ABC

Culture Compass

Australia

Culture Compass is an exploration of survival, revival and connection throughout the Pacific. The half-hour bespoke program, hosted by Seiuli Salamasina von Reiche, delves into the traditional and contemporary cultures in the Pacific.  It will take you all around the world as we uncover how and where our cultures are evolving - from how introduced foods like bully beef have become a part of our life to the integration of traditional and conventional medicine.

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episodios

As global demand turns kava into pills and energy shots, what does this cost the Pacific?
12 oct 2026, 23:00 · 29 min
"If kava is extracted and introduced into another beverage, is it still kava?"That's the question Fe'iloakitau Kaho Tevi, Chairman of Tonga’s National Kava Committee, has been posing to Pacific leaders. Today, kava is being rapidly commercialised - squeezed into pills, energy shots, and mocktails around the world, while finding eager new markets closer to home in places like Kiribati and the Solomon Islands.That global boom is bringing in big money to local growers, but it's also pushing crops to the brink. Dr Apo Aporosa, a Fijian health scholar at the University of Waikato, says that widespread commercialisation has fuelled a wave of misunderstandings around kava's health implications.At the same time, the land itself is under pressure. Kava can take up to five years to mature, and a shift toward monocropping has left crops vulnerable to diseases, while extreme droughts and cyclones ruin harvests.As kava crosses borders and becomes a multi-million-dollar global commodity, who gets to control its future? And how do we balance an export boom with protecting a plant so deeply bound to Pacific identity? Culture Compass was produced by <a href="https://www.deadsetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Deadset Studios</a> for ABC Radio Australia.
Pacific healers race to protect traditional medicine plants impacted by climate disruption
5 oct 2026, 23:00 · 29 min
Across the Pacific, traditional medicine has always been a way of life. Through centuries of colonisation, suppression, and cultural disruption, our elders held tight to this ancestral knowledge, ensuring it survived against all odds. But today, traditional healing faces a new fight, a rapidly changing environment. As extreme droughts and superstorms reshape ecosystems, invasive weeds are crowding out native healing plants. So how do you protect centuries of healing wisdom when the land itself is changing?
Reading the signs: How Pacific traditional knowledge is navigating environmental shifts
28 sept 2026, 23:00 · 29 min
Long before weather apps and radars existed, nature was the Pacific's living weather forecast. Elders would observe signs — like the flowering of a seasonal tree or the flight path of a seabird — to understand when to plant, fish, or bunker down for severe weather.But as climate change alters seasonal rhythms across the region, these long-standing indicators are being put to the test. So, can ancestral wisdom and modern science work together to help us decode what nature is now telling us?Siosinamele Lui, Traditional Cultural Adviser at SPREP, explains how she interprets changing seabird behaviour in Samoa. John Ruben from the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department unpacks how his team is linking traditional knowledge with modern climate science. Plus, climate science specialist Mark Stege explores how historic aerial photography of the Marshall Islands affirms what local elders have always known about coastal flooding.Listen to this episode of Culture Compass on ABC Radio Australia with host Afamasaga Seiuli Salamasina von Reiche.Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia.
Tree of life: What are the biggest threats to the survival of Pacific coconut palms?
21 sept 2026, 23:00 · 29 min
Throughout the Pacific, every single part of the coconut tree is used in our daily life.It's a source of nourishment, a medicine, a material to weave your market bag, and so much more!But our tree of life is being tested. Extreme weather, invasive pests, and viral infections are threatening. So what happens when a species that has sustained Pacific communities for centuries faces an uncertain future?You'll hear Samoa's legend of how the coconut tree came to be from Papali'i Momoe Von Reiche. Agricultural scientist Asuao Kirifi Pouono explains Samoans initiatives to regenerate and replenish the country’s coconut population. Plus, senior plant specialist Leisongi Manses discusses how Vanuatu is holding the frontline against the destructive Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle.Listen to this episode of Culture Compass on ABC Radio Australia with host Afamasaga Seiuli Salamasina von Reiche.
Pacific wayfinders call on traditional knowledge to navigate a changing environment
14 sept 2026, 23:00 · 29 min
“When you're out there, you feel the swells. And when you feel it, you depend on it.” For centuries, Pacific wayfinders could read trade winds and predict sea conditions months ahead. Today, unpredictable storms, shifting swells and severe weather brought on by environmental shifts are putting traditional navigators to the ultimate test. How do you voyage when the natural elements you rely on are rapidly changing? Marshallese navigator Alson Kelen shares how traditional stick charts and wave patterns guide wayfinders even as ocean swells shift. Cook Islands navigator Peia Patai explains how modern tools can work hand in hand with ancient wisdom to guide future journeys. Plus, prolific Hawaiian voyager Nainoa Thompson, reflects on Hōkūleʻa’s historic 1800-mile voyage made without touching a steering sweep, proving that true navigation is about trusting the canoe and letting go of control. Listen to Culture Compass host Afamasaga Seiuli Salamasina von Reiche on ABC Radio Australia as she explores modern navigation. Culture Compass was produced by <a href="https://www.deadsetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Deadset Studios</a> for ABC Radio Australia.
