Tagata o te Moana. 2014-01-25. 17:30-18:00.

A weekly wrap-up of news, issues and current affairs from the Pacific. The programme is broadcast nationwide every Saturday evening on Radio New Zealand National and is produced by the newsroom of Radio New Zealand International. The following rundown is supplied from the broadcaster’s news system:

1. The Tongan government has refuted claims it has been inefficient and ineffective in responding to the peoples' needs following Cyclone Ian.

2. The Nauru government is rejecting media reports that the country has abandoned the rule of law.

3. There is unease in Niue about the introduction of a four-day working week in the public sector.

4. Politicians in Fiji are preparing for what they say is likely to be a bitter and dirty election campaign this year.

5. A special Melanesian Spearhead Group leaders' summit has been scheduled after last week's controversial trip to Indonesia to address issues including West Papua.

6. Supporters of French Polynesia's self-styled king [i.e. Athanase Teiri] of the so-called Pakumotu republic remain defiant after he was sentenced to six month in jail for his moves to impose a new currency.

7. Speakers of parliament from a number of Pacific nations converged in Wellington this week to share notes on how to develop stronger and more effective legislatures.

8. Tongan luge star Bruno Banani [i.e. formerly known as Fuahea Semi] says it has taken a lot sacrifice in order to achieve his goal of competing at the Winter Olympics.