Coco Talanoa — Coco News / Page 1

“The only thing that is saving us is the alofa of our big family but many of them are also in social housing and struggling hard. Where is this imaginary place we are supposed to live now with rents going up?” - Ataliisi Johnson on Housing Reform

“People aren’t in social housing because they’ve chosen an easy ride. They’re there because rents are unaffordable, wages haven’t kept up, and this Government has made the housing crisis worse.” — Kieran McAnulty

Originally posted by RNZ

A Tongan courier driver was allegedly murdered by a US-based hitman after Customs intercepted 18kg of cocaine and firearms police believe were linked to an international organised crime syndicate.

The killing followed a series of shootings across South Auckland, with the courier driver's son one of the targets, police believe.

RNZ earlier revealed Tanginoa Pahulu Tangi is believed to have been sent to New Zealand by an organised criminal group based in the US to carry out a killing. He is jointly charged with two others of killing Tuipulotu Vi in August 2024. Vi was not involved in the drug world.

The homicide investigation, dubbed Operation Block, is linked to Operation Mexted, a joint investigation by the National Organised Crime Group (NOCG) and Customs, which targeted a transnational organised criminal cell.

RNZ has obtained a court document which reveals the police allegations regarding Operation Block. There are five defendants in total who have all been charged with participating in an organised criminal group.…more

Story via RNZ

The moment Isabel Drollet Macdonald stepped inside a plane, on an aircraft that was flown by none other than her dad, she knew that the pilot's life was meant for her.

"It was just one of the little scenic flights," Macdonald said.

"But it was just very inspiring to see the world from a pilot's eyes. I was probably eight or nine years old, but that was the start of it."

At just 23 years old, Macdonald is set to make history as Air Rarotonga's first-ever female pilot.

"My mum travelled a lot for work … and I think, I really do like the idea of travelling around the world. And why not be a pilot? I mean, it's one of the coolest jobs in my opinion.

"Once you take off, there's an unmatched feeling of just weight being lifted off your shoulders, of your whole entire body, actually.

"It's just an amazing thought that something so heavy, man-made, is flying in the air.…more

First Published on RNZ

Migrants applying for citizenship in New Zealand will have to pass a new multi-choice test under a government initiative to kick in late next year.

Applicants will be quizzed in person on the "responsibilities and privileges" of citizenship, covering topics like the Bill of Rights Act, voting rights and the structure of government.

They will need at least 75 percent of questions correct to pass.

Applicants currently only need to sign a form saying they understand these things. They must also meet other requirements regarding residency, good character and English skills.

Announcing the test, Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden - who's also an ACT MP - said the move would strengthen what it meant to be a citizen of New Zealand.

"People seeking citizenship should understand New Zealanders believe in certain rights, like freedom of speech, or that no one person or group is above the law."

Other proposed question topics included human rights, certain criminal offences, democratic principles, and travel to and from New Zealand.…more

Jetstar is set to launch its first-ever direct service between Brisbane and Rarotonga on May 18, 2026, marking a major boost for Pacific travel.

The new route will operate three times a week, offering a low-cost, non-stop connection to one of the South Pacific’s most popular island destinations. The service will add more than 50,000 seats annually and will be operated on Jetstar’s A321neo LR aircraft.

The milestone expands Jetstar’s Pacific network, building on its Sydney to Rarotonga route launched in 2023. The airline remains the only carrier offering direct flights from both Brisbane and Sydney to Rarotonga.

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown welcomed the announcement, highlighting the importance of tourism to the nation’s economy.

“Tourism is the backbone of the Cook Island’s economy, contributing approximately 75 per cent of the country’s GDP. The new services from Jetstar will provide a major boost to our tourism sector and the financial impact for local tourism operators and the nation will be positive.…more

Respected educator and national leader Afioga Gatoloaifaana Tilianamua Afamasaga has passed away, with her family sharing the news publicly.

According to loved ones, she died peacefully on the morning of 23 April, surrounded by her husband Toomata Tua Afamasaga, their children, grandchildren, and close relatives. While she was widely recognised for her work, she is also being remembered as a deeply devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and mentor to many.

Born on 5 May 1947, Afamasaga devoted over 50 years to strengthening education in Samoa and across the Pacific. Her studies took her from Samoa College to Hamilton Girls’ High School in New Zealand, and later to Christchurch Teachers College, where she completed her teaching diploma in 1971. She continued her academic journey at Macquarie University in Australia, earning qualifications in education including a Master’s in Teacher Education.

She began teaching at Samoa College and Vaipouli College, before moving into influential leadership roles that helped shape Samoa’s education system.…more

There might be life in Moana Pasifika yet. After five years in Super Rugby, the franchise confirmed on Wednesday it had made the "difficult and heartbreaking decision" to disband at the end of the 2026 season due to financial pressures and structural challenges.

It followed reports Moana's Pasifika's owner, the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA), was cutting ties with the club in the face of a $10 million funding shortfall.

However Debbie Sorensen, who is chief executive of both the club and PMA, is still hopeful someone could step in to save the club.

"We're very hopeful that additional investors may come forward because often in this situation people who have extra resources haven't really thought about taking a franchise," Sorensen told Morning Report.

"We have previously gone out to market for investors and that didn't bear any fruit for us which leaves us in the position we are in now.…more

The High Court has dismissed an appeal from a former Ports of Auckland chief executive who was found guilty in relation to the death of a worker.

A stevedore, Pala'amo Kalati, aged 31, was killed by a falling container in August 2020.

Tony Gibson was then prosecuted by Maritime New Zealand under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

The maritime watchdog filed charges accusing Gibson of breaching his duties as an officer and making decisions which jeopardised the safety of port workers.

He was found guilty after a trial in the Auckland District Court in 2024, fined $130,000 and ordered to pay a further $60,000 in legal costs.

The High Court has now upheld the verdict and the sentence.

Maritime New Zealand Director Kirstie Hewlett said she was pleased to see the High Court reinforced that Gibson did not exercise his due diligence responsibility to ensure the port complied with its health and safety obligations

The case is part of a wider pattern of safety issues at the port, including several serious incidents and deaths.…more

Automatic draft registration expands in the US, but Pacific impact remains unclear

A new United States policy will automatically register eligible men for the Selective Service system from December, marking a major update to how the US prepares for a potential military draft.

While the policy does not reinstate conscription, it expands automatic registration into a nationwide system for the first time. Any actual draft would still require approval from Congress.

What is confirmed

Under the new measure, all male US citizens and “every other male person” living in the United States between the ages of 18 and 26 will be automatically registered for Selective Service.

This includes green card holders, refugees, asylum seekers and undocumented men. Men on non immigrant visas are exempt.

Men who fail to register can face penalties including loss of federal benefits, fines and potential imprisonment under US law.

The Selective Service system has not been used for an active draft since 1973, during the Vietnam War.…more