A staff memeber from Bombua Hotel Scuba saw some red floating offshore and went out to investigate - and brought survivor Jeffson in.

Search for dozens missing in Vanuatu continues after ferry disaster

The Prime Minister's office has taken control of the country's maritime safety authority as the search for more than 35 missing ferry passengers continues.

Mon, Sep 14

0:12

Search and rescue personnel are scouring the coastline in a desperate bid to find survivors following the inter-island ferry sinking.

One dead, over 30 missing after ferry sinks in Vanuatu

Search and rescue personnel are scouring the coastline in a desperate bid to find survivors following the inter-island ferry sinking.

Sun, Sep 13

0:12

Kiribati President Taneti Maamau (file image).

'Disappointing': Kiribati snubbed at Pacific Islands Forum closing

Kiribati has been snubbed at the Pacific Islands Forum closing in Palau, calling it "disappointing" – after also being absent during the Leaders Retreat.

Sat, Sep 5

Initiatives include $60m for fuel security in the region and $17 million to combat illegal fishing. 

US pours $257m into starching up strategic interest in the Pacific

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau tells 1News "we would like to be part of the story of the future of this region".

Wed, Sep 2

3:20

The port will be at Penrhyn and will have strategic importance in the Pacific.

NZ and US to build major port on former military base in Cook Islands

The announcement comes after the Cook Islands made a previous arrangement with China without informing Wellington.

Tue, Sep 1

5:05

The Pacific Island Forum

Pacific leaders call for action as PIF attendance questioned

At least five Pacific leaders have pulled out of the annual Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) meeting in Palau this week – with suggestions foreign interference is to blame for the non-attendance of some.

Mon, Aug 31

5:56

As leaders from around the region begin to gather in Palau for the annual Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), unease is building

Barbara Dreaver: Pacific Islands Forum is bracing for a fallout

Analysis: As leaders from around the region begin to gather in Palau for the annual Pacific Islands Forum, unease is building as further fractures in the group emerge.

Sat, Aug 29

4:29

Wellington Opera's sellout season of Manon brought an estimated $2.1 million into the regional economy, but for the stars, inspiring young Pasifika audiences was the biggest reward.

Pasifika opera power couple return home to sold-out Wellington season

The Paris-based tenor and soprano, married ten years, brought Manon to a sold-out St James Theatre — inspiring a new generation of young Pasifika in the process.

Sat, Aug 15

2:31

Regional security treaty on the table after tense times in which China fired a ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean. 

Divisions on China missile test threaten to destabilise Pacific Islands Forum

Deep divisions are threatening to destabilise the Pacific Islands Forum after foreign ministers walked away unable to come to any agreement on action against China’s ballistic missile test.

Fri, Aug 7

2:53

Foreign Minister Winston Peters

Analysis: Plenty at stake as Pacific foreign ministers meet

Foreign Minister Winston Peters leaves for Fiji today to meet with foreign ministers from around the Pacific. Pacific Correspondent Barbara Dreaver looks at what's on the table.

Thu, Aug 6

1:31

Steven Piukala has been part of New Zealand's RSE (Recognised Seasonal Workers) scheme for four years.

Seasonal work in NZ helping Tongans build businesses back home

Steven Piukala spent four years in NZ's Recognised Seasonal Workers (RSE) scheme, using the income he earned to start several small businesses.

Sun, Aug 2

2:43

July 2026
The women have agreed to be interviewed by 1News' pacific correspondent Barbara Dreaver and TVNZ's Tagata Pasifika in an effort to warn others not to take the same path they did.

Tongan women rescued from China after arranged marriage scheme

The women have agreed to be interviewed by 1News and TVNZ's Tagata Pasifika in an effort to warn others not to take the same path they did.

Mon, Jul 20

4:47

China flag (file image).

Barbara Dreaver: China's missile test sends unmistakable Pacific message

Analysis: Beijing's dummy warhead test, fired hours after Australia and Fiji signed a new defence pact, signals a Pacific influence battle entering a sharper, more public phase.

