Pacifically Speaking: Voices of Oceania

Iree Chow

A podcast dedicated to celebrating the rich stories, cultures, and lived experiences of Pacific peoples in Aotearoa, New Zealand; centering the powerful and often unheard voices of underrepresented communities.

  1. 2d ago

    34 - Sharing space with Vaoafi Hart – Part 2

    In this episode, we’re joined again by Vaoafi Hart, whose journey is a powerful example of what it means to carve your own path. We dive into the community spaces that have shaped her journey, the lessons she’s carried with her, and how those experiences have translated into her professional life. Vaoafi also shares how the values and skills gained through community have become a foundation for everything she does and the importance of passing them on to her Tamariki. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - oar.org.nz and made thanks to the support of NZ on Air.

    24 min

  2. Jun 1

    33 - Sharing space with Vaoafi Hart - Part 1

    From studying criminology to becoming a leader in automation within the Australian Army, Vaoafi Hart’s journey is anything but traditional. But what makes her story even more powerful is how she carries her identity as a proud Pacific woman into spaces where we’re often underrepresented. In this episode, we get to talanoa with Vaoafi about navigating non-linear career paths, stepping into tech and defence, reconnecting with culture, and the importance of creating pathways for our people to thrive. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - oar.org.nz and made thanks to the support of NZ on Air.

    24 min

  3. May 25

    32 - Mengedecheduch with Gaafar Uherbelau - Part 2

    In this episode, we’re joined once again by Gaafar Uherbelau. We get to delve deeper into his work that continues to shape the future of health, leadership, and community across Palau and the Pacific. Gaafar offers us his reflections, insights and hopes for the region and gifts us wisdom for those that follow a similar path. This conversation reminds us what it means to carry culture with pride, serve community with integrity, and remain grounded while navigating responsibility at the highest levels. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - oar.org.nz and made thanks to the support of NZ on Air.

    26 min

  4. May 18

    31 - Mengedecheduch with Gaafar Uherbelau - Part 1

    In this episode, we talk story with Gaafar Uherbelau, a respected public health leader from Palau who currently serves as Special Advisor and Assistant to the President on Health and Human Services. Formerly Palau’s Minister of Health and Human Services and a graduate of the University of Auckland, Gaafar brings more than 15 years of experience advancing community-driven wellbeing across the Pacific. From regional leadership roles to becoming the first Palauan selected for the Obama Foundation Leaders Program, we explore Gaafar’s inspiring journey and the values shaping his commitment to meaningful change across Oceania. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - oar.org.nz and made thanks to the support of NZ on Air.

    25 min

  5. May 11

    30 - A maroro with Bwenaua Biiri – Part 2

    In this episode, we get to maroro again with Bwenaua Biiri and delve deeper into the meaningful research she has undertaken. Her journey reminds us that research is not just about data—it’s about people, communities, and creating change where it matters most. As a young and passionate I-Kiribati scientist, she shares her hopes for the future and gifts us wisdom for those also considering a path in science. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - oar.org.nz and made thanks to the support of NZ on Air.

    28 min

  6. May 4

    29 - A maroro with Bwenaua Biiri – Part 1

    In this episode, we’re joined by Bwenaua Biiri, a proud I-Kiribati scientist whose research looks at metabolic disease in I-Kiribati communities living in Aotearoa New Zealand. We unpack Bwenaua’s personal and academic journey—what led her to this work, the challenges she’s faced along the way, and the power of research that is grounded in culture and community. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - oar.org.nz and made thanks to the support of NZ on Air.

    27 min

  7. Apr 27

    28 - A Tok Stori with Michael Samani - Part 2

    In this episode, Michael Samani opens up with more stories from his journey and the lessons behind them. With a focus on uplifting Pacific and Solomon Islands youth, he shares meaningful insights and reflects on what leadership looks like through his own lived experience. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - oar.org.nz and made thanks to the support of NZ on Air.

    28 min

  8. Apr 20

    27 - A Tok Stori with Michael Samani - Part 1

    In this episode, we get to tok stori with Michael Samani to unpack his journey so far—diving into the experiences that have shaped his perspective and what he’s truly passionate about. From student life at the University of Otago to where he is now, Michael shares honest insights, lessons learned, and what continues to motivate him. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - oar.org.nz and made thanks to the support of NZ on Air.

    26 min
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A podcast dedicated to celebrating the rich stories, cultures, and lived experiences of Pacific peoples in Aotearoa, New Zealand; centering the powerful and often unheard voices of underrepresented communities.

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