Bill 2025 is "intended solely to ensure the orderly, transparent, and impartial conduct of referendums". Audio
Rabuka: Fijian govt won't interfere in Grace Road investigations
His comments follow reports that Fiji risks losing all non-humanitarian US aid unless it takes "decisive action" against the South Korean sect over human trafficking allegations. Audio
US imposes new entry restrictions on Tongan citizens
Tonga is one of more than 20 countries, predominantly in Africa and the Middle East, included in a new US executive order targeting visa overstayers.
Pacific trade pact extended for five more years
The PACER Plus agreement commits its 10 members to reducing tariffs and trade restrictions over the next two decades, with fresh funding from Australia and New Zealand. Audio
Nauru's OECD 'graduation' postponed to 2027
Nauru has celebrated a decision by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development that may have saved it from losing tens of millions in aid.
RMI introduces world first crypto-based universal income scheme
The Marshall Islands government announced its universal basic income system on Wednesday, with blockchain as its main mode of delivery. Audio
Pasifika smoking rates halved, but still twice the national average
A health leader has labelled the latest Pasifika smoking rates "totally unacceptable", despite the New Zealand government celebrating them.
'Just want answers': Samoa editor responds as PM bans newspaper over coverage
The Samoa Observer editor says "we're not fighting the government" and "we're trying to do a job" to hold government to account. Audio
