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 11 March 2026

In Pacific Waves today: 'Be Brave': Pacific correspondent Barbara Dreaver releases her memoir; Trumps choice for top ambassador to NZ speaks on the role; Otara to Las Vegas: Samoan-Kiwi boxer follows family's footsteps.
Be Brave by Barbara Dreaver

Pacific Waves 10 March 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Vanuatu's Ambae Island remains on high alert; Nadi flooding raises questions about alleviation project; Pacific dancers show off siva afi skills in Auckland; Moana Pasifika thumped by Chiefs in Hamilton.
The Manaro Voui volcano is spewing ash and smoke as high as four kilometres above sea level. The alert level remains at three on a scale of five and a 3km danger zone has been declared around the crater. 24 February 2026

Pacific Waves 07 March 2026

In Pacific Waves today: Acid rain from Vanuatu volcano affecting waterways; New biopic on Samoan opera stars Pene and Amitai Pati; 'Music Portrait of a Humble, Disabled Samoan' gets standing ovation.
Tenor Pene Pati.

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.
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.

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