Politics • Sāmoa$468,000 withdrawal puts Sāmoa district funds under scrutinyA former MP co-signed the withdrawal after a new MP took office, raising questions over Sāmoa’s district funds.Renate RiversMon, 10 Aug
Local Democracy ReportingNew Auckland Council budget chair outlines priorities for committeeVictoria Short says her priority is giving Aucklanders confidence the council's next 10-year plan invests in the right places.Taelegalolo'u Mary AfemataWed, 05 Aug
Politics$20m Pacific Islands Forum budget faces $30m cost estimateNZ says it has tightened costs for its Forum hosting role after documents reveal the event was initially expected to cost more than budgeted.Kaya Selby, RNZ Pacific journalistWed, 15 Jul
Politics • Sāmoa • Aotearoa New ZealandSafata still waiting: Compensation bill gets bigger as communities told to 'be patient'Almost 20 months after the HMNZS Manawanui sank off Safata, more than 10,000 people have been identified for compensation, and the estimated payout now exceeds the ST$10 million settlement.Renate RiversTue, 16 Jun
Politics • NiueNiue budget under scrutiny as deficit grows and community spending left outMP Robert BJ Rex is questioning why community development and social welfare are missing from the government's budget priorities as spending rises by $15.2 million and the deficit hits $17.6 million.Renate RiversFri, 12 Jun
Business • SāmoaSāmoa overdraft plan raises questions under new district funding lawGovernment-backed overdraft requests for district councils have raised questions about repayment rules and commercial debt under new legislation.Renate RiversThu, 11 Jun
Politics • SāmoaSāmoa returns to borrowing as debt falls and lenders open doorsSāmoa is borrowing again after years of debt reduction, with the government saying its stronger fiscal position has unlocked concessional loans.Renate RiversTue, 09 Jun
PoliticsBudget pressure felt by Pacific, Māori families as health groups warn of ‘missed opportunity’Health and community leaders warn the Government is investing too late while communities continue to struggle with housing, healthcare, and food insecurity.Christine RovoiFri, 29 May
Politics'Budget for the greedy, not the needy': Pacific leaders clash over who wins in Budget 2026A heated panel on Pacific Mornings and fresh statements have exposed deep divisions over jobs, hardship, defence spending and the future of Pacific communities in Aotearoa.Christine RovoiFri, 29 May
PoliticsPeters says Budget ‘as good as it gets’ after National and ACT misread economyWinston Peters also takes aim at his Coalition Government partners for dismissing New Zealand First’s warnings over tax cuts and spending promises.PMN NewsFri, 29 May
