Tagata o te Moana is a weekly Pacific programme, broadcast on Radio New Zealand National (Saturdays at 5.30pm). It features news, interviews, and discussion of issues. Presented by Don Wiseman.
The programme for 17 March 2007 includes the following:
- Relations between the Solomon Islands Prime Minister and the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) are at a new low as the role of the Mission comes under further questioning. Australia is also warning people against travelling to the Solomon Islands, as the situation remains tense. Linda Skates reports, and there are comments from the Prime Minister’s Press Secretary, Deli Oso, and also from Correspondent Dorothy Wickham.
- Fiji’s exiled Prime Minister believes he is likely to be charged with treason once police complete their investigations into him. Laisenia Qarase also says there is a split in the military which could lead to a mutiny. The military say security concerns are behind moves to extend the state of emergency until early next month. Margot Staunton reports, and there are comments from Laisenia Qarase.
- Despite money worries on Niue, the island’s Premier Young Vivian says he was not in New Zealand this week to “grovel for more money”. New Zealand is Niue’s main aid donor, and the relationship is reflected in the regular meetings of the Joint Consultative Group. The group met earlier this week in Wellington. Niue has recently been making cuts to try to make a budget deficit. There are comments from New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters, from Niue’s Finance and Works Minister Fisa Pihigia, and from Niue Premier Young Vivian.
- The New Caledonian government is working to lift the profile of the French territory in New Zealand. Last week it launched the ‘New Zealand – Caledonia 2007 Season’, which will see about 150 New Caledonian athletes, artists, musicians, and dancers taking part in events in New Zealand. Dubravka Voloder reports from the launch event in Wellington.
- A drought in the Marshall Islands is causing problems, with severe restrictions in place for the supply of water. Some of the outer islands are also waiting for deliveries of water, due to the extremely dry season. Linda Skates reports that people in the capital can only use their taps for two days a week. The country is in the grip of an El Nino weather pattern, says correspondent Giff Johnson.
- The Solomon Islands government has announced it is establishing a new Ministry of Women, Youth, and Children’s Affairs. Johnny Blades reports, and there are comments from the Solomon Islands Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff.
- In November, the three atolls of Tokelau will again hold a referendum on self-determination and free association with New Zealand. A poll was held in February last year, but it failed to reach the two-thirds threshold needed to end the island’s status as a New Zealand colony. Don Wiseman speaks to Kolouei O'Brien about the vote.
- The success of part-Samoan New Zealand Cricketer Ross Taylor has left the sport wondering about others with similar talent in the Māori and Pacific Island communities. Auckland Cricket, which is constantly seeking to grow the game, has begun a series of programmes in South Auckland schools. The programme coordinator, Kieran McMillan, told Elma Maua that it follows a similar initiative for Māori and Pacific youth started by former New Zealand Cricketer John Reid back in 1995.