Ben McKay

3 days ago | au.news.yahoo.com | Ben McKay

New Zealand First's "war on woke" is delivering Winston Peters' party a political dividend, pushing the populist force to fresh heights in a pair of polls. At the half-way point of Chris Luxon's coalition government, both New Zealand's major polling firms released new surveys this week, delivering differing outcomes for the first-term administration. Mr Luxon's three-party right-wing coalition would be returned to power on the TVNZ-Verian numbers, with a tight win over the left bloc.

3 days ago | thewest.com.au | Ben McKay

'War on woke' gives poll bump for New Zealand First

4 days ago | canberratimes.com.au | Ben McKay

The US decision to axe foreign aid is having devastating consequences for media in the Pacific. Photo: Ben McKay/AAP PHOTOSAmerica's retreat from foreign aid is being felt deeply in Pacific media, where pivotal outlets are being shuttered and journalists work unpaid. Subscribe now for unlimited access.

2 weeks ago | canberratimes.com.au | Ben McKay

NZ budget documents show official development assistance spending dropping to its lowest since 2021. Photo: EPA PHOTONew Zealand has slashed foreign aid to its lowest level in four years, with specific cuts to climate finance, in a move decried by the international development sector as a broken promise. Subscribe now for unlimited access.

2 weeks ago | thenewdaily.com.au | Ben McKay

Fiji’s government is conducting a fresh probe into a pina colada poisoning incident after an Australian victim revealed her near-death experience. Seven people, including four Australians, fell ill after consuming drinks at the five-star Warwick Resort on Fiji’s Coral Coast in December. Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka said a toxicology report showed there were “no illicit substances or methanol” involved.