Newsmakers: Island on trial — the scandal that shocked the world

Newsmakers: Island on trial — the scandal that shocked the world

A tiny, remote island in the Pacific was thrust into the spotlight in 2004, when seven men, including the mayor, were put on trial over child sex abuse charges.

Saturday 3:57pm

5:20

Tuidraki Samusamuvodre of the Fijian Drua with the ball during the round 12 Super Rugby match between Fijian Drua and Highlanders at Four R Stadium.

Fijian Drua prove too tough at home for Highlanders

The Highlanders' hopes of sneaking into the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs have been dealt another blow.

Sat, May 2

Alex Johnston of the Rabbitohs leaves the field after scoring the most try's in the NRL during the round two NRL match between Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs at Allianz Stadium.

PNG Chiefs sign try-scoring ace Alex Johnston as first player

Rabbitohs winger has made history for the second time this year after becoming the first player to commit to the NRL's 19th club ahead of the Chiefs' entry in 2028.

Tue, Apr 28

Fiji Airways on Tuesday said the flight from Sydney to Nadi was diverted to the Tongan capital Nuku'alofa as a precautionary measure due to adverse weather conditions impacting the region.

'Spewing in the aisles': Cyclone Vaianu diverts Fiji flight from Sydney

Fiji Airways said the flight from Sydney to Nadi was diverted to the Tongan capital Nuku'alofa as a precaution due to adverse weather conditions in the region.

Wed, Apr 8

Cyclone Vaianu tracks south towards New Zealand.

'Significant and damaging' Cyclone Vaianu churns toward NZ

MetService has issued a preliminary severe weather watch ahead of Tropical Cyclone Vaianu's potential landfall this weekend.

Wed, Apr 8

A diverted fuel shipment has extended diesel and jet fuel supplies in the Cook Islands, but industry leaders warn the country remains at the very end of a fragile and increasingly costly supply chain.

Cook Islands faces fuel supply crunch as prices loom

With limited tanker deliveries and contracts falling over, the diesel‑dependent nation has just weeks of fuel in reserve and rising costs ahead.

Tue, Apr 7

Cook Islands PM mark Brown welcomes NZ Foreign Minister Winston Peters. (Image: MFAT)

China out, NZ back in as new deal struck with Cook Islands

Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the declaration signed today clarifies the relationship between NZ and the Cook Islands.

Thu, Apr 2

March 2026
Relations between Mark Brown (left) and Winston Peters have become more cordial in recent weeks.

Is the big thaw in frosty ties between Cook Islands and NZ now underway?

Analysis: Foreign Minister Winston Peters is heading to the Cook Islands tomorrow in a move that signifies a further improvement in relations between the two countries.

Tue, Mar 31

Countries across Asia have taken measures to reduce fuel consumption.

Short weeks and free transport – the fuel crisis responses NZ could copy

The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz has forced governments overseas to get creative.

Tue, Mar 31

File picture of a seismograph.

Magnitude 7.6 quake strikes near Tonga, no tsunami risk for NZ

The quake struck 153km west of Neiafu, in Vavaʻu.

Tue, Mar 24

Eli Katoa receives treatment during the Tonga v Kiwis match at Eden Park.

Tonga star may never play again after brain injury - Storm coach

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy told Channel 7 that Eli Katoa was "doing really well at the moment," but was unsure if doctors would clear him to return to the game.

Tue, Mar 24

Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

Kiwi woman drowns while snorkelling in Cook Islands

The 66-year-old was pulled from the water unresponsive at a lagoon in Vaimaanga, Rarotonga, on Wednesday afternoon.

Sat, Mar 21

Christopher Luxon

Samoan PM says Christopher Luxon didn't ask for title

The Samoan Government says the honour was a traditional courtesy for visiting leaders and was not linked to any policy obligations.

Mon, Mar 16

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon pictured in December 2025.

PM Luxon's office denies he asked for a Samoan matai title

Samoa’s Prime Minister claimed in a recent interview Luxon himself had asked for the title, and the request came via New Zealand’s High Commissioner.

Sat, Mar 14

Barbara Dreaver.

Locked up, alone, fearing torture: Barbara Dreaver's terrifying night in Fiji

In this extract from her new memoir Be Brave, Barbara Dreaver recalls the night she was detained and locked up in Fiji.

Sun, Mar 8

The Tongan team is led by manager and Tonga Athletics Association  secretary general Alifeleti Tuihalamaka.

First Polynesian track and field event in a decade held in Auckland

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade funded athletes from seven Pacific countries to participate with support from Athletics New Zealand.

Sat, Mar 7

Increased volcanic activity at the Manaro volcano.

Vanuatu holds emergency meeting as active volcano stirs

Prime Minister Jotham Napat said activity at Manaro volcano was increasing, with Penama province preparing evacuation plans for a possible eruption.

Fri, Mar 6

TVNZ Pacific Correspondent Barbara Dreaver (Composite image: Vinay Ranchhod)

Barbara Dreaver: I've never defended who I am, why should I?

TVNZ Pacific Correspondent Barbara Dreaver on identity, prejudice and standing up to power.

Thu, Mar 5

Pests devastating parts of the Pacific are being turned back with help from New Zealand communities.

Pacific Island in battle to bring rare bird from brink of extinction

Feral cats, rats and invasive taro vine devastating parts of the Pacific are being pushed back with support from New Zealand communities in a bid to protect rare wildlife.

Wed, Mar 4

February 2026
The crew of the Mysterious Wonder wave as the P-3 Orion.

Air Force and Navy rescue men on small boat 200km from Tonga

The crew of the small wooden boat had been drifting in the Pacific Ocean for more than a week.

Thu, Feb 19

Four tonnes of cocaine, worth $1.5b on the street, was enroute to New Zealand when it was intercepted.

Pacific transit of narcotics raises alarm after a massive shipment is seized

Four tonnes of cocaine, worth $1.5b on the street, was enroute to New Zealand when it was intercepted – enough to supply our current illicit appetite for nine years.

Thu, Feb 12

Ponzi scheme BG Wealth/DSJ Exchange promises big returns on investment

Tongan, NZ authorities team up to battle high-risk crypto scam

BG Wealth/DSJ Exchange, a Ponzi scheme promising 100% returns, is sweeping the kingdom and New Zealand.

Sun, Feb 8

HMNZS Canterbury.

HMNZS Canterbury to stop in Tokelau to mark centenary

Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro and her husband would make the journey on the Canterbury to the atolls of Atafu, Nukunono and Fakaofo next week.

Sat, Feb 7

January 2026
Is Winston Peters on a charm offensive?

Barbara Dreaver: Peters' Pacific kiss-and-make-up trip vital as tensions rise

Peters' office said he is set to become the first foreign minister to visit all 17 other Pacific Island Forum member countries within a single Parliamentary term.

Sat, Jan 17

Pacific Island nation offering the world the opportunity to sponsor the care of each square kilometre of its Marine Protected Area.   

Niue earning millions from ocean sponsorship scheme

Pacific Island nation offers the world an opportunity to be a 'careholder' to each square kilometre of its Marine Protected Area.

Fri, Jan 9