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Articles by Jacob McQuire
Program: Fakaalofa lahi atu! Nesia Daily celebrates Niue Language Week
Happy Niue Language Week! Nesia Daily celebrated "The Rock" by starting the show with a quick language lesson, with Jacob & Michael revising some basic Niuean phrases, noting that it was also Niue Constitution Day yesterday. Briefing touching on the Rugby League World Cup, we took a listen to some voice-memos recorded by sports journalist Jamie Haro who was at both the PNG Orchids and Kumuls matches over the weekend in Port Moresby.
Program: Only two days left to enter Pacific Break 2026!
In case you need a reminder - you only have two more days before entries for Pacific Break 2026 close! For some extra motivation, Jacob and Michael blind-reacted to a powerful ballad out of Timor-Leste from singer Alicia Silva in today's Soundcheck. And Grammy-nominated artist Josh Tatofi has dusted off the cowboy hat for his brand new record Paniolo Country that brings his signature island sound together with a country spirit.
Program: Here are the Rugby League World Cup games to keep your eye on this weekend
As per tradition on a Friday, we started things off with our weekly check-in with PNG journalist Scott Waide who shared the details on an arrest in relation to the seizure of a weapons cache in the nation's capital. It was time to get poetic and meet Helen Latukefu, a Tongan-Australian water scientist, award-winning poet, and former Miss Earth Australia 2023.
Program: The Pacific players fronting up for France & Lebanon in the Rugby League World Cup
The 2026 Rugby League World Cup is here with Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, France, Papua New Guinea, Lebanon, England, Tonga, Fiji, and the Cook Islands kicking off in the group stages. While everyone is getting ready to support their respective Pacific national teams, Michael Chow spotlighted the Pacific Islander players who are representing France and Lebanon in the News Footlines.
Program: Untangling the truth about the health impacts of kava
In the final episode of Culture Compass for this season, Afamasaga Seiuli Salamasina Von Reiche investigates how the widespread commercialisation of kava has fuelled a wave of misunderstandings around its health implications. Dr Apo Aporosa, a Fijian health scholar at the University of Waikato, is calling for more research on the impact of kava consumption. Coming in hot for today's Pacific Break Soundcheck was a fresh entry out of Port Moresby from EDM artist Y-ZAH.
Program: The Pacific has sounded the alarm on the climate crisis, but is anyone listening?
Pacific people have sounded the alarm on the climate crisis for decades, but is anyone listening? This was the question asked in the latest episode of ABC Pacific's Talanoa on climate episode. Nesia Daily took a listen to the discussion led by host, Professor Jioji Ravulo alongside guests, Alisi Rabukawaqa-Nacewa, Vishal Prasad, and Latina Fatiaki. We turned up the volume on a fresh submission to ABC Radio Australia's Pacific Break music competition in the Soundcheck.
Program: Afunakwa: The voice behind sweet lullaby
Jacob kickstarts your Friday with a call to Papua New Guinea, the Pacific’s largest island nation by landmass and population, to catch up with your Weekly Wantok, Scott Waide! Scott shares the latest on the High Court bid to stop PNG’s national rugby league team from using the name Chiefs, which is shared by a Super Rugby side. He also marks a milestone as Sawong Mitiam celebrates his first birthday after surviving surgery late last year to separate him from his late conjoined twin, Tom.
Program: Reel Talk: The lost voice behind Deep Forest's Sweet Lullaby
In the Weekly Wantok, journalist Scott Waide gave a very special update on Sawong, the conjoined twin who celebrates his first birthday today. The milestone marks one year since Sawong survived emergency separation surgery from his late twin brother Tom in December 2025. Scott also shared the latest on a High Court bid against the PNG Chiefs. The Pacific Pre-COP has concluded after days of deliberations in Fiji and Tuvalu.
Program: Get ready to bang your head to some heavy metal from Timor-Leste
It was a family affair this morning on Nesia Daily as Jacob and Michael caught up with Aotearoa roots reggae duo Son & Water a.k.a Jamey Ferguson and Daimond Porima Ferguson. The father-son pair spoke about passing the musical torch behind generations head of the release of their debut album Still Burning on 9 October. We had some serious headbanging going on in today's Pacific Break Soundcheck thanks to a heavy metal track from Timor-Leste's Resurrection of Colimau (ROC).
