Tagata o te Moana

A wrap of the biggest Pacific news stories of the year; New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peter's meets with some Pacific leaders in Fiji; Pacific community advocate giving back to families doing it tough this Christmas; An education researcher concerned over NCEA pass rates in the Cook Islands and Niue; RNZ Pacific Sports Correspondent wraps up pacific sporting highlights of the year; Super Rugby's Moana Pasifika take on the role of South Auckland santa this Christmas.

Coming up first Samoa's health boss says media reports on Covid border restrictions are incorrect Also Frustrations over USP's vice chancellor leads to staff protests. And later we meet the music group that's preserving te reo Maori.

Nations vulnerable to the climate crisis are sounding caution over the launch of the long-awaited global fund; The former prime minister and now opposition leader of Tuvalu would scrap the Tuvalu/Australia treaty if elected as prime minister at the upcoming election; Bougainville negotiator says non-binding referendum claim is wrong; RSE schemes in question; Marshall Islands election result delays; Pacific Games in Solomon Islands has now been officially announced as the largest ever in the history of the tournament; The first-ever Samoan hero has been introduced to the gaming world.

The 17th Pacific Games officially opened in Solomon Islands with a colourful celebration of culture and unity; Cook Islands health advocate on a mission to increase awareness of dyslexia; After 18 months, the longest mural in the South Pacific is finally finished; France's new ambassador to the Pacific focussed on peace and freedom for the region; Pasifika actors dominate in Taika Waititi's latest film, 'Next Goal Wins'; New data reveals an increase in NZ students learning Pacific languages; A Fiji ice cream maker shares orgin secrets of the sweet coconut nectar.

Pacific Games in Solomon Islands kicking off; Outer island community in Fiji reluctant to relocate despite sea level rise; Aitutaki matriarch recalls fond memories of past leaders forum; Cook Island tourism calls on visitors to be climate change conscious; Criminal lawyer explains how NZ justice system fails Pacific peoples; Wellington's Signature choir prepare for upcoming performance.

UN rep says America is committed to climate financing for Pacific, Pacific cacao farmers unlocks potential of their beans, RNZ Pacific's shortwave service turns 75 years old, An act of faith leads Samoan teenager to create golfing history, Moana Pasifika new coaches are optimistic for next Super Rugby season.

Schools in Vanuatu grapple with damages and disruptions following Lola; NZ health and defence force tests emergency response; Zero Pacific representation in NZ's next govt; Tonga set for a long drought; Veteran politician takes the top job in Nauru; and Solomon Islands prepare to welcome thousands of athletes for Pacific Games

Cyclone Lola destroys schools and homes in Vanuatu; Remote island in Solomon Islands also battered by Cyclone Lola; Incoming NZ Pasifika MPs share aspirations for parliament; Melanesian youth in New Zealand lead the way in preservation of their unique cultures; An NGO wants Papua New Guinea to realise the country is experiencing an alarming rise in new HIV infections.

Typhoon Bolaven passes CNMI leaving minimal damage, Fiji celebrates 53 years of independence, Researcher warns high cost of living will affect Pasifika children's learning, Freedom of religion in Fiji sparks public debate, Award winning theatre show celebrates Pasifika poets and writers, Museum exhibition in Sydney explores Australia's ties with the Pacific.

Lack of civic education leads NZ school leavers 'ill-equipped'; Pacific climate champion says big countries lack 'ambition'; Flying Fijians overjoyed after historic win over Australia in Rugby World Cup; PNG struggle to bring HIV infection rates down; Delay in plans for Rarotonga's mural project; Medical student aims to improve Canterbury healthcare for rheumatic fever patients; Dunedin chocolate factory pledges support for Pacific koko growers.

Plans to increase health workforce in NZ 'doesn't go far enough' - Dr Collin Tukuitonga; Large scale logging continues in PNG despite Govt opposition; Pacific nations struggling to retain trained nurses; Young Maori and Pasifika performers take the stage for Otago Polyfest; Mana Moana musical showcase heads to Auckland.

The Pasifika community in New Zealand's south island discuss issues ahead of elections; RNZ Pacific reporter speaks out on bribery during MSG trip; We speak with the international advocacy group helping the Banaban community find justice; Australia's new international development policy 'a missed opportunity'; A new gardening club led by a Tongan church emerges in East Auckland's Tamaki area.

New Zealand's major political parties are vying for Pasifika votes come election day; NZ universities sets deadlines to eliminate disparities; A new documentary shows a softer side of Pasifika rugby players.

'Pacific leaders are committed to holding Japan to account': PIF secretary-general, Anti-climatic ending for the Melanesian Spearhead Group leaders meeting, Maui locals want to see the return of tourists, Thousands in Bougainville remain displaced following Mt Bagana eruption, New Zealand's housing crisis persists after four decades, Aupito William Sio exits NZ Parliament after 16 years.

Manus Island murder witness wants justice; Maui fires exacerbates Hawaii's housing crisis; Banaban community seeks apology from NZ govt; Dead humpback whale washed up in Cook Islands; NZ's gender pay gap legislation needs to consider Pacific people.