Khalia Strong

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

Pacific issues have taken centre stage during meetings with United States military and political leaders in Honolulu. Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters, New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, leads a cross-party delegation through Tonga, Hawaii, and Vanuatu. The delegation met with Hawaii’s Governor Josh Green, US Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo, and other senior regional leaders and military officials.

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

Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins is celebrating the recent decision to extend visa terms for visitors from Pacific nations, describing the change as “pretty sensible” and long overdue. Starting in July, visitors from Pacific Islands Forum nations will be eligible for a multi-entry visa valid for 24 months, an increase from the previous 12 months. Speaking on Pacific Mornings with William Terite, Hipkins emphasised the positive impact this change will have on families.

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

Mataria Pekepo is bringing the vibrant colours and crafts of Rarotonga to one of the coldest parts of Aotearoa. Pekepo (Arorangi) owns Te Pura Creations, a Cook Islands-inspired business based in Mosgiel. “What I do is I provide Pacific Islanders down here in the south with a lot of Cook Island arts and crafts that range from the floral head crowns, which are the ei katu like I'm wearing,” she tells Tofiga Fepulea’i on Island Time.

2 weeks ago | pmn.co.nz | Khalia Strong

Loupua Pahulu-Kuli has made history as Tonga’s first woman and youngest Chief Magistrate, overseeing the nation’s local courts with legal expertise and unwavering faith. “It feels amazing,” Pahulu (‘Utulau, Lapaha, Houma, Ha’afeva) says. “I’m still getting used to the position, to the task… but it’s very exciting.”She officially took on the role on 28 March, after five years as Senior Magistrate.

2 weeks ago | pmn.co.nz | Khalia Strong

The recent decision to double the visitor visa duration for Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) nations has received mixed reactions from advocates in the region. Starting in July, visitors from member countries to New Zealand will be eligible for a multi-entry visitor visa valid for 24 months, up from 12 months. Foreign Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters, who is currently on a tour of the Pacific, says the change reflects the strong ties between Aotearoa and its Pacific neighbours.