“We've just finished receiving a Christmas box from our church aiga as they do this yearly to help support those that are struggling during the Christmas period.”

For other solo- mums living away from their aiga, this crucial support isn’t often available, and now that many food banks have closed down, this Xmas is particularly tough.

Auckland City Mission is facing ongoing challenges due to reduced government funding for its general year-round food bank services, which has resulted in a significant increase in community need. 

Likewise the popular Butterbean Motivation Foodbank in South Auckland has had to cut back staff, operating on limited capacity due to funding cuts. 

Is the pay gap to blame?

Many of these struggles are not accidental - and sadly are a reality for many Pacific Women in Aotearoa.

Pacific women face the highest gender pay gap in the country at 20.9 percent. In October, data showed Pacific women are effectively working for free from October 15 through to the end of the year compared to Pākehā men.…more

“Pacific players, both men and women, make up a huge part of rugby in Aotearoa, from Provincial Unions to Super Rugby and our Teams in Black. That’s why it’s so important for the Pasifika Rugby Council to have a voice at the decision-making table,” says Eroni Clarke, a member of the Pasifika Rugby Council.

His comments come as Pasifika rugby officially gains a formal say in how the game is governed in Aotearoa, after New Zealand Rugby voting members approved the New Zealand Pasifika Rugby Council as an Affiliated Body of NZR.

The decision was confirmed through a postal ballot that closed on December 10, with the country’s 26 Provincial Unions and the New Zealand Māori Rugby Board backing the proposal by the required two thirds majority.

The vote means the Pasifika Rugby Council will hold two votes under the NZR constitution and represent Pasifika rugby interests at all levels of the game. It also places Pasifika representation alongside Provincial Unions and the New Zealand Māori Rugby Board within NZR’s governance structure.…more

New United States travel restrictions have now expanded beyond Fiji, with Tonga officially placed on a list of countries facing full and partial visa suspensions.

Under measures that came into effect on January 1, the US has stopped issuing visas to Tongan nationals for short-term visits, tourism and business, with the State Department also suspending processing of some immigrant visas.

Tongan citizen and former Hawaii student Lionel Funaki told ABC Pacific the policy felt like “collective punishment,” saying, “I was looking forward to continuing my educational journey, but unfortunately, that now looms in limbo.” The White House cited visa overstay rates and concerns about civil documentation, with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stating, “We love to have visitors - but they have to come here legally.” The move has caused growing frustration across Tonga and its US-based diaspora, where families fear the restrictions will further limit education, travel, and reunification opportunities.…more

AI’s economic ripple effects beyond creativity

The same surge in artificial intelligence infrastructure that is driving concerns for Pacific artists is also pushing up costs across the wider tech industry.

Apple has announced price increases for its MacBook computers, iPad tablets and other products, blaming spiralling memory and storage costs linked to the rapid expansion of AI data centres.

The changes mark the first major pricing shift tied to outgoing chief executive Tim Cook’s repeated warnings about rising input costs. Apple shares fell more than 4.7 percent in morning trading following the announcement.

On its US website, increases range from US$30 (NZ$53) to US$300 (NZ$530). The 14-inch MacBook Pro rose from about $1700 to $2000, while the iPad Air increased from $600 to $750. The Apple TV streaming device climbed from $130 to $200. The price of the iPhone remains unchanged.

“The rapid expansion of AI data centres has created an extraordinary surge in demand for memory and storage,” an Apple spokesperson said.…more

“The approach we take at TALA to represent the Samoan way and culture is instilled in our staff and evidenced through the apa fafano ceremony. This is our way of showing gratitude (gaga fa’afetai), servitude (tautua) and respect (fa’aaloalo) to the guests.”

For Henry Onesemo, executive chef and co-owner of Tala, these words define everything the restaurant stands for. Yesterday, Tala was crowned the Supreme Winner of Viva’s Top 50 Restaurants 2025, a milestone moment for Pacific cuisine in Auckland and a rare celebration of Samoan excellence in a predominantly Palagi-dominated fine dining scene.

Judges made the decision almost instantly. “Choosing a Supreme Winner usually takes hours of discussion and negotiation, but I will be honest and tell you that this year it only took a few seconds,” said Viva dining out editor Jesse Mulligan, who delivered the news in person to Henry and co-owner Debby Onesemo.

At just two years old, Tala has already redefined what Samoan food can look and feel like in Parnell.…more