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.
Episodes
Pacific Waves 27 October 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Conflicting reports emerge over Samoa-NZ treaty; New study challenges climate impact on Tuvalu's reef; Pacific teams turn up the heat at the rugby league world cup. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 24 October 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Young voters in NZ are falling behind on enrolment; Measles vaccination gaps persist across the Pacific; New Pacific policing body set up in Wellington. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 23 October 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Pacific church leader challenges PIF over Israel; NZ political parties divided over Israel joining PIF; Bougainville push for independence stirs strong emotions. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 22 October 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Israel joins the Pacific Islands Forum; West Papuan groups push for UN action; PNG Chiefs unveils logo amid legal battle; Niuean mamas keep their culture alive in Auckland. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 21 October 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Fresh lawsuit challenges Trump’s American Samoa mining plans; Cyclone Wati weakens but warnings remain in the Cooks; PNG Chiefs win opening legal battle with NZ Rugby. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 20 October 2026
On Pacific Waves: Tropical Cyclone Wati descends on Aitutaki; Super Typhoon Champi retreats from Guam; Bushfires are battering communities in PNG; And the results of the opening round of the RLWC 2026.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 17 October 2026
On Pacific Waves today: The Cook Islands braces for what could be the first Cyclone of the season; Across the region, the cost of food is surging; And PNG calls for tougher laws against violent criminals.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 16 October 2026
On Pacific Waves today: New Zealand supports a review of Fiji's national security; Our eyes are on the Pacific Teams at the upcoming RLWC; New Zealand's Defence Force spends a month in Penrhyn.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 15 October 2026
Today on Pacific Waves: ESNZ released this seasons cyclone outlook; climate change is exposing WWII explosives in the Pacific Islands, and a Samoan dancer challenges HipHop conventions.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 14 October 2026
On Pacific Waves today: Fijis acting Attorney General resigns after a sex tape scandal; in New Zealand, many Pacific households face a bleak economic reality; and that was also one of many issues debated by candidates in Mangere.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 13 October 2026
On Pacific Waves today: Pacific people are more likely to end up in Kiwi hospitals with respiratory illness; at least eight are dead after signs of a massacre by police at PNG's Porgera gold mine; and we hear what the future of renewable energy could look like.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 10 October 2026
On Pacific Waves today: Pacific media appreciate access to climate conversations at PRECOP; A Samoan-Māori rapper channels Pacific identity in new music; And find out how your little ones can celebrate Fijian language week.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 09 October 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Pacific leaders are frustrated with repetitive climate finance discussions; What does independence look like for French Polynesia? The US accuses a Chinese businessman in Fiji of corruption; NZ Rugby seeks a high court injunction against a PNG league club.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 08 October 2026
In Pacific Waves today: How does climate change affect the Pacific workforce? Cracks in Fiji's coalition over plans for national referendum; Fijian language week is celebrated in Aotearoa; Pacific teams announce Rugby League World Cup squads.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 07 October 2026
In Pacific Waves today: PNG small businesses call for more support; Samoa strongman team claims four medals; NZ Labour foreign spokesperson promises to increase aid; Nelson Tasman's Pasifika community set to celebrate a first. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 06 October 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Samoa's PM apologises for Nazi gesture in 2007 video; Greenpeace calls on Australia to step up climate efforts; Pacific editor launches region’s first fact-checking website. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 03 October 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Samoa's media watchdog demands answers from PM; Pacific women want a bigger say in climate decisions; NZ rugby Chiefs seek resolution over PNG team name; Pacific youth challenge parties over gambling harm. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 02 October 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Fiji prosecutors respond missing cocaine from court; Fiji lawyer raises questions after cocaine goes missing; Solomon Islands vows to strengthen human rights at UNGA. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 01 October 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Naoero withdraws from the International Criminal Court; Health expert warns El Niño could fuel sorcery accusation-related violence cases in PNG; How Pacific newsrooms are covering the rise in illicit drugs. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 30 September 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Mother in remote PNG area survives difficult birth; Life expectancy in the Pacific rising but still lagging - report; Pacific leaders urge for more global action on climate issues. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 29 September 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Vanuatu honours lives lost in MV Matui tragedy; Pacific leaders renew calls for UN access to West Papua; First US deep-sea mining lawsuit filed over American Samoa plans; PINA president calls for greater support for Pacific newsrooms. