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 22 February 2025

In Pacific Waves today: Samoa's opposition leader tables motion of no confidence; NZ Green MP remembered one year on; RNZ Pacific notes the achievements of veteran journalist Jemima Garrett.
New episode
Samoa's Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa and the leader of the HRPP Tuilaepa Dr Sailele Malielegaoi

Pacific Waves for 21 February 2025

In Pacific Waves today: New Caledonia primed to discuss new statute to replace Noumea Accord; Moana Pasifika and Fiji Drua getting the basics right; Moving and inspiring feature film set to premiere in NZ.
NZ film 'Tinā' tells Samoan teacher's moving story after loss in CHCH earthquake

Pacific Waves for 20 February 2025

In Pacific Waves today: Māori academic calls for dismantling of Destiny Church; Norfolk Island's ongoing quest for a return of self-government; Vanuatu & Solomon Islands women's soccer team gear up for Four Nations.
The rainbow pedestrian crossing on Gisborne's main street has been reinstated after it was painted over in protest by Destiny Church members.

Pacific Waves for 19 February 2025

In Pacific Waves today: Cook Islands government releases details of agreement with China; Cook Island locals protest PM's decision to shut out NZ; Immigration NZ set to deport Fijian teen living with epilepsy.
Cook Islanders marching in the capital, Avarua, in Rarotonga. 18 February 2025

Pacific Waves for 18 February 2025

In Pacific Waves today: Deaths of two women in PNG spark public outcry; Cook Islands PM returns home following signed deal; France's top diplomat confirms talks on 'unfreezing' New Caledonia electoral roll; Errors cost Pacific teams in Super Rugby Pacific first round.
Papua New Guinea is reeling after the separate killings of two women in acts of extreme violence last week.

Pacific Waves for 15 February 2025

In Pacific Waves today: Covid response failed to meet Pasifika needs - report; Salvation Army report shows more children are going hungry; Scientist in line for a gong after decades of help to Pacific nations.
The rates of child poverty have got worse since the 1980s.

Pacific Waves for 14 February 2025

In Pacific Waves today: Cook Islands PM leadership comes under threat; Miss Pacific Islands judge maintains no wrongdoing; Jotham Napat is the right man to lead Vanuatu - academic; Revelations Bank of PNG Governor investigated for money laundering.
Jerry Brunt (Photo: Junior S. Ami)

Pacific Waves for 13 February 2025

In Pacific Waves today: Cook Islands PM due to finalise China deal; Diplomatic rows puts spotlight on Pacific relations; International relations expert on NZ/Cook Is spat; Eight teams set to compete in new OFC league.
Prime Minister Mark Brown will undertake a state visit to China from 10 – 14 February, reinforcing the Cook Islands’ commitment to diversified international partnerships that support national development.

Pacific Waves for 12 February 2025

In Pacific Waves today: Vanuatu parliament elects new PM; Cook Islands diaspora voice concerns over China deal; Fijileaks editor threatens to counter-sue Fiji MP; New Super Rugby Pacific season launches this weekend.
Vanuatu Foreign Minister Jotham Napat at UN ICJ Climate Kava ceremony in Port Vila.

Pacific Waves for 11 February 2025

In Pacific Waves today: Miss Samoa wins Miss Pacific Islands title; Cook Islands PM heads to China to sign agreement; Pasifika team places bid for new NRL franchise.
The 2025 Miss Pacific Islands Pageant contestants with 2024 Miss Pacific Islands Moemoana Safato'a Schwenke (front, second left) in Honiara. 2 February 2025

Pacific Waves for 08 February 2025

In Pacific Waves today: Cook Islands dump passport idea; Samoan villages seek help from China; Worker shortages affecting Cook Islands police force.
New Zealand passport holders only need to wait five years to apply for permeant residency under the current rules while all nationals with other citizenship need to wait a minimum of 10 years.

Pacific Waves for 07 February 2025

In Pacific Waves today: NZ and Cook Islands not seeing eye to eye; Eke Government in Tonga has little time to have an impact; Samoan theatre project pays tribute to motherhood
Mark Brown, left, and Winston Peters in Rarotonga. 8 February 2024

Pacific Waves for 06 February 2025

In Pacific Waves today: Pasifika need to be part of Waitangi discussions - academic; Fiji MP retains seat following video leak; Cook Islands church push for Christian state declaration; Eight women contend for Miss Pacific Islands crown.
A steady stream of people filed across the bridge at Waitangi, through 5 February, 2025.

Pacific Waves for 04 February 2025

In Pacific Waves today: Landowners in Solomon Islands file for oil spill compensation; Kiribati govt release official statement on NZ aid review; Ardie Savea credits faith for Moana Pasifika captaincy; Moana Pasifika lose to Highlanders in pre-season hit out.
Ardie Savea faces the media in his new role as Moana Pasifika captain.

Pacific Waves for 01 February 2025

In Pacific Waves today: World Health Organisation chair 'horrified' at US senator's Samoa measles claim; Is Tonga's King turning his back on democracy? Indonesia president urged to stamp out human rights abuse.
This handout picture released from UNICEF Samoa shows nurse April Wilson (L) and team leader Luisa Popo preparing vaccinations during a nationwide campaign against measles in the Samoan town of Le'auva'a.

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