Latest from Pacific Islands

Northland-based nurse in Samoa escapes the worst

Tafale Maddren made sure everyone in her village was vaccinated.

'High chance' of tropical cyclone forming near Fiji

If it forms it will be named Tropical Cyclone Sarai.

Misdirected kindness can hamper aid

Comment: Sixty per cent of goods donated to crisis-struck areas ends up in landfill.

Auckland man jailed for sex attack in Cook Islands hotel

Auckland man jailed for sex attack on sleeping Kiwi in Cook Islands hotel

'Born into a global society that couldn't protect them': Journalist's frustration amid Samoa measles crisis

Napier journalist tells of his experience living in Samoa during tragic measles crisis.

Samoa measles crisis strands Hawke's Bay fruit pickers

Some Samoan RSE workers can't come to Hawke's Bay to pick fruit because of measles crisis.

Bougainville votes for independence from Papua New Guinea

Around 85% of eligible voters cast more than 181,000 ballots in two weeks of voting.

Distraught parents taking kids with measles out of hospitals in Samoa

At least three families took children out of hospital against medical advice.

Death with dignity: How a Rotorua club is helping Samoa during the measles outbreak

Reports of children being buried in sheets prompted effort.

Samoan dad loses third child to deadly measles epidemic

The death toll in the island nation is now up to 16, with a state of emergency declared.

Three Air NZ flights from Samoa to Auckland affected by measles

Passengers on three flights from Samoa to Auckland have been exposed to measles.

Exploring Fiji's waves from Nadi's local gem Wailoaloa Beach

Michael Neilson discovers the waves dreams are made of on a surfing holiday to Fiji.

Rugby: NZ Heartland XV lose to Vanua XV in second clash

Errors and penalties in slippery conditions prove costly in rematch with home side.

First contact, 250 years on - flotilla arrives at Waitangi

Friday's scenes of waka paddling out to greet sailing ships a flashback to 1769.

Rugby: NZ Heartland XV defeats Vanua XV in Lautoka

Humid conditions and committed opposition means victory had to be grinded out.

Rugby: NZ Marist defeat NZ Heartland XV in Te Aroha

First victory by the Marist side in the annual fixture since 2011.

Audrey Young: Reading between the lines of Pacific paper

China is not mentioned in latest Defence paper, but it doesn't need to be.

Defence Minister: People, more than money, will win favour with the Pacific

China has poured billions into the Pacific, but Ron Mark puts 'people power' above money.