Health & wellbeing: A new look at Pacific life expectancy shows big gains since 1960, but progress is uneven—and Niue’s “Naoero” is flagged as having slipped to the lowest in the region by 2023. Travel & visas: Indians planning trips get a practical 2026 guide, including visa-free options for Niue (up to 30 days) and other Pacific islands. Culture & identity on stage: Niuean and wider Pacific stories keep taking centre stage, from MOTHER VAKA’s “unapologetic” Pacific storytelling at WOW to Mareva Bower’s runway collection blending heritage, faith, and craft. Local culture in Aotearoa: Community leaders Vai Kumitau and police officer Neru Leifi receive King’s Birthday Honours for decades of service supporting Niuean language, Pacific families, and community bridges. Niue lifestyle spotlight: A feature on Niue Honey follows the island’s bee sanctuary story—how hives were revived and grown into a thriving local project. Community & leadership: From Niuean language to frontline policing, the honours reflect culture-led service across the region. Education & policy debate: A public interview reignites debate over MAPAS medical admissions, with Elliot Ikilei arguing selection should focus on capability, not ancestry. Pacific cooperation: India proposes tailored capacity-building programmes for Pacific Island countries through FIPIC, aiming to train professionals in priority areas. Environment & climate: A Pacific-focused conservation push backs marine protection goals, while a separate report highlights how extreme heat is driving coastal green transformation efforts in Barcelona.