Pacific Beat

Tune in each morning and afternoon to keep-up-to-date on the happenings in the Pacific.

Tune in each morning and afternoon to keep-up-to-date on the happenings in the Pacific.

In Vanuatu where there's been a dramatic political development with the President Nikenike Vurobaravu dissolving parliament. It comes less than 24-hours before parliament was scheduled to hold a no confidence vote against Prime Minister Charlot Salwai.

COP 29 enters its final week with the focus on sussing out a deal to reduce carbon emissions. For Pacific nations, greater climate financing is vital, with Pacific leaders seeking a trillion dollar finance deal.

Solomon Islands bemoan the absence of VAR as defeat to New Caledonia rules them out of 2026 FIFA World Cup contention, and PNG are on the edge after a defensive meltdown costs them a win over Fiji. .

In New Zealand, thousands of Maori activists have taken to the streets in protest as the country's parliament prepares to debate legislation that could change the way the 180-year old agreement between Maori chiefs and the British Crown is put into practice.

It's been over a month since the New Zealand naval vessel, HMNZS Manawanui sunk off the coast of Samoa. But plans to remove the fuel from the vessel are beginning to take shape. Papers appointing a contractor for the fuel removal have been drawn up, while experts work around the clock to contain oil slowly leaking to the surface.

COP29 has commenced in Baku, Azerbaijan, where leaders and delegates from across the Pacific have gathered.  Climate financing is expected to be an agenda, Pacific leaders will be rigorously advocating for.  

Over the next two weeks, world leaders, activists, scientists, and policymakers will gather to discuss climate change. Discussions are set to center heavily on climate financing something Pacific countries will be looking to see concrete commitments to.

There is excitement among American Pacific Islanders who voted for president-elect Donald Trump. For others, there's disappointment. We spoke to three Americans of Pacific Islander ancestry to get their reaction.