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: Samoa budget sees big increases; Health and economy under spotlight ahead of Tonga's election; Tokelau language week celebrated in NZ; New Pacific football league launched in NZ. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: US govt shutdown reaches the Pacific; Seabed research ongoing amidst mining decision; Tonga needed to secure a win following brutal loss. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Academic warns of further political turmoil in Fiji; Pacific artists embrace their cultural roots; Pacific socials wrap with Coco Lance. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Experts warn of the Pacific becoming "narco-states"; Report shows NZ reducing its aid in the Pacific; Pacific news wrap with Christina Persico.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Health experts warn HIV could spread across the region; Alarming gaps in measles vaccination among Pacific; Toa Samoa stomps on Tonga in brutal league match. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Solomon Islands government need to consult public on military set up - former Attorney General Sir Frank Kabui; PNG residents in Australia soon to be eligible for army; Pacific news wrap with Teuila Fuatai. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Violent disciplinary measures in Fiji schools not the answer - advocates; Setting health priorities in the Pacific region; Niue youth are 'eager' to learn their language - advocate. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Fiji's former PM sentenced over corruption charge; West Papua group claims 15 civilians killed in drone bombing; Pacific social media wrap with Coco Lance. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Pacific news wrap with Christina Persico; Cook Islands aviator returns home for defence exercise; Kiribati minister wants special seats for women in parliament. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Solomon Islands look into setting up a defence force; French Senate endorses postponing New Cal elections; Samoa no match for the Kiwis in Pac Champs opening round. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Ex Samoa PM files lawsuit against successor; Pacific leaders criticise reduced methane goals; Fiji teachers advocate for corporate punishment. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: NZ foreign minister speaks on Manawanui compensation; Pacific vocalists deliver powerful performances on hit TV show; Pacific sports wrap with Iliesa Tora. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Candidates confirmed for Tonga's election; Pacific news wrap with Christina Persico; Climate experts address adaptation solutions. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: People are sticking to the status quo - Nauru elections; Five to nine tropical cyclones predicted for the Pacific; New training initiative a game changer for Pacific workers. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Nauru election gets underway; Fiji must focus on the future as it marks 55th independence - academic; Pacific news wrap with Christina Persico. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: RNZ Pacific Papua New Guinea correspondent Scott Waide joins Pacific Waves to unpack PNG's defence treaty with Australia and more; NZ govt urged to create new humanitarian visa; Pacific sports wrap with RNZ Pacific senior sports journalist Iliesa Tora. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Fijian workers overseas behaviour 'embarrassing' - Fiji PM; Pacific social media wrap with Coco Lance; Pacific advocates recognised for climate campaign. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: New Zealand pays Samoa millions in compensation over sunken vessel; Te Maeva Nui festival returns to Aotearoa; Embracing my Fijian identity and culture - Esther Traill. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: PNG a 'pawn' in defence treaty - former military chief; Pacific weekly news wrap; Tā moko artists study Māori ancestral heads; Tuvalu families celebrate language week through games. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: New Zealand's foreign minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters speaks on the UN General Meeting in New York and his meetings with the Pacific leaders; The NRL comes to a peak this Sunday night with the Storm and the Broncos playing for the championship title; World Rugby issues new guidelines for player welfare, New Caledonia's under-19 women's football team qualifies for their first-ever world cup, and Pacific Championship rugby league tournament coming up. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Bougainville re-elects Ishmael Toroama for top job; Pacific news weekly wrap; NZ govt proposal to scrap holidays act unfair - union. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Pacific nations need to consider its Israel stance - academic; Samoa opposition leader confirms final term as MP; Approval granted for new Pacific cultural centre in Wellington; Manu Samoa loses out again for world cup qualifiers. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Samoan caregiver gains popularity on Tiktok; US President tells world leaders climate change is a 'scam'; Pacific sports preview.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Solomon Islands scraps tax on menstrual products; Samoan villagers insist on the removal of HMNZ shipwreck; Miss Samoa reflects on pageantry journey. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: New Caledonia beefs up security for historical anniversary; Long way to go for women to enter politics - Pacific leaders at UN General Assembly; Charlie Kirk's death causes stir among Pacific communities and more on social media. