Pacific broadcasters, podcasters and journalists are being recognised for their work across two major media awards for 2026.
The NZ Radio & Podcast awards acknowledge the very best of NZ Radio, programming, news and sports reporting, production and creativity in that industry.
The finalists include:
Best Pacific Language Programme:
PMN Fiji
PMN Tonga
PMN Cook Islands
Best Independent Podcast and Best Sports Podcast:
Betsndat, Ezekiel Lesatele, Nate Nauer, Charlie Faumuina, Calum Niuafe, Tony Sok, Lui Vilisoni-Oliver and Lachlan Waugh from Brown Street Media
For Best Pacific Podcast (Special Commendation):
Pacific Waves hosted by Susana Suisuiki for RNZ Pacific.
Best News or Sports Reader:
Niva Retimanu
The Voyager Media Awards also recognises the work of journalists, reporters, feature writers, columnists, cartoonists, reviewers, photographers and video journalists.
Among this year’s finalists are:
Best Specialist Reporting and News Journalist of the Year:
Barbara Dreaver 1News/TVNZ
Le Mana Pacific Award:
Ann-Tauilo Motuga Sunpix
Indira Stewart TVNZ
Mark Papalii RNZ
The winners of the Voyager Media Awards will be announced at the ceremony in May 2and the NZ Radio and Podcast Awards will take place in June
