Richard Pamatatau
Pacific Islanders says benefit changes will impact greatly
Pacific Islanders say the Government's move to tighten benefit rules will adversely affect their community. The Government this week announced changes to the welfare system which aim to get more… Audio
Churches to give health message to Pacific people
A Tongan church minister says churches have a moral obligation to back the government's Pacific Island Health strategy being launched today. Audio
Pasifika Festival expands to offer more
This year's Pasifika Festival at Auckland's Western Springs is looking to give audiences more than just traditional dances. Audio
Cutting red tape may help Pacific Islanders into homes
The Building and Construction Minister says a guide to building affordable houses being launched in Manukau City this morning will help low income Pacific Island and Maori families buy a home. Audio
Cyclone shelter for all northern islands needed
An infrastructure engineer says cyclone shelters are a must for the northern Cook Islands if the people living on them are to be safe as weather patterns change. Audio
Cook Island's MP left stranded
A Cook Island's MP is stranded after the airforce decided to postpone it's second delivery of aid to a storm hammered atoll. Audio
Cook Islands atoll pleads for cyclone shelter
The leader of a community living on an atoll more than a thousand kilometres north of Rarotonga is pleading for the Cook Islands government to build his community a cyclone shelter. Audio
Arrest in Tonga ship inquiry
The captain of the Princess Ashika has been arrested over the ship's sinking. Audio
Tongan PM says no reports given to Cabinet
The Tongan Prime Minister has admitted at the inquiry into the sinking of the Princess Ashika that no reports on the condition of the rusting ferry were tabled to cabinet before it was bought last… Audio
Calls for more arrests in Princess Ashika disaster
The lawyer acting for a family whose relative died in the Princess Ashika ferry disaster wants charges laid against all those who broke the law by failing to ensure the ship was seaworthy. Audio
New Zealander charged with forgery over Ashika sinking
The New Zealand expatriate businessman involved in the purchase of the unseaworthy Tonga ferry, the Princess Ashika, has been charged with forgery, and knowingly dealing with forged documents. Audio
Princess Ashika inquiry continues in Tonga
Tonga's Minister of Finance has told an inquiry into the sinking of the rusty ferry Princess Ashika he approved the money for it, based on information from the Minister of Transport. Audio
Tongan PM expected to appear at sinking inquiry today
The Royal Commission into the sinking of the ferry Princess Ashika is due to restart today after being delayed by Cyclone Rene which swept over the country. Audio
Damage widespread in Tonga after cyclone hits islands
It was a terrifying night for residents in Tonga. Audio
High winds and heavy rain hit Tonga
A Category Four cyclone with winds gusting up to 230 kilometres an hour has reached the Vava'u and Ha'apai island groups of Tonga. Audio
Ashika sinking inquiry hears of problems with Minister
The former Transport Minister of Tonga has been criticised for mishandling his portfolio, in the leadup to the Princess Ashika ferry disaster. Audio
Princess Ashika hearing continues
A witness has told the Royal Commmission investigating the sinking of the Tongan Ferry Princess Ashika he was astounded it was signed off as seaworthy by Tonga's acting Marine Director. Audio
Princess Ashika inquiry starts up again
The Royal Commission into the sinking of the Tongan Ferry Princess Ashika re-opens today in Tonga. Audio
Insight for 7 February: Racism
In the wake of the Hone Harawira email controversy Richard Pamatatau explores the extent of racism in New Zealand. Audio
Onslaught of offensive emails sent to Maori Party
A large number of offensive emails landed in the Maori Party's inbox in the wake of its MP Hone Harawira's controversial trip to Paris last year. Audio
