New Zealand says its connections to its Realm countries remain strong and stable, after the first of a series of annual "family reunions".

As Bougainville's independence referendum was finally tabled in PNG's parliament, an eventual decision on the matter is at least months away.

The nearly NZ$18 million programme aims to put Pacific people at the centre of decisions about their futures as climate impacts continue to intensify.

A Pacific maritime research and policy centre is raising concerns about a Japanese government proposal to the United Nations agency responsible for regulating international shipping.

But the All Blacks prop, who put on a massive shift coming off the bench during the first Test against South Africa, says his side will also come out "with all guns firing".

Hamish Chimanlal, a Tongan national of Indian and Fijian descent and a University of Auckland student, believes his destiny is to continue excelling in the sport.

Analysis - New Zealand's four Realm leaders are meeting in Auckland to discuss shared concerns ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau.

Kelvin "The Big Hit" Fitial, 42, shared his thoughts after his first-round knock-out win over an American opponent at a bare knuckle competition in California.

Fiji's main tourism industry body says it welcomes the government's decision to relax its new tourism tax, but it remains confused about some aspects of the controversial policy.

Analysis - After a seven-year wait, Papua New Guinea's parliament is expected to finally table the question of whether to approve of independence for the autonomous region of Bougainville.

Mark Brown's governing Cook Islands Party is set to return to power for a historic fifth consecutive term after securing an absolute majority in the 2026 general election.

New Caledonia's President Milakulo Tukumuli on Monday outlined the urgent issues facing the French Pacific territory.

Tonga-born All Black prop Saula Ma'u made his debut in the black jersey in South Africa on Wednesday morning (NZT) and says he is eager for more top international matches.

Bougainville's leader accepted an offer from an Indian firm to cover the cost of his wife's life-saving kidney transplant before signing a major mining deal, an investigative non-profit says.

A fisherman from a remote island in the Cook Islands feared for his life after a reef fishing trip led to a mysterious package he initially thought were mutilated human remains or a bomb.

Papua New Guinea's prime minister has urged the nation to appreciate the gravity of the Bougainville decision before parliament.