New Zealand

Tinakula volcano in the country's remote Temotu province had what local disaster officials describe as a minor eruption eleven days ago.

On some nearby islands, including in the Reef group, significant volcanic ashfall covered crops and contaminated water supplies.

According to Australia's High Commission in Solomon Islands, an estimated 11,500 people's primary water sources such as tanks, wells and ground water were contaminated.

Refugee conventions don't recognise climate change victims but efforts are being made through the Nansen Initiative to create a new status for people displaced by disasters.

Last week, the New Zealand Immigration and Protection Tribunal rejected applications by Tuvalu families wanting to stay because of climate change.

But Mr Shaw said he was looking at a possible new visa category.

While the score line will please fans, the Kiwis coaching staff will be wanting a better performance from their side heading into their second match against Scotland next week.

The Kiwis were the first to open the scoring down the right flank when winger Jordan Rapana broke his way through the line on the halfway mark.

He linked up with Shaun Johnson on the inside before Johnson repaid the favour, giving Rapana an open run to the try line.

The Kiwis threw caution-to-the-wind for much of their opening game at the Rugby League World Cup, resulting in them making 17 errors and completing just 62 per cent of their 42 uses with the ball.

An extensive and occasionally fraught preparation will come to a head in Auckland when Blair's Kiwis take on Samoa at Mount Smart stadium tonight.

But for the 41-Test prop, all the potential excuses -- injuries, defections and enforced absences -- would not hold come game time.

The team had enjoyed a solid training stint, including a three-day bonding trip, and had every belief they could make World Cup waves.

That needed to start immediately against the Samoans.

Canberra Raiders Centre Joseph Leilua will go up against his team mate Jordan Rapana who will be playing for the Kiwis. 

Leilua says he’s ready to put relationships aside and put everything on the line for Samoa.

“Me and Rapana have a close bond but when we get out on the field we’re enemies, so I can’t wait. Good luck to him and good luck to myself."

Young Warriors player Bunty Afoa will be making his World Cup debut tonight with the Toa Samoa team. 

The 21-year-old says he's looking forward to a big clash.

Lofty centre Adams had a second straight double-double, notching 17 points and 11 rebounds, as the Thunder took their season record to 2-2 with the victory at Chesapeake Arena on Thursday (NZ time).

The 24-year-old made eight of his 13 shots and added two blocks and two steals in a typically busy all-round effort.

It was a welcome result for Oklahoma City, who started their 2017-18 campaign with a win against the New York Knicks but had since gone down to both the Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves.

Several of the players who will take the field in the Group B match are dual New Zealand-Samoa internationals, showcasing the close bond the two nations share.

New Zealand will have Brad Takairangi, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Isaac Liu and Danny Levi making their Kiwis debut, while Kodi Nikorima and Shaun Johnson will play in the halves together for the first time. 

A monster forward pack including captain Frank Pritchard and Canberra-based duo Junior Paulo and Josh Papalii will take to the field in Auckland, hoping for an upset win over the hosts.

With several Australian and Kiwi-born players, that's a distinct possibility.

Ben Roberts starts at halfback, partnered by Joseph Paulo, while NRL regulars Tim Lafai and Joey Leilua line up in the centres.

There are four Warriors players in Matt Parish's extended squad - wing Ken Maumalo, hooker Jazz Tevaga, prop Sam Lisone and reserve Bunty Afoa.

In his letter to the PM-elect, Tuilaepa said Samoa and New Zealand have enjoyed warm relations in various areas of mutual interest and he looks forward to working with Ardern to further strengthen the ties between the two countries and her people.

‘Similarly I look forward to our close collaboration on issues of importance to our Pacific region and the cooperation arrangements between the Pacific Forum countries.

Ardern was appointed New Zealand Prime Minister last week.