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 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.
New episode
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.

Pacific Waves 12 February 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Petition for Pacific visitors presented to Winston Peters; Solomons PM says no foreign influence behind reshuffle; Havili to play 50th cap for Moana Pasifika.
Former National MP Anae Arthur Anae is planning to submit a petition to New Zealand's parliament today, demanding *equal treatment of visitors from Aotearoa's Pacific neighbours.

Anae and his supporters are holding a demonstration on the grounds of Parliament this morning  11/2/26.

Pacific Waves 11 February 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Fire destroys supermarket in Samoa's capital; Fiji women's rights group urges govt to improve labour laws; Businesses in Cook Islands frustrated by banking error.
Fiji women's rights campaigner Nalini Singh

Pacific Waves 10 February 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Cook Islands records first dengue death; Marshallese deportees face tough road ahead; Wellington's annual Pasifika festival draws large crowds; Sevens, Football and more Pacific sport with Iliesa Tora.
The Wallis and Futuna community joined the Wellington Pasifika Festival for the first time this year.

Pacific Waves 07 February 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Lord Fakafanua says work to appease US immigration underway; Former Fiji anti-corruption chief seeks millions in compensation; Table standings unchanged on day four of OFC; Pacific sports talanoa with Iliesa Tora.
Lord Fakafanua after the nobles' results announcement in Nuku'alofa, Tonga. 20 November 2025

Pacific Waves 06 February 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Indigenous Pacific leaders unite at Waitangi; Kanaka Maoli stand in solidarity with Māori at Waitangi; NZ politicians react to Pasifika unemployment stats; Parts of PNG experiencing outbreaks of the flu.
Manuhiri from across the motu descend onto Te Tii Marae for Waitangi commemorations. (Waitangi 2026)

Pacific Waves 05 February 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Blaming New Zealand government for unemployment 'unhelpful' - analyst; Fiji academic says court ruling 'embarrassed' Fiji PM; Niuean athlete makes his mark in OFC pro league.
Jobseeker support. Benefit. Beneficiaries. Work and Income.

Pacific Waves 04 February 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Cook Islands warns visitors to take dengue precautions; UNHRC reviews Micronesian states' rights records; First full immersion Te Reo Maori Kuki Airani for Rarotonga; More coaching drama in the OFC Pro League.
Experts say climate change will create more areas where mosquitoes can spread dengue virus.

Pacific Waves 03 February 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Former Fiji anti-corruption head 'vindicated' after court ruling; Tonga's new govt reveals first 100-day plan; Fiji 7s men team defend Singapore title.
Barbara Malimali says she wants to be able to protect Fiji from corrupt public officials. (X: Fiji Women)

Pacific Waves 31 January 2026

In Pacific Waves today: NZ's Pacific ministry releases new strategy amid cuts; New documentary series spotlights Niue people; Pacific sports wrap with Iliesa Tora.
Cook Islands community at Cook Island language week 2020 launch

Pacific Waves 29 January 2026

In Pacific Waves today: New Zealand govt scraps new Pacific worker pathways; Fiji judge in talks with the government amid corruption allegations; Reggae legends UB40 launch Pacific tour in Tonga.
Robin Campbell - founding member of the reggae-pop band UB40

Pacific Waves 28 January 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Samoan playwright found dead in jail; US President delivers on WHO withdrawal promise; Pasifika gym franchise turns fitness into a family affair; New Zealand government scraps Tokelau airport project.
Samoa author Sia Figiel

Pacific Waves 27 January 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Steady going for Vanuatu citizenship sales despite setbacks; Four years on since the day Tonga went 'black'; Moana Pasifika welcomes newbies ahead of Super Rugby season.
No caption

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.

  • An illustrated motif representing people from the Pacific gathered around a sun.

    Tagata o te Moana

    Wrapping up the big Pacific news, issues, information & music each week.

  • Two men face the camera with serious but open expressions. Text reads "Context, Corin Dann and Guyon Espiner"

    Context

    It's the backstory to the front page with Guyon Espiner and Corin Dann.

  • Podcast Title 'The House' set in a bold font on an outside wall, with a image of the parliament house seen through a window

    The House

    Legislation, issues and insights from Parliament.

  • 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.