There may be a whole lot more to little old New Zealand than three tiny islands tucked away in the Pacific.

Former All Black and Chiefs player Sione Lauaki will be farewelled at a funeral service in Auckland on Saturday.

NZ artist Michel Tuffery is carving a memorial for the Cook Islands soldiers of WWI.

Pamela Wade island-hops aboard VT439.

Lauren Jones looks at some of the Pacific's top events.

The next time you holiday in Vanuatu, don't expect to see any M&Ms or Mars Bars in every hotel minibar.

The investigation into issues raised by Edward Snowden's Kiwi leaks of National Security Agency material is almost complete. David Fisher points to the areas most needing attention.

Want more from a Fiji break than just a pool and a cocktail? Healthy holidays are easy to find, writes Lauren Jones.

A Kiwi scientist has unexpectedly discovered what appears to be a huge undersea volcanic eruption near the main island of Tonga.

Life is just a beach of parrot fish poo in New Caledonia for Maureen Marriner.

A Fiji newspaper publisher charged with inciting "communal antagonism" over an anti-Muslim article has been prohibited from flying to New Zealand for medical treatment and his daughter's wedding.

Summer not living up to your expectations? Try a South Pacific getaway instead.

Eli Orzessek answers queries on economy seating and bringing kava back from Fiji.

If you consider yourself too good to rub shoulders with commoners on holiday, this Pacific island nation should be on your itinerary.

Kris Shannon checks into a Deluxe Beachfront Bure at Likuliku Lagoon Resort on Fiji's Malolo Island.

The friendly canines that charm many visitors to Rarotonga can have a dog's life, writes Lisa Scott.

Miller Patane's long lost sister "bawled her eyes out" when she saw her long lost brother's photo in the Herald after he was given food by newlyweds.

EXCLUSIVE: Family members recall how Leotisia Malakai - the third victim of a horrific bus crash near Gisborne - slipped into a coma and never woke up.

Herald photographer Brett Phibbs has been recognised by Newsweek in their annual 'most iconic photos' section.

All Black lock Patrick Tuipulotu will take on a fresh challenge in the new year, having been named a family chief in Samoa this week. The

Valerie Adams visited her mother's grave today, after news she has been made a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Missing yachtie likely to be sailing his tiny catamaran to Australia, where he has disappeared with his 6-year-old daughter Que previously, according to an expert.

Police have concerns for Alan Langdon, 49, and his daughter Que who left Kawhia Harbour in the Waikato bound for Bay of Islands on December 17.

The Kiwi filmmaker has taken the time to roll up his sleeves and go on the bone marrow registry.

Crash survivors still weak but 'doing okay' after their flight from Gisborne.

Survivors of the deadly Christmas Eve bus crash in Gisborne will perform a tribute concert today - the same day the bus was recovered from the scene.

The surviving members of the Tongan band involved in last week's bus crash will fly to Auckland tomorrow, courtesy of Air New Zealand.

Fund will help the people injured in Gisborne bus crash.

The 11-year-old boy who died in the Christmas Eve bus crash was "quiet, kind and smiley" his sister says.

State Highway 2 between Gisborne and Wairoa will be closed at some point over the next two days to investigate at fatal bus crash.