Tagata o te Moana

The FijiFirst Party says Frank Bainimarama will remain party leader despite his custodial sentence; The Director of Fiji's biggest sporting event has said they will consider dropping the name and branding of it's sponsor Coca-Cola for next years' 50th anniversary; A new project aims to close the existing gap on Pacific Ocean data.New Zealand Geographic and the Cawthron Institute have launched Citizens of the Sea, aiming to map the health and biodiversity of the Pacific at a larger scale than before; A new Climate Change documentary follows a crew of Pacific climate activists and Australian school students visiting the lands of the Gomeroi people in New South Wales.

Dengue in Samoa; a new approach to elections mooted in Solomon Islands; PNG to look to Africa on how to contain illegal guns; and containing emissions from plastics.

Protests in New Caledonia; Gun violences in Papua New Guinea; Tonga airline review is scathing; New Zealand's MFAT has more to do to make aid spending transparent; Building cultural capability in schools.

The fear Pacific countries are feeling amid the missile build-up; Samoa's quest to right a wrong; The impact of soaring cocoa prices; Tonga happy for China's help; Personhood for whales; A resort owner in Vanuatu shuts down a casino, saying they are unethical, and PNG cricket's on the rise

Violence erupts in Bougainville, the benefits of marine reserve areas are bigger than we may have thought, a call for a re-think on autism, rough waters for a PNG gold refining scheme, the Americans are growing their own kava and Pacifica rugby greats take the spotlight.

This week the horrific violence in Papua New Guinea and the role played by politicians; turtle wars in a Pacific paradise; the Pacific got no deal at the WTO but at least one NGO says it was a lucky escape; the Pacific continues to dominate lists of the most obese nations in the world; and Pacific fest is back on.

Tuvalu appoints a new prime minister Also A new Pasifika theatre show looks at developing healthy relationships And later... Pasifika children in New Zealand continue to live in poverty

We learn about digitising tapa from around the Pacific, Wellington's Pasifika community showcase their cultures, The captains of the Pasifika teams in the Super Rugby franchise are confident they can go far in this year's competition.

Keeping the pacific nuclear-free, in line with the Rarotonga treaty has been a recurring theme this week from the leaders of Tonga, Cook Islands and Samoa to New Zealand's visiting ministers; There are now 23 MPs on the opposition benches in Papua New Guinea ahead of an expected vote of no confidence in Prime Minister James Marape; The Cook Islands' now former deputy prime minister Robert Tapaitau has been removed from parliament;A US academic says the Biden adminstration's failure to fully engage with the Pacific during its first year is what has landed them in the transactional dilemma it is experiencing as it competes with China for influence in the region.

A wrap of the biggest Pacific news stories of the year; New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peter's meets with some Pacific leaders in Fiji; Pacific community advocate giving back to families doing it tough this Christmas; An education researcher concerned over NCEA pass rates in the Cook Islands and Niue; RNZ Pacific Sports Correspondent wraps up pacific sporting highlights of the year; Super Rugby's Moana Pasifika take on the role of South Auckland santa this Christmas.

Coming up first Samoa's health boss says media reports on Covid border restrictions are incorrect Also Frustrations over USP's vice chancellor leads to staff protests. And later we meet the music group that's preserving te reo Maori.

Nations vulnerable to the climate crisis are sounding caution over the launch of the long-awaited global fund; The former prime minister and now opposition leader of Tuvalu would scrap the Tuvalu/Australia treaty if elected as prime minister at the upcoming election; Bougainville negotiator says non-binding referendum claim is wrong; RSE schemes in question; Marshall Islands election result delays; Pacific Games in Solomon Islands has now been officially announced as the largest ever in the history of the tournament; The first-ever Samoan hero has been introduced to the gaming world.

The 17th Pacific Games officially opened in Solomon Islands with a colourful celebration of culture and unity; Cook Islands health advocate on a mission to increase awareness of dyslexia; After 18 months, the longest mural in the South Pacific is finally finished; France's new ambassador to the Pacific focussed on peace and freedom for the region; Pasifika actors dominate in Taika Waititi's latest film, 'Next Goal Wins'; New data reveals an increase in NZ students learning Pacific languages; A Fiji ice cream maker shares orgin secrets of the sweet coconut nectar.

