Pacific health diplomacy and access: Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau is drawing strong delegations, but several key leaders are missing—New Zealand’s Deputy PM Winston Peters called the absences disappointing, with health cited among the reasons—raising questions about continuity of regional priorities that affect health services and support. Cost of living and child wellbeing: Aotearoa’s election coverage spotlights tax and household costs, with child poverty and pressure on general practice among the themes, underscoring how everyday affordability and healthcare strain can land hardest on families. Niue remembrance and community wellbeing: Niue has received 39 First World War memorial headstones, delivered by Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130J and set for installation across villages—an important moment for community connection and historical recognition, after disease and hardship shaped the wartime experience of Niuean volunteers. Spinal pain burden research: A new regional analysis highlights the ongoing burden of spinal pain across Asia-Pacific countries and territories, reinforcing the need for prevention and rehabilitation support for long-term disability risk.