Pacific Waves

In Pacific Waves today: Tonga's 'Aisake Eke led Government has produced its first budget, pumping up spending by more than 10 percent compared with last year. World leaders, civil society groups, scientists and businesses will gather in France next week for the third UN Ocean Conference. Dengue Fever cases have been surging in recent decades, according to the World Health Organization there were just over 500 thousand reported cases in 2000 ballooning to 5.2 million in 2019. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Dengue fever outbreaks are not slowing down in the Pacific. The world's poorest and most vulnerable countries are set to make record high debt repayments to China. The first Chamoru woman navigator in living memory has been at the helm of a traditional voyage between Guam and Saipan. Samoan Language Week celebrations kick off in Aotearoa. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: PNG is staring down the prospect of being back on the 'greylist' of a global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog. Pasifika King's Birthday honour recipients continue to fight for Pacific communities. Norfolk Island is in its second week with no emergency or triple zero number. The road to Super Rugby Pacific playoffs has come to a dead end for Moana Pasifika and the Fijian Drua. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Hundreds of people are flocking to register for a snap-election in Samoa. Pro-independence Kanak groups call on the UN Special Committee on Decolonization to push Paris for a political solution in its Pacific territory. The New Zealand Minister for Pacific Peoples says the significant increase to Pacific Wardens' funding by government is recognition of the important work they do in our communities. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Palau's president strongly opposes any meddling by China at this year's Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting in Solomon Islands. In a curious case on Norfolk Island, a package believed to contain about 40 kilograms worth of cocaine has washed up onshore. And in Super Rugby Pacific can Moana Pasifika bounce back from humiliation in Hamilton? Or will they be crushed by the canes in Wellington? Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: A gruesome video of violence in Papua New Guinea Enga is circulating on social media causing public outrage in the country. Tonga like many parts of the Pacific has been contending in recent years with surging drug use problems. Next steps for the wreckage of the Manawanui are to be determined by the results of an independent study of the wreck and the environment. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Samoa's failed budget reading triggers snap election; Pacific peoples minister stands by 'growth' budget; Cook Islands declares dengue fever outbreak; PNG's national broadcaster aims to bring back shortwave radio. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Questions remain over voting eligibility in New Caledonia; Locals near Manawanui sinking still seeking answers; Moana Pasifika regroup after brutal loss to Chiefs. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Current geopolitical climate 'tough' for Pacific - Samoa PM; Experts weigh in on threats posed by ciguatera poisoning; Tech Week inspires Pacific youth to join tech industry; Moana Pasifika keeps play-offs goal in sight. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Mixed feelings among Pasifika about Budget 2025; Fiji DPM responds to concern over teacher shortages; Metals company take US route for mining license; 'First Place' lead actress recalls Polyfest experience. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: PNG polio outbreak 'no cause for panic' - expert; Conflict in West Papua intensifies; New Caledonia's political future remains unclear; Tonga kava growers look for solutions. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Fiji abuse survivor calls on new pope to adopt zero-tolerance policy; PNG declares polio outbreak; The "Cinderella" children being held as slaves in Auckland and Wellington; "Poly flair" adds spark to Super Rugby Pacific competition. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: This week marks a year since civil unrest erupted in Kanaky New Caledonia; PNG media council appeals to PM James Marape; Former Cooks PM role in mining company 'conflicting'; Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban receives honour. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Pacific parents react to Luxon's proposed social media ban; Auckland schools work to put an end to 'confession pages'; Pasifika rugby teams look to secure strong standings. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Fiji PM will ensure Bainimarama cannot contest - academic; Fiji garment makers reject union claims; Pacific NGO leaders share impacts of Trump aid cuts; Detector dog retires after decades of service. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Fiji commemorates 146th Girmit Day anniversary; Violence in West Papua most intense - researcher; Pasifika unemployment rate increases in NZ; Pasifika influencers slam kava business. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Measles case in Auckland highlights country's low vaccination rates, Australia military look to recruit in PNG; Mining seen as immediate solution for Bougainville's development; Rotuman youth work to keep endangered language alive. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Roman Catholic church reveals new pope; Catholic faithful calls on new pope to show strong leadership; Pay equity change will impact Pasifika 'massively' - PSA rep; Fast party chairman persists in removing Samoa PM. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Tongan PM optimistic ahead of elections; Pacific leaders reassured on handling of drug crisis; Improving work conditions for Fijian garment workers. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In Pacific Waves today: Analysis on Sols PM leadership challenge; Study in Tuvalu's waters assesses ocean health; Fisheries management discussed at SPC meeting; Pacific women face barriers from accessing retirement benefits. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details