Survey shows better mental health services needed in the Pacific

Sir Collin said the research has found the prevalence of mental health distress in Samoa and Tonga. Photo: RNZ Research by Auckland University has highlighted an urgent need to improve mental health services in the Pacific. University of Auckland...

Survey finds mental health challenges in Tonga, calls for urgent action

A groundbreaking mental health survey in Tonga, funded by the New Zealand government, has revealed significant levels of psychological distress, highlighting an urgent need for improved mental health services in the country and across the Pacific....

A young Niuean’s journey of identity, resilience and innovation

As a young Niuean-European growing up in Christchurch, Tanaki Fasi’s childhood was a mix of cultural pride and the struggle to belong in a city with a small Pacific community. “When I started High School, there were only nine of us Pacific...

From a coin toss to King’s Honour: Health doyenne Debbie Sorensen’s journey

When Debbie Sorensen learned she had been named an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the King’s New Year’s Honours, her reaction was one of deep humility. “To get an honour is a really big thing,” she said. “Lots of people in New...

New paravets training in the Marshall Islands to boost animal health and livestock development

The Marshall Islands has taken a significant step forward in improving animal healthcare and livestock management, with 12 trainees successfully completing the paravet training programme.Organised by the Pacific Community (SPC) through the...

How the climate crisis is affecting Pacific islanders' health

For a country formed by 29 atolls scattered across the Western Pacific, the Marshall Islands is particularly vulnerable to the scourge of climate change—rising sea levels, saltwater contamination and uninhabitable islands. The U.S. Geological...

Government of Samoa and WFP launch analysis to enhance access to healthy diets 

PRESS RELEASe 21 November 2024, Apia, Samoa. The Samoa Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) jointly held a workshop today to mark the launch of a Cost of the Diet analysis in Samoa. The...

Arrival of Beetles Offers New Hope in Battling Niue’s Invasive Air Potato

Niue will be welcoming a leaf-feeding beetle that researchers hope will turn the tide against the invasive weed known as air potato, or locally as hoi. As the technical lead for the Pacific Regional Invasive Species Management Support Service...

Three local nurses to Niue

Three retired Solomon Islands nurses are the first to be sent to Niue under the Intra-Pacific Labour Mobility Scheme between the two countries. The local nurses, Lilly Gela, Chaniella Keumeru Valusa and Delilah Kalihohola left Honiara last Friday...

Three local nurses pilot Labour mobility scheme between Solomon Islands and Niue.

Three retired Solomon Islands nurses are the first to be sent to Niue under the Intra-Pacific Labour Mobility Scheme between the two countries. The local nurses, Lilly Gela, Chaniella Keumeru Valusa and Delilah Kalihohola left Honiara last Friday...

Public health crisis, Indicators hit all-time low, need urgent attention: PNG Doctor

The international community is out of step with Pacific Island nations’ needs on covering the costs of adjusting to a warmer world, the aid agency of the Catholic Church says. Economic modelling released at the COP29 climate conference on Thursday...

Op-Ed by UN Resident Coordinator for the UN Multi Country Office for Cook Islands Niue Samoa and Tokelau on the commemoration of the UN Day 2024

PRESS RELEASE Rescuing the SDGs will secure Pacific’s future. As we commemorate the 79th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment for reflection, hope, and renewed action. Our world faces mounting...

Tapasā Launches Atafa o le Moana Youth Leadership Movement

Photo: Supplied Tapasā Navigating Futures proudly launches Atafa o le Moana, a movement aimed at amplifying the voices of Pacific youth who are leading with culture, courage, and compassion. Atafa brings together 16 young leaders aged 15–20...

Ken Laban makes history as NZ's first Pasifika mayor

Fauono Ken Laban has been elected Mayor of Lower Hutt, making history as New Zealand’s first Pasifika mayor. Fauono secured 8704 votes, comfortably ahead of Brady Dyer on 6974, Karen Morgan on 5529, and Prabha Ravi on 3608. His victory marks a...

Ken Laban makes history as first Pasifika mayor of Lower Hutt

A long-time broadcaster, sports commentator, and former councillor, Laban has been a visible advocate for inclusion, youth opportunity, and safer communities across the Wellington region. He is also the only Pasifika mayoral candidate to have been...

Ken Laban first Pasifika mayor

Fauono Ken Laban has been elected Mayor of Lower Hutt, making history as Aotearoa New Zealand's first Pasifika mayor. He secured 8704 votes, comfortably ahead of Brady Dyer (6974), Karen Morgan (5529) and Prabha Ravi (3608). His victory marks a...

Ken Laban makes history as Pasifika candidates win across Aotearoa

Fauono Ken Laban has made history as Aotearoa New Zealand’s first Pasifika mayor, elected to lead Lower Hutt following the 2025 local elections. Photo: Hutt City Council / LDR Fauono Ken Laban has been elected Mayor of Lower Hutt, making history...

Stronger border controls

BIOSECURITY officers from around the region met in Nadi to validate four years of training that has strengthened the Pacific’s defence against pests and diseases threatening agriculture, biodiversity and trade. At a workshop earlier this month,...

The European Union and the Pacific Community boost border security in Marshall Islands with advanced X-Ray technology

Photo: European Union Ambassador Barbara Plinkert and Marshall Islands Minister Anthony Muller, key handover of the Airport X-ray machine The Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) has received a state-of-the-art X-ray machine to reinforce border...

NZ’s first Pasifika mayor: Ken Laban makes history in Lower Hutt

Report from LDR by Mary Afemata Fauono Ken Laban has been elected Mayor of Lower Hutt, making history as New Zealand’s first Pasifika mayor. Fauono secured 8704 votes, comfortably ahead of Brady Dyer (6974), Karen Morgan (5529), and Prabha Ravi...