Pacific Games in Solomon Islands kicking off; Outer island community in Fiji reluctant to relocate despite sea level rise; Aitutaki matriarch recalls fond memories of past leaders forum; Cook Island tourism calls on visitors to be climate change conscious; Criminal lawyer explains how NZ justice system fails Pacific peoples; Wellington's Signature choir prepare for upcoming performance.

UN rep says America is committed to climate financing for Pacific, Pacific cacao farmers unlocks potential of their beans, RNZ Pacific's shortwave service turns 75 years old, An act of faith leads Samoan teenager to create golfing history, Moana Pasifika new coaches are optimistic for next Super Rugby season.

Schools in Vanuatu grapple with damages and disruptions following Lola; NZ health and defence force tests emergency response; Zero Pacific representation in NZ's next govt; Tonga set for a long drought; Veteran politician takes the top job in Nauru; and Solomon Islands prepare to welcome thousands of athletes for Pacific Games

Cyclone Lola destroys schools and homes in Vanuatu; Remote island in Solomon Islands also battered by Cyclone Lola; Incoming NZ Pasifika MPs share aspirations for parliament; Melanesian youth in New Zealand lead the way in preservation of their unique cultures; An NGO wants Papua New Guinea to realise the country is experiencing an alarming rise in new HIV infections.

Typhoon Bolaven passes CNMI leaving minimal damage, Fiji celebrates 53 years of independence, Researcher warns high cost of living will affect Pasifika children's learning, Freedom of religion in Fiji sparks public debate, Award winning theatre show celebrates Pasifika poets and writers, Museum exhibition in Sydney explores Australia's ties with the Pacific.

Lack of civic education leads NZ school leavers 'ill-equipped'; Pacific climate champion says big countries lack 'ambition'; Flying Fijians overjoyed after historic win over Australia in Rugby World Cup; PNG struggle to bring HIV infection rates down; Delay in plans for Rarotonga's mural project; Medical student aims to improve Canterbury healthcare for rheumatic fever patients; Dunedin chocolate factory pledges support for Pacific koko growers.

Plans to increase health workforce in NZ 'doesn't go far enough' - Dr Collin Tukuitonga; Large scale logging continues in PNG despite Govt opposition; Pacific nations struggling to retain trained nurses; Young Maori and Pasifika performers take the stage for Otago Polyfest; Mana Moana musical showcase heads to Auckland.

The Pasifika community in New Zealand's south island discuss issues ahead of elections; RNZ Pacific reporter speaks out on bribery during MSG trip; We speak with the international advocacy group helping the Banaban community find justice; Australia's new international development policy 'a missed opportunity'; A new gardening club led by a Tongan church emerges in East Auckland's Tamaki area.

New Zealand's major political parties are vying for Pasifika votes come election day; NZ universities sets deadlines to eliminate disparities; A new documentary shows a softer side of Pasifika rugby players.

'Pacific leaders are committed to holding Japan to account': PIF secretary-general, Anti-climatic ending for the Melanesian Spearhead Group leaders meeting, Maui locals want to see the return of tourists, Thousands in Bougainville remain displaced following Mt Bagana eruption, New Zealand's housing crisis persists after four decades, Aupito William Sio exits NZ Parliament after 16 years.

Manus Island murder witness wants justice; Maui fires exacerbates Hawaii's housing crisis; Banaban community seeks apology from NZ govt; Dead humpback whale washed up in Cook Islands; NZ's gender pay gap legislation needs to consider Pacific people.

Maui fire survivors recall terrifying moments in Lahaina, political impasse emerges in Vanuatu's parliament, Fiji leaders adamant that the country is safe amidst travel advisories, Pasifika music stars celebrated in the heart of South Auckland, Women-led initiative delivers water for all in Marshall Islands.

