Education & Qualifications: A Ministry of Education consultation found strong support for improving NCEA, but many teachers, students and families still want it refined rather than replaced, with a proposed staged rollout of new certificates from Year 11 in 2028. Niue in Sport: Niue is set to compete in both men’s and women’s Oceania Rugby 7s Cup line-ups in Rotorua next month, with SVNS 3 qualification places also on the line. Renewable Energy & STEM: Sunergise’s 2026 SEANZ Trailblazer Award highlights a Niue solar-plus-battery project aimed at reaching an 80% renewable target, including a locally sourced workforce and STEM education elements. Culture & Fashion: The Pacific Fusion Fashion Show marked a decade of Pasifika artistry at New Zealand Fashion Week, celebrating legacy and future promise through designers across the Pacific. Climate & Community Health: ChildFund New Zealand is urging Pacific communities to prepare for a strengthening El Niño, warning of drought in some areas, heavier rain in others, and added pressure on drinking water, food supplies and children’s health. Lifestyle & Food: Auckland’s Tala, a Michelin-starred Samoan restaurant, is drawing global attention as it grows from a “slow burn” into a major dining destination.