Tied to the tide: What happens to our Pacific stories when land washes away?
7 sept 2026, 23:00 · 29 min
A fishing rock underwater. A spiritual water hole inundated. An island slipping into the sea. Across our Pacific, rising seas are altering the landscape, taking the physical markers of our oral history with them. When our elders’ stories are tied directly to physical places, what happens to the language and culture rooted there when those landmarks are swallowed up? Papua New Guinean conservationist Yolarnie Amepou believes that “even with the loss of place, we are ancient people, who carry 50,000 years of memory”. In Samoa, elder Oskar Stünzner shares how changing shorelines in Lotofaga have submerged the rocks once tied to local spirit lore. And Stewart Garae and Joseph Vanmelbu share how Vanuatu's national language policies are helping communities carry their heritage forward, even when they’re forced onto new ground. Culture Compass was produced by <a href="https://www.deadsetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Deadset Studios</a> for ABC Radio Australia.
Home away from home: What do we take with us when we leave our Pacific islands?
31 ago 2026, 23:00 · 29 min
We're known as movers and migrators but trekking away from the islands doesn't mean we lose our cultures in the diaspora.We move away from our villages for many different reasons — it could be to play sport, for a job or to give our children different opportunities. But we always seem to find a way back home, even if it is by just knowing the best spot in the city for island comfort food.From their tropical island homes to suburban streets, you'll hear how Meanalynn Peter connected with her Marshallese community in Arkansas, how rugby found Ryu Koliniasi Holani a new home in Japan and what Nimilote Rokotoro together with the Fijian diaspora in England.Culture Compass was produced by <a href="https://www.deadsetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Deadset Studios</a> for ABC Radio Australia. This edition of Culture Compass was a repeat of the program broadcast on 20th February 2024
Can shark calling in the Pacific survive when modern life disrupts the environment?
24 ago 2026, 23:00 · 29 min
You can't deny the power of sharks.Different countries across the Pacific have their own shark-related rituals. In the New Ireland province of Papua New Guinea, it's shark calling.The locals believe the shark holds the spirits of their ancestors — the men of the village sing to the sharks to catch them to provide food for the village.But as marine life faces threats from commercial fishing and environmental challenges, can this time-honoured tradition weather the storm and endure our ever-changing world?You'll hear from New Ireland's shark calling festival organiser, Godfrey Abage as well as one of the province's chief shark callers, Chris Malagan.Culture Compass was produced by <a href="https://www.deadsetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Deadset Studios</a> for ABC Radio Australia. This edition of Culture Compass was a repeat of the program broadcast on 6th February 2024
Choreography of culture: The modern-day renaissance of Hula in Hawai'i
17 ago 2026, 23:00 · 29 min
Like a lot of Pacific Island cultures, we breathe life into our stories through movement and dance. But there's something different about Hula — the poetic fluid movement and mesmerising music. It tells a story of survival.This ancient tradition has a rich history that has persisted despite attempts to ban and commercialise the dance.So, how are Hawai'ians of today getting back to their roots and continuing to pass their dance onto future generations?Hear the story of cultural resistance from hula teacher and dancer, Kumu Micah Kamohoali'i and Luana Kawelu, the president of the Merrie Monarch cultural festival, which hosts the iconic hula competition each year.Culture Compass was produced by <a href="https://www.deadsetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Deadset Studios</a> for ABC Radio Australia. This edition of Culture Compass was a repeat of the program broadcast on 13th February 2024
Trends can come and go but the beauty and respect braided throughout Pacific hair customs will never be out of style
10 ago 2026, 23:00 · 29 min
Is hair ever really – "just hair"? Across the Pacific, each nation has its way of respecting and celebrating the hair on our heads. It plays a role in our culture and dress, and it becomes important at different stages of life and death.
Are the traditional farming methods of the Pacific meeting the demands of the modern world?
3 ago 2026, 23:00 · 29 min
The "organic" industry might seem new but it's as old as our farming traditions. In fact, half of the world's organic agricultural land is in Oceania, with nations like Samoa and Papua New Guinea leading the way.So if that's the case, then why are nations that have survived on the produce grown solely on their islands for thousands of years struggling with food security?Introduced crops, modern diets and environmental factors are making it harder to live off the land. So what old ways need to be preserved to create new ways for the future?You'll hear from Jennifer Baing, a passionate advocate for preserving culinary traditions of Papua New Guinea, and Karen Mapusua, president of IFOAM Organics International, who is educating people about organic farming practices and sustainable development.Warning – listening to this will make your mouth water!
