Samoa wraps up 64th Independence Anniversary celebration. Tense debate on Bougainville independence in PNG. Global finance still a challenge for the Pacific - SWIFT Payments. Pacific youth 'belong' on world stages - Royal Family Dance Crew.

Samoa's 64th Independence Day celebrations have come to an end in Apia with the government reportedly spending $2.5 million tala for the three-day event.

There's been heated debate in Papua New Guinea's parliament over Bougainville's future.

SWIFT Payments says the Pacific continues to face challenges around their access to global finance.

The latest RNZ Pacific news and sport.

From South Auckland to the world stage, the Royal Family Dance Crew says it's success is proof that Maori and Pasifika creatives can have big dreams - AND achieve them.

Labour's Willow-Jean Prime on the week in politics

With a record-breaking spring climbing season on Mount Everest wrapping up, mountaineer Peter Hillary speaks to First Up about his experience and managing climber safety.

RNZ's Amy Williams brings First Up the latest from the Auckland region

Europe correspondent Dr. Anita Purcell-Sjölund has the latest from the region.