Stories by Lydia Lewis
News
'We are still being dawn raided', Tongan community leader tells public meeting
A meeting has been held in Auckland between the government and those who lived through dawn raids past and present.
'We stand with you': Pacific overstayers called to speak out
The use of dawn raid tactics have trampled on Immigration NZ's "very special relationship" with the Pacific communities, says Māngere MP Aupito William Sio.
Son of former Niue Premier among six newcomers to Parliament
There is a new generation of politicians in Niue after the weekend's election. Audio
'I feel empowered' says Pacific youth delegate after nuclear summit
Pacific Youth are looking at how they can spark positive change following the Hiroshima G7 Youth Summit which has just wrapped up.
'Tears always fall' - remembering the first Cook Islander to join the RAF
In the early 1940s, a young Sergeant Alexander Brown from Mangaia, Cook Islands was killed in action. Audio
'We had to do something': Cook Islanders dig deep to help Aotearoa
Cook Islanders have raised more than $50,000 to support New Zealand's ongoing Cyclone Gabrielle relief efforts. Audio
Cook Islands parliament decriminalises homosexuality
The Cook Islands has removed a law from its Crimes Act that could jail men for having sex with men.
'Mama traders' fear for the future after cyclones ripped through market
Vendors at a Vanuatu market for women traders are unable to pay their rent and are offloading stock at up to half price after recent natural disasters. Audio
Air Vanuatu's only Boeing 737 returns after two weeks grounded
Air Vanuatu's only Boeing 737 is set to take off after being grounded for two weeks.
Vanuatu 'pushing from every front' for Air NZ's return
Vanuatu's Foreign Minister Jotham Napat disappointed in Air New Zealand for not stepping up to assist ongoing Air Vanuatu woes.
'One for the ages': Historical day for Fijian journalism as 'draconian' media law scrapped
The Fijian Parliament has voted to kill a draconian media law in Suva on Thursday, sending newsrooms across the country into celebrations. Audio
Fiji's longest running newsroom looks forward to 'draconian' media law 'kicked out'
The man in charge of Fiji's oldest newspaper has high hopes for press freedom in the country following the tabling of a bill in Parliament this week to get rid of a controversial media law.
Vanuatu flight cancellations to continue over Easter
People booked with Air Vanuatu will continue to face disruptions over Easter and unable to fly to Port Vila until later this weekend, as the airline awaits for Boeing 737 aircraft parts.
Hundreds of passengers affected by Air Vanuatu's flight cancellations
Air Vanuatu customers are facing major disruptions to their travel plans following mechanical issues with an aircraft at the weekend.
Tonga PM raises tertiary fee issue with NZ govt
Tonga's Prime Minister Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni is advocating for the issue of sky-high tertiary education fees for Pacific students studying in New Zealand to be addressed.
Hope amidst Kiribati water crisis, but international help is needed
On World Water Day, March 22, David Kakiakia explained his hope for Kiribati, which is suffering from severe drought. Audio
'We are witnessing political warfare': Micronesia leader drops China bombshell
Outgoing Micronesian leader claims he is facing "direct threats" to his life for resisting China and is proposing his country cut ties with Beijing in favour of Taiwan.
Tokelau welcomes new head of government
Tokelau has a new Ulu-o-Tokelau, or head of government, Kelihiano Kalolo.
'Six billion vatu' Vanuatu twin cyclone disaster cost
The initial estimate of the recovery cost following Vanuatu's twin cyclone disaster is estimated at six billion vatu, or just under $US50 million.
'Even elders in our families haven't seen before': Vanuatu double cyclones unprecedented
After two destructive cyclones in two days left parts of Vanuatu in ruins, the authorities are yet to determine the full-scale of damages. Audio
Vanuatu residents 'exhausted' after two cyclones in three days
Ni-Vanuatu residents have emerged battered but still standing.
Vanuatu braces for Cyclone Kevin just 24 hours after Judy departs
The people of Vanuatu are being urged to brace for a second cyclone just 24 hours after Severe Tropical Cyclone Judy battered the country.
New Pacific air route lands in Palau
There is excitement in the air in Palau as the first flight of a weekly service from Australia kicks off.
'Fracture is history' - Pacific leaders commit to Forum reforms
The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) is now "a family reconciled" as its leaders reaffirmed their commitment to reforms to strengthen the regional body. Audio
A 'significant' moment for Pacific unity? Leaders keeping ‘fingers crossed’
The future of regionalism in the Pacific will be discussed and determined today within the precincts of a luxury resort on Denarau Island in Fiji.