MMA community gather to support Tongan kickboxer following attack.
Members of New Zealand's Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) community have gathered at the bedside of Tongan kickboxer Liufau Vake.
He remains on life support in Auckland Hospital after being found in a critical condition early Sunday morning.
Kaniva Tonga reports that Vake's mother has asked that he remain on life support as 'they pray for a miracle'.
The father of one was waiting for a taxi after a night out when it's alleged he was set upon by a group of men.
Police continue to investigate, although fellow fighter and UFC champion Israel Adesanya has put out a statement saying 'coward punchers' need to be punished harder.
Four men have been charged on a number offences ranging from common assault to injuring with intent.
NZ budget could have done more for teachers
A South Auckland educator said New Zealand's budget could have done more to keep teachers in the profession.
NZD$20.8 million was allocated in Thursday's budget to support Pacific bilingual and immersion education in the schooling system.
But Rowandale School Principal Karl Vasau said the recent public service pay freeze was something the budget could have made allowances for, in the way of the Pasifika teacher workforce.
"If we want quality teachers, staying in the profession, being able to afford liveable accomodation, being able to contribute to their families, and also just to build lives around them and even own homes - the conditions and the pay must be better.
And if we're already told, there is going to be a zero - then what fair negotiation is that?" - Mr Vasau said.
Australia and SPREP strengthen partnership for sustainable development
SPREP Director-General, Kosi Latu. Photo: RNZI / Sally Round
A new partnership arrangement was signed on Friday formalising ongoing commitment from Australia for SPREP's programmes for 21 Pacific island Members.
SPREP is the premiere regional inter-governmental organisation charged with the protection and sustainable management of the Pacific island region's environment.
Australia signed the SPREP treaty in 1993, the year it was established.
Minister for International Development and the Pacific Zed Seselja welcomed the renewed partnership, saying it supported a prosperous and resilient Blue Pacific.
"Covid-19 has brought into even sharper focus the need for action to address ocean pollution, and build climate and disaster resilience within the Pacific," Minister Seselja said.
Kosi Latu, Director General of SPREP, acknowledged the significant partnership with Australia to progress sustainable development across the Pacific.