Informal riches: How betel nut has lifted PNG sellers out of poverty and even created buai pirates
27 jul 2026, 23:00 · 29 min
"It's just like an early morning coffee. People wake up, take a shower, they brush their teeth, they're go and grab betelnut."Betel nut – or buai – is everywhere in Papua New Guinea.Buai is the seed of the Areca nut, wrapped in betel leaf… and chewed until you feel a surge of energy. It has plenty of ceremonial uses, but for everyday chewers this is a recreational activity.However, it's addictive — even deadly. So deadly the government has tried to ban it. That's not such a simple task given the informal economy flourishing around betel nut has given many families financial stability — especially in rural areas.So, how did this nut turn from a cultural keystone into an addictive pastime?You'll hear from Belinda Kora, a journalist living in Port Moresby who has seen the pros and cons of the buai boom and Sprigga Mek, a rapper from Papua New Guinea whose latest song discusses his family's connection to the buai trade.Culture Compass was produced by <a href="https://www.deadsetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Deadset Studios</a> for ABC Radio Australia. This edition of Culture Compass was a repeat of the program broadcast on 16th January 2024
You know the drill: What makes music 'Pacific' music?
20 jul 2026, 23:00 · 29 min
Joy, hard times, old times and changing times – Pacific Island musicians capture it all in song.And it's not restricted to what you might call "traditional" music – we fold in the musical influences of wherever we end up in the world.The result is Pasifika rock n roll, hip hop, RnB, any genre – you name it!So, are there common threads that tie Pacific artists together, and how do we make sure those stories continue to be heard?You'll hear from Aunty Kamoia about the songs of Kiribati, how Charles Maimarosia is sharing the stories of his Solomon Islands' village on stages all around the world, and why Lefaoali'i Dr Dion Enari thinks there is a renaissance of young Pacific Islanders listening to the music of their elders.Culture Compass was produced by <a href="https://www.deadsetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Deadset Studios</a> for ABC Radio Australia.
Built to last: How does a house with no nails and no walls stand the test of time?
13 jul 2026, 23:00 · 29 min
Home is more than four walls and a roof, it's what happens inside that makes it special.All across the Pacific you see sophisticated designs that reflect cultural protocols and family structures.We've even got our own master builders and architects who hold the knowledge of these ancient construction industries.But slowly they're being replaced by cheaper materials and imported designs. It's a conundrum that requires the best of past practices and modern methods to make sure homes across the Pacific can survive the changing environment and family needs across the islands.You'll hear from Fijian archaeologist Dr Tarisi Vunidilo and Samoan architect Pesetā Fa'amatuainu To'oto'oolea'ava Lama Tone about the past, present and future of housing in the Pacific.Culture Compass was produced by <a href="https://www.deadsetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Deadset Studios</a> for ABC Radio Australia. This edition of Culture Compass was a repeat of the program broadcast on 10th October 2023
Forget the stock markets, forget bitcoin – these are the items that hold real value across the Pacific
6 jul 2026, 23:00 · 29 min
Think shells. Think stone. Think pandanus leaves woven into mats so delicate you could mistake them for silk.These are the items that hold value for us. It's a different kind of currency.It takes time, skill and cultural knowledge to make these treasures, and unlike money, you can't just print more when they run out.So how can we preserve the skills necessary to make these priceless items, while still earning money to put food on the table?You'll hear from Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson and Adimaimalaga Tafunai about the resurgence of women making the ie tōga, or Samoan fine mat, and Mary Sifoburi who owns the only shop where you can buy tafuliae – Solomon Islands shell money – in Honiara.Culture Compass was produced by <a href="https://www.deadsetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Deadset Studios</a> for ABC Radio Australia. This edition of Culture Compass was a repeat of the program broadcast on 3rd October 2023
Call the doctor – can we embrace both the plants and the pills that keep us healthy?
29 jun 2026, 23:00 · 29 min
If you grew up in the Pacific Islands, you probably have some understanding of which plants are useful and which ones to avoid.Before we had western medicines we knew that plants save lives, and all across the Pacific we know exactly which ones were for burns, cuts and infections.Of course there are benefits to modern medicine, but should we totally disregard the traditional ways of treating ailments, or is there a world where we can embrace both?You'll hear about Samoan traditional medicine from Vira McCarthy and Papali'i Momoe Malietoa von Reiche, how the modern medical fraternity is bridging the divide with Dr Alipate Vakamocea and how the next generation is capturing this knowledge for the future with film-maker Josh Baker.Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia.This edition of Culture Compass was a repeat of the program broadcast on 26th September 2023
The kava business is booming – can the money stay in Pacific pockets?
