Johnny Blades
Wake up call for Pacific region over vaccination disparity
New research suggests some Pacific countries will struggle for years to achieve basic Covid-19 vaccination coverage. Audio
PNG govt urged to clarify its vaccination messages
Peter O'Neill, James Marape, Allan Bird, Lino Tim, Puka Temu, Emma Lawrey, David Manning, Johnny Blades Description: Papua New Guinea's government has been urged to strengthen and clarify its message… Audio
New Zealand ER team to bolster PNG health workforce
A New Zealand emergency team sent to Papua New Guinea this week to support the Covid-19 response wants to give local health workers more confidence about treating the virus.
PNG has been struggling… Audio
Progress on domestic violence 'very slow' in PNG
Papua New Guinea's government has again been urged by the international community to address gender-based violence and other persistent human rights problems. Audio
Tagata o te Moana for 13 November 2021
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… Audio
Pacific Waves for 13 November 2021
The promise of a more muscular approach to holding climate crisis action to account; Fiji Borders reopen, govt targets 80,000 visitors in 60 days; Tongans go to the polls Thursday next week Audio
Pacific Waves for 12 November 2021
New Caledonia's pro-independence parties double down on referendum boycott; Signs of empty pledges in the final days of the UN's climate change summit in Glasgow; Tonga to make vaccinations… Audio
New Caledonia's pro-independence parties double down on boycott
New Caledonia could be heading for a troubling impasse as pro-independence parties say they won't respect the result of the imminent independence referendum if France maintains December 12 as the date… Audio
Conflict in West Papua continues to cause displacement
Violent conflict continues to cause mass displacement and cost lives in West Papua, while the family of a prominent defender of Papuan human rights is the subkect of repeated attacks in Jakarta. Audio
Pacific Waves 9 November 2021
The source of the Northern Marianas covid outbreak is traced; Third time lucky for Tahiti as it wins the right to host the 2027 Pacific Games; Vanuatu detects French vessels illegally fishing in… Audio
Northern Marianas community spread traced to essential worker
An essential worker who didn't follow COVID-19 protocols has been identified as the source of the latest outbreak in the Northern Marianas. Audio
French Polynesia wins bid to host 2027 Pacific Games
French Polynesia has won the bid to host the 2027 Pacific Games, which will be its third time hosting the event. Audio
Social tensions rising in PNG over Covid vaccination
Social tensions are rising in Papua New Guinea over Covid-19 vaccination. Audio
Remote PNG area receives influx of displaced West Papuans
Armed conflict in West Papua has caused a fresh influx of displaced people into a remote border area in neighbouring Papua New Guinea. Audio
FSM president downplays Pacific geopolitical tensions
FSM president says geopolitical competition in the Pacific is not as fraught as it is often made out to be. Audio
Micronesian president talks Pacific politics
The president of the Federated States of Micronesia says geopolitical competition in the Pacific is not as fraught as often believed.
David Panuelo also insists Australia's recent nuclear submarine… Audio
Pacific islands relieved by climate aid promise
Pacific Islands are relieved that New Zealand has finally delivered on a climate pledge made six years ago.
New Zealand's promise of $1.3 billion over four years to countries most vulnerable to… Audio
Forum welcomes NZ climate aid boost ahead of COP26
Pacific Islands Forum welcomes New Zealand's climate aid boost heading into COP26. Audio
