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.

The award winning video by Joseph Safiti, PMN Digital, for Niu FM

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 CEO Don Mann says the awards show the work, passion and talent people put in to strengthen Pacific languages and communities. Photo/PMN

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.

Veteran broadcaster Niva Retimanu, of Newstalk ZB, achieved double honours, reclaiming the Best Newsreader title and receiving a Services to Broadcasting award.

PMN Niue took out the award for Best Pacific Language Programme. Pictured is PMN Niue Producer Faama Viliamu, left, interviewing Niue Prime Minister Dalton Tagelagi. Photo/PMN

Other Pacific-related winners included:

• Untold Pacific History, produced by RNZ’s Justine Murray, William Ray, Koroi Hawkins, Phil Benge, and William Saunders, which won Best Pacific Podcast

• Sāmoan entertainer and broadcaster James Nokise and the RNZ team, won the Best Documentary or Factual Talk Feature award for The Last Voyage of the Rainbow Warrior.

• Veteran Taupo broadcaster Andrew Leiataua was also honoured with a Services to Broadcasting award for his outstanding career contributions to the industry.