Pacific Waves for 3 April 2026

This episode of Pacific Waves explores a range of cultural, political, and spiritual themes across the Pacific region. It opens with a significant diplomatic development: the Cook Islands and New Zealand signing a new defence and security declaration, aimed at repairing strained relations after a controversial China deal led to the suspension of nearly $30 million in annual funding. The agreement, described as a 'new foundation built on clarity,' reaffirms New Zealand as the Cook Islands' primary defence partner and restores vital development support. The episode then shifts to cultural revival, spotlighting the Tongan whangu-whangu, a traditional bamboo nose flute once used to awaken royalty, now being reawakened through an exhibition at Pataka Museum. Artists and scholars are working to preserve this instrument, linking it to ancestral heritage, spiritual beliefs, and the concept of pulotu, the ancestral homeland. In sports, the episode covers major coaching changes in Pacific rugby, including Mick Byrne stepping down as head coach of the Flying Fijians, with interim coach Senrusi Serwakula taking charge ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Lakapisa Samoa appoints Fuimaono Bella Milo as head coach of the Manusina women’s team, while the Papua New Guinea Chiefs announce Willie Peters as their inaugural head coach for their 2028 NRL debut, backed by a tax-free player package. The episode closes with a reflective segment on Easter, featuring Archbishop Rosario Menezes of Papua New Guinea, who emphasizes the spiritual significance of the Stations of the Cross and calls for peace amid global conflict and local urban crises, urging individuals to reflect on how their actions contribute to hope or despair in their communities.