22 jun 2026, 23:00 · 29 min
It’s clear that kava is expanding far beyond our Islands. Kava bars are popping up around the world, as far away as New York City and the Rocky Mountains in the USA. That’s creating jobs in the Pacific and economic opportunity for Pasifika people living abroad. Like ‘Anau Mesui Henry, who started a kava lounge in Aotearoa inspired by her parents who used the plant to find their community after migrating from Tonga. Or Ronald Nauruan, who hopes to one day sell the kava from his farm in Vanuatu to the Australian market – something that kava trade specialist Tanuvasa Semy Mauga Siakimotu helps farmers do all the time. So does the cultural and ceremonial significance of kava suffer if it becomes just another product on the shelf, and can we stop that from happening by teaching people the true meaning of kava? Culture Compass was produced by <a href="https://www.deadsetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Deadset Studios</a> for ABC Radio Australia. This edition of Culture Compass was a repeat of the program broadcast on 19th September 2023
From stars to satellites: The rise of modern Pacific voyaging
15 jun 2026, 23:00 · 29 min
For thousands of years, we voyaged the ocean between islands, using the stars to find the way as the birds warned us of storms ahead.This is how we travelled across the Pacific before planes, before satellites, before people arrived on their own ships with compasses and maps.As modern technologies arrived some of the old ways are drifting away, but expert navigators continue to share their knowledge so the next generation can master the seas.Like master sailor Sanokoli John, who is reviving knowledge of the salau, the traditional canoes used in Papua New Guinea, and Vaimasanu'u Zita Sefo-Martel, the first ever female skipper of a Samoan long boat — a fautasi.So as voyaging gathers pace once again across the Pacific, what are we keeping from the old days… and what is changing?Culture Compass was produced by <a href="https://www.deadsetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Deadset Studios </a>for ABC Radio Australia. This edition of Culture Compass was a repeat of the program broadcast on 12th September 2023
Skin deep — what does it mean to wear and give cultural tattoos today?
8 jun 2026, 23:00 · 29 min
"Our practice was quiet for a moment. It was quiet for a generation, it wasn't eradicated. And now it's back. And it's loud. And it's here, it's in your face — literally, on your face! And now we're just living that practice every day."Moale James' tattoos are a powerful link to her Papua New Guinean ancestors.The meaning of tattoo changes Island to Island, village to village, right across the Pacific.In some countries the tattoo has remained strong despite the efforts of missionaries and colonial attitudes to stamp it out. In others, we've had to go to extraordinary lengths to revive the cultural practice.It's also changing with time, as we adapt the practice to accommodate modern influences and safety measures so that the ancient art of skin marking is now a fixture in contemporary Pacific cultures.Master tattooists in places like Samoa have been working for decades with families in other Pacific countries like Papua New Guinea, where the practice of skin marking has been revived.And now with more people than ever choosing to wear the marks of their ancestors – no matter where they live, is the practice becoming more accepted, or do we still have a way to go?We follow the journey of Li'aifaiva, a master tufuga who learned his craft in Samoa, and Papua New Guinean-Australian woman Moale James, who wears the marks of her ancestors proudly – but it's something that Australia needs to catch up to. Sean Mallon, Senior Curator of Pacific Cultures at Te Papa Tongarewa in Aotearoa has studied the history of tattooing in the Pacific.Culture Compass was produced by <a href="https://www.deadsetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Deadset Studios </a>for ABC Radio Australia.This edition of Culture Compass was a repeat of the program broadcast on 5th September 2023
Corned beef – a Pacific tradition or a load of bull?
1 jun 2026, 23:00 · 29 min
As soon as that first drop of fat hits the frying pan, the smell of nostalgia fills the kitchen. If you grew up in a Pacific Island household, you can probably conjure it up wherever you are.It's the smell of corned beef, spam, bully beef — whatever you call it, those tins of salty, pink jellied meat have become a staple across the islands.But exactly how did corned beef gain such cultural clout in the Pacific?It's a world away from the fresh fish and taro our ancestors would have eaten, but somehow now it's gifted by the case to mark significant occasions.Is there hope for those of us who love to cook with it, but who also want to stay healthy enough to share the tradition with the next generation?You'll hear from Michel Tuffery, the artist who built giant bull statues out of corned beef tins; and Dr Heena Akbar, a lecturer in public health at University of Queensland, on why the contents of those tins is so detrimental.Culture Compass is the show about survival, revival and connection in the Pacific, where we navigate the past and present.Culture Compass was produced by <a href="https://www.deadsetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Deadset Studios</a> for ABC Radio Australia.This edition of Culture Compass was a repeat of the program broadcast on 29th August 2023
Our stories, our lens: How Pacific filmmakers are reclaiming the screen
25 may 2026, 23:00 · 29 min
Storytelling has always been the backbone of our culture — a way to teach, to remember, to entertain. And now a new generation of filmmakers is projecting that legacy on screen, using modern tools to tell our truths.From grassroots DIY shoots to Hollywood blockbusters, these storytellers are redefining what it means to see ourselves on screen.You'll hear from Papua New Guinean producer Michelline Erbes on how her film Wounded Warriors didn't shy away from telling the powerful truth of her community. Samoan — New Zealand director Damon Fepulea'i shares the goal of his film Red, White & Brass — Pacific stories told by Pacific people.And Samoan-American director Dana Ledoux-Miller talks charting new ground in Hollywood at the helm of Disney's Moana 2.Listen to this episode of Culture Compass with host Afamasaga Seiuli Salamasina von Reiche on ABC Radio Australia.Culture Compass was produced by <a href="https://www.deadsetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Deadset Studios</a> for ABC Radio Australia.
