Community • Niue • Sāmoa • Cook IslandsPacific leaders humbled by recognition in New Year 2026 HonoursEight Pacific community leaders across New Zealand have been recognised for their service to education, disability advocacy, sport, faith, culture, language revitalisation, and social justice.PMN NewsThu, 22 Jan
Politics • Kiribati • PalauNZ moves to reset Pacific ties as Peters wraps up regional tourThe Foreign Minister has completed a full sweep of Pacific Islands Forum nations, with the Kiribati stop a signal to renew trust, partnership, and regional unity.'Alakihihifo VailalaThu, 22 Jan
Environment • KiribatiNZ Police suspends search for Kiribati man swept away into riverThe wife of a man who was swept away in his car at Mahurangi River, north of Auckland, says she is holding out hope that her husband is still alive.Lucy Xia, RNZ JournalistThu, 22 Jan
PoliticsPacific nations warned to guard sovereignty as Greenland tensions riseA law expert says renewed US interest in Greenland highlights the risks small nations face from global powers.Khalia StrongThu, 22 Jan
Pacific Region • FijiFiji govt steps in over pageant row, insists national winner must represent countryThe government has warned organisers to respect a Cabinet decision tied to public funding as backlash over who should represent Fiji at the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant continues.Christine RovoiThu, 22 Jan
EnvironmentPacific seabed centre of new great-power race: Balancing minerals, fisheries, sovereigntyThe region faces a high-stakes challenge on how to protect tuna fisheries, culture, and ecosystems while controlling seabed resources. Viliame Kasanawaqa, The ConversationThu, 22 Jan
Environment • Aotearoa New ZealandMan missing after car swept away in flooded river north of AucklandPolice have paused their search for a man missing after his vehicle was washed into the Mahurangi River north of Auckland on Wednesday.PMN NewsThu, 22 Jan
Pacific Region • French Polynesia Tahiti • FijiFiji and Tahiti seize tonnes of cocaine in coordinated Pacific drug busts - officialsAuthorities in both countries have intercepted massive shipments of cocaine in separate operations, highlighting the region’s growing role as a key transit route for international drug syndicates.Christine RovoiWed, 21 Jan
PoliticsSepuloni says NZ could see first one-term government as Luxon confirms election dateAs the Prime Minister announced 7 November 2026 as voting day, Labour’s deputy leader says rising public frustration could lead to historic political outcome.'Alakihihifo VailalaWed, 21 Jan
ArtsThe Gentle Boys bring Pacific comedy to Circa Theatre’s 50th JubileeFive Toi Whakaari graduates are proving there’s room for sharp, brown humour on big New Zealand stages.Atutahi Potaka-DewesWed, 21 Jan
