Latest fromPacific Islands

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

Spy probe near done - what to watch for
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.

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

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

Shark attack numbers fell in 2016
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.

Gisborne bus crash: Teen's long road back
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.

Amedee Island: Sandy white delights
Life is just a beach of parrot fish poo in New Caledonia for Maureen Marriner.

Fiji newspaper publisher barred from flying to NZ
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.

Where budget travellers need not apply
If you consider yourself too good to rub shoulders with commoners on holiday, this Pacific island nation should be on your itinerary.

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

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

Homeless man: US Marines to the streets
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.

'I held her hand until her last breath'
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.

Bus crash: Head tutor sings before death
Leticia Malakai's death brings the holiday road toll to 19 - the highest since the 2011/2012 period.

'Bowie was totally at ease in Rarotonga'
As we approach the anniversary of his death, I remember my time spent with him. David Bowie, musician, composer, actor and personality

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

All Black Patrick Tuipulotu becomes a chief
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

Missing yachtie, girl: Interpol called in
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.

Taika Waititi donates bag of blood
The Kiwi filmmaker has taken the time to roll up his sleeves and go on the bone marrow registry.

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

Bus survivors to perform tribute concert
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.

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

More than $30,000 raised for Tongan brass band
Fund will help the people injured in Gisborne bus crash.

'He always put everybody before himself'
The 11-year-old boy who died in the Christmas Eve bus crash was "quiet, kind and smiley" his sister says.

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

Victim's husband: 'No words can explain it'
Her smile always made him happy, says the widower of Gisborne bus crash victim.

Gisborne bus crash victims named
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.

Warm, wet, wild: 2016's extreme weather
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.

Parker's vow to Down Syndrome man
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.