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 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

Pacific Waves 06 February 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Indigenous Pacific leaders unite at Waitangi; Kanaka Maoli stand in solidarity with Māori at Waitangi; NZ politicians react to Pasifika unemployment stats; Parts of PNG experiencing outbreaks of the flu.
Manuhiri from across the motu descend onto Te Tii Marae for Waitangi commemorations. (Waitangi 2026)

Pacific Waves 05 February 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Blaming New Zealand government for unemployment 'unhelpful' - analyst; Fiji academic says court ruling 'embarrassed' Fiji PM; Niuean athlete makes his mark in OFC pro league.
Jobseeker support. Benefit. Beneficiaries. Work and Income.

Pacific Waves 04 February 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Cook Islands warns visitors to take dengue precautions; UNHRC reviews Micronesian states' rights records; First full immersion Te Reo Maori Kuki Airani for Rarotonga; More coaching drama in the OFC Pro League.
Experts say climate change will create more areas where mosquitoes can spread dengue virus.

Pacific Waves 03 February 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Former Fiji anti-corruption head 'vindicated' after court ruling; Tonga's new govt reveals first 100-day plan; Fiji 7s men team defend Singapore title.
Barbara Malimali says she wants to be able to protect Fiji from corrupt public officials. (X: Fiji Women)

Pacific Waves 31 January 2026

In Pacific Waves today: NZ's Pacific ministry releases new strategy amid cuts; New documentary series spotlights Niue people; Pacific sports wrap with Iliesa Tora.
Cook Islands community at Cook Island language week 2020 launch

Pacific Waves 29 January 2026

In Pacific Waves today: New Zealand govt scraps new Pacific worker pathways; Fiji judge in talks with the government amid corruption allegations; Reggae legends UB40 launch Pacific tour in Tonga.
Robin Campbell - founding member of the reggae-pop band UB40

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