Stories by Eleisha Foon

A Pasifika survivor of abuse in a faith-based institution in New Zealand is calling for a proper, "meaningful", in person apology from the Catholic Church to happen through formal redress.

Pacific nations and smaller states are being urged to unite to avoid being caught in the crossfire of a possible nuclear conflict between China and the US. Audio

Pacific communities with negative perceptions of autism are being challenged to rethink their views and the language that describes people on the spectrum. Audio

Cook Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs Tingika Elikana says a referendum would allow its people to decide whether to join the United Nations and separate from New Zealand.

Fiji's former leader Frank Bainimarama and suspended police commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho are back in court on Wednesday after their sentencing was appealed by the State last week.

RNZ Pacific reported on Tuesday that five people had died as a result of the earthquake. However, two people were killed by landslips due to heavy rain, unrelated to the quake. Audio

A State of Emergency has been declared in East Sepik as village leaders continue to assess the damage in the province after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake killed at least five people.

Pasifika community leader Pakilau Manase Lua has resigned from New Zealand Rugby citing a lack of Pasifika representation, saying "we deserve a seat at the table".

Butterfly/Bataplai explores lead actor Raya's secret dream of being a makeup artist and her family's strict religious beliefs. Audio

Dr Therese Lautua is heading to Harvard University to share her knowledge with students across the globe. She says Pasifika people are "incredible at what we do". Audio

A string of charges against former Fiji prime minister Frank Bainimarama means the end of the former military strongman's political career is imminent, a Fijian academic says. Audio

Fiji Women's Crisis Centre boss Shamima Ali says the prime minister made the right call not letting go off his Women's Minister, who is in the middle of an alleged sex and drug scandal.

A new service for survivors of abuse in state care is aiming to break cultures of shame by providing people an outlet to share their stories. Audio

Papua New Guinea's rising voice as opposition candidate for prime minister, East Sepik governor Allan Bird, has pushed back after addressing recent death threats.

Child poverty statistics released by Statistics New Zealand show despite the previous Labour government's push at addressing poverty, there's been no improvement.

Fekita Vea has become the 1000th recipient of the First Foundation scholarship which will see her through university and provides a professional pathway to step foot into the legal field. Audio

Fa'anānā Efeso Collins is being remembered as a pillar of the Pacific community with a "big heart of service", who loved being a husband and father. Audio

Prime Minister Rabuka will likely decide on whether Lynda Tabuya will be dismissed later this week, the chief executive of the People's Alliance says.

A category one cyclone is expected to make landfall overnight in Rarotonga and heavy rain could cause flash flooding.

New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters says the Cook Islands should have the freedom to investigate deep sea mining before being criticised.

Keeping the Pacific nuclear-free, in line with the Rarotonga treaty, was a recurring theme from the leaders of Tonga, Cook Islands and Samoa to New Zealand last week. Audio

NZ Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Samoa's Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa have signed a renewed Statement of Partnership in Apia today.

Tonga's head pharmacist says although she welcomes the opening of a new pharmacy building, a shortage of health staff to meet the nation and outer islands needs is her greatest concern.

Winston Peters and Dr Shane Reti landed in Nuku'alofa on Tuesday night amid domestic political ruction in Tonga. They will have a day of bilateral meetings on today.

Waitangi Day is one of the most important days on the calendar for Māori. Pacific people across Aotearoa are engaging with Māori and uniting on how to honour the Treaty of Waitangi. Audio