Tue, Jul 7

4:29

1News reporter Barbara Dreaver said campaigning for next month's Cook Islands general election – scheduled for August 12 – is ramping up.

Pasifika Update: The brutal side of Pacific politics

1News Pacific correspondent Barbara Dreaver provides an update of the goings on across the island nations neighbouring New Zealand.

Fri, Jul 3

5:21

June 2026
Five months without classes has taken its toll on the two 14-year-olds, reports 1News’ Barbara Dreaver.

Two teen girls in school after being blocked by wrong information

The 14-year-olds were unable to enrol for five months despite being New Zealand citizens.

Mon, Jun 29

2:53

Emeline Mafi (left), pictured with her parents Amelia and Puipui at their Otara home

Pasifika doctor's 'many years of sacrifice' to obtain degree

Emeline Mafi's role as a junior doctor serving her community represents years of hard work, and sacrifices from her whole family to get her there.

Sun, Jun 14

2:31

May 2026
Two men living in Samoa were arrested in Vietnam following the killing of Australian gang "Coconut Cartel" leader Lamalu Lorenzo Tovia outside a Ho Chi Minh City restaurant.

Concern over organised crime networks in Pacific after Vietnam killing

New Zealand's Police Commissioner is calling for greater regional cooperation after a brazen gang killing in Vietnam implicated nationals from Samoa, Australia and beyond.

Sat, May 30

2:36

April 2026
A diverted fuel shipment has extended diesel and jet fuel supplies in the Cook Islands, but industry leaders warn the country remains at the very end of a fragile and increasingly costly supply chain.

Cook Islands faces fuel supply crunch as prices loom

With limited tanker deliveries and contracts falling over, the diesel‑dependent nation has just weeks of fuel in reserve and rising costs ahead.

Tue, Apr 7

5:47

Cook Islands PM mark Brown welcomes NZ Foreign Minister Winston Peters. (Image: MFAT)

China out, NZ back in as new deal struck with Cook Islands

Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the declaration signed today clarifies the relationship between NZ and the Cook Islands.

Thu, Apr 2

5:02

March 2026
Relations between Mark Brown (left) and Winston Peters have become more cordial in recent weeks.

Is the big thaw in frosty ties between Cook Islands and NZ now underway?

Analysis: Foreign Minister Winston Peters is heading to the Cook Islands tomorrow in a move that signifies a further improvement in relations between the two countries.

Tue, Mar 31

Samoa's La'aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt and Christopher Luxon

Samoan PM says Luxon was hours away from cancelling chiefly title

Christopher Luxon will be feeling he’s dodged a bullet but it came close enough for him to feel the shifting of air as it shot past, writes 1News Pacific Correspondent Barbara Dreaver.

Tue, Mar 17

3:35

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon pictured in December 2025.

PM Luxon's office denies he asked for a Samoan matai title

Samoa’s Prime Minister claimed in a recent interview Luxon himself had asked for the title, and the request came via New Zealand’s High Commissioner.

Sat, Mar 14

Barbara Dreaver.

Locked up, alone, fearing torture: Barbara Dreaver's terrifying night in Fiji

In this extract from her new memoir Be Brave, Barbara Dreaver recalls the night she was detained and locked up in Fiji.

Sun, Mar 8

5:55

The Tongan team is led by manager and Tonga Athletics Association  secretary general Alifeleti Tuihalamaka.

First Polynesian track and field event in a decade held in Auckland

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade funded athletes from seven Pacific countries to participate with support from Athletics New Zealand.

Sat, Mar 7

2:43

Pests devastating parts of the Pacific are being turned back with help from New Zealand communities.

Pacific Island in battle to bring rare bird from brink of extinction

Feral cats, rats and invasive taro vine devastating parts of the Pacific are being pushed back with support from New Zealand communities in a bid to protect rare wildlife.

Wed, Mar 4

2:47