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.

Follow this podcast

RSS

Get this podcast straight from the source in the free RNZ app: Apple App Store or Google Play

Pacific Waves 06 March 2026

In Pacific Waves today: PNG authorities halt eviction exercise in city settlements; Cook Islands PM congratulates new ABs coach; Moana Pasifika prepare for Chiefs clash in Hamilton.
New episode
Papua New Guinea police are preparing to crack down on illegal weapons but there are allegations they're a key part of the problem.

Pacific Waves 05 March 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Dave Rennie is the new All Blacks coach; Carnival cruise rolls back Pacific voyages; Samoan muso on life, success and tragedy.
Dave Rennie

Pacific Waves 04 March 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Charges laid against naval officers over vessel sinking; Mental health survey concludes in Niue; Fuel prices expected to increase in the Pacific; PNG govt requests help to evacuate nationals in Middle East.
Supplementary image for episode: Pacific Waves 04 March 2026

Pacific Waves 03 March 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Pacific governments alert nationals amid Middle East conflict; Tongan national in UAE marked safe but says airstrikes 'frightening'; Fijian Flying Circus wows crowd in Hamilton; Fiji Drua secure first win of the Super Rugby season in Lautoka.
This video grab taken from UGC images posted on social media on March 1, 2026 shows an explosion following a strike on Tehran that appears to have occurred near state television channel IRIB. The United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, with Israel's public broadcaster reporting that the Iranian supreme leader had been targeted, as the Islamic republic retaliated with barrages of missiles at Gulf states and Israel. (Photo by UGC / AFP) / NO USE AFTER MARCH 16, 2026 20:56:18 GMT - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT AFP -  SOURCE: UGC / UNKNOWN - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS - NO RESALE -

Pacific Waves 27 February 2026

In Pacific Waves today: One in five Pasifika children in NZ living in poverty; Pasifika youth still falling through the gaps in mental health; Fiji coalition parties could become election rivals - academic; Moana put fixture loss aside to focus on Force.
The Child Poverty Report in Budget 2024

Pacific Waves 26 February 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Tonga match unaffordable - Moana Pasifika chief; The US summit asserts 'America First' agenda; NRL returns with four teams in Las Vegas.
Moana Pasifika players form a huddle at the end of training.

Pacific Waves 25 February 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Samoa set to increase fees for all flight departures; Japan and US host Pacific nations at concurrent summits; Fiji's opposition leader makes a break with Bainimarama; Mural of late musician Chris Faiumu unveiled in Wellington.
Faleolo International Airport

Pacific Waves 24 February 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Former Fiji journalist faces charges from FICAC; Adapting to climate change a matter of survival - expert; New football program offers inmates a 'second chance'; Heartache for Moana Pasifika and Fiji Drua in Super Rugby Pacific.
Observers say that the anti-corruption commission should be an important pillar of Fijian democratic checks and balances. (Supplied)

Pacific Waves 21 February 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Is NZ doing enough to live up to 'Pacific family' rhetoric? Whooping cough under control in Vanuatu - health ministry; NCDs trapping families in poverty - Pacific health expert; Teams arrive in Australia for OFC round three.
North and South Tarawa are seen from the air in the Pacific island nation of Kiribati May 23, 2013.

Pacific Waves 20 February 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Fiji ex-Prime Minister charged with mutiny; More Māori and Pacific bone marrow donors needed; Super Rugby Pacific enters second round
Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama (C) speaks at the opening remarks of Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in Suva on July 12, 2022 (Photo by William WEST / AFP)

Pacific Waves 19 February 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Australian-Samoan tennis player resigns, calls out online trolls; Samoa's first tennis pro stands with Destanee Aiava; Poll shows most New Zealanders want bottom trawling banned; We talk business in our new Tradewinds segment.
Destanee Aiava went down to British player Harriet Dart 3-6, 6-2, 3-6 last week.

Pacific Waves 18 February 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Fiji president warns MPs not to "sow seeds of fear'; PNG under close watch for money laundering; Ear infections prevalent among children in PNG; Pacific experts urged to lead solutions for regional challenges.
Pacific Island and Maori children are at risk of contracting middle ear infections.

Pacific Waves 17 February 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Jeffrey Epstein and the Pacific; Origin match in NZ a huge drawcard for Pacific fans; Fijian Drua go down to Moana Pasifika in Lautoka.
Pacific Islands people or places are mentioned in the Epstein files.

Pacific Waves 14 February 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Former Miss Solomons speaks on future of Pacific pageantry; Life-saving vaccines unaffordable for some Pacific countries; OFC pro league heading to Melbourne.
Elsie Polosovai, who competed in the Miss Pacific Islands pageant, says colourism should be discussed more openly in the region. (Supplied: Kev Daily)

Pacific Waves 13 February 2026

In Pacific Waves today: PNG drops in corruption index rankings; Salvation Army NZ calls on govt to increase food aid; Anticipation building for new Super Rugby Pacific season.
Moana Pasifika Ardie Savea soring a disallowed try.

Other podcasts
like this one

More podcasts with similar themes or ideas that you might enjoy.

  • Cover image in deep blue and periwinkle tones featuring the text 'Short Story Stack' in bold white serif font, with 'Audiobook Collection' in smaller text above. Stylized vertical book spines line the right side of the image.

    Short Story Stack

    A stack of short stories by independent and published writers from all over NZ.

  • Sketch-style white line drawing of New Zealand’s Beehive parliamentary building on a dark background, with the words ‘Politics NZ’ in white text above.

    Politics NZ

    Stay in the know. All of RNZ's politics podcasts in one place.

  • A large, thin red title saying 'Red line' on a pale background, where the letter 'I' extends into a line that goes through the title from top to bottom. Below the title, there are two Chinese hieroglyphs.

    Red Line

    Is New Zealand's relationship with China more risk or reward? We investigate.

  • Test reads "The detail" where the dot on the "I" is highlighted.

    The Detail

    The big news explained, by the country's best journalists and experts.