Program: Accessibility to climate finance one of the 'biggest topics' at Pre-COP talks
Pre-COP talks have entered their third day in Fiji and Tuvalu as world leaders and delegates gather to discuss climate priorities ahead of the United Nations COP31 Conference in November. The ABC's Natasha Emeck unpacked the Leader's Event in Tuvalu, the Taku Pakasoa Declaration, and what's expected from the last day of official discussions. At the top of the show, Jacob & Michael previewed track submitted by Tahitian band MONAMONA for the Pacific Break Soundcheck.
Program: Bula! Nesia Daily celebrates Fijian Language Week
Bula! It's Fijian Language Week and what better way to celebrate than a game, specifically a blind-ranking challenge of five iconic Fijian songs. Featuring classics like Black Rose, Blad P2A and of course, Fiji, hear how Jacob McQuire does in this week's TOPS.
Program: Pacific climate advocates demand Australia to 'break this addiction' with the fossil fuel industry at Pre-COP talks
As Pre-COP enters its second day in both Fiji and Tuvalu, Pacific climate advocates demand Australia to "break this addiction" with the fossil fuel industry if they want to demonstrate genuine climate leadership. Global leaders have gathered in the two Pacific nations for talks ahead of next month's United Nations COP31 climate summit in Türkiye.
Program: Pacific Voices, Global Decisions: Jeremy Gwao Weighs In
To start your morning, Jacob and Michael dial +677 for our community correspondent for today Jeremy Gwao coming straight from Honiara, Solomon Islands. Jeremy fills us in on the Pacific voices at the United Nations General Assembly and reflects on the push for accessible climate finance and why Pacific voices matter as the region gears up for COP31. After the hard-hitting news headlines, Jacob and Michael bring you the softest-hitting news in Footlines.
Program: Last Bus Home: Fresh sounds from Fiji for pacific break
To tee off the show, Jacob and Michael call up proud Cook Islander, Nesian Footy co-host and former Sydney Rooster Tinirau Arona to break down the weekend in the NRL. With the Dolphins and Panthers eliminated, Tinirau looks ahead to the Grand Final between the Sydney Roosters and Newcastle Knights.
Program: Enter the mischievous world of Samoan choreographer and dancer Tupua Tigafua
Take your favourite podcasts and radio with you
Program: The Road Connecting PNG
Giving us a fresh report from PNG is our Weekly Wantok, award-winning journalist Scott Waide. Scott takes us along the new route connecting Port Moresby and Lae, sharing stories from his 1,300-kilometre journey and exploring what the connection could mean for transporting essential supplies between the two cities. Grab your popcorn and scorecards because Jacob catches up with Stephanie Bandi for another edition of Reel Talk.
Program: 1300kms in the making: new road connects Papua New Guinea's two largest cities
Spanning rainforests and mountain ranges, the landscape of Papua New Guinea is as breathtaking as it is hard to traverse, but a new road is set to make travel throughout the region a little bit easier. Currently a pilot track, the PNG government has opened the new road connecting the nation's capital of Port Moresby to its second largest city, Lae.
Nesia Daily - ABC Pacific
Taking control of our morning, 20-year-old New Zealand-Samoan musician NELZ joins us this morning for a yarn about his journey from making music for fun with his schoolmates to going viral at just 16 with his breakout hit, Trying. He reflects on the pressure of finding success so young, the influence of artists like The Kid LAROI, staying grounded through it all and stepping into a new chapter with his latest single, Take Control.
Program: Jacobs Top 5 Tok Pisin Tunes
It’s a good day to be a rugby league fan, as Jacob and Michael preview the upcoming NRL finals and the highly anticipated Rugby League World Cup in the morning’s softest-hitting sports bulletin, The Footlines. They then turn their attention to the latest from the OFC, covering the wins, losses and Michael’s gripes with the audio mixing on its live streams. The boys may promise soft-hitting news, but they still hit hard enough to put the “bullet” in bulletin.
Program: Into the rainforests of Fiji: Finau Fonua shines a light on the critically endangered Kulawai
Across the Pacific, Jacob and Michael catch up with this week’s “community correspondent” Finau Fonua, trekking his way through the beautiful islands of Fiji. Between rainforests near Suva and local wildlife, Finau takes us on the journey while spotlighting the critically endangered Kulawai (Red-throated Lorikeet), a uniquely Fijian bird you might recognise from the country’s $5 note.
