Pacific Island people, the poor and the young are bearing the brunt of Auckland's housing crisis through falling home ownership rates and crowding, a new report shows.

Hawaii celebrates its design heritage in a show that offers a welcome break from the beach, writes Janetta Mackay.

Belinda Henley explores beyond Noumea and discovers a land of red earth and dramatic scenery.

The Solomons' underwater denizens introduce themselves to Richard Moore.

The New Zealand Rugby League are considering staging a test against Samoa next year, off the back of the Pacific team's impressive performance in the Four Nations.

When in Tahiti do as the locals do, writes Suzanne McFadden.

A failed Fiji resort development that Bridgecorp directors poured $106 million has today been officially restarted by the island's nation's prime minister.

New Zealand's own mother of the nation, Judy Bailey, visits internet mogul Larry Ellison's Hawaiian island - and is impressed by his preservation project.

On a cruise around Fiji's islands Sue Baxalle surrenders to a restorative pleasure of the flesh and befriends colourful characters.

Niue is a an intriguingly rough diamond, writes Paul Rush.

Cheap babysitters, blissful massages, adult-only fine dining... Leah McLennan settles into life on Malolo.

The best way to see Hawaii's marine life is to get wet, so Heather McCracken rides a paddleboard in Oahu.

Timwia and Nawere see each other again for the first time in two years.

What do a rare Hawaiian monk seal and legendary rocker Mick Fleetwood have in common? A charmed life in Maui.

This election has seen the highest ever number of Pasifika candidates voted in as members of parliament.

Experience French fare or go kite surfing, says Megan Singleton.

Golfer James Henderson finds that Fiji challenges with intelligent and provoking course designs.

Ditch the sunbathing for some action, writes Megan Singleton.

For a long time the Pasifika vote has always gone to the party draped in red. But something has changed in the community.

The Fijian focus on first-class care for children means adults get plenty of time to unwind, writes Adam Ray.

Fiji's first foodie ambassador and celebrity chef leads a new wave of South Pacific cuisine, writes Maureen Dettre.

All you'll hear at this quiet resort is the tide lapping at the nearby beach, the odd fish slapping back into the water and perhaps the twitter of a bird now and then.

Gayle Dickson stays in a luxurious overwater fale.

Language is no barrier where enjoyment is a universal concept, writes Julia Carlisle.

You can choose relaxation or adventure — or maybe a mixture of both — on board a boutique cruise ship journeying through Fiji's Yasawa Islands, writes Sue Baxalle.

Whether you're on a tight budget or splashing out, the islands have it all.

Take in the Marquesas Islands and explore French Polynesia from on board the Aranui III, writes Suzanne Morphet.

On her first trip to Fiji, Pebbles Hooper relaxes, learns to snorkel and savours friendly welcomes from charming people.