The Defence Minister says the draft security arrangement between China and Solomon Islands took him by surprise.

Peeni Henare says it would be extremely concerning if any other Pacific nations were eyeing a similar deal.

The agreement would potentially allow Beijing to station military forces there, prompting alarm here and across the Tasman.

The minister has just returned from a trip to Fiji, where New Zealand made a commitment to strengthen defence ties, saying it's important for this country to have a strong presence in the region.

Here's political editor Jane Patterson.

The Oscars will be long remembered for actor Will Smith smacking comedian Chris Rock on stage.

Chris Rock made a joke about Will Smith's wife Jada Pinkett Smith - saying he can't wait to see her in GI Jane 2.

Jada Pinkett Smith has been open about her struggle with alopecia, an autoimmune disorder that leads to hair loss. She has a shaved head.

Will Smith walked onto stage - and slapped Chris Rock with an open hand.

Chris Rock was left stunned - Smith returned to his seat - before swearing at the comedian.

Will Smith later won best actor for his role as Venus and Serena Williams' father Richard - in the film King Richard.

She made history as the first woman to be nominated twice for best director at the Academy Awards. And tonight New Zealand director Dame Jane Campion brought it home.

Her much lauded dark western, The Power of the Dog, was set in Montana but filmed in Central Otago.

It went into the ceremony as favourite with 12 nominations, having already won three Golden Globes for best motion picture, best supporting actor and best director.

But luck wasn't on the film's side tonight with Dame Jane Campion the film's only winner.

Sci-fi film Dune took out six awards and Apple's CODA won three out of three including best picture.

67-year old Dame Jane, who now lives in Sydney, paid tribute to her fellow nominees including Stephen Spielberg whose nomination for Westside Story made him the first director nominated over six decades.

Her win comes 28 years after Dame Jane won best original screenplay for The Piano in 1994.

That year she lost Best Director to Stephen Spielberg for Schindler's List.

David Strong is the chief executive of the New Zealand Film Commission.

Polyfest is underway but with new look this year - it's in person for the performers - but the audience is online.

Capacity limits and outdoor facemask requirements are being dropped from midnight, but organisers say it's too late for them to change plans.

RNZ Pacific's Lydia Lewis has the story.

NATO and Western leaders have put on a show of unity during emergency summits in Brussels.

It's exactly a month since the war began, and NATO's increasing the number of troops in Eastern Europe.

The UK will send more missiles to support Ukraine - with the Prime Minister saying 'Putin has already crossed the red line into barbarism'.

Worldwatch's Perlina Lau has more.

The Tourism Minister is warning the industry can not - and should not - try to turn back the clocks and return to its former glory.

Stuart Nash gave the opening address at the virtual Otago Tourism Policy School today, calling on the industry to step up as a regenerative sector.

Tourism reporter Tess Brunton has more.

The government is going to tell teachers how to teach the basics as part of a major overhaul of maths and literacy teaching.

Launched today the Literacy, Communication and Maths Strategy is aimed at reversing this country's 20-year decline in tests of maths, reading and writing.

It promises dedicated time for maths lessons and a focus on proven approaches to teaching children the 'three Rs'.

Here's our education correspondent, John Gerritsen and cameraman Samuel Rillstone.

Businesses in central Wellington that were starved of cash during the anti-mandate protest can now access a relief fund to try and recoup costs. \

The government and council are both chipping in for the $1.2 million fund, but there are fears it won't be enough to stop some businesses going under.

Ruth Hill filed this report from the capital.

Central Hawke's Bay is the latest region to be battered by wild weather with 30 roads closed today.

While some have re-opened - significant closures are in place, coupled with water restrictions that officials say could last days.

Our reporter Jake McKee has been there today.

It's two years today since the country was plunged into level four lockdown.

Hand sanitiser became the hottest property in town.

We queued outside the supermarket. We went for walks, and more walks. And while - hopefully - the days of lockdown are behind us - what about the new traits we picked up.

Using your elbow to open a door - or washing your hands with renewed vigor.

Our reporter Louise Ternouth went to ask people what Covid habits they're keeping for good.