Program: As the post-season approaches, its do or die in the NRL
A rascal in the seawater, riding the waves and bringing the tunes.
Program: PNG’s Anti-Corruption Crackdown Steps Up
Huge stories are coming out of PNG as Jacob catches up with Scott Waide for this week’s “Weekly Wantok”, unpacking the latest developments around Papua New Guinea’s Independent Commission Against Corruption. With senior public officials now facing investigations, arrests and charges, the pair look at what it could mean for accountability across the country. Australia may have missed out on hosting COP31 in Adelaide, but the Pacific’s fight for climate justice is far from slowing down.
Program: Mountains, Giant wasps and the beautiful scenery of Tutuila
Coming around the mountains of Tutuila, our community correspondent for the day, and our boss, Inga Stünzner caught up with Jacob over the phone to spill the tea on her adventures through American Samoa. From climbing mountains, tackling craters and dodging 5cm wasps, Inga’s been taking the scenic route and painted us the beautiful mental portrait of her travels.
Program: PNG in Focus: U.S. Travel Bonds and Bougainville’s Next Step
Docking in Port Moresby, we caught up with PNG community correspondent Theckla Gunga to break down the latest political buzz, from Papua New Guinea landing on the U.S. travel bond list to what it could mean for ties between the two countries. Plus, with Bougainville’s historic independence referendum results finally heading to PNG Parliament on 27 August, Theckla unpacks what could come next after years of delays.
Program: How local activists forced Rio Tinto to face its toxic legacy in Bougainville
Behind Papua New Guinea’s multi-billion-dollar mining boom lies a long history of polluted waterways and local communities bearing the brunt of industrial waste. Today, champions like Goldman Prize winner Theonila Matbob, who forced Rio Tinto to account for its toxic legacy in Bougainville, and Sepik advocate Emmanuel Peni are mounting an unprecedented push for corporate accountability. We bring you a conversation from ABC Radio National's Big Ideas recorded at The University of Sydney.
Program: Pacific Player of the Week: Tarona Taafaki wins Tuvalu's first Commonwealth Games medal
Boxer Tarona Taafaki has made history after becoming the first athlete to take home a Commonwealth Games medal for the nation of Tuvalu. Patricia Keamo named the bronze medallist her Pacific Player of the Week in The Score Line plus previewed events across Guam and Fiji that sporting fanatics won't want to miss.
Program: Far End of the Sea: Naoero's first-ever feature film makes Australian debut
Naoero's first-ever feature film, Far End of the Sea, made its Australian premiere in Brisbane last night. Nesia Daily caught up with film's leads, Jamie Coffa and Cramer Cain on the red carpet. Two fishermen from Lontis, Haku, have been safely reunited with their families in after 14 days lost at sea. NBC Bougainville's Louiseanne Laris unpacked the incredible rescue of Gordon Malle and Arnold Musein.
Program: 'We need to bring closure to the families': Provinces continue searching for victims of PNG boat tragedy
It's been described as one of Papua New Guinea's worst maritime tragedies in recent years. Two boats travelling through the Bismarck Sea capsized on Saturday, 18 July, with 27 passengers on board. The ABC's Theckla Gunga said it has been "really emotional" for villages who have held vigils for the 13 victims whose bodies have washed ashore in New Ireland Province.
Program: 'Putting power back into the hands of our people': New solar initiative sparks energy independence for Pacific
Access to reliable energy across the Pacific is a challenge, particularly for those in remote outer islands. Running diesel generators is a common solution, but it comes with heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels. In countries like Vanuatu and Solomon Islands, the price of everyday electricity is around three times higher than that of the global average. Beyond the cost, the logistics alone of connecting geographically isolated islands to their own power grid is an uphill battle.
Program: Weightlifter Morea Baru secures PNG's first medal of the 2026 Commonwealth Games
And it was an exciting opening weekend of sport at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with Pacific teams dominating lawn bowls, swimming, basketball, boxing and netball as Michael Chow highlighted in the Weekend Shouts. But it was Papua New Guinean weightlifter Morea Baru who secured the first medal for his country after winning bronze in the Men's 65kg Weightlifting.
Program: 'Energy, joy, optimism': Solomon Islands' Bibao sends a musical postcard from Somewhere in Honiara
Somewhere in Honiara, something special is brewing. The 677's very own Bibao is back in 2026, and while working on the track list of an upcoming EP, he's also been curating a creative experience to suit. The Solomon Islands emcee's social media is awash with the colour yellow after the release of the first instalment of Somewhere in Honiara.
