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.

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 in the aftermath of Lola. A long drought has been declared in parts of Tonga. Nauru crowns its new beauty pageant winner.

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.

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.