The Pacific has a rich royal history, but where do monarchies sit today?
18 may 2026, 23:00 · 29 min
"To my knowledge, it was the first time we saw a riot influenced by democracy," says Alice Lolohea, ABC's Tongan presenter for The Pacific. "People asked, if leaders overseas can be held accountable, why can't we hold ours to account?"What does monarchy mean in the Pacific today? How do these systems balance leadership, accountability, and culture, and how do they compare to Western royal ideals?In the Kingdom of Tonga, the last Pacific nation with a ruling monarchy, the royal family still holds real power, but calls for democracy have grown. At the same time, the monarchy remains central to tradition, culture, and community life.In Aotearoa, the Māori monarchy continues today — although it's not officially recognised. Elsewhere in the Pacific, monarchies have taken different paths. In Hawai'i, Tahiti, and Wallis and Futuna, royal families were overthrown by colonisers. Their lines are remembered and communities are pushing for recognition.You'll hear from Noah Hanohano Dolim, assistant professor at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, an expert on the Hawaiian Kingdom era and the turbulent history of unification, resistance, and resilience.Listen to this episode of Culture Compass with host Afamasaga Seiuli Salamasina von Reiche on ABC Radio Australia.Culture Compass was produced by <a href="https://www.deadsetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Deadset Studios</a> for ABC Radio Australia.
How Pacific women are reclaiming their rightful place as chiefs
11 may 2026, 23:00 · 29 min
When ancient customs meet modern politics, who holds the power?In certain parts of the Pacific, it's always been the women. They're called matrilineal chiefly societies — where women inherit the land, titles and responsibilities.But those systems were disrupted by the patriarchal structures that followed colonisation and Christianity. Now, women chiefs are navigating their way back to a rightful place in leadership.You'll hear from three women pushing for progress: Janet Sios from New Ireland Province in Papua New Guinea, Motari Amua Doreen Le'ona from Pentecost Island in Vanuatu, and NBC reporter Louiseanne Laris from the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.Listen to this episode of Culture Compass with host Afamasaga Seiuli Salamasina von Reiche on ABC Radio Australia.Culture Compass was produced by <a href="https://www.deadsetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Deadset Studios</a> for ABC Radio Australia.
Where the family line begins: Tracing your genealogy in the modern age
4 may 2026, 23:00 · 29 min
How well do you really know your family tree?Modern life makes it harder to keep tabs on who we're connected to. Not long ago, genealogy wasn't something you had to study — it was simply passed down in conversation. But as we move to cities and drift further from our family base, that tree is becoming harder to mapFrom family reunions to social media groups and even custom-built apps, genealogy is finding fresh ways to stay alive.You'll hear from the voices helping their communities reconnect, Miyamoto Jensen, also known as The Polynesian Genealogist, DNA researcher Elena Falla Fowler, and Sonia Minniecon from Blackbird International.Listen to this episode of Culture Compass with host Afamasaga Seiuli Salamasina von Reiche on ABC Radio Australia.Culture Compass was produced by <a href="https://www.deadsetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Deadset Studios</a> for ABC Radio Australia.
Guardians in wood: Protecting Pacific identity through ancestral carving
27 abr 2026, 23:00 · 29 min
"They're our ancestors living with us, watching over our lives."Figurines, idols, and carved wooden objects have protected homes and villages for generations. Edgar Hinge from Vanuatu's Cultural Centre says the sacred slit drum, or Tamtam, is more than a carved instrument — it's a bridge to ancestors and a tool for communication.From Vanuatu's Tamtams to Trobriand Island masks and Cook Island's deity figures, carving remains a strong custom practice. But as our items reach galleries and tourist markets, could that shape what they represent?Hear from John Siguria of Trobriand Island Carvers and Cook Islands master carver Papa Mike Tavioni on how they're working to keep these traditions strong.Listen to this episode of Culture Compass with host Afamasaga Seiuli Salamasina von Reiche on ABC Radio Australia.Culture Compass was produced by <a href="https://www.deadsetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Deadset Studios</a> for ABC Radio Australia.
Samoan tatau: When a sacred practice goes global, who is responsible for protecting it?
20 abr 2026, 23:00 · 30 min
Tatau is one of Samoa’s most sacred cultural practices, a responsibility carried on the body through ink. The word tatau itself speaks to duty and connection. For men, the tattoo is called the pe’a; for women, it is the malu. Receiving one is shaped by culture, identity, and service, and all traditions are guided by an ancient Samoan legend. For generations, this knowledge was held by only two families entrusted with the tools, the ceremony, and the authority to tattoo. Today, tatau is more visible than ever across Samoa and our diaspora communities. With that visibility comes concerns — stories of poorly performed tattoos and urgent questions about how a sacred practice can be protected in a modern world. To understand what is at stake, we travelled to Faleasi‘u on the west coast of Upolu to speak with Su‘a Suluape Ala‘iva‘a Petelo Suluape, a retired master tattooist and elder from one of the families. Listen to this episode of Culture Compass with host Afamasaga Seiuli Salamasina von Reiche on ABC Radio Australia. Culture Compass was produced by <a href="https://www.deadsetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Deadset Studios</a> for ABC Radio Australia.
