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

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 for 09 August 2025

In Pacific Waves today: Pacific health systems 'stretched' amid dengue outbreak - WHO; Fiji's top prosecutor claims charges are bogus; What's ahead for Bougainville in its quest for independence; 'Art can be lifesaving' - Tongan creative Luca Walton.
New episode
Luca's popular mermaid illustrations

Pacific Waves for 08 August 2025

In Pacific Waves today: Samoan family seeks answers into son's death; "It's anyone's game" former Bougainville colonel on election; Cook Islands tourism places strain on the environment.
The parents of Caleb Moefa'auo, Fereti Moefaauo and Justine Lauese are hoping the inquest into his death will bring changes into how individuals with mental disorders are treated while on remand.

Pacific Waves for 06 August 2025

In Pacific Waves today: Tonga govt signs new contract with mining group; More help needed to tackle dengue - Samoa health leader; Cook Islands relationship with NZ will remain - PM Mark Brown; Pasifika voices stand in Auckland local elections.
The Metals Company

Pacific Waves for 05 August 2025

In Pacific Waves today: Cook Islands opposition rejects independence; Bougainville group prepare women candidates for elections; Former Tonga PM tight-lipped on political ambitions; Eight-year-old Hawaiian athlete makes history.
The streets of Avarua came alive with colour and culture to kick off the Te Maeva Nui 2025 celebrations. 26 July 2025

Pacific Waves for 02 August 2025

In Pacific Waves today: NZ in Cook Islands domestic affairs 'improper' - Henry Puna; Paris agreement 'not enough' for Kanaks - Roch Wamytan; Pacific shoppers in NZ unhappy with locked up corned beef.
Pacific Islands Forum secretary general, Henry Puna.

Pacific Waves for 01 August 2025

In Pacific Waves today: Pacific traditions key to tackling meth crisis - expert; Pacific countries unscathed following Russia earthquake; Bougainville election day challenges; Cook Islanders reflect on nation's 60th milestone.
Fiji meth bust. 14 January 2024

Pacific Waves for 31 July 2025

In Pacific Waves today: Earthquake triggers tsunami warning in Tonga; Experts on earthquake's impact in the Pacific; CNMI residents advised to 'prepare' following earthquake; Unpacking historical ICJ ruling for Pacific communities.
This image courtesy of the US Geological Survey (USGS) shows the epicenter of an 8.7 earthquake that hit off of Russia's far east on July 30, 2025. One of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded struck Russia's sparsely populated Far East early July 29, 2025, causing tsunamis of up to four metres (12 feet) across the Pacific and sparking evacuations from Hawaii to Japan. The magnitude 8.8 quake struck at 8:24 am (2304 GMT Tuesday) off Petropavlovsk on Russia's remote Kamchatka peninsula and was one of the 10 biggest recorded, according to the USGS. (Photo by US Geological Survey / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / US GEOLOGICAL SURVEY (USGS) " - NO MARKETING - NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

Pacific Waves for 30 July 2025

In Pacific Waves today: Tonga government considering contract with mining group; Tonga's domestic airline back up and running; Samoan athlete drafted in European League of football; Cook Islands 60th anniversary attracts thousands.
The Manihiki Henua warrior women stormed the stage with their riveting pe’e.

Pacific Waves for 29 July 2025

In Pacific Waves today: NZ govt 'out of touch' with voting law change - Carmel Sepuloni; First Vanuatu language week celebrated in NZ; Cook Islander sets new all-time record at Davis Cup.
Labour Party Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni and Labour Leader Chris Hipkins.

Pacific Waves for 25 July 2025

In Pacific Waves today: NZ calls on Cook Islands govt to test the views of locals; CNMI reeling from Governor's sudden death; UN's top court rules countries legally responsible for emissions; Pacific leaders react to ICJ ruling.
Winston Peters, left, and Mark Brown.

Pacific Waves for 24 July 2025

In Pacific Waves today: Widespread change pushed by Bougainville presidential candidate; Australian financier's crypto ambitions for Nauru; NZ photographer's poetic journey into PNG.
From A Welcome Adventure by Victoria Ginn.

Pacific Waves for 23 July 2025

In Pacific Waves today: Dengue fever cases surge in the Pacific; Cook Islands PM to blame for fallout with NZ - opposition; Final checks underway ahead of Samoa election; Fiji politics is in disarray - professor.
Marshall Islands Red Cross volunteers have gone house-to-house on Ebeye Island to raise awareness about dengue fever. The current dengue outbreak in the Marshall Islands started in Ebeye last month.

Pacific Waves for 22 July 2025

In Pacific Waves today: Collaboration needed to tackle drug trade in the Pacific - expert; Samoa is in need of true leadership - academic; Manu Samoa succumbs to Scotland at Eden Park.
The rise in drug trafficking through Fiji is just one part of a booming trans-Pacific trade that experts and law enforcement say has become one of the world’s most profitable.

Pacific Waves for 19 July 2025

In Pacific Waves today: NZ Samoan music producer dies suddenly; Bougainville's Kauona says he'll win presidency; Cook Islands gear up for 60th celebrations; Budget talks underway in Tokelau.
Toby Laing and MU (Chris Faiumu) discuss 25 years of Fat Freddy's Drop ahead of their latest album release.

Pacific Waves for 18 July 2025

In Pacific Waves today: Voting registrations close in Samoa; Nauru a step closer to mining in international waters; Pasifika family in NZ share financial struggles; Manu Samoa to take on Scotland on Friday.
Samoa Election office staff

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