New Zealand

Fears for future of Pasifika Education Centre

New Zealand's oldest Pacific Education provider says it is disappointed by funding cuts, which have led to fears in the Pasifika community that it may be forced to close.

The opposition Labour Party is calling on the government to save the Pasifika Education Centre, which was established in 1978 as an educational resource for Pasifika people

The Labour party says the Tertiary Education Commission has slashed its funding contribution for the next financial year from 80 percent to less than five percent.

Eye on UNSC seat, India woos Pacific islands with investments

Hosting the first regional summit of the NDA government, India was stitching a positive relationship with the Pacific Islands even as the India-Pakistan NSA talks were coming apart. Anil Wadhwa, Secretary East in MEA, told journalists there was widespread support by the Pacific Islands for India's candidature in the UNSC.

Puna challenges Cooks diaspora to help country

Puna is in New Zealand as an official guest of the Government to celebrate the 50th anniversary of self government in free association with New Zealand.

He says because Cook Islanders, as New Zealand citizens, are free to travel to New Zealand and Australia, they can't be stopped from travelling.

Lack of regulations likely to increase crimes linked to virtual currencies

These include terrorism financing, money laundering and trade in illicit goods and services.

Research carried out in eight member countries indicates that legitimate use of virtual currencies is widespread across a spectrum of different industries ranging from selling handbags in Nigeria to providing plumbing services in New Zealand. But findings also demonstrate an absence of legal and regulatory frameworks is increasing the threat of criminal exploitation.

Cooks' PM criticises NZ on climate change

The New Zealand government has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 30 percent below the level of 2005 by 2030.

The Australian government has a similar target, with plans to cut carbon emissions by at least 26 percent of 2005 levels by 2030.

When asked about New Zealand and Australia's emissions targets, Henry Puna said it's up to New Zealand and Australia to decide what is good for them.

He says the important thing is that they come together regularly to talk about those difficult issues.

Puna challenges Cooks diaspora to help country

Mr Puna is in New Zealand as an official guest of the Government to celebrate the 50th anniversary of self government in free association with New Zealand

He says because Cook Islanders, as New Zealand citizens, are free to travel to New Zealand and Australia, they can't be stopped from travelling.

Cooks' PM criticises NZ on climate change

The New Zealand government has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 30 percent below the level of 2005 by 2030.

The Australian government has a similar target, with plans to cut carbon emissions by at least 26 percent of 2005 levels by 2030.

When asked about New Zealand and Australia's emissions targets, Henry Puna said it's up to New Zealand and Australia to decide what is good for them.

He says the important thing is that they come together regularly to talk about those difficult issues.

New Zealand Football's appeal to be considered next week

The All Whites were thrown out of the competition in Papua New Guinea’s capital after a protest made by semi-final opponents Vanuatu over the eligibility of South African-born Deklan Wynne was upheld at a disciplinary hearing on July 12.

Vanuatu, who were handed a 3-0 walkover win despite succumbing to a 2-0 defeat in their last-four encounter, went on to play Fiji in the final later that same day, losing 4-3 on penalties at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium.

Call for Pacific workers in NZ fishing industry

During recent Pacer Plus trade negotiations, Samoa's Prime Minister Tuilapea Sailele Malielegaoi called on New Zealand unions to consider expanding the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme to areas such as construction and fisheries.

Mr Jones says a pilot fisheries training programme in Kiribati, funded by the New Zealand government, will allow some of its graduates to work in New Zealand.

He says regional leaders are keen to see similar programmes in other parts of the Pacific.

NZ First MP shares parliamentary knowledge with Tuvalu MPs

Martin, the only representative from New Zealand’s Parliament asked to participate in the conference that starts next week, says she is proud to be involved in an initiative to help strengthen democracy in the Pacific.

“Tuvalu is interested in learning more about how the New Zealand and Australian parliaments work.

“This is a unique opportunity to share my experience as an MP and I hope all delegates can offer Tuvalu MPs knowledge of our parliamentary systems that will help in the successful running of the Tuvalu parliament,” says Martin.