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 06 June 2025

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.
New episode
Shiray Kaka in her traditional Samoan attire performing a Siva Samoa.

Pacific Waves for 5 June 2025

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.
Aerial view of Tongatapu.

Pacific Waves for 4 June 2025

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.
In the early hours yesterday, Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, conducted two block sprays around public areas on Rarotonga as part of Operation Namu25 to control the spread of dengue fever on the island. A dengue outbreak has been declared in Rarotonga, with seven cases reported in the last 18 days. Picture: COOK ISLANDS HEALTH PROMOTION/25052337

Pacific Waves for 3 June 2025

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.
Cranes dot the skyline in Papua New Guinea's bustling capital Port Moresby.

Pacific Waves for 31 May 2025

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.
Ballot boxes for Samoa general election

Pacific Waves Friday 30 May 2025

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?
Palau's President, Surangel Whipps Jr speaks at UNGA.

Pacific Waves Thursday 29 May 2025

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.
A group of New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel, with two Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) NH90 helicopters, arrived in Honiara on November 14.  Military police personnel from Fiji and Papua New Guinea are also present to assist the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force in maintaining security.

Pacific Waves for 28 May 2025

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.
Fiame Naomi Mataafa

Pacific Waves for 27 May 2025

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.
Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea, left, and Chiefs' flyhalf Damian McKenzie will play a key role in their teams for the Super Rugby Pacific round 15 clash at FMG Stadium Waikato.

Pacific Waves for 24 May 2025

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.
Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa at the 99th USP Council Meeting in Auckland. 21 May 2025

Pacific Waves for 22 May 2025

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.
BUDGET DAY 2025

Pacific Waves for 21 May 2025

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.
The World Health Organization says it has confirmed two polio infections in PNG. (Supplied: UNICEF/PNG/Chamber)

Pacific Waves for 20 May 2025

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.
Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea celebrates his side's win over the Blues.

Pacific Waves for 17 May 2025

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.
Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban PhD

Pacific Waves for 16 May 2025

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.
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