Johnny Blades
Noumea blockades caused by ore export differences
There have been major disruptions to traffic in Noumea due to major protests by truck drivers related to New Caledonia's nickel mining industry. Audio
Dateline Pacific morning edition for 20 August 2015
Sexual violence helpline opens in PNG; New Zealand construction firms urged to provide jobs and internships for young Maori and Pasifika people; Hope remains for easier access to NZ pensions in Cooks… Audio
NZ MPs listening to Papuan concerns
A New Zealand Labour party MP says the country must engage with Indonesia more on growing concerns about the treatment of West Papuans. Audio
PNG by-elections deemed satisfactory
Papua New Guinea's Electoral Commissioner Sir Andrew Trawen says two by-elections held in the past month were conducted relatively well. Audio
PNG PM stands firm on govt handling of economy
Papua New Guinea's prime minister Peter O'Neill remains upbeat about his government's management of the economy, in response to warnings about the country's fiscal position. Audio
Dateline Pacific morning edition for 13 August 2015
Tourists flee youths on Vanuatu island; PNG's opposition leader says the economy needs a drastic shakeup; A warning that thousands of people could soon be out of work in American Samoa; Young people… Audio
Jakarta cautiously lifts the veil in West Papua
In a rare opportunity to explore signs of change in West Papua, RNZI journalists Johnny Blades and Koroi Hawkins report from Indonesia's isolated province. Video, Audio, Gallery
Dateline Pacific evening edition for 10 August 2015
Cook Islands Opposition says lack of brainpower is hampering economy; Samoa police bolster Tafa'igata prison security; Samoa's Prime Minister calls on New Zealand to expand its seasonal workers… Audio
PNG govt says it's serious about outlawing guns
The Papua New Guinea government says it is serious about outlawing guns across the country with leading figures in law and order being engaged in discussions on how the bold plan can be implemented. Audio
Dateline Pacific morning edition for 5 August 2015
Saipan residents unprepared for typhoon impact; Cook Islands marks 50 years of self government; Cook Islands reo gateway to identity; Papua New Guinea to remove all foreign advisors from government… Audio
Cook Islands marks 50 years of self government
The Cook Islands has been celebrating its fiftieth anniversary of self government, with a New Zealand delegation led by prime minister John Key in attendance. Audio
Vanuatu land reforms "at risk"
Former Lands Minister claims the incumbent minister is going against the public interest by looking to change land reforms introduced over the past two years. Audio
Dateline Pacific morning edition for 31 July 2015
PNG police accuse Aus govt of a 'pack of lies' over Manus case; Self government has benefited Cook Islands - academic; Pacific Islands Forum Head Dame Meg Taylor says issues in Nauru are for the… Audio
Confusion in PNG parliament over MP suspension
Papua New Guinea's speaker of parliament has sparked confusion over the status of MPs who have been referred to leadership tribunals. Audio
Showdown looms after PNG's West Sepik by-election
Papua New Guinea's Electoral Commission has faced criticism over the West Sepik provincial by-election while the position at stake appears to be the subject of a looming showdown. Audio
Breaking spirits: Australia's offshore processing of refugees
Prospects for refugees processed on Nauru and Manus Island in Papua New Guinea look bleaker than ever. Audio
