Emotional debate has taken place in Papua New Guinea's parliament as it debates whether to approve independence for the autonomous region.

A Fijian deputy prime minister says the "entire Pacific Islands" identifies with Israel in response to it being accepted into the Pacific Islands Forum as a development partner.

Indonesia says human rights issues in Papua are being dealt with, but civil society says access for the UN rights office and dialogue is needed.

Prime Minister Jotham Napat has voiced serious concern over claims of a "second republic" by a group in the small northern province of Torba.

Fijians are being reassured by the country's prime minister and his senior government ministers that they will head to the polls before the 6 February 2027 deadline.

Great powers spur concern when their actions are perceived as threatening, rule-breaking or harmful to New Zealand's interests.

The Destiny Church leader took to social media saying he had flown to Brisbane for a church conference and was detained by the border force.

Kerrin Leoni acknowledged she has whānau in gang and attended a family function earlier this year where gang members were present.

Tauranga City Council has set a budget of $100,000 for the process of appointing a new chief executive.

There are now five kākāpō at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari in Waikato, as part of a mainland habitat trial that began in 2023.