Cracks are starting to show within Sitiveni Rabuka's coalition government ahead of a looming general election and a potential national referendum.

President Moetai Brotherson has addressed the UN committee on decolonisation.

Papua New Guinea has committed around US$5.5 million to Tuvalu over five years in aid of its coastal reclamation efforts.

But both the major parties in New Zealand say they will prioritise the Pacific.

The Cook Islands and Papua New Guinea have named NRL and Super League players in their men's squads for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, which kicks off in Australia next week.

Speaking outside court, David Tamihere said he had been "gearing up" for a retrial.

Firefighters will work until dusk this evening as they continue to tackle a large bush blaze burning in the high country above Lake Whakatipu.

The manslaughter trial of four people charged over the maintenance and operation of Loafers Lodge is in its third day at the High Court in Wellington.

Representing himself in court, the owner argued the business was being unfairly restricted and he wants the court to revoke enforcement orders.

Up to a third of hoiho/yellow eyed penguin chicks on the mainland are falling victim to respiratory distress syndrome every year.