A daily current affairs programme covering the major Pacific stories of the week, with background and reaction from the people making the news.
In Pacific Waves today: PNG police blame overrun prisons on mass breakouts; Guam removed from US nuclear compensation Vanuatu completes WHO disaster evaluation; Dream come true for new All Black recruits. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: 'Pray for us' - Solomon Island students in Israel awaits repatriation; Majority of Pacific continue to show support for Israel; New poll shows respondents views on Cook Islands; Pacific Music Awards 2025 finalists announced. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: Kapa haka group celebrate Matariki in NZ's Northland; NZ's pause on funding is 'patronising' - Cook Islands PM; New faces eager to enter Samoa politics; Experts brought in after cyber-attack on Tonga health database. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: NZ pauses millions of dollars in funding for the Cook Islands; China could be major beneficiary of Peters' move on Cooks - Powles; Pacific economy is growing slowly but surely - World Bank; Getting ready for the biggest Cook Islands festival in Aotearoa. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: Auckland flood residents still facing uncertainty; Debate on deep sea mining in the Cooks ongoing; Moana Pasifika's inspirational captain leaves for Japan. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: Political instability hindering Pacific unity - Cook Islands foreign secretary; PNG PM seeks to strengthen ties with France; Pacific women shown to have highest rates of womb cancer. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: Celebrated Samoan designer tragically shot in protest; Three Pacific nations considered for US travel ban list; UN oceans conference in France ends; A conversation with rising star and counter-tenor Samuel Mataele. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: Fiji national describes Israel-Iran conflict as 'freaky'; Bougainville independence talks conclude; Tonga's Princess calls for whales to have legal rights; Pacific Climate Warriors take climate change message to Pasifika in Porirua. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: More deaths reported in West Papua clashes; NZ police not doing enough to tackle corruption in the region - report; Funding cut hurting Pacific and Māori students - advocates; Mumbai to host sevens rugby tournament. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: Tuvalu PM calls for treaty on sea level rise in France; Registrations for overseas Samoan voters open; Self-described misogynist obtains Vanuatu citizenship; New breast screening campaign creating a cultural shift. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: Los Angeles protests show no signs of slowing down - Pasifika journalist; Bougainville independence talks underway in Christchurch; NZ govt's new visa excludes Pacific - Green Party MP. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: New report reveals 2024 as the 'hottest year' on record; Aid organisations help farmers in PNG's Sepik get ahead; Corporate companies adopt Samoan cultural attire. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: Samoa's early election date confirmed; Ship in Fiji's harbour capsizes after removal; Ni-Vanuatu teachers strike continue one year on; Researchers unlock new secrets of early Pacific migration. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: PNG and Bougainville to hold talks at Burnham military camp; Samoan teacher pens children's book on cultural values; Pacific journos face increasing pressure; Black Ferns rugby player embraces Samoan heritage. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: Tonga's 'Aisake Eke led Government has produced its first budget, pumping up spending by more than 10 percent compared with last year. World leaders, civil society groups, scientists and businesses will gather in France next week for the third UN Ocean Conference. Dengue Fever cases have been surging in recent decades, according to the World Health Organization there were just over 500 thousand reported cases in 2000 ballooning to 5.2 million in 2019. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: Dengue fever outbreaks are not slowing down in the Pacific. The world's poorest and most vulnerable countries are set to make record high debt repayments to China. The first Chamoru woman navigator in living memory has been at the helm of a traditional voyage between Guam and Saipan. Samoan Language Week celebrations kick off in Aotearoa.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: PNG is staring down the prospect of being back on the 'greylist' of a global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog. Pasifika King's Birthday honour recipients continue to fight for Pacific communities. Norfolk Island is in its second week with no emergency or triple zero number. The road to Super Rugby Pacific playoffs has come to a dead end for Moana Pasifika and the Fijian Drua.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: Hundreds of people are flocking to register for a snap-election in Samoa. Pro-independence Kanak groups call on the UN Special Committee on Decolonization to push Paris for a political solution in its Pacific territory. The New Zealand Minister for Pacific Peoples says the significant increase to Pacific Wardens' funding by government is recognition of the important work they do in our communities. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: Palau's president strongly opposes any meddling by China at this year's Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting in Solomon Islands. In a curious case on Norfolk Island, a package believed to contain about 40 kilograms worth of cocaine has washed up onshore. And in Super Rugby Pacific can Moana Pasifika bounce back from humiliation in Hamilton? Or will they be crushed by the canes in Wellington?Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: A gruesome video of violence in Papua New Guinea Enga is circulating on social media causing public outrage in the country. Tonga like many parts of the Pacific has been contending in recent years with surging drug use problems. Next steps for the wreckage of the Manawanui are to be determined by the results of an independent study of the wreck and the environment.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: Samoa's failed budget reading triggers snap election; Pacific peoples minister stands by 'growth' budget; Cook Islands declares dengue fever outbreak; PNG's national broadcaster aims to bring back shortwave radio. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: Questions remain over voting eligibility in New Caledonia; Locals near Manawanui sinking still seeking answers; Moana Pasifika regroup after brutal loss to Chiefs. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: Current geopolitical climate 'tough' for Pacific - Samoa PM; Experts weigh in on threats posed by ciguatera poisoning; Tech Week inspires Pacific youth to join tech industry; Moana Pasifika keeps play-offs goal in sight. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: Mixed feelings among Pasifika about Budget 2025; Fiji DPM responds to concern over teacher shortages; Metals company take US route for mining license; 'First Place' lead actress recalls Polyfest experience. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: PNG polio outbreak 'no cause for panic' - expert; Conflict in West Papua intensifies; New Caledonia's political future remains unclear; Tonga kava growers look for solutions. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: Fiji abuse survivor calls on new pope to adopt zero-tolerance policy; PNG declares polio outbreak; The "Cinderella" children being held as slaves in Auckland and Wellington; "Poly flair" adds spark to Super Rugby Pacific competition. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: This week marks a year since civil unrest erupted in Kanaky New Caledonia; PNG media council appeals to PM James Marape; Former Cooks PM role in mining company 'conflicting'; Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban receives honour. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: Pacific parents react to Luxon's proposed social media ban; Auckland schools work to put an end to 'confession pages'; Pasifika rugby teams look to secure strong standings. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: Fiji PM will ensure Bainimarama cannot contest - academic; Fiji garment makers reject union claims; Pacific NGO leaders share impacts of Trump aid cuts; Detector dog retires after decades of service. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: Fiji commemorates 146th Girmit Day anniversary; Violence in West Papua most intense - researcher; Pasifika unemployment rate increases in NZ; Pasifika influencers slam kava business. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: Measles case in Auckland highlights country's low vaccination rates, Australia military look to recruit in PNG; Mining seen as immediate solution for Bougainville's development; Rotuman youth work to keep endangered language alive. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: Roman Catholic church reveals new pope; Catholic faithful calls on new pope to show strong leadership; Pay equity change will impact Pasifika 'massively' - PSA rep; Fast party chairman persists in removing Samoa PM. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: Tongan PM optimistic ahead of elections; Pacific leaders reassured on handling of drug crisis; Improving work conditions for Fijian garment workers. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: Analysis on Sols PM leadership challenge; Study in Tuvalu's waters assesses ocean health; Fisheries management discussed at SPC meeting; Pacific women face barriers from accessing retirement benefits. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: Solomon Islands PM defeats leadership challenge; Samoa police calls for stronger firearms usage; Transparency says PNG Govt must tackle corruption, prepare for elections; Scientist tracks warming rates in southern hemisphere.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: Albanese wins Australian election by landslide; Samoa drops in ranking in media freedom index; Moana Pasifika and Fiji Drua record wins for round 12. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: Trump's deep sea mining order impedes Nauru's commercial ambitions; Half of PNG population barely getting by - World Bank report; Tokelau basketball player makes history; World Vision challenge brings Pacific to forefront. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: Calls in Tonga to rethink Sunday observance laws; Bougainville carver to feature work in Thames; Mana Moana to deliver more Pasifika musical magic. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: Two deaths in Tonga caused by dengue fever; Solomon Islands parliament adjourned until next week; Mariana Islands draws renewed attention from US military; NZ police providing assistance in Bougainville for 20 years. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: Rabuka's coalition is doomed - Fiji's former AG; Ocean conservation group condemns Trump's exec order; Health NZ to slash 22 jobs in Pacific health; 'I'm still emotional' - Samoan nun recalls meeting with Pope Francis. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: More spending on defence will hurt foreign aid ; Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua face off this weekend; Late Hawaiian King lives on through annual festival. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In Pacific Waves today: US government ordered to release funding for Radio Free Asia; Environmental group 'disappointed' over Trump's fishing order; Systemic issues in Solomon Islands election process affect public trust; Dead turtles on Rarotonga's beaches raises alarms. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details