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Philippa Tolley

Guest writer

Philippa Tolley is executive editor, Insight, RNZ

Maxine was lucky in the ballot and will leave her garden in Tonga behind if she can get a job. (Photo: Supplied)

The NZ residency ballot: A better life for Pacific Islanders, or empty promises?

Thousands are ready to wrench themselves from home for a New Zealand residence visa. But is the better life the ballot promises a reality?

By Philippa Tolley | 22nd June, 2019

Karori Cemetery, Wellington – One of many graves on those who died of the flu in 1918 Photo: RNZ/Philippa Tolley

100 years ago, NZ was in the depths of deadly pandemic. Are we ready for the next one?

November was the peak month of the 1918 pandemic that killed 9,000 New Zealanders. A century, will we be able to deal with another outbreak?

By Philippa Tolley | 4th November, 2018