Kava goes viral: How the Kavafied song and new trends fit around Kava’s traditional use

But as it expands to the point where Americans are growing it in the continental US, Pacific youth are celebrating it in song and going viral. Samoan/Māori artist MELODOWNZ is no stranger to bringing kava into the mainstream, previously hosting …

Marlon Williams reconnects with his Indigenous roots in new album

The singer Marlon Williams has been headlining concerts around the world for more than a decade. His new album is just the latest to top the charts in his native New Zealand. But it marks a radical departure: it’s the first sung entirely in his Indigenous …

‘Hollowing out’: New Zealand grapples with an uncertain future as record numbers leave

She considers herself a diehard South Island girl, but Harriet Baker, 33, won’t be raising her children in the city where she’s spent most of her life. “When we bought our house I said, ‘You’ll be taking me out of here in a casket,” she says, of the …

First Round of FTA Talks between India, New Zealand Concludes

India, New Zealand wrap up first round of FTA talks

Working against a tight deadline, India and New Zealand on Friday wrapped up the first round of negotiations on a bilataral Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The round that started on May 5 discussed the broad contours of the agreement. The two countries decided …

Travel Alerts: New exhibitions, wine pairings, resorts and cruises

New exhibitions A moving new exhibition, In Focus – The Unseen Journey of Compassion, Commitment and Care, opens at Waiheke Island’s Mataira Gallery from May 8 to June 1. Created pro bono by award-winning photographer Rachel Mataira in partnership with …

Fresh hope in hunt for British hiker, 25, missing on New Zealand mountain trek as rescuers spot torchlight

Hopes for the safe return of a British man missing since he set off on a New Zealand mountain expedition almost a week ago have been boosted after rescuers spotted a torchlight. Eli Sweeting, 25, sparked a major search and rescue operation when he failed …

New Zealand’s Plan to Ban Social Media for Kids Suffers Setback 

A plan to stop children under 16 from using social media in New Zealand faced a major roadblock when one of the ruling coalition parties, ACT, refused to support it.  The idea came from Catherine Wedd, a member of the National Party, and had the backing of …

Barracuda names country manager for Australia and New Zealand

Barracuda Networks has appointed Dan McLean as country manager for Australia and New Zealand, where he will lead the cybersecurity company's sales strategy and market expansion efforts across the region. In his new role, McLean will focus on …

ASEAN, New Zealand set sights on comprehensive strategic partnership

Jakarta (VNA) - ASEAN member states have expressed their support for New Zealand’s proposal to elevate bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). The commitment was made during the 13th Meeting of the ASEAN–New Zealand Joint Cooperation …