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 26 September 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Pacific media leaders call for stronger support across the region; Vanuatu joins global push to protect children from climate crisis; The Pacific faces a renewed threat from measles. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 25 September 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Naoero, Palau take Pacific issues to UN Assembly; NZ study highlights the impact of nurse understaffing; Pacific maritime safety under scrutiny amid deadly incidents; First Samoan astrophysicist speaks up for Pacific pathways.. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 24 September 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Pacific media summit underway in Fiji; NZ political parties lay out foreign policies; Pacific voters in NZ urged to look beyond political promises; An illegal homebrew operation busted in Solomon Islands; Samoa and Tonga secure netball world cup spots. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 23 September 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Fiji media leader calls for stronger support for women journalists; Pacific roundup: Key stories from around the region; University students weigh in on MAPAS scheme debate. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 22 September 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Second deadly boat incident in two months in PNG's East New Britain; Bougainville's long road to independence could get longer; Three Pacific sports teams qualify for world cup spots. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 19 September 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Ashfall-hit communities in Vanuatu set for a major aid boost; How will benefit cuts and rent hikes affect Pacific in NZ? NRL Warriors under pressure as Pacific netball shines. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 18 September 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Two men charged as Samoa-Vietnam murder investigation widens; Fiji's community urges govt to back HIV response with action; NZ Labour party promises visa-free travel for Pacific visitors. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 17 September 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Fiji declares national HIV emergency; Fiji HIV crisis: Health expert calls for greater regional support; Vanuatu authorities seek charges over deadly MV Matui sinking. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 16 September 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Pacific deep-sea mining debate comes under research spotlight; US says military presence at Penrhyn port is possible; Authorities condemn attack on Bougainville's Panguna mine site. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 15 September 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Vanuatu investigates ferry disaster; Two siblings survive Vanuatu ferry incident; Auckland Airport cleaners struggle to make ends meet; Pacific teams compete in first-ever Oceania handball tournament. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 12 September 2026
In Pacific Waves today: September 11 witness: 'I hope people become kinder'; Cabinet not consulted on NZ's PIF hosting offer; NZDF disposes 300 UXO's in Kiribati. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 11 September 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Naoero opens embassy in Jerusalem; Graves of Cook Islander soldiers vandalised in Rarotonga; Cook Islands school children learn about ocean protection. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 10 September 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Hurricane Lowell leaves trail of destruction in Hawaii; PNG's capital top cop gearing up for busy year ahead; New treaty between Aust and Solomon Islands on the horizon; New Pacific study explores bedtime habits. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 08 September 2026
In Pacific Waves today: China may have influenced Sols PM motion challenge - journalist; Wellington's PNG community celebrate Tok Pisin language; How Facebook is shaping PNG sorcery debate - study; Three Pacific women celebrate major beauty pageant wins. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
What to Listen to Next: Untold Pacific History Season 3
Back with three remarkable yet little-known events that have shaped Pacific lives and legacies, Untold Pacific History returns for season 3. Spanning Samoans displayed in a German zoo, teenagers who survived 15 months on a deserted island, and a Tokelauan island sold for a bottle of gin, this season will explore these extraordinary stories in Pacific history. These stories reveal how Pacific peopl
Pacific Waves 05 September 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Pacific Forum leaders summit wraps up in Palau; West Papua activist responds to Indonesia's UN visit pledge; Pacific connections celebrated at Koroneihana. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 04 September 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Cabinet revolt likely in Solomon Islands - ex minister; Pacific leaders demand more climate action; PNG Chiefs CEO says NRL entry 'transformative'; Cook Islands women dance to better health. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 03 September 2026
In Pacific Waves today: US commits millions to various Pacific projects; Penrhyn MP welcomes port upgrade amid concerns; NZ diplomat to Tokelau remembered for service. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 02 September 2026
