World
Oceania
New Zealand extends fuel excise cut until next year in bid to help rising cost of living
New Zealand petrol prices, like elsewhere, have risen sharply since Russia’s attack on Ukraine started in February, contributing to significant inflation.
Latest
From ‘magic’ grass to roads and schools, China is everywhere in Fiji
Beijing’s deep pockets are making a big difference to the life of some Fijians, but not always for the better.
- by Eryk Bagshaw and Tim Vula
New Zealand announces new COVID measures as BA.5 variant takes over
Authorities believe the official case numbers are only half the actual number of infections, and that hospitals will soon struggle to cope.
- by Glenn McConnell
‘This place will crack’: Centuries-old graves threatened by the sea
Five generations of families are buried in Sigatoka, Fiji. This week the ocean lapped the shore with the threat of economic and environmental destruction.
- by Eryk Bagshaw and Tim Vula
US, Australia launch major Pacific counter-bid to China’s rising influence
The United States will launch its biggest Pacific push in decades as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese lands in a divided Pacific forum on Wednesday.
- by Eryk Bagshaw and Farrah Tomazin
Whale feeding frenzy in Antarctica points to a conservation success
The rebounding of the fin whales’ population offers “a sign that if you enforce management and conservation, there are chances for species to recover”.
- by Winston Choi-Schagrin
First quarantine-free flight starts first COVID outbreak in tiny Niue
Meanwhile, China is fighting COVID-19 flare-ups on multiple fronts across the country in an effort to resist returning to stringent measures.
- by Lucy Craymer
‘Nothing to do with me’: PNG leader distances himself from suitcase of cash
In an eventful start to the PNG elections, Prime Minister James Marape’s son was arrested following the discovery of a bagful of money on a plane.
- by Chris Barrett
‘Diplomacy, diplomacy, diplomacy’: Ardern on preventing Chinese takeover of Taiwan
The New Zealand PM says diplomacy and dialogue with China are the key to preventing an invasion of Taiwan.
- by Latika Bourke
Overseas, Jacinda Ardern shines bright. At home, the gloss is fading
People overseas see a warm and charming personality, but many voters in New Zealand see their prime minister as “missing in action” on the issues they care about.
- by Pete McKenzie
Updated
Crime
Multiple people injured in ‘totally random’ Auckland stabbing attack
A person is in custody after the incident in East Coast Bays and is assisting police with inquiries.
- by Nick Perry and Gabrielle McCulloch