As modern trends shape how children are named, how is this shaping our traditions?
13 abr 2026, 23:00 · 29 min
Be proud of our name and never allow the outside world to impact our relationship with it — it existed long before anything else came to our shores."How much do you really know about your name? Wendy Mocke is from Madang and Simbu provinces in Papua New Guinea. She knows that her name ties her to her village, her elders, and her heritage. Like many communities across the Pacific, Wendy's naming traditions were disrupted by colonisation and Christianity. Now, a new wave of young people is reclaiming their village names. In Palau, Kiblas Soaladaob shares how her name was chosen by her father, following a tradition that ties children to their paternal line in a matrilineal society. Tagaloatele Peggy Fairbairn-Dunlop, one of Samoa's leading academics, explores how names act as anchors — marking who you come from, where you belong, and the legacy you carry forward.Listen to this episode of Culture Compass with host Afamasaga Seiuli Salamasina von Reiche on ABC Radio Australia.Culture Compass was produced by <a href="https://www.deadsetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Deadset Studios</a> for ABC Radio Australia.
Long-held customs, fragile ecosystems, and the people who care for both: How do you honour culture while protecting what sustains it?
6 abr 2026, 23:00 · 29 min
What if the world told you your cultural practice was wrong?In the Solomon Island's province of Malaita, dolphin hunting has been part of life for generations — it's a tradition closely tied to trade between tribes. But when videos of the harvest surfaced earlier this year, it sparked international outrage and a heated debate.Conservationists call it cruel and unsustainable, while locals defend it as heritage. In a changing world, how can communities honor their traditions while protecting the environment?You'll hear from Makili Lawrence Kepangi from Malaita, who's been navigating tension between traditional dolphin hunting and marine conservation. Pouli Dr. Keneti Faulalo, CEO of the Samoa Export Authority, discusses the pressures on turtles and how communities are adapting their practices to protect both culture and wildlife. And John 'Magul' Rulmal, co-founder of One People One Reef on Ulithi Atoll in the Federated States of Micronesia, explains how his community is combining traditional knowledge with science to restore reefs and safeguard their seasonal-harvesting rituals.Listen to this episode of Culture Compass with host Afamasaga Seiuli Salamasina von Reiche on ABC Radio Australia.Culture Compass was produced by <a href="https://www.deadsetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Deadset Studios</a> for ABC Radio Australia.
Strumming through history: How the ukulele became the sound of the Pacific
30 mar 2026, 23:00 · 29 min
"Their fingers were jumping here, there, and everywhere… it reminded them of grandmothers picking fleas from children's hair. And from that vision came the word ukulele — meaning, jumping fleas."Almost 150 years ago, Madeiran workers brought a small wooden instrument with a bright lively sound to the sugar cane fields of Hawai'i. Since then, it's travelled across the Pacific, taking on new forms, new names, and a powerful cultural role.In Hawai'i, no name is more closely tied to the ukulele than Kamaka, whose legacy now rests in the hands of company president, Chris Kamaka. From the Cook Islands, ukulele player and academic Ma'ara Maeva — now a learning specialist at Auckland Museum in Aotearoa, New Zealand — shares how the instrument has been reimagined, adapted, and woven into Pacific culture.Listen to this episode of Culture Compass with host Afamasaga Seiuli Salamasina von Reiche on ABC Radio Australia.Culture Compass was produced by <a href="https://www.deadsetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Deadset Studios</a> for ABC Radio Australia.
"It's not history, it's everyday life": How the Pacific is still reeling from the trauma of WWII
23 mar 2026, 23:00 · 29 min
"It's not just history. It's an everyday safety risk for ordinary families trying to live a normal life."Eighty years after World War II, the Pacific is still living with its scars. Rusting shipwrecks leak oil. Unexploded bombs lurk beneath schools and backyards. And the families of children of wartime unions are still searching for fathers they never knew.You'll hear from Maeverlyn Pitanoe, a blast survivor fighting to clear hidden explosives in the Solomon Islands; Dr Saui'a Louise Mataia-Milo, who uncovers the stories of Samoan women and the children left behind by U.S. servicemen; and Georgina Korah, tracing her own mother's wartime history in Vanuatu.The war may have ended decades ago — but its legacy is still alive.Listen to this episode of Culture Compass with host Afamasaga Seiuli Salamasina von Reiche on ABC Radio Australia.Culture Compass was produced by <a href="https://www.deadsetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Deadset Studios</a> for ABC Radio Australia.
