Sirpa Alalääkkölä says the earthquake was unlike anything she had ever experienced back home.

The US President Donald Trump has approved a major disaster declaration for Guam following Super Typhoon Bavi.

No further tsunami threat to Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas and American Samoa following the Panama quake.

The Tonga Meteorological Service has declared a drought across all major islands that make up the kingdom, including Tongatapu, Niuatoputapu, Ha'apai and 'Eua.

Pacific Island leaders are expressing frustration over how long they have been discussing climate finance without seeing the results they want and need.

The warning, from Victoria University marine biologist Dr Christopher Cornwall, comes ahead of an international symposium on the issue in Wellington this week.

Auckland University's Peter Shepherd has joined a chorus of concern over reports of previously restricted peptides going on sale in the US.

Mark Baxter has launched a petition calling for permanent, in-person public dermatology services in Dunedin and the wider Southern region.

"Anyone that presents a firearm at police officers clearly has no regard for public safety," Bay of Plenty's District Commander says.

The project is a collaboration between New Zealand's Malaghan Institute and Scotland's University of Dundee.