CoveragePost
May 12, 2025
By Coco Lance, RNZ Pacific digital journalist A new Auckland-based kava business has found itself at the heart of a cultural debate, with critics raising concerns about appropriation, authenticity, and the future of kava as a deeply rooted Pacific tradition. Vibes Kava, co-founded by Charles Byram and Derek Hillen, operates out of New Leaf Kombucha ... <a title="‘We’re just doing our best’ – cultural backlash hits Auckland kava business" class="read-more" href="https://eveningreport.nz/2025/05/12/were-just-doing-our-best-cultural-backlash-hits-auckland-kava-business/" aria-label="Read more about ‘We’re just doing our best’ – cultural backlash hits Auckland kava business">Read more</a>
CoveragePost
May 7, 2025
Talamua Online News Samoa has dropped in its media and information freedom world ranking from 22 in 2024 to 44 in 2025 in the latest World Press Freedom Index compiled annually by the Paris-based Reporters Without Borders (RSF). For the Pacific region, New Zealand is ranked highest at 16, Australia at 29, Fiji at 40, ... <a title="Samoa down in RSF media freedom world ranking due to ‘authoritarian pressure’" class="read-more" href="https://eveningreport.nz/2025/05/07/samoa-down-in-rsf-media-freedom-world-ranking-due-to-authoritarian-pressure/" aria-label="Read more about Samoa down in RSF media freedom world ranking due to ‘authoritarian pressure’">Read more</a>
CoveragePost
May 7, 2025
Pacific Media Watch To mark the release of the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) partnered with the agency The Good Company to launch a new awareness campaign that puts an ironic twist on the glossy advertising of the tourism industry. Three out of six countries featured in the exposé are from ... <a title="Indonesian postcard image ‘dangerous’ but Fiji a rising star in RSF press freedom index" class="read-more" href="https://eveningreport.nz/2025/05/07/indonesian-postcard-image-dangerous-but-fiji-a-rising-star-in-rsf-press-freedom-index/" aria-label="Read more about Indonesian postcard image ‘dangerous’ but Fiji a rising star in RSF press freedom index">Read more</a>
CoveragePost
April 26, 2025
By Susana Suisuiki, RNZ Pacific presenter The doors of St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican have now been closed and the coffin sealed, ahead of preparations for tonight’s funeral of Pope Francis. The Vatican says a quarter of a million people have paid respects to Pope Francis in the last three days. Sister Susana Vaifale ... <a title="Samoan nun tells of ‘like a blur’ awesome meeting with Pope Francis" class="read-more" href="https://eveningreport.nz/2025/04/26/samoan-nun-tells-of-like-a-blur-awesome-meeting-with-pope-francis/" aria-label="Read more about Samoan nun tells of ‘like a blur’ awesome meeting with Pope Francis">Read more</a>
CoveragePost
April 18, 2025
By Susana Leiataua, RNZ National presenter There are calls for greater transparency about what the HMNZS Manawanui was doing before it sank in Samoa last October — including whether the New Zealand warship was performing specific security for King Charles and Queen Camilla. The Manawanui grounded on the reef off the south coast of Upolu ... <a title="What was HMNZS Manawanui doing before it sank? Calls for greater transparency" class="read-more" href="https://eveningreport.nz/2025/04/18/what-was-hmnzs-manawanui-doing-before-it-sank-calls-for-greater-transparency/" aria-label="Read more about What was HMNZS Manawanui doing before it sank? Calls for greater transparency">Read more</a>
CoveragePost
April 8, 2025
By Susana Suisuiki, RNZ Pacific journalist Pasifika comedy troupe Naked Samoans is facing a backlash from some members of the Pacific community over its promotional poster. In the image, which has now been taken down, the Naked Samoans depicted themselves as the 12 disciples surrounding Jesus, a parody of The Last Supper. Several Pasifika influencers ... <a title="‘Never our intention to mock Jesus’ – Naked Samoans respond to backlash over controversial poster" class="read-more" href="https://eveningreport.nz/2025/04/08/never-our-intention-to-mock-jesus-naked-samoans-respond-to-backlash-over-controversial-poster/" aria-label="Read more about ‘Never our intention to mock Jesus’ – Naked Samoans respond to backlash over controversial poster">Read more</a>
