The first batch of COVID-19 vaccinations have been administered today to New Zealand border workers. Yesterday, 29 vaccinators in Auckland completed a week of preparations, receiving the first COVID-19 vaccines. Director-General…
Tag: News
Federated States of Micronesia Begins Formal Withdrawal from Pacific Islands Forum
The President of the Federated States of Micronesia, David Panuelo has sent a formal notice to the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat denouncing the Agreement Establishing the Pacific Islands Forum, beginning…
Veteran Journalist says Impact on Pacific of Facebook Restrictions of Australian News Unclear
A well known journalist and author, who has reported extensively on the Pacific region for more than 30 years, says he is still trying to figure out how the Facebook…
Auckland to Move to Level 2 Rest of the Country to Level 1
Auckland is to move to COVID Alert Level 2 as of midnight tonight and the rest of the country will move to Level 1. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Director…
Auckland to Move to Alert Level 3, Rest of Country Level 2 For Three Days
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and the Director-General of Health, Dr Ashley Bloomfield have addressed media this evening with the latest details on today’s three positive community cases. Dr. Bloomfield says the…
Dunedin Pasifika Peoples Celebrate Inaugural Moana Nui Fesitval
Pasifika culture, dance, traditions, food, and crafts will proudly be on display tomorrow in Dunedin for the inaugural Moana Nui Festival. Moana Nui Festival event project coordinator Stacy Kokaua says…
Inaugural Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission Becomes Independent Crown Entity.
Minister of Health Andrew Little has congratulated the inaugural Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission and its board as the Commission marks becoming an independent Crown entity. Minister Little says it…
New Zealand Cabinet Confirms Approval of COVID-19 Vaccine
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.…
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.…
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…