How Pacific chiefly systems are evolving to meet modern challenges
8 dic 2025, 23:00 · 29 min
For centuries, chiefly systems have been the backbone of governance and community leadership. While there can be similarities across the region, each country has their own uniquely designed system. They're ancient, sophisticated and complex.Influenced and reshaped by Western colonial powers, they now face the complex realities of the modern world, including the expanding Pacific diaspora community across the globe.So how do traditional systems work? And what can they teach us about the future of leadership?Hear Pohnpeiian Senator Nahnapas Aisek Artui break down how his system works within the Federates States of Micronesia. Plus, Culture Compass' Executive Producer Faleagafulu Inga Stunzner flips the script with host Afamasaga Seiuli Salamasina von Reiche. Together, they dive into what their own titles mean and how the Samoan matai system continues to guide communities today.Culture Compass was produced by <a href="https://www.deadsetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Deadset Studios</a> for ABC Radio Australia.
Protecting Pacific fashion: How designers are fighting to keep tradition in their hands
1 dic 2025, 23:00 · 29 min
Pacific fashion is breaking through on the global stage. But with that spotlight comes a new set of challenges: mass-produced knock-offs, cultural theft, and legal roadblocks that leave creators vulnerable.So how can creators protect their designs and grow their brands at the same time? Ellen Whippy Knight, the force behind Fiji Fashion Week, says it starts with awareness, education and upskilling.You'll also hear from Dr Emelihter Kihleng about how the Pohnpei skirt — or urohs — has been threatened by overseas replicas. Plus, Solomon Islands copyright lawyer Maito'o Hauirae breaks down the complex world of intellectual property law in the Pacific.Join host Afamasaga Seiuli Salamasina von Reiche on this episode of Culture Compass, ABC Radio Australia.Culture Compass was produced by <a href="https://www.deadsetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Deadset Studios</a> for ABC Radio Australia.
Pacific surfers lead the next wave and shape a progressive surfing culture
24 nov 2025, 23:00 · 29 min
From local beaches to world championships, a rising movement of Pacific board riders are charting a new course for surfing."Just being a brown person in the water is a claim to space."In the Australian waters where Kuntamari Croft surfs, Pasifika board riders are rare. She's part of a rising movement demanding greater Pacific presence in lineups of beaches worldwide.Meanwhile, in Papua New Guinea, "The Godfather of Surfing" Andy Abel is driving policies he created to that reshape the region's social and surf culture.And on the global stage, Hawaiian Seth Moniz is the only Kanaka Maoli touring with the World Surfing Leage. He's inspiring the next generation of professional surfers.Together, these passionate surfers are shaping policy, driving social change, and championing a Pacific-led surf culture recognised worldwide.Culture Compass was produced by <a href="https://www.deadsetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Deadset Studios</a> for ABC Radio Australia.
Reclaiming the waves: Pacific surfers challenge Hawaiian erasure and commercial whitewash
17 nov 2025, 23:00 · 29 min
Long before it became a billion-dollar industry or a lifestyle trend, surfing was a sacred practice across the Pacific. But that history has long been overshadowed. Commercialised, colonised, and repackaged for the masses, surfing's true origins have often been left out of the story.Now, a movement is growing to reclaim the waves. Hawai'ian historian and academic vice-president of Brigham Young University, Dr Isaiah Helekunihi Walker, takes us back to surfing's birthplace. In Hawai'i, it's called He'e Nalu, and it's always been a way of life that connected people to the ocean, community and land. ABC Radio Australia's Culture Compass host Afamasaga Seiluli Salamasina von Reiche dives into the true roots of surfing and the growing movement to reclaim it as a vital part of Pacific culture.Culture Compass was produced by <a href="https://www.deadsetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Deadset Studios</a> for ABC Radio Australia.
Restoring Fiji's chiefly structures: What does this mean for the rest of the Pacific?
10 nov 2025, 23:00 · 29 min
Fiji is restoring its traditional chiefly leadership systems, so how does it fit with modern governance?In Fiji, you’re born into the role of chief. But for over two decades, the Lau Group, the largest of Fiji’s 14 provinces, has been without a paramount chief. Until now. ABC's Lice Movono takes us to Lakeba Island, where the installation of Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara marked the return of one of the country’s most revered chiefly titles. She shares just how significant this moment was, not only for Fiji but for the region.This historic event follows the reinstatement of Fiji’s Great Council of Chiefs, a body abolished in 2012 under military rule. Its new chairman, Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, shares how the Council is adapting in the modern world.ABC Radio Australia podcast host Afamasaga Seiluli Salamasina von Reiche looks asks what do these changes mean for Fiji’s future? Could they mark the beginning of a wider return to traditional governance across the Pacific?Culture Compass was produced by <a href="https://www.deadsetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Deadset Studios</a> for ABC Radio Australia.
