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 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
Pacific Waves 07 July 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Typhoon Bavi wreaks havoc on Rota in the CNMI; A "New Era": Australia and Fiji sign two treaties in Suva; Talanoa with the first Pacific woman awarded a Rhodes Scholarship; The All Blacks pip France in Christchurch. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 04 July 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Northern Marianas brace for Typhoon Bavi; Fears of more violence in West Papua after shooting of US pilot; Eight Pasifika players in All Blacks squad to take on France. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 03 July 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Vanuatu-Australia agreement 'long torturous' process - expert; Fuel prices to come down in the Pacific; Samoa successfully hosts Pacific strongman competition. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 02 July 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Samoan restaurant Tala awarded Michelin star; PNG MP questions new agreement with anti-corruption office; Global foreign aid projected to fall in 2026. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 01 July 2026
In Pacific Waves today: The wife of a deceased Fijian farmer who copped serious injuries in a March police raid is looking for answers; An Indonesian human rights researcher says a rapidly growing number of Indonesian military personnel are being deployed to West Papua; The stories of Pacific women who helped shape Porirua have been brought into the spotlight in a new exhibition celebrating the 50
Pacific Waves 30 June 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Pro-France parties lead provisional results in New Caledonia elections; Australia and Vanuatu sign long-awaited security deal; Fiji waste group proposes regional recycling solution; Fijian Drua women set to play home semifinal game. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 27 June 2026
In Pacific Waves today: New Caledonia voters take to the polls; Fiji unveils its no-frills budget; Documentary highlights PNG community's fight to save river. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 26 June 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Bougainville proposes its pathway towards self-government; Concerns raised over divisions within New Cal pro-independence parties; Huttfest a platform for Māori and Pacific students to showcase roots; Pacific business brief with Kaya Selby. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 25 June 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Samoa newspaper's business licence under threat; Solomon Islands PM demands overhaul of country's national carrier; Niuean playwright brings personal story to the stage; More Pasifika architects needed in NZ - scholar. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 24 June 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Fiji police and military face another allegation of assault; Samoan police stopped by Vietnam authorities; Restoring eyesight across the Pacific; Unexploded bombs in Solomon Islands featured in new documentary. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 23 June 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Ardie Savea named All Blacks captain; Tonga government releases its budget; UN climate talks in Germany conclude; Cook Islands fisherman found by NZ air force crew. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 20 June 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Political parties in New Cal in full campaigning mode; Strait of Hormuz looks to reopen - what it means for the Pacific; Top French football club signs an 11-year-old Samoan player.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 19 June 2026
In Pacific Waves today: New Caledonia to hold first provincial elections in seven years; NZ foreign minister prioritises Pacific; Research team discovers new shark species in PNG; Cook Islands orthopaedic surgeon in NZ makes history. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 18 June 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Samoan nationals in Vietnam are 'neglected' - opposition leader; Australian govt refusing to medivac ill refugee - advocate; State of emergency in Marshall Islands extends for 90 days; Award winning Pasifika housing project eyes Auckland expansion. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 17 June 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Hawaiian professor calls Trump's executive order 'disappointing'; A lot of need, but a lot of cuts impacting Pacific communities in Wairarapa; El Nino has arrived the Pacific islands. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 16 June 2026
In Pacific Waves today: CNMI governor renews state of emergency; Fiji activist calls for police and military taskforce to be disbanded; New PIF chair calls for global peace and stability; NZ study aims to address breast cancer inequities among Pacific women. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 13 June 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Outrage in PNG over dolphin catch on foreign purse seiner; Trump opens Pacific national marine monuments to fishing; OFC Pro League in good stead for upcoming seasons; Pasifika housing initiative in Porirua wins award. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 12 June 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Amnesty call for suspension of Fiji police officers amid death probe; International Albinism Awareness Day to be marked in Fiji; NZDF Army engineer honoured for response work in Vanuatu; Fishing, Mining and Tourism in this week's Pacific Business brief. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 11 June 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Former finance ministers clash on state of Fiji's economy; PNG sets high threshold for Bougainville independence vote; ‘Nothing for us without us’: Pacific voices reshape Otago museum gallery; Spotlight on improving nutrition and food security in PNG. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 10 June 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Livestock deaths impact Sinlaku recovery on Saipan; Manus communities affected by pumice from Titan Ridge volcano; PNG Pumice rafts could linger for months - scientist. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 09 June 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Fiji security forces in the spotlight after another civilian death; Meet Te Papapa Wolves Auckland's newest inclusive rugby team; Producers of Nauru's first film hope it inspires future storytellers; World Sevens Series wraps up in Bordeaux. