New Zealand

Rabuka has been the central figure in Fijian politics since 1987 - as the nation's first coup maker, a former prime minister, most recently the leader of opposition, and now a reformed Christian and politician, and the leader of the People's Alliance Party.

The former military strongman has positioned himself as the chief rival of the country's incumbent prime minister Frank Bainimarama - a former military commander and coup leader himself - as Fijians prepare to head to the polls at some stage later this year.

On the eve of England’s three-test tour of Australia, Rugby Australia and the RFU have agreed to retire the 25-year-old crystal trophy named after Captain James Cook.

In its place will be a new design they say better represents the long rugby tradition between the two nations.

After unanimous support from the RA board, the Ella-Mobbs trophy will be unveiled on the Friday before the first test in Perth, in time for NAIDOC week, which kicks off on July 4 and culminates in a potential first outing for the Wallabies’ Indigenous jersey in the second test in Brisbane.

The victory books Costa Rica's place at the World Cup later this year, along with $16.5 million dollars in prize money.

The Central Americans scored first, taking a 1-0 lead in just the third minute through a scrappy break away goal from Joel Campbell.

The All Whites responded well and thought they'd scored an equaliser through striker Chris Wood late in the first half, only for the goal to be ruled out by the video assistant referee, with a New Zealand player deemed to have committed a foul in the build-up.

Brown, 77, was found dead in her home in Onehunga, Auckland on the morning of her birthday on Sunday last week.

Auckland Police have identified a person of interest in relation to Brown’s death which is now being investigated as homicide.

TV1Samoa reports the last seasonal worker flight to New Zealand will be this Sunday, and the final flight to Australia will be at the end of the month.

Assistant Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Labour, Lemalu Nele Masina, said this is a temporary measure while the Ministry delves into the problems happening amongst some of the workers.

She said the Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Labour, Leatinu'u Wayne So'oialo had told Parliament about the government's plan to look at dealing with the problem.

The programme delivers maritime safety initiatives to seven Pacific Island countries – Cook Islands, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga and Tuvalu.

The funding, from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2026, marks the fourth phase of the programme.

The PMSP is a Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade programme, funded through the International Development Cooperation programme and delivered by Maritime NZ.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced in a statement yesterday.

“Aotearoa New Zealand is first and foremost a Pacific nation and we value the strength of our relationship with our Pacific family. I am delighted that Prime Minister of Samoa’s first official bilateral overseas visit will be to New Zealand,” Ardern said.

In a statement, the Ministry of Health said there were eight deaths of people with Covid-19 reported and 371 people in hospital, including six in ICU.

The deaths include two people their 70s; three in their 80s and three aged over 90. Six were women and two were men.

Two were from the Auckland region; two from Hawke's Bay; one was from Taranaki, two were from Canterbury and one was from Nelson-Marlborough. The total number of deaths of people with Covid-19 in New Zealand is now 1229.

There were also 50 new cases identified at the border.

Andrew Minogue says New Zealand initially thought of sending teams to compete in athletics, weightlifting, and beach volleyball.

But he says they are instead committed to the Commonwealth Games in July.

Australia, however, will send 19 young athletes and five weightlifters.

Mini Games Organising Committee chair Marco Peter says he's saddened that New Zealand won't be competing.

The Mini Games, which will be held later this month, will have over 1,000 athletes competing from 20 island nations.

Nanaia Mahuta has been criticised for not racing over the islands while China's Foreign Minister holds meetings with Pacific leaders, signing trade and development deals. 

“No shadow of a doubt, New Zealand’s relationship with the Pacific is strong. We’re consistent, we’re reliable, we’re respectful partners and we have engaged with the Pacific over a long period of time.”

She says New Zealand can't compete with China, but will encourage the Pacific to make their own decisions.