It started as a joke and ended with a journalist earning a namesake in Papua New Guinea.

Early in the morning, Jennifer left her village, in the isolated, mountainous province of Malaita and began her journey, alone, to have her baby.

Thousands of boaties swapped their old lifejackets for new in a Coastguard safety scheme.

Each day we report on a particular problem for the Pacific, showcasing how World Vision has helped. Today, fishing to survive.

Memorials and the skeletons of World War II armaments abound in the Solomon Islands, writes Emma Kemp.

Clarke Gayford and Mike Scott visit isolated communities in Papua New Guinea as part of a World Vision fundraiser and find scenes straight out of a horror movie.

Just one thing going wrong had a devastating effect on an entire village in Papua New Guinea.

The people of Rarata village in the Solomon Islands were walking up to 7km every day to quench their thirst.

In the village of Hanuabada, children swim among soiled nappies and unsafe water kills. But there is hope.

French sailors Jean-Pierre and Paulette van Hille have returned to Tauranga after 20 years to continue their long love affair with New Zealand. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

French sailors Jean-Pierre and Paulette van Hille have returned to Tauranga after 20 years to continue their long love affair with New Zealand. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Auli'i Cravalho was singing when one of her dancers' flags slapped her in the head

The Airbus contender to replace the RNZAF's Hercules is making its 100-tonne presence felt in New Zealand this weekend.

Leila George looks at why this tropical paradise should be on your radar for 2017.

A year ago today tropical Cyclone Winston thrashed its way through Fiji. The Herald looks back at the disaster - and the people who survived it.

Lauren Jones looks at which Pacific Island to choose, and why.

Siena Yates unlocks the secrets of an untouched island.

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

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.

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.