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

The number of unprovoked shark attacks across the world fell last year, in the wake of a record figure in 2015 that scientists partly put down to warmers waters created by a strong El Nino system.

Tevita Lokotui, who plays the tuba in the school's brass band, is recovering after having his leg amputated at the knee as a result of the Christmas Eve bus crash.

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.

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.

Leticia Malakai's death brings the holiday road toll to 19 - the highest since the 2011/2012 period.

As we approach the anniversary of his death, I remember my time spent with him. David Bowie, musician, composer, actor and personality

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.

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.

Her smile always made him happy, says the widower of Gisborne bus crash victim.

The two people killed in the Christmas Eve bus crash near Gisborne last night have been named, as the driver of the bus says the brakes failed.

There was a record downpour in Auckland, a tornado in Taranaki and "quake lights" above Wellington. Oh, and 2016 was likely also New Zealand's hottest year on record.

World boxing champion Joseph Parker says a young Samoan man with Down Syndrome will be part of his ring walk for the rest of his heavyweight career.

The Kiwi stars of Moana took it upon themselves to keep Disney true to the film's Polynesian roots - sometimes risking their jobs to do it.

You know the film is something special when the opening scene brings a tear to the eye.

A man and his son missing at sea off Tonga since Saturday have been found safe by the NZ Defence Force.

The growth in new air routes is stoking travel by New Zealanders to new destinations, according to a House of Travel survey.