Khalia Strong

1 week ago | pmn.co.nz | Khalia Strong

Noa’ia ‘e Mauri, gagaj ‘atakoa! Greetings, everyone! It’s that time of year when different Pacific cultures take centre stage for a week of traditional food, fun, and festivities. Rotuman is the first of 12 languages celebrated in dedicated weeks until the end of November. PMN Rotuma producer Alfie Prasad says the weeklong theme honours the faith that is the foundation of the island's culture, and keeps the language alive both at home and abroad.

1 week ago | pmn.co.nz | Khalia Strong

The Catholic church has a new pope. A plume of white smoke has risen above the Sistine Chapel, a signal that the Cardinals have made their decision in just four rounds of conclave voting. The new pontiff has been named as American Cardinal Robert Prevost, 69, who will go by the name of Pope Leo XIV. He appeared on the balcony of St Peter's Basilica, and addressed the tens of thousands gathered.

1 week ago | pmn.co.nz | Khalia Strong

Pacific children are significantly more likely to be hospitalised due to poor housing conditions, prompting the AWHI group to work towards reducing illnesses by upgrading homes and providing resources and education. Hundreds of Pacific families are being supported to live in warmer, drier homes through an initiative to reduce overcrowding and illness linked to inadequate housing.

1 week ago | pmn.co.nz | Khalia Strong

Screen advocates say the looming tariffs on films made abroad by the United States could have consequences and opportunities for the local film industry. This follows US President Donald Trump’s plans to impose a 100 per cent tariff on “foreign-made” films. Irene Gardiner, executive producer at the Screen Producers Guild, says the wording of the proposed tariffs is confusing.

1 week ago | pmn.co.nz | Khalia Strong

A development organisation is helping rural communities in Vanuatu upgrade their agricultural systems and produce higher-value crops. The name Nasi Tuan, which means “to help” in Bislama, one of several local languages, reflects its mission as a community-led NGO founded on Tanna Island. Nini Tamasui, Chief Operations Manager of Nasi Tuan, says the work of their social enterprise, Tanna Garden, is meaningful.