But Pacific-focussed policy work will be cut as the government seeks to reduce the size of the public sector, as the Ministry for Pacific Peoples will see a $2.8 million cut over four years.

In the bizarre international case, two Samoan men appeared on Vietnamese TV confessing to the murder of a Sydney gang leader in Ho Chi Minh City.

Public prosecutors say they will fight an appeal by Manu Samoa's former head coach, following his recent conviction for multiple sex offences.

The French territory's kava industry stakeholders are concerned at the increase of the price of the precious imported root, mainly from neighbouring Vanuatu.

Ni-Vanuatu man John Yalu was convicted of manslaughter in Cairns last week after the fatal backyard amputation of a 66-year-old Queensland man in exchange for NZ$6000 in 2022.

A West Papuan independence activist says AI-generated fake footage of her and her words has been used to spread disinformation on social media.

Sheila Yama has quickly risen to become one of the most feared female fighters on the planet.

The national body confirmed to RNZ it will cover player salaries until the end of July.

International Seabed Authority secretary-general was in Fiji last week conducting training for Pacific Island countires on what it means to be a sponsoring state of a potential seabed mining company.

The ACT Party says their $6 per day tax on temporary visa holders would not apply to seasonal workers - after David Seymour floated the idea on Sunday.

Miracle Fai'ilagi says he still has hope the franchise will be saved.

Fiji National Rugby League interim chairman says the clean up of the organisation's financial management and administration roles is top priority.

A new US immigration policy that restricts immigrant visa holders from applying for green cards could create fear, family separation and workforce instability, human rights and labour activists say.

An Indonesian filmmaker says the crackdown by authorities on his West Papua documentary in some parts of the country is a threat to democracy.

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape met French President Emmanuel Macron last week.

Dengue is being reported this month in Tonga, New Caledonia, Samoa, and in Futuna.

The Electoral Commission has urged all political parties, candidates, supporters, organisations, and members of the public to campaign peacefully, truthfully, and in accordance with the law.

The Super Rugby Pacific franchise signalled earlier this year that it was likely to disband unless it could find new investors to fund the team.