Barbara Dreaver

Auckland

Pacific Correspondent at 1 NEWS

Pacific Correspondent for One News, TVNZ

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Articles

The 'body paint guy' hyping up Moana Pasifika from the sidelines

2 weeks ago | 1news.co.nz | Barbara Dreaver

Phillip Enari arrived in New Zealand two years ago on a study scholarship. Shy and humble by day, at night he transforms to Moana Pasifika superfan otherwise known as the "body paint guy". "I had talked about it with a few of my family and friends about my idea, they were like 'yeah you should do it' and it became a thing," Enari said. Enari generally goes as ocean or water-based characters and with help from a cousin it usually takes around 30-40 mins to do.
Battle to head off pyramid schemes makes ground

3 weeks ago | 1news.co.nz | Barbara Dreaver

The last three years have not been easy for Pita and Selu Hingano. The retirees in south Auckland lead a humble life and have struggled to make ends meet after losing tens of thousands of dollars in a 2021 pyramid scheme. Pita had seen the Tongi Tupe Nuusila (New Zealand) scheme on numerous Facebook feeds and posts – including live feeds from a business yard in Otara.
Fears funding gap left by USAID cuts could be filled by China

2 months ago | 1news.co.nz | Barbara Dreaver

Communities are bearing the brunt of sweeping USAID cuts in the Pacific, with concerns the absence of the United States will open the way for Chinese aid. It's been two months since US President Donald Trump announced a freeze on its overseas development programmes with thousands of contracts terminated.
Concerns raised about Chinese interference in the Pacific

2 months ago | kanivatonga.co.nz | Barbara Dreaver

By Barbara Dreaver, Pacific Correspondent and is republished with permission 1News Pacific correspondent Barbara Dreaver looks at what’s at stake for NZ. US withdrawal from Pacific causing anxiety as China expands interestsA major transnational crime symposium kicks off in Fiji next week as concerns are raised about Chinese interference in the Pacific.
Concerns raised about Chinese interference in the Pacific

2 months ago | 1news.co.nz | Barbara Dreaver

A major transnational crime symposium kicks off in Fiji next week as concerns are raised about Chinese interference in the Pacific. Canterbury University's newly established Pacific Regional Security hub (PRSH) is holding the closed door meeting with Pacific heads of law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
Cook Islands' 'blue economy' pact with China revealed

Feb 21, 2025 | 1news.co.nz | Barbara Dreaver

A day after China warned its three military ships would be live weapons testing between New Zealand and Australia, the Cook Islands has today released a controversial agreement indicating Beijing has secured a maritime presence there.
Cook Islands PM to face protest following return from China

Feb 17, 2025 | 1news.co.nz | Barbara Dreaver

Just a day after returning from China, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown will face protestors outside parliament this morning as local residents demand more transparency. New Zealand said it had not been properly consulted over the agreements Brown has signed with China — and that goes against the Cook Islands' constitutional relationship with Aotearoa.
'Significant concern': NZ, Cook Islands relationship worsens

Feb 8, 2025 | 1news.co.nz | Barbara Dreaver

The relationship between New Zealand and the Cook Islands has worsened significantly over the past few hours. A statement from Foreign Minister Winston Peters' office said the Cook Islands had failed to share, which it is required to do as a realm country, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership "and other agreements" which Prime Minister Mark Brown is about to sign with China.
Protest rising over Cook Islands push for passport, pact with China

Feb 6, 2025 | 1news.co.nz | Barbara Dreaver

A public protest march is planned in Rarotonga as the Cook Islands makes further moves that locals fear is fracturing their country's relationship with New Zealand. Cook Islands United political party leader Teariki Heather told 1News the march will be held on parliament's first sitting of the year in Rarotonga on February 17. "We want to show our face — how much we love our relationship and stop the nonsense the Government is doing," he said.
Cook Islands' deal with China takes NZ Government by surprise

Feb 5, 2025 | 1news.co.nz | Barbara Dreaver

The Cook Islands is set to strike a major partnership deal with China — causing deep concern in the New Zealand Government, 1News can reveal. The move would be a big win for Beijing, which is trying to exert its influence and power across the Pacific. But it has taken the Beehive by surprise — as it is a potential breach of constitutional arrangements between the Cooks and Aotearoa. This year, the Cook Islands celebrates 60 years of self-governance in free association with New Zealand.