Lapita pottery: A 3000-year tale of movement, memory and preservation
3 nov 2025, 23:00 · 29 min
"This is what I'm known for. It's my identity"In the Fijian village of Nayawa, Akesa Vaka Kunabuli is keeping the ancient art of Lapita pottery making alive. It's one of the only remaining places continuing this particular technique.It's a style that once travelled across the Pacific, carried by the Lapita people who migrated from modern-day Taiwan over 3,000 years ago. But the story doesn't end there.Each shard found maps a chapter in one of the most complex human migrations in history. Recently, pottery shards have been uncovered in unexpected places like Papua New Guinea and northern Queensland. It's challenging what we thought we knew, and suggesting the Lapita journey stretched even further than imagined.Fijian archaeologist Dr Tarisi Vunidilo puts it simply: "The more Lapita sites we find, the more information we keep adding to our collective history." With new technology and a growing movement to preserve this art, we're not just expanding our understanding, we're safeguarding its future.Yet climate change is starting to affect how potters like Akesa source clay and dry their pieces. So what happens when the environment that sustains this ancient practice begins to shift? What will become of the craft, and the identity it carries?Culture Compass was produced by <a href="https://www.deadsetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Deadset Studios</a> for ABC Radio Australia.
Is AI putting Pacific string bands at risk?
27 oct 2025, 23:00 · 29 min
What began when WWII soldiers brought guitars to our shores has grown into the defining strums of island string bands. Now, that sound is under pressure. Electronic music is rising. AI technology is trying to replicate it. Is this how string music is naturally evolving, or do we need to get back to our roots? You'll hear from Sir George Telek, the legendary voice who saw Papua New Guinea's string band skills recognised on the world stage, as well veteran Solomon Islands broadcaster Ashley Wickham, who shares how a shared sound unites such a linguistically diverse nation. And in Vanuatu, musician Sam Firi continues his father's legacy, using string band music to hold a community together.Culture Compass was produced by <a href="https://www.deadsetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Deadset Studios</a> for ABC Radio Australia.
If the frigate bird stops returning to the Pacific, what could we lose with its flight?
20 oct 2025, 23:00 · 29 min
The silhouette of the Great Frigate Bird is hard to miss — glossy black feathers, deeply forked tail, and long, slender wings that slice through the sky. But it's more than just a sea bird, its significance runs deep in our culture.For many island nations, the frigate bird stands as a powerful symbol of strength, freedom, and endurance. We capture it in coming-of-age ceremonies, weave its form into our dances and tattoos, and proudly feature it on Kiribati's national flag.But now, rising seas, coastal development, and climate change are destroying the habitats they rely on. And when they stop coming, what might disappear with them?Siosenamele Lui from SPREP sums it up clearly, "If we start to lose these keystone species, we start to lose the language and the knowledge. And bit by bit, our stories become incomplete."You'll also hear how Rooti Terubea from Kiribati, and George Quadina from Nauru are preserving the spirit of the frigate bird through the enduring traditional pastime of frigate bird catching.Culture Compass was produced by <a href="https://www.deadsetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Deadset Studios</a> for ABC Radio Australia.
Is artificial intelligence the new colonialism? Pacific communities confront a digital future
13 oct 2025, 22:00
Artificial intelligence is everywhere, shaping our lives faster than we can keep up.It's generating stories, images and videos that blur the boundaries between truth and fiction. But for Pacific communities, the stakes are even higher. AI is harvesting Indigenous knowledge, detaching it from its cultural roots, and reframing it through a Western lens. Is this the newest wave of colonial propaganda?AI ethicist Dr Karaitiana Taiuru poses a powerful question: "What do we do when our stories aren't our stories anymore?"In this episode, Julia Pahina and Namulau'ulu Nu'uali'i Eteroa Lafaele, founders of Aotearoa-based tech company Fibre Fale, share how Pacific communities can reclaim agency. They're building pathways for Indigenous engagement with AI, empowering people to shape technology on their own terms.Culture Compass was produced by <a href="https://www.deadsetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Deadset Studios</a> for ABC Radio Australia.
Built by hand, buried by time: Reawakening Pacific monuments through technology
6 oct 2025, 23:00 · 29 min
For years, gigantic stone monuments have been hidden underneath forest overgrowth in villages across Samoa. Built by the hands of our ancestors, without tools or machines.Some believe these particular stone mounds were used as a portal to the spirit world, but their original use is still mystifying. Now, modern technology is helping to uncover these ancient structures dotted across the region."This is a reawakening of an aspect of culture that has been dormant," says Samoan heritage artist Galumalemana Steven Percival, who's been working to preserve the Potini Tia Seulupe — a stone mound found in the Samoan village of Sa'anapu on the south coastal region of Upolu in Samoa.And anthropologist Meked Besebes shares how LiDAR drone technology is helping her nation map out, preserve and protect the sacred earthworks of Palau.Culture Compass was produced by <a href="https://www.deadsetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Deadset Studios</a> for ABC Radio Australia.

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