A Solomon Islands newspaper has agreed to promote China in exchange for cash; Cook Islands Language Week for 2023 is in full swing in New Zealand; French president announces plans for the first embassy in Polynesia.

The fate of the deep ocean discussed in Jamaica, former refugee calls for a Royal Commission into Australia's handling of refugees, power and water returns in parts of Guam post-typhoon, breast cancer mortality rates still high among Maori and Pasifika women, Cook Islands filmmaker explores ancestral mountains through new doco and Fiji fast becoming a popular business destination for outsourcing.

Fiji bar owner denies staff are untrained following drowning incident; The International Seabed Authority meets in Jamaica; Bougainville: Mt Bagana eruption threatens crops and rivers; Nauru govt declares detonating WW2 old bomb as 'dangerous'; Bougainville meeting delayed - moderator may be called in; New Zealand and Australia reject claims by the Solomon Islands prime minister; New app launched aimed to help Kiwi men overcome violence.

The significance of Matariki in the Cook Islands; 'What Kiribati language week means to me': Vaitoa Mallon; Pacific Community leaders urges NZ govt to ban dawn raids; IAEA Director adamant Japan's wastewater plan meets 'safety requirements'; Moana Pasifika announces new head coach; TV show launches third season exploring NZ's gospel music scene.

Solomon Islands celebrates 45 years of Independence; Indonesia's Presidents visits PNG amid growing concerns over West Papua; Pacific presence felt at climate summit in London; Number of experts deem Japan's nuclear wastewater plan is 'safe'; Fund to help sorcery victims in PNG 'urgently needed'; Vanuatu beach volleyball team share secrets to their success.

Fiji uni students pardoned in this year's 'compassionate' budget; Tonga Parliament passes budget; Pressure grows for shipping industry to decarbonise ahead of climate summit; Aspiring basketballer could face deportation to Tonga; Woman kidnapped in PNG earlier this year speaks out; 'Race against time'.

High Seas Treaty 'critical' for the world's wellbeing - United Nations; Calls for independence gains traction at UN's decolonisation meeting; Anti-nuclear movements need to return to the table says activist; Experts from NZ, Aust and Taiwan weigh in on Japan's nuclear wastewater project; 'An organisation with staggering debt levels' - Fiji Rugby Union Chair; New Zealand Symphony Orchestra arrives in Tonga for its first Pacific tour.

Outbreak of Influenza in Guam's evac centres weeks on from typhoon; Pacific journo's urged not to be swayed by geopolitical narratives; Fulbright scholar becomes the first Kanak to graduate from Harvard Law School; PNG Minister committs to tabling Bougainville referendum Samoan women's football club captures hearts at league tournament.

Tonga's rugby union coach believes team has serious x-factor for world cup. Fifteen Pasifika people recognised in King's Birthday Honours list. Fiji and NZ strengthen bilateral relations.

Princess Siu'ilikutapu a champion for women's rights; Refugee advocates concerned about 'slow process' for Nauru refugees; Oscar Temaru corruption conviction annulled; Cook Islands 2023 budget increases minimum wage; New disaster warning system in place for Tonga; Samoan journalist captures personal journey of the Tatau.

Coming up...Tokelau went into lockdown on Friday Tokelau after confirmation of their first community case of Covid-19 case; Also..We check in on the recovery effort in the Northen Mariana Islands after Typhoon Mawar; And later on...We sitdown with Iam Tongi the first Pasifika singer to win American Idol.

Pacific leaders are starting to trickle into Papua New Guinea (PNG) ahead of two high level meetings; New Zealand's Pacific package in its annual budget focuses on strengthening the Pasifika workforce; Tongan triplets graduate from Victoria University's law school; Apology for Girmitya descendents a 'major step for unity'; Moetai Brotherson of the pro-independence Tavini Huira'atira party has been elected president of French Polynesia for a five-year term; Medicinal cannabis in Cook Islands likely to be available in June; USP gearing up for "watershed" Lapita conference.

