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 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
Pacific Waves 05 May 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Solomons PM confirms he will call parliament; Preliminary figures show low voter turnout in Niue; US seeking support for its trade-for-aid policy shift; Moana fall to Blues while Drua triumph over Highlanders. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 02 May 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Court orders Solomons PM to call parliament; Vanuatu builds classroom from shipping container; Big Super Rugby Pacific weekend for Moana and Drua. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 01 May 2026
In Pacific Waves today: US Coast Guard cancels search for missing Marianas crew; Logging exports in Papua New Guinea under scrutiny; Michael Jackson's Samoan choreographers proud of Pacific roots. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 29 April 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Families of missing crew in CNMI holding out hope; New book aims to help child survivors of violence; PNG court clears way for Starlink entry. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 28 April 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Calls for patience as Typhoon Sinlaku recovery continues; Solomons MP breaks opposition ranks and joins government; Indigenous voices at the UN in New York; Drua and Moana fall short in Christchurch. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 25 April 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Donald Trump signs off on major disaster declaration for CNMI; Kiribati opposition file constitutional case against government; Bougainville environmentalist wins major international award; Women's Rugby on the rise in the Pacific. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 23 April 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Fuel crisis deepens for Pacific nations; Bougainville MP urges PNG to make a call on independence push; Study finds rates of dementia 50 percent higher for Māori and Pasifika. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 22 April 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Vakarisi family still in shock as police murder investigation continues; Calls for Trump to declare major disaster in CNMI; Election fever building in the Cook Islands. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 21 April 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Clean up and recovery underway for CNMI and Guam; Confusion over PIF response to fuel crisis; Fijian Drua dedicate win to late ex-Fiji President. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 18 April 2026
In Pacific Waves today: CNMI declared 'all clear' from Typhoon Sinlaku; Pacific Islands Forum invokes crisis declaration for fuel shortage; Pacific rugby group claims bid to buy Moana Pasifika rejected.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 16 April 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Typhoon Sinlaku slowly weakening - US weather service Guam; Solomons PM ordered to face motion of no-confidence; ADB releases latest economic forecast for the Pacific. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 15 April 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Typhoon Sinlaku lashing CNMI overnight; NZ and PNG to battle it out for 2027 FIFA world cup berth; Palau President says all partners welcome at leaders summit. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 14 April 2026
In Pacific Waves today: CNMI braces for Super Typhoon Sinlaku; NZ Tokelau community celebrates 50th Easter festival; Samoa qualifies for the junior women's T20 cricket world cup. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 11 April 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Just as the Pacific's official cyclone season was supposed to be nearing an end, tropical cyclone activity kicked off in a major way this week. Samoa's Opposition leader says he will appeal the acquittal of Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt in a high-profile conspiracy case. With global conflicts putting strain on fuel supply chains, the Cook Islands governme
Pacific Waves 10 April 2026
In Pacific Waves today: A senior official in Papua New Guinea's Milne Bay Province says they are 'extremely' worried about the damage Cyclone Maila will cause when it hits them again later this week. The Cook Islands Prime Minister says they are "moving forward" with their relationship with New Zealand following the signing of a new agreement last month. The head of Childfund New Zealand is calli
Pacific Waves 09 April 2026
In Pacific Waves today: The governor of Milne Bay Province in Papua New Guinea is taking stock of what he describes as unprecedented damage from Cyclone Maila. A former Fiji Prime Minister says calls by the country's high chiefs to reserve the term Fijian for iTaukei is racially divisive. NZ Film industry leaders say there is a growing appetite for indigenous storytelling.Go to this episode on rnz
Pacific Waves 08 April 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Pacific on alert with two Cyclones in the region; Cyclone Vaianu could track towards NZ; Sport helping Cook Islands youth with autism.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 03 April 2026
In Pacific Waves today: New Zealand and Cook Islands sign security declaration; Tongan artists revive a traditional musical instrument; Flying Fijians head coach steps down; Christian community in Lae PNG observe Easter traditions. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 02 April 2026
In Pacific Waves today: "Be supportive": Fiji HIV advocate calls for better; Philippine Airlines relaunches Manila-Saipan service; Pacific fuel prices climb as the Middle East conflict continues. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 01 April 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Vanuatu struck by 7.3 earthquake near Santo; Samoa deputy prime minister loses seat; Tonga PM: Work to alleviate US travel restrictions 'expectedly slow'. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 31 March 2026
In Pacific Waves today: HIV cases surge in Fiji; Warriors honour players and fans with Pasifika night; Handling errors let Fijian Drua down against the Blues. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 27 March 2026
In Pacific Waves today: New Zealand pledges $20 million to flood resilience in Tuvalu; Pasifika communities hunker down in Northland; More legends inducted to the Pasifika Rugby Hall of Fame. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 26 March 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Solomons political crisis impacting parliament functions; Almost half of Pasifika families in NZ rely on food support; NZ offering gaming and tech scholarships for Pasifika youth; Pacific govts advise against panic buying as fuel crisis deepens. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 25 March 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Hawaii cleans up after devastating floods; D-day approaching for Bougainville independence decision; Fa'alogo Tana Umaga back in the All Blacks fold. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 24 March 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Solomons PM refusing to call parliament amid political crisis; It's a wrap for week one of ASB Polyfest; Most Pasifika nurses in NZ used as interpreters - study; Back to the drawing board for Drua and Moana. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 21 March 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Polyfest attracts thousands on Day Three; Round three of NRL comp celebrates multiculturalism; Super Rugby Pacific almost halfway throughGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 20 March 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Cook Islands PM visits NZ; Green Party vows to 'fill in gaps' for Polyfest funding; Green Party MP says NZ govt needs to 'step up'; Samoa's former PM weighs in on matai bestowment. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pacific Waves 19 March 2026
In Pacific Waves today: Colourful start to ASB Polyfest 2026; Social media a double-edged sword in disasters; Paper stands by article blaming lesbianism for poor performance; Big aviation developments in Pacific Business Update. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