Nesia Daily - ABC Pacific
It was a tense morning in Port Vila, with many anxious Ni-Vans on the edge of their seats and glued to their screens as they watched the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina.
Program: 'May his legacy continue to live on': Reel Talk's Stephanie Bandi pays tribute to New Zealand actor Sam Neill
Each week, Nesia Daily take a look at movies and TV shows that sprinkle in a little Pacific Island flavour, whether that's through the casting choices, the crew behind the scenes, or even just where the feature is set! And it's not just about rating these films based on how good they are; we like to rate how well they represent us as Pacific Islanders. In this edition of Reel Talk, Stephanie Bandi paid tribute to New Zealand actor Sam Neill, who passed away at the age of 78.
Program: Kim Sasabone of The Vengaboys tells her story for the first time
She's known globally as Kim Sasabone - lead singer of The Vengaboys, but for the first time, Kim tells the story of her family and heritage which actually, has roots in the Pacific.
Program: 'I'm Moluccan': Vengaboys lead singer Kim Sasabone opens up about her Pacific Island ancestry
Born and raised in the Netherlands, Kim Sasabone is best known as the lead singer of the Vengaboys. Her voice has been boom-boom-booming across dancefloors, festivals, and party playlists worldwide since the '90s. However, what most fans don't know about Captain Kim is that her family's roots are found in the Pacific — specifically, in the Melanesian islands of Maluku.
Program: 'The Pacific's version of Romeo and Juliet': Sau E Siva's Manamea production makes Australian debut
For more than 13 years, Sau E Siva has been bringing Pacific stories to life through dance and theatre on stages across Aotearoa New Zealand. Now, for the very first time, the acclaimed company is bringing its beloved production Manamea to Brisbane, Australia, with a cast of over 50 performers and an eight-piece band. Founded by a group of Pacific drama students in Ōtara, South Auckland, the company was born out of a desire to create opportunities for performers.
Program: Kim Sasabone: The Vengaboys star reflects on her Moluccan roots
For millions of people around the world, Kim Sasabone needs no introduction. As the lead singer of Vengaboys, she's helped sell more than 25 million records worldwide, and the Dutch pop phenomenon's songs have filled dancefloors, wedding receptions and party playlists for nearly three decades.
Program: 'We're so proud of ourselves for being resilient': Solomon Islands celebrates its 48th Independence Day
The streets of Solomon Islands today are filled with yellow, green and blue as the nation celebrates its 48th Independence Day. After 85 years under British rule, Solomon Islands gained its independence on July 7, 1978. Tavuli News reporter Jeremy Gwao reflected on the country's history on this significant day: "Solomon Islands is a very young country.
Program: 'Belongs on the global stage': Chef Henry Onesemo earns historic first-ever Michelin Star for Samoan cuisine
Samoa has made history at one of the world's top culinary awards, with Auckland-based restaurant Tala receiving the first-ever Michelin Star for Samoan cuisine. Behind it all is award-winning chef Henry Lafi Onesemo, who opened Tala in 2023 alongside his wife Debby, and is still the only restaurant in the world which centres contemporary Samoan food at its heart. Speaking with Nesia Daily, Henry shared his reaction to receiving the prestigious star at New Zealand's first MICHELIN Guide awards.
Program: Bougainville's DoomsVein to live on in prestigious heavy metal archive
From the likes of Metallica and Iron Maiden to Black Sabbath and Judas Priest, the Encyclopaedia Metallum documents more than 100,000 metal bands worldwide, and now a band from the Autonomous Region of Bougainville has been included in one of metal's most respected online archives. After years of lighting up stages with a mix of heavy, doom and thrash metal, Bougainville's DoomsVein has quickly found itself at the forefront of the region's heavy metal scene.
Program: 'Come see the urgency': Solomon Siren marks 10 years since the loss of Kale Island to sea-level rise
Rising from the water of a sandy beach in Isabel Province, Solomon Islands, is the figure of a woman, eyes closed, resting her head against a tree. At high tide, parts of the sculpture disappear beneath the water - a quiet nod to the history of the land it stands on. The Solomon Siren, an underwater sculpture by British artist Jason deCaires Taylor, tells the story of award-winning climate activist Gladys Habu Bartlett and the loss of her ancestral land, Kale Island.