Biden's stop-over in PNG labelled 'muscle flexing'; PNG's Foreign Minister hits back at critics over daughter's Tiktok video; Budget Australia 2023: Billions to go towards the Pacific; Samoan beauty queen determined to improve health system for children; Coe bows out after 30 years in the Niue parliament;

Mixed feelings among Pacific peoples surrounding King Charles' coronation; Dawn Raids: Aupito William Sio calls for urgent change within Immigration NZ; Rebuild from flash floods in Tahiti to cost millions; Fiji night-clubs: Public Consultations on closing times ends this week; Push for more visible democracy in Niue

American Samoa confirms second measles case, Niueans vote this weekend but 30 percent of seats already decided, US to assist PNG government prevent conflict and promote stability in Hela, Fiji concludes its two-day National Economic Summit, Pacific soldiers both past and present honoured in this year's Anzac Day

A new report has revealed Tonga's underwater volcano disaster was more powerful than the largest U.S nuclear test...triggering massive waves; The Cook Islands Parliament has decriminalised homosexuality; We chat with a double gold medal Powerlifting Champion.

Halo oketa wantok iu here kam lo Tagata O Te Moana from RNZ Pacific me Koroi Hawkins; Papua New Guinea residents thankful to be alive after massive magnitude seven earthquake; Pacific elders condemn AUKUS security pact as going against the spirit of the Blue Pacific continent; And the Vanuatu government expresses disappointment in New Zealand's 'national carrier' for not coming to the aid of Air Vanuatu while its only Boeing 737 was down.

Fiji journalists celebrate as draconian media law is repealed, RNZ's Iliesa Tora recalls period of Fiji media censorship, Increase in mental health support for Vanuatu, Justice non-existent in Kiribati - Sir Ieremia Tabai, Posie Parker counter-protest a 'distraction' for Pacific traditional systems, Pushing Samoan language into mainstream spaces through music.

Indonesian security forces attack West Papuan militant group holding Mehrtens, Vanuatu celebrates its historic climate resolution at the UN, Housing crisis in NZ impacts Pasifika children, A new fisheries app launched in the Pacific, Programme in Kiribati underway to help youth into employment, The legacy of the late Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa widely remembered

Pacific needs to stand up and pay attention to AUKUS - Dame Meg Taylor; 'Hope in the Pacific keeps dwindling due to climate inaction' - Greenpeace; Tonga PM pleased with Pacific Education Ministers conference; Pacific leaders selected for Dawn Raids scholarship programme; Talanoa with 'Red, White and Brass' film director Damon Fepulea'i.

Coming up first -An Australian academic says Pacific countries cannot take Canberra at face value when it comes to AUKUS and its committment to the Rarotonga Treaty. Communities are still without power in Vanuatu after tropical cyclones Judy and Kevin tore through the country about a fortnight ago. Samoa has started a new MMR vaccine campaign to boost its rates following suspected measles cases in the country and A new collection of poetry from Pasifika students across Aotearoa is being published in a book to be released on World Poetry Day next week.

Australian MPs snub chance to close the government's offshore centres for detaining asylum seekers and refugees; Pacific celebrates agreement on High Seas Treaty as a win for ocean protection; And later on; Pacific dance, language and culture celebrated in Auckland as Polyfest returns in full force

Vanuatu lashed by two cyclones in two days and an earthquake! The future political status of the French Territory of New Caledonia could be determined this weekend, And later on - A veteran PNG general pitches Hollywood his account of the Sandline crisis during the Bougainville Civil War.

New Zealand's Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment says over 3800 Pacific islanders working under the Reconised Seasonal Employer scheme in the cyclone impacted Hawke's Bay region have all been accounted for and there are plenty of jobs for them in the short term. Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says he is enjoying the role of being a unifying figure in the Pacific. Mr Rabuka, who was elected to government in December, has been credited for his pivotal role in Kiribati's return to the Pacific Islands Forum. Tonga lost one of its greatest minds last month, with the passing of Sitiveni Halapua. Dr Halapua, who was 73, was an academic who became a politician. The head of the University of the South Pacific's journalism program says there are concerns about an ongoing review of Fiji's repressive media laws but they are giving the new coalition government the benefit of the doubt. Families of four missing Papua New Guinea fishermen that left Hanuabada in Port Moresby over two weeks ago holding out hope for their safe return.

