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

On air:

Weeknights at 9.45pm on RNZ National and weeknights 6.00am on RNZ Pacific

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 03 October 2025

In Pacific Waves today: New Zealand's foreign minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters speaks on the UN General Meeting in New York and his meetings with the Pacific leaders; The NRL comes to a peak this Sunday night with the Storm and the Broncos playing for the championship title; World Rugby issues new guidelines for player welfare, New Caledonia's under-19 women's football team qualifies for their first-ever world cup, and Pacific Championship rugby league tournament coming up.
New episode
Reece Walsh of the Broncos as players melee in the background during the NRL Preliminary Finals match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Penrith Panthers.

Pacific Waves 01 October 2025

In Pacific Waves today: Bougainville re-elects Ishmael Toroama for top job; Pacific news weekly wrap; NZ govt proposal to scrap holidays act unfair - union.
Ishmael Toroama has retained the Bougainville Presidency after surpassing the absolute majority.

Pacific Waves 30 September 2025

In Pacific Waves today: Pacific nations need to consider its Israel stance - academic; Samoa opposition leader confirms final term as MP; Approval granted for new Pacific cultural centre in Wellington; Manu Samoa loses out again for world cup qualifiers.
People take part in a march against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he addresses the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 26, 2025. Netanyahu aggressively ruled out Palestinian statehood in a speech to the UN Friday telling those delegates who stayed to listen that it would be tantamount to "national suicide" for his country. "Israel will not allow you to shove a terrorist state down our throats. We will not commit national suicide because you don't have the guts to face down the hostile media and antisemitic mobs demanding Israel's blood," he said. (Photo by kena betancur / AFP)

Pacific Waves 27 September 2025

In Pacific Waves today: Samoan caregiver gains popularity on Tiktok; US President tells world leaders climate change is a 'scam'; Pacific sports preview.
Sapini Unoi and his mother Mutalau have gained thousands of followers on their TikTok account.

Pacific Waves 26 September 2025

In Pacific Waves today: Solomon Islands scraps tax on menstrual products; Samoan villagers insist on the removal of HMNZ shipwreck; Miss Samoa reflects on pageantry journey.
Miss Samoa Litara Ieremia-Allan

Pacific Waves for 25 September 2025

In Pacific Waves today: New Caledonia beefs up security for historical anniversary; Long way to go for women to enter politics - Pacific leaders at UN General Assembly; Charlie Kirk's death causes stir among Pacific communities and more on social media.
Police reinforcements arrived at Nouméa’s La Tontouta airport last week – PHOTO Haut-Commissariat de Nouvelle-Calédonie

Pacific Waves for 19 September 2025

In Pacific Waves today: In Papua New Guinea, prime minister James Marape is rebuffing any question of China wanting to scuttle a new security deal the country is brokering with Australia. The official registration period for voters in Tonga closed on Thursday as preparations continue towards the November general election. Vanuatu's environment minister says there will be no commercial fishing close to the shore within the border of the recently announced Melanesian Ocean Reserve initiative.
Amid a tussle for influence in the Pacific, Prime Minister Albanese has cultivated a warm relationship with PNG Prime Minister James Marape. (ABC News: Melissa Clarke)

Pacific Waves for 18 September 2025

In Pacific Waves today: Bougainville's electoral commissioner says vote counting is progressing smoothly and peacefully with around 30 percent of seats declared. French Polynesia's President wants Pacific countries to agree to a moratorium of deep sea mining. Despite the wide range of views on the industry across the Pacific. A new exhibition at Auckland's Central City Library has placed Pacific heritage on a pedestal.
Bougainvilleans waited in long queues to cast their votes in the region's election.

Pacific Waves for 17 September 2025

In Pacific Waves today, Laaulialemalietoa Schmidt has been sworn in as Samoa's eighth Prime Minister. Papua New Guinea is celebrating 50 years of independence in true Melanesian style with plenty of music and dance. Australia and Papua New Guinea are reportedly close to signing a security treaty that would bring the militaries of the two countries closer together.
Samoas newly elected Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa speaking during the opening of the 18th parliament. 16 September 2025

Pacific Waves for 16 September 2025

In Pacific Waves today: Pacific Islands Forum leaders wrapped up their summit in Solomon Islands last week saying they'd agreed on 'clear actions'. A refugee advocate in Australia says Nauru's citizenship by investment scheme is a national pariah. The United States of America have defeated Samoa to qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Solomon Islands PM Jeremiah Manele speaks at opening night of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Meeting in Honiara, Solomon Islands. 9 September 2025

Pacific Waves for 13 September 2025

In Pacific Waves today: The Pacific Islands Forum leaders summit concludes in Honiara. French Polynesia cautions French officials not to lecture Pacific leaders. And its a busy rugby weekend for Pacific teams and players.
Pacific leaders from 18 member states got together for their official "family photo" at the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Meeting in Honiara, Solomon Islands. 11 September 2025

Pacific Waves for 12 September 2025

In Pacific Waves today: We take a look at some of the highlights from the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders summit in Honiara. The President of the Media Association of Solomon Islands has asked for an explanation from the Australian government as to why Pacific media were blocked from a press conference held by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Anthony Albanese. Pacific Islands Forum 2025

Pacific Waves for 11 September 2025

In Pacific Waves today: Fiji will formally open its first embassy in Israel next week. The Autonomous Bougainville Government is attacking New Zealand over the presence of its defence force plane in the region. One of Aotearoa's best cricketer's is set to play for Samoa at the Asia-Pacific cup this year.
Sitiveni Rabuka at the Pacific ACP (PACP) Leaders Meeting in Honiara on Tuesday, 9 September 2025.

Pacific Waves for 10 September 2025

In Pacific Waves today: Climate disaster costing Pacific economies - PIF chief; Fiji reluctant to join PACER Plus agreement; Auckland residents seeking relocation following shooting; Papua New Guinea language week celebrated in NZ.
Some of the Pacific leaders at a welcome event in Honiara on Monday.  (ABC News: Mark Moore )

Pacific Waves for 09 September 2025

In Pacific Waves today: Date for Samoa parliamentary sitting post-election confirmed; PIF leaders' summit gets underway in Solomon Islands; French Polynesia's President 'quite happy' dialogue partners excluded from PIFLM54; French ambassador respects decision to exclude PIF partners; Fijiana come away with a win in last pool game.
EXETER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 06: Verenaisi Ditavutu of Fiji offloads the ball whilst on the floor after being tackled by Carys Cox of Wales during the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 Pool B match between Wales and Fiji at Sandy Park on September 06, 2025 in Exeter, England. (Photo by Morgan Harlow - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

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