In Pacific Waves today: NZ and the US inject millions into a new port in Penrhyn, Cook Islands; Cook Islands landowner questions investment in Penrhyn port; Pacific traditional leaders to gather at Māori Koroneihana. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 01 September 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Several leaders skip this year's PIF leaders summit; Solomon Isalnds Prime Minister heads home from Palau following motion of no confidence; Disability care puts strain on Pacific families. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 29 August 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Palau ready to host 55th PIF leaders summit; Bougainville's independence bid finally reaches PNG parliament; New Zealand Pacific realm nations gather in Auckland. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 28 August 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Fiji health advocate highlights challenges facing Pacific mothers; New Zealand supports Pacific in preparing for birdflu; Tuvalu trials new approach to tackle waste problem. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 27 August 2026
In Pacific Waves today: PNG parliament to decide over Bougainville's political future; Fiji's government relaxes tourism tax rules; Solomon Islands hosting of the Pacific games under scrutiny. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 26 August 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Questions raised over unlicensed whale-watching boat in Tonga; Pacific families facing prolonged fuel crisis - NGO; Cook Islands fisherman recalls finding cocaine package on beach. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 25 August 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Whale watching boat capsizes in Tonga; Major Pacific literary collection on display at Auckland Museum; The All Blacks stun the Springboks in first rivalry test. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 22 August 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Vanuatu and Solomon Islands sign police MOU; American Samoa group takes legal action over US mining plan; Celebrating the Tongan language in Aotearoa. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 21 August 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Tokelau loses 60 percent of its fishing revenue; Fiji Bati captain calls time on decade-long NRL career. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 20 August 2026
In Pacific Waves today: PNG says West Papua likely to be discussed by Pacific leaders in Palau; Cook Islands women raise awareness on menopause; United Auckland Gospel choir receives gold at world competition. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 19 August 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Access the biggest challenge for humanitarian workers in the Pacific; Scientists explore Samoa's deep ocean; New data about marine life unearthed in Cook Islands. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 18 August 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Pacific urged to prepare for H5 bird flu; Samoa’s historic Manu’a islands face deep-sea mining proposal; Ilegal log exports ongoing in PNG despite govt ban; Tongan language week begins in NZ. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 15 August 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Samoa's former PM claims govt is trying to silence him; Cook Islands Party looks to retain its power; US crackdown on birth tourism as Pacific territories face scrutiny. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 14 August 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Thousands registered to vote for Cook Islands election; Former NZ cabinet minister begins new role at Pacific NGO; Pacific musicians celebrated at this year's awards. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 13 August 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Future of Pacific music awards hangs in the balance; Fallout over China's recent missile test continues; All Blacks legend Ma'a Nonu faces former team. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 12 August 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Cook Islanders head to the polls this week; Forum's China missile response reflects 'Pacific Way' - academic; US threatens to pull out of project in Micronesia. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 11 August 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Waqa says Kiribati and Nauru did not block China missile test statement; Concerns late enrolment law changes could disenfranchise Pasifika voters; Study considers diaspora voting rights for Samoan elections; Educator hopes Aotearoa will become the Pacific education hub for region. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 08 August 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Security features heavily at Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers meeting; Drought reaches parts of Papua New Guinea; Tokelau is one of the most sought-after locations in amateur radio; The Cook Islands celebrates its relationship with New Zealand. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 07 August 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Rescued climbers recovering well in Honiara; Pasifika unemployment figures paint a grim picture; Big political and economic challenges for New Caledonia's new president; Aotearoa marks 15 years of celebrating Te Reo Maori Kuki Airani. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 06 August 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Cost of living is a dominant issue for Cook Islanders ahead of general election; Foreign policy of new-look Solomon Islands leads to fiery criticism in parliament; Rota residents welcome disaster relief package; New Caledonia's new President is the first Wallisian to hold the role. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 05 August 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Kiwi climbers who were trapped on Solomon Islands mountain, rescued; West Papua rebel army strikes again; Story of All Blacks legend, Jonah Lomu - brought to life on the big screen; A look back at some of the biggest sporting moments during the week for Pacific athletes and teams. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 04 August 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Fiji's ex-Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica has been acquitted of corruption charges; The women changing Pacific politics; Australia overtakes China as Pacific's biggest aid donor - report; Pacific actors take the lead on a new TV series. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 01 August 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Manu Samoa rugby appeals to govt to resolve issues; NZ govt promises to lift living standards for RSE workers; Pacific athletes continue to haul in more medals in Glasgow. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 31 July 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Vanuatu Bislama language celebrated in NZ; PNG authorities continue search of missing people; Solomon Islands media access to gold mine incident info 'difficult'. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 30 July 2026