We check in on how Pasifika communities are faring after Gabrielle; We look at the significance of Washington DC locking in the final Compact MoU in Micronesia; We speak with the host of Fair Game a podcast taking a serious look at what Pacific rugby nations are up against inside the World Rugby universe.

An expert in transnational crime and regional security says the record seizure of cocaine announced by New Zealand authorities on Wednesday - while significant is still just a drop in the ocean; An international law expert believes Japan is passing the risk of its upcoming release of treated nuclear wastewater into the ocean onto Pacific leaders; Recent Shark culling in New Caledonian has divided public opinion in the French territory; A conservationist is calling on the Fiji government to revoke a lease for a major development that threatens one of Suva's last remaining mangrove forests; A bill to introduce caning as a form of punishment is stirring public debate on Guam; The Oceania Football Confederation and the Asian Football Confederation have signed an agreement they say will see more matches between countries from the two FIFA regions.

We spoke with Massey University Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Defence and Security Studies, Anna Powles, about the significance of Kiribati's intention to return to the Pacific Islands Forum ahead of its leaders meeting early this year; Aotearoa New Zealand's new Prime Minister says he is committed to strengthening Pacific ties and agrees to look at an overstayer petition launched by Pacific community leaders almost three years ago; It's been a busy first month for Fiji's new coalition government which has set about restructuring the public service hierachy amid constant criticisms from the opposition group; The Cook Islands is seeing if it can import medicinal cannabis without changing any of its laws.The country voted in favour of cannabis being allowed for medicinal use, in a referendum during the 2022 general election; We talanoa with two contributors the 'We Are Still Here' project a unique film that explores the effects of colonisation on indigenous peoples in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific through eight separate stories; The president of Henderson Eels Football Club in Solomon Islands, Hudson Wakio, says the secret behind securing Solomon Islands first ever professional European Football contract for a locally based player is sending the right candidate.

Over 100 activist groups, including Greenpeace, Veterans for Peace, and the Arms Control Association have signed a letter calling on US President Joe Biden to apologise for nuclear tests conducted in the Marshall Islands; Pacific community leaders are calling for swift action over an overstayer petition that was launched almost three years ago; Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban says she hopes the appointment of Carmel Sepuloni as New Zealand's first ever deputy prime minister of Pasifika descent inspires young up and coming Pacific leaders to pursue careers in politics; ; Some Cook Islands tourism operators are struggling financially as they grapple with the country's holiday low season;Tonga's Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni Hu'akavameiliku enters his second year in power after a rocky start to his term;Tennis player Brett Baudinet might have passed the magical age of 40 but he's certainly not slowing down.

We get the latest from Fiji; Tokelau records Covid-19 cases at the border, and we look back at the big news and sports stories for the Pacific in 2022

Hiroshima survivor backs call to halt Japan's plan to dump nuclear wastewater into the Pacific ocean; We take a closer look at potential reasons for a record low voter turnout in the Fiji elections this year as vote counting continues; Pasifika songs with orchestral music has been brought to life just in time for the festive season.

Pacific fisheries observers will be redeployed from next month. Niue officially confirms there's Covid-19 community transmission for the first time. And later on, we talanoa with Aivale Cole, who sung the Samoan national anthem for the Rugby League World Cup final.

At least 20,000 affected by severe earthquakes in Solomon Islands. More concerns raised about the conviction of a prominent Fiji lawyer for contempt of court. We take a look at Moana Pasifika's player roster for the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Chile boosts Pacific countries committed to phase out fossil fuels at COP27; Canadian ocean miner completes controversial Pacific seabed tests;Toa Samoa have a shot and writing more Rugby League World Cup history in a David vs Goliath final against the Kangaroos.

Pacific leaders call for a climate-change fund at COP27; The Solomon Islands opposition say international aid donors should focus on development not guns; We take a closer look at the three new MPs coming into Tonga's parliament after recent by-elections.

