Tagata o te Moana. 2013-06-01. 17:30-18:00.

News from the Pacific presented by Don Wiseman of Radio New Zealand International. Programme content provided by broadcaster.

In this week’s programme:

1. Papua New Guinea's parliament has passed law changes enacting tough new sentences designed to counter violent crime.

2. The French Polynesian assembly has adopted a resolution asking France to organise a referendum on the territory's self-determination.

3. The recovery outlook in Samoa is optimistic five months on from the devastating Cyclone Evan, as homes and hotels are rebuilt and crops replenished.

4. A new report on diabetes in Tonga has revealed most young people have a misconception that the disease can be cured.

5. The programme director of Samoan Studies at Victoria University, Galumalemana Alfred Hunkin, is in the process of launching a Samoan language dictionary on the web. He says there are signs in Samoa itself that English could become the more dominant language in time to come.

6. It's third time lucky for four adventurers from New Zealand, who've been the first to kayak the treacherous canyons of the Chimbu River in Papua New Guinea.

7. Three mining companies have been granted licences to explore the deep-sea mining potential in Fiji's Exclusive Economic Zone.

8. Samoan / Indian soul and R&B artist Aaradhna has had a record breaking sweep at this years Pacific Music Awards, winning every category she was nominated in.