The latest news and sport from RNZ Pacific.

GP shortage could worsen as student interest declines; Dr Ayesha Verrall discusses calls for health sector changes; Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speaks to Ingrid Hipkiss; Waitomo discusses fuel prices; Unemployment numbers higher for younger Kiwis

UK correspondent Steph Spyro details what's on the line for the Prime Minister in Thursday's local elections, antisemitic hate crimes are up with 140 offences logged last month by London's Metropolitan police. New figures show almost two pubs a day are closing in Britain, the foreign office is working to get Britons on a virus-hit cruise home and Sir David Attenborough will turn 100 this week - what's planned to celebrate it? Steph Sypro is the Daily Express' deputy political editor

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Song Quest and the first time it bears the name of New Zealand's most famous opera singer, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. The semi-finalists for the 2026 song quest have been announced - including three brothers Alfred, Jordan and Faamanu Fonoti-Fuimaono. And the international head judge will be American mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade. Dame Kiri's foundation is now the song quests principal partner.

A number of Nelson artists are disappointed their wares have been removed from the Suter Art Gallery's shop.

A new report from Youthline finds young people are facing a perfect storm of mental health distress, rising living costs and digital pressures.

The latest RNZ Pacific news and sport.

The success of a one-off train service between Auckland and Tauranga has some calling for a permanent link. Heidi Hughes was one of the driving forces behind getting the train on the tracks. She spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Researchers at the University of Auckland will be trialling the technology, one of the first major breakthroughs in asthma care in decades. Felix Walton reports.

A specialist immigration lawyer is describing a new citizenship test as an extra bureaucratic hoop to be jumped through. Pooja Sundar from Dalley Sundar Barristers and Solicitors spoke to John Campbell.