We explore some of the big issues that will be discussed over the next two weeks at COP-27 in Egypt; The family of a murdered Papua New Guinea policeman demand government rein in the lawlessness in Hela Province; And later on - We talk to Niue's first ever commonwealth games medalist after his first ever trip to visit his homeland.

NZ backs conditional moratorium on deep sea mining. Death toll from PNG massacre at 24 on Friday with over 100 injured. As we await the announcement of an election date in Fiji we ask some members of the public for their views are on the upcoming election.

TAGATA O TE MOANA PLEASE NOTE.: For first words and out words plus duration you need to check in the txt box of the programme in Costar. If you don't know how to do that please ask an operator or check with the announcer/operator on before you. Station & Time Broadcast: 2022-10-22 17:30 Code: Tagata HOST: Koroi Hawkins IN: CONCH & Drumming (0:05) (Halo oketa..' at 03 secs... ) OUT: ...Next time moa.... at ..31:45. . .. DRUMMING (0:16) DUR: ...31...mins..55...secs ( next taem moa..31.at ..40.. ) Tagata o te Moana plays just before half past five every Saturday afternoon here on RNZ National. BRIEF TRAIL: A political commentator in Fiji says the upcoming election will be a real test for the country's transitional democracy; The Methodist Church of New Zealand apologises to abuse survivors at Royal Commission of Inquiry hearing; And later on...We talanoa to Dame Valerie Adams one of the world's most celebrated shot put athletes about her new feature documentary "More Than Gold" Tagata (pron Tangata) O Te Moana... with news and issues from the Pacific region.

A political commentator in Fiji says the upcoming election will be a real test for the country's transitional democracy; The Methodist Church of New Zealand apologises to abuse survivors at Royal Commission of Inquiry hearing; And later on...We talanoa to Dame Valerie Adams one of the world's most celebrated shot put athletes about her new feature documentary "More Than Gold".

Despite some hiccups unofficial results from Vanuatu's snap election are coming in and so far show a lot of returned MPs. Two convicted former MPs in Tonga have had their corruption and fraud convictions quashed by the country's Court of Appeal. We talk to one of the organisers of an upcoming Indigenous Film festival in Solomon Islands callled Native lens.

US President Joe Biden outlines commitments to the Pacific at the leaders summit; Five former leaders of Vanuatu are contesting in their country's elections; New Zealand's Pasifika communities welcomes a new strategy to retain their languages.

The Marshall Islands urges the US to settle outstanding issues involving its legacy of nuclear bomb tests; Pacific leaders stand in solidarity at the UN General Assembly calling for more climate action; We check in on Papua New Guinea with the latest on the earthquake disaster response.

Recovery for PNG quake victims expected to take months; Greenpeace slams deep sea mining go ahead from UN madated International Seabed Authority; More Maori and Pacific teachers needed for better education outcomes.

Pacific countries mourn the passing of Queen Elizabeth II; The European Union looks to step up its Pacific economic investment and trade focus.

Coming up, we hear about the work being done to help drought affected communities in Kiribati; Also, Papua New Guinea requests a security treaty with Australia; And, concerns are growing over road safety in Tonga after a spike in the number of fatal car crashes.

From Huawei to Telstra to Vodafone - who is who in Pacific telecoms?; Also...Familiar faces return to Papua New Guinea's cabinet which is sporting two interesting new ministries; And...later on in the program-Samoans celebrate the news that their iconic Vailima beer will continue to be produced locally.

Vanuatu is preparing for a snap-election unless a court challenge is made against the president's decision to dissolve parliament; Tne CNMI is still struggling with a Covid-19 outbreak that started after it reopened its borders in June; We talanoa to a South Auckland busines leader who has just been inducted into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame.

RNZ Pacific 80th anniversary of Guadalcanal campaign during WWII special: The final result of the Cook Islands election has been released with the Cook Islands Party set to retain power.

