Pacific Waves

A daily current affairs programme that delves deeper into the major stories of the week, through a Pacific lens, and shines a light on issues affecting Pacific people wherever they are in the world.

Presented by Susana Suisuiki

On air:

Weeknights at 9.45pm on RNZ National and weeknights 6.00am on RNZ Pacific

An illustrated motif representing people from the Pacific gathered around a sun sits behind a photographic portrait of Susana Suisuiki.

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Pacific Waves 27 February 2026

In Pacific Waves today: One in five Pasifika children in NZ living in poverty; Pasifika youth still falling through the gaps in mental health; Fiji coalition parties could become election rivals - academic; Moana put fixture loss aside to focus on Force.
New episode
The Child Poverty Report in Budget 2024

Pacific Waves 26 February 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Tonga match unaffordable - Moana Pasifika chief; The US summit asserts 'America First' agenda; NRL returns with four teams in Las Vegas.
Moana Pasifika players form a huddle at the end of training.

Pacific Waves 25 February 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Samoa set to increase fees for all flight departures; Japan and US host Pacific nations at concurrent summits; Fiji's opposition leader makes a break with Bainimarama; Mural of late musician Chris Faiumu unveiled in Wellington.
Faleolo International Airport

Pacific Waves 24 February 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Former Fiji journalist faces charges from FICAC; Adapting to climate change a matter of survival - expert; New football program offers inmates a 'second chance'; Heartache for Moana Pasifika and Fiji Drua in Super Rugby Pacific.
Observers say that the anti-corruption commission should be an important pillar of Fijian democratic checks and balances. (Supplied)

Pacific Waves 21 February 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Is NZ doing enough to live up to 'Pacific family' rhetoric? Whooping cough under control in Vanuatu - health ministry; NCDs trapping families in poverty - Pacific health expert; Teams arrive in Australia for OFC round three.
North and South Tarawa are seen from the air in the Pacific island nation of Kiribati May 23, 2013.

Pacific Waves 20 February 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Fiji ex-Prime Minister charged with mutiny; More Māori and Pacific bone marrow donors needed; Super Rugby Pacific enters second round
Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama (C) speaks at the opening remarks of Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in Suva on July 12, 2022 (Photo by William WEST / AFP)

Pacific Waves 19 February 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Australian-Samoan tennis player resigns, calls out online trolls; Samoa's first tennis pro stands with Destanee Aiava; Poll shows most New Zealanders want bottom trawling banned; We talk business in our new Tradewinds segment.
Destanee Aiava went down to British player Harriet Dart 3-6, 6-2, 3-6 last week.

Pacific Waves 18 February 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Fiji president warns MPs not to "sow seeds of fear'; PNG under close watch for money laundering; Ear infections prevalent among children in PNG; Pacific experts urged to lead solutions for regional challenges.
Pacific Island and Maori children are at risk of contracting middle ear infections.

Pacific Waves 17 February 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Jeffrey Epstein and the Pacific; Origin match in NZ a huge drawcard for Pacific fans; Fijian Drua go down to Moana Pasifika in Lautoka.
Pacific Islands people or places are mentioned in the Epstein files.

Pacific Waves 14 February 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Former Miss Solomons speaks on future of Pacific pageantry; Life-saving vaccines unaffordable for some Pacific countries; OFC pro league heading to Melbourne.
Elsie Polosovai, who competed in the Miss Pacific Islands pageant, says colourism should be discussed more openly in the region. (Supplied: Kev Daily)

Pacific Waves 13 February 2026

In Pacific Waves today: PNG drops in corruption index rankings; Salvation Army NZ calls on govt to increase food aid; Anticipation building for new Super Rugby Pacific season.
Moana Pasifika Ardie Savea soring a disallowed try.

Pacific Waves 12 February 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Petition for Pacific visitors presented to Winston Peters; Solomons PM says no foreign influence behind reshuffle; Havili to play 50th cap for Moana Pasifika.
Former National MP Anae Arthur Anae is planning to submit a petition to New Zealand's parliament today, demanding *equal treatment of visitors from Aotearoa's Pacific neighbours.

Anae and his supporters are holding a demonstration on the grounds of Parliament this morning  11/2/26.

Pacific Waves 11 February 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Fire destroys supermarket in Samoa's capital; Fiji women's rights group urges govt to improve labour laws; Businesses in Cook Islands frustrated by banking error.
Fiji women's rights campaigner Nalini Singh

Pacific Waves 10 February 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Cook Islands records first dengue death; Marshallese deportees face tough road ahead; Wellington's annual Pasifika festival draws large crowds; Sevens, Football and more Pacific sport with Iliesa Tora.
The Wallis and Futuna community joined the Wellington Pasifika Festival for the first time this year.

Pacific Waves 07 February 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Lord Fakafanua says work to appease US immigration underway; Former Fiji anti-corruption chief seeks millions in compensation; Table standings unchanged on day four of OFC; Pacific sports talanoa with Iliesa Tora.
Lord Fakafanua after the nobles' results announcement in Nuku'alofa, Tonga. 20 November 2025

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