Israel's inclusion into the Pacific region's main political body has drawn sharply contrasting reactions.

RNZ Pacific asked the main political parties on where they stand on key issues relating to Pasifika voters in Aotearoa. Find out what they said.

The Department of Homeland Security announced the suspension on Tuesday and it takes effect on 31 October.

Forecasters expect the typhoon to pick up speed and turn west-northwest while strengthening over the next two days.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has denied he sought to update its principal bilateral agreement with Samoa, despite his Samoan counterpart reportedly claiming the opposite.

They say three offenders, reportedly carrying an axe and a hammer, took a cash till before fleeing in a stolen vehicle.

Waitākere Hospital’s brand new six bed unit is fully equipped but is sitting empty as no money is budgeted to run it.

The 200 or so garden ornaments were stolen from the Wairarapa region over the past year.

While claimants are up against it, a Wellington lawyer says GPs also face increasing pressure and have less time to help patients meet the increasingly rigourous requirements.

A teenager is on trial for the murder of 15-year-old Kaea Karauria in Napier.