PNG parliament to resume again next week as a chaotic election period wraps up; The WWII history of Solomons Islands scouts and coastwatchers is to be included in the country's school curriculum; Pacific Music celebrated in Auckland at the first live in-person Pacific Music Awards since covid; Transparency Solomons condemns govt attack on freedom of speech; Tourism revival boosts Pacific economy - ADB

Outward migration, high living costs and education reform key election issues for Cook Islanders heading to the polls next week;Samoa prepares to welcome tourists back to the islands; Over 200 athletes from 12 pacific Island countries competing in this year's commonwealth games; It is calmer now in Papua New Guinea after days of election related violence; The head of Fiji's National Federation Party calls out Australia and New Zealand for their silence on deterioating standards of democracy in the Pacific; USP vice chancellor says Fiji's non payment of subsidy is hurting the regional institution.

Transparency International in Papua New Guinea are calling for better preparations for future elections; Niue's premier Dalton Tagelagi makes his first official visit to NZ two years after his election;Team Niue enroute to the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham;Freak ocean waves wreak havoc in Polynesia; Govt and business urged to address Pasifika pay gap; A new study has helped solve some of the mystery around the origins Micronesian peoples.

Longterm strategy to address Pacific challenges launched in Suva; The Solomon Islands PM reiterates his stance on having a Chinese military base in his country; Kiribati communities in Aotearoa celebrate their language and culture; And later on in the show NZ environmental and conservation groups unhappy with the national scientific research agency taking on work for a Deep Sea Mining venture.

PNG's election woes continue as key official resigns amid allegations of electoral fraud; Refugees on Nauru were a hot topic for Aus and NZ immigration ministers meeting this week; There is an emerging Judicial crisis in Kiribati as the govt suspends the Chief Justice.

The former Fiji prime minister and Peoples Alliance Party leader, Sitiveni Rabuka, is on the campaign trail in New Zealand. Rugby league fans come out in full force in South Auckland's Otahuhu to rally behind the Kiwis and Mate Ma'a Tonga. Aotearoa celebrates Matariki - it's first indigenous holiday. US and Marshalls aim for compact MOU this year. Pacific rights data shows erosion of freedoms. Pacific rights data shows erosion of freedoms; New Pacific resilience diplomas to be availble in 2023; And Dika Toua elated after hall of fame induction.

Drought stricken communities in Kiribati in for the long haul; PNG women candidates say they are up to the challenge this election; Samoa's prime minister wraps up her first official visit to Aotearoa New Zealand;Tahiti tourism boom as covid-19 restrictions ease; Pacific urged to decriminalise homosexuality.

Pacific Islands Forum rift mended in Suva; NZ govt pressed to call out Indonesia for heavy handed shut down of peaceful protests in West Papua; Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa found guilty of election bribery, again, in Tonga.

China's foreign minister is currently touring the Pacific as Beijing seeks a region-wide deal with nearly a dozen nations; The election of Australia's new prime minister means there's opportunity for changes in its relationships with Pacific nations; Tuvalu mourns the death of its Deputy Prime Minister; The Cook Islands 2022 budget; Researchers finish mapping the mouth of the underwater Tongan volcano that, in January, produced Earth's biggest atmospheric explosion in over a century.

Tonga's deputy pm loses seat after bribery conviction; Samoa court ruling for more women MPs welcomeD; concerns raised for Pacifica students dropping out to work and support their families all that and more coming up on Tagata O Te Moana.

Coming up first; Top US officials meet with Solomons PM over China security treaty; FLNKS parties in New Caledonia standing firm on decolonisation from France; And Pacific country's are well poised for the return of tourism as borders reopen.

Pacific parliamentarians form an alliance against Deep Sea Mining; Call for strong policies and commitments as Ocean Conference gets underway in Palau; NZR urged to do better by Maori and Pasifika female rugby players; All that and more coming up on Tagata O Te Moana

Solomon Islands prime minister breaks the silence on security agreement with China; Fiji and New Zealand strengthen their bilateral cooperation arrangements; The Cook Islands government prepares to reopen its borders to the world.

A draft security cooperation agreement, between China and Solomon Islands, has been leaked on social media. In New Zealand, Covid-19 continues to hit Pacific Peoples hard with one of the highest hospitalisation rates due to a high volume of cases Two months have past since a volcanic eruption and tsunami devastated Tonga, leaving three dead and causing over 90 million US dollars in damages.

