Pacific Region • TongaTonga’s new Cabinet puts power back in Noble hands after general electionPrime Minister Lord Fakafanua has announced an 11-member executive dominated by nobles and royal figures as the kingdom charts its course on climate, economic recovery and regional leadership.PMN NewsTue, 06 Jan
PoliticsPapatoetoe election to be re-run after court finds vote irregularitiesA judge has ordered a fresh poll after ruling that irregularities materially affected the result.PMN NewsTue, 16 Dec
Politics • New Caledonia • FrancePro-independence leaders reject further election delay amid ongoing tensionsThe disputed vote in New Caledonia, already postponed twice, has become a flashpoint in the broader fight over Kanak self-determination and France’s colonial legacy.Christine RovoiMon, 20 Oct
PoliticsKeshaan Te Waaka makes history in Tararua local electionsAt just 21 years old, she brings a fresh and determined voice to local government.PMN NewsFri, 17 Oct
Pacific Region • Nauru • ChinaNauru President re-elected amid China controversy and plans for deep sea miningDavid Adeang has been firm on the mutual benefits of the Nauru-China relationship, advocating that deep sea mining can support the Pacific island nation's sustainable development.Christine RovoiWed, 15 Oct
Local Democracy ReportingFormer deputy mayor's re-election highlights Pasifika's rural reachMata’aga Hana Melania Fanene-Taiti shows Pacific leadership thrives beyond the cities as she begins her third term representing Waitaki’s largest ward.Mary AfemataTue, 14 Oct
Local Democracy ReportingIncreased vote count strengthens Pacific representation in Tāmaki MakaurauPreliminary results indicate a strong presence of Pacific leadership across Auckland and highlight how late votes can influence the city’s direction for the next three years.Mary AfemataMon, 13 Oct
Pacific Region • NauruPIF praises Nauru’s 'transparent' elections as voters reject 4-year parliamentary termNauruans have delivered a mixed verdict in this year's general election and national referendum watched closely by Pacific Islands Forum observers.Christine RovoiMon, 13 Oct
Local Democracy ReportingFauono Ken Laban makes election history as Pasifika candidates win across New ZealandFrom Lower Hutt to Dunedin, Pasifika candidates have achieved major milestones in this year’s local elections, including the election of Aotearoa’s first Pacific mayor.Mary AfemataSat, 11 Oct
Local Democracy Reporting‘It doesn’t feel like election day’: South Aucklanders cast final votes amid low turnoutVoting has ended in local elections, with South Aucklanders among the last to cast special votes. Many say the process felt unexciting, despite their desire to have their voices heard.Mary AfemataSat, 11 Oct