Two years after the devastating tsunami, Samoa has lost none of its natural beauty, warmth, culture or charm, writes Belinda Henley.

Despite 2009's devastating tsunami, Samoa has lost none of its natural beauty, warmth, culture or charm.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully says around 40 per cent of school children in Pacific Island countries do not complete a basic primary education, and only 20 per cent graduate from secondary school, in opening a Pacific conference ahead..

A no-frills break on the island of Savaii proves uniquely soothing, writes Vaimoana Tapaleao.

With 17 days to go until the start of the World Cup, and 42 days for the tournament to run, ticket sales are still $30.5 million short of the $268m target. NZ will still lose $39m if all the tickets are sold.

Palm-fringed beaches and tropical rainforests merge in Savai'i, writes Adrienne Kohler.

John Key and Helen Clark have led the tributes to former Governor General Sir Paul Reeves, who lost his battle with cancer, aged 78.

Sir Paul Reeves, an Anglican archbishop who became New Zealand's first Maori Governor-General , has died. He was 78. Sir Paul had been suffering from cancer and said last month he was stepping back from public life.

Vaimoana Tapaleao finds these surreal Samoan volcanic rock fields have a spiritual atmosphere.

Visiting Samoa reveals a little village, Saleaula, which sits entirely on barren lava.

An outing off Moorea turns Kerre Woodham into a fishing convert.

New Zealand feature film The Orator (O Le Tulafale) has been selected to premiere in competition in the Orizzonti (New Horizons) section of the 68th Venice International Film Festival.

The All Blacks have the advantage of player depth over old foe Australia for the World Cup, says former skipper Sean Fitzpatrick.

Moorea is everything you'd imagine a tropical island to be, writes Sophie Bond.

The Defence Force has been criticised for nine months of "evasive" responses over the possible discovery of long-lost Kiwi war heroes in the Pacific.

Travelling with the whole family need not be stressful. Try some of these child-friendly Fijian holiday resorts when you're in need of a break.