In Pacific Waves today: One person confirmed dead at Solomon Islands gold mine; Fiji conjoined twins prepare for separation surgery; Indonesian govt silencing Papuan activists - report; Pasifika athletes shine at the Commonwealth games. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 29 July 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Torres Strait elders challenge climate ruling decision; Are there too many security alliances in the Pacific? Samoan content creator becomes breakout star in Moana movie. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 28 July 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Pacific health leader appointed top role at World Obesity Federation; Last of Tonga prisoner escapees recaptured; PNG authorities managing separate cases of missing people at sea; PNG claims Pacific's first medal at Commonwealth games. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 25 July 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Fiji working on diaspora policy to encourage investment; Tuvalu works with Sea Shepherd to nab illegal fishers; Eleven Pacific teams at Commonwealth Games. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 24 July 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Victims of match-making scam in China warn others to steer clear; Tonga police issue bounty for information on two fugitives; Corruptions charges against ex-head of Fiji public prosecutions dropped. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 23 July 2026
In Pacific Waves today: PNG's East New Britain province devastated by unfolding maritime tragedy; Nursing researcher explores indigenous healthcare in the US; NZ Labour MP looks to fix country's remittances system. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 22 July 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Concern mounting in PNG for dozens of people missing at sea; Former Fiji public servant fearful after leaked allegations go viral; Volcanic ash cloud disrupts air travel in Vanuatu. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 21 July 2026
In Pacific Waves today: New reintegration policy for people deported back to Tonga; Norfolk dancers inspired after Cook Islands cultural exchange; ABs on cloud nine but winless weekend for Pacific rugby sides. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 18 July 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Another busy week of geopolitical tension in the Pacific; Tokelau's access to lucrative Tuna cartel in limbo; Weekend rugby test action for Fiji, Tonga and Samoa. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 17 July 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Has the Pacific's Ocean of Peace concept been hijacked?; Grief counselling key to ending sorcery related violence in PNG - Priest; "Dream come true": Tongan costume designer on Moana project. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 16 July 2026
In Pacific Waves today: PNG prime minister takes over corrections after latest prison breaks; Chaudhry urges Speight to name Coup conspirators; Climate threats to coral reefs to be discussed in Auckland hui; Success still sinking in for Kiri Te Kanawa Song Quest winner. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 15 July 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Vanuatu and PNG sign landmark policing agreement; Vanuatu says independence incomplete without disputed islands; Difficult times ahead for Pacific if Middle East conflict persists - ADB; Voyage in the Cooks studying climate ocean impacts. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 14 July 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Tongan teen wins prestigious opera competition; New Pacific podcast 'Close to Home' navigates language retention; NATO countries concerned over China's missile test; Fiji, Tonga and Samoa suffer rugby test match losses. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 11 July 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Former coup frontman calls for removal of immunity in Fiji; Scientist warn Pacific this El Nino could be the worst ever; Pasifika Kiri Te Kanawa Song Quest finalists raring to go; Stage set for round two of Nations Championship and Cup. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 10 July 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Auckland scholar reconnects with i-Kiribati heritage; More Pacific leaders express concern about China's missile test; Winners announced at the first Pacific innovation forum; Significance of Matariki in the Pacific. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 09 July 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Large protests in West Papua over alleged military killings; Tuvalu joins chorus of Pacific concerns over China missile test; Clean up begins on Rota after Super Typhoon Bavi; Calls for menstrual health to be part of disaster preparedness. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 08 July 2027
In Pacific Waves today: China criticised for Pacific ballistic missile test; All clear given as Super Typhoon Bavi moves away from CNMI; New Caledonia elects its provincial presidents; New US ambassador to NZ has big Pacific ambitions. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