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: In Papua New Guinea, prime minister James Marape is rebuffing any question of China wanting to scuttle a new security deal the country is brokering with Australia. The official registration period for voters in Tonga closed on Thursday as preparations continue towards the November general election. Vanuatu's environment minister says there will be no commercial fishing close to the shore within the border of the recently announced Melanesian Ocean Reserve initiative. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Bougainville's electoral commissioner says vote counting is progressing smoothly and peacefully with around 30 percent of seats declared. French Polynesia's President wants Pacific countries to agree to a moratorium of deep sea mining. Despite the wide range of views on the industry across the Pacific. A new exhibition at Auckland's Central City Library has placed Pacific heritage on a pedestal.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today, Laaulialemalietoa Schmidt has been sworn in as Samoa's eighth Prime Minister. Papua New Guinea is celebrating 50 years of independence in true Melanesian style with plenty of music and dance. Australia and Papua New Guinea are reportedly close to signing a security treaty that would bring the militaries of the two countries closer together. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Pacific Islands Forum leaders wrapped up their summit in Solomon Islands last week saying they'd agreed on 'clear actions'. A refugee advocate in Australia says Nauru's citizenship by investment scheme is a national pariah. The United States of America have defeated Samoa to qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: The Pacific Islands Forum leaders summit concludes in Honiara. French Polynesia cautions French officials not to lecture Pacific leaders. And its a busy rugby weekend for Pacific teams and players.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: We take a look at some of the highlights from the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders summit in Honiara. The President of the Media Association of Solomon Islands has asked for an explanation from the Australian government as to why Pacific media were blocked from a press conference held by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Fiji will formally open its first embassy in Israel next week. The Autonomous Bougainville Government is attacking New Zealand over the presence of its defence force plane in the region. One of Aotearoa's best cricketer's is set to play for Samoa at the Asia-Pacific cup this year.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Climate disaster costing Pacific economies - PIF chief; Fiji reluctant to join PACER Plus agreement; Auckland residents seeking relocation following shooting; Papua New Guinea language week celebrated in NZ. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Date for Samoa parliamentary sitting post-election confirmed; PIF leaders' summit gets underway in Solomon Islands; French Polynesia's President 'quite happy' dialogue partners excluded from PIFLM54; French ambassador respects decision to exclude PIF partners; Fijiana come away with a win in last pool game. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: PIF leaders to discuss UN visit to West Papua; Vanuatu teachers set to strike disrupting school term; Māori and Pacific youth inspired by Māori Queen's leadership; PNG's ambitious journey to a digital government; Samoa and Fiji women's rugby give their all at the world cup. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Pacific leaders pay respects to Kiingitanga; Samoa FAST party leads election results; High voter turnout expected in Bougainville election; Honiara ready to welcome Pacific leaders for annual summit; NZ foreign minister blames Sols govt for putting regional unity at risk; Solomon Islands PM stands by decision to defer PIF partner talks. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Refugee advocate criticises Australia-Nauru deportation deal; Court ruling over amendment in Fiji constitution illegal - lawyer; UN chief addresses PNG ahead of golden jubilee. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Protest in support of West Papua prisoners ends in chaos; Māori community win after years-long battle over sand mining; NZ local elections heats up in Lower Hutt; Pacific leaders attend one year anniversary of Māori Queen. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Samoa official election results to be confirmed this week; Aust and China gift Sol Islands multi-million-dollar vehicles; Record number of women vie for Bougainville parliamentary seats; Manusina coach to push for more development opportunities. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Samoa general elections now closed; Fiji social services urges unity among faith communities; Bougainville's quest for independence remains top issue; NZ school choir competition embraces diverse languages. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Alcohol ban comes into effect for Samoa polling day; Canadian group closer to mining in international waters; Fiji facing kava shortage as a result of infected crops; Demand for seasonal workers slowing down. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: With pre-polling in Samoa now over... more than 500 police officers are gearing up to support election officials in the main polls later this week; There are concerns in the Cook Islands that deep sea mining companies public engagement's and sponsored community initiatives are being used to try and sway public opinion in favour of the emerging industry; The President of Bougainville, Ishmael Toroama, says he's not feeling the pressure as he seeks a second, five year, term in office; And finishing up with some sport Manusina Samoa's Keilamarita Pouri-Lane is not the only one in her family playing at the women's Rugby World Cup in England.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details