New Zealand

Finance Minister Nicola Willis will deliver her second Budget on Thursday. She said it will be "about prioritising your taxpayer money carefully". Audio

Feature - "I've always been aspirational for others. We, Pacific people, have been brought up that we are the people of the 'we' and not the 'me'".

They have shared a mix of views, from cautious support to concern, and even strong opposition. Audio

Advocates say hard times for the community are only getting harder as Pasifika families, "who suffer the most" are "struggling to make ends meet".

Vibes Kava, co-founded by a Kiwi-American of Samoan descent, has found itself at the heart of a cultural debate, with critics raising concerns about appropriation.

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers visited his counterparts in the two island nations last week to discuss drug trafficking, customs, intelligence sharing, and corruption.

Labour slams the government over "shameful" figures showing Pacific joblessness climbing sharply.

The Deputy Prime Minsiter said the goal was to listen and learn, and to demonstrate NZ's support for the continuation of dialogue on New Caledonia's institutional future.

A Ministry of Froeign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said, "Any future climate finance commitment beyond 2025 is yet to be determined by the government." Audio

With concerns over Washington's retreat from the region, geopolitics and security experts say Winston Peters is signalling to the United States "to remain invested in the Pacific". Audio

The New Zealand Foreign Minister, who is on his second-leg of a three-country Pacific mission, is advocating for "quiet, not megaphone diplomacy".

Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, who is currently in Tonga, says government wants to make it easier for Pacific people, but he expects all visitors to follow the rules.

Peters is visiting Tonga, Hawai'i and Vanuatu as part of his weeklong trip to the region.

Community leaders are working to establish stronger connections between Pacific communities and the Auckland Museum, facilitating engagement with their cultural heritage.

"If it has existed for 50 years, there is no doubt there is value in it," says Tauanu'u Perenise Sitagata Tapu, who performed in the first Polyfest almost five decades ago.

Up to 1650 Samoan citizens, 250 Tongan, 250 Fijian, 75 Kiribati, and 75 Tuvaluan citizens may be granted residence this year.

Samoan tech expert Namulau'ulu Nu'uali'i Eteroa Lafaele achieved a major milestone when she was named Young New Zealander of the Year last week. Audio