Program: Cook Islands Sports Awards a star studded occasion
Overnight internet sensation Footy Chats With Ollie jumped into the Nesia Daily studio alongside his dad after a whirlwind trip to Papua New Guinea. The 15 year old social media content creator took Papua New Guinea’s algorithms by storm after a viral video of a Tok Pisin infused after-school pick-up went viral. Ollie and his father Tyson recently returned to Papua New Guinea to fulfil Ollie’s dream of conducting sideline interviews at a PNG Hunter’s game in Port Moresby.
Program: 44% of Timor Leste's population under the age of 18, a new report reveals
What happens when worlds collide? That's the question that was asked of Ni-Vanuatu and Maori singer/songwriter Lehali on Nesia Daily. Coming off of the back of a huge 2026, the Aotearoa based musician joined the show to talk her latest track @kateshepp_1893 as well as what it was like to be DM'd by a Chinese social media superstar. New figures have revealed new insights into the population of Timor Leste.
Program: ' We fall forward, stronger than ever before': Vanuatu's capital celebrates Port Vila Day 2026
Communities gathered in Vanuatu's capital at Seafront Park to celebrate 51 years of Port Vila Day, with stalls, food, music, and parades. This year's event is celebrated under the theme, "Yumi rebuilt tugeta mo grow strong", acknowledging how the city and the people have rebuilt their lives after the 2024 earthquake.
Program: Weekly Wantok with Scott Waide: PNG's Parliament debates Bougainville's future as an independent state
Debate in Papua New Guinea's Parliament continues on the future of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville as an independent state. In 2019, 97.7 per cent of respondents in a referendum held in Bougainville voted yes for the Autonomous Region to become an independent state. Seven years on, the question of whether the government of Papua New Guinea will ratify this result is before the nation's parliament.
Program: 'We must continue to fight the fight': Three decades on, Eddie Koiki Mabo's legacy endures
Celebrated annually on June 3, Mabo Day marks the historic 1992 High Court of Australia ruling in the Mabo v Queensland (No 2) case led by Torres Strait Islander man, Eddie Koiki Mabo. The landmark Mabo decision paved the way for native title and abolished the legal fiction of terra nullius in Australia - land belonging to no one. Reflecting on Mabo Day, Torres Strait Islander journalist Karen Dorante told Nesia Daily that Eddie Koiki Mabo is remembered as a "hero".
Program: Weekly Wantok with Scott Waide: PM James Marape wraps up bilateral talks in France
Each week on Nesia Daily, journalist Scott Waide unpacks the biggest issues affecting Papua New Guinea. This week, Prime Minister James Marape has concluded a three-day visit to France, holding bilateral talks on resource development, economic projects, and climate policy. Mr Marape's trip follows an invitation extended by French President Emmanuel Macron during his 2023 visit to Port Moresby, underlining strengthening diplomatic and economic ties.
Program: 'We've come so far': Timor-Leste marks its 24th Restoration of Independence Day
Bondia! Twenty-four years ago, on May 20, Timor-Leste officially regained its sovereignty after decades under Indonesian occupation and United Nations administration - an event celebrated as its Restoration of Independence Day. RTTL World News reporter Fernanda Maria joined Nesia Daily from Dili to reflect on what this anniversary means to her and the people of Timor-Leste, more than two decades on. The Timor-Leste flag, Dili City Timor-Leste, Arts, Culture and Entertainment
Program: 'This Is Not Yours to Carry': She Is Not Your Rehab launches Samoan translation of debut children's book
"This is not yours to carry." It's a simple yet powerful statement, and the title of a debut children's book by the anti-violence movement, She Is Not Your Rehab. They're the words Taimalelagi Mataio Faafetai (Matt) Brown wished someone had said to him as a child growing up around violence and abuse. This Is Not Yours to Carry is an empowering story for a new generation of cycle-breakers written by Matt and his wife, Sarah Brown, and illustrated by their eldest daughter, Oceana Olsen.
Program: While ticking off her bucket list, Shonee Samia found her passion for the screen and hasn't looked back
It was the moment when Shonee Samia was barrelling towards Earth, skydiving in a panda onesie, where she found the clarity and strength she needed. She had been given the soul-crushing news that she had developed inoperable brain tumours for the second time. Told she only had a few months left to live, Shonee describes the time as her "lowest point in life".
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