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 21 December 2024

In Pacific Waves today: The stories that excited and shook the Pacific in 2024; Tongan MPs to decide on new prime minister next week; Best and worst Pacific sporting moments of 2024.
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Pacific Waves for 20 December 2024

In Pacific Waves today: Conflicting reports on death toll in Vanuatu emerge; Earthquake much worse than previous disasters - former Vanuatu PM; What does 2025 hold for Papua New Guinea; Early preparation for Moana Pasifika ahead of Super Rugby 2025.
Rescue workers are seen at the site of a collapsed building after an earthquake struck Port Vila, the capital city of Vanuatu, on December 18, 2024. - Rescue teams dug for survivors trapped in crumpled buildings in the Pacific nation of Vanuatu on December 18 after a powerful earthquake killed at least 14 people, some of them buried in rubble and landslides. (Photo by AFP)

Pacific Waves for 19 December 2024

In Pacific Waves today: Search for survivors in Vanuatu continues; Claim thousands made homeless in West Papua by transmigration policy; Aust govt introduces new measure for refugees in PNG; Hundreds of applications submitted in Samoa for NZ citizenship.
Vanuatu police on job after quake

Pacific Waves for 18 December 2024

In Pacific Waves today: Major earthquake strikes Vanuatu; No flights from PNG's Mendi Airport for the foreseeable future; Successful immunisation programme has funding cut amid whooping cough; Call for more accountability in Pacific development engagements.
Damage in Vanuatu following a magnitude-7.4 quake in December 2024.

Pacific Waves for 17 December 2024

In Pacific Waves today: Fiji holiday turned nightmare as tourists poisoned; The dos and don'ts of purchasing pounamu; Kiwi teachers experience village life in Samoa.
Composition with alcoholic cocktails on podiums and bar tools on colored background

Pacific Waves for 14 December 2024

In Pacific Waves today: Could a cousin of Tonga's King become the new PM; Otago university appoints leading Pacific scientist for top role; NZ parliament hosts Pacific clerks and speakers.
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Pacific Waves for 13 December 2024

In Pacific Waves today: Wife of former Palau president released day after arrest; PNG's cuts to GST should have gone further - academic; Canterbury biomedical students head to Tonga for training mission; Wellington Chocolate Factory ups its commitment to Pacific cacao growers.
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Pacific Waves for 12 December 2024

In Pacific Waves today: Nauru-Aust treaty seen as an attempt to limit China's influence; Vague reasons given for no confidence in Tongan PM; Early days for mine exploration in Bougainville.
The Nauru-Australia Treaty signed by Nauru's President David Adeang, left, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra. 9 December 2024.

Pacific Waves for 11 December 2024

In Pacific Waves today: New Tonga PM to be elected by Christmas Eve; Tongan PM resignation 'unprecedented'; Fiji human rights march brings in 300 protestors; Samoan director behind Moana 2 talks representation in pop culture.
Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni

Pacific Waves for 10 December 2024

In Pacific Waves today: Tonga's PM resigns ahead of motion of no confidence; Bougainville MP takes satisfaction from assessment of mine damage; Maori and Pasifika highly vulnerable to bird flu; Pacific Fisheries agency conference deemed a success.
Tonga Prime Minister, Hu'akavameiliku in Nuku'alofa. 25 August 2024

Pacific Waves for 7 December 2024

In Pacific Waves today: Taiwan's president Lai Chin-te has urged his allies in the Pacific to stand together and safeguard democracy and peace in the Indo-Pacific region. After a week-long delay Tonga's prime minister Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni is now scheduled to face a vote of no confidence on Monday. Palau's President is inviting US President Elect Donald Trump to 'visit the Pacific' to see the impacts of the climate crisis firsthand. And it's going to be a jam-packed sevens rugby weekend for Pacific fans with their teams in action in global and regional competitions.
Surangel Whipps Jr, left, wants US President-elect Donald Trump to see firsthand the impacts of climate change.

Pacific Waves for 6 December 2024

In Pacific Waves today: Palau's leader advocates for 'carbon free' nuclear energy; Watchdog says PNG forestry deal illustrates the country's poor governance; More support needed for Māori and Pacific living with HIV - advocate.
Foundation for Defense of Democracies July 17 2023 Washington DC, President of Palau, Surangel Whipps Jr

Pacific Waves for 5 December 2024

In Pacific Waves today: Vanuatu seeks to hold polluting countries to account; Fisheries conference in Fiji concludes with key outcomes; Marriage age in Solomon Islands under review.
Pacific Islanders have led the campaign for the ICJ to consider states' obligations to prevent climate change.

Pacific Waves for 4 December 2024

In Pacific Waves today: Stranded NZ family secures flight out of Niue; Study reveals grim health stats in Cook Islands children; Pacific peoples ministry fails to meet key target - report; Christchurch Pasifika artists spark conversations through music album.
Niueans celebrate their culture and language with songs and dances.

Pacific Waves for 3 December 2024

In Pacific Waves today: Taiwan president embarks on Pacific tour; Mixed reactions from the Samoan community following bill; Fiji 7s claim victory in Dubai since 2015.
New Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te, center, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, right, and former President Tsai Ing-wen wave during Lai's inauguration ceremonies in Taipei, Taiwan, Monday, May 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

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