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 06 June 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Filmmakers of Nuclear justice doco hope it helps survivors' claims; New Zealand urged to do more for climate impacted Pacific; Nauru rejects allegations of deportee mistreatment; Fiji gears up for Nations Championship debut. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 05 June 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Hopes AUT's new research clinic will improve Pasifika health outcomes; Mixed reactions to Israel's new embassy in Fiji; Surviving conjoined twin Sawong returns home to PNG; No June fuel price relief for the Pacific. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 04 June 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Samoa wraps up 64th Independence Anniversary celebration; Tense debate on Bougainville independence in PNG; Global finance still a challenge for the Pacific - SWIFT Payments; Pacific youth 'belong' on world stages - Royal Family Dance Crew. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 03 June 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Criminologist says complex solution required for Pacific drug crisis; New water and sanitation project in Melanesia; PNG warned to prepare for adverse El Nino impacts. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 02 June 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Samoa language week starts in churches across Aotearoa; 12 Pasifika leaders named in NZ Kings Birthday Honours; Samoa PM says youths are being 'used' by drug cartels; Moana pip Brumbies to end 2026 season on a high. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 30 May 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Auckland FC goal scorer embraces Samoan roots; Budget 2026: Underwhelming on Pasifika policy; Welcome boost for NZ aid to the Pacific. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 29 May 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Budget 2026 boosts to Pacific aid amid domestic policy cuts; Suspected Samoan "hitmen" transited through Fiji to Vietnam; Mosquito spraying helped end Cook Islands dengue fever outbreak. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 28 May 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Samoa police launch investigation into Vietnam murder case; West Papuan activist condemns deepfake propaganda; Big seabed mining news in our Pacific business wrap. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 27 May 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Moana Pasifika goes into liquidation; Indonesian authorities clamp down on West Papua doco; What we know so far about Budget 2026?. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 26 May 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Emotional last home game for Moana Pasifika; Pacific important to deep sea mining regulations - Carvalho; Auckland inaugural OFC Pro League champions. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 23 May 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Why should we talk about racism?; The Cook Islands gets a new passenger ferry; Moana Pasifika play last home game this weekend. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 22 May 2026
In Pacific Waves today: UNGA endorses ICJ climate justice ruling; Is New Zealand supporting the militarisation of the Pacific?; The OFC Pro League wraps up this weekend. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 21 May 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Opponents of NZ bill say it will increase Pacific deportees; PNG closely monitoring Bismarck Sea volcano; Dance for people with disabilities a hit in Rarotonga. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 20 May 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Australia and New Zealand ramp up efforts to fight Pacific drug trade; Will a new rule to boost women candidates in PNG politics work?; Talanoa with poet Nafanua Purcell-Kersel author of Black Sugarcane. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 19 May 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Solomon Islands reinstates ban on dolphin exports; Vanuatu United clinch OFC pro league semifinal spot; Fijian Drua lose to Waratahs on home soil. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 16 May 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Mathew Wale is Solomon Islands new prime minister; Experts warn against proposed changes to NZ climate law; Rotuma language week ends on a high in Aotearoa; Drua aiming for a top six finish in Super Rugby Pacific. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 15 May 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Dalton Tagelagi re-elected Niue Prime Minister; Civilian casualties mount amid ongoing conflict in West Papua; Pacific business wrap with RNZ Pacific reporter Kaya Selby; Vanuatu United FC and Fiji's Bula FC to meet in semifinal playoff. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 14 May 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Hantavirus 'contact' quarantined in Pitcairn: Should we be worried?; Typhoon impacts force early school closure in Northern Marianas; No surprises for Pacific in Australia's Budget; Air Rarotonga prepares to welcome its first female pilot. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 13 May 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Tonga police still on the search for suspect who threatened journalist; OFC Pro League a learning curve for PNG players; Thousands expected at Rotuma Day celebrations in Fiji. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 12 May 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Rotuma language week underway in Aotearoa; Pacific leaders invoke regional security treaty amid global fuel crisis; Canes rack up big win against Moana in North Harbour. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 09 May 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Abuse survivors boycott apology in Auckland; Former asylum-seeker detainees speak; The battle continues for Moana Pasifika. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 08 May 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Solomon Islands PM ousted; RNZ Pacific Business Brief; OFC Pro League see South Island United and South Melbourne FC claim victories. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 07 May 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Australia and Fiji to sign new bilateral agreement; Concerns BSA scrapping leaves marginalised communities exposed; Kanaloa Rugby accuse Moana owners of blocking purchase bid. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 06 May 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Pacific fuel prices continue to soar; Niuean artist says music helped reconnect him with his roots; Final Round of OFC Pro League ready to roll in Auckland. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