A cautionary tale for Pasifika families...parents of a child with rheumatic fever are urging adults to take sore throats and rashes in children seriously; Pacific-led social and health providers struggling to get funding support amid the pandemic; And we take a look at what's coming up in another action packed weekend of Super Rugby Pacific

Two months on from the devastating volcanic eruption and tsunami, battling Covid-19 is the biggest issue confronting Tonga. The head of Fiji's women crisis centre says it's "shocking" that two prominent Fijian men are advocating for a convicted rapist to be allowed to play rugby. Gaming harm is impacting a growing number of Pacific youth in Aotearoa.

The govts of Australia and New Zealand are being urged to resolve conflicting Pacific foreign policies; Calls for a united front in the fight against non-communicable diseases; And we take a closer look at the latest climate report from the United Nations; All that and more coming up on Tagata O Te Moana.

The US secretary of state's fly-in-fly-out visit to Fiji is raising some eyebrows in the region; The Fiji government lifts Covid-19 restrictions as part of new strategic direction; And Concern over low vaccination rates in some Pacific countries.

Lack of funding, an outdated common roll and Covid-19 all big issues for this year's national election in PNG; Telecommunications to be restored to Tongan islands most affected by the volcanic eruption and tsunami; And later on in the program; We check in on some of the Covid-19 outbreaks taking hold in countries and territories across the Pacific.

We speak with our correspondent in Tonga about the election of the new prime minister Siaosi Sovaleni; There are mixed reactions in New Caledonia to a controversial independence referendum facilitated by France; And a Pacific survivor of historic abuse in state care wants the New Zealand government to act quickly to bring healing to survivors; All that and more coming up on Tagata O Te Moana.

The Solomon Islands government appears intact ahead of an imending vote of no confidence; Fiji awaiting genomic sequencing results from Australia on possible Omicron variant cases; West Papuans mark 60 years fighting for self-determination; All that and more coming up on Tagata O Te Moana.

Lawlessness persists in Solomons as Australian troops touchdown and the opposition leader calls for the PM to step down; The Tongan government is sticking to its decision not to facilitate anymore repatriation flights this year despite pleas from stranded RSE workers; Pacific nations are gearing up for a huge boost after the latest change to World Rugby's eligibility rules; All that and more coming up on Tagata O Te Moana.

Twelve new MPs have been elected to Tonga's 26 member parliament; Pacific civil society leaders deeply disappointed in the outcomes of COP26 continue to call for radical climate action; Fiji is set to shorten its nationwide curfew hours as the country reopens for tourists; All that and more on Tagata O Te Moana.

The promise of a muscular approach to ensuring that pledges made in the global climate crisis response are kept; Fiji Borders reopen, govt targets 80,000 visitors in 60 days; Preparations are in full swing for the reopening of the Cook Islands travel bubble with NZ in two months; Tongans go to the polls Thursday next week; America Samoa reports a new Covid case; New Caledonia's pro-independence parties double down on referendum boycott; and French Polynesia wins the right to host the 2027 Pacific Games.

The Pacific delegates at COP26 are united in their message - global warming must be limited to within 1.5 degrees. New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta has unveiled the government's Pacific Resilience strategy, updating the Pacific Reset from three years ago. Pasifika in Christchurch are frustrated that the city council has disregarded the voices of the region's Pacific community involving a major project.

World leaders urged to prioritise the survival of humanity over economic growth at COP26; Armed conflict in West Papua has caused a fresh influx of displaced people into PNG; Also, France ups its security presence for New Caledonia's independence referendum; And New Zealand's one way Pacific travel bubble is welcomed ahead of the festive season; All that and more on Tagata O Te Moana.

Experts are warning the pandemic could undo a decades worth of development gains in the Pacific; Pacific Islands Forum welcomes New Zealand's climate aid boost heading into COP26; Also,relief in New Zealand as RSE workers start returning for the summer harvest; All that and more coming up on Tagata O Te Moana.