Minister for COVID-19 Response Chris Hipkins says Cabinet has confirmed formal Government approval for use of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. This follows the provisional approval by Medsafe announced last week.…
Year: 2021
Chair of Pacific Islands Forum Examines Implications of Micronesian Countries Withdrawal
The Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, says he is saddened by the recent decision of the Micronesian Presidents’ Summit to initiate their withdrawal from the Pacific Islands Forum family.…
Another Former Pullman Hotel Managed Isolation Guest Tests Positive for COVID-19
The Ministry of Health confirmed in a media release today that an individual who was a guest at the managed isolation facility at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland, and has been…
Aotearoa New Zealand’s Role in the Pacific Part of Draft Education Curriculum
Aotearoa New Zealand’s role in the Pacific, Colonisation of and immigration to Aotearoa New Zealand, including the New Zealand Wars are two of seven themes that are up for public discussion. Public…
Former Cook Islands PM Henry Puna new Secretary General Pacific Islands Forum
Pacific Islands Forum Leaders concluded their Special Leaders Retreat overnight and have announced former Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna as the incoming Secretary General. The appointment also signals the end of the tenure of the incumbent Secretary…
NZ Foreign Affairs Ministers Attend Virtual Pacific Islands Forum Special Leaders Retreat
Minister of Foreign Affairs Nanaia Mahuta and Associate Minister Aupito William Sio attended the virtual Pacific Islands Forum Special Leaders Retreat from Waitangi today. During the retreat Pacific Leaders focused…
Invercargill Lawyer Michael Mika Appointed District Court Judge
Invercargill based lawyer Michael Mika is one of seven new District Court judges appointed today by Attorney-General David Parker. Mr Parker says the appointees replace sitting Judges who have reached…
Hundreds of Ni-Vanuatu RSE Workers Arrive in New Zealand
New Zealand’s High Commissioner in Vanuatu Jonathan Schwass today welcomed the departure of more than 150 Ni-Vanuatu Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers to New Zealand for the 2021 season. In…
Medsafe Provisionally Approves Pfizer/BioNTech Vaccine for COVID-19
The medicines regulator Medsafe has provisionally approved the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine (Comirnaty) to be used in New Zealand following a robust assessment of the safety, effectiveness and quality of the vaccine.…
Cook Island MP for Palmerston North Ready to Serve
Listen to the podcast highlights on Youtube Or listen to the full podcast on Spotify Main article Service to the community is a driving force for the new Labour MP…
Solicitor Says Good Discussion Needed for Pasifika When Forming Trusts Ahead of New Law
Solicitor Emily Hartson-Maea says with the new Trusts Act 2019 set to come into effect this weekend it is even more important that Pasifika families have good discussions about why…
EU Pours Millions into Pacific for Trade Capacity Boost
The European Union and the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat signed a new project worth EUR 5.75 million (around USD 7 million) to enhance the trade capacity of Pacific countries. The…
Auckland Secondary Schools Maori and Pacific Islands Cultural Festival Returns
The ASB Polyfest, Auckland Secondary Schools Maori & Pacific Islands Cultural Festival, is back on in 2021. The festival will celebrate its 45th anniversary this year, after it was put…
New Zealand close to COVID-19 vaccine approval
Medsafe says it is close to approving the Pfizer and BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine according to a statement released today. New Zealand’s medicines regulator has assessed the vaccine and an expert advisory committee is reviewing the report. Medsafe may be able…
Face masks to be worn on all Air New Zealand international flights to and from NZ
From tomorrow, Air New Zealand will require the use of face masks on all its international flights to and from New Zealand as a result of updated overseas government border…
Voting papers delivered from tomorrow for Auckland local body By-election
Voting documents will be posted to eligible voters from tomorrow for the Mangere-Otahuhu Local Board By-Election of the Auckland Council. A vacancy became available after the resignation of a current…
Minister for COVID-19 Response confirms community case
The Ministry of Health has confirmed today that a woman who recently travelled from overseas and completed her stay in managed isolation in the Pullman Hotel in Auckland has tested…
Pasifika Culture, Dance, and Island Cuisine on Display at Wellington Festival
Pasifika culture was on full display this afternoon at the Wellington Pasifika Festival at Odlins Plaza. Thousands attended the annual event showcasing culture, crafts, and Island cuisine. Festival goers were…
More RSE Scheme workers arrive from Samoa to New Zealand
The second of five planned special Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme flights departed Faleolo International Airport today. 155 Samoan workers will arrive in New Zealand to take part in the…
Capital ready to celebrate annual Wellington Pasifika Festival 2021
Thousands are expected to descend into the Capital this weekend for the annual Wellington Pasifika Festival. Wellington City Council Creative Events Producer Suzanne Tamaki says she is proud that Wellington…