PMN shines bright at 2025 NZ Radio and Podcast Awards

Pacific Media Network (PMN) made its mark at the 2025 NZ Radio & Podcast Awards, winning two key awards and reinforcing its position as a leading voice for Pacific communities in Aotearoa.

PMN Niue received the Best Pacific Language Programme award, while Joseph Safiti was honoured with the Best Video - Long Form category award for PMN Digital.

The award for PMN Niue recognises the contributions of Faama Viliamu, Leitualaalemalietoa Lynn Lolokini Ikimotu Pavihi, Jorinda Heka, Vicar Igasiatama Mokole, Inangaro Vakaafi, Luana Bennion, Sariah Magaoa, Susana Guttenbeil, Jioji Vai, Harrison Edwards, and Paul Lisi.

PMN Niue claimed the honour over three other 531pi finalists in the Pacific language category: PMN Fiji, PMN Sāmoa, and PMN Tonga.

In the competitive Best Video - Long Form category, PMN Digital was awarded for FOS - Pacific Music Awards Nominated - Pre-Performance, a project led by Safiti, on behalf of PMN’s youth brand, NiuFM.

The project showcased Pacific talent at Aotearoa’s biggest celebration of Pacific music.

PMN Chief Executive Don Mann expressed pride in the whole Pacific Media Network team.

“To see our staff and programmes recognised as finalists and winners at the 2025 Radio Broadcast Awards creates an incredible feeling of mafana. It shows how much hard work, passion, and talent everyone puts into what we do, day in and day out," Mann says.

“PMN isn't just a place where we make great content; it's a place where we grow our own; we give Pacific talent a real shot; not just to shine here, but to make a mark across the entire media industry throughout Aotearoa, Australia and the Pacific region."

Mann emphasised the importance of Pacific language broadcasting saying, "When we strengthen our languages, we strengthen our communities - it's as simple as that."

PMN News was also a finalist for Best New Talent - Journalist, recognising political reporter 'Alakihihifo Vailala among the industry’s rising stars, with Kate Green, of RNZ, winning the category.

PMN Producer Lui Vilisoni-Oliver was honoured with a Services to Broadcasting award for outstanding contributions to Pacific media and promoting Pacific music and culture in Aotearoa.

As part of Brown Street Media, Vilisoni-Oliver also won the Best Independent Podcast for "Nickson & Nate", with Nickson Clark, Nate Nauer, former PMN Digital's Tony Sok, and Mike Baker.

Having built a remarkable career spanning two decades, Vilisoni-Oliver started as a Niue language host before advancing to Programme Director for 531pi and NiuFM. He is currently producing the groundbreaking ‘Morning Shack’ breakfast show on NiuFM.