PoliticsPacific workers could be hardest hit as NZ parties debate raising the superannuation ageOpposition parties and experts say they are concerned about the impact the change will have on Pasifika health, life expectancy, and fairness.'Alakihihifo VailalaWed, 13 May
Sports • Vanuatu • Solomon IslandsAuckland hit back in five-goal derby thriller as Melbourne remain perfect in leaders roundThe hosts produced a stunning second-half comeback to beat their Kiwi rivals while the Australians stayed unbeaten and Vanuatu United edged Solomon Kings.PMN NewsWed, 13 May
EntertainmentLaughing at Power: How a new generation of Kiwi comics is turning politics into punchlinesFrom social media clips to sold-out shows, a new wave of NZ comedians is using humour to talk about politics, identity, and everyday life. But they say it comes with pressure, risk, and a need to be heard.James NokiseWed, 13 May
Pacific Region • NauruNauru MPs approve name change to Naoero ahead of referendumParliament has backed a plan to rename the country with a national referendum now required to finalise the change.PMN NewsWed, 13 May
Law & Order • Solomon Islands • TongaCartels, submarines and deportees: How the Pacific became a drug 'pit stop' for traffickersFrom narco-sub sightings to deportee-linked gangs, the region is emerging as a new frontline in global drug trafficking.PMN NewsWed, 13 May
Community • Tonga • Aotearoa New Zealand‘Come Home Safely’: Tongan-led campaign tackling preventable drownings in AucklandA Tongan church leader, alongside New Zealand and community partners, is calling for a shift in water safety messaging after data shows every boating death in Auckland since 2021.Aui'a Vaimaila Leatinu'uTue, 12 May
Immigration • FijiPacific labour system under pressure as deaths, migration and worker shortages growAs families mourn workers lost overseas, the region faces a growing crisis at home - thousands leave for jobs in NZ and Australia and Fiji is forced to import labour just to keep key industries running.Christine RovoiTue, 12 May
Local Democracy ReportingFranklin Wairoa voters receive papers for local board by-electionThe Franklin Local Board Wairoa subdivision by-election has opened, with ballot papers arriving this week ahead of polls closing on June 10.Taelegalolo'u Mary AfemataTue, 12 May
PoliticsPacific Fuel Fears: Willis warns of crisis pressure on island economiesPacific leaders are concerned about whether they could afford fuel if global prices spike during a major supply disruption, the Finance Minister says.'Alakihihifo VailalaTue, 12 May
CommunitySisterhood in Service: Pacific leaders take ‘Jammie Army’ across NZ to fight winter cold Dame Valerie Adams is expanding her Jammies for June campaign to Wellington for the first time as experts warn cold and crowded homes continue to drive preventable illness among Pacific children. Khalia StrongTue, 12 May
