NZ

The Kiwis' more accomplished spine dominated the contest on Saturday, much to the disappointment of a bumper crowd predominantly there to support Tonga and hope they could repeat their World Cup boilover of 18 months earlier.

Instead, the home side were too clinical, conjuring six tries to three in a disciplined display which featured an attacking ruthlessness their opponents couldn't match.

Johnson was the spearhead, crossing twice with carbon-copy tries in the 10 minutes before halftime to put his team 16-4 ahead, then adding a third soon after the second-half restart.

The veteran halves are in a 19-strong group announced by coach Michael Maguire, with regular five-eighth Kodi Nikorima having been ruled out of contention by the Warriors.

Maguire confirmed Dallin Watene-Zelezniak will retain the captaincy, even though a shift to the wing or centres looms following the return to availability of star fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who missed all of last year's five Tests.

Veteran hooker Issac Luke is in the group of eight players cut from the 27-man group unveiled midweek ahead of Saturday's clash in Auckland.

Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio says it is exciting to see the recognition of so many people that represent our diverse Pacific identities in Aotearoa, and people who we all know add significant value to making New Zealand a better place for us all by their constant service and advocacy for our youth, children, women, elderly groups, disabilities groups, LGBTQI+ groups, and trade unions.

'Akilisi Pohiva was in Auckland last month before returning to Tonga briefly.

The prime minister told local media he's been advised by his doctor to avoid any intensive mental activity.

The cause of Mr Pohiva's ill-health has not been revealed.

Meanwhile Matangi Tonga reports Mr Pohiva saying King Tupou VI was right to say, during the opening of parliament last week, that the government has no vision for economic development.

Mr Pohiva says his government has failed to spell out its plan clearly.

Police say about 4.40am Saturday, they were called to a report of a shooting in Seaside Park.

Ambulance and Police located the victim, Samiuela Anania Tupou, who was critically injured and died at the scene.

Samiuela, 21, recently returned with his family to live in New Zealand from the United States.

Family and friends describe him as a fun-loving, hard-working young man who regularly attended church and enjoyed social occasions with his friends and family.

Stevie Norua Cullen, 36, a managing director from central Auckland, and Selaima Fakaosilea, 30, from Auckland’s Beach Haven, are accused of importing methamphetamine into Northland in June 2016 and participating in an organised criminal group.

The trial got underway proper on Thursday, after several delays due to jurors being excused due to personal issues and sickness. Two more jurors were selected, bringing the jury to eight women and four men.

E Tū union members have walked off the job five times this year, some fed up with working 60 hours a week on minimum wage at the Māngere factory.

Solo mother of four, Maria Latu, has been with the company for more than three years.

She works 12 hours on night shift for $16.50 an hour and says she's struggling to meet her family's basic needs.

"Standing 12 hours, $16.50 and we're only asking for 25 cents more and they're still not giving it.

Standing in their way is a determined Tongan team who went down to a heavy defeat in the group opener against defending champions New Zealand.

A win today would ease up pressure on Fiji’s ambition of securing a semi-final spot.

Fiji coach Marika Rodu said his team will give everything against Tonga with a spot in the last four is at stake.

“I think we have one shot to qualify into the semi-final against Tonga, we will not take the game lightly, we would like to see that we make it into the semi-finals after Thursday’s game”, the former Suva coach said.

Earlier this year the Ministry launched a social media and online campaign to raise more awareness about the diseases mosquitoes in some countries can carry. 

It was prompted by recent outbreaks of dengue at the time, mainly in Auckland, among travellers returning from the Pacific.

The Ministry of Health reports that from August last year through to March this year, 263 dengue cases were reported in New Zealand, with 222 believed to have been acquired in the Pacific Islands. 

“This is a landmark moment for the economic future of the Pacific. Pacer Plus will help sustainably develop the countries involved through trade and help raise the standard of living for their people. A more resilient and prosperous Pacific is in all of our interests,” Mr McClay says.

“In the short-term, the Pacific countries who have signed this agreement will benefit economically and socially through the joint NZ Australia $55 million development package. Long-term, trade will help transform their economies by providing reliable income and sustainable growth.”