CoveragePost
March 10, 2025
International Women’s Day, March 8, is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women around the world. Closer to home, here in Aotearoa New Zealand, we can take a moment to acknowledge Pasifika women, and in particular the contributions of Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban. For her, “International Women’s day is an opportunity to acknowledge Pasifika ... <a title="Luamanuvao reflects on International Women’s Day and ‘Pacific dreams’" class="read-more" href="https://eveningreport.nz/2025/03/10/luamanuvao-reflects-on-international-womens-day-and-pacific-dreams/" aria-label="Read more about Luamanuvao reflects on International Women’s Day and ‘Pacific dreams’">Read more</a>
CoveragePost
February 25, 2025
By Christina Persico, RNZ Pacific bulletin editor Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa has survived a vote of no confidence after weeks of political turmoil. In a vote today, she defeated the motion by 34 votes in favour and 15 against. The motion was prompted by a split in the ruling FAST Party, which saw ... <a title="Samoan Prime Minister Fiame survives in resounding no-confidence vote" class="read-more" href="https://eveningreport.nz/2025/02/25/samoan-prime-minister-fiame-survives-in-resounding-no-confidence-vote/" aria-label="Read more about Samoan Prime Minister Fiame survives in resounding no-confidence vote">Read more</a>
CoveragePost
February 14, 2025
By Lagi Keresoma in Apia The Miss Pacific Islands Pageant (MPIP) Committee has finally issued a statement — 5 days after damaging social media attacks following the 2025 Pageant finals hosted by the Solomon Islands last Saturday. The statement yesterday simply said the committee recognised and deeply regretted the distress caused by recent disputes concerning ... <a title="‘Damage has been done’ – Miss Pacific pageant statement too late, say critics" class="read-more" href="https://eveningreport.nz/2025/02/14/damage-has-been-done-miss-pacific-pageant-statement-too-late-say-critics/" aria-label="Read more about ‘Damage has been done’ – Miss Pacific pageant statement too late, say critics">Read more</a>
CoveragePost
January 22, 2025
SPECIAL REPORT: By Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson and Lilomaiava Maina Vai The Speaker of the House, Papali’i Li’o Taeu Masipau, decisively addressed a letter from FAST, which informed him of the removal of Fiame along with Deputy Prime Minister Tuala Tevaga Ponifasio, Leatinu’u Wayne Fong, Olo Fiti Vaai, Faualo Harry Schuster, and Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster from ... <a title="Samoa political update: Fiame prevails in leadership crisis" class="read-more" href="https://eveningreport.nz/2025/01/22/samoa-political-update-fiame-prevails-in-leadership-crisis/" aria-label="Read more about Samoa political update: Fiame prevails in leadership crisis">Read more</a>
CoveragePost
January 19, 2025
RNZ Pacific Samoa’s prime minister and the five other ousted members of the ruling FAST Party are reportedly challenging their removal. FAST chair La’auli Leuatea Schmidt on Wednesday announced the removal of the prime minister and five Cabinet ministers from the ruling party. Twenty party members signed for the removal of Fiame Naomi Mata’afa and ... <a title="Samoan political saga: Challenge to FAST party by ‘ousted’ MPs reported" class="read-more" href="https://eveningreport.nz/2025/01/19/samoan-political-saga-challenge-to-fast-party-by-ousted-mps-reported/" aria-label="Read more about Samoan political saga: Challenge to FAST party by ‘ousted’ MPs reported">Read more</a>
CoveragePost
January 19, 2025
There should be only one reason why people enter politics. It is for the good of the nation and the people who voted them in. It is to be their voice at the national level where the country’s future is decided. The recent developments within the Samoan government are a stark reminder that people have ... <a title="Samoa Observer: For the people or for themselves?" class="read-more" href="https://eveningreport.nz/2025/01/19/samoa-observer-for-the-people-or-for-themselves/" aria-label="Read more about Samoa Observer: For the people or for themselves?">Read more</a>
