Pacific Region • SāmoaSāmoan children sent home after Aotearoa adoptions as officials uncover vetting failuresThe Sāmoa government says some prospective adoptive parents allegedly used fake online photos during the adoption process.Christine RovoiFri, 17 Jul
Language & CultureMatariki week shines spotlight on Tongan-Māori sisters’ award-winning waiataSiu Williams-Lemi and Leah Williams-Partington are being recognised for 'Feed The Stars', helping tamariki understand the Māori New Year and its traditions.Atutahi Potaka-DewesMon, 06 Jul
Education$3 school lunch model shifting costs onto schools, principals sayOne school is losing money cooking its own meals while another says providers cannot deliver the quality children deserve on the current budget.Renate RiversFri, 03 Jul
PoliticsHalf of school lunches fail nutrition standards despite rising costs, Auditor-General findsA new inquiry has found the Government's school lunch programme is missing half its nutrition targets while costing more than planned, with advocates warning Pasifika among those most affected.Renate RiversWed, 01 Jul
Health • FijiFiji govt to roll out eco mortuaries after distressing claims of bodies stored in eskyOfficials plan to install 10 solar-powered mortuaries across the country after reports raised concerns about the handling of human remains in remote communities.PMN NewsWed, 10 Jun
CommunityOnline child abuse reports linked to NZ rise 29 per cent as UN warns bans are not enoughOver 20,000 reports of online child exploitation and abuse were received last year as governments and tech companies told social media platforms must be made safer by design, not just restricted by age.Christine RovoiWed, 03 Jun
Local Democracy Reporting'Enough is Enough': New Zealand sports boss warns sideline abuse is driving children awayMatthew Cooper says poor behaviour from parents and supporters at junior games is putting young players off sports altogether and calls for stronger action to protect children.LDRSun, 31 May
PoliticsBudget backlash grows over rents, poverty and Pacific family hardshipAdvocates warn Budget 2026 will deepen pressure on low-income families, with Pasifika communities expected to feel some of the biggest impacts.Christine RovoiThu, 28 May
EducationBudget maths boost welcomed but principal warns against relying on measure of successThe Government says maths results are improving after new Budget funding but principal Karl Vasau says schools are still under pressure and warns no single test shows the full picture of student learning.Renate RiversTue, 19 May
PoliticsCould NZ-owned banking help Pacific families build future, generational wealth? Winston Peters says bringing BNZ back under New Zealand ownership and expanding KiwiSaver could help families build long-term wealth. Khalia StrongTue, 19 May
