New Zealand

"LiveGood", which promotes a multi-level marketing company that sells supplements, "resembles a pyramid scheme", the Consumer Council of Fiji says.

More than 50 people gathered at Porirua Cemetery last month after the council's plans became public, many of whom are descendants of those buried without headstones.

The New Zealand government needs to do more for its Pacific Island neighbours and stand up to nuclear powers, a distinguished journalist, media educator and author says. Audio

Namulau'ulu Nu'uali'i Eteroa Lafaele is calling for resourcing, representation, and equity to be central to AI policy.

Pacific data experts warn reforms to the way the New Zealand government collects community-level data will "fail Pasifika communities".

Pacific advocates in Aotearoa say a proposed law change for out-of-hours immigration visits - like dawn raids - doesn't go far enough. Audio

"Just feels like we've been cornered and given no choice." Audio

Shane Walker and Aaradhna are leading the finalist nominations at the 21st Pacific Music Awards this year.

Waka Kotahi is making licensing more accessible and inclusive for Pasifika people.

The report said that the Pacific serves as both a cautionary tale and a direct source of risk for New Zealand.

Education advocates say an NZ government decision to remove special funding for Pacific and Māori students in vocational training harks back to the days of a one-size-fits-all model.

Locals want the practice banned due to environmental concerns, but experts hold mixed views on whether the structures are harming the ecosystem.

Despite recent diplomatic strains among Pacific nations, the Pacific Islands Forum secretary general says unity and collaboration are key to addressing the region's shared vulnerabilities.

"There's a lot of different aspects of technology, and there's a lot of creative technology as well. And for us, Maori and Pasifika, our brain leads more to the creative side."

The eight-year-old explosives detector has been sniffing out crime in the region as part of New Zealand Police Pacific Detector Dog Programme.

But a spokesperson for Foreign Minister Winston Peters said Aotearoa "is committed to doing its bit to help the Pacific meet its development needs".

Despite these challenges, new funding for Pasifika Wardens and educational services offer some reprieve amid a fiscal reshaping that prioritises efficiency and targeted investment.

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