Politicians vs media: the worst it's ever been and getting worse? Or just more butting heads between the powerful and the press like we've always had? Also: live sport's not just a TV and radio game these days - and an MMP maths fail.

A wrap of the day's big stories

Coming up on Tagata o te Moana: Solomon Islands elects a new prime minister. Concerns in West Papua as civilian casualties mount amid ongoing clashes between Indonesian security forces and rebel freedom fighters. School is out in the Northern Marianas thanks to Typhoon Sinlaku, and Rotuma language week ends on a high. All that, and more stories from the week at RNZ Pacific.

All the top stories and other headlines from the day

Witi Ihimaera is a trailblazing and award winning writer of books such as The Whale Rider and Pounamu Pounamu. His stories have enriched us for 50 years and also translated to the small and big screens. Now in his 80s he's written a new book after a year of full immersion in Te Reo Maori.

Witi Ihimaera is a trailblazing award winning writer and his books have enriched us for the past 50 years with well known titles such as Tangi, The Whale Rider and Pounamu Pounamu. Now in his 80s he's released Te Kaikaukau The Swimmer: I te Ao o te Reo which explores his recent full immersion in Te Reo Maori. Witi Ihimaera says he's reached an age 'when the soul of the boy you were and the souls of those who gave you birth come to you and lavish upon you all their riches and spells.'

The top stories and other headlines at midday

With high rates of youth unemployment and ongoing global uncertainty over oil prices, the country is braced for what is likely to be a challenging Budget later this month.

What's the worst career advice you've ever received?

One of Ireland's best loved writers, Roddy Doyle is known for bringing working class Ireland to life. He's in New Zealand for the Auckland Writer's Festival.