Parental leave in the Pacific: New coverage frames maternity and paternity leave as more than family support—linked to better maternal recovery, postpartum mental health, breastfeeding, lower violence risk, and stronger infant outcomes—while also noting the policy gap between Pacific gender commitments and real-world rollout. Plastic crisis push: Kiribati highlights how small island states are stuck downstream in the plastic lifecycle, with plastic waste washing up daily and limited capacity to treat or export recyclables, urging stronger upstream global action. Climate adaptation gap: A new focus on care services argues they’re missing from National Adaptation Plans and NDCs, even though climate extremes like El Niño can disrupt health and essential support most for young children, older people, and people with disabilities. Citizenship rules in New Zealand: A citizenship test is set for late 2027 for most applicants, covering civic responsibilities, democratic principles, rights, and government basics. Niue and regional politics: The week also includes ongoing election and leadership coverage across the Pacific, including Niue’s election results and moves toward greater female leadership.